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Tag: NASS

  • National Assembly in fresh bid to sack Magu

    National Assembly in fresh bid to sack Magu

    •Buhari glosses over demand •Anxiety in President’s camp as confirmation of 45 nominees stalled in Senate

    In spite of a dinner rapprochement in the week, the National Assembly has launched a fresh plot for the removal of the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu.

    The lawmakers made the demand for Magu’s exit at a dinner with President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday night.

    There were indications that the Assembly might use the removal of Magu as a condition for the consideration of all outstanding appointments in the Senate.

    The latest onslaught by the National Assembly has however created anxiety in Buhari’s camp because of the stalling of the confirmation of the appointment of over 45 nominees in the Senate.

    But Buhari, who listened calmly, allegedly glossed over the request for Magu’s replacement.

    According to reliable source, who spoke in confidence with our correspondent, a Senator from the South-West re-echoed the need for the removal of Magu at the rapprochement dinner.

    It was learnt that the Senator was supported by a principal officer of the House of Representatives who was hitherto an ardent supporter of Magu.

    The top source said: “The face-off between the Executive and the National Assembly over Magu reared its ugly head again at a dinner the President had with the principal officers of the legislature.

    “What was meant for a new rapprochement by the two arms was turned into an agitation session with a Senator from the South-West demanding the sack of the Acting EFCC chairman.

    “The Senator wanted to know why the resolution of the Senate on Magu was not complied with.

    “Although a principal officer from the House of Representatives actually backed the Senator, the President was non-committal. He actually glossed over the request.

    “The lawmakers felt a bit shocked that the President was not forthcoming on their request.”

    “Apart from the concern over Magu, a principal officer of the House of Representatives also shocked the President on how he raised issues over non-appointment of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) into key positions.

    “The affected principal officer said lack of empowerment of APC members was making loyalty to the government difficult.”

    Findings however revealed that the President was “non-committal” because there are more than seven suits in the court over Magu’s continued stay in office.

    A presidency source said: “By his nature, the President does not act on the spur of the moment. He takes decision after considering all angles to it. He is always saying that he will account for his action in the Hereafter. He likes to be fair to all based on empirical evidence.

    “It is also subjudice for the President to make comments because the row over Magu’s confirmation has generated many matters in court. The lawmakers ought to know better on this.

    “The presidency is awaiting pronouncement by the court on this appointee. In the spirit of fairness, the President has no choice than to allow the status quo to remain. In fact, the Senate is a party to some of these cases.

    “Beyond the cases, there were other issues which cropped up including allegations against Magu which the President discovered were unfounded.

    “Although some forces in government wanted Magu out, there is also international dimension to it. Some donor agencies and a few countries collaborating with Nigeria on anti-corruption war were okay with the performance of Magu.

    “The President must weigh all options because the Magu saga is at the heart of the anti-corruption campaign which has defined this government.”

    But the National Assembly, especially the Senate, might go back to the trenches against the Executive over Magu.

    It was learnt that the Senate might not immediately decide the fate of over 45 nominees from the Executive because of its outstanding concern over Magu.

    It was gathered that the latest development has made some strategists of the President to meet on how to find political solution to the “row” over Magu.

    One of the key strategists said: “We are aware of the plot to stall the confirmation of these appointees since August but we will lobby the Senate to have a rethink.

    “The grouses of the Senate against Magu should not be tied to other appointees’ confirmation. We believe the President has started the rapprochement and the two arms will find a common ground.

    “Even the row over Magu is resolvable if the two arms can strike a political compromise.”

    Some of the  appointees awaiting confirmation are those of the National Pension Commission; the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB);  the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC); the new CBN Deputy Governor and members of the Monitoring Policy Committee (MPC); Chairman and chairman  of the Board of Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) among others.

    The list in the ICPC  includes Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, Chairman; Musa Abubakar   Secretary; and commissioners : Grace Chinda; Okolo Titus; Olubukola Balogun; Sam Ewang; Adamu Bello; Hannatu Mohammed; Abdullahi Saidu; Yahaya Daud;  and Khamis Mailantarki in the National Pension Commission, there are Alhaji Ali Usman Ahmed (Chairman);  Mr. Funso Doherty-Director-General with other Executive Commissioners  on the board like  Mr. Manasseh T. Denga; Abubakar Z. Magawata; Ben Oviosun;  and  Nyerere Anyim.

    At the Code of Conduct Bureau, we have Dr. Muhamma Isah (Chairman); and members including Murtala Kankia; Emmanuel E. Attah-; Danjuma Sado; Ubolo I. Okpanachi; Ken Madaki Alkali; Prof. S. F. Ogundare; Ganiyu Hamzat; Saad A. Abubakar and Dr. Vincent Nwanli

    FERMA board comprises Mr. Tunde Lemo (chairman); Nurudeen Rafindadi ; Buba Abdullahi ; Babagana Aji ; Shehu Abdullahi and Loretta Aniagolu; Mujaidu Dako ; Vincent Kolawole; Chukwunwike Uzo ; Olubunmi Siyanbola ; Abdulrazak Ma ‘aji ; Saidu Abdulkadir and Peter Osawe .

    Others are Aishah Ahmed as new Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and members of the Monetary Policy Committee of the CBN including Adeola Adenikinju; Aliyu Sanusi; Robert Asogwa and Asheikh Maidugu .

     

  • Presidency, NASS bicker over unfunded constituency projects

    Presidency, NASS bicker over unfunded constituency projects

    The unending frosty relationship between the Presidency and the National Assembly may deepen following renewed pressure on the former by the latter to as a matter of urgency release funding for federal lawmakers’ constituency projects as appropriated for in the 2017 budget.

    The Nation learnt that the alleged nonchalance of the presidency towards the request is already generating anger against it among the legislators.

    Since the inauguration of the current administration, the Executive and the Legislative arms have managed a not too cordial relationship with tempers rising on many occasions and leading to open hostilities between the two arms of government. But of late, the two institutions have managed to veil the no love lost relationship existing between them.

    Checks by The Nation revealed that, in the 2017 budget, N100 billion was set aside for constituency projects, also known as zonal intervention projects. The same amount was allocated for the controversial heading in the 2016 budget.

    In a similar scenario, the constituency projects provided for in the 2016 budget remained unfunded till late in the year, precisely in the month of October, when the Presidency which had earlier opposed the inclusion of the projects in the budget, caved in to pressure and made funds available for the controversial constituency projects.

    But this was not before several legislative approvals sought by president Muhammadu Buhari were either delayed or defeated by the then angry federal lawmakers. Good examples were the  $30 billion external borrowing plan, the 2017-2019 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP), and virement of N180 billion in the 2016 budget.

    The lawmakers it was learnt, have for months now, again been stepping up their demand on President Buhari to order the release of all funds allocated for constituency projects suggested by the federal lawmakers and put into the 2017 budget. Recalling the 2016 incident, the lawmakers are accusing the federal government of intentionally frustrating the execution of constituency projects.

    A member of the House of Representatives from Kwara State, while speaking on the issue, said members of the national assembly are currently unhappy with the presidency over the latter’s refusal to heed appeals that it should fund the zonal intervention projects immediately to avoid a repeat of what happened to the projects provided for in the 2016 budget.

    “As I speak, many of those projects are either nearing completion or half way done. Some are even yet to take off. This is as a result of the delay in funding the project last year. You will recall that they were not funded until very late in the year. And if you consider the fact that contractors have to be mobilised before they can move to site, you will understand the implication of such delays.

    “Now one organization called BudgIt recently claimed that less than 40% of the projects across the country were implemented. They failed to tell Nigerians that the presidency delayed the funding of the projects because it is the legislators who identified and suggested that the projects be carried out in their constituencies. They did not tell the world that the federal government is not interested in the projects.

    “But we are determined to get the project done irrespective of what the presidency and others feel. These projects are for our people who sent us here to represent them. We are not asking that monies be given to us. We are saying fund the budget so that these projects can be executed as outlines in the 2017 budget. It is wrong for anybody to delay such project since they have been appropriated for in the budget,” he said.

    Another federal lawmaker from Lagos State, while explaining the current situation, accused the presidency of playing games with the issue of constituency projects. He said it is obvious that the current administration is not keen about allowing the lawmakers to continue to suggest zonal intervention projects to be carried out in their constituencies.

    “We lawmakers don’t collect these funds. The money is not meant for us but for the projects we identified in the interest of our people. We select from a list of available options usually presented by the executives. It is the same executive that determines the contractors to execute the project. All we do is monitor the projects in our various constituencies.

    “This year’s budget has not been funded and no execution has taken place. Our grouse is that the federal government is not taking the zonal intervention project serious. You will recall that this government, through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation sometime ago told us there is no provision for constituency project in their administration. But for our determination to ensure the independence of the legislature, they would have had their way,” he said.

  • NASS resumes after two-month recess

    NASS resumes after two-month recess

    The National Assembly (NASS) resumed from its two-month annual  vacation on Tuesday.

    The two legislative chambers – Senate and House of Representatives – are expected to work on several bills and other matters of national importance when plenary resumes.

    In the House of Representatives, two important bills are to pass through third reading during plenary.

    The first is on the contentious National Roads Fund Bill, while the other is the Medical Residency Bill.

    Also listed in the procedure guide of the Speaker of the House, Yakubu Dogara, is the presentation of 20 bills which the Clerk of the House will read out to members.

    The report of the House adhoc committee on the urgent need to investigate the huge debts owed the Pipelines and Product Marketing Company (PPMC) by major and independent oil marketers would also be presented to the House.

  • Senate reassures on national unity

    Senate reassures on national unity

    The president of Senate, Bukola Saraki, has reassured of the National Assembly’s commitment to security of all Nigerians.

    Saraki stated this in a paper presented at the 13th Guild of Editors’ Conference and Extraordinary Convention on Friday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    He spoke on the theme: “Legislative Efforts and Focus on Pro-poor Issues: National Assembly Perspectives.”

    Saraki, who was represented by the Chairman of Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, assured that the NASS was alive and sensitive to its constitutional responsibilities and roles.

    He said the lawmakers would continue to create the enabling environment to produce “the greatest access to opportunity in a united and prosperous nation’’ for generations yet unborn.

    The Senate president commended the editors “for the new path and direction’’ the forum was carving for the journalism profession.

    According to him, the media is deeply involved in standing up against autocracy in whatever guise, a position shared by NASS.

    NAN

  • Constituency Projects: NASS, stakeholders endorse technology-enabled engagement

    Constituency Projects: NASS, stakeholders endorse technology-enabled engagement

    The National Assembly has acknowledged the need to scale up engagements and broad-based participation of citizens in the design and implementation of constituency projects in the country through the use of mobile application technology.

    The position of the legislature tallies with a firm position canvassed by other critical stakeholders from the media, civil society organisations, community-based organisations and representatives of the executive branch of government, among others, concerned with the constituency projects scheme.

    This was the consensus at a one-day interactive stakeholders’ roundtable on the constituency projects scheme (ConsTrack) organized by OrderPaper Nigeria in Abuja. The event was organised with support from USAID’s Strengthening Advocacy and Civic Engagement (SACE) project.

    The acknowledgement by the National Assembly was expressed by the deputy chairman of the House of Representatives committee on constituency outreach, Bede Eke.

    Speaking at the roundtable, Eke, who commended OrderPaper Nigeria for the ConsTrack initiative, said it has become necessary to the the opportunity of the proposed mobile application to scale up sensitisation, engagements and appropriate exchange of information and ideas about the controversial constituency projects scheme.

    The lawmaker expressed delight at the timely intervention of such initiatives as ConsTrack at a time the issue of constituency projects is generating controversies as a result of lack of sensitisation and informed understanding by all stakeholders.

    Describing OrderPaper Nigeria as the emergent liaison between the people and legislators, Eke said: “First, let me thank OrderPaper; the other day it was a colloquium on the budget; today it is on the constituency projects. If I have the power, I think the National Assembly should engage the organisation, because you are now like a liaison between we the lawmakers and the people.

     

  • Immunity for NASS

    SIR: Nigeria has a fundamental problem. It has little to do with the current frenzy for restructuring or resources derivation and control. Most Nigerians are in the political terrain for entirely self-interest.  They prosecute this interest with zest and vigour, ignoring the interest of the larger community they claim to represent. Indeed the nakedness of Nigeria’s politicians can be observed at very close quarters through their representatives in the various legislative assemblies which they have carved out for themselves.

    The case of our National Assembly especially the Upper House is a study in the ways of the black man, especially as regards his attitude to public office and his sense of accountability.  Nigerians have over the years considered the cost – benefit ratio of having a Senate in its present form.  The complaints against the status quo have been on for long, but regrettably they have assumed alarming proportions in recent years, in particular during the 8th Assembly.

    Now what does the Nigerian populace have against the Senate?  First, no one outside the National Assembly knows what the law makers are earning.  By law, the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) is the sole authority to state, determine and recommend the salaries and the various allowances accruable to members of the National Assembly.  By law, not a kobo can be added to these financial benefits.  But in real fact what the RMAFC recommends is just a fraction, perhaps a negligible fraction of the quantum of perks and perquisites these few privileged Nigerians take home. How would one describe the constant purchase by the National Assembly of expensive limousines the latest of which are expected to cost over N6 billion?  This is in addition to the horde which they keep in Abuja and in their home constituencies.

    On top of all the above and more, our lawmakers want immunity in the course of their stewardship in the chambers.  This would put them virtually beyond or above the ordinary laws of the land.   Already the nation is groaning under a system that allows governors to be immune from any punishment, whatever the level or enormity of their behaviour in office.  Although many observers believe that what the lawmakers are looking for is a big joke, yet the mere mention of it is an assault on the sensibilities of Nigerians.

    What is the way out of this quagmire?  Various solutions have been advanced.  Notable are that the National Assembly should be a one-chamber legislative house with a ceremonial “upper” House consisting of natural leaders – Obas, Ezes, Emirs etc.  who are paid sitting allowance – unlike the present Senate where members are alleged to take home about N20million per month.

    Also that the chamber should be enlarged to have about 500 members to cover the whole country; that all emoluments, salaries, wages be made open like all other public servants, and should be pinned down to N2, million per member per month.

    In our present set-up and mind set, it might be difficult to achieve these lofty ideas, but the fear of many people is that we were dangerously moving  to a stage when the youth and  unemployed will rise it recover the country from a population of less than  10% which has enslaved and continue to enslave us all.

    The latest news that the Senate President is offloading 98 staff, perhaps leaving 98 to 100 others is the latest in our peculiar world.  How on earth can an official be supported by about 200 personnel?  I presume that some would hold his hand, some his agbada, some his biro and some will help lift  him up when he wants to move!

     

    • Deji Fasuan MON; JP,

    Ado Ekiti.

  • Climate Change: Conservation International meets NASS Clerks on mitigation

    Conservation International (CI) has pledged to assist Nigeria against climate change impacts and better conserve the nation’s environment.

    The international organization, during an interactive session with Clerks of Committees of the National Assembly (NASS) on Environment, Ecology, Water Resources and Transportation, said preservation of the country’s natural habitat became important to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

     

    African Regional Head of CI, Michael O’brian-Onyeka, who partnered Human Rights Advancement Development and Advocacy Centre (HURIDAC), explained that political leaders have significant role to play by creating enabling environment and legislations required to realize the CI set objectives for the country.

    While CI expressed concern at the failure of the country to value the potentials of its natural resources, it however disclosed its readiness to assist the country in carrying out a survey of the nation’s natural capital.

    The CI requested for technical supports for legislative oversights in addition to awareness campaign for communities to appreciate environmental interventions. O’brian-Onyeka added that challenges by the legislative bureaucrats were not insurmountable for CI.

    Noting that Nigeria stand to benefit immensely from CI’s collaboration, he said : “No promises made at this stage, we don’t want to come here with preconceptions, we are here to hear about the challenges and they have listed in order of importance the key list of what they want.

    “We are taking that back look at the list and see what our capacity is and communicate that back to them, we don’t want to create a wring impression here.

    “But honestly, I think we can do all the things they raised because they are critical, the natural capital mapping, the South-South exchange, we have an agreement with Costa Rica to bring legislators.

    “We have done so many countries and it is our belief that Nigeria should benefit from it”.

    The Clerks listed challenges of funding for execution of environment – related policies as well as indifferent attitude of the people to Climate change.

    The Clerks also complained on lack of legislations capable of driving environmental issues.

  • Buhari to work from home as office under renovation 

    Buhari to work from home as office under renovation 

    …Sends resumption letter to NASS

    A Presidency source on Monday disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari will work from his official residence till renovation work is completed in his office.

    The source, who pleaded anonymity, said that the President has actually resumed work at home.

    Buhari, who had been in the United Kingdom since May 7th on medical ground, returned to the country on Saturday.

    On Saturday, Buhari had met with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and security chiefs at his official residence.

    Speaking with State House correspondents on Buhari’s resumption in office, the Special Adviser on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, disclosed that the President has communicated his resumption to office to the National Assembly.

    He said: “Yes, some few minutes past 11, the President signed the letter notifying the National Assembly of his resumption. A copy has been sent to the Senate President and also has been sent to the Speaker, House of Representatives, so the President has resumed.”

    On what his resumption will do to Nigerians, he said, “It means the President they voted into office, who has been serving them and who was indisposed for some time and who came back on Saturday, is ready to continue with the work he has been doing.”

    Asked to speak on Nigerians criticising that the President’s broadcast message was not explicit enough, Adesina said, “That broadcast was just one step of many steps that are going to be taken in the days and weeks and months ahead. So you can’t expect that everything will be said in one day.”

    A statement he later released reads: “In line with constitutional provision, President Muhammadu Buhari has written the National Assembly, notifying the legislature of his return to office, after returning from medical vacation in London.

    “President Buhari had returned to the country on Saturday, August 19, 2017, and in a letter dated August 21, 2017, he told the Senate as well as the House of Representatives, that he was resuming office.

    “The letter stated in part: ‘In compliance with Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), I write to intimate that I have resumed my functions as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with effect from Monday, 21st August, 2017, after my medical follow-up in the United Kingdom.”

    “President Buhari had left for London on May 7, 2017, and handed the reins of government to the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, who functioned as the Acting President,” it stated.

     

  • NASS’ travesty

    SIR: What transpired two weeks ago in the two chambers of the National Assembly as the nation journeyed to a crucial constitutional amendment fell short of the earnest expectations of Nigerians. The process was a reflection of the elitist mentality, an insatiable quest to cling on to power at all cost typical of the present crop of politicians. The elites, ably represented by the National Assembly triumphed by subverting the wishes and desire of majority of Nigerians while they jealously guarded their vital areas of interest.

    Out of 27 proposals presented for amendment before the two chambers of National Assembly for voting, devolution of powers which is one issue very germane to the sustenance of democracy and entrenchment of true federalism failed to scale through. Although some items like reduction of ages for political contestation which scaled through are equally essential to strengthening democracy, they lack the propelling force to speedily do so. They succeeded in postponing the evil day and squandered a once in a life time opportunity offered our generation to stand out as those who sowed the seed of enduring democracy. The impression people had before now that the eighth National Assembly will be different was completely dashed. With the precious time and enormous financial resources ploughed into the amendment of the constitution, it was ridiculous for the National Assembly to come out with such an awkward weak pass.

    The demand for restructuring is not necessarily a battle between different regions, religion or ethnic groups in the country. It is a contest between political elites on one hand and the ordinary, poor people of Nigeria on the other who are fed up with failed promises and the ugly trend of events. There is glaring evidence of deprivation, exclusion, resentment and anger, frustration, displeasure from one region to the other. We are taken hostage by those who we had surrendered our democratic mandate to not too long ago. They wield absolute powers and are currently blinded by their avarice to sustaining such political powers.

    Nigeria is presently sitting on a keg of gunpowder and apparently in dilemma on how to convince or cajole her citizens to remain one united, indivisible entity or split. The prerequisite for even development of nations stems from adherence to rule of law, accountability and transparency in governance, initiation of people-oriented-policies and programmes, love for each other, fairness, justice, equity, equality, compromise, consensus etc on matters of the state. The above fibres for rapid growth and development must be cultivated to erase suspicion and enrich our democratic practice.

    A nation overwhelmed by corruption deserves not only political restructuring but the recalibration of the mindset of the leadership and its citizens as well. Change is constant and there is always time for change in every polity. As Nigerians, it is time to rise up together against political oppression and deceit. We must snatch our destinies from these hyenas and jackals who have told us these same old stories time and time again. Those who confidently hold unto the status quo on account of their personal aggrandisment will be forced to flee the scene when it becomes inevitable that the nation can no longer be deceived or tolerate their rascality, inadequacies and inanity.

     

    • Sunday Onyemaechi Eze,

    sunnyeze02@yahoo.com

  • NASS will conclude INEC Act amendment this year – Saraki

    NASS will conclude INEC Act amendment this year – Saraki

    President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, on Thursday said the National Assembly would conclude the amendment to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Act before this year ends.

    He said the Senate had already passed the Bill amending the Act, and that the House of Representatives would do same on resumption from recess.

    Saraki said the national assembly wanted to give INEC over one year to prepare of the 2019 elections, based on the amended Act, to avoid hitches experienced in the last general elections.

    He said: “Well, you know we passed the INEC Amendment Bill this year; we are working on the House of Representatives to do theirs as well so that we can get that to the President to assent, and that gives them at least one year to prepare.

    “I am sure that by the time we come back from recess, the House will take action on theirs within the month and it will be with the President in October. So, that is enough time.

    “I think that since we passed it, the INEC has been looking at what we passed and holding some meetings.

    “Assuming this is the document that is finally passed, what are the things we need to do? So, I think that we have given them ample time.

    “In the past normally, it used to be passed a month or two before, but this time, we have passed it almost a year-and-a-half before the elections or more than that actually.”