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Tag: Saraki

  • Saraki/Ekweremadu: Reps hail govt’s action

    Saraki/Ekweremadu: Reps hail govt’s action

    Some members of the House of Representatives, under the aegis of the Consolidation Group, have called on the Presidency to promote a unity of purpose among the three arms and present an indivisible government through proper governance approach.

    While reacting to the withdrawal of the forgery case against Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki and Senator Ike Ekweremadu by the Federal Government at the FCT High Court, the Consolidation Group, however, urged the government to extend the same measure to other cases capable of setting key government functionaries against each other.

    The group, in a statement by its Convener, Zakari Mohammed, said it considered the withdrawal as a courageous move and a good sign that the federal Government is responding to popular opinions.

    ‘’We maintained our position and consistently stated that the forgery case was an infringement on the principle of separation of powers and clear interference by the executive on what is obviously an internal affair of the legislature.

    ‘’We believe the Standing Order of the Senate can only be declared forged or genuine by the Senate and by actions of the Eighth Senate; its members have no grouse about the 2015 Standing Order.

    ‘’The filing of the case has equally brought the judiciary to joining the fray with the executive to interfere with the work of the legislature. That is why we consider the withdrawal a bold step aimed at restoring constitutionalism and separation of powers.

    ‘’We commend the prosecution and the Federal Ministry of Justice for steering the government to do the right thing. At this point, what will give our people confidence and hope that government is serious about tackling the problems posed by recession is when we work as a team to proffer solutions.

  • Saraki lauds girls release

    Saraki lauds girls release

    Senate President Bukola Saraki, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari, the Nigerian security agencies, the government of Switzerland, and the international community for the combined efforts that led to the release of 21 of the Chibok schoolgirls abducted by the Boko Haram insurgents in April 2014.

    In a statement yesterday, the senate president said:  ”We join all Nigerians to rejoice on the return of our daughters. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families of those who have returned, and those girls who remain in the hands of the terrorists.

    “It is our hope that the release of more of the girls is imminent and that our nation remains vigilant in the face of the continued crisis in North East Nigeria”

    “Moving forward, we need to ensure that the girls that have been returned back to us are re-united with their families, and rehabilitated to become full members of our society.”

     

  • Forgery: Tinubu hails dismissal of charges against Saraki, others

    Forgery: Tinubu hails dismissal of charges against Saraki, others

    •Says all is not well with Nigeria
    •Asks FG, APC to hear and respond to Nigerians’ cries

    National leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, yesterday threw his weight behind the withdrawal of the forgery charges against Senate President Bukola Saraki, and Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu.

    He said the move was particularly welcome at what he called this crucial time when active and innovative governance is required to “bring the progressive change the APC vowed to the people of this nation.”

    “New legislation will be required to help pull the nation out of the economic mire. More importantly, such visionary legislation will be even more needed to permanently reform our national economic architecture so that we may promote the type of diverse, durable economic growth and employment that will ensure a stronger future and better insulate the nation from the fragility inherent in basing the economic welfare of the nation on the global price of a single commodity,” Tinubu said in a statement in Lagos by his Media Office.

    He added: “with these forgery charges found not to apply, it is good that they be dismissed so that the national assembly may focus on this important work ahead.

    “While those involved may understandably feel a sense of relief or vindication, this is no time for them to celebrate or to believe all is well with the nation simply because all has turned out well for them on this matter.

    “All is not well. Throughout the nation, the people stagger and groan under the weight of economic hardship. This government and our party must hear and respond to their plea. We must lead the way.

    “A mind and heart unburdened by the specter of possible legal liability is also free to devote itself to the pressing matters of state. Consequently, this action presents a unique window of opportunity for the national assembly to reset its bearings and to focus on the real issues at hand.

    “History will not look kindly on those involved if they were to squander this fine chance.

    “As never before, Nigerians look to the various arms of government to perform their roles so that the country can walk the path of change and renewal.”

    Tinubu asked Saraki and “those who are the beneficiaries of this legal outcome to now rededicate yourselves to fulfilling the progressive tenets of the APC and to honoring the promises we made to the people with regard to their governance and well being.

    “Now that you have overcome this legal battle, you must dedicate yourselves to helping Nigeria win the greater war against poverty, despair and failure. No matter our past difference, in this effort we must stand united in purpose and resolve. Nigeria must do more than survive. It must thrive.”

     

  • Saraki, Ekweremadu hail decision

    Saraki, Ekweremadu hail decision

    Senate President, Bukola
    Saraki, and Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, yesterday described their discharge by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory on charges of forgery as a welcome development.

    They also called it a vindication of their position from the beginning of the case that they are innocent of the accusations leveled against them.

    In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Senate President on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, the duo said the court decision was consistent with their position that the case lacked any merit and that the charge of forgery of the Senate rule filed against them can never be substantiated by any fact.

    The two men described the case as a ‘politically-induced distraction’ which came at a time when all hands ought to be on deck to solve the problem of economic recession biting the people, destroying homes and creating severe social disorientation in communities.

    They, however, acknowledged that the federal government finally displayed courage and strength of character in halting the unnecessary waste of precious time of both parties by agreeing with the defence team that the case lacks merit and therefore should be discontinued.

    They expressed appreciation to “all our colleagues in the Senate for their solid support and understanding while the case lasted. We also thank other parliamentarians in and out of the country and the international community as a whole for the consistent solidarity they displayed to us and their belief in our genuine cause since the commencement of the case”.

    “We believe much time has been wasted in pursuing this needless case and we hope that the same treatment will be extended to other politically-motivated cases. It is also hoped that from now on, the various arms of government will be allowed to devote all the available time and resources to working on the problems confronting the country and finding solutions that will lead to higher standards of living for the majority of the people of Nigeria.

    “At this point, what the country needs is a strong economy where a very large percentage of those who are willing to work can be productively engaged; where there is solid infrastructure, where the atmosphere brings the best out of the people and where all are able to realize their full potential. We pledge to work for Nigeria to achieve all these,” Saraki and Ekweremadu stated.

  • Forgery: Court discharges Saraki, Ekweremadu, others

    Forgery: Court discharges Saraki, Ekweremadu, others

    A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Jabi, Abuja has discharged the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, and two others charged with forging the Senate Standing Orders 2011.

    Others include a former Clerk of the National Assembly, Salisu Maikasuwa, and a former Deputy clerk, Ben Efeturi.

    Justice Yusuf Halilu, in a ruling yesterday, accepted the application by lead prosecution lawyer, Aliyu Umar (SAN), for the withdrawal of the charge against the defendants in view a pending suit before the Federal High Court, Abuja on the same subject matter.

    At the commencement of proceedings yesterday, Umar told the court that in view of the pending case at the Federal High Court, which Saraki and Ekweremadu also referred to in their applications, the prosecution was inclined to withdraw both the older charge and the amended one filed on October 5, 2016.

    Umar said: “This government respects the rule of law and the hierarchy of the Judiciary. It is obvious from these two applications (filed by Saraki and Ekweremadu) and the similar case before your learned brother, Justice Kolawole, at the Federal High Court, who is dealing with the issue, that we are withdrawing the charges.

    “It is trite that two matters of the same subject matter cannot be before different courts of coordinate jurisdiction. Therefore, the amended charge dated October 5, 2016 and also the original charge dated June 10, 2016 and filed the same date, be struck out and all the four defendants be discharged.”

    Lawyers to the defendants – Paul Erokoro (SAN), Joseph Daudu (SAN),

    Ikechukwu Ezechukwu (SAN) and Mahmud Magaji (SAN) – did not object to Umar’s application to withdraw the charge, following which Justice Halilu struck it out and discharged the defendants.

    The judge praised the prosecution lawyer for bringing his wealth of experience to bear in his handling of the case, leading to the withdrawal of the charge.

    Justice Halilu noted that it takes courage for somebody that is standing for government in a criminal matter to have counselled his client on the need to avoid abuse of judicial process. He noted that Umar has shown great courage.

    “By this courage you have chosen the part of honour and good professionalism. As Nigerians, we have a duty especially the bar and bench to make this country better than we met it,” the judge said.

    He also praised defence lawyers for their cooperation and the way they conducted themselves during proceedings.

    Justice Halilu urged them not to feel witch-hunted, but to believe that the police have their duty to carryout investigation in any matter. He advised the police to always be guided by national interest in their duties.

    The suit referred to by Umar, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/646/2015 was instituted on July 23 2015 by Gilbert Nnaji (representing Enugu East Senatorial district) to stop the police from proceeding with their investigation of the forgery allegation. He also sought to restrain the Attorney General of the Federation from taking any action on the investigation report produced by the police on the case. The suit had the IGP and AGF as defendants.

    Nnaji alleged that the police’s investigation of the case “is inspired by a devious petition by the Secretary of the Unity Forum Senators, solely aimed at

  • Forgery: Court discharges Saraki, Ekweremadu, others

    Forgery: Court discharges Saraki, Ekweremadu, others

    A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Jabi, Abuja, has discharged the Senate President, Bukola Saraki; Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu and two other persons arraigned for forging the Senate Standing Orders 2011.

    The two other persons are – former Clerk of the National Assembly, Salisu Maikasuwa, and a former Deputy Clerk, Ben Efeturi,

    Justice Yusuf Halilu, in a ruling on Friday, accepted the application filed by lead prosecution lawyer, Aliyu Umar (SAN), seeking the withdrawal of the charge against the defendants over a pending suit before the Federal High Court, Abuja, on the same matter.

    Umar told the court that because of the pending case at the Federal High Court, involving Saraki and Ekweremadu, the prosecution decided to withdraw the older charge and the amended one filed on October 5 (Wednesday).

    “This government respects the rule of law and the hierarchy of the judiciary. It is obvious from these two applications (filed by Saraki and Ekweremadu) and the similar case before your learned brother, Justice Kolawole, at the Federal High Court, who is dealing with the issue, that we are withdrawing the charges.

    “It is trite that two matters of the same subject matter cannot be before different courts of coordinate jurisdiction. Therefore, the amended charge dated October 5, 2016 and also the original charge dated June 10, 2016 and filed the same date, be struck out and all the four defendants be discharged,” Umar said.

    Lawyers to the defendants,  Paul Erokoro (SAN), Joseph Daudu (SAN), Ikechukwu Ezechukwu (SAN) and Mahmud Magaji (SAN),  did not object to Umar’s application to withdraw the charge, following which Justice Halilu struck it out and discharged the defendants.

     

  • Senate probes N330b Amnesty fund

    The Senate on Thursday launched investigation into activities of the Presidential Amnesty programmes with the aim of ascertaining how the N330 billion accumulated budget of the programme was spent.

    The upper chamber said the investigation became necessary following reports that despite huge sums of funds allocated to the programmes to cater for ex-militants, militancy in the Niger Delta region is on the increase.

    Findings showed that since the inception of the amnesty programme in 2009, over N330 billion had been budgeted for the programme.

    At least N65 billion was voted for the programme in 2016.

    The Senate therefore is suspecting funds mismanagement  by the programme handlers.

    Senate President, Bukola Saraki, who inaugurated the investigative hearing, said the Amnesty programme was created by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to curb restiveness in the Niger Delta region.

    He said seven years down the line “we should ask ourselves whether the objectives of the programme have been achieved.”

  • Eight bills ready for President’s assent, says Saraki

    Eight bills ready for President’s assent, says Saraki

    Eight bills passed to address the economic recession are ready for President Muhammadu Buhari’s assent, Senate President  Bukola Saraki said yesterday.

    In a statement by his media adviser, Mr Yusuph Olaniyonu, the Senate President said the bills are keys to ending the recession.

    The upper chamber passed the bills received from the House of Representatives for concurrence on September 29.

    The statement listed the bills as: the Telecommunication and Postal Offences Act (Amendment) Bill; National Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds (Registration) Act (Amendment) Bill; Produce (Enforcement of Export Standards) Act (Amendment) Bill; Prevention of Crimes Act (Amendment) Bill; Water Resources Act (Amendment) Bill; National Agricultural Land Development Authority Act (Amendment) Bill; Bee (Import Control and Management) Act (Amendment) Bill and Agricultural and Rural Management Training Act (Amendment) Bill.

    It said Senate President underscored the importance of the bills in ending the country’s economic contraction.

    Saraki was quoted as saying that the bills will be promptly forwarded to President Buhari for his signature.

    The statement reads: “By now, it is clear that the senators take Nigeria’ economic situation very seriously. If you recall, one of 21-point resolution passed by the Senate on the economy stated that it would fast-track all economic related bills. What this Senate has done is match its words with its actions.”

    The eight bills, which are primarily amendments to existing laws, are aimed at strengthening the enforcement mechanisms in sectors of the economy that can boost Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

    It further said: “Moving forward, Nigerians can expect that the legislature will adopt a united and efficient approach to getting Nigeria’s economy back on track.

    “We will quickly forward these eight bills, which have been passed by both Houses of the National Assembly to the President.

    “This is only a first step and we will continue to work to ensure that at the end of our tenure, Nigerians will see that this is a people-centred National Assembly.“

  • Saraki seeks better deal for teachers

    enate President Bukola Saraki yesterday urged government at all levels to prioritise the payment of salaries to teachers and give them other welfare packages to secure the nation’s future.

    In a statement in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, to mark this year’s World Teachers’ Day, Saraki congratulated Nigerian teachers and their counterparts across the world for their sacrifices and contributions to the advancement of knowledge, world civilisation and development.

    The Senate president reiterated his earlier call that teachers’ salaries be included in the capital vote of the budget to enable them receive their salaries and allowances as at when due.

    He said: “There is an overarching need to prioritise teachers’ welfare to enable them discharge their duties creditably and effectively, particularly in this age of knowledge. It is only by doing so we can eliminate a situation where people either reluctantly go into the profession or go into it as a last option.

    “It is a well established fact that teachers occupy a pristine place in our drive towards progress and development as a nation. Moreover, teachers are the custodians of the repository of knowledge and, as such, should be seen as an integral partner towards an enduring development of our Education sector.

    “Issues of capacity building, training and re-training of teachers across the various tiers of our education architecture must form a fundamental aspect of our policies and national strategic plans. We must make deliberate and concise effort to boost teachers’ confidence and welfare. Every teacher must be assured of a minimum safety net during their pre and post-retirement life…”

     

  • Saraki disowns suit against CCT

    Saraki disowns suit against CCT

    Senate President Bukola Saraki yesterday dissociated himself from a suit initiated by Timipa Jenkins Okponipare at the Federal High Court, Abuja seeking to restrain the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) from proceeding with his trial.

    In a statement by his lawyer, Mahmud Magaji (SAN), Saraki said he has never instructed Okponipare to institute such a suit on his behalf.

    The statement reads: “We do not know the complainant in the purported case. Dr. Saraki has not instructed any lawyer to file a suit in the Federal High Court, Abuja, or any other court, wherein a purported issue of fundamental human rights to challenge the case before the CCT was filed. We hope the reported case is not arranged to target the decision which the CCT is billed to deliver tomorrow (today) concerning the competence of the Tribunal chairman, Mr. Danladi Umar, to continue presiding over the Saraki case.

    “We call on members of the public to know that Dr. Saraki will explore all legitimate avenues to prove his innocence of the charges filed against him before the CCT but he will not be a party to abuse of the court process in whatever manner.”