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Tag: Nasir el-Rufai

  • APC not opposed to true federalism – Odigie-Oyegun

    APC not opposed to true federalism – Odigie-Oyegun

    National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, said the party was not opposed to true federalism as perceived in some quarters across the country.

    He stated this on Thursday in Abuja while inaugurating a 24-member committee on True Federalism to articulate the party´s position on restructuring of the country as agitations in that regard increased.

    According to Odigie-Oyegun, it is only the APC that can claim ownership to the principle and the need for true federalism in the country.

    “When we sat down to discuss the union of the APC, it was one of the principal issues that were almost like a no-go-item that we negotiated and agreed.

    “And as such, the Constitution and the manifestos of the party are very elaborate in their references to true federalism and devolution of power.

    “It is therefore totally inconceivable for uninformed members of the public to jump on this bandwagon of reconstituting the federation,” he said.

    He added that such members of the public gave the impression that the APC was “in any way against the principle of taking a fresh look at the basis of our federalism”.

    Odigie-Oyegun insisted that true federalism was already a mantra to the APC, and must be looked into without jeopardising the fundamental unity of the country.

    He tasked members of the committee to have a critical look at issues of devolution of power, fiscal federalism, resource control and others thrown up following recent clamour for restructuring of the country.

    He, however, stressed that APC’s Constitution and manifesto vigorously canvassed the issues, adding that they were elaborately provided for.

    The chairman said that the party´s position on the issues had been eloquently stated in the terms of references of the committee.

    “It is your duty, especially having regard to the emotive nature of the national discourse on restructuring, to distill from our party constitution and manifesto the various ideas canvassed in different constitutional conferences.

    “I expect you to look at whatever document available on this subject and to look at whatever views and recommendations available on it.

    “I also expect, at all times, that your anchor will be the constitution and manifesto of the party, because it is on that manifesto that we went to the public of this nation.

    “I ask you to generate a report which will truly reflect the desire of our people and a true reflection of what our party stands for,” he said.

    He added that it was critical to ensure that the party met the desires of Nigerians on their idea of true federalism.

    In his response, Kaduna State Governor and Chairman of the committee, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, said that APC believed in balanced federation and fiscal federalism and was doing well in that regard.

    “We can give example as state governors of the level of participation of states in certain economic policy directions for the country.

    “This government has also taken steps to devolve power and responsibility to states, without any constitutional amendment to states.

    “We have seen more cases of federal assets and roads being taken over by states willingly,” el-Rufai said.

    He disclosed that the committee had met three times and had identified 12 key issues to be discussed by Nigerians to ensure a clearer direction on issues of restructuring.

    He said that the committee would visit 12 states in the country to meet with the people at the grassroots to collate their views on the issues with a view to proffering solution.

    El-Rufai said some of the issues to be looked into were state creation, regionalism, land tenure system and revenue allocation.

    He added that the committee would also utilise social media platforms to interact with the people across the country.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 24-member committee, which has nine states’ governors, women, youths and some leaders of the APC, was constituted on July 9.

    Member of the committee are Gov. Rauf Aregbesola of Osun, Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau and Gov. Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun.

    Others are former governor of Edo, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor; APC National Organising Secretary, Sen. Osita Izunaso; APC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi and Hajiya Fatima Balla.

    Sen. Olubunmi Adetunmbi is the committee’s Secretary.

    The committee is expected to complete its assignment within three months.

  • Fresh crisis rocks Kaduna APC over delegates election

    Fresh crisis rocks Kaduna APC over delegates election

    Fresh crisis rocked the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna on Sunday, as the party’s Senators and House of Representatives members from the state, alongside other members of the party under the auspices of APC-Akida group kicked against recent election of the party congress delegates.

    Political thugs allegedly sponsored to disrupt the APC-Akida’s press conference injured a journalist and destroyed property at the Kaduna NUJ secretariat, venue of the press conference.

    APC party leadership had during its own press conference earlier on Sunday morning commended its members for conducting a successful congress ahead of the party’s non elective convention in Abuja.

    Acting Publicity Secretary, Salisu Tanko Wusono, while addressing journalists at the party secretariat commended the dedication of the team from the national headquarters of the party who organized the exercise, and officials of INEC that monitored the congress.

    He said APC in Kaduna state welcomes the outcome of the congress, stating that the exercise has demonstrated and consolidated the party as a united entity, vibrant and supportive of the values that brought the APC into being.

    “We call on the national headquarters of the party to expedite action towards enabling us to fill party offices that are currently occupied by officials in acting capacity, as provided for in the APC constitution,” Wusono said.

    Speaking on dissenting voices within the party, Wusono said, “It has come to the notice of the Kaduna state APC that some disgruntled elements want to tarnish the reputation of the party. These persons have been unrelenting in their effort to destroy the party and sap the spirit of its members. They have failed over three years, but they continue trying. They abuse the party process, and accuse the party of every ill, but their real goal is to hijack it.”

    “As leaders of the APC, charged with the duty of managing the party in Kaduna state, it is obvious that we are obliged to reject and dismiss any attempt to hijack what is entrusted in our care. The party is aware that these disloyal persons feel frustrated that they were not able to sabotage the congress we just conducted. As is their habit whenever party spirit defeats their politics of ego, these persons will soon be making wild claims. They cannot be considered serious.”

    But addressing newsmen later in the day  at the NUJ secretariat, Spokesman of APC Akida, Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi, representing Kaduna North Senatorial zone, alleged that, they were at the party secretariat last Friday from 2:30pm waiting for the party leadership and observers from the national headquarters to conduct the delegate conference till 7:30pm nobody showed up.

    Hunkuyi was flanked by Senator Shehu Sani, APC gubernatorial aspirants, Hon Isah Ashiru and Alhaji Haruna Saeed Kajuru, servings reps, Alhaji Hassan Shekarau, Alhaji Mohammed Usman, Malam Musa Soba, Dr. Tijjani Ramallan, Alhaji Audi Yaro Makama and Ambassador Sule Buba among others.

    APC Akida said it has written petition to the national leadership of the party rejecting what it called ‘selection of delegates’ for the convention and requesting the party to come and organise an acceptable delegates congress following the guidelines that would yield acceptable delegates from the state.

    Also speaking, Senator Shehu Sani representing Kaduna Central Senatorial zone, said the symptoms being shown by APC in Kaduna state is what killed PDP in 2015. “In no way should anybody accept any list concocted in the Government House palace. We won’t bow down to any tyrant. A list was prepared and sent to Abuja, we would not accept it.”

    Before the arrival of the APC-Akida group, some hoodlums stormed the NUJ premises chanting that, they won’t allow the press conference hold.

    However, despite the presence of about 30 armed policemen, few of the thugs made their way in, almost towards the end of the press conference and unleashed mayhem on journalists and left a cameraman from Liberty TV injured, while some cameras were destroyed and phones, tape recorders and other valuables were carted away.

    But Governor Nasir El-Rufai in a swift reaction condemned the thugs attack on the journalists, saying nobody will be allowed to stifle freedom of expression.

  • PDP faults APC leaders, governors over handling of President’s health

    PDP faults APC leaders, governors over handling of President’s health

    Rumours on the President’s health were debunked again yesterday.

    He is not confined to a chair, Nasarawa State Governor Umar Tanko Al-Makura said.

    President Muhammadu Buhari hosted an All Progressives Congress (APC) delegation in London on Sunday. The Presidency released the photograph of the meeting and a short story on the visit. After a brief silence, the critics returned to action yesterday, insisting that the President is gravely ill.

    Al-Makura was in the delegation led by APC National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun. Also on the visit were Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, Governors Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna) and Yahaya Bello (Kogi).

    Al-Makura said the President was “agile, mentally alert” and brainstormed on state matters for about an hour with the delegation during the meeting at the Nigerian House in London.

    He described those doubting the photograph of the meeting as being “comical”.

    The governor, who spoke exclusively with our correspondent shortly after returning from London, said: “The President is fit enough to return anytime.”

    “We did not only visit the President, we walked, we sat down with him and we fraternised the way we used to do. He was not confined to any chair or any place.

    “The President was really looking himself and very healthy. He was very alert, very concerned about the country and he was abreast of the latest issues in Nigeria. He has information on everything going on in the country.

    “He maintained his agility, his strength, his wit and the alertness of his mind. As far as I am concerned, the President can come back anytime from now. He is fit to return home.”

    Al-Makura said: “For about an hour, we brainstormed on a number of issues, especially about national interest and the unity of this country. We spoke generally on how to handle issues or policies that will enhance the quality of life in this country.

    “The President also tried to find out how each state was doing from the governors on the trip. And he asked questions from party leaders and all members of the delegation.

    “After a long session, we ended up on the dining table where we feasted with the President.”

    On the allegation that the trip was a make-believe, Al-Makura said: “Anyone can embark on wishful thinking. I was a member of the delegation and I have told you the truth about the way we met and interacted with the President.

    “The onus is on who alleges to prove otherwise. Whoever says we didn’t go is casting aspersions on our integrity. This is really unfortunate. We have no cause to lie to Nigerians. I just came in this morning and I have all my travel documents intact.

    “I am surprised that anyone could say that we didn’t see the President. It makes me appreciate the extent to which a person can go comical.”

    Leading the critics is the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which has faulted the approach adopted by the APC and some government functionaries in communicating with Nigerians about the President’s health.

    In a telephone chat with our correspondent in Abuja, PDP spokesman Dayo Adeyeye chided the delegation, saying they were not being fair to Nigerians.

    Adeyeye said if the President was indeed well as shown to Nigerians, the APC delegation ought to have got from him audio and video messages to Nigerians.

    Adeyeye said, “For God’s sake, President Buhari was elected to represent about 200 million Nigerians and they are circulating just one photograph without any word from the leader.

    “That is not the right way to treat Nigerians who have been feeling the President’s absence from the country for close to three months. They are being unfair to the Nigerian people.”

    The opposition spokesman challenged the ruling party and its officials in government to do what others in the civilised world do in similar situations by providing detailed information on the President’s state of health.

    “The Presidency and the APC should learn to do the right. Nigerians deserve better treatment from a President they elected to run the affairs of their country.

    “It is very unfair to keep them in the dark concerning the health of the President only to be circulating just one photograph in the media for people who have been praying for the recovery of our President all this while”, Adeyeye added.

    Restating the commitment of the PDP to continue to pray for the speedy recovery of the President, Adeyeye maintained that the opposition party sincerely wished Buhari well.

    “As a party, we have been praying for the President’s speedy recovery and we will continue to pray for his recovery because when it comes to matters of health, nobody is immune to illness.

    “But the Presidency and the APC should stop taking Nigerians for granted with the way they are handling issues around the President’s health. This is not the way to treat a President they elected to govern them,” Adeyeye added.

  • ‘Insistence on Magu as EFCC boss violates democracy’

    ‘Insistence on Magu as EFCC boss violates democracy’

    A former Attorney-General of Ebonyi, Mr Benjamin Igwenyi, said the Presidency was undermining checks and balances principle by insisting that Ibrahim Magu remained Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman.

    Igwenyi, a constitutional lawyer, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

    He said that the statement credited to the presidency on the issue violated the constitutional mandate of the National Assembly to confirm nominees.

    The presidency had on Thursday said that Magu would remain the EFCC boss even with the refusal of the Senate to confirm his appointment.

    Speaking through Gov. Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State at the inauguration of EFCC zonal office in Kaduna, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo said Magu would remain in office for the tenure of the present administration.

    According to Igwenyi, the presidency`s statement was in the wrong direction because it undermined the practice of checks and balance, the foundation of every progressive democracy.

    “He should have been more polite in saying what he wanted to say.
    The law was made that the chairman of the EFCC should be cleared by the Senate.

    “The law made provisions for the appointment of the chairman and that law was affirmed by the president in accordance with the Constitution.

    “Somebody’s name was submitted pursuant to that law; he was rejected the first time by the people. The second time, he was also rejected by the people, which by implication means that Nigerians have rejected the man.

    “And, the president in his personal wisdom feels that that man must be there. Why must it be Magu? Don’t we have other officers who can serve? There are so many of them.

    “The three arms of government should have respect for themselves because in law, nobody is bigger.

    “The national assembly has the power of confirmation.

    “If a public officer has been turned down twice during screening, even if the person is in acting capacity, it means you need to bring a replacement for that individual.

    “I think what the acting president should concern himself with is posterity, because whatever you do, are for the upcoming generation to come and see.

    “We should avoid laying precedence that will have capability of consuming us as a nation,’’ Igwenyi said.

     

  • FG to create jobs through dry ports – Amaechi

    FG to create jobs through dry ports – Amaechi

    The Federal Government has expressed its commitment to establish dry ports or Inland Container Depots (ICDs) in the country to create jobs for unemployed youths and diversify the economy.

    The Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi said this on Tuesday during the final inspection of the Kaduna Inland Dry Port.

    “We are doing everything possible to create jobs. Whatever we need to do to get the port running, we will do it.

    “The rail will soon start running before the end of the year, which will be used to deliver goods at the port.

    “Everything is set for commissioning because we have the land, warehouse and all but we want to wait for the completion of the roads.

    “We want to wait for more activities in the dry port before we get the president to commission it.

    “I have visited Jos and they are doing a good job and they promised to be ready by June. I have visited Kaduna and what I have seen is commendable”, he said.

    Amaechi commended the Kaduna State Government, saying “the job it is doing is very good”.

    He said the contributions from the government were high, adding the support was appreciated.

    The Gov. Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State said that the initiative was from the previous administration.

    He said that the state government would provide the necessary infrastructure needed to implement the initiative.

    He said that the government would fix the roads leading to the port and create more exits to avoid the congestion being experienced at the Apapa port.

    “We inherited this project from the previous administration and we thought it was a project worthy of our support and we did everything we could to make sure it works.

    “We tried to do whatever we could to ensure that the infrastructure that is required to make the project a reality is done.

    “The road will be reconstructed with concrete pavement and we realised that we do not want to replicate the problem of Apapa port because it only has one exit and one entry”, El-Rufai said.

    The governor, however, urged the company to employ the indigenes and talented youths of the state to reduce the challenge of unemployment.

    “We want to support this work because 85 per cent of the population of Kaduna State consists of young people below the age of 35 and our biggest challenge; and our economic policy focus on creation of jobs.

    “So, I appeal to you to make the best use of the facility.

    “The Kaduna State Government will be a partner and we will direct all the companies that we are attracting to Kaduna to use this facility.

    He appealed that the local people should be used for them to benefit from the project rather than “importing import people from other states”.

    “Kaduna State has talents. We have young people here and we expect you to give preference to them”, he added.

    Speaking earlier, the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Mr. Hassan Bello, appreciated the state government and the Federal Government for their support for the project.

    He said that among all states where inland dry port was located, Kaduna gave the highest support in ensuring that the project was completed.

    Bello, however, appealed to the state government to construct accessible roads and provide proper infrastructure for the importation and exportation of cargoes.

    He said that the Kaduna Inland dry port could be used for imports and exports to and from all over the world.

  • Quit order: Christian leaders declare 30-Day fasting, prayers

    Quit order: Christian leaders declare 30-Day fasting, prayers

    A religious group under the auspices of Non-Indigenous  Christian Leaders Network (NICLN), Kaduna State has called on all Nigerians to embark on a 30-day fasting and prayers against the quit notice issued to Igbos by the Arewa Coalition groups to leave the North.

    In a statement signed by NICLN Chairman, Rev. Joseph Ajayi and Secretary, Pastor Vitalis. S. Yahemba, while condemning the threat explained that it becomes necessary for clerics to declare prayers for God intervention in the land.

    The statement described the quit notice by the self-style ‘Northern Youths’ as evil, disgraceful and a serious threat to national security and unity, stressing that the Arewa youths action is also capable of inflaming chaos and disunity in the country.

    According to the Christian leaders, Nigerians should celebrate the nation’s diversity and live together in peace and harmony as brothers and sisters.

    The statement reads:” while the security agencies and the government are handling their aspect, we call on all Nigerians of different religious background to embark on a 30- day fasting and prayers for God intervention in our land. The leadership of the non-Indigenous Christian Leaders Network (NICLN) Kaduna State views with great concern and disappointment, the ultimatum issued by a coalition of Northern Youths groups to Igbos to vacate the Northern part of Nigeria within three months.”

    “It is the constitutional right of every law abiding Nigerian to stay anywhere, live in peace, move freely and carry out legitimate duties in any part of Nigeria. What we are saying is that urgent steps should be taken to nip this satanic outburst in the bud”

    We appreciate the timely statement issued by the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai on this volatile issue”

    We are also calling on the Igbos in the North and northerners living in the South East region of the country to ignore the so called “Kaduna declaration” and remain where they are currently living”

    “We are in democracy and freedom of association and speech are allowed. However, any association or speech by anyone capable of throwing the nation into serious problem must not be allowed. In view of this, the network is calling on Corporate Affairs Commission to cancel certificates of incorporation or registration of any registered group that promotes disunity in their utterances and hate speeches. Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand,” the statement said.

     

  • Nobody can issue a quit notice to anyone – Police

    Nobody can issue a quit notice to anyone – Police

    The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, has ordered the Commissioner of Police (CP) in Kaduna State to investigate and arrest members of the Coalition of Northern Youths for issuing an ultimatum to South Easterners living in the North.

    The Coalition of Northern Youths on June 6, at a news conference in Kaduna, gave a three-month ultimatum to South Easterners living in the North to leave.

    It had also ordered Northerners living in the South-Eastern part of the country to return to the North.

    The group attributed the ultimatum to the constant agitation by the Igbo ethnic group to have their own independent country.

    Also, Gov. Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State had ordered the investigation, arrest and prosecution of the signatories to the communique issued at the end of the coalition of a northern youth news conference.

    The I-G gave the order at a meeting with Commissioners of Police and other high ranking officers on Thursday in Abuja.

    He warned that no individual or group of persons had the right to ask any individual to leave his or her place of residence in any part of the country.

    He ordered other state commissioners of police in the North and Assistant Inspectors – General of Police in the various zonal commands to do same.

    He said: “as Commissioners of Police and Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, we have the responsibility to stop this group of persons from carrying out their threats.

    “I want us to be at alert to ensure that such persons or group were stopped at all cost from carrying out their threats.

    “No individual has the authority to stop anybody from looking for his daily bread.

    He explained that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to live in any part of the country he or she chooses.

    On abuse of siren and spy number plate by unauthorised persons, Idris said that a task force would be constituted across the country to check the ugly situation.

    He noted that some individuals used them to commit crimes in the society, adding that synergy between the force and other security agencies was critical to its operations.

    “We are going to check the excesses of these individuals who use the siren and spy number plate,” he said.

    The police boss urged the various commands to beef up security in their formations as security challenges were taking different dimensions.

    He said the force had started the establishment of some operational units in the commands across the country to tackle emerging security challenges.

    He added that “we are facing new security challenges in the country and we have to respond to it.

    “We are trying to enhance our capacity with the establishment of these units, taking into consideration the new security challenges in the country.”

    He explained that every commissioner of police was in charge of units in his or her
    command, weather they were from the Force headquarters.

    Idris urged state governors to support the force by establishing these units for an effective response to security threats across the country.

  • Jonathan tackles El-Rufai over Ecological Fund

    Jonathan tackles El-Rufai over Ecological Fund

    …Says El-Rufai lied

     

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday disagreed with Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai over how the Ecological fund was utilized under his administration.

    El-Rufai on Thursday after the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja had claimed that Jonathan gave N2 billion each from the Ecological fund to PDP states without any emergency or ecological needs.

    But Jonathan on Friday replied that El-Rufai has an incurable knack for lying, which he said has been proven by El-Rufai’s boss, former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

    Jonathan, in a statement by his Media Adviser Ikechukwu Eze, said that Obasanjo had described El-Rufai in his book-My Watch Volume 2 as follows: “Nasir’s penchant for reputation savaging is almost pathological. Why does he do it? He is brilliant and smart. I grant him that also. Very
    early in my interaction with him, I appreciated his talent and brilliance. At the same time, I recognised his weaknesses; the worst being his inability to be loyal to anybody or any issue consistently for long, but only to Nasir el-Rufai. He barefacedly lied which he did to me against his colleagues and so-called friends. I have heard of how he ruthlessly savaged the reputation of his uncle, a man who was like, in the African setting, his foster father. I shuddered when I
    heard the story of what he did to his half-brother in the Air Force who is senior to him in age.”

    With such a description, the statement said Jonathan was not surprised at El-Rufai’s recent comments after the just concluded National Economic Council meeting where he
    accused former President Jonathan of only sharing the National Ecological Fund to PDP States.

    El-Rufai had said “What President Goodluck Jonathan did was to take N2bn each from the
    Ecological Fund and gave to some PDP states. Any PDP state that was not his friend, like Kano and Kwara, didn’t get.”

    Jonathan’s spokesman said “It is so easy to expose Malam Nasir El-Rufai as a liar being that
    Akwa-Ibom, a PDP state governed by the then Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and a close confidante and major supporter of the then President, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, did not get the monies alluded to by Malam El-Rufai from the Ecological Fund as did multiple
    other PDP states including Ekiti state, a state governed by a thoroughbred patriot and Jonathan supporter, Ayo Fayose.

    “Also, it is false that non-PDP states did not get monies from the fund. Nemesis catches up faster with liars than any other agent of evil.  El-Rufai was probably led by the gods against his own sinister plot to confess in another breathe that States under non-PDP parties like APGA and Labour party also benefitted.

    “The fact remains that the Ecological Fund is a specialized fund with certain constitutional requirements which must be met before a state can access the funds. Every state benefitted from the fund under President Jonathan who bent over backwards to accommodate states that
    had difficulty meeting the criteria for accessing the fund.

    “El-Rufai’s sinister narrative was intentionally silent on the over N10 billion specially deployed to fund  the Great Green Wall (GGW) project in some northern states, in view of the need to work with the rest of Africa on the African initiative to check desert encroachment in the
    Sahelian states. These states included Zamfara, Jigawa, Kebbi, Sokoto, Katsina and Adamawa.

    “Others are Yobe, Borno and Kano which belong to Mallam El-Rufai’s class of ‘non-friendly’ states that he alleged never benefitted from any discretionary fund.

    “Similar principle applies to the conditions for accessing the Universal basic Education fund where some states have not had access to what is due them, because they are yet to fulfill the mandatory criteria for allocation. Would it then be right in the name of El-Rufai’s position on equity to blame the failure of those states to access their UBEC funds on Jonathan?

    He said that it is really sad that judicious presidential interventions to tackle emergencies and other pressing national needs are being interrogated in a rather facile manner, by those who never got tired of playing dirty politics.

    He urged Nigerians to recall that it was not the first time that El-Rufai has vented his known passion for lying against the former President.

    “The public will recall that in October 2015 he falsely alleged that former President Jonathan spent a whopping N64 billion on Independence Day celebrations, during his tenure when in fact only N333 million was spent.

    “Nigerians may also recall that this same El-Rufai falsely accused former President Jonathan and former CAN President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor of founding and funding Boko Haram to the tune of N50 billion.

    “We can only wonder what new false accusation El-Rufai may come up with tomorrow, as with him it is a case of one day, one lie!

    “We therefore urge Nigerians to “be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” whenever this notorious liar opens his mouth,” he stated.

     

  • FG to pay N2 billion Ecological fund each to 19 states, FCT

    FG to pay N2 billion Ecological fund each to 19 states, FCT

    …NEC to review Land Use Act

     

    The National Economic Council (NEC) next month may approve payment of N2 billion each from the Ecological Funds to 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Briefing State House correspondents at the end of the NEC meeting chaired by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, said that the disbursement is part of recommendations of his committee’s interim report submitted to NEC on Thursday.

    Stressing that the recommendation was to ensure fairness to states that were not given anything when former President Goodluck Jonathan shared N2 billion each to People’s Democratic Party (PDP) controlled states from the Ecological Funds.

    According to him, his 11-man committee, which comprised of governors, Minister of Finance and some permanent secretaries, will submit the final report during NEC meeting in June, where NEC will decide on the recommendation.

    The committee, he said, was asked to look at the operations and management of the one per cent which the Federal Government shares.

    He said “The committee established beyond all doubts that in 2013, the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan gave N2 billion to certain states of the federation but excluded other states.

    “The states that got it were all PDP states and states of other parties that were sympathetic to the PDP like Labour Party in Ondo and APGA in Anambra State. 19 states and the FCT did not get the N2 billion from the Ecological Fund.

    “These states are Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Borno, Edo, Ekiti, Imo, Jigawa, Kano, Kwara and Lagos.

    “Others are Nassarawa, Niger, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Yobe, Zamfara and the Federal Capital Territory

    “So essentially what President Goodluck Jonathan did was to take N2 billion each from the Ecological fund and give to some PDP states. Any PDP state that was not his friend like Kano and Kwara didn’t get. And all the other opposition party, like no ACN state got anything, no ANPP state got anything.

    “This, the committee of the council consider discriminatory and recommended that the 19 states and the FCT that did not get the N2 billion in 2013 be given N2 billion each to level the playing field.

    “Thereafter very clear criteria for accessing the fund will be recommended to the council for the consideration of the federal government,” he said.

    According to him, there is a Presidential directive that the Ecological Fund office must maintain a balance of N20 billion out of the present N33.6 billion in the Ecological Fund.

    This, he said, is to cater for any emergency or any natural disaster requiring intervention.

    From the total money in the fund, he said that the balance of about N13 billion will be available for distribution to the states that were discriminated against.

    “As I said, 19 states and the FCT making it 20, so it isn’t enough to give them N2 billion each.” he added

    He went on “So what we did was to give an interim report on how the entire ecological fund has been utilized from May 2010 till date. And we realize that a lot of the deployment of the funds was based on discretion of the President and there is need to establish very clear criteria for the use of the 65 per cent of the federal government share among the states of the federation.

    “But the committee recommended to make partial payment to these states that were discriminated against by President Jonathan. Council defied decision on that until we submit out final report which will be submitted to NEC in the meeting of June.

    “The council appreciated the enormous work the committee did and particularly appreciated the permanent secretary of the Ecological Fund office for providing detailed information about the operations of the Fund.” he stated

    He pointed out that the N2 billion each given to the states by the former President was purely on discretionary basis and not on any identified Ecological problem or any project request.

    According to him, it was given to favoured states not based on criteria or any request based on emergency.

    “It was just a handout to favoured states and other states that were not so favoured were discriminated against.

    “So our committee recommended that to level the playing field every state be treated equally, the federal government should give those states that did not get.

    “My state got because my state was governed by the PDP and was very friendly with Jonathan. In my state the amount was used to do some Ecological projects but in some states the money simply vanished. But in my state, it didn’t vanish. The projects were done, we are looking into those projects because the prices did not look right, the quality in one or two cases is not the best but some projects were done.

    “So we are saying in fairness the other states that did not get this N2 billion on discretionary basis should be done. This is why President Buhari is here to right the wrongs of the past,” he said.

    Bauchi Governor, Mohammed Abubakar said that the Council received the report of an Ad-Hoc committee set up by NEC to study the report of the Presidential Technical Committee of the Land Use Act regulations.

    He said “The presidential committee submitted its report on 26th of September last year. As a result of that the Nigeria Governors Forum set up its own committee comprising Surveyor General of the states of the federation of Nigeria to study that report of the presidential technical committee and come up with recommendations.

    “So when NEC received the report of the committee, an adhoc committee of six was set up with myself as chairman to study both the report of the technical committee and report of the Forum of Surveyor general of the federation and then compare the two reports and make recommendations to council.

    “The reason for setting up the technical committee at the onset was because of the encumbrances being faced in the interpretations given in the Land use Act over time from the time of promulgation in 1978 to date.

    “So the adhoc committee studied the two reports and made recommendations to council.

    “The main basis of the recommendation was the observance of true federalism. You know despite the various interpretations and comments made about the Land Use Act as a unitary law, actually the Land Use Act for the first time is one Act of the federal government that has made a categorical statement with respect to federalism by conferring control over land in the governors of the states and not a unitary system where the federal government will now control land. So this was what the adhoc committee had in mind when it was making its recommendations along with the presidential committee.

    “So at the end of the day all the recommendations that tended to temper with the powers of the governors over control of lands in the state were expunged from the report of the presidential technical committee.

    “Council finally received the report of the adhoc committee favourablly, in fact Council gave another assignment to that ad committee with a view to looking at areas of conflict in the Land Use Act and the minerals Act. There are situations whereby companies will come to Abuja to the Mining Casdastal and obtain license to prospect for minerals in the state. And the go and immediately commence prospecting without minding the fact that it been granted to some other people by governors who have control over land with certificates of occupancy. So this led to a lot of conflicts. So council has extended the life of this adhoc committee to look into this with a view to making recommendations.

    Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha said that the Council also reviewed many money issues as it affects the nation.

    He said “We were made to understand from the office of the Accountant General that the excess crude account as at May 24th stands at $2.3 billion. Council also reviewed the discrepancies in figures and we have said that the Accountant General will go to look at it and at the next meeting he will brief the council appropriately.

    “As regards the loan support what is called the budget support facility for states which is suppose to come to an end by the end of this month, council was concerned about the fact that we are gradually coming out of recession and if this budgetary support ceases at the end of May, it might create some lapses in our bid to stabilize the economy. So council resolved that the budgetary support be extended to enable states catch up with the economy challenges of the moment.

    “The good news is that we have been reliably informed that crude production at Forcados terminal will soon commence and this will in any small way help the  economy and the stabilization of the economy and for us to get out of recession as quickly as possible.

    “But the highlight of the whole discussion today’s was a special commendation that the Council made on the Acting President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who we have all resolved to call a systems stabilizer given the fact that Mr. President is on medical vacation, the system is still as smooth as it has always been. So, we commended the Acting President for a job well done.”

    He maintained that the Paris Club refund was not a free money, but money owed state governments.

     

  • Kaduna generates N6.7bn IGR from Jan to April – Official

    Kaduna generates N6.7bn IGR from Jan to April – Official

    The Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KDIRS) said  it generated N6.7 billion as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) between January and April.

    The Executive Chairman of KDIRS, Muktar Ahmed, announced this in Kaduna on Thursday at a news conference to mark the second anniversary of Gov. Nasir El-Rufai led-administration.

    Ahmed said the state’s monthly revenue generation had increased from an average of N1.4 billion in 2016 to N1.7 billion in 2017.

    He reiterated the commitment of the service to attain its monthly revenue target of N4 billion.

    The KDIRS chairman said that the target was achievable, considering the efficiency in tax collection, courtesy of the new tax law in the state.

    According to Ahmed, the tax law has designated KDIRS as the only revenue collection agency in the state.

    He said that discussions were ongoing with the 77 revenue generating agencies in the state to abide by the provision of the law, to improve efficiency of tax collection.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Kaduna State Tax (Codification and Consolidation) Law 2016 has automated all revenue collection and criminalised physical cash collection of tax.

    The chairman, however, acknowledged challenges being experienced in the process, particularly in rural areas where there were no banks.

    He said that the service had employed the services of money agents certified by the Central Bank of Nigeria and would soon deploye Point of Sales (POS) in all rural communities to ease tax collection.

    Ahmed said people’s negative attitude towards paying tax was the bane of collection in the country.

    “Tax is a word many Nigerians do not want to hear. Our attitude towards paying tax is not encouraging at all.

    “Maybe because tax payers hardly see what their money is used for. But this has changed with the coming of the APC administration.

    Ahmed said that Gov. Nasir El-Rufai had mandated the service to set aside N1 billion monthly for infrastructure across the state.

    “As you can see, hospitals are being renovated, roads are being repaired, drainage systems are being constructed and several other ongoing infrastructure across the state.

    “This is a conviction that tax payers’ money is being injected into infrastructure development in the state.

    “Therefore, people no longer have any reason not to pay their tax consistently and as at when due.”

    He disclosed that tax payers owed the state N5 billion in arears, stressing that KDIRS would utilise legal means to ensure that every tax payer met the tax obligations.

    The KDIRS chairman advised tax payers to, in their own interest, endeavour to pay taxes or face legal action.