The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Reps

  • Reps seek revocation of Malabu’s OPL 245 agreement

    The House of Representatives is calling for the revocation of  Malabu Oil Block ( Oil Prospecting Licence  245) because Nigeria stands to lose $10b in the controversial deep water oil block.

    The outcome of various studies from oil industry experts said the nation might lose between $4.5 billion and $10 billion based on lopsided Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) that excluded some key components of the licence like gas.

    Leading the call for the revocation of the OPL 245 licence was Chairman of House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes (EFCC), Kayode Oladele.

    Oladele spoke at the anti-corruption situation room on public presentation of expert analysis of OPL 245 deal by Human and Environmental Agenda (HEDA) Resource Center in partnership with Global Witness, RE: Common and CornerHouse.

    Read also: $1.04b Malabu oil block: I didn’t grant interview to implicate Jonathan, others

    He said the non-implementation of the recommendation of the report of the 2014 House of Representatives’ investigation by the government led to the second investigation in 2016.

    Oladele said the investigation uncovered too many shady deals  facilitated with alleged payment of $1.1 billion to a former Petroleum Minister, Dan Etete, as well as other inconsistences in the PSA that did not favour the country.

    He said the decision of the current House of Representatives to reopen the investigation was also reinforced by the “realisation that the $1.1 billion paid by Shell and Agip for OPL 245 was disguised as payment to the Federal Government.

    The lawmaker said: “It is a common knowledge that the only entitlement of the Federal Government in the award of oil block is signature bonus, while the beneficiary of the award (in this case, Malabu) is entitled to the full value of the block ($1.1b) if it divests its stake.

    “Other investigations conducted by other industry experts like Global witness, Cornerhouse and RE:Common) which further unearth useful facts pertaining to outstanding issues in the hideous oil prospecting contract projecting it at an estimated revenue loss of $6b to Nigeria have vindicated the parliamentarians that its position on the issue.

  • Reps to probe funding of war against Boko Haram

    The House of Representatives yesterday resolved to investigate the Federal Government under the watch of President Muhammadu Buhari and his predecessor, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, over the funding of the war against Boko Haram.

    Members of the Green Chamber expressed their frustration over the failure of the military to rein in the insurgents.

    They said military intelligence failed the country.

    The lawmakers expressed sadness over the attack on a military formation in Metele, Borno State by the insurgents.

    Deputy Minority Leader Onyema Chukwuka said that soldiers died in the attack.

    The lawmakers urged the Army to publish the names of the fallen heroes after consultation with their families.

    The decision followed the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance by Chukwuka, who, relying on  reports, said the insurgents carted away  weapons from the Melete Army base.

    He said: “While the news of the attack and death toll continued to increase, neither the President nor Commander-in-Chief, and the minister of Defence or the army authorities said anything about the report as there was silence for more than five days.

    “The President and C-in-C finally broke his silence six days after the attack in a statement issued on his behalf but it is regrettable that in the last one year, no fewer than 600 soldiers have been killed by insurgents, mostly in Bomo State around the fringes of the Lake Chad.

    “Recall that on June 18, a Boko Haram attack in Gajiram, Bomo State, led to the death of civilians and soldiers and on July 13, Boko Haram ambushed and killed soldiers at Alagaye village, near Bama, Borno State and carted away nine gun trucks.

    “On July 14, Boko Haram attacked the 81 Division Forward Brigade at Jilli village in Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State and killed scores of soldiers; on August 30, Boko Haram attacked an army formation at Zari village, also in Bomo State, killing not no fewer than 48 soldiers and many others are still missing aside equipment losses; and on September 8, the 82 Division Task Force in Gudumbali, Bomo State was attacked, many soldiers killed and equipment carted away.

    “It is equally regrettable that while the executive said and continued to insist that Boko Haram terrorists had been “technically defeated”, or “technically degraded”, the insurgents seem to be waxing  even stronger and stronger day-in-day-out, such that they recently attached a community just 20 kilometre from Maiduguri, the Bomo State capital.

    “Twice in three years, the Commander-in-Chief gave directives to the service chiefs to permanently relocate to the Theatre Command Center in Maiduguri until Boko Haram is defeated.

    “With the recent development in the North, all the successes and gains made against Boko Haram have been reversed, regrettably.”

    Nnenna Elendu-Ukeje (PDP, Abia)  suggested that Nigeria should enter into an air support agreement with her neighbours “so that when the need arises, the Nigerian Air Force can respond to crisis from the closest points within minutes, even from the neighboring countries.”

    She also emphasised the need for a change in the orientation and curriculum of the military from one that aims to take over territories to the modern-day conventional and unconventional warfare.

    Aminu Shagari (APC, Sokoto) said President Buhari, being a military General, was not expected to fail on security issues, not to talk of not being able to suppress a religious insurgency.

    Recalling that former President Shehu Shagari quelled Maitatsine insurgents despite being a civilian, Shagari said: “I expect nothing less than total decimation of Boko Haram but here we are today with no serious efforts by the military to arrest the situation. Where has all the monies appropriated to fight this insurgency gone?”

    Edward Pwajok (APC, Plateau) complained about lack of synergy within the military authorities and the failure of military intelligence characterised by lack of inter-agency information sharing.

    He wondered why Buhari failed to sanction or remove the Service chiefs who, in his view, had obviously failed in their responsibility of protecting the people. He called for the investigation of funds disbursed to prosecute the terror war.

    Zakari Mohammed (PDP, Kwara) said rather than cooperate and share information, the military preferred competing amongst themselves.

    Accusing the House Standing Committees on Military of failing to comprehensively carry out their oversight  function and ask necessary questions, Mohammed urged the President to be more proactive on the issue.

    He also urged the government and the military in particular to invest more in technology to fight the modern unconventional insurgents.

    Alleging that Boko Haram was taking over territories, Mohammed Sani Abdul (APC, Bauchi, said that the Nigerian Army could not evacuate its corpses from Melete because Boko Haram has taken over the camp.

    To Abdulsamad Dasuki (PDP, Sokoto), who is also the Navy  Committee Chairman, the number of the military personnel in the country is grossly inadequate.

    They are less than 300,000, he claimed, adding that the recruitment into the military in the last three years left much to be desired.

    He identified lack of technology as a big issue in the efficiency of the military

    Aliu Magaji (APC, Jigawa) advised the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Yusuf Buratai to provide Nigerians with the real news rather than threatening those he targeted as fake news peddlers.

    Beni Lar (PDP, Plateau) urged the President to sack the Service chiefs for what he called poor performance.

    Mohammed Bago (APC, Niger) spoke in a similar vein.

    Speaker Yakubu Dogara said queried the porosity of the Nigerian borders if Cameroun and Chad.

    He wondered if the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), operating along the borders, had collapsed.

  • Offa robbery: Reps to investigate death of key suspect

    The House of Representatives is to investigative the circumstances surrounding the death of Michael Adikwu, a key suspect in the Offa, Kwara State, bank robbery.

    The incident, which occurred seven months ago, claimed many lives.

    The Committee on Police Affairs, Human Rights and Justice mandated to carry out the investigation, is expected to uncover the issues and answer questions as to when the suspect died, how he died, why the police denied the facts of his death, at what point the police leadership discovered the death of the suspect and why the police are covering up the facts.

    The committee is also expected to unravel issues of human rights abuse, extrajudicial killings and manipulation of criminal investigation by the police.

    Read also: Offa Bank Robbery: How prime suspect died – Police

    The decision of the lawmakers followed the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance by Zakari Mohammad (PDP, Kwara), who noted how shocking was the disclosure by the police that Adikwu, the principal suspect in the bank robbery in Offa, Kwara State, which occurred on Aprii 5, is dead.

    He said: “The police initially confirmed to the Attorney- General of Kwara State through the Police Public Relations Officer, Moshood Jimoh, that the principal suspect was alive and in custody and was helping the police in the investigations of the robbery that led to the killing of 22 people and recovery of firearms that were carted away.

    “Of concern, however, is that it took the police so long to make the disclosure about the death of the principal suspect after denying its veracity as was reported in the media.

    “It is equally worrisome that there have been inconsistencies in the various statements by the police and a possible cover up of this extra-judicial killing with the aim of tarnishing the image of some innocent individuals for political purposes.

    “It is common knowledge that it is the constitutional duty of this hallowed chamber to take action wherever such level of irresponsibility and recklessness of an important law enforcement agency such as the Police have arisen in the course of investigations into a vicious crime.”

     

  • Reps candidate promises better life

    Former Lagos State Commissioner for Works, Ganiu Johnson, has said the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will make life better for the residents.

    Addressing party supporters yesterday at his Oshodi/Isolo Constituency campaign office, the APC chieftain said Lagosians would continue to enjoy the party’s support in the years ahead.

    Johnson, who is the party’s Oshodi/Isolo House of Representatives candidate, said his constituents would be empowered to enjoy dividends of democracy.

    He said people who do not have tangible sources of living would be assisted.

    Johnson said the large turnout at the campaign kick-off indicated that Lagosians have confidence in the party, adding the party’s people-oriented programmes could not be matched by other parties.

    He said: “The large turnout of my people is because they believe in us. I will continue to assist the people because it is something that is in me. I have been doing that and I am still going to do more.

    “The welfare of the people is a practical thing that those who aspire to represent them should take as the corner stone of their assignment.

    “We will be looking in the direction of good governance, but practically the people must be involved in making the process realistic.”

  • Reps summon Baru, others over N91tr oil contracts

    The House of Representative has summoned the Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Maikanti Baru over a possible loss of N91 trillion by the country due to alleged “shady” oil exploration contracts, it emerged yesterday.

    Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) Chairman, Joseph Akinlaja during an investigative hearing on the matter as mandated by the House in June, expressed disappointment with NNPC and other companies in the oil sector  for shunning the public hearing.

    Akinlaja said: “The NNPC has Mahart Petroleum and Alkhairi Oil acting on behalf of NNPC and we are told that Nigeria is shortchanged to the tune of N91 trillion.

    “That NNPC has agents that deal with this investigation, Mahart Petroleum and Alkeri Oil, both working on behalf of NNPC, but we all know that NNPC is the supervisory agency of oil business in Nigeria, they alleged that Nigeria is shortchanged to the tune of N91 trillion.

    “But all these allegations cannot be proven if all the  stakeholders are not complete before this panel. Therefore, we have gotten a letter from NNPC asking for another date to appear.

    “We have also got representation from Duke Oil asking for another date because we invited them too.

    “We have not heard from Alkhairi Oil, we have not heard from Mahart Petroleum, so we are using this medium to inform Nigerians that the Managing Director of Mahart Oil and Alkhairi Oil should appear before this Committee here on a date that will be communicated to them, and failure to do so, we will use our constitutional right to compel their appearance, because Nigeria needs every kobo for the economic development of this country.

    “And for the National Assembly and the House of Representatives to have passed a resolution to investigate the allegation, I do not think it behoves on anybody to refuse to appear before the committee if they have a good case.

    “Therefore the date forA and M to appear at the next hearing will be communicated to them.

    “For Duke Oil that has made representation and the Managing Director of of NNPC that had contacted us, we will contact them for another date that they should also appear, so that Nigerians will know the truth because when we  heard the figure too, we were baffled that the amount that is more than enough for more than 12 year budget of Nigeria, is being taunted, but whatever it is an allegation is an allegation.”

    The petitioners, in their submission by Bola Aidi, who led a consortium of law firms to the  hearing, said a comprehensive investigation into the activities of NNPC in the past two years was done, saying that the country deserved accountability and transparency from NNPC. Aidi noted that it is most important for the country to  recover the funds.

    He said: “We are the ones that brought the petition asking this august House to investigate what is likely to be the missing fund in the accounts of the NNPC.

  • Reps probe Kaduna killings

    The House Representatives yesterday urged the police to investigate the recurrent crises in Kaduna State and bring the perpetrators to justice.

    The resolution of the House comes on the heels of the October 21 attack at Kujama town in Chikun Local Government Area, where 50 persons were reportedly killed.

    It also urged security agencies to ensure the release of a paramount ruler of Adara people, who was abducted while returning from the scene of the crisis.

    The resolution of the House followed the passage of a motion by Minority Yakubu Barde (PDP, Kaduna), titled: Killings, Abduction and Destruction of Property in Kajuru and Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    Moving the motion, the lawmaker chronicled what led to the crises, saying: “It was a tale of an attack in Kasuwa Magani, a weekly market in Kajuru Local Government Area in the state, on October 18 and an allegedly retaliation on October 21 on Kujama town in Chikun Local Government Area by hoodlums.

    “The paramount ruler of Adara people was abducted with his wife and driver while returning from the scene of the crisis.”

    The House also resolved that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) should provide materials to those affected by the crisis.

  • Reps pass Electoral Act Amendment Bill

    THE House of Representatives yesterday passed the contentious Electoral Act amendment bill through second reading

    It was thereafter referred to the committee of the whole for further legislative action.

    The resolution was passed sequel to a debate by Chairman, House Committee on Political Parties and Electoral Matters Aisha Dukku.

    She led the debate on the Electoral Act, No. 6, 2010, which empowers polling agents, accredited observers and official of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to record on video or by any means the election process.

    The amended clauses include  Sections 8, 9, 15, 18, 19, 27, 30, 33, 35 36, 38, 44, 46, 48, 49, 51, 52, 53, 63, 65, 67, 76, 78, 82, 85, 87, 91, 99, 100, 138, 139, 140, 142, 143, 151 and 156.

    According to Section 8(5): “a person who being a member of a political party, misrepresents himself by not disclosing his membership, affiliation or connection to any political party in order to secure an appointment with the commission in any capacity commits an offence and is liable to conviction to imprisonment for a term of at least 5 years or a fine of at least N5 million or both.”

    Also, Section 18(4) also provides for N5 million fine or imprisonment not exceeding two  years for any person who issue replacement PVC to any voter on polling day or less than 60 days before the polling day.

    Other amended sections are: 31(6) which states that the court shall issue an order disqualifying a candidate or political party from contesting election for providing false affidavit, and if already elected, shall not be eligible to re-contest another election which shall be conducted within 90 days by INEC.

    Again, section 31(8) provides that: “a political party which presents to the commission the name of a candidate who does not meet the qualification stipulated in this section commits an offence and is liable to a fine of N5 million.

    Section 36(3a, b) also provides that: “if after the commencement of poll and before declaration of a winner, the leading candidate dies, the commission shall being satisfied of the fact of the death, suspend the election for a period not exceeding 21 days”; and the “political party whose candidate died may, if it intends to continue to participate in the election, conduct a fresh primary within 7 days of the death of its candidate and submit a new candidate to the commission to replace the dead candidate”.

    The amendment bill was referred to the committee of the whole for further legislative action.

  • Reps ask Customs to return seized rice

    The House of Representatives yesterday instructed the Nigeria Customs Service to return the large quantities of rice they carted away from Kofar Ruwa and Sigha markets in Kano.

    The rice was allegedly seized alongside other essential commodities in midnight raids by men of the Customs.

    The House resolved to constitute an ad hoc committee to investigate the circumstances leading to the invasion and reasons behind the carting away of the rice.

    The resolution was sequel to a motion by a member, Aliyu Madaki, titled: “The illegal seizure of rice and the brazen abuse of law by the officers of the Nigeria Customs Service at Kano markets.”

    Madaki said: “Customs carted away thousands of bags of rice from the Kofar Ruwa market and in the open shared to themselves and other security operatives in the operation.

    “Aware that the Customs again invaded Singha market in the dead of the night and carted away over 10 trailers loaded with rice and other essential food commodities.”

    The lawmaker expressed concern that the operations had affected the growth of business in Kano and by implication Nigerian economy.

     

  • Why I’m contesting for Reps

    Former Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Area of Lagos Sole Administrator Taoheed Adebayo Taiwo has joined the league of people aspiring for the House of Representatives in Oshodi-Isolo.

    At his declaration in Ilasamaja, Taiwo said he wants to ensure better representation of his constituency at the National Assembly.

    This, he said, would aid his humanitarian gesture.

    “I have always been in politics. I was born and brought up in a political family as you can see my father is one of the leaders of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos state. Politics is about service to humanity, delivering the essential necessities of lives to the people. I derived a lot of joy in putting smiles on the faces of the people,” he said.

    He boasted that he is an aspirant to beat during the primary election due to his track record.

    “I will definitely become victorious as you can see the crowd around. I have served as a supervisor before in Ejigbo Local Council Development Area and also the Sole Administrator in Oshodi-Isolo Local Government. My good work speaks for me.  If you go to Oshodi today, you will see the good thing I have done there – the legislative building I inaugurated and a lot of infrastructural development I was able to bring to Oshodi. These gave us victory during the local government election held last year,” he said.

    According to him, Ilasamaja has never had anyone in the House of Representatives despite its population size, adding “Ilasamaja is one of the biggest in terms of population and revenue generation; we have all it takes but it is unfortunate that we don’t have much representation when it comes to people in governance. My people are yearning for a better representative. It is the turn of Ilasamaja to produce a House of Representatives member because never in the history of Ilasamaja have we had anybody to represent us at that level.”

  • Reps: NITDA Act anachronistic

    The instrument that give legal teeth to the National Information Teleology Development Agency  (NITDA ) has become obsolete and requires a thorough legislative overhaul,  the House of Representatives said yesterday  in Lagos.

    Speaking during a working visit to the Nigerian Computer Society (NCS), Chairman, House Committee on Information Technology, Hon Onawo Mohamned Oguchi,  said the NITDA Act requires review.

    According to him,  the law confers more regulatory responsibilities on the agency than supervisory and developmental.

    He said the law would be fine tuned to give the agency more room to oversee the development of the ICT industry in ther country.

    He lamented the multiplicity of committents in the legislative arm, especially in the ICT sector, adding that there was need for collaboration between the industry and the legislative arm of government.

    Shedding more light on why the review of NITDA Act had remained a wishful thinking, the President,  Information Technology Systems and Security Professionals (ITSSP), Rogba Adeoye, said any amendment to the Act would be impossible if the board of the agency was not constituted.

    ITSSP is a group within the NCS which is purely an advocacy group of computer professionals.

    Adeoye lamented that for over three years, the execurive arm of government refused to constitute the board of NITDA,  a development has been slowing down the progress of the agency.

    He urged the National Assembly to review the provision of Cybe crime Act 2015 that excluded members of the NCS from the board.

    He also urged the committee chair to look into the law that makes the Office of  the National Security Advisor  (ONSA) the seat of the law, adding that it scares people.