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  • MTEF: Senate approves N1.64tr new borrowing to fund budget deficit

    The Senate on Wednesday adopted N1.64 trillion proposed by the Executive as the amount for new borrowing to fund the 2019 budget deficit.

    The upper chamber also approved the proposed N500 billion special social intervention fund.

    The adoptions were parts of the 2019-2021 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) passed yesterday by the upper chamber.

    President Muhammadu Buhari sent the MTEF/FSP to the National Assembly on November 6, 2018 for consideration and approval.

    The passage of the MTEF/FSP came as the Senate is set to receive the report of the 2019 budget from its Appropriation Committee.

    The Senate adopted all the critical projections in the MTEF/FSP as proposed by the Executive.

    The MTEF/FSP an annual rolling three year-expenditure plan sets out the medium-term expenditure priorities and provides the basis for the preparation of the annual national budget.

    Senate Committee on Finance which considered the MTEF and FSP presented its recommendations for adoption by the Senate in plenary.

    Apart from the adoption of N1.64 trillion as the amount for new borrowing to fund the budget deficit, the Senate advised relevant agencies to continue to explore ways of generating additional revenues for government to bring down the fiscal deficit.

    Read Also: Senate confirms Paul Tarfa, 10 others as chair, Board Members of NEDC

    It said that the Federal Government should harness the full optimal potential of the ministry of Mines and Steel Development in terms of revenue generation to minimize the level of new borrowing.

    It also said that the Federal Government should consider reducing the granting of waivers and exemptions while ensuring that the Nigerian Customs Service personnel were at all oil terminals for accountability.

    The Federal Inland Revenue Service, it said, should consider increasing tax on luxury goods and services.

    On the N5000 special social intervention fund, the Senate asked for the cooperation of relevant committees in the National Assembly and other relevant MDAs in ensuring that the funds are judiciously utilized to provide tangible impact of the funds on the Nigerians.

    The Senate retained the oil output of 2.3 million barrel per day, oil price benchmark of $60 per barrel, exchange rate of N305/$1, GDP Growth rate of 3.0percent and Inflation growth rate of 9.98percent.

    Other Executive proposals for 2019 also adopted by the Senate included: proposed expenditure of N8.83 trillion, FGN retained revenue N7.92 trillion, fiscal deficit N1.86 trillion, new borrowings N1.65 trillion, statutory transfers N492.4 billion, debt service N2.14 trillion, Sinking Fund N120 billion, total recurrent (non-debt) N4.72trillion, personnel costs (MDAs) N2.29 trillion, capital expenditure N2.86 trillion, Special Intervention N500 billion.

    The committee said that crude oil production output stood at 2.0 million barrels as of December 2018.

    According to the committee, the 2.3million daily target is achievable “due to the continuous efforts of all stakeholders in checkmating the issues of oil facilities vandalism and other vices associated with such regard.”

    The committee which recommended exchange rate of N305/$1, asked the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) “to continue adopting strategies that will aid the strengthening of the naira and bridging the gap between the official and parallel market rate of the foreign exchange.”

     

  • We’ll ensure safe return of abducted fire service boss, others -LASG

    Lagos State Government has urged Lagosians not to despair over the abduction of the Director of the State Fire Service, Mr Rasaki Musibau, assuring that all hands are on deck to ensure that he returns safely with other victims.

    Musibau and six others were abducted by unknown gunmen on Saturday night at about 8pm on Iwoye Bridge, along Itoikin-Epe Road.

    Briefing newsmen on Tuesday after the State Security Council Meeting chaired by the Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, the State’s Commissioner of Police, CP Zubairu Muazu again confirmed Musibau’s abduction with others, but assured that security agencies were working round the clock to rescue them safely.

    Muazu, who briefed journalists alongside heads of other security formations in the State, expressed optimism of positive result soon but declined to give further details on the ongoing operation to rescue the victims.

    “I confirm that there was an incident of kidnapping involving the State Director of Fire Service and all the security agencies in the State are working towards the safe release of the victims. For now, this is all I need to reveal about the kidnap but we are working to ensure their safe return,” the CP said.

    On the fears being expressed over likely return of the spate of kidnapping in the State, Muazu said all security agencies were working seriously to put a stop to it, adding that there was nothing to worry about.

    “This present case does not mean that the spate of kidnapping has returned to Lagos. You know when there used to be kidnapping in Lagos and the situation now. I see this as a very unfortunate incident and I assure Lagosians that all the security agencies are putting their heads together to ensure we put a stop to this menace,” he said.

    Read Also: Police kill three bandits in fresh Kaduna village attack

    Muazu said the Council also extensively reviewed the security situation in the State since the last meeting was held, just as he said that the government, in partnership with all security agencies, was firming up arrangement to ensure smooth and peaceful transition of government to the incoming administration of Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Dr Obafemi Hamzat.

    “Let me first say that we reviewed the security situation in Lagos State since the last Security Council Meeting till date and we have critically discussed the security issues arising in Lagos State.

    “We also extensively discussed the security issues pertaining to the handing over with the view to ensure peaceful and smooth transition of government in Lagos State,” Muazu said.

  • Oyetola charges SSG, CoS on efficient service delivery

    Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has urged appointees of his government to be efficient in service delivery.

    He also urged them to “hit the ground running, show leadership by example and give direction,” because the people are in a hurry to experience development.

    He gave the advice on Tuesday while inaugurating Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Mr. Wole Oyebamiji; Chief of Staff Dr. Charles Diji Akinola and Deputy Chief of Staff Mr. Abdullah Adeyenju Binuyo‎.

    Oyetola said the appointees “must be creative, proactive and come up with contemporary ideas and innovations that will speedily lead to efficient governance in the 21st century knowledge- and technology-driven world.”

    At the inauguration held at the State Executive Council Lounge were Deputy Governor Benedict Alabi; President, Customary Court of Appeal, Mrs Gloria Oladoke; Representative of House of Assembly Speaker, Hon. Folorunso Bamisayemi; Head of Service, Dr Festus Oyebade Olowogboyega, Commissioner of Police Mrs Abiodun Ige, members of the state’s steering committee, and political leaders.

    Read Also: Oyetola seeks establishment of Court of Appeal in Osun

    The governor explained that “Offices of the Secretary to the State Government; the Chief of State to the Governor and Deputy Chief of Staff to the Govern or are very important to the government and to the Governor’s office as they constitute the brain box and the engine room of my administration.

    “Your decision must be guided by the fear of God, fairness and justice. You must roll up your sleeves so that we can take our dear state to the next level.

    “You have been considered for your respective positions on merit, but you must note that the skills and competencies that qualify you for these jobs will need to be constantly improved upon to ensure adequate service delivery”.

    Oyetola enumerated some of the achievements of his administration in the last four and a half months saying his government had “demonstrated beyond a doubt that, in the face of limited resources, appreciable and equitable service delivery is possible.”‎

    He said the tremendous impact and impressions made by his government on the people of the state within the short time of the inception of office, has further fired the people’s expectations despite the dwindling financial resources.

    According to him, ‎Osun had taken off on a high tempo as the government is massively rehabilitating township and rural roads across the state to further improve on infrastructure.

    “We are working assiduously to ensure quality and affordable education for our children so that they can compete with their peers anywhere in the world.

    “We are also poised to turn the other sectors around to deliver prosperity to our people. We are adopting a holistic approach to boosting the economy of the state.

    “We are planning an Economic Summit very soon, to produce a workable template and compass for sustainable economic development. We are also putting measures in place to increase the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) base of the state.

    “We are working hard to establish light manufacturing industries as well as liberalizing the mining sector”, he added.

    Speaking on behalf of the appointees, Oyebamiji commended the governor for the confidence reposed in them to serve the state.

    ‎He promised total dedication, commitment and determination to the government to ensure growth, development and mass emancipation of the people of Osun to the next level.

    “We are determined to reacquaint ourselves to the fact this state belongs to all of us and its projects are bigger than our individual political calculations.

    “Despite daunting challenges and punches from the agents of retrogression, you marched through the rugged terrains and climbed the ladder with sweet victory.

    “We all know that public service is public trust and I assure you that we will discharge our duties base on the principles of accountability, probity, prudence and above all loyalty to your cause, the government and the people of Osun.”

  • Updated: Fire razes Katsina varsity

    A wild fire on Tuesday razed some offices of the Katsina State owned Umar Musa Yar’Adua University.

    It destroyed sections of some buildings at the Faculty of Education, the office of Head of Library and Information Science Department, the examination office and some lecturers’ rooms.

    The cause of the fire outbreak is still unknown but some onlookers said it might be due to an electrical fault.

    Katsina State Governor, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari, who visited the institution afterwards in the company of Deputy Governor, Alhaji Mannir Yakubu and Special Adviser on Higher Education, Alhaji Bashir Ruwan Godiya, directed that a committee be set up to investigate the cause of the fire.

    He promised to repay damages caused by the inferno.

    Meanwhile, Masari also urged Katsina indigenes residents in Lagos to seek admission for their children in tertiary institutions in the state.

    Read Also: Katsina, Kaduna, Rivers, Imo APC adopt indirect method to pick candidates

    He spoke when he received the president of Association of Indigenes of Katsina Residents in Lagos, Alhaji Sanusi Abubakar Faskari, who led other officials of the Association to congratulate the governor on his re-election.

    He explained that encouraging Katsina children to study in their home state, would reduce the cost their parents incur in sponsoring their education outside the state.

    He further noted that the move would also enable the children to familiarize themselves with the roots of their ancestral homes.

    He said “My advice was born out of experience with one of such children. An indigene of Katsina was recently offered a permanent and pensionable job at science and technical department but had to sneak back to Lagos for lack of familiarity with the Katsina terrain.”

    The governor told the delegation from Lagos that he used to receive briefings on their activities, adding that he was satisfied with the progress being made in that regard.

  • Breaking: Court orders substituted service on Ag EFCC Chairman

    An FCT High Court in Apo, on Tuesday granted leave for substituted service on the acting Chairman of the Economic And Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu.

    Justice Silvanus Oriji , gave the order substituted service, after listening to the submissions of Chief Mike Ozekhome ,SAN, counsel to an Abuja-based lawyer, Monday Ubani and a former Senator, Christopher Enai.

    Oriji had on March 26, granted leave to an exparte motion filed by Ozekhome to charge Ubani and Enai to court or release them on bail on or before March, 28.

    The judge held that the court had the power to make an order for substituted service of the process where it appears that prompt service cannot be conveniently effected.

    ”In exercise of the power of the court under Order 7 rule 11, I grant this motion,” he said.

    He said since the bailiff, Ishaya Markus, was denied access to Magu by the armed security personnel at his office at the EFCC Headquarters.

    Ozekhome said that the operatives told the bailiff that he can only see Magu on invitation.

    Ozekhome, in the motion exparte prayed the court to order form 48 and 49 be served on any officer at the mail registry of the Chairman of the EFCC and legal Department at Headquarters in Jabi.

    He also prayed an order of the court by posting same at the gate of the head office of EFCC.

    Ubani, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikeja branch and Enai, ex-senator representing Bayelsa were invited and detained by the EFCC operatives on March,19.

    The applicants were detained for standing as sureties for Ngozi Olejeme, who once served as the Chairman of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund from 2009 to 2015.

    They are still yet to be charged to court by the EFCC

  • Updated: Ambode inaugurates 20-man transition committee

    Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday inaugurated a 20-member transition committee.

    The Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello represented Ambode at the inauguration ceremony which took place at the SSG’s office in Alausa, Ikeja.

    The committee is saddled with the responsibility of ensuring smooth transition of power from the outgoing administration to the incoming on May 29.

    Tunji Bello and the deputy governor elect, Obafemi Hamzat are the co-chairmen of the 20 man committee.

    Members of the Committee include the Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola; Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem; Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akinyemi Ashade; Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Ade Akinsanya, Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Mr. Obafela Bank-Olemoh and Special Adviser on Urban Development, Mrs. Yetunde Onabule.

    Read Also: Ambode performs pre-launch of $50m factory in Lekki Free Zone

    Other members include Permanent Secretary, Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Jimi Hotonu; Accountant General and Permanent Secretary Treasury Office, Mr. Abimbola Umar; Permanent Secretary, Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Abayomi Kadiri, Ayo Gbeleyi; Sam Ngube; Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin; Engr. Tayo Bamgbose-Martins; Mr. Bayo Sotade; Solape Hammond; Mrs. Bunmi Fabanwo; Mrs. Bukola Odoe and Mrs. Toke Benson Awoyinka.

    Inaugurating the Committee, Ambode said a smooth transition to the next administration was imperative to ensure that the machinery of government continues to run smoothly without any hitch, considering the economic importance of Lagos to Nigeria.

    “In about seven weeks from now, the tenure of this administration will come to an end and a new administration will commence under the leadership of His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    “A smooth transition to the next administration is imperative to ensure that the machinery of government continues to run smoothly. Our State is a delicate one with very significant importance in the economic and social stability of our nation.

    “To maintain this stability, build on the solid status of our State and give the next administration a smooth take-off, it is imperative to quickly put in place a transition committee whose major responsibility will be to ensure a seamless transition to the next administration come May 29, 2019,” Governor Ambode said.

    He commended Lagosians for keeping faith with the progressive ideals of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last two decades and also his administration, expressing optimism that the incoming administration would build on the achievements recorded so far.

    “Let me use this opportunity to once again express my profound appreciation to all Lagosians for keeping faith with this administration and the rare privilege to serve. Government is not a sprint or a short distance race. It is an unending race.

    “For us in Lagos State, it has been a progressive race in which every successive administration builds upon the achievement of the past administration.

    He charged the Committee to accord the assignment the diligence and commitment it deserves.

    In his vote of charge, the Deputy Governor-elect assured that the Committee would immediately commence its work and ensure that everything done is in the interest of the State, adding that it would be a transition of the same government as the incoming administration would build on the existing template to move the State forward.

    “Lagos State has always been a pace setter in everything and that’s exactly what we would do here. Everyone on this table is a prominent Lagosian and everything would be in the interest of the State; it’s the same government and it should be pretty straightforward,” he said.

  • FG buys N5billion aircraft fire fighting simulator

    The Federal Government has disclosed the readiness of the country to take the delivery an automatic aircraft firefighter simulator equipment worth N5billion.

    The decision to deliver came after the builders, Messrs Alpine Metal Tech. Company carried out the factory acceptance and pre-shipment inspection test of the simulator in the presence of top Nigerian functionaries including the Minister of State, Aviation, Hadi Sirika.

    According to a statement by the Ministry, the pre-shipment test, which took place in the United Kingdom showcased the full complements of about 28 possible fire and non-fire scenarios carried out including; cabin fire simulation, cabin smoke, lavatory smoke and the likes.

    Other simulation tests include DHC 8 starboard engine, DHC 8 starboard undercarriage, starboard side, CRJ-900 starboard engine, APU, portside, A320 Undercarriage, A320 Port engine, Port Wing, fuel spill burn pit, internal fires among the vast arrays of simulations it can imitate.

    The simulator which is the first of its kind in Africa is a modern- multi-scenario firefighting simulator capable of delivering training for different types of operational incidents involving aircraft in the aerodrome and its vicinity.

    The federal government explained that the purchase was in fulfilment of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) requirement for training of firefighters in the airports and will, overall, enhance competence in achieving the primary objective of saving lives in the event of a fire incident.

    Read Also: Flight operations resume at Imo Airport after fire outbreak

    The Minister of State, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika who spoke after inspecting the equipment said the simulator which cost the nation about N5 billion is safety equipment that is key for airport operations.

    He said: “Well the focus of the Buhari-led administration in civil aviation is safety and security, this is a component of it. We take matters of safety very seriously and President Muhammadu Buhari once he came into office asked us, Ministers, to do those things that would put the nation forward. In aviation, our policy is safety first and security and this is a demonstration of it.

    “Before now, we train our firefighters in Cameroon and I found myself approving several hundred thousands in dollars for training in Cameroon and I said this is not the best. I applied and got approval to procure this firefighting simulator equipment and he graciously approved, costing the nation about N5 billion and we started it and now it is completed and it’s ready for testing, it has been tested in front of us and you have seen it, it’s in perfect working order and condition and we will install it at the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology, Zaria (NCAT).

    “Now the impact on our nation is that it would improve our safety fire cover, fire fighting as an important aspect of airport operations without which we cannot open our airports. The only other simulator I know in Africa is in Cameroon and it is not as up to date, not as automatic or sophisticated, not as hi-tech, not as multi-functional. This one can simulate cabin fire, smoke, cockpit fire, cargo fire, undercarriage fire so this multi-functional ”

    Sirika said once the equipment is installed, the country will be a hub for comprehensive

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  • Court to open hearing in N50b suit against INEC, two others

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled hearing for May 27 this year in a suit seeking to among others, bar the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from further use of transparent ballot boxes, permanent voters’ card and related devices for elections.

    The suit, filed by a firm – Bedding Holdings Limited – is intended, among others to enforce two pending judgments given by the Federal High Court on June 5, 2012 and January 28, 2014 which affirmed the firm’s exclusive patent rights over some inventions that formed the core of INEC’s electoral operations.

    Bedding identified the inventions on which it has patent rights to include: “the Transparent Ballot Boxes (TBB), Electronic Collapsible Transparent Ballot Boxes (ECI’BB), Direct Data Capturing Machines, Electronic Card Reader (ECR), its derivable Permanent Voters’ Card (PVC) and Proof of Address System Scheme (PASS) Embedded with the Concept of the Coded Metal Plate and the Process and Application of these products to produce the Voters’ Register respectively.”

    The suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1537/2018, has Bedding listed as the sole applicant, with INEC, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the Registrar of Patents, Federal Ministry of Commerce and Industry, listed as respondents.

    The applicant wants an order, compelling the respondents to abide by the judgment of the court delivered on June 5, 2012 in a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/82/2011 and on January 28, 2014 in suit: FHC/ABJ/CS/816/2010.
    Bedding is also praying praying the court for an order, directing the respondents to pay it N50billion “as exemplary damages for the continued use of the Transparent Ballot Boxes, Electronic Collapsible Transparent Ballot Boxes and Direct Data Capturing Machines for the registration of voters and or the collation/compilation and production of the voters’ register” without its prior and express consent.

    It equally seeks an order of perpetual injunction, restraining the respondents from using its inventions and anything derived thereof, without the prior and express consent, and “to declare any action or actions whatsoever and however or purported to have been taken in connection thereto, as illegal, unlawful, unconstitutional, null and null.”

    On December 18, 2018, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba (also of the Federal High Court, Abuja) restored the judgment given by Justice Adamu Bello on July 5, 2012 and gave Bedding the permission to commence the process of enforcing the judgment.

    In a supporting affidavit, deposed to by its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sylvester Odigie, Beddings claimed that the respondents have continued to disregard the judgment of June 5, 2012 and a subsequent one of January 28, 2014 which further confirmed its (the firm’s) exclusive patent rights over the said inventions.

    Bedding stated that its core speciality is in the fabrication and manufacture of steel metal products such as transparent ballot boxes, electronic transparent boxes, among other products.

    It added that: “On 12th January, 1998 the applicant (Bedding) was issued with Certificate of Registration of Patent Rights No. RP 12994 and Registration of Industrial Designs Rights No. RD 5946 in and over the invention named Transparent Ballot Boxes (“TBB”) by the 3rd respondent (Registrar of Patents).

    “Also on 27th November, 2006, the applicant registered and was issued with the Patent Rights No. RP 16642 and Copyright Designs No. RD 13841 in and over the invention named “Electronic Collapsible Transparent Ballot Boxes”, an improved derivative of TBB, which integral features include the Electronic Card Reader (ECR) and it’s derivable Permanent Voters’ Card (PVC) thereof and Patent Rights NORP NG/P/2010/202, Proof of Address System/Scheme (PASS) (Embedded with the concept of the Coded Metal Plate) the process and application of which is used to produce the voters’ register.

    “The above-stated Patent and Industrial Designs Rights of the applicant is still valid and subsisting till date having been extended at various times by the 3rd respondent upon the application of the applicant.

    Read Also: INEC to release timetable for Bayelsa, Kogi governorship elections this week

    “By virtue of the above and the applicant being the exclusive and bona fide patentee of the said Patent and Design Rights over the inventions named Transparent Ballot Boxes (TBB),, Electronic Collapsible Transparent Ballot Boxes (ECTBB); Direct Date Capturing Machines, Electronic Card Reader (ECR), Permanent Voter’s Card, (PVC) and Proof of Address System Scheme (PASS) Embedded with the Concept of the Coded Metal Plate and the Process and Application of these products to produce the voters’ register respectively, the applicant and the 1st respondent (INEC) executed a license agreement on the 29th day of January 2003 wherein the applicant granted to the 1st respondent license over Transparent Ballot Boxes (“TBB”) till 29th of March 2003.

    “Further to the above, the 1st respondent, in issuing out award letters to its agents and contractors with respect to the transparent ballot boxes, included a clause informing them of the applicant’s right to the patent.”
    Bedding further stated that despite the subsistence of its patent rights over the inventions, the 3rd respondent, on October 14, 2010 issued similar certificates to three other firms in relation to the inventions over which it already had exclusive patent rights.

    The firm stated that upon the its “discovery of the multiple registrations and

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  • ’10 attitudes for successful public service career’

    Mr Sam Chinda, out-going Enugu State Comptroller of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), has identified 10 positive working attitudes and ethics for a successful public service career.

    Chinda, who is exiting the service after attaining mandatory 60 years retirement age, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday that a public servant must develop passion for his job in order to excel.

    “Having or developing passion for the job entails putting in your best as well as being focused on the job as required to effectively complete your daily tasks.

    “The passion is also necessary as you are not only working to be paid salary but rendering a service for the betterment of the society and country at large,’’ he said.

    The NIS boss said that the second point was learning the job very well and paying attention to details of carrying out the job by superiors and trainers.

    “Thirdly, do not place money and gratification first, so that it does not becloud your sense of duty and judgment.

    “Fourthly, develop and sustain good relationship with colleagues no matter your perceived or natural differences with them.

    “Fifthly, you must plan your life from day one you entered to service the public.

    “The planning covers both present, futuristic as well as retirement plans; since you will never be in service forever,’’ he advised.

    Chinda advised public and civil servants to be prudent and manage their monthly salaries very well; while cultivating the habit of saving monthly, no matter how little.

    “Yes, the seventh, is do not compare yourself or your achievements or possessions with another colleague of yours in the same office or work environment.

    Read Also: Lagos lawmaker decries state of Badagry road

    “This is very important for young people in service since you do not know and they might not honestly tell you how they came about the achievements or personal possessions.

    “Eight, maintain a good name in all your dealings; while maintaining the `right track and philosophy’ over life generally.

    “Do not ever pull people down; but lend a helping hand to pull people up in any way you can in life, especially among your colleagues,’’ he said.

    According to him, the last, which is voluntary but helpful, is engaging in farming where possible since the civil/public service rule permits that.

    “Take a practical lesson on any aspect of agriculture from a successful farmer in the field,’’ said Chinda, who bowed out of NIS Enugu State Command after several years of impactful service to the nation.

  • Zone Deputy Senate President to South-East, Kalu begs APC

    The Senator-elect for Abia North, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, Monday pleaded with the leadership of the All Progressive Congress (APC) to zone the position of Deputy Senate President to the South East geo-political zone.

    Kalu who made the appeal at the ongoing induction of Senators-elect and House of Representatives members-elect noted that zoning the Deputy Senate President to the South East will be in line with the diversity of the country.

    The diversity of the country, he said, is the beauty of the country.

    He said that APC as a party should look at diversity, because “diversity is our strength.”

    He said, “I am a very loyal party man. The party has already zoned the position of Senate President. I can never disobey the party. The party is supreme.

    “What I am asking the party to zone the deputy Senate President to the South East, so that I will not disobey the party by going on the floor of the House, which I have the capacity, if I am allowed to do that.

    “What I am asking the party as they have zoned this position of Senate President to North East, they should as well zone the position of the deputy Senate President to South East. So that I don’t go to contest out of zone.

    “I can contest against whoever comes from the South East or the caucus of the South East can go back and decide what the part wants within the South East.

    “What I am pleading with the leaders of the National Working Committee and other leaders, let us not divide this party. All of us are loyal to the country. We are loyal to the constitution. We are also loyal to our party. I want that loyalty to continue, so that none of us will deviate from what the party”

    “On relationship between the Executive and legislature, Kalu noted that it has to be very cordial in the interest of the progress of the country.

    He said, “President Buhari means well. And some of us who with or without politics we are his friends, we will like to keep the place very stable.

    “Not only for him, but for the good of the country. The President is just one person. If there is stability in the Senate and Executive, there will be stability in the country. We are for the stability of the country.

    Read Also: Zone Deputy Senate President to South-East, Kalu tells APC

    On the position of Senator Kabiru Gaya that the slot of Deputy Senate President should be zoned to the North West Kalu said:

    “You know, he is a senior governor. That is his view. It is not a view that represents the views and understanding of the country. He is a man I respect a lot. But his view does not represent the diversity of the country.

    “Even if you like take the President, Vice President, Speaker, Senate President to one part of the country, you have not solved the problem of the country.

    “The diversity of the country is the beauty of the country. I will like APC as a party to look at diversity. Diversity is our strength. Diversity is very important.

    “I don’t want to formally declare anything until the party zones to our zone. I am not going to challenge the party, but I want the party to do the right thing. I have the capacity to go on the floor of the House and contest. It is this people here that will vote and they are our friends. But I want the party to do the right thing.”