The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Saraki

  • Saraki, Fayemi, Fasanmi: Fasehun battled for democracy

    Senate President Bukola Saraki, Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, leader of Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, and Second Republic senator, Chief Ayo Fasanmi and Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa yesterday expressed sadness over the death of the founder of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Dr Frederick Fasehun.

    In a statement in Abuja, the nation’s capital, by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, the Senate President said: “Fasehun was a man who transcended childhood limitation of late enrolment into school, became a medical practitioner of repute and joined in the struggle to enthrone democracy in the country.

    “He served the Yoruba nation in particular and the country in general through his cultural renaissance movement – the OPC – and political struggle. He was one of the people who deserved to be called the heroes of our present democracy as they fought against military rule.

    “Dr. Fasehun worked to preserve the health of the high and low in society. He worked to free Nigeria from military dictatorship. He worked to promote the cause of the Yoruba Nation. We have lost a star and a man of ideas. We shall all miss him.”

    Saraki commiserated with the immediate family of the deceased, the government and people of Ondo State and the Yoruba nation over the sad loss.

    Dr Fayemi noted that the country had lost a major pillar of its democratic struggles.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Yinka Oyebode, the governor said: “We have lost another strong pillar of our democratic struggles. Dr Fasehun would do anything to defend the rights of his people against any act of tyranny and oppression.

    “Dr Fasehun fought a good fight as a frontline leader in the struggle for the democracy we now enjoy. He challenged and encouraged many of the younger generation with the way he fought for democracy with all his energy and resources.

    “We shall surely miss his amiable personality, simplicity, wisdom and courage.

    “But we are encouraged by the fact that Dr Fasehun fought a good fight and left behind a good name and a legacy of selfless service that is worthy of emulation. This, we believe, should be a source of consolation to the children and the family.

    “Our prayer is that God grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and grant Baba eternal rest.”

    Senator Fasanmi said the death of Fasheun, whom he described as his in-law and friend, came to him as a rude shock.

    In a statement his personal assistant, Mr. Adebayo Temitope, the Afenifere chieftain also described the late Fasheun as a fighter for justice.

    Pa Fasanmi said the late OPC leader dedicated his life for the struggle of the common man.

    He said: “He is one of the frontline leaders for the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria. The death of Dr. Fasehun is not a personal loss to his family but to the entire progressive family. I pray to the Almighty God to fill the vacuum he left behind in the family of Fasheun, in Ondo and Nigeria. May the soul of our departed one rest in perfect peace.”

    Obasa commiserated with OPC.

    A statement yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Musbau Rasak, the Speaker said: “The late Dr Fasehun was a nationalist; his death is, therefore, not only a loss to his family and OPC but also to the entire Nigerian nation.”

    “He was a dogged fighter who will always pursue his belief to logical conclusion. Nigeria will surely miss his experience, knowledge and wisdom,” he said.

  • Obasanjo, Jonathan, Saraki, others honour Atiku at turbaning as Waziri Adamawa

    A CROWD of dignitaries watched yesterday as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar  was decorated as the Waziri Adamawa in Yola.

    Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President Bukola Saraki and House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara were some of the dignitaries.

    Obasanjo was the chairman of the ceremony, which took place at the palace of Lamido Adamawa Alhaji Muhammadu Musdafa.

    The title was conferred on the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate last year.

    Governors Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Darius Ishaku (Taraba) and Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa), Rabiu Kwankwaso, many other senators and several PDP leaders, led by the party’s National Chairman Uche Secondus, attended the event.

    With the turbaning, Atiku is formally the 7th Waziri Adamawa, following a line of succession that began in 1872 when the first Waziri, Alim Alkasum, was turbaned.

    Obasanjo, who said Atiku deserved the honour, added that the Waziri Adamawa would carry his new office with dignity and respect.

    “Atiku will make you proud,” Obasanjo told the Lamido Adamawa.

    Referring to Atiku, Obasanjo said: “I do know that by every standard, you are a cultural and cultured person. I do know too that when we were in Abuja dealing with national and international affairs, you didn’t joke with cultural issues at home. So, you more than deserve this elevation.”

    In his goodwill message, President Muhammadu Buhari wished Atiku a successful event.

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Mohammed Bello, who represented the President, said Buhari appreciated Atiku’s invitation, which the PDP presidential candidate personally signed.

    “He mandated me to convey his good wishes for you to have a very successful coronation as Waziri Adamawa,” Bello said.

    Lamido Adamawa Muhammadu Musdafa eulogised Atiku, saying he was conferring on him the second most important position in the Adamawa Emirate Council due to his contributions to the growth of the emirate, Adamawa State and the country.

    The paramount ruler cited establishment of the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Adama Plast, Faro water and juice, Gotel Communication and other companies as some of Atiku’s landmark achievements.

    Atiku thanked God and those who assisted him from a humble background to great heights.

    He said: “I give my gratitude to the Almighty Allah for the opportunity and honour he has bestowed on me from the humblest background to the very venerable position of Waziri Adamawa. Allah has been so kind and generous to me as only He can be. I also thank my beloved country for the education and opportunities it has given me to rise above my circumstances.”

    The PDP presidential candidate said he was grateful to the late Lamido Adamawa, Aliyu Musdafa, for making him Turaki Adamawa some 35 years ago and to his son, the present Lamido Adamawa, for the elevation to Waziri Adamawa.

    He said he accepted the noble traditional title, which is next only to the Lamido Adamawa stool, with gratitude and that he would serve the office dutifully.

  • Saraki and Offa robberies

    THE police are at liberty to prosecute Senate President Bukola Saraki whenever they want to, particularly after they have completed their investigations of the Offa, Kwara State, robberies. Some of his supporters were alleged to have been involved in the heinous crime that led to the death of some 22 people. But the police have no right to mix the allegations against Dr Saraki with the death in custody of the principal suspect, one Michael Adikwu. Yes, there may be others who can testify against the senate president. Good for the police, if they can manage to keep them alive. But the police cannot just declare to the public that a suspect slumped in their custody and died, someone who was healthy enough to lead a rampage against the law, and was captured intact. Nor can they simply conclude that because they conducted an autopsy on his body, that should be the end of the story. No, it is not.

    Nigerians must demand an investigation into the death in custody of the robbery suspect. That he was a robber and claimed to nurse a deep grudge against the police are not enough to make the country overlook his suspicious death. It is disgraceful that the police failed to inform the public of the suspect’s death, refused to invite independent bodies and doctors to witness the autopsy, and have so far failed to disclose what led to his collapse in custody, how it happened, and what caused it. They can continue all their prosecution of Dr Saraki for all anyone cares, but they must be made to account for the death of Mr Adikwu. The matter must not end arbitrarily and summarily simply because the suspect was a robber.

  • Offa robbery: Police diverting attention from extra -judicial killing, says Saraki

    The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has accused police authorities of diversion in the alleged extra judicial killing of a prime suspect in the April 5, 2018 Offa robbery incident, in which 33 persons were killed by the bandits.

    Police had reported that the suspect, Michael Adikwu, died in detention  thus prompting Saraki to demand inquiry into the circumstances that led to the suspect’s death.

    In response, the police said that Adikwu’s death will not stall the trial of the remaining suspects.

    Police investigation had linked Saraki to some of the robbery suspects, who claimed that they received empowerment from him, and that, they had been used by Saraki, in the past, to disrupt elections in Kwara State.

    But in a statement, yesterday, by his media Adviser, Yusuph Olaniyonu, the Senate President described the police’s respinse as mere diversionary tactic.

    According to him, the action of the police was aimed at evading the serious issues of human rights abuse, extra-judicial killing and politicisation of criminal investigations.

    The statement clarified that when he mentioned in his statement on Wednesday, that he had been vindicated, Saraki was not referring to the outcome of a case which is just about to commence.

    Rather, the statement he claimed, was pointing to the belated admission by the police, that Michael Adikwu, the prime suspect, had died in custody, a fact that was initially denied by the police when he (Senate President) raised it a few months ago.

    He alleged a cover up by the police in the mishandling of the investigations, adding that police authorities have continued to make inconsistent statements and committing more blunders.

    “The police, while reacting to our disclosure that the prime suspect had died in custody, caused their spokesman, Moshood Jimoh, to respond that: ‘Michael Adikwu is in police custody in one of the South-west states…helping in the investigation’. The same Police have equally documented the claim that the suspect died during arrest. What a contradiction!

    “It is surprising that the Police, which initially allowed the said Adikwu to grant interviews to several national newspapers while in custody, refused to inform the public that the suspect had died, until the Attorney General of Kwara State, mentioned it on November 21, 2018 in the course of his address to the High Court in Ilorin, while applying to amend the charge sheet,” said Saraki.

    Saraki urged President Muhammadu Buhari to institute an inquiry into Adikwu’s death because it has several implications for the country’s legal system and its engagement with the international community.

    “This is an instance of what these international partners complain about. The Presidency should make a point that the present government does not tolerate human rights abuse, extra-judicial killing, politically-motivated criminal investigation and refusal to comply with global best practices by security agencies by instituting an inquiry into the case of the death of this suspect,” Saraki added.

    The Senate President called for diligent prosecution of the Offa robbery case so that justice can be done to the innocent victims of the April 5 attacks, the suspects facing trial and the state where peace was disturbed by the sad incident.

  • Fallout of Reps poll: Saraki may move against Kwara gov

    There is panic in the camp of the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, following the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loss of last Saturday’s House of Representatives by-election in Ekiti/ Oke-Ero/ Isin/ Irepodun Federal Constituency to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The defeat has forced Saraki to return to the drawing board to plot how to win the senatorial election in Kwara South Senatorial District.

    One of the options being weighed by Saraki is to prevail on Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed to drop his senatorial aspiration for the incumbent Senator Abdulrafiu Ibrahim, who is believed to have more clout in the area than the governor.

    It was not clear last night whether the governor would accept the decision of his godfather (Saraki).

    Investigation conducted by our correspondent revealed that Saraki was disturbed by the defeat of PDP in some of his strongholds, especially in Ekiti and Oke-Ero local government areas.

    According to findings, a post-mortem conducted by party leaders attributed the loss to alleged “waning influence of the governor among the electorate in the area.”

    It was learnt that party leaders were devastated that the governor could not mobilise his fellow Igbomina/Ekiti people to vote for PDP.

    One of the recommendations made by party leaders was that the governor should forsake his senatorial aspiration in the larger interest of the party.

    The PDP leaders resolved to take a cue from a similar political scenario in Lagos State.

    A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “There is still unease in Saraki’s camp over the defeat of PDP in last Saturday’s poll in Kwara State. The opposition party was caught unawares by the victory of APC.

    “The PDP has been meeting on how to avert more defeats in 2019. A major step being taken by Saraki is how to keep its political family intact.

    “The outcome of the by-election also showed that the PDP needs to do more homework to retain the State in 2019.

    “There are more aggrieved PDP leaders and members than Saraki had thought.

    “If he concentrates on his assignment as the DG of the Presidential Campaign Council of PDP, he might lose the state which is already slipping off his hands.

    “The choice of the governorship candidate of PDP has polarised the party and protest vote and intra-party sabotage are looming.

    “To add the loss of Kwara South Senatorial District to these challenges will put PDP be in dire straits.

    “It is really tight for Saraki and his team now unless he reunites with members of his political family.”

    At press time, it was gathered that the Senate President made a shuttle to Ilorin to take charge of the situation.

    Another source added: “Saraki has opened up discussions with the governor on why his candidacy cannot fly with the loss of Ekiti/Oke-Ero/Isin/Irepodun Federal Constituency.

    “The results of the by-election have proven that Ahmed is unpopular and PDP might lose Kwara South Senatorial District to APC.

    “Some voters claimed to have cast protest votes against the governor over salary arrears.

    “The party has the choice of risking Ahmed as the candidate and losing the district. With the way the ruling APC is waxing stronger in the state, PDP cannot afford such a luxury.

    “If the governor lets off the senatorial ticket, it will now be conceded to the incumbent senator, Abdulrafiu Ibrahim, who is regarded as better electoral asset in the district than the governor.

    “With the choice of Senator Ibrahim, the calculation is that he can match the APC candidate, Arc. Lola Ashiru who is rated as “formidable and a game changer.”

    “Ashiru’s threat to PDP is real.

    “Saraki has returned to Ilorin to re-strategise, reconcile with all those aggrieved over the outcome of governorship primaries and plan for the battle ahead.

    “A big task at hand is how to clear the backlog of salaries of local government workers and lecturers in state colleges of education and other institutions.

    “Except workers and pensioners are appeased, APC will win the state.”

    Asked what Saraki might offer the governor in place of his senatorial ticket, the source added: “A likely ministerial slot if PDP wins the presidency. This is a safe deal.”

    At press time, it was confirmed that Senator Ibrahim, who was in Lagos for the weekend, had been summoned to Ilorin for a meeting with Saraki today.”

    But a PDP source said: “I think it is the governor who is trying to voluntarily forego his senatorial ticket, based on some political realities.

    “Ahmed has been a financial expert all his life. He has little or no exposure to politics. The only viable alternative is for him to step aside.”

    When contacted, the State Publicity Secretary of PDP, Mr. Tunde Ashaolu, said: “There is nothing like that. It is sheer rumour.”

  • Saraki seeks inquiry into key suspect’s death

    Senate President Bukola Saraki yesterday asked the Presidency to institute a judicial inquiry into the death of the principal suspect in the April 5 Offa bank robbery, Michael Adikwu.

    He said the inquiry should be constituted to determine “how and when the suspect died.”

    The Senate President in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Yusuph Olaniyonu, noted that the disclosure by the Police vindicated his earlier claim that the suspect had been killed in police custody and that the investigation was politically motivated to implicate him (Saraki), Governor Abdulfatai Ahmed and a few others.

    He said the inquiry would help to examine and interrogate how the investigation into the robbery was conducted by the Police and whether the investigation followed the normal process and complied with global best practices.

    Dr. Saraki added that the Police needed to confirm why it took them so long to make the disclosure about the death of the principal suspect after they denied it at the time he (Saraki) disclosed the information and it was reported in the media.

    He said: “It should be recalled that when we mentioned it that the principal suspect had been murdered and that investigation into the Offa robbery was politically motivated and targeted at implicating me and other individuals, the Police Public Relations Officer, Moshood Jimoh,  said: ‘Michael Adikwu is in police custody. You know that he is the one that led the killing of 22 people. The firearms that were carted away, he is helping the police in the investigation to recover them. There is a state in the Southwest where they kept him. I can’t mention the state. It is in one of the Southwest states’.

    “The fresh facts have now thrown more light into why there had been inconsistencies in the statements by the Police. The Police initially told the Attorney-General of Kwara State that the principal suspect was alive and they only later reluctantly disclosed that he died in the course of arrest. How can a suspect confirmed to be in custody now be said to have died in the course of arrest? This contradiction shows a deliberate attempt to cover up something.

    “It is obvious that the police have orchestrated the information they give to the public on the Offa robbery only to tarnish the image of the Kwara State governor and myself. We are calling for a public inquiry to probe the issues of extra-judicial killing, the cover-up of this killing with the aim of framing up some individuals for political purpose and politicising of criminal investigations. The facts need to be laid bare.

    “The inquiry may help to further document and define the terms of handling of suspects in police custody and how to prevent extra-judicial killing of suspects, for whatever purpose. There is need for transparency in investigations into all cases and our methods should comply with global standards. We should discourage situations where the police politicise investigations and deliberately set out to frame up some individuals.

    “With the facts on ground, the issues that should be unearthed by the inquiry include: When exactly did the suspect die? How did he die? Why was the police denying the facts of his death when they knew he had died? At what point did the Police leadership know of the death? Why are the police covering up the facts? We believe the answer to these questions will help the country to address the issue of human rights abuse, extra-judicial killing, manipulation of criminal investigation to achieve political end, deliberate attempt to cover up some facts and how skewed investigation of crime can impact on successful prosecution of suspects.”

    Saraki said now that the police have begun prosecution of the remaining suspects, there should be diligent and prompt prosecution so that justice can be transparently done to the victims of the Offa robbery and the accused persons.

  • Saraki has personalised Senate, says Ndume

    A Senator has accused Senate President Bukola Saraki of running  the Senate  like a private business.

    “He has personalised the senate and he is becoming like the senators president not Senate president,” Senator Ali Ndume said.

    “The selection committee is the one with the mandate to give out committees. The committees do not belong to Saraki,” he said.

    According to him, he does not need to head any committee to provide service to the people as a senator

    Ndume said the plan to remove Saraki as senate president was alive but did not elaborate on it in his interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum in Abuja yesterday.

    He said he would not be bought over with his appointment as Chairman, Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service.

    Ndume is one of the APC lawmakers that insisted that Saraki must vacate his seat following his defection to the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP).

    He had a running battle with Saraki following his supposed support for the Executive against decisions of the National Assembly.

    He lost his seat as Leader of the Senate and was suspended for six legislative months.

    Ndume described the eighth Senate as the worst he had seen in terms of attendance at plenary.

    Since resumption from the extended annual recess on Oct. 9, the Senate has adjourned planary twice: first for two weeks on Oct. 24 to pave way for “oversight duties”.

    On Nov. 13, the senators adjourned plenary for one week after failing to form quorum, a situation they blamed on continuation of oversight duties by most of the absentees.

    The tempo is expected to take a further dip with the commencement of the campaigns ahead of the 2019 presidential and National Assembly elections billed for February.

    “The 8th Senate is the worst I have seen in terms of attendance, and it is because of the bad leadership of Saraki.

    “This is the first time we had to adjourn the Senate for lack of quorum.

    “Since I came to the National Assembly, two terms in the House of Representatives, and two terms now in the Senate, it had never been like this.

    “So, I was shocked that dahy (Nov. 13). I came a bit late, and when I entered the chambers, I was told we had adjourned because there was no quorum, and that only 14 people or there about turned up. ”It’s just terrible,’’ he lamented

    He said the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Atiku Abubakar will be a walkover for President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2019 elections.

    ”Next election is a walkover with Atiku.

    “We were anxious when PDP was to organise their primaries but when Atiku emerged, we were glad for so many reasons.

    “Atiku was our Vice President for eight years and he was one of the most powerful vice presidents we ever had and we know what he did.

    “He was under former President Obasanjo and in his book “Under My Watch”, he voluntarily described who the Presidential candidate is.

    “We all know where we were and where we are now. Had it been they are presenting a new person; someone that Nigerians do not know, that may have been a threat but with Atiku, no way.

    “Let us analyse it. North West is where the president comes from and we are banking on our highest votes there and if you go to any part of the North West, you will realise that his popularity is unprecedented.

    “Then if you go to North East, Buhari is a moral obligation,” he said.

    He expressed disappointment that Atiku, in spite of coming from the North East, there was no record of him sending relief materials to people displaced by Boko Haram.

    “We have to vote for him (Buhari) because we know where we were with the government of PDP in my state, including my local government, my town and even my house were taken over by Boko Haram.

    “It was the government of President Muhammadu Buhari that salvaged the situation and now my people are back to our local government.

    ”For me, this election is between Nigerians and the Nigerian corrupt.

    ”Ninety per cent of the so called rich people in Nigeria are public dependent. They make their money from Nigerians so, they gather themselves now, they want to take power again.

    “Nigerian masses will not agree to that move.

    “One thing the Nigerian masses even like in this (APC) government is that they caught these people that stole their money.

    “Buhari/Osinbajo is a very perfect team, you can’t fault them. The Vice-President (Prof. Yemi Osinbajo) is a complete gentleman, very transparent and honest, just like Mr. President (Buhari),” he said.

  • Eid-el-Maulud: Buhari, Saraki, Ekweremadu, governors, others greet Nigerians

    PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari yesterday led other leaders in felicitating with the citizens, especially Muslims at home and abroad, on the occasion of Eid-el-Maulud celebration, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad.

    Others who greeted Nigerians on the occasion are Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara, Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi  Ugwuanyi, Governor  Ibikunle Amosun and others.

    President wishes citizens peace, happiness, good health

    In a statement by Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity Garba Shehu, the President wished everyone peace, happiness and good health.

    Buhari also said the nation is making great progress under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government in dealing with issues of security, the war against corruption, reform and restructuring of the economy and the provision of needed infrastructure.

    But to be fully successful, he said the country needs the support and prayers of citizens.

    He asked for prayers for the nation for peaceful electioneering as it embarks on democratic elections next year.

    Buhari also expressed his confidence that the important Islamic ceremony of Eid-el-Maulud would help to promote mutual harmony and tolerance among all Nigerians.

    Show love to one another, says Saraki

    Saraki urged Nigerians to use the opportunity of Prophet Muhammad’s birthday celebration to show love to one another and imbibe the virtues of perseverance and restraint.

    In a message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, the Senate President congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the birthday of the Holy Prophet and said the occasion should inspire Nigerians to renew their belief in the Almighty Allah  and the country.

    Ekweremadu to Nigerians: close ranks

    Ekweremadu yesterday called on Nigerians to close ranks and work for a nation, where every man is his brother’s keeper.

    He also urged for prayers for peaceful 2019 general elections and asked politicians to play by the rules and highest democratic ethos.

    He said: “As the nation joins the Muslim Ummah around the world to mark the birth of the holy prophet, let all compatriots rededicate themselves to the path of peaceful coexistence, unity, love, forgiveness, and tolerance to build a Nigeria of our dreams.

    “I urge our Muslim brethren to pray for unity and peace in the country as well as peaceful general elections in 2019.”

    ‘Replicate the Prophet’s virtues of righteousness’

    Dogara called on the Ummah to replicate in their lives, the virtues of righteousness, honestly, charity and peaceful coexistence as exemplified by the prophet.

    In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Turaki Hassan, the Speaker said the celebration of Maulud is an opportunity for the adherents to  renew  faiths, rejuvenate their spirit and engender love in the society.

    Ugwuanyi urges sustained prayers, unity

    Ugwuanyi yesterday called on Nigerians to remain prayerful and committed in their abiding faith in God for the sustenance of peace, unity and progress of the country.

    Ugwuanyi, who felicitated with President Muhammadu Buhari and other Muslim faithful, noted that the occasion is another opportunity to continue to uphold the deeds and teachings of the Holy Prophet, which border on faith, sacrifice, obedience, love, tolerance, charity and peaceful co-existence, among others.

    Seek the face of Allah in prayer, Amosun tells faithful

    Amosun also urged Muslim faithful to use the occasion to seek the face of Allah in prayer for guidance in the choice of leaders in the build up to the 2019 general elections.

    The governor, who stated this known in a statement by Commissioner for Information and Strategy Otunba Adedayo Adeneye, added that in the midst of the celebration, Muslims should also pray for the nation and the leaders.

    Imbibe Prophet Muhammad’s tolerance, says Obasa

    Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa called on Nigerians to imbibe Prophet Muhammad’s tolerance, selflessness and courage to accelerate the country’s growth

    Obasa’s advice was contained in his message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Musbau Rasak.

    Obasa said: “Prophet Muhammad was tolerant and selfless as a leader and was courageous in implementing programmes, which enhanced and ensured improvement of lives of the citizens during his tenure as an administrator.

    “When he was head of government in Madinah, he related well with everyone irrespective of race, religion or creed. That was tolerance! His welfare programmes cater for all, while he was courageous in promoting programmes that enhanced the welfare of the people. These are the qualities we should imbibe.”

  • Asking Oshiomhole to resign is ridiculous, Razak tells Saraki

    A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Alhaji Lanre Razak, has condemned the recent call by Senate President Bukola Saraki on the National Chairman of the party, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, to resign his position on moral ground over bribery allegations.

    Razak described the call as ridiculous.

    He said Saraki lacks the moral right to call for Oshiomhole’s resignation since he had ignored repeated calls on him by well-meaning Nigerians to step aside during his travails, including corruption trials at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), alleged link to the Offa bank robbery which resulted in the death of over 32 innocent Nigerians and after dumping the ruling APC for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The former Commissioner for Public Transportation in Lagos State and the Balogun General of Epe, cited the late passage of thisn year’s budget by the Senate and the House of Representatives in June as one example of the lawmakers not rising up to the national interest to contribute their quota to good governance in the country.

    Taking a swipe at the Senate President in a statement yesterday in Lagos, Razak described Saraki’s call as “very disappointing and unexpected from the Number Three citizen whose tenure in the Red Chamber has been enmeshed in several controversies”.

    He added: “It is particularly laughable and contradictory because this is a man who many Nigerians have called upon to step aside from office to face his trial at the CCT.

  • Posthumous birthday: Ex-Tanzania president, Saraki, Obiano, Obi eulogize Zik

    THE 114th posthumous birthday of the late first President of Nigeria, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, elicited eulogies from prominent personalities in Nigeria and Africa yesterday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Former president of Tanzania, Benjamin Mkapa, Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Anambra State governor, Chief Willie Obiano and former governor of the state, Mr Peter Obi, said the legacies of Zik should be emulated The guests at the event themed: Taming The Monster of Corruption In Africa, regretted that corruption has eaten deep into the fabrics of politicians, and advised that the menace’ must be tackled headlong in the country. The event held at the institution’s auditorium on Friday, had the Senate president as the chairman, while the former Tanzania president, Mkapa was the guest lecturer.

    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, Boss Mustapha, was represented by, Engineer C Obidike, while the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, was represented by Prof Paulinus Ngwoke. Others who were in attendance included the chief host, Prof Chinyere Stella Okunna, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences, Zik’s widow, Prof Uche Azikiwe, Obi of Onitsha, Nnaemeka Achebe, former Health Minister, Prof Alphonsus Nwosu among others.

    Speaking, Mkapa said corruption has endangered good governance in Africa, adding that it undermines individual confidence, which according to him, was caused by greed. He said corruption is not Ebola and could be wiped out from the system, stressing that the fight against corruption must start from the federal governments. Also speaking, former governor Peter Obi said corruption is not as bad as what is obtainable in China, Russia among others but said it could kill entrepreneurship, and hard work and must be aggressively fought.

    He said everybody celebrates corruption in Africa and countries had failed to fight it the proper way, adding that Nigeria could not bequeath anarchy to the coming generation. Boss Mustapha who was represented by Obidike, said the present Federal Government, led by President Muhammadu Buhari, is sincere in fighting the monster, saying it is the reason it had made remarkable progress in the corruption fight.