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Tag: Muhammadu Buhari

  • Nigeria lost $157.5b to illicit financial flows between 2003-2012, says Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari has revealed that Nigeria lost an estimated US$157.5 billion to illicit financial flows between 2003 and 2012.

    Quoting from the 2014 Global Financial Integrity Report in his address to the High-Level National Side-Event organised by the African Union Development Agency and New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday in New York, on the margins of the 74th United Nations General Assembly, under the theme, “Promotion of International Cooperation to Combat Illicit Financial Flows and Strengthen Good Practices on Assets Recovery and Return to Foster Sustainable Development,” the Nigerian leader noted that such massive loss of assets, resulted in dearth of resources “to fund public services or to alleviate poverty,” in the country.

    Buhari, in a statement by the Special Adviser on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, issued in the early hours of Thursday, added “This is why, as Africans, we have no choice but to break the back of corruption.”

    Acknowledging lack of sufficient capital and corruption as impediments to socio-economic development of the continent, the President emphatically restated his administration’s anti-corruption campaign:

    “That is why our government has made it a war we intend to win.  We will give all it takes to ensure there is no hiding place for purveyors of corrupt practices who are truly enemies of the people.”

    Harping on the need to strengthen good practices on asset recovery and return, President Buhari said that, “In the last five years, our government has made significant progress to curb corruption,” adding: “We have recovered millions of dollars stolen from our country.”

    He noted, however, that “there are still a lot of other funds that are stuck in foreign bank accounts due to international laws, different jurisdictions and justice systems that make it difficult for repatriation.”

    Describing Illicit Financial Flows as “illegal movement of funds from one country to another,” President Buhari lamented that, “These flows deplete Africa’s internally generated revenues, foreign exchange earnings, reduce tax revenues, drain natural resources, facilitate corruption and stunt private sector development.”

    Read Also: On Buhari’s new economic team

    Citing tax avoidance as another form of illicit financial flow, he quoted the Tax Justice Network and the International Monetary Fund to have estimated over US$200 billion per year as “being lost by developing countries when multinational enterprises do not pay taxes in the countries where they made the profit.”

    “This amount is significantly higher than the annual development aid received by these countries which are estimated to be about US$143 billion,” he added.

    Commending the organisers of the meeting designed to finding “pragmatic ways to promote international cooperation to combat illicit financial flows and strengthen good practices on asset recovery and return, as an arm of sustainable development policies in Africa,” President Buhari also lauded their “shared commitment to root out corruption from our continent.”

    According to the Nigerian President, “I am motivated by the belief that, if we join hands, we can bequeath to our children an Africa that is not defined by corruption.”

    Emphasizing the imperative of international cooperation towards stemming the incidence of illegal financial flows, President Buhari said, “Any lasting solution to the above challenges will require international cooperation and coordination,” of African countries and their international counterparts.

    “This is one reason why the Nigerian Government supports this initiative of AUDA/NEPAD and remains committed until we ensure that there are no safe-havens for stolen assets from Africa,” he declared.

    On his expectations of the outcome of the meeting, the Nigerian leader said: “I have high expectations for this meeting.  At the end of the deliberations, I expect other African leaders, to see the pragmatic ideas on how to strengthen our anti-corruption institutions to reduce or effectively eliminate Illicit Financial Flows.

    “We need ideas on how to return the stolen assets to their countries of origin.  We also need strategies on how to plug the loopholes that enable companies to avoid paying commensurate taxes in their countries of operations.  You should deliberate on practical ideas to enhance global acceptable assets tracing and freezing, and boost the recovery governance framework.”

    Wishing the meeting also attended by the Presidents of Zambia and Ethiopia successful discussions, President Buhari said he looked forward to reading its resolutions and recommendations.

     

     

     

  • On Buhari’s new economic team

    Sir: The recent dramatic action taken by Muhammadu Buhari has been variously interpreted as the crucifixion of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and the Yoruba race. Even in these days of national emotion, and ethnic disorder, this is an exaggeration and not the views of many people in the Southwest or among the Yoruba race.

    The new body that was setup is a purely professional one, aimed at energizing the economic well-being of this country. Compared with the Economic Management Team (EMT) presided over by the vice president, it is not a collection of key cabinet ministers and some important administrators of this government. To me, it now appears the president is on the right track of moving our country forward or to the next level. We must admit it, the former body was merely a branch or a sub-committee (plus a few technocrats) of the Federal Executive Council. It was the same people Osinbajo met at FEC that he presided over at the lower level of his former Economic Management Team (EMT).

    If we care to have a look, a dispassionate look at Buhari’s Economic Advisory Committee, it is a think tank forum for serious minded professionals-economists, public finances experts, most of whom have had some connections or attachment to multinationals in Africa and at the World Bank at large. They are people who would not like to please and shower praises on the president at every turn and by every turn. They are professionals who will talk straight and look straight at Buhari’s face.

    On the other hand, Prof. Osinbajo is a very loyal, committed and willing supporter of the president. It is hard to come by a deputy to a president or a head of state that is more vigorous and loyal to his boss. But may I ask fellow Nigerians if these are the only qualities needed now for our struggling economy where over 100  million Nigerians are struggling under the poverty line? Osinbajo is not an economic planner. He should be left to where he belongs, legal and administrative matters. No country in Africa is blessed more than we are in the skills required to develop and advance economy. We should not play cheap like some others who will jump and defend ‘their own’, right or wrong

    I guess the next three to four years will be crucial to the well-being of Nigerians and therefore to the peace and stability of our country. No political jargon ever ensures stability and peace. What restrains restlessness among the youth is ability to make a living out of life. It is not how many voting process or free elections that our country may go through to ensure peace and progress in our community. It is simply ability to put food on the table which the new Economic Advisory Committee must consider to be its number one priority.

    I want to advise the Afenifere faction that pretends to spit fire every time on any issue, the contending parties constituting the Yoruba Council of Elders and the newly inaugurated Yoruba leadership that the Yoruba are so civilized, so exposed, so informed that no desperate attempt for self or group recognition can turn the Yoruba Race into negative partners in the Nigerian project. Most of our people young and old are fortune seekers who cling to one nomenclature or the other to be able to earn a living. No, the Yoruba have passed that state.

    May I humbly repeat that the economy of this country needs constant appraisal, re-appraisal, re-positioning and turning that our joint efforts must be seen to rise above linguistic and ethnic pursuit. The Yoruba must rise and attempt to meet the basic moral and nationalistic position of Obafemi Awolowo who considered his personal well-being, far less important than the progress and stability of our nation. Indeed we have a history to be proud of. Let us now rise to the occasion by seeing the well-being of our country our major concern.

     

    • Asiwaju Deji Fasuan; MON, JP; Ado-Ekiti.

  • Presidency faults online reports criticizing Buhari’s response at UN climate summit

    The Presidency has faulted media reports criticising President Muhammadu Buhari’s participation at the United Nations Climate Action Summit 2019 on Monday.

    A statement by the President’s Media Office on Wednesday said the controversy that followed the summit was uncalled for.

    It reads “On Monday September 23, 2019, President Muhammadu Buhari participated alongside other world leaders at the United Nations Climate Action Summit 2019.

    “Since then, we have seen conversations on Twitter doing what Twitter allows many people to spend a lot of their time on: getting things horribly wrong and/or focusing on the wrong things, while completely missing the real/meaningful/actual message.

    “And so, this is a backgrounder/explainer, focusing on Nigeria’s commitment to climate action, under the Buhari Administration.

    “The Climate Action Summit was convened by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, to provide an opportunity for world leaders to, “come to New York on 23 September with concrete, realistic plans to enhance their nationally determined contributions by 2020, in line with reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45 per cent over the next decade, and to net zero emissions by 2050.”

    “The theme of President Buhari’s panel was, “Towards a Resilient Future” — with the rider: “Announcement of plans to mainstream climate risk in decision making.”

    “So, note that the goal of the panel was to elicit ‘announcements’ from the panelists on behalf of their respective countries: Fiji, Nigeria, Netherlands, the Bank of England, etc. In other words, panelists were billed to deliver remarks announcing their country/organisation plans to build a resilient, climate-sensitive future.

    Read Also: Buhari’s double shuffle

    ‘To address the theme of the event, President Buhari chose to deliver prepared remarks.

    “And the moderator’s question, was, in keeping with the theme: “President Buhari, Nigeria has a very young population; perhaps you might highlight what a pathway for a resilient future looks like?”

    “The President did exactly that, in his prepared remarks, over the next few minutes, highlighting what a “resilient future” will look like in Nigeria — by focusing on the administration’s policies (the ones already being implemented, like the Green Bonds, and the ones set for implementation, like the new tree-planting campaign, and the energy mix target).

    “His prepared remarks were wholly in alignment with the theme of the Panel event, and the question he was asked.

    “Keep in mind that as panels often work, the moderator’s question was meant to invite/usher him to take the stage, and share his remarks. As a panelist it was up to him to choose to respond ex tempore, or to go the ‘prepared remarks way.’

    ‘He chose the prepared remarks way. And most importantly, he touched on the issues re: mainstreaming climate action for the future and for the young people of Nigeria.

    “The only story here, for all serious minded people, is what he said, and what it means for the future and for the young people of Nigeria. His remarks read in parts:

    “I share the sentiment expressed by the Secretary-General that the world is on the verge of climate catastrophe. Undeniably, Climate Change is a human-induced phenomenon.

    “In the water sector, Nigeria will issue a Green Bond for irrigation and construct multi-purpose dams for power, irrigation and water supply. We will strengthen solid and liquid waste management systems to attract more private sector investors.

    “We will mobilize Nigerian youths towards planting 25 million trees to enhance Nigeria’s carbon sink.

    “Specifically, Nigeria is progressively working to realize 30 percent energy efficiency and renewable energy mix by 2030.

    “Furthermore, the Federal Government has commenced the implementation of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Programme in Ogoniland, to recover the carbon sink potential of the mangrove ecosystem of the one thousand square kilometers (1,000 KM2) polluted site in the affected area.

    “Finally, permit me to add that the forty million citizens in the Lake Chad area expect this Summit to take into consideration their concerns. They anticipate that the outcomes of this meeting would include solutions to address the Climate Change impact in the Lake Chad area.”

    “We believe that the important things for young people of Nigeria to do now should be around holding the government to account on these ‘announcement’ and promises, and ensuring they are fulfilled and delivered in a timely manner.

    “One of the most exciting should be the tree-planting campaign. Ethiopia recently set a world record on that account — perhaps Nigeria’s young people might even be able to pressure the Government into scaling up the ambitions of our own planned tree-planting campaign.

    “Therefore the online hysteria is completely unnecessary.” it stated

     

     

     

     

     

  • Why we focus on security, infrastructure development – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday in New York, at the sidelines of the 74th UN General Assembly, met with President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa of Portugal, and explained why Nigeria was investing heavily on infrastructure development.

    The president, in a statement by his spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja, said no country would develop without investments and infrastructure.

    He said: “We are a large country, with vast population and poor infrastructure. But we need people to come and invest, that’s why we are focusing on roads, rail, power, airports, and many others. Without infrastructure, investment would be slow.”

    He thanked Portugal for its “steadfast support” to Nigeria on many fronts, adding that “concern about global issues is genetic for Portugal.”

    Buhari said the Sahel was awash with illegal small arms, exacerbating the security situation in the North East of Nigeria, but added that government was doing a lot to bring things under control.

    On security in the Gulf of Guinea, he solicited for the support of Portugal, saying most of the stolen crude oil from Nigeria and other countries pass through the region.

    Read Also: Only democracy acceptable in Ghana, Africa – Buhari

    The president said in the second term of his administration, “we will consolidate on what we started in the first term, so that I can thereafter retire in peace and comfort.”

    The Portuguese president commended what he called “the excellent relations” between his country and Nigeria.

    He said: “We have Portuguese companies in Nigeria; we share the same opinion on international issues; we share your worries; follow closely what is happening in the Sahel, and we support you in fighting terrorism.”

    Sousa, who revealed that Portugal would be hosting Euro-African Forum in 2020, invited Buhari to declare the event open in Lisbon, “even if it’s for half a day.”

    He said it would be a great honour to have the Nigerian leader in Portugal, “and we have been waiting for you to visit for three years. Many African leaders have come, but we want Nigeria.”

    NAN

     

     

  • Atiku heads for Supreme Court as APC files counter appeal

    PEOPLES Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the last presidential election, Atiku Abubakar, and his party have asked the Supreme Court to reverse the decision of the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) which upheld President Muhammadu Buhari’s victory.

    Atiku and the PDP made the request in a notice of appeal containing 66 grounds which they filed on Monday.

    They said PEPC erred in law in its resolution of the five issues it identified for the determination of their petition.

    The PEPC, in its judgment on September 11, resolved the five issues against the petitioners and in favour of the respondents – the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), President Buhari and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has also filed motions challenging sections of the September 11 judgment.

    In a cross appeal, the party is asking the Supreme Court to reconsider PEPC’s decision to accept evidence by three witnesses (numbers 40, 59 and 60).

    They are Atiku’s spokesperson Segun Showunmi, a data expert David Njorga and a data analyst Joseph Gbenga.

    The APC, through its lawyer Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), also wants the court to remove at least 42 paragraphs from PDP’s petition.

    Atiku and the PDP faulted the PEPC for holding that President Buhari did not need to attach his academic qualifications to the form CF 001 submitted to INEC to secure clearance to participate in the election.

    On ground one of the appeal, the appellants argued that the learned Justices of the Court of Appeal erred in law when they relied on “overall interest of justice” to hold that the second respondent’s Exhibits R1 to R26, P85 and P86 were properly admitted in evidence.

    They also faulted the Justices of the Court of Appeal on the other grounds.

    In pointing out the errors, the appellants submitted that the Appellate Court gave restrictive interpretation to Section 76 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) in order to exclude Form CF001 from its provisions.

    Read Also: Why I am pursuing judicial option for my mandate — Atiku

    “The conduct of election by INEC, which is the first respondent, starts with the screening of candidates. No candidate can be screened unless he completes Form CF001 (Exhibit P1).

    “In Form CF001, under the column for ‘Schools Attended/Educational Qualification(s) With Dates’, there is the clear provision: ‘Attach evidence of all educational qualifications.’

    “Certificates are evidence of educational qualifications.”

    The appellants submitted that “Form CF001 is designed to take care of the provision in Section 31(2) of the Electoral Act (as amended)” regarding the “list or information” a candidate is expected to submit and verify by an affidavit.

    “The prescription in Form CF001 for a candidate to attach evidence of all educational qualifications is part of statutory requirements. Form CF001 is made pursuant to statutory provisions.”

    On ground four, Atiku submitted that the learned Justices of the Court of Appeal erred in law when they held thus: “There was/is no pleadings in the petition to the effect that the second respondent’s failure to attach his certificates to Form CF001 amounts to lack of educational qualification to contest the election.

     

     

     

  • Buhari to governors: don’t fix Fed roads if you will ask for refund

    DUE to the huge amount requested by state governors after repairing Federal roads in their domains, President Muhammadu Buhari has asked them to stop fixing such roads.

    Works and Housing Minister Babatunde Fashola stated this at a two-day interactive session with the Francis Uduyok-headed Ad Hoc Committee on Abandoned Federal Government Projects (Works) from 1999 till date.

    Fashola said: “What has happened to states; that’s another thing. The states submitted a bill of almost N1 Trillion when President Buhari was elected. He asked us to work out what was their entitlement and all of that.

    “Ultimately, the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) certified about N454 billion. I don’t remember the exact amount now, except for two states. I think Cross River… There’s another state that didn’t have the documents at the time…

    “But the decision to pay those inherited debts, including the ones I contracted as governor of Lagos, was with the caveat that I should tell the governors to leave Federal roads alone. Those were the directives. I was not the one that took the decision.

    “He said, ‘Tell them not to fix my roads again if they’re going to claim compensation. If you want to fix it and not ask for compensation, send me what you want to do. But if you want compensation, go and mind your business while I mind my business. This is because I have inherited enough debts.’”

    Giving a breakdown of the roads, the minister said Federal roads constituted about 18 per cent of the national road network, covering about 200,000 kilometres.

    He said the remaining 16 per cent belonged to the states and 64 per cent to the 774 local government areas.

    Fashola explained that the amount of inherited debts was more than the budget of the ministry. “So, that’s the reality,” he said.

    Read Also: Insecurity: Group calls on Buhari to tighten security in borders

    On the complaint by the National Assembly that the ministry was overstretching itself thin by handling 472 road projects at once, the minister said the incessant demands by lawmakers was partly responsible for the high number of projects in the ministry and conversely, continuous budget cuts was responsible for the abandoned projects.

    The minister said there must be a stop to new projects to allow for the completion of old projects.

    He said consensus and sacrifice were necessary for development “because our money is not enough for what we want to build”.

    To solve the cash flow problem, Fashola said the ministry was looking towards raising capital from the organised private sector (OPS), such as SUKUK and Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund.

    According to him, the SUKUK fund was targeted at about 28 roads out of 472 federal road projects.

    This, he said, was initiated by the Buhari administration to target some important projects, including the Second Niger Bridge, East-West road, Lagos-Ibadan-Abuja-Kano rail projects and the Mambilla Power project.

  • Buhari appoints Ladan as NIALS DG

    PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has appointed Prof Muhammed Tawfiq Ladan as the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS).

    He succeeds Prof Deji Adekunle.

    A letter from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha reads: “I am pleased to inform you that President Muhammadu Buhari has approved your appointment as Director-General Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies for an initial term of four years.

    “This appointment is with effect from 9th September 2019…Please accept my congratulations and best wishes on your appointment.”

  • Workers now getting N30,000 wage, says Ngige

    JUNIOR workers in the employment of the Federal Government have started receiving the N30,000 minimum wage, Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige, said at the weekend.

    Ngige, who spoke in Enugu, said the payment to levels 1 to 6 commenced last month.

    His claim was corroborated by the National President of the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU) and a member of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council Mr. Lawrence Amaechi.

    According to Amaechi, the junior workers received the new wage as their August salary.

    The minister dismissed the claim by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) that the Federal Government was reluctant to pay the new minimum wage, which was signed into law in April by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The minister said the only issue at stake was the executive cadre of Grades level 7 to 17, which required consequential adjustment that is still being negotiated.

    Ngige said: “The major hurdle in the minimum wage issue has been crossed. We have crossed the rubicon and the rubicon was getting a new rate for the minimum wage. And the minimum wage is the lowest remuneration paid as compensation to a worker for his services and this is for the least paid worker in Nigeria.

    “It is for those on lowest rung of the payment ladder. And in the public service, it is for the workers on Grade Level 1 Step 1. We moved it from N18, 000 as in the old Act to N30, 000. To me, that was the major crossing of the rubicon.

    “When you do that, there is what is called consequential adjustment upstairs because you have by moving N18, 000 to N30, 000 crossed some salary grade levels and surpassed them.

    “Therefore, you must get those people that you have crossed and passed to a higher level than N30, 000, which the lowest person now is earning. So, that is the history of the consequential adjustment.

    “And when you also do that for the lower level, Grade Level 1 to Grade Level 6, the executive cadre, which starts from Grade Level 7 to 17, you must also give them a consequential movement, so that they will have a feel that their subordinates have moved up to make them, because some people now in Level 6 now move into old Level 10 salary structure by the new minimum wage adjustment.

    “So, you see now that this is something you must do across board, consequentially. But, will the rates be the same? No. From Grade Level 1, anything you are doing there is consequential and must be done through negotiation or what we call in labour parlance, collective bargaining.

    “And once you do collective bargaining and agree on something, it is what you call Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). So, it is the collective bargaining that is now done for consequential adjustment.

    “Labour knows that, in consequential adjustments and even in collective bargaining, there are cardinal principles guiding CBA and part of the principles guiding CBA is ability of employers to pay, because there is no need for employer going to agree on something he cannot pay and tomorrow, you are back to the negotiating table. So, that is what is there.

    “Unfortunately for government, after the agreement was signed into law by the President on April 18, by May 29, the cabinet was dissolved. So, the committee of government, government side negotiation was cancelled.

    “The members were the Ministers of Finance, Budget & National Planning; Labour, Head of Service of the Federation and the Secretary to Federal Government (SGF).

    “Everybody, except the Head of Service, was dissolved by implications. So, permanent secretaries by implications moved in to fill the gaps. And they were the people who started negotiating with the Joint Negotiating Council of Labour, because we have what is called Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), that is a public service council.

    “This is because what we are now talking about are workers in the public service, not workers in the private sector. The private sector workers are supposed to do their own negotiation with their employers. But, negotiation with government workers, because public service is government, is what is now going on and which is stalemated.

    “I have told you that we exited as ministers and so, the former committee did not have the original colour as it should be. Now that the cabinet has been formed, and even with the exit of Head of Service, that government committee will be reconstituted and plans are on for it to be reconstituted next week, so that we can then engage JNC, Joint Negotiation Council of labour.

    “We are not negotiating with the labour union executive simplicita because this does not concern every worker. It is workers in the public service, what you call public sector. So, there is a difference and that difference is what I want the public to know. This is one.

    “The second leg is that, between Grade Level 1 Step 1 to Grade Level 6, there is a partial agreement already and the consequential adjustment has been worked out and the Federal Government has paid the August salary based on the minimum wage. August salary has been paid. That is the report the accountant-general gave us in a meeting.

    “So, categorically, government has started partial implementation of minimum wage.

    Read Also: Ngige to APGA: 2021 is end of your reign in Anambra

    “They have started applying the minimum wage payment. So, they have paid in August. They are going to pay in September with arrears spanning from April 18 to workers in this band that I have so told you. And as for workers from Grade Level 7 to 17, that their negotiation with the committee of permanent secretaries, representing us, has hit the rocks, we, as government are going to reconstitute the committee and engage them.

    “So, they should not be issuing threat of strike because they know that government has not settled down. They know it. They have not seen my face in any of their negotiation because I have not gotten any briefing from those who were in the committee before us.

    “They have to do us a handover of where they stopped in the negotiation. That is how government functions and then, we take it from there. They have not done a formal handover. We are going to reconstitute a committee next week and the old committee will do a handover.

    “I can assure you that we’ll speedily negotiate with labour and the JNC. So, it is not good for them to say government is dragging their feet. They know the problem. They know government has not settled down. So, that is the situation.”

    Amaechi added: “They have gone to commence the payment. They told us that they have started the payment and we have confirmed from our members that they were paid in August and have promised to pay the arrears in September.

    “But negotiations have stalled for now and during our last meeting, we said that we were going to report to our principals, which we have done. We are waiting for directives from our members on what to do.

    “But, we have started mobilising against them and hope that they will see reason and improve on what they are offering. The meeting had adjourned and there is no date yet for the next meeting”

  • Senate to back Buhari’s plans on economy, insecurity, says Sani

    THE Senate will back President Muhammadu Buhari on his economic policies and in tackling security challenges, Senator Uba Sani said on Sunday.

    He hailed the inauguration of the “highly competent” Economic Advisory Council (EAC), saying it was a clear indication that the President was committed to building a virile economy.

    Sani, who chairs the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions, said Buhari has the lawmakers’ full support.

    The senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District spoke with journalists in Abuja.

    He praised the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for extending the cashless policy on deposits.

    On the need to grow the economy, Sani said: “The president has just passed a strong message that we need to reinvigorate our economy. We need to grow our economy because economic growth means an increase in real GDP.

    “Increase in real GDP means there will be an increase in the value of national output/expenditure.

    “The benefits of economic growth are huge; they include a higher average income, which enables consumers, especially the poor, to enjoy more goods and services and enjoy better standards of living; it also means that there will be lower unemployment.

    “And with advanced output and positive economic growth, firms will employ more workers, creating more employment.

    “It also helps to reduce government borrowing and increase tax revenues. With this, the government can spend more on public services, such as health, education, good roads and others.”

    Sani said Ahmed Lawan-led Senate would fast-track the 2020 Appropriation Bill once received and pass it within two months.

    “The perennial delay in passing the annual budgets in the past gave a wrong impression that the legislature was either ignorant of its responsibility or intentionally frustrating the efforts of the Executive. We need to change the wrong perception,” he said.

    Read Also: Senate flays criticisms over plan to buy N5.5b vehicles

    Early passage of the budget, he said, will promote growth and development and help the private sector to plan better.

    Sani said: “At macro level, prompt passage of the budget suggests speedy implementation of capital projects. This is critical to the growth of the economy because it has impact on growing the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    “The legislature and executive, though independent, must work harmoniously to address myriad challenges confronting our country. We must synergise to give our people a good budget and see to its prompt and effective implementation.”

    The Senator has no problem with the cashless policy.

    He said: “The cashless policy all over the world helps in reducing the inflow of illicit money.

    “Its major goal is to curb corruption, counterfeiting of notes, black/parallel economy, money laundering, funding of acts of terrorism and tax evasion. These are some of the illicit activities of the economy that a cashless economy can curb.

    “Electronic payments can also easily be tracked and no transactions will thus go unnoticed. And, if the government does notice fraudulent financial behaviour, it can block or freeze accounts – stopping the activity in its tracks.”

    On insecurity, Sani said the Senate would work closely with President Buhari to address the challenges.

    “Security and a sound legal system are critical for sustainable development. Our country has been confronting insecurity challenges of different dimensions. They have definitely taken a toll on our people and our economy.

    “We pay a huge price in confronting our insecurity challenges. The huge financial resources we have spent in fighting crimes in the past few years would have helped bolster our social services.

    “The Senate is committed and ever ready to support President Buhari in his current determination to strengthen security and the legal order, as well as addressing the socio-economic challenges confronting the country.”

    He called for patience as the Federal Government addresses the challenges.

  • Group demands unconditional release of Sowore, others

    A group, Peoples Alternative Front (PAF) has demanded the unconditional release of Omoyele Sowore and Olawale Bakare detained by the State Service (SSS) for alleged terrorism and treason.

    They described as unfounded, allegations of terrorism, treason and money laundering against Sowore insisting he was arrested for insulting President Muhammadu Buhari.

    A statement released on Sunday by PAF secretary Alloysius Eze said Sowore had been detained for almost two months contrary to the 45-day granted by a Federal High Court, and the DSS was yet to substantiate its allegations against him.

    “After detaining Mr. Sowore for almost two months the SSS found no evidence to substantiate the reckless allegations. Instead of releasing him from illegal custody Mr. Sowore has now been charged with insulting President Buhari by criticizing him at Arise Television interview and treasonable felony by planning to stage protests against unpopular government policies on August 5, 2019.

    “Mr. Sowore has also been charged with money laundering for transferring the sum of $19,975 (N7.2m) from his personal bank account to Sahara Reporters, an online medium published by him!

    Read Also: Release Sowore now, Ondo Monarch tells Buhari

    “With respect to Mr. Olawale Bakare (aka Mandate) he was arrested in Osogbo, Osun State during the revolution protest on August 5. Other comrades arrested with him have been charged with unlawful assembly at the Magistrate Court, Osogbo, Osun State by the Nigeria Police Force.

    “All efforts to contact Mandate since then have proved abortive as the SSS had denied detaining him. Mandate who has been held incommunicado contrary to Section 2 of the Anti-Torture Act, 2017, has now been charged with treasonable felony along with Mr. Sowore.

    “Since it has been established that both patriots have been detained for several weeks for terrorism without any legal basis we hereby demand for their unconditional release from the illegal custody of the SSS.

    “We also call on the Inspector General of Police to release Messrs Agba Jalingo and Ekanem Ekpo being detained in police custody for terrorism for insulting Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River State by publishing allegations of official corruption in Cross River State.

    “We agree with Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) that there can be no legal or moral basis for harassing patriotic citizens by the Buhari regime which is currently negotiating with terrorists and bandits, bribing them with public funds and granting them amnesty for arson and looting, gang raping women, kidnapping and killing innocent people.”