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Tag: Mohammed Sani-Omolori

  • Lobby, political solution‘d have confirmed Magu, says Saraki

    Senate President, Bukola Saraki, on Monday threw light on the controversial refusal of the Senate to confirm the appointment of Mr. Ibrahm Magu as substantive chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Saraki said the appointment of Magu as EFCC Chairman may have been confirmed but for the failure of the Presidency to explore the established channel of lobby.

    He also said that “political solution” should have been applied after the Senate rejected the nomination of Magu twice if only the Presidency toed the path.

    The Senate President spoke at the orientation programme for Senators-elect and House of Representatives members-elect of the 9th National Assembly held in Abuja.

    Saraki attempted to parry questions on why the National Assembly did not go to court for a definite pronouncement on the failed confirmation of Magu’s appointment as substantive EFCC Chairman.

    He was forced to respond when the question refused to go away.

    Saraki said that it is left to the Executive arm of government to find a replacement of a ministerial nominee if rejected by the Senate.

    Talking specifically on Magu nomination, he said that there was no doubt that the Senate has the power to confirm or reject his nomination.

    On why the Senate did not go to court for pronouncement on whether the Senate has the power to confirm the EFCC chairman, he said that there were over 12 cases pending in court on the issue.

    Saraki, who said that some of the cases had been pending in court for over two years, added he cannot explain why the cases have not been decided.

    He noted however that “in cases like the EFCC chairman, there is always the need for political solution and dialogue to solve the issue.

    “But to say whether the Senate has the power to confirm, the Senate has power to confirm. The power of confirmation is there even in America which we copy.

    “When the Executive makes appointment, there is issue of lobby. This is why we want a particular nominee. It is done even in America.”

    On the election of presiding officers of the 9th National Assembly, Saraki advised senators-elect and members-elect that they should ensure that there were in the chamber on the day of inauguration.

    READ ALSO: National Assembly after Saraki and Tambuwal

    He insisted that inauguration and election of presiding officers only take place on the floor of the two chambers of the National Assembly.

    The Clerk to the National Assembly, Mohammed Sani-Omolori, who flagged off the orientation, spoke on the overview of the National Assembly including structure, functions and inter-parliamentary relations.

    In the course of his presentation, Sani-Omolori mentioned that one of the functions of the Senate is the confirmation of nominees from the Executive arm of government.

    The power of confirmation of nominees prompted questions on the confirmation of Magu and why he is still serving as Acting Chairman of EFCC when he was denied confirmation.

    Sani-Omolori said that he was not in a position to answer political questions and referred the question on Magu to Saraki.

    Saraki noted that the options are the President can lobby the legislature or present someone else at the event of rejection of a nominee.

    Saraki said: “The point I am making is that we should not make too much news on the process of electing a presiding officers. What is important is for the members of the Senate to decide who is the best to lead them so that they can have stability.”

    On non- confirmation of Magu, Saraki said: “The truth really is that the issue of confirmation whether ministerial or other appointments, is done by the entire Senate.

    “Generally, we have an unwritten practice that we would get the input of senators from the state where the appointee hails from before we start the screening process in the Senate.

    “By the powers of the Senate if such a nominee is rejected, then it is upon the executive to find a new replacement.

    “The issue really is that the Senate has the powers to reject a ministerial nominee.

    “In a situation where the Senate rejects, it is up to the executive at that time to send in a replacement or in some cases, when we have appointment rejected and the executive will re-present before the Senate but if the senators again, took a decision to reject the nominee, the appointment stands rejected.”

  • National Assembly to resume Feb 26

    THE National Assembly yesterday shifted its resumption date earlier scheduled for tomorrow.

    According to a statement by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Mohammed Sani-Omolori, senators and House of Representatives members will now resume plenary on February 26.

    Omolori said the shift in resumption of plenary was informed by the postponement of the presidential and National Assembly elections, which is now to take place on Saturday, February 23.

    The statement read: “This is to inform all distinguished senators and honourable members that resumption of plenary session earlier scheduled for Tuesday, February 19, 2019, has been postponed to Tuesday, February 26, 2019, due to the postponement of the national elections.

    “All distinguished senators and honourable members are expected to resume plenary session by 10a.m. on the February 26, 2019.”

  • N’Assembly shifts plenary resumption over election postponement

    The National Assembly on Sunday shifted its resumption date earlier scheduled for 19th February 2019.

    According to a statement by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Mohammed Sani-Omolori, Senators and House of Representatives members will now resume plenary on February 26, 2019.

    Omolori said that the shift on the date of resumption of plenary  was informed by the postponement of the Presidential and National Assembly elections which is now to take place on Saturday February 23, 2019.

    Read also: Poll Shift: INEC retrieves sensitive materials from LGs in Plateau

    The statement read “This is to inform all Distinguished Senators and Honourable members that resumption of plenary session earlier scheduled for Tuesday 19th February, 2019 has been postponed to Tuesday 26th February, 2019 due to the postponement of the national elections.

    “All Distinguished Senators and Honourable members are expected to resume plenary session by 10 am on the 26th February, 2019.”

  • National Assembly set to receive 2019 budget from Buhari

    The Senate on Tuesday resolved to hold a joint session with members of the House of Representatives to receive President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2019 budget estimates.

    The resolution followed a communication by President Buhari which sought audience to present the Appropriation Bill at a joint session of the National Assembly.

    Senate President, Bukola Saraki, read the presidential letter on the floor of the upper chamber.

    The same letter was read and adopted in the House of Representatives last week.

    It is however feared that the ongoing industrial action by members of Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), may negatively affect the smooth presentation of the budget.

    During the presentation of the 2018 budget, National Assembly workers who also threatened to disrupt the process of the presentation of the fiscal policy were directed to stay at home by management.

    Meanwhile the workers’ industrial action took a toll on the two chambers of the National Assembly.

    Many senators and members of the House did not attend Tuesday’s plenary.

    Some of the lawmakers who saw the intimidating number of angry workers at the main gate to the Assembly complex made detour apparently to avoid being caught in a web of crisis.

    The sitting of the Senate was delayed because the upper chamber could not form the required quorum of 37 members.

    A head count of senators in the chamber showed that less than 30 members attended plenary.

    Saraki entered the chamber around 12.10 pm to behold an empty hollow.

    The Senate President was not deterred as he went on to conduct the business of the day around 12.30pm.

    To show the severity of the situation, only two items on the Order Paper were accommodated before the lawmakers adjourned plenary at 1.05 pm

    Findings showed that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris and Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Bichi, did not deploy fresh operatives to the National Assembly as requested by the National Assembly management

    The leadership of the National Assembly, had late on Monday night, asked the Police and the DSS to ensure adequate security within the vicinity of the National Assembly from yesterday to enable members and staff come in and perform their legitimate duties without any hindrance.

    Read Also: Workers shut down National Assembly

    The directive was said to have been given after a meeting of the joint leadership of the two chambers with the management and representatives of the security agencies.

    The meeting was also said to have been initiated by the political leadership to listen to the management led by the Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), Mohammed Sani-Omolori on efforts made so far to address the grievances of the striking staff.

    The letter read, “The leadership of the National Assembly called the meeting because they know that almost all the issues raised by the striking workers were being addressed by the management.

    “And after listening to the CNA, it was unanimously agreed that the management had made sufficient plans and efforts to address all the grievances of the workers and ensure their happiness.

    “We were sure that the issues raised by the workers have been well attended to and that it is necessary for the business of the National Assembly to continue without any disturbance.

    “Both chambers must hold their normal plenary tomorrow morning to prepare the ground for the visit of President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday, December 19, 2018 to present the budget proposal to the joint sitting of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

    “We have therefore mandated the security agencies to perform their duty of maintaining law and order in the National Assembly Complex and its surrounding. They must enforce the laws which allow the striking workers to down tools if they choose to and also the ones which restrain them from disturbing those who choose to work or stop parliamentarians from entering the chambers or their offices to do the work for which they were elected.

    “Senators and members of the House of Representatives, their aides, other workers and people who have legitimate business within the National Assembly Complex are therefore advised to come in as they will be free to operate without any hindrance and molestation.

    “If President Buhari is unable to present the budget proposal on Wednesday as scheduled Nigerians should hold the security agencies responsible for failing in the performance of their duties”

    The statement was signed by the Clerk, Sani-Omolori.

     

  • Non-payment of salary: Workers shutdown National Assembly

    Members of Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), Tuesday made good their threat to disrupt activities at the National Assembly.

    The workers in their numbers shutdown the National Assembly over alleged non-payment of salary and other allowances

    The two chambers of the National Assembly were barricaded by the plea cards bearing workers as they stopped Senators and House of Representatives members from accessing their offices.

    Read Also:Buhari approves enhanced salary structure for Police

    Principal Officers, including Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, Speaker House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara and his deputy Lasun Yusuff, were not left out.

    Some of the protesting workers took over the National Assembly lobby chanting solidarity songs as they displayed their numerous plea cards with various inscriptions.

    Others mocked Senators and House of Representatives members as they staged a fake parliamentary session with one of them bearing the mace.

    The workers had at the weekend threatened to picket the National Assembly over claim of non-payment of salary and allowances.

    The Clerk to the National Assembly, Mohammed Sani-Omolori, however insisted that the protest was uncalled for especially when the demands of the workers were being treated.

    The workers vowed to continue the protest until Sani Omolori was removed from office.

    They claimed that efforts to explore dialogue with the management failed to yield expected result.

    They also claimed that since Sani-Omolori came on board, 28% increase of Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS) which was captured in 2018 budget has not been paid.

    “The money has been released alongside other releases, and we ask where is our allowance?”

    “We will not rest on CONLESS until we receive alert. Omolori must go,” the workers chanted.

    PASAN issued a statement at the weekend to alert the National Assembly management of its planned protest scheduled for three days beginning from Tuesday (today).

    Some of the plea cards read “Pass our condition of service bill; CONLESS is not tied to 2018 budget; give us our CONLESS; bank loans are killing; No alert no sitting; Stop Omolori now before he stops Nigeria democracy, Omolori must go; We are not slaves.”

    When Saraki succeeded in paving his way to address the protesting workers, he assured them that the leadership of the National Assembly would meet management to resolve issues at stake.

    Saraki also assured that the two chambers would take steps to fast track the passage of the Condition of Service for National Assembly bill.

    The Senate President pleaded with the workers to call off their protest as their demands would be met.

    Senate Leader, Ahmed Lawan, said that the protest was not against the leadership of the National Assembly but against the management.

    Sani-Omolori on his part said: “It is a matter that has been on for some time now and we have tried to explain to them; we approved salary increase for them which was captured in 2018 budget but as it is today, it is a common knowledge that the level of implementation of the 2018 budget, especially the new addition to the National Assembly, which has not been implemented – that is where we had hoped that the addition would be paid.

    “So, to the extent that the money has not been released there is no way we can make the payment.

    “We told them it is wrong and we tried to prevail on them to try to see through things in the correct way. As a matter of fact, I wrote a letter to them and I also had series of formal and informal consultations with their leadership up till yesterday (Monday) to make them back out of what is clearly an act that is not in tune with their own rules.

    Asked if he is worried by the action of the workers, Omolori said: “I am worried that in an institution that you think people should be able to look at things properly and then they are not looking at it that way that is why I am worried.

    “I still insist that they need to be a bit patient with the system. Like I said, in my reply to them; in an unprecedented manner, the presiding officers acceded, without hesitation to their requests for this increment. It was bargained with them and they captured it in the budget.

    “So, how is it in their (lawmakers) powers, if the money is not released? And in any case, the reality on the ground is that it is not only the National Assembly that is suffering from non-release of funds. That is the reality of the Nigerian situation. So, I think we all have to be patient.”

     

  • NASS announces new date for resumption

    NASS announces new date for resumption

    The National Assembly (NASS) has announced a new date for the resumption of federal lawmakers from the annual recess.

    The resumption of the lawmakers was earlier fixed for September 19 but has been shifted by a week to now resume on September 26, 2017.

    Clerk to the National Assembly, Mohammed Sani-Omolori, in a letter to the lawmakers did not give reasons for the one week postponement.

    It reads: “This is to inform all distinguished senators and honourable members of the National Assembly, of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, that the resumption date of both Houses in plenary have been rescheduled from Tuesday 19th September 2017 to Tuesday 26th September 2017.

    “All distinguished senators and honourable members are by this notice requested to resume sitting in plenary on Tuesday, 26th September, 2017 at 10am prompt, please.”

    The postponement, it was gathered might be as a result of the ongoing massive renovation in the White House that housed the Chambers and the administration offices of the National Assembly bureaucracy.

  • Sani-Omolori emerges Clerk of National Assembly 

    Sani-Omolori emerges Clerk of National Assembly 

    Mohammed Sani Omolori has emerged as the substantive Clerk of the National Assembly (CNA).

    Sani-Omolori, who until the latest appointment was the acting CNA following the expiration of the former CNA Maikasuwa, was the Clerk of the House of Representatives and the most senior Officer in the service of the National Assembly.

    The confirmation of Sani-Omolori was a vindication of the position of the governing board of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) that stood its ground when the Senate President, Bukola Saraki kicked against the appointment in May 2016.

    Saraki’s position was that the Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly, Benedict  Efeturi, whose retirement from service was less than six month then ought to be appointed as acting CNA rather than Sani-Omolori.

    The matter got to a head when some members of the board disowned the decision of the 440th meeting of the Commission where Sani-Omolori was appointed as the acting CNA.

    However, the Commission resisted the interference of the Senate President and stood its ground in appointing Sani-Omolori as the acting CNA.

    Wednesday, in a letter confirming Sani-Omolori as the substansive CNA and signed by the Executive Chairman of the commission, Dr. Adamu Mohammed Fika, the appointment was in recognition of Sani-Omolori’s hard work, dedication to duty and responsible conduct as well as loyalty to the Leadership of the National Assembly.

    It reads in part: “I have the pleasure to inform you that the National Assembly Service Commission has at it 443rd Meeting approved the confirmation of your appointment as Clerk to the National Assembly.

    “This appointment takes effect from 15th August, 2016“.

    The Chairman also urged the new CNA to continue to demonstrate positive attributes to justify the confidence reposed in him by the Commission and the Leadership of the National Assembly.

    The presiding officers of the Senate and the House of Representatives were formally informed of the appointment for record purposes.

  • Acting Clerk: “I did not reject Sani-Omolari’s appointment”

    Acting Clerk: “I did not reject Sani-Omolari’s appointment”

    • You are a liar, traitor – NASC commissioners

    ‎One of the commissioners, who allegedly rejected the appointment of Mohammed Sani-Omolori’s as Acting Clerk of the National Assembly has denied ever opposing the appointment.

    The commissioners, Idi Adamu Ningi on Monday said that at no time did he reject Omolori’s appointment.

    In a letter made available to our reporter in Abuja, Ningi declared support for Sani-Omolori’s appointment as Acting Clerk.

    The Commissioners in a statement issued yesterday explained the circumstances which led to Ningi’s signature being among those who rejected Omolori’s appointment.

    They noted that signatures of commissioners on the list taken were those from an attendance sheet from a meeting which held between the commissioners and Senate President Bukola Saraki at his residence.

    ‎”On Tuesday, 26th April, 2016, I was informed of a meeting of the Commission with His Excellency, the President of the Senate in his house at 7pm of that day. Myself and one of my colleague – Alhaji Rufai Tuta arrived after 7pm, having missed our way trying to locate the Senate President’s house.

    “On arrival, we met four of our colleagues already seated – Elder Yepwi, Funmilayo Lamuye, Paul Oweh and Joseph Oru. About five minutes later, His Excellency, the Senate President walked in and after exchanging pleasantries, he spoke about the way the issue of the appointment of the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly was handled by the Commission and essentially expressed displeasure about it.

    “My colleagues, who all spoke before me recalled their contributions at the meeting of the Commission where the decision on the appointment was taken. I spoke last and only offered apologies to His Excellency as it was apparent that he was not happy with the Commission; assuring him that we cannot annoy him intentionally.

    “Mid-way into the meeting, the Deputy Senate President walked in and joined us. While I was speaking, one of my colleague (amongst the four we met at the residence) walked towards my seat with a sheet of paper which he gave to my colleague sitting close to me – Alhaji Rufai Tuta to sign and thereafter gave it to me. I noticed the paper was merely to write our name, the zone we represent and signature to indicate our attendance at the meeting and I signed accordingly.

    ‎Ningi continued: “I am therefore shocked and surprised to learn that I signed a document. No document was presented at the meeting and I did not sign any document but an attendance sheet.

    “I could not have signed any document dissociating myself from the decision of the Commission as I had earlier (on the 19th April, 2016) in a handwritten note – attached – expressed my support for the appointment of Alhaji Sani Omolori as the Clerk to the National Assembly in Acting capacity.

    “Let me seize this opportunity to express my deep and sincere respect and loyalty to His Excellency, the President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki and the Deputy President of the Senate – Mr. Ike Ekweremadu and to pledge my unflinching loyalty to and confidence on the Executive Chairman of the Commission – Dr. Adamu Mohammed Fika,” Ningi said.

    But in a swift reaction, six out of the commissioners who attended the meeting with the Senate President lambasted Ningi saying he lied.

    The commissioners in a counter statement issued on Monday described‎ as unfortunate Ningi’s denial, adding that they were disappointed at his inability to stand by his word.

    The statement reads: ‎”It has come to our attention that a member of the commission, Idi Adamu Ningi, has denied rejecting the appointment of Mohammed Sani-Omolori as Acting Clerk of the National Assembly.

    “It is unfortunate that he could speak from both sides of the mouth, an action which speaks of how much of a liar and traitor he is.

    “We expect that a man of his age and standing should know better than to‎ publicly deny a position he had earlier taken in the last meeting, which held between us and the Senate President in the interest of the commission which has been brought to disrepute owing to the crisis rocking the commission.

    “More so, to think that Idi Ningi could fall so cheap for financial inducement shows that he is not one to call a dependable ally, neither is he in anyway worthy of confidence. His recant demonstrates a lack of maturity that glaringly tells about his character. He is a betrayer and sellout,” the statement said.

  • Saraki rejects Sani-Omolori’s appointment as NASS clerk

    Senate President, Bukola Saraki, on Friday rejected the appointment of Mr. Mohammed Sani-Omolori as Acting Clerk of the National Assembly.

    Saraki asked that Sani-Omolori’s letter of appointment be withdrawn immediately as his promotion did not follow due process.

    He said Mr. Benedict Efeturi who is Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly and who has previously acted as the Clerk of the National Assembly ought to have been “ the first to be considered” for the position.

    The Senate President in an April 22 memo titled: “Withdrawal of letter of appointment of Acting Clerk of the National Assembly” to the Executive Chairman, National Assembly Service Commission, Dr. Adamu M. Fika, wondered why the Commission ignored the directive that it should follow due process and ensure that seniority is considered in the appointment of a new clerk of the National Assembly.

    Mr. Sani-Omolori was appointed on Tuesday to replace Alhaji Salisu Maikasuwa who is scheduled to proceed on terminal leave on May 14.

    Since the appointment of Omolori, tongues have been wagging over why seniority was not followed in the appointment.

    Saraki in the memo signed by his chief of staff, Isa Galaudu, said: “Please recall that during your last meeting with the President of the Senate on April 20, 2016, the procedure of the appointment of the Acting Clerk of the National Assembly was discussed.

    “The Commission was directed to follow due process and ensure that seniority is adhered to. Of course, Mr. Benedict Efeturi who is Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly and who has previously acted as the Clerk of the National Assembly should be the first to be considered.

    “Most importantly, you have been directed to confer with the President of the Senate the outcome of the Commission’s meeting before a letter of appointment is issued and regrettably that did not happen.

    “The President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives were informed that Mr. Efeturi was not considered for the appointment because he was not duly appointed as Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly. On further enquiries, we found he was duly appointed by the National Assembly Service Commission.

    “Consequently, I am directed by His Excellency, the President of the Senate, to inform you that the letter appointing Mr. Sani Omolori as Acting Clerk of the National Assembly be withdrawn immediately for further consultations.”

  • Reps shift resumption to December 16

    Reps shift resumption to December 16

    …Authentic impeachment list out soon- Gbajabiamila

    The House of Representatives has extended its resumption by two weeks.

    The House was due to resume on Wednesday from its recess which began on October 28.

    However, the Clerk of the House of Representatives, Mohammed Sani-Omolori, in a statement on Tuesday said the House will now resume on December 16.

    According to him, the postponement was necessitated by the political party activities leading to primaries to be conducted by all political parties during the period.

    It reads: “This is to notify members of the House of Representatives that the resumption of the House from recess earlier scheduled for December 3, 2014 has been postponed.

    “The House will now resume on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 at 10am.

    “The Leadership of the House of Representatives took note of the adjustment in the calendar of the political parties and took the decision for the postponement to allow members of the House participate in the forthcoming primaries of their political parties.”

    In a related development, the All Progressives Congress caucus in the House has washed its hands off a list purported to have the signatures of lawmakers rooting for the impeachment of President Goodluck Jonathan.

    A statement issued by the Leader of the opposition in the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, described the list as “fake.”

    A list of over 200 lawmakers from the House of Representatives, including principal officers of the House from the Peoples Democratuc Party (PDP) were published in some online platforms as those that had signed Jonathan’s impeachment list.

    But Gbajabiamila said the real list would be made public soon.

    The statement reads:

    “The general public is hereby advised to disregard a fake impeachment list published by some online publicists for obvious sinister intentions.

    “None of our APC members in the House of Representatives is party to the fake impeachment list.

    “The authentic impeachment list would be published in due course and we urge our constituents across the country to be so guided.”