The Nation Newspaper

Tag: President Muhammadu Buhari

  • Nigeria’s poverty level alarming – Osinbajo

    Nigeria’s poverty level alarming – Osinbajo

    Acting President Yemi Osinbajo on Monday said that the Social Investment Programmes (SIPs) being implemented by the Federal Government for Nigerians are not favours but their right.

    He made the remark at an event showcasing the achievements of the National Social Investment Programmes (NSIP) of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration at the second anniversary of the administration at the old Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja. It was tagged “A Smile for every Nigerian”

    Noting that the social Investment Programme is both a heart and a head programme, he said that it is heart because the pains of poverty cannot be ignored.

    He said: “I want to say to all of you that we do not consider the programme as a favour done to you. It is not. You deserve this programme because you are citizens of this country.

    “This country can provide and should provide all that is in need of help and we will do our very best to provide,” he added.

    He recalled that the President during the campaigns had kept on saying that everything must be done to get Nigerians out of poverty.

    He said “The programme is also a head or logical common sense issue. A country’s economic development is a function of the number living above poverty level; our levels of poverty are so alarming that clearly some fundamental interventions by government are necessary.

    “Often our economic development plans and budgets assume a trickle down approach namely that if we put resources in promoting industry and commerce, jobs would eventually be created and the poorest will be reached.

    “The other premise is that GDP growth should translate to jobs. Both premises are flawed. First the trickle down model has proved far too slow to stem the tide of poverty in one of the fastest growing populations in the world.

    “Secondly, most of the Growth was on account of the oil sector which is capital intensive  but not  labour intensive. So while we were recording Growth levels of 7% because of the high oil prices unemployment figures grew.

    “In developing the APC manifesto and later our economic development  plans, we knew that government had to directly intervene with a massive social investment programme, that would tackle poverty and exclusion across the various spectra.

    “We have heard a lot about the programmes already but I would like to emphasize some of what I am particularly proud of. First is that we have shown that a massive programme can be initiated and managed on-line. The NPower programme is the largest post tertiary jobs programme in Africa. We now know that we can train large numbers electronically.

    “Secondly we have demonstrated that a transparent process of employment is possible. All of these young men and women have testified that they knew nobody, paid nobody to get the jobs they now have,

    “Thirdly we have achieved great success in our financial inclusion efforts  by bringing in many especially the extremely poor in the hinterlands into the formal banking system. Beneficiaries of the Conditional cash Transfer programme, home grown school feeding vendors and cooks, now have BVNs and bank accounts.

    “We have also demonstrated that electronic payment on such a huge scale, across the nation is possible. Most importantly we have ensured that our programmes are in all States not just APC States, so much so that some of the Governors in non APC States even take credit for these FG programmes.

    “We know that our children in public schools many from poor homes do not really care about whether the food is from one political party or the other. Most of the testimonies you have heard today, it is clear that our programmes have just simply gone.”

    He pointed out that the N100b set aside for the Family Home Fund, a Social Housing Project under the SIPs is a yearly contribution to the N1 Trillion Naira Social Housing fund.

    Osinbajo said “The largest in the history of the country. The World Bank, AFDB , are contributors to the fund. From this fund developers will borrow 80% of cost of project and counter fund with their own 20%. The same fund will enable us to provide inexpensive mortgages for hundreds of thousands across the country. Already the project has started in 11 States.

    “We expect that this Family Housing Fund will jumpstart and expand construction exponentially across the country.

    “The SIP is clearly one of the largest social intervention efforts anywhere in the world. It is complicated and diverse in its scale and scope. We are proud of the  men and women led by the SA on Social investments, Mrs Maryam Uwais.

    “That team is supervised by a very dedicated interministerial team. The Hon Ministers of Budget and Planning. Finance,” he added.

    According to him, the next phase of the programme will be reopening the portals for NPower on the 13 of June.

    “We are ramping up on the CCT, GEEP, and the Home Grown School FEEDING. Our targets are clear, soon enough we will put smiles on the faces of millions more,” he stated.

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, John Odigie-Oyegun, noted that the APC has contributed majorly in solidifying democracy in Nigerian in comparison with all administrations since 1999.

    He recalled that the party in 2015 mobilized against a non-performing administration through the power of the votes.

    But he maintained that his party took over power with the economy base totally fractured as cost of producing a barrel of oil and selling price of oil per barrel were almost at the same level.

    He however assured that the President Buhari’s administration was determined to put smiles on the faces of Nigerians.

    He also assured that the Nigerian economy will soon come out of recession.

    Also speaking at the occasion the Senate Minority Leader and former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Senator Goodwill Akpabio, endorsed the programme and commended the Federal Government for Achaemenes recorded so far.

    He said “We are always ever ready in the Senate to support any programme that will add smiles to the faces of Nigerians.

    “The food programme will actually take the kids off the streets. All Nigerians must key into the programme so that things can change.

    “We have never had this kind of programme before. We have a war in our hands, a war against poverty, so we must all support it,” he added.

    While calling for the programme to be extended, he also jokingly said that it should be made to cover ex-politicians who presently don’t have job at hand.

     

  • Expectations for the week

    Expectations for the week

    May 29 every year is celebrated as Democracy day in Nigeria.

    Today marks the 18th anniversary of the country’s return to democratic rule.

    President Muhammadu Buhari was sworn in as Nigeria’s fourth executive President on May 29, 2015.

    The message of CHANGE and hope was circulated across the country during the electioneering period, many Nigerians believed that the country will blossom immediately there was a change in leadership.

    However, the same enthusiasm found in Nigerians two years ago cannot really be said to exist at the same level now. In his speech earlier today, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo stated – “I firmly believe that we have put the most difficult phase behind us, and we are witnesses to the ever-increasing intensity of the light at the end of the tunnel. We ask for your continued cooperation and support, to enable us realise all our best intentions and ambitions for Nigeria”.

    The Acting President said the country has gone beyond its most difficult phase and he has told Nigerians to expect “light at the end of the tunnel”. He went on to say, “Nigeria belongs to all of us. No one person or group of persons is more important or more entitled than the other in this space that we all call home”.

    The speech of Prof. Osinbajo sounds enticing, it’s clear that the government has great plans for the Nigerian people but how fulfilled will Nigerians be two years from now? Will these good “intentions” and “ambitions” translate to results or will Nigerians be left disappointed after the expiration of this tenure, time will tell.

    Last week, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State was accused of double registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after a picture of him registering was in an enclosed room that has gone viral on social media. One wonders if the youthful Governor lacks advisers or just love to flout electoral rules.

    Did they not inform him of how embarrassing the situation will become if the public gets to find out of the action? First, why register twice when you can transfer your voter’s card down to your current location? Moreover, even if one is to register for the voting card, can you not register just like normal people do and not take the INEC official to a closed room? His actions have brought condemnation on him from his party, INEC and Nigerians across different walks of life.

    However, an explanation from the Kogi State Governor to explain his side of the story will be expected by very many who are already castigating his actions, hopefully, that will come this week.

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  • Second anniversary: NUT commends Buhari’s administration

    The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has lauded President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government for its achievements, especially in the educational sector.

    The Acting Secretary-General of the union, Dr Mike Ike-Ene, gave the commendation on Monday while assessing the administration second anniversary on occasion of 2017 Democracy Day celebration.

    He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that there had been relative peace in the education sector since administration assumed office in 2015.

    “Although I will not say that we have gotten it correctly, but when there is relative peace to an extent, we can say that there is progress.

    ”At least one thing this administration has done is being a little proactive to issues concerning education and other areas.

    ”This government is more open to dialogue, negotiation and discussion and when these things are involved in any issue, parties concerned understand themselves better,” he said.

    Ike-Ene, however, appealed to the president to intervene in teachers’ unpaid salary in some states, bemoaning the rate at which some state governments were owing teachers.

    According to him, Benue, Bayelsa, Osun and Imo governors, among others, are owing primary school teachers several months’ salary.

    “As I talk to you now our primary school teachers in Benue are owed 10 months’ salary arrears and they are still working; 10 good months and people cannot put food on their tables.

    “There are cases whereby the father and the mother are teachers; are they going to rob bank before they put food on their table?

    “It is not only Benue, Bayelsa is also owing for eight months. It is also in Osun and many other states, including Imo, where our teachers are paid in percentages.

    “Primary school teachers are owed various sums of money in various states,” he said.

    Ike-Ene, therefore, called on the Federal Government to call the governors concerned to order, saying that teachers may be directed to stop work in those states.

  • Buhari’s committed to N/Delta development, says Olu of Warri

    Buhari’s committed to N/Delta development, says Olu of Warri

    Olu of Warri, Godfery Ikenwoli Emiko has said that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is serious and committed to the development of Niger Delta region.

    He made the remark while speaking with State House correspondents after paying a courtesy visit on Acting President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    He was in the Villa to express gratitude to the government on the proposed modular refineries and the commencement of academic activities at the Maritime University.

    He said: “The federal government is doing everything possible, yes, they have been promising but this time around we are seeing signs of seriousness. For instance the Export Processing Zone, EPZ project started by Jonathan, he did the ground breaking but since then, nothing happened. But since the recent visits of the Vice President, we have seen seriousness.

    “For sometime now there has been peace in the Niger-Delta area because the people have seen seriousness in the government. So if the government keeps up the pace, there will be more peace it will be better for everybody. More oil will be produced and there will be more money, development will come to the Niger-Delta area. We will support them in achieving that,” he said.

     

  • Ramadan: Pray for safe return of Buhari – IGP

    Ramadan: Pray for safe return of Buhari – IGP

    The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris has called on Muslim faithfuls to use the Ramadan period to fervently pray for  the safe return of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    He added that there was need for all Nigerians to seize the opportunity brought by the fasting to pray for the county’s unity and for peace to reign.

    This is contained in a statement in Abuja Friday by the Force Spokesman, CSP Jimoh Moshood.

    The statement reads: “Muslims and other Nigerians should use this period to pray fervently for Buhari’s safe return to enable him deliver good governance he has started.

    “Muslims faithful across the country should use this period to pray fervently for greater peace, security, unity and to as well seek God’s intervention in tackling the myriad of socio-economic challenges confronting the nation”.

    The Police chief noted that fasting period is an era of sober reflection which gives Muslims opportunity to move closer to God and seek His face in supplication and prayers.

    He explained that fasting is not mere abstinence from food, drink and worldly pleasures alone, but a time to seek Allah’s power through prayers to be able to faithfully carry out the transcendent injunctions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SWT).

    Idris while calling on Nigerians especially youths to be law abiding and respect the constituted authority in the interest of peace added that Nigerians should to live in peace and tolerate one another irrespective of ethnic, religious and political affiliation for the overall development of the country.

     

  • Buhari has not failed Nigerians, says Presidency

    Buhari has not failed Nigerians, says Presidency

    As the current administration plans to mark two years on Monday, the Presidency on Tuesday insisted that President Muhammadu Buhari has not failed Nigerians.

    The Special Adviser on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, Senior Special Assistant on media and publicity, Garba Shehu and the Senior Special Assistant on media and publicity, Laolu Akande, were fielding questions from journalists after a Press Briefing marking the commencement of activities to showcase second anniversary of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

    Adesina said that Nigerians should wait for four years in order to properly assess the Buhari’s administration.

    According to him, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has four years to deliver and not two years.

    On the question claiming that the APC has failed, he said “The person that asked the question said there is a buzz in town, I am sure that you have not conducted a scientific survey that shows you that is a popular position. People can always expresses their opinions, there is liberty on that but you don’t have a scientific survey that has given you the percentage of people that believed that the APC has failed.

    “The second point is that, when a government via a party is voted into office, it is voted for a four year term under our own democratic arrangement. When you have spent two years which is like a midterm, the first half of a game, you don’t then determined that it has succeeded or it has failed. No. You can be accused it be atomistic using a small part to determine the whole.

    “You can’t write the report card of this administration when it is just hitting the half way mark that will not be fair. The term is four years and the promises are going to be stretched over that four year period. Like the Minister of Transportation said recently, APC did not promise to solve all the country’s problems in one year or two years.

    “The mandate the party has is four years and it is pacing itself as it goes along and I am sure that by the end of those four years we will have a lot more to record. It is not by a sudden flight, it will not come by a snap of a finger but will the promises be fulfilled? Yes, I believe it will be fulfilled.

    “This administration will take Nigeria far beyond how it met it. So if anybody says APC has failed just tell them it is too early in the day because it is a four year-term and this is just two years. You don’t reach definitive conclusions in two years,” he added.

    On alleged coup plot, Adesina said: “The Army has spoken and let us take that position. What the Chief of Army Staff said was a routine warning that goes to military officers, don’t hobnob with politicians and the army has explained the position, let’s take that position and not stretch it beyond what the military has said because they are the ones that can give us the definitive position and they have spoken on it.”

    On job creation, he said that the government is mainly focusing on creating enabling environment.

    He said that PenCom appointment is a developing issue and being looked into.

    On selective anti-corruption war, he said that there are no friends and no foes in the anti-graft battle.

    According to him, anyone who has questions to answer would be queried.

    He also explained that the status quo remains on the suspended Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal and suspended Director-general of National Intelligence Agency, Ayo Oke, just as Acting President Yemi Osinbajo had declared.

    On Boko Haram regrouping, he said that the remnants of Boko Haram would be dealt with by the Army.

    Urging Nigerians to look at the brighter side of issues, he said that there many failed suicide bombing than those that succeeded.

    Stressing that the masses are happy with President Buhari, Mallam Garba Shehu said the President will win any Presidential election conducted today.

    “If elections were held today, Buhari will win overwhelmingly.  The masses are still with him.” he said

    Asked when the ordinary man will start feeling the impact of the government, he said “The ordinary Nigerians are the pillars of Buhari administration and their confidence in his administration has remained unshaken. The whistle-blower policy has excited them. They are happy that their stolen money is being recovered. The masses are happy but those elites whose sources of ill-gotten wealth have been blocked would not.”

    He gave reasons why the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki is still being held in detention.

    Shehu insisted that Dasuki was being kept in custody in spite of court orders because there are more cases against him that are being investigated.

    He urged Nigerians to allow the agencies to do their jobs.

    On the leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMAN), Sheik Ibrahim El-Zak Zaky , he said that he was being kept in custody to ensure his safety.

    He explained that his family members and relatives have unhindered access to him.

    On Chibok girls, he said, government does not have any peculiar interest in keeping the girls, stressing that most of them prefer to stay in Abuja and don’t want to return home.

    Speaking on Human rights records of the administration, Shehu said “The Human rights records of this administration are impeccable, thry are unimpeachable. I think we should avoid speaking in general terms. The thing to do is to pin point specific cases to butteres assertions that people make and then we can tackle them.

    “As we speak to you now, we are not aware that the administration of Muhammadu Buhari is in breach of the constitution of Nigeria with regards to the protection of the rights of Nigerians.

    “Journalists in this country ought to bear testimony on this, there is no single journalist that has been expelled from his duty because he has reported or failed to report, there is no single journalist who is in government detention because they have expressed some views that the government does not like.

    “This administration is complying with the decision of the courts of the land, I assure that if anybody tries to do otherwise the President will not allow him to get away with it.” he said

    On alleged power deterioration, Shehu said: “It is also a mistake to say power has deteriorated under this administration because when we came in 2015, power generation it was 3,324MW,  it increase to 4,357MW as at August 2015, barely three months after President Buhari came to power and rose to the peak of 5,077MW in 2016, it was the highest power generated in the country.

    “Presently, the average generation is about 3,000; this is as a result of vandalism or gas pipeline infrastructure and also low water in our dams. The power sector is also gaining gradually from the peace in the Niger Delta. Usually we experience low generation of power during dry season and this is not because of Buhari’s administration.

    “Government is investing heavily in power and has been licensing a lot of renewable energy projects, which is the future. We are doing what is called energy mix, we are not just doing gas power, we are doing hydro, etc. you cover some of these decisions from FEC you have covered them.” he said

    Speaking on alleged weak prosecution, Akande said: “The truth of the matter is that our criminal justice system does need a profound and deep reform. The important thing is that this government is working on it. As a matter of fact now, the Acting President has put together a national coordination prosecution team for all the prosecution trying to see how in the medium term we can bring some progress but also working on justice sector reforms on the long term on criminal justice system to strengthen both the investigation and prosecution at the courts. And I know it is going to take a while for us to address it.”

    Stressing that the committee on food crisis is still working, he said that the government has reduced importation of food items especially rice.

    According to him, the government policy has made farmers millionaires.

     

  • Modular Refinery: FG approves 56 licenses to operators

    Modular Refinery: FG approves 56 licenses to operators

    No fewer than 56 licenses have been approved by the Federal Government (FG) for the setting up of modular refineries in the Niger Delta region to end the era of illegal refining activities and youths agitation in the region, but no indigene of the region was given the approval.

    This was disclosed by a Lawmaker representing Omoku constituency in River state House of Assembly, Hon. Christian Ahiakwo in Port Harcourt the Rivers state capital Monday.

    Ahiakwo spoke ahead of the forthcoming Port Harcourt environmental Summit, scheduled to hold Port Harcourt, between June 13 and 14, 2017.

    He expressed doubt on the motive behind Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s fact finding tour of the region and the promise to approve the setting up of modular refineries for the operation of the restive youths of the region when they have issued the approval to those they want to give none of who is from the region.

    “As we speak, 56 companies have been given licenses to operate modular refineries in Niger Delta region, but none of the companies is owned by indigene of the region. “Bearing in mind that militancy sprang up in the region following the perception of marginalization and exclusion of the people of the region in oil and gas business and now thus number of approval have been given without the application of any indigene of the region scaling through, I don’t know what that means,” he noted.

    The lawmaker continued and said, “These licenses were issues nine days after President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office. The Vice President only came to the region to affirm what they has already discussed and concluded.

    The Niger Delta boys that are operating illegal refining business have got the experience, they are not doing anything different from what is being done in the modern refineries, the only thing us that while they used very crude method in carrying out the work, the approved refineries use modern technology.” He explained.

    Ahiakwo was optimistic that if the Niger Delta youths are given the license to operate the modular refineries, the era of pull fire will be over and its consequent release of dangerous black sot menace in the state will gradually clear from the air.

    “On the issue of black sot in the environment, I thank the state government for the proactive steps he took in addressing the concern by setting up a committee headed by the Commissioner for Environment to identify the emission sources.

    The committee has completed the first phase of the assignment, which is the identification of possible emission sources and where they are, the next thing is to ascertain the pollutant substance each source is emitting before moving to confront them with the view of stopping it.

    Earlier the Lawmaker who is the Chairman House Committee on Environment and also the chairman Summit steering committee, Said the Summit among other issues would review environmental issues in the state with the view of possible enactment of new laws to accommodate areas of environmental concern that were not captured in the existing laws.

  • Confirmation: Senate bars Lottery Commission nominees from office

    Confirmation: Senate bars Lottery Commission nominees from office

    …Frowns at non-confirmation

     

    The Senate Thursday asked the nominated National Lottery Commission, Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila, to stay away from office until his appointment is confirmed by the Senate.

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, gave the order after listening to the Senate Leader, Senator Ahmed Lawan on alleged assumption of duty by Gbajabiamila without Senate approval.

    Senator Dino Melaye had on Wednesday told the Senate that President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed a DG for the National Lottery Commission who has assumed duty without Senate confirmation.

    Saraki mandated Lawan to follow up Melaye’s information to establish the truth about it.

    Lawan who briefed the Senate yesterday confirmed that “indeed the National Lottery Commission Director General has assumed duty.”

    Lawan said that the DG agreed that he assumed duty without Senate confirmation apparently in error.

    Lawan said, “The nominee for the office of the Director-General of National Lottery Regulatory Commission actually assumed office. I think he was misadvised and therefore assumed office without being confirmed. But there is a genuine appeal that such thing will not happen again. I have advised that the nominee should not be seen around the office.”

    Saraki said, “I think you will agree with me that the Leader has done a very thorough job. Not only that, he has responded promptly within 24 hours first of all to establish that the point raised by Senator Dino was factual and he got the assurances that this type of thing will not happen again.

    “We therefore stamp it out and it must not occur again. He has erred and he must probably have been misguided but definitely he must not be seen reporting in that area. Definitely, that must not happen.

    “Going forward, for nominees and the executive, we must respect our laws and our processes. Even if he did it, somebody should have been there to direct and guided him. Those who are eager to resume should tarry a while and follow the due process. We will close this matter here.”

    Senator George Thompson Sekibo (Rivers East) was not impressed.

    “I rise on the issue and the very good explanation that was brought by the Leader eloquently delivered and truly accepted. I accept it, I am not against it. I am not asking for sanction but my problems are two.

    “When you are bringing a complex matter and you are bringing it under personal explanation, for me it is misdirecting the House. This matter is a complex matter and personal explanation should not be a controversial matter. Then you are bringing major controversial matter. Somebody who is fragrantly violating the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Section 5(1)(b), and you just bring it under personal explanation and he finished talking and sat down as if nothing has happened.

    “Sir, it is a major issue. I am saying for caution, next time issues of this nature should not come under personal explanation. They should look for other orders to bring it so that it is open to us to debate. We will not remove the man, we will agree with him because he is our leader. But to block and close our mouth, I don’t think it is the best for all of us.”

     

  • Senate stops 38 agencies from expenditure of capital votes

    Senate stops 38 agencies from expenditure of capital votes

    …Gives Buhari two week ultimatum to submit budget

     

    The Senate Tuesday barred 38 corporations, agencies and parastatals from further expenditure of their capital budget 2017.

    The upper chamber also gave President Muhammadu Buhari two week ultimatum to submit the 2017 budget of corporations, agencies and parastatals of the Federal Government for consideration and approval of the National Assembly.

    It said that the submission of the budget proposals should be done within two weeks in compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act and the Constitution.

    It resolved that affected corporations, agencies and parastatals should stop forthwith further expenditure from their capital vote pending the submission of their 2017 budget to the National Assembly in line with Section 21 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act.

    The lawmakers further resolved that to urgently amend the Fiscal Responsibility Act to penalize infractions of non-submission of budget for appropriation.

    Only on Tuesday, the Senate said that 38 agencies are in breach of the Fiscal Responsibility Act for failure to submit their 2017 budget for approval by the National Assembly.

    The resolutions followed the unanimous adoption of a motion entitled: “Non-submission of 2017 budget by public corporations in violation of the Fiscal Responsibility Act” sponsored by Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah (Kebbi South).

    Na’Allah in his lead debate said that the Senate should be worried about the non-submission of the 2017 budget proposal by statutory corporations to the National Assembly.

    He noted that Section 21(1)(2) and (3) of the FRA stipulates that “The government Corporations and agencies and government owned companies listed in the Schedule to this Act (in this Act referred to as the Corporation) shall, not latter that six months from the commencement of this Act and for every three financial years thereafter and not later than the end of the second quarter of every year, cause to be prepared and submitted to the Minister their Schedule estimates of revenue and expenditure for the next three financial year.

    The Act also said that “Each of the bodies referred to in Section (1) of this Section shall submit to the Minister not later the end of August in each financial year: a, An annual budget derived from the estimates submitted in pursuance of subsection (1) of this section; and b, projected operating surplus which shall be prepared in line with acceptable accounting practices”…….

    Na’ Allah observed that non-compliance to the provisions of the FRA constitutes abuse of power and economic sabotage aimed at frustrating the current economic measures being taken by the present administration to address the economic recession.

    He noted that the absence of penalties in the provisions of FRA have emboldened and encouraged the perpetration of the Act.

    Na’Allah said that Senate should be concerned that the FRA is failing in its responsibility through complacence in the execution of its mandate.

    Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu who seconded the motion noted that the Constitution is supreme while its provisions shall be a binding force on all authorities and persons throughout the country.

    Ekweremadu said, “This constitution is supreme and its provisions shall have a binding force on all authorities and persons throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It goes further in section 80(2) to say that “No money shall be withdrawn from the consolidated revenue fund of the federation except in the manner prescribed by the National Assembly.”

    “We are here talking about responsibility of governance. There cannot be any hard responsibility than Fiscal Responsibility because that is the beginning of all evils, we must begin to ensure that we live by the laws we make for ourselves. If we say that ministers are supposed to send the estimates of various agencies under them with the appropriation act of each year that has to be done.

    “I recall Mr. President in 2016, President Muhammadu Buhari sends to this National Assembly the appropriation bill for that year together with those estimates. While in 2017, the ministers find it impossible to accompany the same appropriation act 2017 with those estimates of the agencies under them.

    “We cannot be going forth and back. I believe that this is time for us to insist under section 88 that gives us power of oversight that this has to be done. We make laws here for the good governance of this country and that is actually what we have to insist. I believe that time has come when we are going to insist that all agencies should stop the expenditure of public funds unless it is appropriated in accordance with section 80 of the constitution which we have sworn to uphold.

    “It is our responsibility today to ensure that ultimatum is given to agencies under this government to bring this estimates for us to duly appropriate that is why the constitution provided for a full time legislature because there are enormous work to be done.”

    Senator George Thompson Sekibo (River East) asked “if a man who is to give the law fails the law but happens to him because if a man puts a law and another man fails.”

    He described the non-submission of the budget estimates of the agencies as a gross misconduct that should not be glozed over “because they are spending public funds.

    Senator Solomon Adeola said that the non-submission of the estimates is deliberate.

    He suggested that committees should meet with affected agencies.

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, thank Na’Allah “for this important motion.”

    Saraki said that the motion is at the heart of the fight against corruption in the country.

    He said,”Truly this motion is at the heart of this fight against corruption and it is very important as we have seen that independent revenue, the amount of money from independent revenue even exceeds how much we get on oil revenue.

    “So, it is a huge amount to our revenue line even when we are talking about looking for money to fund projects, hospitals, education. This is where the source of the revenue are and I cannot see how we can continue in a society where we are fighting corruption where people will be spending money without approval, without appropriations, it must stop, it will stop and it is going to stop from now.

    “Clearly we have made our position that based on this amendment this agencies they must get their budget to us in two weeks and committee chairmen I want to appeal that once we get the budget on our own part as well let’s ensure that we do it publicly, very diligently and try and turn it around as quickly as possible.”

    Saraki also said that agencies that did not pass through the right channel to submit their budget to the National Assembly should do the right thing.

    Affected agencies included Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC,) Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASEI), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).

    Others are the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), National Maritime Authority (NMA), Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Nigerian Postal Service (NPS), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

    The list also includes the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), National Communications Commission (NCC), National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) and National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

    Others are National Insurance Commission (NIC), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Nigerian Copyrights Commission (NCC), Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Radio Nigeria, Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA), National Business and Technical Examination Board (NABTEB), Federal Mortgage Bank, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), as well as Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority (OGZFA).