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Tag: Ike Ekweremadu

  • Anambra PDP wants another caretaker ahead of 2019

    …wants VP slot for Southeast

    The People’s Democratic Party PDP in Anambra State, has called on the party’s National leadership to give the state another caretaker committee by dissolving the current one for peace to reign.

    It has also, advised the party to allocate the vice presidential slot to the southeast region for balance.

    And those to be selected for the VP slot should be either the former Governor of Anambra state, Mr. Peter Obi or the deputy Senate president, Ike Ekweremadu .

    The call came on Saturday from a group in the party, Fresh Congress Group in Anambra State led by Rev.  Pastor, Emma Obiora.

    The statement which was made available to reporters, declared on Saturday that the method of extorting money from the aspirants had started again, where the party’s hierarchy imposed unpopular candidates on the masses.

    Read Also:  Delta PDP major financier defects to APC

    The group which consisted of all the grass roots politicians in the state , said they  were capable of spilling the milk, if the right things were not done again

    They therefore, hailed some of the lawmakers in the state, who they claimed had done enough to deserve another chance from the electorate irrespective of party affiliation

    Such people included Hon. Onyebuchi Offor, Hon. Chris Azubuogu, Hon. Chukwuma Onyema,Senator Uche Ekwunife, Hon Obinna Emenaka and  Hon Ben Nwankwo, adding that the group was still investigating others

  • 2019 senate: APC Enugu youths bid Ekweremadu farewell

    Back Okechukwu for Senate

     

    The APC Youth Circle (APCYC) Enugu West Senatorial District has wished the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, a successful retirement from the Senate.

    This was contained in a statement released in Enugu on Thursday by the General Coordinator, APCYC, Enugu West senatorial district, Comrade Geofrey Eze.

    In the statement, Eze announced that APCYC was rooting for the Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Osita Okechukwu who recently declared his intention to retire Ekweremadu from Senate.‎

    Eze assured that Okechukwu with his antecedents would give selfless service to the people of Enugu West and unite the zone, which “has been divided by Ekweremadu’s divide and rule tactics.”

    He said Okechukwu would revamp the abundant coal deposits in Enugu State to ensure the creation of employment for thousands of youths in Enugu West.

    He equally assured that “Osita Okechukwu, a Buharist, no doubt as a senator would easily key into President Buhari’s RRAP Projects – Roads, Rails and Agriculture – geared towards reinvigorating the economy of the country and generating employment.”

    His statement titled “Why Mr. Osita Okechukwu wants to retire Senator Ekweremadu,” read in part: “All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Circle, without being immodest wishes to state clearly why APC presumptive consensus senatorial candidate, Mr Osita Okechukwu wants to retire Distinguished Senator Ike Ekweremadu, the Deputy Senate President from the senate.

    “Mr Osita Okechukwu with his antecedents will give selfless service to the good people of Enugu West Senatorial District. He will unite the zone which has been divided by Senator Ekweremadu’s divide and rule tactics. The appointments Okechukwu influenced so far in the district went to Awgu – Mr. Titus Okolo, Commissioner ICPC, Oji River – Polycap Udah – member Board Ministry of Federal Capital Territory, Udenu, Major General Chris Eze – Ambasador to India, Igboeze North, Barister Bath Ugwoke – Member Board of Voice of Nigeria, Isiuzo-Hon. Ejike Eze, Member National Population Commission and Nkanu West – Nonye Okoro, Board Member, Federal Medical Centre.

    Read Also: Pro-Biafra agitators arrested in Enugu

    “Mr. Okechukwu will revamp Enugu Coal to be used to generate electricity and provide employment to thousands of youths. Distinguished Senator Ekweremadu never mentioned the huge coal deposit in the district in his 16 years sojourn. Okechukwu has been on this mission and it is elementary knowledge that he will facilitate the revamping of the coal deposits in Inyi, Amansiodo, Onyeama and Okpara mines, better as a senator.

    “Mr Okechukwu as a Buharists no doubt as a senator will easily hook up with President Buhari’s RRAP Projects – Roads, Rails and Agriculture – to facilitate the Eastern Corridor Railways, which will cover the Port Harcourt, Umuahia, Owerri, Abakaliki, Awka, Makurdi, Lafia,  Akwanga, Jos, Damaturu, and Maiduguri.

    Eze noted that Okechukwu had already initiated integrated cassava farm at Olo in Ezeagu and integrated rice farm at Aniri local government rice belt, hence hooking up to Buhari’s RRAP.

    “It is elementary knowledge that he (Okechukwu) will facilitate the integrated farms better as a senator, rather than buying Okada motorcycles for our youths.

    “In sum, we thank Distinguished Senator Ike Ekweremadu and wish a successful retirement from the senate. Enough is Enough!” Eze said.

  • Ekweremadu insists on single six year term for president, governors

    Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, on Wednesday renewed his call for a single six year term for president and governors in the country.

    Ekweremdu posted in his Facebook page that single six year term for president and governors was the only way to stop desperation in the country’s political system.

    He noted that if adopted, the system will substantially reduce the political tensions and executive excesses that come with self-succession.

    He said “As is always the case, Nigeria’s political atmosphere is getting toxic ahead of the 2019 general elections and governance is taking a backseat.

    “Unfortunately this atmosphere, with the accompanying brazen political excesses, is unlikely to abate until well after the 2019 general elections.

    “Unable to resist the temptations that come with enormous power of incumbency, those who call the shots today, throw everything within their reach into the mix in desperate efforts to retain power at all cost and by all means.

    “The feverish political climate in the country today, once again, justifies the call by some of us for a single term of five or six years for the President and Governors.

    “Although a renewable four-year term is popular, societies are dynamic and it is up to us to make necessary constitutional adjustments to safeguard our democracy and make periods leading up to our elections less toxic.

    “For over 150 years, starting from George Washington up to Harry Truman, there was no term term limit for presidents of the United States of America.

    “In fact, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) served four terms (although he died just 11 weeks into his fourth term).

    Read Also: Saraki, Ekweremadu’s arrest claim false, says APC

    “It was the 22nd Amendment, which was ratified on February 27, 1951, that gave birth to two-term limit for US presidents.

    “Moreover, in the 1970s, many Latin American democracies faced the same challenges we face in Nigeria today.

    “As many of them transited from military and autocratic regimes to democratic regimes, they discovered that the politics of succession, including incumbents’ penchant for self-perpetuation, overheated their polities and threatened their democracies.

    “They adopted the single term presidency until such a time their respective democracies matured and stabilized.

    “Although virtually all of them have reverted to two-term presidency, Mexico still practices single term presidency, called Sexino.

    “She also retained the Sexino in the 2014 constitution amendment.

    “In Nigeria’s case we proposed a single term for the President and Governors with several transitional options during the constitution amendment exercise in the 7th National Assembly.

    “Unfortunately, it was misunderstood by various political and sectional interests for various reasons and the proposal did not succeed.

    “However, I strongly believe a single term of five or six years for President and Governors, even if for a stipulated period as was the case with several Latin American democracies, is something Nigerians should revisit after the 2019 general elections.

    “This will substantially reduce the political tensions and executive excesses that come with self-succession.”

  • PDP laughs off APC’s allegation of plans to attack senators

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has mocked the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and laughed laughed off claims by the ruling party that the opposition planned to attack its senators.

    Describing the claims as childish, the PDP said the ruling party was smarting from its failed attempt to impeach the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu as an exercise in futility.

    The opposition said the ruling party has come to its wits end in its desperate plot to illegally impeach Saraki and Ekweremadu hence the “spurious” allegation.

    A statement on Tuesday by the spokesman for the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, said it was sheer hallucination for the APC to link it with any attempt to attack anybody, not the least, senators.

    Rather, the opposition party said it’s clear to Nigerians that, it is the APC that has been involved in sponsoring violence and attacks in the residences of the presiding officers of the Senate as well as in the National Assembly.

    “Equally derisory is the APC’s claims that it is in talks with some PDP senators to get a two third vote to impeach the Senate presiding officers when it is public knowledge that all PDP senators are loyal to their party and had already pledged their loyalty to the presiding officers that they elected by themselves.

    “It is therefore foolhardiness for the leadership of the APC, to contemplate a capacity to impeach the presiding officers of the National Assembly whereas they are neither senators nor members of the House of Representatives.

    “It is also funny that rather than lobby senators and members on their party position, if they have any, the APC leadership toed the path of brigandage, claiming to have powers to upturn or upstage the leadership that it did not ab-initio bring into existence.

    Read Also: We’ll match APC in election rigging – PDP

    “Confronted by the realities of its shameful adventure, the APC leadership has now turned around in its trademark shambolic character to begin to look for scapegoats and who to hold responsible for their failures.

    “It is necessary to impress it on the APC that Nigerians, in attracting a democratic lifestyle, have since abandoned the garrison command leadership approach of any Nigerian, no matter how highly placed.

    “Therefore, it is too late in the day for the APC to attempt to deploy underhand tactics that are strange to democratic norms to remove a duly elected Senate leadership”, the PDP added.

     

  • Saraki: APC accuses PDP of falsehood

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was spreading false information about the purported plan to arrest Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu.

    In a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Yekini Nabena also said the victory of its candidates in the just concluded bye elections in Katsina, Bauchi and Kogi states was a clear indication of the growing confidence in the Buhari government.

    Nabena wondered why the PDP and its officials were afraid of their own shadow if they have no skeletons in their cupboard, saying that a clear conscience will fear no accusation.

    The statement reads: “The People’s Democratic Party (PDP, in its latest round of bogus claims has alleged that the Federal Government plans to arrest the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki and his Deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu.

    “We had thought that by now, the PDP would be tired of its lame opposition strategy of false alarms, baseless and frivolous accusations.

    “The President Muhammadu Buhari administration has repeatedly demonstrated its strict adherence to the rule of law, therefore the alleged plan to arrest or harass the mentioned leaders is hogwash and baseless.

    “Clear conscience fears no accusation. Why are PDP leaders afraid of arrest if their conscience is clear? All law-abiding citizens or resident of the country have nothing to fear about arrest. However, nobody no matter how highly placed will escape the full wrath of the law if he or she runs fowl of our laws.

    Read Also: APC to Saraki, Ekweremadu: you’re raising false alarm

    “If the Senate President and the tree-climbing Senator are facing criminal charges in our law courts and his Deputy has explanations to make to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for acquisition of numerous properties in Nigeria and abroad through questionable sources, the President Buhari-led APC administration has nothing to do with them.

    “The laws of the country are only being applied and they should answer for their acts of infamy.”

    On the just concluded bye election in four states, the statement said “the All Progressives Congress (APC) hat-trick victories following weekend’s bye-elections for the Katsina North; Bauchi South Senatorial seats and the Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency House of Representatives seat has again powerfully demonstrated the confidence and trust by our people in the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

    “While we thank the electorate for coming out enmasse to vote for our candidates in the weekend bye-elections, we also congratulate our flagbearers, Hon. Ahmed Babba-Kaita (Katsina); Hon. Lawal Yahaya Gumau (Bauchi) and Haruna Isa (Kogi) on their victories.

    “Since assuming office, President Buhari has demonstrated the political will and remains solidly committed to the task of building a new Nigeria in line with the Change Agenda we promised to the electorate and the progressive ideals we stand for.

    “As a political party, we remain genuinely committed to address our challenges, reconcile legitimately aggrieved interests and emerge as a more united and stronger political fighting force as we face General Elections in 2019.

    “Like every other country, we have our challenges, but they are surmountable. We have an administration working day and night to surmount them and put the country on the right pedestal. With the continued cooperation and support of Nigerians, we have good reason to look forward to the future with great hope.”

     

  • Plots to remove Saraki, Ekweremadu will fail – PDP

    The leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has told the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Presidency to stop dreaming of removing the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu.

    Describing such move as delusion, the opposition party said it was high time the ruling party and its agents came to terms with the reality that they lacked the constitutional backing to remove or call for the resignation of the two lawmakers.

    Read Also:Oshiomhole: Saraki will be impeached legally

    In a statement on Friday by the spokesman of the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, the party accused the ruling party of applying underhand tactics to oust Saraki and Ekweremadu.

    The opposition party insisted that the APC and its agents staged last Tuesday’s invasion of the National Assembly by armed operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS)

    Two-thirds majority of 73 of the 109 senators is required to impeach Saraki who last week, defected from the APC to the PDP. The same number is required for the removal of Ekweremadu.

    Buttressing its allegation of complicity of the leadership other APC in the botched invasion of the federal legislature, the PDP said it was designed to remove the two officers through the back door.

    The statement said, “Even before then, Nigerians were already aware of moves to use humongous funds to induce lawmakers to trigger crisis in the National Assembly and pave the way for the removal of presiding officers.

    “Now that they have discovered that there is no way they can achieve their devious intentions, they have commenced a war of blackmail, distortions of fact and media trial against the Senate leadership, which, of course, will end up as another wasteful venture as Nigerians are aware of the long-drawn desperation of the Buhari Presidency to annex the legislature.

    “Even among the ranks of the depleted APC senators and members of the House of Representatives, there is a huge aversion to the underhand tactics being deployed by the Buhari Presidency and the APC to force out duly elected presiding officers of the National Assembly.

    “As such, such lawmakers are fully aligned with Nigerians, the PDP and the National Assembly leadership in the protection of the independence, sanctity and integrity of our parliament and all democratic institutions in our land.

    “It is therefore instructive for both the Buhari Presidency and the APC to know that there is no way they can remove the leadership of the National Assembly, particularly the Senate.

    “Consequently,  the PDP cautions the Buhari Presidency and the APC to stop overheating the polity with their outbursts and shed future perverse attempts to circumvent our rules and constitution, as such will not help them or change the resolve of Nigerians to vote them out in 2019”.

  • NASS Seige: Promoters are cowards, says Saraki, Dogara

    …Senate President vows not to resign

    …Praises Osinbajo for sack of DSS DG

    Senate President, Bukola Saraki and Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, on Wednesday said that Tuesday’s siege on the National Assembly was an act of cowardice by those seeking to illegally impeach him and Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.

    Saraki also vowed not to resign his position because he was elected Senate President by majority of senators.

    This is contained in a joint statement delivered by Saraki at a press conference in Abuja.

    Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Tuesday barricaded the National Assembly gate preventing senators, House of Representatives members, assembly workers and journalists from having access to the Assembly Complex.

    The action of the security operatives, which they claimed was an “order from above” almost, degenerated to break down of law and order.

    Saraki at the crowded press conference with a battery of cameras insisted that the siege was an act of cowardice by those seeking to carry out an illegal impeachment of the leadership of the Senate in flagrant disregard of the law.

    He said that the promoters of the siege were people who seek control at all costs, by whatever means, never minding the injury to democratic norms.

    The Senate President noted that the siege was part of the manifestation of “a government within this government” which he alluded to about two years ago.

    He said that it is curious and beats his imagination how the head of a security agency could have authorized the brazen assault on the legislature that was witnessed on Tuesday.

    Saraki said that it was a matter of record that on Tuesday, lawmakers and staff of the National Assembly were prevented from entering the National Assembly Complex by heavily armed security agents of the DSS.

    He said that all entries to the Complex were blocked as early as 6.30 am.

    He noted that the National Assembly, the seat of democracy in the country, was under lockdown.

    The Senate President described the ensuing standoff, as “a show of shame that played itself out over several hours in full view of the country.”

    He noted that in no circumstances should the siege have taken place.

    Saraki said that Nigeria as a nation, “reaped the bitter fruits instantaneously, as evident in media images relayed around the world, images that shame us as a democratic nation.”

    He said, “We have to say that this is not about us – Abubakar Bukola Saraki or Yakubu Dogara as an individual. It is not about Ike Ekweremadu, nor is it about Yusuf Lasun.

    “We are speaking for my colleagues when I say that this is about the soul of Nigeria, what we represent as a country, (people) and our standing in the comity of nations.

    “This is a country where so much is expected of us, so many rungs of the ladder that we are supposed to have ascended as a nation.

    “Instead we are wallowing in impunity and illegal show of force, all of which retard our progress.

    “This is most disheartening. We don’t get any joy in saying: We said so. We don’t.

    “However, some of you may recall that about two years ago, I stated that there was a government within this government, to a purpose that was not in the interest of what the people voted for.

    “I said it then, and now, almost on a daily basis, we are seeing the manifestations of that government within a government.

    “It beats one’s imagination how the head of a security agency could have authorized the brazen assault on the legislature that we saw yesterday.

    “Only recently we saw in Benue how 8 members of the 30 members of State House of Assembly with the collaboration of security forces, DSS and police tried to impeach the Governor.

    “Despite the threat to our lives, we shall continue to fight impunity and injustice in this country.

    “Happily by the actions that Nigerians took on Tuesday, they demonstrated our strong resolve as a nation not to give ground to oppression.

    Read Also: Day of drama at National Assembly

    “The legislature, more than any other institution in this country, more than any other arm of government, represents the will of the people.

    “We are elected by the people, and an assault on the legislature is an assault on the people of Nigeria.

    “The forcible shutdown of the legislature was an unconscionable assault on a national institution, and thanks to all your efforts, the aggressors have been put to shame.

    “The resistance mounted by staff of the National Assembly, our colleagues in both chambers and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) who refused to leave the entrance of this Complex until the siege was broken, strengthens our faith in the people of this country.

    “The rain fell, the sun rose, but Nigerians stood their ground in defence of democracy.

    “With the strength of will demonstrated by everyone against unwarranted and unconstitutional militaristic might, the siege could not stand.

    “By this, we have shown that Nigerians can resist government within government in whatever guise, and this is humbling for us.

    “Those who sought to defend the attack on the National Assembly under our leadership for their selfish ends have further affirmed our belief in this country.

    “They attempted to execute an illegal impeachment of the leadership of the Senate without the backing of the law, but they faltered. We are confident that, together, we shall always defeat acts of unconstitutionality. The rule of law shall always prevail.”

    The Senate President thanked those who monitored the situation on radio, television and social media, voicing their outrage at the siege, “thereby sending a clear message to those that hatched the plot that the Nigerian public would not buy this act of gangsterism using instruments of state such as the DSS.”

    He also thanked the international community – particularly the European Union that visited the complex – and the international press, for their prompt reactions to the invasion of the National Assembly.

    Saraki singled out for special mention, Hon. Boma Goodhead, a member of the House of Representatives, spectacularly standing up to challenge DSS operatives.

    He said, “She looked a masked security operative in the eye and dared him to shoot. She let it be known that Nigerians would not stand for the barricade at the National Assembly, that we would not be cowed.

    “It was another pointer to what is possible in this country when women take their place in leadership.”

    The principled stance and defiant reactions to the ugly incident, he said, proved crucial to the failure of the plot.

    He said, “This is what we have been saying about the power of the people. The role of the people in defending democracy is paramount.”

    Saraki also thanked the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, “for his handling of the situation we were all confronted with yesterday (Tuesday).”

    Prof. Osinbajo’s “decisive action went a long way towards restoring confidence and the image of our country.”

    “It sent a powerful message – that the DSS cannot be recklessly deployed against institutions of our democracy.

    “The path of leadership is not by party, and we must commend it wherever it is found.

    “Mr. Acting President did the right thing. However, the damage control so far does not address the question of how this invasion was allowed to happen in the first place” Saraki said.

    Saraki said that they had it on good authority that the incident has been in the planning for months.

    He said, “How is it that such an atrocity was not prevented? How is it that the masterminds were not deterred? Very serious questions remain that can only be answered by a full investigation.

    “We call for an investigation, and we demand that all perpetrators are brought to book.

    “We owe it to ourselves to ensure that such a situation never occurs again.

    “Many agencies have abused their powers and acted outside the ambit of the law on occasion.

    “Where abuses occur, similar actions must be taken immediately and full investigation instituted.

    “We must say that when we fought for Change, we could not have envisaged a scenario such as unfolded yesterday (Tuesday) – an atmosphere where people cannot tolerate dissent, or mere differences of opinion as to the future of our dear country. This is not the Change we fought for.

    “We did not fight for instruments of state to be used to oppress Nigerians and their lawmakers. We know that we, certainly, did not fight just so the legislature could be undermined and subjected to this onslaught.

    “There are many lessons to be drawn from the ugly incident we all witnessed yesterday.

    “For one, government must ensure that security agencies remain neutral and act in line with the position of the constitution as well as their enabling laws.

    “Heads of agencies should be accountable, and those who step out of line must be held responsible for their actions. Enough with impunity. Enough with the reckless and senseless deployment of militaristic force. Enough.

    Saraki noted that in dark cloud, “we can see the silver lining, and that silver lining is the commitment of Nigerians to defending their hard-won democracy.”

    The Senate President assured that they were committed to doing their utmost as lawmakers to ensure that the responsibility and functionality of governance are met.

    He said, “Although we are on annual break, we are daily reviewing the situation and are alive to the responsibility to take action as necessary.

    “Unfortunately, yesterday’s (Tuesday’s) shutdown prevented us from meeting with INEC, as scheduled, to address their request.

    “We will continue to do all to ensure a smooth and successful 2019 election.

    “In the spirit of that we also appeal to Mr. President to sign the new 2018 Electoral Act Amendment Bill in line with his recommendations, which has been sent for his assent.”

    Saraki reiterate that neither myself, Deputy Senate President or Speaker belong to the class of politicians that are desperate to stay in power by al means and at all costs.

    According to him “The day, two thirds of our members feel they do not have confidence in our leadership, we will gracefully bow out.

    “I repeat again and again, this is not about us, but about respecting the constitution and the rule of law.”

    Asked if he would resign due to stringent demands for him to give way following his defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Saraki was categorical that he would not.

    He said that he was duly elected by members not because he was a member of the APC.

    Saraki said, “I was not given the seat of the Senate President. I was elected by members. Secondly, according our Constitution, it says members of the National Assembly who are elected can elect their leaders. It does not say you have to come from a political party.”

  • Anti-corruption fight: Group cautions against ethnic interference

    A Non Governmental Organisation, Anti-Corruption and Research Based Data Initiative (ARDI) has cautioned against ethnic meddlesomeness in the fight against corruption.

    The Executive Secretary of the group, Chief Dennis Aghanya, gave the caution in a statement made available to newsmen in Enugu on Sunday.

    Aghanya said that the rate at which ethnic and socio-cultural organisations rise to the defence of politicians from their area under investigation for alleged corruption had become worrisome.

    The executive secretary was reacting to recent outbursts by Ohaneze Ndigbo on the ongoing investigation of Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    It would be recalled that the EFCC had interrogated Ekweremadu over alleged ownership of no fewer than 60 choice property in and outside Nigeria.

    The assets were suspected to have been acquired through illicit funds.

    The apex Igbo cultural organisation, however, was swift to rise to the defence of Ekweremadu, describing the investigation as unjust.

    “The ethnic dimension given to the ongoing investigation of the Deputy President of the Senate, Chief Ike Ekweremadu, by the EFCC is worrisome.

    “Most worrisome is the role of Ohaneze Ndigbo which see every prosecution of their own extraction as unjust.”

    Aghanya said that politicians needed to stop using religion and ethnicity to further divide the country or paint security agencies in bad light.

    “Our position is that Ekweremadu should answer to the issues raised by the EFCC over the alleged 60 assets traced to him.

    “He should also stop giving it the colouration of a persecution against Ndigbo.”

    He said that Ohaneze Ndigbo needed to be neutral under the prevailing circumstance rather than sounding clannish.

    “The fight against corruption does not recognise religion or ethnicity and should not be given such colouration.

    “Ekweremadu’s problems are personal and should be treated as such.”

    Aghanya said that the lawmaker needed to help the EFCC in their investigations with a view to proving his innocence or otherwise.

    He said that it was dumbfounding how someone that had no substantial means of income before venturing into politics in 1999 would be linked with such number of property.

    “We wish to commend the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property led by Okoi Obono-Obla for tracing those alleged assets.”

    He said that the EFCC also needed to be commended for the courage to initiate investigations into the allegations as earlier petitions did not see the light of day.

    “We, at ARDI, are determined to follow up this case to ensure that security agencies get to its roots for justice to be served,” Aghanya said.

  • Saraki’s continued stay as Senate President is constitutional – Makarfi 

    One of the Presidential Aspirants in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP),  Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi has called on all those crucifying the Senate President, Bukola Saraki to leave him alone as his continued stay as Senate President irrespective of his party affiliation is lawful, constitutional and democratic.

    He said that Senator Bukola Saraki, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and Yakubu Dogara were elected based on the provision of the constitution and not party based.

    Read Also:Offa robbery: Court orders service of summons on Saraki

    Speaking to newsmen during his visit to the PDP Secretariat in Minna on Saturday, Markafi told those who have been calling on Saraki and Dogara to vacate their seats to leave them alone.

    “The position of the presiding officers of the National Assembly, based on the constitution of Nigeria is an election of one among equals based on voting irrespective of party affliction. The constitution said that the Senators are to elect among themselves, it did not say that it must be from a majority party.

    “Positions tied to party affliction are the positions like majority and minority leaders and Chief Whips along with their deputies. Therefore Senator Bukola Saraki, Ike Ekweremadu and Dogara should be left alone because they are elected based on provision of the constitution and their continuing stay irrespective of the party they belong to is constitutional, it is lawful and it is democratic. ”

    Speaking further, the Presidential hopeful who expressed his delight over the recent defection to PDP said that, “We are still expecting more” but noted that the party would need to manage the defections well to ensure that there would be no fall out.

    He then said that all members of the PDP should be ready to make sacrifices for the peace and unity of the party.

  • EFCC: I did not develop high blood pressure – Ekweremadu

    Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, on Friday faulted the report that he developed high blood pressure while being interrogated by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC ).

    Ekweremadu also said that contrary to reports there were no “fresh facts” presented to him.

    The Deputy Senate President who insisted that there was not iota of truth in the “propaganda” to smear his image, urged Nigerians to disregard the reports.

    Ekweremadu who spoke through his media aide said:

    “My attention has been drawn to false reports in some national dailies that the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, developed High Blood Pressure in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC) upon alleged presentation to him of a fresh set of purported “hidden properties” supposedly acquired by him. There is no truth to this propaganda.

    “It would be recalled that operatives of the EFCC and men of the Nigeria Police laid siege to his residence at about 6am on Tuesday, July 24, 2018, requesting him to report at its headquarters at 10am the same Tuesday. However, no letter of invitation was delivered to him until around 9am of that day.

    “Since the siege would not allow him to honour the belated “invitation” the same day, he, as a law-abiding citizen, wrote to the EFCC to request for another date, hence the rescheduled appointment of Tuesday, July 31, 2018.

    “Senator Ekweremadu honoured the 10am appointment on the fixed date and left in the evening of the same day when he was granted bail on self-recognizance with an understanding that he would report at the EFCC office at 10am the next day for a continuation of the interview.

    Read Also: Ekweremadu falls ill during EFCC grilling

    “He reported at the EFCC on Wednesday, August 1, 2018, at 10am as scheduled, but informed them that he was not feeling well, a fact the EFCC doctor confirmed. He was then allowed to leave to see his doctor and it was agreed that a new date would be fixed for continuation of the interview.

    “So, there was no interrogation whatsoever on Wednesday, let alone presentation of so-called additional “facts” that purportedly triggered his blood pressure. Likewise, there were no new “facts” presented to him the previous day, Tuesday, July 31, beside those concocted by the dismissed Chief Judge of Enugu State, Innocent Umezulike and his cohorts in their petition.

    “The Office feels compelled by the mischief and orchestrated media trial to put the “facts” straight on this particular issue.

    “We thank our supporters for their genuine concern and prayers. We equally urge them to remain calm.”