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Tag: Ike Ekweremadu

  • Fed Govt seeks forfeiture of Ekweremadu’s 22 properties

    The Federal Government has applied to the Federal High Court in Abuja for an order of temporary forfeiture of about 22 properties allegedly owned by Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu in Abuja, London, the United States and Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

    In the ex-parte application filed on yesterday by the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property (SPIPRPP), Ekweremadu is accused of breaching the Code of Conduct for public officers by allegedly failing to declare about 22 properties in his last assets declaration form.

    The application filed pursuant to Sections 330 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act; 8 of the Recovery of Public Property (Special Provisions) Act and Section 44 (2)(k) of the Constitution, seeks mainly an order for interim forfeiture of the properties to the Federal Government.

    The ex-parte application was filed for the SPIPRPP by Festus Keyamo (SAN). It prays the court for an order “temporarily attaching/forfeiting the properties listed in Schedule B hereunder to the Federal Government of Nigeria, pending the conclusion of further inquiry/investigation by the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property and/or possible arraignment of the respondent (Ekeremadu)”.

    The grounds relied on by the applicant include that the properties listed in Schedule A hereunder were the properties declared by the Respondent in his Assets Declaration Form at the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

    It stated that investigation/inquiries have revealed that the properties listed in Schedule B also belong to the respondent and so belonged to him when he declared his assets in Schedule A.

    The applicant added that the properties listed in Schedule B were not declared in Ekweremadu’s assets declaration form. It added that preliminary investigation by the applicant reveals that a prima facie case of a breach of code of conduct for public officers had been made out against the respondent.

    But Ekweremadu, in a statement, defended his integrity.

    According to him, there is no asset to forfeit to the government.

    He said the filing of a motion for the recovery of his assets was part of the politics of the 2019 general election.

    He said in the statement by his Media Adviser Uche Anichukwu: “The attention of the Office of the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has been drawn to a motion ex-parte filed by Festus Keyamo Chambers on behalf of the so-called Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property for an order to temporarily forfeit assets it claimed the senator did not declare with the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB.

    “Senator Ekweremadu, however, wishes to state unequivocally that he declared all his assets with the Code of Conduct Bureau as required by law.

    “The so-called panel sought and obtained his Assets Declaration Forms, but could not look at them since it is clearly out on a vendetta and smear campaign championed by Mr. Okoi Obono-Obla.

    “This is clearly part of the politics of 2019, and is further exposing those who colluded with the dismissed former Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice Innocent Umezulike and his cronies to steal and doctor his will.

    “The Senator has, nevertheless, briefed his lawyers and will meet the panel in court.

    “Again, Senator Ekweremadu wishes to assure all his supporters and well-wishers that there is nothing to worry about. “Like others, this too shall pass.”

    Those in Abuja
    •No. 11, Evans Enwerem Street, Apo Legislative Quarters, Apo, Abuja.
    •Plot 2633 Kyami, Abuja.
    •Housing Estate (Plot 1106 CRD, Cadastral Zone 07-07, Lugbe, Abuja.
    •Plot 2782 Asokoro Extension, Abuja.
    •Houses at Citi Park Estate, Gwagwalada, Abuja.
    •Plot 1474 Cadastral Zone BD6, Mabushi, Abuja.
    •Congress Court, Abuja.
    •Flat 1, Block D25, Athletics Street, (24th Street) Games Village, Abuja.
    •Plot 66, 64 Crescent, Gwarimpa Estate, Abuja.
    Those in London
    •Flat 4 Varsity Court, Harmer Street, WIH 4NW, London.
    •52 Ayleston Avenue, NW6 7AB, London.
    In Dubai:
    •Room 1903, The Address Hotel, Downtown Dubai.
    •The Address Boulevard, 3901, Dubai
    •2 Flats of Burij Side Boulevard (the signature), Dubai
    •Emirate Gardens Apartment No. EGG1/1/114, Dubai.
    •Emirate Gardens Apartment No. EGG1/115, Dubai.
    •Apartment No. DFB/12/B 1204, Park Towers, Dubai.
    •Flat 3604, MAG214, Dubai.
    •Villa No 148, Maeen 1, The Lakes Emirates Hills, Dubai.
    4) In USA:
    •4507 Stella Street, Bellavida Estate Kissime, Florida, USA.
    •2747 Club Cortile Circle, Kissime, Florida, USA.
    •2763 Club Cortile Circle, Kissime, Florida, USA
    The Fed Govt added listed the properties declared by Ekweremadu in his assets declaration form of June 5, 2015, as contained in Schedule A to its application to include:
    •5 Bedroom Duplex & Boys Quarters, House A40 Apo Quarters, Apo, Abuja (purportedly acquired with a loan of N13.5 Million from Bank PHB);
    •10 Bedroom House with Guest Chalet & Boy Quarters, 2 Jim Nwobodo Street, Apo, Abuja (purportedly acquired with a mortgage loan of N412, 200, 000.00 from Aso Savings & Loan);
    •7 Bedroom House with Pent House & Boy quarters, Plot 147A Mabushi, Abuja (purportedly valued at N3, 471, 922.1 acquired with salaries & allowances);
    •2 RM Apartment, MAG 214 Dubai (purportedly bought for $ 50,000.00);
    •4 Bedroom Town House, The Lake Dubai (purportedly bought for $20,000.00);
    •4 RM Town House, Florida (he claims he bought this House from a loan of $155,000.00 gotten from PHB)
    •Plots 2 & 10, Republic Layout, Enugu (undeveloped land, purportedly valued at N4 Million);
    •Plot 1518, Maitama Extension, Abuja undeveloped land (purportedly valued at N10 Million);
    •Plot 2882, Asokoro Extension, Abuja (purportedly valued at N13 Million);
    •2 RM Apartment, Burjside Boulevard, Dubai, UAE (he claims he bought it for $250,000.00);
    •One Room Apartment, Emirate Garden, Dubai, UAE (He claims he bought it for $60,000.00);
    •Park Tower, Dubai, UAE (He claims he bought it for $250,000.00);
    •3 Room Town House (2), Club Corticle, Orlando, USA (he claims he bought this property for $200,000.00);
    •4 Room House, Plot 1496 AI Thannyah, Fourth, Dubai, UAE (he claims he bought this property for $250,000.00);
    •4 Bedroom Terrace House, Games Village;
    •6 Bedroom Storey House & Boys Quarters, Amachara MPU, Enugu;
    •4 Bedroom House and Boy Quarters, Federal Housing Estate, Enugu;
    •3000 Square Meters of undeveloped land at Amachara, MPU, Enugu;
    •5 Hectares of land, Tutu District, Abuja.
    The government also gave details of Ekweremadu’s investments in and outside the country to include:
    •5, 100,000 – Citi Park Luxury Hotels Ltd (purportedly valued at N350 Million);
    •8, 000, 000 – Prime & Power Media Ltd ((purportedly valued at N30 Million);
    •300,000,000 – Bety Air Ltd ((purportedly valued at N5 Million);
    •40, 000 – Prime & Power Konsult Ltd ((purportedly valued at N42 Million);
    •50,000 – Power Properties Ltd (purportedly valued at N50 Million);
    •70,000 – Spider Construction Ltd (purportedly valued at N35 Million).
    In his assets declaration form on June 1, 2007, Ekweremadu was said to have declared the properties and investments listed below:
    •4 Bedroom Terrace House, Games Village, Abuja
    •A Storey Building at Amachara (MPU) (Country home)
    •A Storey Building & Boy Quarters with Boys Quarters at Federal Housing, Enugu;
    •Apo Legislative Quarters, Apo, Abuja;
    •2644.60 Square meters of undeveloped Land at Asokoro, Abuja;
    •1000.577 Square meters, Kurubuma Layout, Abuja
    •3000 Square meters, Amachara MPU.
    •40, 000 – Prime & Power Konsult Ltd (purportedly valued at N40 Million);
    •50,000 – Prime Properties Ltd (purportedly valued at N50 Million);
    •70,000 – Spider Construction Ltd (purportedly valued at N36 Million)

  • Anti-corruption war: Ekweremadu seeks holistic, even approaches to ant-graft crusade

    Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, on Monday said that only holistic, even, and institutionalised approaches to the ant-graft crusade could guarantee success for Nigeria.

    Ekweremadu noted that although the recent drop by Nigeria in the Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index was a huge blow to the nation’s anti-graft war, it should be seen as a wakeup call, which lessons must not be lost on the nation.

    A statement by the Special Adviser (Media) to the Deputy Senate President, Uche Anichukwu, said that Ekweremadu spoke at an anti-corruption event organized by the Yar’Adua Foundation in Abuja

    He said: “A sincere and meaningful anti-graft war must be holistic. Nigeria cannot wage war against one type of corruption in isolation of the others and expect to succeed

    “We cannot also succeed in this all important war if we place a set of citizens above the law and if we accord red carpet reception back into office to some persons indicted or disciplined for corruption, while others are arrested before investigation, then tried in the media, and taken to court even on a stretcher

    “Such attitudes cannot mobilise the needed national and international support in the anti-corruption crusade.  It can only breed more corruption by giving some people a sense of above-the-law and embarrass us before the international community”.

    Read Also: Ekweremadu: nobody can rig 2019 elections

    It said that Senator, who was represented by the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Works, Hon. Toby Okechukwu, further advised that anti-graft war should be hinged on the right legal framework and institutions, not the goodness of the leaders alone.

    “We must build the relevant institutions and erect the requisite legal framework.  Every arm and institution of government must play its part.

    “I am happy to note that apart from exposing several corrupt practices in high places, the Senate has passed number bills to institutionalize and strengthen the anti-graft war.

    “They include the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Bill, which will assist the country to trace and recover looted funds; Witness Protection Bill; Whistleblower Protection Bill; Audit Service Commission Bill, and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit Bill.  Most of these bills are actually private member bills.

    “In the constitution amendment exercise, which is at the concluding stage, we are making efforts to create an Office of the Accountant-General of the Federal Government different from the Accountant-General of the Federation to ensure accountability. Furthermore, we are working on granting autonomy to the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation”, he concluded.

  • DHQ Tackles Ekweremadu over Comments on Coup de ‘tat

    DHQ Tackles Ekweremadu over Comments on Coup de ‘tat

    The Defence Headquarters on Thursday responded to the comments credited to the Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu on the floor of the National Assembly to the effects that “the problem in Nigeria is that our democracy is receding. Who says army cannot take over, let us not joke with our democracy that is the issue”.

    The Defence Headquarters said the apprehension created by the statement should be disregarded by Nigerians, and therefore assured the International Community, Nigerian democratic institutions and the public of the unalloyed loyalty of the armed forces the President, Commander in Chief of Nigeria.

    A statement signed by the Acting Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen John Agim, noted that the comments of Senator Ekweremade ” may appear cautionary and sincere in the atmosphere of discourse, it is however derogatory to the Army used in the expression and by extension to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”

    The statement reads: “The Defence Headquarters wish to respond to a comment by the Deputy President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Ike Ekweremadu on Wednesday 7 March 2018, regarding the Nigerian Military, while contributing to a debate on a motion sponsored by Senator Ahmed Ogembe, representing Kogi Central.

    Read Also: Ekweremadu tours constituency projects

    “In his comments among others, the Distinguished Deputy President of the Senate stated “The Problem in Nigeria is that our democracy is receding. Who says army cannot take over, let us not joke with our democracy that is the issue”.

    “This statement may appear cautionary and sincere in the atmosphere of discourse, it is however derogatory to the Army used in the expression and by extension to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

    “The statement in the true sense has the capacity to denigrate the Nigerian Military in every ramification including its loyalty to the President Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces and the confidence of the general public to defend Nigeria’s democracy.

    “In the light of this; the Defence Headquarters wish to state clearly that, the Nigerian Military has come of age and is in tune with best international military practices of complete and total subordination to democratic governance.

    “In this regard, it is worthy to remind the general public about some key measures among others that guaranteed the present sustainable status of politically unambitious members of the Armed Forces:

    “Shortly, after the transition from a military to a democratically elected government in 1999, officers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, who were quasi-political, were honourably eased out of service.  This was done to avoid indoctrination of other officers in the Military in order to enable the democratic government commence a re-professionalisation process of the Armed Forces.

    “The process commenced in collaboration with international organisations such as the United States Armed Forces and the British Military.  By 2009, from the basic military training institutions through units and formation reorientation programmes to top management workshops and seminars for the military, it became clear that the Armed Forces of Nigeria has been re-professionalised to be totally subordinate to political leadership and democracy in the Country.

    “In addition, the Nigerian Military began to take the lead at ensuring that the West African Sub Region is stable democratically through military diplomacy and physical actions where it is highly desirable and supported by ECOWAS.

    “The case of the Gambia last year is still fresh in our memories, where democracy was enforced by an ECOWAS Military Coalition led by the Armed Forces of Nigeria, under the focused and abled leadership of Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General AG Olonisakin (NAM).

    “Furthermore, the present crop of personnel in the Armed Forces of Nigeria right from the Service Chiefs to the men; are made up of the balance of re-professionalised officers and fresh intakes from 1999, who do not nurse political ambitions.  They are fully committed to their oaths of allegiance to serve their fatherland Nigeria, with total submission to our democratic government.

    “Defence Headquarters hereby assures the international community, Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the general public, of its unalloyed loyalty to the President Commander in Chief, provision of all necessary support for the sustenance of our democracy and carrying out our constitutional roles.  Therefore, the apprehension by the Deputy President of the Senate should be totally disregarded.”

  • Senate receives report to grant Nigerian Financial Intelligence

    Senate receives report to grant Nigerian Financial Intelligence

    The Senate on Tuesday in Abuja received the Conference Committee report on a bill to establish the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) as an independent entity.

    Receiving the report, submitted by Sen. Chukwuka Utazi, Chairman, Senate Committee on Financial Crimes and Anti-Corruption, Deputy President of the Senate Ike Ekweremadu said there was need to expedite action on it.

    Ekweremadu commended Senate and the House of Representatives Committees on Financial Crimes and Anti-Corruption for the report which would ensure Nigeria is not expelled from the EGMONT Group.

    The EGMONT Group is a network of 152-member countries that share information relating to criminal intelligence and financial information.

    The group had threatened to expel Nigeria permanently by March 11 if the Nigerian government failed to grant the unit the autonomy required to become its member.

    Ekweremadu said the senate would consider the report on Wednesday.

    “It is a very important bill and I am happy that you have come into agreement with the House of Representatives.

    “It is important that we consider the report tomorrow so that Nigeria will be out of the suspension and be counted among the comity of nations in the EGMONT Group,’’ he added.

    Read Also: ‘Foreigners must not take digital switch over from Nigerians’

    Our reporters,  reports that Nigeria is currently serving a suspension from the EGMONT group which has accused the EFCC of sharing confidential information to media.

    The Senate and House of Representatives had differed over the passage of the bill establishing the NFIU as an independent entity.

    Utazi had raised a point of order, accusing the House of non-cooperation.

    He warned that failure to pass the bill ahead of the next Egmont Group meeting would cause a major economic crisis for Nigeria.

    In a reaction, his counterpart, Rep. Kayode Oladele, denied the allegation, saying that he never derailed the process.

    Oladele said “on the contrary, Utazi shoved off all efforts for us to meet’’.The lawmakers eventually met on Monday evening and came up with the report.

    NAN

     

  • Senate threatens to pass 2018 budget without MDAs submissions

    Senate threatens to pass 2018 budget without MDAs submissions

    The Senate on Wednesday threatened to pass the 2018 budget without submissions from recalcitrant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

    This threat followed the observation by the Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Sunny Ogbuoji.

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki had asked Ogbuoji to tell the Senate the position of the 2018 Appropriation Bill whose implementation should have started on January 1st, 2018.

    Ogbuoji informed the Senate that majority of MDAs refused to turn up for their budget defence as required by law.

    He noted that due to the failure of the MDAs appear for budget defence, the budget report the could have been presented for consideration was not ready.

    He said, “Majority of the Ministries, Departments and Agencies are not coming forward to interface with the standing committees. Some of the ministers will tell you they have a team, they are going outside the country and because of that; the MDAs are not fully ready.

    “So we don’t have the reports yet. We believe that when the MDAs come forward, our colleagues will be able to finish their work.

    Read Also: Senate to probe non-passage of Disability Rights Bill

    “Some of the committees are unable to do their work. When they screen what they have brought, they will ask them to go back to us but they don’t come back.

    ‘That is really delaying the work for majority of the standing committees and that is why up till today, we don’t have a comprehensive report.”

    Saraki who expressed discomfort with the attitude of the MDAs, said that the Senate was prepared to conclude the process of the 2018 Appropriation Bill to ensure its passage.

    He noted that the perception is that the National Assembly was delaying the budget when the contrary is the truth.

    He said, “It is our intention to see that this process can be concluded as early as possible. But Senate Majority Leader will communicate and get in touch with the Executive arm of government so that these MDAs can be told to play their part to ensure that this exercise can be completed because unfortunately the perception is it is parliament that delays these things.

    “I appeal to all these ministers and Managing Directors that keep on travelling, this is a time for you to sit on ground and ensure that you finish this report.”

    Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu said that the Senate should use the budget presentation by President Muhammadu Buhari to pass the budget.

    Ekweremadu said that the Senate should not continue to wait for the MDAs endlessly while Nigerians were suffering.

    Senator Philip Aduda said that it should be clearly stated that the MDAs were responsible for the inability of the National Assembly to pass the budget.

  • Senate postpones deliberation on FG’s plan to withdraw $1bn

    Senate postpones deliberation on FG’s plan to withdraw $1bn

    The Senate on Thursday, postponed deliberation on the proposed withdrawal of one billion dollars from the Excess Crude Account (ECA) by the Federal Government, to fight insurgency and other security concerns across the country.

    The action followed an observation by the Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu on the floor of the senate on the matter.

    Ekweremadu had observed that deliberation on the matter was slated for Thursday and expressed surprise that it was not listed on the Order Paper.

    The senate thereafter moved the matter to the next legislative day, after its recess, following the absence of Sen. Sam Anyanwu who was meant to present the motion on the floor.

    In his remarks, Senate President Bukola Saraki, assured the lawmakers that the matter would be treated as a matter of priority upon resumption, adding that it would be listed as first item for consideration.

    Read also: Senate  to Fed Govt: don’t sell National Theatre, TBS

    He said, “The issue would have come up today but Sen. Sam Anyanwu could not present the motion today.

    “He pleaded for more time and I agree that we move it to another legislative day, which is when we resume. It will be the first item on the Order Paper.

    “It is an important motion that we cannot take if the person that moved it is not here. It cannot be delegated. I assure you that we will take it.

    “Our party will not spend money that did not follow due process. I am assuring you that the money will not be spent until we come here and debate on it,’’ he said.

    The National Economic Council( NEC ) had last week in its meeting chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, agreed to withdraw one billion dollars from the ECA to be used in tackling insecurity in the country.

    NAN

  • 2018 Appropriation Bill passes second reading at Senate

    2018 Appropriation Bill passes second reading at Senate

    The Bill for an Act to authorise the issue from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation the sum of N8.6 trillion passed through second reading at the Senate on Tuesday.

    This followed conclusion of a week-long debate on general principles of the Bill by the lawmakers at plenary.

    Out of the N8.6 trillion for the 2018 Budget estimates, N456 billion is for Statutory Transfer and N2 trillion for Debt Service.

    It proposed N3 trillion for Recurrent-Non-Debt Expenditure and N2 trillion for contribution to the Development Fund for Capital Expenditure for the year ending December 31, 2018.

    In his remarks, President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, commended the lawmakers for taking out time to make contributions to the general principles of the Bill.

    He urged standing committees to work within the two-week time frame given for defence of the budget, which would commence on Wednesday through December 18.

    Saraki called on Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to comply with invitations for the defence of the budget.

    “We know that the time-table is very tight and we will be suspending plenary to enable us start the defence. Committee chairmen and members should please ensure to keep to the time-table.

    “I want to therefore use this opportunity to issue a warning to heads of MDAs to strictly respect the letter of invitation to attend the defence.

    “This is not time for excuse for ministers or heads of parastatals to be travelling and not be able to attend the defence.

    “We do not have the time. It is a very short timetable so that the committees can wrap up to be able to present their reports by the time we resume on December 19.

    Read also: Senate probe alleged human rights abuses by SARS

    “Also, the Appropriation Committee should take note of the comments of the Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu.

    “The committee should particularly note the aspect where he talked about making it mandatory for the executive to come back to us for expenditure in excess of the budget or the benchmark,’’ he said.

    He announced that there would a public hearing on the budget in the course of the week to enable the public have input before its passage.

    The Bill was referred to Committee on Appropriation with directive to return it to plenary on December 19 when plenary was adjourned to allow standing committees to commence budget defence.

    President Muhammadu Buhari had on November 7, presented the 2018 Budget Estimates of N8.6 trillion to the joint session of the National Assembly.

    NAN

  • Ekweremadu hails Atiku’s return to PDP

    Ekweremadu hails Atiku’s return to PDP

    The Deputy President of the Senate, Mr Ike Ekweremadu, has described the return of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ) as a welcomed development.

    Ekeremadu, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Uche Anichukwu, on Sunday, was reacting to the defection of the former vice president from the All Progressives Congress ( APC ) to the PDP.

    He said that the move had rekindled hope not only for the party, but the nation’s democracy.

    “I urge all former PDP faithful who left for various reasons as well as other progressive-minded Nigerians to emulate Alhaji Atiku.

    ”They should reunite under the umbrella to salvage the nation because I see a new and better Nigeria coming in 2019.

    “I see a country where corruption will be eradicated, a nation that will be a pride to Africa and admiration of the international community.

    ”I see a nation where no man will be oppressed, intimidated, persecuted or sidelined on account of ethnicity, religion or political persuasion.

    ”No amount of desperation will stop the will of God for Nigeria in 2019,” he said.

    NAN

    Read Also: PDP convention: Atiku backs Adeniran for chairman

     

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Saraki, Ekweremadu, Mark, Uba mourn Ekwueme

    Saraki, Ekweremadu, Mark, Uba mourn Ekwueme

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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