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Tag: Saraki

  • Saraki in fresh move against CCB trial

    Saraki in fresh move against CCB trial

    •Tribunal rules tomorrow on request for Chairman to withdraw from case

    Senate President Bukola Saraki has initiated a fresh move to neutralisehis trial before the the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

    He has filed a new suit before the Federal High Court, Abuja seeking among others, to restrain CCT and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) (who are listed as respondents) from proceeding with his trial.

    The suit marked was filed by Timipa Jenkins Okponipere, who claimed to be “suing as attorney to Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki”.

    The suit, a fundamental rights enforcement application, is one of the various attempts by the Senate President to stop his trial  before the CCT for alleged corruption and false assets declaration.

    Saraki had challenged his trial up to the Supreme Court and lost. He has also lost past fundamental rights enforcement applications, the last being the one dismissed on April 15, 2016 by Justice Adamu Kafarati of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

    In the suit, the applicant seeks the court’s declaration that “the plan to resume the trial of Senator Abubakar Saraki at the CCT is a breach of his fundamental right to fair hearing as guaranteed by Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

    He also seeks an order compelling the CCT and AGF to suspend indefinitely, any plan to resume the trial at the CCT.

    Among the grounds relied on by the applicant, include that the trial at CCT was commenced at the wrong time, four years after Saraki allegedly committed the offences.

    “Having regard to the aims and objectives of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and its functions in sections 2 and 3 of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal (CCBT) Act, Senator Saraki ought to have been prosecuted by the respondents long before he returned to public life again in 2015 as an elected Senator.

    “Indeed, the CCBT Act never contemplated that an incumbent public office holder was already corrupt before he attained public office, otherwise, people like Senator Sraki, who had a case to answer regarding his activities between 2003 and 2011 would not have been permitted to return to public life.

    “However, four years later in 2015 4enator Saraki not only returned to public life as a Senator, he went on to become the President of the Senate, Chairman of the National Assembly and Nigeria’s number three citizen.

    “It is nobody’s fault that the 1st and 2nd respondents were not vigilant enough to stop or prevent Senator Sarki from attaining public office. If truly the respondents were proactive institutions of government, they ought to have prosecuted Senator Sarki immediately after he left office as Governor of Kwara State in 2011, but they never did.

    “The failure, refusal and/or negligence of the respondents to prosecute Senator Saraki for the offences he allegedly committed between 2003 and 2011 before he returned again to public life as a Senator, vitiated all his past alleged misdeeds such that, as of June 8, 2015 when he was inaugurated as a Senator, he was assumed to be a public office holder without blemish in the eyes of the law and in the eyes of the respondents, otherwise they would have long since initiated proceedings against him.

    “The subsequent attempt to put Senator Saraki on trial over offences allegedly committed between 2003 and 2011 are not only tainted with political mischief and desperation, they constitute a breach of his fundamental right to fair hearing,” Okponipere said.

    However, the AGF, in a notice of preliminary objection, has faulted the suit and  urged the court to dismiss it for lacking in merit.

    The AGF noted that the subject matter of the suit did not fall within the provisions of chapter four of the Constitution, containing the guaranteed fundamental human rights.

    “The appellant lacks the locus to institute this suit on behalf of Senator Saraki in the absence of any legal basis which prevents him (Saraki) from deposing to the affidavit accompanying this application himself.

    “The grant of the applicant’s reliefs will constitute an abuse of court/judicial process having regard to the fact that the subject matter of this suit has been determined by the Supreme Court,” the AGF said.

    When the case up for mention on September 29 before Justice Gabriel Kolawole, neither Okponipere nor his lawyer was in court, following which the judge adjourned it to November 16 for hearing.

    Meanwhile, the CCT will tomorrow deliver ruling on an application by Saraki seeking that the tribunal Chairman, Danladi Umar withdraws from his trial on the grounds that Umar made some remarks in the course of the trial, which Saraki considered prejudicial to his case.

    Saraki’s lawyer,  Kanu Agabi (SAN) –  a former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) – had in an application filed on June 13, accused Umar of making remarks that purportedly betrayed his bias against his client during the June 7, 2016 proceedings.

    Umar had, while expressing his displeasure at the delay tactics employed by Saraki’s legal team (comprising over 10 Senior Advocates of Nigeria) warned that the delay strategy would not “reduce the consequences the defendant will meet in this tribunal at the end of the trial.”

    At the hearing of the application on June 21, Saraki’s lawyer Argued that by his statement, the tribunal Chairman had already concluded that his client would be guilty and thereby exposed to “consequences.”

    In a counter arguement, prosecution lawyer, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) faulted Saraki’s lawyers’ interpretation of the tribunal Chairman’s remarks.

    “That I am aware that the Chairman of this honourable tribunal on the said June 7, 2016 stated clearly that his mind is open to do justice to this matter and that he has no prejudice against any of the parties.

    “The statement allegedly made by the Chairman of the honourable tribunal was quoted out of context without referring to the statement made by the Chairman to the effect that his mind was open to do justice to this matter and that he has no prejudice against any of the parties,” Jacobs said.

  • Senate’ll support upward review of Amnesty Fund, says Saraki

    Senate’ll support upward review of Amnesty Fund, says Saraki

    Senate President Bukola Saraki yesterday said that the Upper Chamber will support any proposal from the executive to increase the fund slated for the amnesty programme in the 2016 Appropriation Act.

    Saraki, who spoke to reporters at the Presidential Villa after the Change of Guards ceremony to mark the nation’s 56th Independence Anniversary, said any plan by the executive to calm the frayed nerves in the Niger Delta and increase oil production will enjoy the support of the National Assembly.

    Saraki, in a statement by his media office, said: “Any positive move to restore peace in the restive Niger Delta region as well as increase the nation’s ability to earn more money at this point will enjoy the support of the Senate.

    “We need to earn more foreign exchange and inject more money into the system through the funding of development projects to reflate our economy and put more people to work.”

    The Senate had in its recommendations also asked the President  Buhari to appoint a Special Adviser that would lead the government engagement team in dialogue with the aggrieved Niger Delta Militants to ensure the protection of Nigeria’s oil and gas assets.

    In the 20-point solution the Senate tasked the federal government to ensure that all cases of unwholesome practices in the export of crude oil are vigorously pursued and dealt with decisively.

    It further mandates the federal government to ensure that all cases involving unaccounted oil exports are pursued with vigour and culprits brought to book.

  • Buhari, others mark independence anniversary in Aso Rock

    Buhari, others mark independence anniversary in Aso Rock

    The Federal Government on Saturday celebrated the nation’s 56th independence anniversary in a low-key fashion at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    There was also Presidential change of guard to mark the occasion.

    The celebration was the second in the democratic administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The ceremony, which lasted for about two hours at the fore-court of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, started around 10:00 a.m.

    It replaced the full military parade, drills and entertainments which used to hold at the Eagle Square, Abuja, before 2010.

    Since October 1, 2010 when the anniversary celebration was marred by bomb blasts at the Eagle Square, Abuja, the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan has marked all subsequent anniversaries in Aso Rock.

    The event on Saturday started with the arrival of President Buhari, although he didn’t appear in the ceremonial military uniform as the Commander-In-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

    He inspected the quarter guards before walking to the Villa forecourt to receive national salute which was followed by rendition of the National Anthem.
    There was also 21 gun salute in the honour of the President.

    The event witnessed the inspection of new Guard/Quarter guard, silent drills, posting of sentries and color parade, weapons and uniforms inspections to ensure conformity with military standards.

    Shortly after the ceremony, President Buhari signed the anniversary register, released pigeons from cage and was assisted by some top dignitaries to cut the anniversary cake.

    The ceremony was also attended by the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, and Senate President, Bukola Saraki.

    A former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, former Vice Presidents Alex Ekwueme and Namadi Sambo, service chiefs and other top government functionaries and members of the diplomatic corps also attended the ceremony.

  • Saraki, Ekweremadu, Mark seek prayers to end recession

    Saraki, Ekweremadu, Mark seek prayers to end recession

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki; Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu and former Senate President, David Mark yesterday sought joint efforts to bail out the country from economic recession.

    This was contained in their separate goodwill messages to mark the country’s 56th Independence anniversary.

    Saraki specifically called on Nigerians from all walks of life to collaborate with the Federal Government in order to ensure the nation emerged from the current economic recession stronger, more united, developed and self-reliant.

    The Senate President, in his message signed by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Yusuph Olaniyonu, also commended all Nigerians, especially the nation’s founding fathers, for their contributions that have averted disaster from the nation at every point her existence is threatened by social, political and economic problems.

    While expressing regrets that in her 56 years of existence Nigeria’s economy still depends on only oil, a situation which created the present economic problems being experienced by the citizenry, Saraki commended Nigerians for their perseverance, understanding and support in the face of the harsh economic condition.

    He said: “As we celebrate independence, we should all vow to work together as we have done in the past to save the nation. As we expect leaders to initiate policies, programmes and projects that will propel the economy to grow rapidly and improve the standard of living of the people, our people should also seek to explore their creative talents to produce goods and services which can compete with the best in the world, thereby enhancing our ability to export massively and earn foreign exchange.

    “That is why I continue to say that the responsibility to once again search for credible and lasting solutions to the economic crisis lies with all Nigerians, both at home and in the diaspora.

    The Senate President also called for prayers from individuals and faith-based organisations for the quick recovery of the economy as “we can only achieve our goals with the blessings of God upon our efforts.”

    On his own, Ekweremadu “urges sober reflections, return to the path of founding fathers” the Deputy Senate President called for sober reflection and return to the path of true federalism as envisioned by the founding fathers in order to move the nation forward.

    The Senator, who stressed the need for justice, peace, and unity, once more urged the Federal Government to mobilise all capable hands to salvage the nation’s ailing economy, as there was hunger in the land.

    This is contained in a statement by his media aide, Uche Anichukwu.

    He said: “This 56th Independence anniversary calls for sober reflection. No people can make progress unless they retrace their steps back to where the rain started beating them.

    “Nigeria, at formation, had a building plan, which was based on true federalism as covenanted by our founding fathers at various conferences leading up to independence. For as long as we followed that plan, we prospered.

    “But, once we discarded the building plan, dissembled the inherited structures and legacies and began to undermine the fabrics of equity, justice, balance, healthy competition and economic prosperity that was ingrained therein, we charted our route to the current perdition.”

    Ekweremadu, however, assured that Nigeria would bounce back faster if immediate steps were taken to unite the country, getting the best hands on deck, irrespective of wherever they are found.

    “I am afraid, true prosperity may continue to elude us as a nation unless we restore the basis of the union as agreed upon by the founding fathers, also taking into cognisance the experience of the last 56 years.

    “There are no two ways about it, for what a people sow, that is exactly what they will reap”, he stressed.

    Also, Mark in a statement entitled Nigeria @ 56: A Nation Destined for Greatness, expresses hope that recession will end if the right steps are taken.

    A statement by his media Assistant, Paul Mumeh, said that the former Senate President took stock of Nigeria’s chequered economic and Socio-political history since independence and submitted that in spite of the bottlenecks, the nation is destined for greatness.

    To achieve greatness however, Senator Mark canvassed for policy consistency saying that development in the country has been largely encumbered by inconsistencies in policy formulation and implementation.

    Senator Mark also urged for love and unity of purpose among Nigerians irrespective of religious, political and ethnic affiliations, adding that such is the only way the nation can realise its full potential with all the abundant human and natural resources.

  • Justice minister stalls Saraki, Ekweremadu’s forgery trial

    Justice minister stalls Saraki, Ekweremadu’s forgery trial

    The scheduled commencement of trial in the alleged forgery case against Senate President Bukola Saraki and three others was yesterday stalled. Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami was yet to make available the documents needed for the prosecution.

    Leader of the prosecution team, Aliyu Umar (SAN), told a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Jabi, Abuja, that over a month after the AGF constituted his team to prosecute the case, it was yet to be furnished with necessary materials for its prosecution.

    Umar said, while the AGF was yet to avail his team with the case file, some of the motions filed by the defendants, particularly the one filed by Saraki since June, challenging his trial, was only brought to his (Umar’s) attention on September 26.

    He sought for an adjournment to enable him “put his house in order” and prepare his reactions to the series of motions filed by the four defendants in their opposition to their trial.

    Umar’s revelation and his subsequent application angered everyone in court including the judge and lawyers to the defendants.

    The trial judge, Justice Yusuf Halilu, expressed reservations over the prosecution’s request for adjournment and its inability to respond to the motions filed by three of the four defendants over 90 days ago.

    Defence lawyers – senior advocates Paul Erokoro, Joseph Daudu, Ikechukwu Ezechukwu and Mahmud Magaji – frowned at the development, describing it as a ploy by the prosecution to frustrate the trial, having realised that it has no case against the defendants.

    Saraki, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, a former Clerk of the National Assembly, Salisu Maikasu, and his deputy, Benedict Efeture were arraigned on June 27 on a two-count charge  of criminal conspiracy and forgery of the Standing Rules used for the election that produced the current leadership of the Senate.

    According to the prosecution, the offence of conspiracy is punishable under Section 97 (1) of the Penal Code Act, while the offence of forgery with “fraudulent intent” is punishable under Section 364 of the same law.

    Shortly after their arraignment on June 27, the court fixed July 11 for the commencement of trial, but had to reschedule it for September 28 when the earlier date fell within the court’s annual long vacation.

    The prosecution was expected to call its first set of witnesses yesterday when Umar disclosed that the prosecution was unprepared.

    Erokoro (lawyer to Saraki) objected to Umar’s request for adjournment. He noted that the case had been salted for trial since June.

    Erokoro contended that if the AGF found it difficult to handover the case file to the lawyer he freely appointed, the better option was for the court to terminate the case and allow the defendants to go home.

     He noted that his client had filed a motion since June 22, which has been served on the AGF. He said the motion was questioning the competence of the charge on the grounds that it constituted an abuse of court process because a similar case involving the AGF was pending before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

    Daudu (representing Ekweremadu)  faulted the prosecution’s request for an adjournment.

  • Forgery: AGF’s ‘tardiness’ stalls Saraki, others’ trial

    Forgery: AGF’s ‘tardiness’ stalls Saraki, others’ trial

    The scheduled commencement of trial in the alleged forgery case against the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and three others was stalled on Wednesday due to delay on the part of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF),  Abubakar Malami.

    Leader of the prosecution team, Aliyu Umar (SAN), told a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Jabi, Abuja, that over a month after the AGF constituted his team to prosecute the case, it was yet to be furnished with necessary materials for its prosecution.

    Umar said, while the AGF was yet to avail his team with the case file, some of the motions filed by the defendants, particularly the one filed by Saraki since June, challenging his trial, was only brought to his (Umar’s) attention on September 26.

    He sought an adjournment to enable him “put his house in order” and prepare his reactions to the series of motions filed by the four defendants in their opposition to the trial.

    Umar’s revelation and his subsequent application angered everyone in court including the judge and lawyers to the defendants.

    The trial judge, Justice Yusuf Halilu, expressed reservations over the prosecution’s request for adjournment and its inability to respond to the motions filed by three of the four defendants after 90 days.

    Defence lawyers – Paul Erokoro (SAN), Joseph Daudu (SAN), Ikechukwu Ezechukwu (SAN) and Mahmud Magaji (SAN) – frowned at the development, describing it as a ploy by the prosecution to frustrate the trial, having realised that it has no case against the defendants.

     

  • Forgery: Police reopen probe of Saraki, Ekweremadu

    Forgery: Police reopen probe of Saraki, Ekweremadu

    The Nigeria Police Force has reopened investigation into the alleged forgery of the Senate Standing Rules 2015 by writing to the Clerk of the National Assembly (CNA), Mr. Mohammed Sani Omolori for additional information to assist its investigation.

    Senate President Bukola Saraki,  his deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and the immediate past Clerk to the National Assembly(CNA), Salisu Maikasuwa, are  already standing trial and the hearing of the case will continue on Wednesday.

    But Saraki and Ekweremadu’s camps have kicked against attempt by the police to reopen the probe after the police had declared the initial investigation conclusive.

    The police renewal of the investigation of the forgery was contained in a letter of  25th of August, 2016, which was signed by the Chairman of the Special Investigation Panel(SIP),  AIG Ali Amodu (Rtd).

    There were indications that the reopening of the case by the police was at the prompting of the National Prosecution Coordination Committee(NPCC) in an August 19, 2016 letter to the Inspector-General, Mr. Idris Ibrahim.

    The letter reads in part: “I refer to letter no. DPPA/ADV/25875, dated  19th August 2015 in respect of the above subject matter(copy attached for each of reference) and request  that you avail this office with the following information:

    •      Whether or not , the 7th Senate at any time amends the Senate Standing Orders 2011.
    •      If yes, what is the extent of amendment?
    •      The name of the officer that  authorised the amendment of Senate Standing Orders 2015.
    •      The name of the officer that ordered for the printing  of the Senate Standing Orders 2015.
    •      The officer that distributed the printed copies of the Senate Standing Orders 2015 to Senators-elect.
    •      What date was the induction mentioned by Senator Abdullahi Gumel?
    •      What  did they do with the Senate Standing Order of 2011 at the induction”
    •      Who conducted the induction?

    “Obtain the complete  Hansard  of the 9th and 24th June, 2015 to see what transpired on the floor of the Senate.

    “The statement of Dr. Ogozy Nma should be  brought to the attention of Senator Ita Enang and Senator Abu Ibrahim to corroborate or deny it.

    “What is the date Senator Ike Ekweremadu presided over the house and obtains the hansard for the date.

    “Considering the importance of this case, you are requested to expedite action on the request. Accept the assurances of my highest regards.”

    It was gathered that National Prosecution Coordination Committee(NPCC) in an August 19 letter directed the  Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Idris Ibrahim, to fill up the grey areas in its previous investigation.

    The letter was signed by the Special Assistant to the President(Research  and Special Projects/ Secretary NPCC,  Sylvester Omoregie Imhanobe.

    The letter said: “Sir, I have the instructions of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice(HAGF) /Chairman, National Prosecution Coordination Committee(NPCC) to write this letter for your kind prompt action.

    “The NPCC and the new legal team engaged to take  over the prosecution of the above case have reviewed the case file and found that the police investigation of the case is inconclusive.

    “Therefore, it is necessary that you further investigate the case with particular reference to the following:

    •      Did the 7th Senate at any time amend the Senate  Standing  Orders 2011?
    •      If yes, what is the extent  of amendment?

    “Further investigation should show:

    •      Who authorized the amendment of Senate Standing Orders 2011.
    •      Who ordered the printing  of the Senate Standing Orders 2015.
    •      Who distributed the printed copies of the Senate Standing Orders 2015 to Senators-elect.

    “Obtain the complete  Hansard  of the 9th and 24th June 2015 to see what  transpired on the floor of the Senate.

    “What date was the induction mentioned by Senator Abdullahi Gumel?  What did they do with  the Senate Standing Orders 2011 at the induction? Who conducted the induction?

    “The statement of Dr. Ogozy Nma should be  brought to the attention of Senator Ita Enang and Senator Abu Ibrahim to corroborate or deny it.

    “Find out the date Senator Ike Ekweremadu presided over the house and obtain the hansard for the date.

    “Please, it is important  that I receive your  response  to the above inquiries on or before the 7th of September for further necessary action. Please accept the assurances of my warm regards and best wishes.”

  • Saraki seeks sale of NLNG shares, concession of major airports, others to end recession

    Saraki seeks sale of NLNG shares, concession of major airports, others to end recession

    Senate President Bukola Saraki yesterday suggested how the recession in the country can be made the shortest in history.

    He spoke while welcoming senators after their over two-month annual recess.

    Saraki, who promised that the Senate would work with the Executive to get  economy out of recession, suggested the sale of some shares in the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited, reduction of government share in upstream oil joint venture operations; and sale of government stake in financial institutions (such as Africa Finance Corporation) and privatisation and concession of major/regional airports and refineries

    The Senate, he said, had made inroad in this regard with the passage of some of the key priority legislation, such as the passage of Procurement Act (Amendment) Bill, Electronic Transactions Bill, Railway Bill, Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Amendment) Bill and Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme Bill, among others.

    Saraki urged his colleagues not to hide under partisan solidarity to abdicate their constitutional responsibility under the principles of checks and balances.

    He said the Executive must raise capital from asset sales and other sources to shore up foreign reserves.

    “This will calm investors, discourage currency speculation and stabilise the economy. The measures should include part sale of NLNG Holdings; reduction of government share in upstream oil joint venture operations; sale of government stake in financial institutions e.g. Africa Finance Corporation; and privatisation and concession of major/regional airports and refineries,” Saraki said.

    He advised that the Executive must consider tweaking the pension funds policy within international best practice safeguards to accommodate investment in infrastructure and mortgages.

    Saraki said senators must turn their attention towards a number of legislative priorities, such as the Petroleum Industry Bills.

    After his address, the Senate adjourned yesterday in honour of Adewale Elija Oluwatayo, a member of House of Representatives from Lagos State, who died on July 21.

    The lawmakers resume plenary today.

    Saraki said the Senate must  support the Executive to make the recession the shortest in history.

    He said: “Many times experts have quipped that Nigeria is finished, but we come back stronger. This occasion will not be any different. But it will not happen by a slogan! No, it will take positive leadership and unity. Never in our history has the need to show leadership and unity been more acute, more urgent than now. We cannot afford to play politics with our situation. As a parliament, we are in this together with the Executive and the Judiciary, we cannot afford to fail Nigerians.

    “My expectation is that by the time we are done with our debate we should make key actionable recommendations to the Executive on what this chamber sees as the way forward in the immediate, mid-term and long-term solutions to this situation. And as representatives of our people we must follow up through regular oversight and pressure on the Executive to ensure that they deliver on our recommendations. On our path, however, we are ready to pass the legislative measures that will facilitate our quick exit from this recession.”

    Senate Leader Mohammed Ali Ndume said the Senate was prepared to bail out the country from recession.

    Ndume said recession could be taken as blessing in disguise because it would enable the country that had relied solely on oil to diversify its economy.

     

  • Hunger everywhere in Nigeria – Senate

    The Senate on Tuesday declared that palpable hunger has overtaken the country with most Nigerians desperately seeking for solutions to their problems.

    The upper chamber also said it is understandable that when people are desperately hungry, what they need is leadership with a clear vision, whose daily actions reflect the very urgency of the peoples’ condition.

    It said while government works on the medium to long-term plans to stabilise the economy, immediate strategies must be devised to ease the suffering of ordinary people across the country.

    Senate President, Bukola Saraki, stated these in his welcome address to Senators after their over two months recess.

    Before Saraki’s welcome address, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Senate caucus had met on Monday night to articulate ways and means to tackle the economic recession.

    A statement issued by the Senate President’s Office said the meeting united all members of the caucus on the way forward for the country.

    Saraki noted that it is no longer news that the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) confirmed that the Nigerian economy has drifted into recession.

    He added that with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in the second quarter of 2016 standing at 2.06 per cent following a decline by 0.36 per cent in the first quarter, the Nigerian economy has had two consecutive periods of contraction.

    He insisted that the Senate must gear up to give the Executive the necessary support to make the biting economic recession the country is going through the shortest in history.

  • Saraki to review economy

    Saraki to review economy

    Senate President Bukola Saraki will review the state of the economy in his welcome address to the Senate today.

    The Senate President’s address will coincide with the resumption of the 8th Senate from its annual recess.

    A statement from the Office of the Senate President said the speech would announce that the Senate would focus the majority of its legislative days on solutions to tackling the recession and the timely passage of the 2017 Budget.

    It reads: “During our annual recess, myself and many of my colleagues in the Senate returned to our constituencies to witness the severe impact of the economic downturn on local communities.

    “The conditions on ground demand that we put forth our best efforts to get the economy moving and people back to work.

    “The process of reviving our economy must be an inclusive one. The best minds in government, business, and academia must be brought together to find solutions. We have analysed the problems extensively, now is the time to act!”