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Tag: Saraki

  • Saraki’s false assets declaration trial resumes in Abuja

    Saraki’s false assets declaration trial resumes in Abuja

    The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has arrived the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) in Abuja for resumption of his trial for false assets declaration.

    The Court of Appeal had in December last year restored three out of the 18 –count charge dismissed by the CCT and ordered the Senate president to present himself for trial on the charges.

    The tribunal in response to the court’s verdict issued a hearing notice to various parties in the case and picked Tuesday for commencement of sitting on the matter

    Saraki arrived the court at 10: 08 a.m. on Tuesday and was accompanied by some senators.

    His lawyers and several supporters were already seated when he entered the courtroom.

  • Separation of powers key to survival of democracy – Saraki

    Separation of powers key to survival of democracy – Saraki

    Senate President, Bukola Saraki, said on Tuesday that full adherence to the principle of separation of powers was crucial to the survival of democracy, good governance and enhanced national security.

    A statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sani Onogu, said the Senate president made this call in his address to Course 26 Participants of the National Defence College (NDC) in Abuja.

    He said a situation where people frown at actions of the legislature taken during plenary negates the principle of separation of powers and rule of law.

    He noted that each arm of government is intended and designed to be free of coercive influence from another.

    “But, regrettably, that is not always the case, in practice, in the Nigerian experiment.

    “Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution provides that: ‘Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the Senate and the House of Representatives shall have the power to regulate its own procedure, including the procedure for summoning and recess of the House.

    “We, in the legislature, as representatives of the people, strive to carry out our oversight functions in line with the doctrine of separation of powers – because it is our duty as stipulated by the Constitution.

    “We also do so to guard against Lockean ‘human frailty’ – by which I mean the tendency towards abuse of power, where such power is absolute. To one’s chagrin, however, our actions are often misconstrued, because few understand that the legislative arm of government is not a rubber-stamp, driven from pillar to post by the whims and caprices of another organ of government.

    “Let all listening to me today note the unassailable position, which is this: the Executive, the Judiciary and the Legislature are co-equals; none is subordinate to the other. Indeed, as former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, once opined, ‘the Legislature and the Executive are co-managers of the economy,” Saraki stated.

     

  • Nigeria losing trillions to fuel subsidy cabal – Saraki

    Nigeria losing trillions to fuel subsidy cabal – Saraki

    Senate President, Bukola Saraki, said on Monday that fuel subsidy scheme designed for the benefit of poor Nigerians has become a cash cow for few people who continued to milk the country dry in trillions of naira.

    Saraki said the fraudulent activities of the fuel subsidy cabal had continued unabated under a process so opaque and insulated from public scrutiny.

    He noted that the Federal Government has failed to curb fraudulent practices associated with the fuel subsidy regime.

    The Senate president said the Senate was working to unearth the subhead under which fuel subsidy had been funded without budgetary provision.

    Saraki spoke while inaugurating an investigative hearing on subsidy payment by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

    The hearing followed a resolution which mandated the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) to probe subsidy payment by NNPC.

    Saraki said: “For years, our country has been plagued with the issue of fuel subsidy and for too long, a scheme designed to reduce the burden on the poor has become the cash cow of a few who continue to milk the country dry in trillions under a process so opaque and insulated from public scrutiny called fuel subsidy.

    “You would recall that it was only after my motion on the 5th of March 2012, with the support of my colleagues in the 7th Senate and after a thorough review and investigation of the scheme we unearthed the monumental fraud bigger than our capital budget for a year going on in the name of fuel subsidy. Five years down the line we are back on the same matter. This is not acceptable and we are determined to get to the bottom of it.

    “The mere fact that we are here again today (Monday) to discuss this issue shows that those who benefit from this grand deception are not willing to let loose and government had not done what we need to do to nip this problem in the bud.

    “This Senate had cut short the end of year recess of this committee to immediately intervene and investigate the root causes of the recent resurfacing of queues at pump stations nationwide.

    “The findings of the committee have brought to light the fact that our downstream oil and gas industry needs critical reforms. It has exposed among other things that in spite of the stoppage of the fuel subsidy regime and the non-appropriation of funds for the scheme due to the fraud and maladministration going on in the scheme, that fuel subsidy payments continue to be paid from our commonwealth illegally and without appropriation by the National Assembly to a few quietly in order to dodge scrutiny and avoid exposure.

    “But this 8th Senate is here to expose every corruption in the system irrespective of how highly placed those involved are and therefore the reason for this public hearing today.

    “This unconstitutional and illegal practice must be addressed and we are not going to rest until it is fully addressed.”

     

     

  • Osinbajo, Saraki, others honour Ekwueme at Abuja airport

    Osinbajo, Saraki, others honour Ekwueme at Abuja airport

    Dignitaries on Monday stormed the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in honour of the late former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme.

    A Parade of Honour was held at the Presidential Wing of the airport in honour of the deceased.

    Ekwueme died in London in December 2017.

    The Nigerian Police Force led the Parade of Honour at the brief ceremony.

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said Ekwueme was committed to selfless service to the nation, West Africa, Africa and the world at large.

    The deceased, he noted, had timeless ideals of integrity, loyalty and kindness to all.

    He was optimistic that the vision and sacrifice of the late Ekwueme for the nation would not be in vain.

    Osinbajo said: “As we receive the body of the first elected Vice President of Nigeria, Dr. Alex Ekwueme (GCON), this morning, we are reminded of his selfless service to nation, to our region, to Africa and indeed the world.

    “We are reminded of his commitment to the timeless ideals of integrity, loyalty and kindness to all.

    “We thank the almighty God for giving us 85 glorious years of Dr. Alex Ekwueme.

    “When he was asked what his vision was for the county, he said, ‘I will want to see Nigeria to be a nation and not just a country.’

    “Those words tell us how committed he was to the unity of this country and I pray that in death and as we remember him, that this will not only encourage us but also cement the relationship between all of the people and nationalities of this country, so that we become and remain one.

    “We thank the almighty God for his family and for all of us who he left behind and we pray that his great wishes for this nation and all that he sacrificed for will not be in vain.”

    Among those present at the event were – the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Speaker of the House of the Representatives, Yakubu Dogara and Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.

    Others were – Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Nkem Okeke, representative of Former President Shehu Shagari, Hon. Aminu Shagari and Senator Andy Uba, who represented Ekwueme’s constituency in the Senate.

  • Disquiet in Buhari’s camp over Saraki, Tambuwal, Kwankwaso

    Disquiet in Buhari’s camp over Saraki, Tambuwal, Kwankwaso

    •President’s men also worried about Wamakko, Goje
    •Say they are too silent to be trusted

    There is disquiet in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the camp of President Muhammadu Buhari over the disposition of some stalwarts of the party to the fortune of  the  party ahead of next year’s  polls.

    Senate President BukolaSaraki; House of Representatives Speaker YakubuDogara;Sokoto State   Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; ex-Governor Musa RabiuKwankwaso; ex-Governor AliyuWammako; ex-Governor DanjumaGoje;  ex-Governor Ahmed Sani Yerima and some APC governors are among such  party chieftains.

    Some of them dumped the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to be part of the coalition which led to the birth of the APC.

    Authoritative party sources said last night that none of the leaders has made any commitment to a possible second term ticket for President Buhari because they are weighing their own options on the way forward.

    A few of them have a strong political relationship with ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, who wrote a toxic letter to the President during the week.

    Obasanjo,in the letter,asked Buhari to jettison any plan to seek reelection next year and pay attention to his health.

    He called for the formation of what he called a Third Force to wrestle power from the APC and stop the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from returning to power.

    Prominent politicians across party divide are said to be already lining up to join the “Third Force.”

    Investigation by our correspondent indicated that the Presidency is worried by what sources termed the “silence and cold attitude” of these leaders to Buhari’s second term bid.

    Although some of the leaders believe it is too early now to start politicking, some APC leaders and Buhari’s strategists are suspicious of such position.

    The closeness of some of them to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo has compounded the fears of those in Buhari’s camp.

    It was learnt that a few of them, including some APC Senators and members of the House of Representatives, have practically abandoned the party.

    It was gathered that a minister recently met one of the leaders on the second term bid of the President but the highly-placed match-maker allegedly said: “It is the President who should tell me, not you.”

    According to findings, the development accounted for the series of dinners being organised by the President to interact with these leaders to gauge their mood and indirectly seek their support.

    The President has already dined with Senators and members of the House of Representatives.

    The last dinner he had was with a group comprising ex-Senate President Ken Nnamani, ex-Governor Orji UzorKalu, ex-National Chairman of PDP, AbubakarKawuBaraje and others.

    A top source in Buhari’s camp said: “Most of these top leaders have not been forthcoming on the second term aspiration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “Some of these leaders are too silent to trust. Look, the loyalists of Buhari are also not taking things for granted at all.

    “Virtually every day, consultations and negotiation are going on with leaders, political groups across the six geopolitical zones.

    “While some are weighing options, we are also suspecting that some of them are behind the Coalition for Nigeria (CN) campaign by ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo because they don’t want to come out ; they don’t want a direct confrontation with Buhari.

    “We are however giving some of them benefit of the doubt because the political climate might be unpredictable in their states and they may have no option than to remain in APC with Buhari.”

    But a source, who had attended some dinners with Buhari, said: “I think the President is also watching his steps because he has not come out categorically that he is interested in a second term.

    “For instance, at the last dinner with ex-Governor Kalu and others, he only ate with us. In spite of the fact that ex-Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso was at the session, Buhari did not tell us he would seek a second term ticket.

    “He gave us so much to eat and did the talking alone. The President’s handlers did not allow him to have any feedback from us.

    “Such a dinner would have been a golden opportunity to speak our minds and forge a new rapprochement.

    It is not sufficient to say at a dinner that you have not forgotten some party leaders without telling us what you are driving at.

    “In fairness, I do not see these leaders as mind readers. The President will now need to do more to consult individually and in group on his re-election ambition.”

    A source in Tambuwal camp, who spoke in confidence, said: “You should know better that the governor does not pretend.

    “When he was the Speaker of the House of Representatives, it was obvious to all Nigerians that his heart was with the APC. I can tell you that by now, if he has alternative plan, you would have known.

    “I think some leaders in the party are suspicious of Tambuwal because he has refused to commit himself to the seven governors spearheading the second term aspiration of the President. Oga has repeatedly told them that the mood of this country is not for politics now. He has always said during politics, we will play politics.

    “But some of these governors are in the forefront of second term agitation because their political fate is tied to Buhari because they have not performed in office.”

    A source in Saraki’s camp said: “The President of the Senate has cooperated with this government and he is focusing on governance. The truth is that as a politician, he prefers tactical maneuvering to doing the talking. And do not forget that his office is too strategic to be politically flippant.

    “I know we are already using an airline (APC) but we don’t know yet if we will stick to the airline or book another flight. One thing is sure; we will get a boarding pass at the end of the day. We are watching the lips of our leader although our dilemma is that it is difficult to read his body language on this type of issue.

    “You cannot rule out consultations and weighing of options by Saraki and others.”

    A close strategist of Kwankwaso said: “If the President is seeking re-election on the platform of APC, you should not expect that Kwankwaso with presidential aspiration to remain in the same party.

    “But if Buhari is not contesting, Kwankwaso will remain in APC. This is a straightforward matter and it is discernible.”

    Asked of the next move, the source added: “Once Buhari declares interest in running for second term, Kwankwaso may join a stronger party after weighing options and consulting widely.”

    A source in Dogara’s camp said: “I have not really discussed the issue with him. I will find out and get back to you.”

    Another source said: “Those leaders from the North are keeping their game plan to their chest because of the consequences of early opposition to Buhari’s second term ambition by some of his blind loyalists who can start hurling missiles at every occasion.

    “Some of those in this group include a few Northern governors who are not keen on Buhari project.”

     

  • Senate gets committee on Electoral Act

    Senate gets committee on Electoral Act

    Senate President, Bukola Saraki, on Thursday announced a six-man committee to reconcile the Senate’s version of the amended Electoral Act with the version passed by the House of Representatives.

    The Senate’s conference committee has the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Senator Suleiman Nazif, as chairman.

    Other members of the committee are – Senators Shehu Sani, Biodun Olujimi, Hope Uzodinma, Dino Melaye and Peter Nwaoboshi.

    The committee is expected to meet with the House of Representatives to harmonise the version of the amended electoral bill before being sent to President Muhammadu Buhari for his assent.

    The Senate had in 2017 passed an amended version of the 2010 Electoral Act.

    While the House of Representatives had on Tuesday amended the Electoral Act to change the 2019 general elections time table.

    This came barely a month after the INEC released the time table for the general elections.

    With the amendment, the National Assembly election will take place first, followed by gubernatorial and state assembly polls.

    The presidential election will be conducted last.

    The amendment was made at the Committee of the whole House, presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Yussuff Lasun.

     

     

  • FG asks Supreme Court to restore charges against Saraki

    FG asks Supreme Court to restore charges against Saraki

    The Federal Government has asked the Supreme Court to restore the charges it brought against Senate President, Bukola Saraki, before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

    The federal government wants the Supreme Court to set aside part the December 12, 2017 judgment of the Court of Appeal, Abuja, which struck out 15 of the 18 charges against Saraki.

    The government’s request is contained in a cross-appeal it filed, complaining against part of the judgment, particularly where the Appeal Court held that the prosecution did not establish a prima facie case in counts 1, 2, 3, 7 and 18 of the false assets declaration trial.

    Saraki was charged before the CCT on charges of corruption and false declaration of assets.

    At the conclusion of the prosecution’s case, Saraki made a no case submission, which the CCT, in a ruling of June 14, 2017, upheld and discharged and acquitted him on the grounds that the prosecution failed to prove its case.

    Upon appeal at the Appeal Court by the state, the appellate court, in its December 12, 2017 judgment, held among others that the prosecution was able to establish a prima facie case against Saraki in three of the 18 –count charge brought against the Senate president.

    The counts are – 4, 5 and 6.

    The Appeal Court ordered that Saraki be made to enter defence in respect of the three charges when trial resumes before the CCT.

    Saraki had since approached the Supreme Court for relief and asked the apex court to set aside the aspect of the judgment where he was ordered to enter defence before the CCT.

    But, in its 15-ground cross appeal, the prosecution led by Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), wants the 15 counts voided by the Court of Appeal restored by the Supreme Court to enable Saraki defend himself against all the 18 charges.

    The cross appellant faulted the Court of Appeal’s decision that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case in relation to the voided 15 counts.

    It argued that by the decision, the appellate court failed to give effect to  paragraphs 11(2), 11(3) and 13 of Part 1, 5th Schedule of the Constitution that placed the burden on the defendant to prove his/her innocence.

     

  • We must remain united against violence, says Saraki

    We must remain united against violence, says Saraki

    Senate President Dr Bukola Saraki has condemned the recent killings in Benue, Rivers and Kaduna states that left some Nigerians dead.

    He described the attack on the affected communities as ‘heinous’ and ‘reprehensible’ and called on all Nigerians to remain united in their condemnation of violence.

    Saraki made the condemnation in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Yusuph Olaniyonu, yesterday in Abuja.

    “The recent killings in this New Year that have left many families without their loved ones and several communities in distress were a reprehensible act of violence.

    “As Nigerians, we must all remain united in our condemnation of violence. Such actions have no place anywhere in our culture. The killers and perpetrators of this callous act must be caught and brought to justice,” he said.

    The Senate President said that the upper chamber would continue to render necessary support to ensure that the perpetrators were arrested.

    Saraki called call on security forces to continue to work around the clock to ensure safety of the affected communities and all communities across the country.

    “Such random and widespread acts of hate and disorder are part of the reasons why last year, we inaugurated an Ad-Hoc Committee to Review Nigeria’s Security Infrastructure for better delivery across the board.

    “The committee is still at work, however, now it is clear that we need to review, revamp and reposition our security apparatus across the nation to be able to respond to the diverse nature of the crises and concerns of various communities.

    “I still believe that the intelligence gathering aspects of our security system is not measuring up to standard.

    “We need to ensure that our security system could gather relevant intelligence and analyse them to prevent activities of hoodlums and insurgents so that we do not always cry after the milk is spilt,” Saraki said.

    He expressed regret that the killings, like those that occurred in Benue, Rivers and Kaduna, were becoming too recurrent.

    The Senate President said relevant Senate committees would hold discussions with Senators from the affected states with a view to having a proper understanding of what the issues are and make appropriate recommendations to the executive.

  • Saraki advises Nigerians on fight against drug abuse

    Saraki advises Nigerians on fight against drug abuse

    President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki has tasked Nigerians on the fight against drug abuse that is ravaging the youth population across the nation.

    Saraki’s reaction followed reports that the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), is set to inaugurate a ‘Codeine Control and Other Related Matters Working Group (CCRWG).

    In a statement on Monday by his media office, Saraki was quoted as saying that it was encouraging to see the PCN taking an active stance against the use and distribution of illegal substances.

    “It’s great to see the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) taking an active stance against the abuse of codeine and other drugs after the #SenateTacklesDrugAbuse Roundtable. This is a welcome development.

    “As the PCN constitutes this group to control the distribution of codeine and other drugs in Nigeria, my colleagues and I in the 8th Senate will continue working to provide the necessary legislative interventions to fight #DrugAbuse across the nation.

    “As we begin a new year, I call on other groups to join this fight to curb the widespread abuse of drugs in communities across the country. The more people that we have saying no to drugs, the more multifaceted Nigeria’s approach to fighting #DrugAbuse will be”, the statement added.

    The Senate President recalled that on December 18 and 19, 2017, the Senate convened a roundtable to discuss the rising drug manage in Nigeria.

    The roundtable, which was convened in Kano State, was aimed at finding solutions to the widespread use, abuse and distribution of drugs across the country.

  • Boko Haram: Saraki lauds U.S over sale of fighter jets to Nigeria

    Boko Haram: Saraki lauds U.S over sale of fighter jets to Nigeria

    President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has commended the United States government for agreeing to sell fighter jets to Nigeria to combat the Boko Haram insurgency in the North East.

    The U.S government, through its Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Stuart Symington, had on Thursday announced its decision to sell A29 Super Tucano fighter jets to the Nigerian Air Force.

    Symington presented Letters of Offer and Acceptance to Nigeria, which represents the official American government’s offer to sell defence articles and services to Nigeria during a visit to Nigeria’s Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Sidique Abubakar.

    Saraki said the development was a positive indication that America was genuinely desirous of helping to enthrone peace in Nigeria and ending the insurgency in the North East part of the country.

    He promised that the Senate would support the plan by the Buhari administration to purchase high powered security equipment in order to strengthen the Armed Forces.

    The Senate president recalled that the sale of weapons to Nigeria came up for discussion when he received an eight-man U.S congressional delegation, led by Senator Christopher Coons on August 28.

    “My gratitude and that of my colleagues goes to Senator Coons and other members of his delegation for giving Congressional backing to this arms sales arrangement.

    “They have kept their words and backed it up with action. During that visit, they promised they would help to ensure the arms sales embargo against Nigeria was lifted. Now, we can see that they are true partners in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria.

    “It is obvious that if the Congress had vetoed the arm sales deal, we won’t be talking of this expected new fighter jets which will definitely help us to finally defeat the Boko Haram insurgents and fully restore the confidence of our fighting force,” Saraki stated.

    He commended Amb. Symington for demonstrating consistent commitment to helping Nigeria fully restore peace in the troubled North East zone.

    “Since his first meeting with me after he resumed, Amb. Symington had promised that he would make the lift of the U.S ban on sale of military hardware to Nigeria one of his priority deliverables. Now, he has shown he is a true partner in Nigeria’s counter-insurgency campaigns,” the Senate president added.

    He also called on Nigeria’s partners across the world, especially in Europe to emulate the U.S by also supporting the anti-insurgency campaign of the present administration through gestures like sale of arms and provision of assistance towards the rebuilding, reconstruction and rehabilitation of the war-ravaged areas in the North East.