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Tag: Senate president

  • Senate adopts 2016 revised budget

    Senate adopts 2016 revised budget

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    The Senate on Tuesday adopted the revised version of the 2016 budget estimates.

    The adoption of the corrected version of the budget followed a letter by President Muhammadu Buhari to the Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on the revised budget proposals.

    Saraki read the Presidential letter in plenary on Tuesday.

    The letter personally signed by Buhari was dated January 15, 2016 and entitled: “2016 budget proposals.”

    President Buhari asked the Senate to work with the corrected version of the budget estimates

    Some Senators, however, spotted a fundamental error on the date of presentation of the Appropriation Bill quoted in the Presidential memo.

    The Senators said the memo stated that the budget was presented to a joint sitting of the National Assembly on Tuesday, December 22, 2016 instead of Tuesday, December 22, 2015.

    The memo reads in part, “It would be recalled that on Tuesday 22nd December, “2016” (2015) I presented my 2016 budget proposals to the joint sitting of the National Assembly.

    “I submitted a draft bill accompanied by schedule of details.

    “At the time of submission we indicated that because the details had just been produced we would have had to check to ensure that there were no errors in the detailed breakdown contained in the schedule.

    “That has since been completed and I understand that the corrections have been submitted.

    “The National Assembly will therefore have the details as submitted on the 22nd and a copy containing the corrections submitted last week.

    “It appears that this had led to some confusion. In this regard, please find attached a corrected version.

    “This is the version the National Assembly should work with as my 2016 budget estimates.

    “The draft bill remains the same and there are no changes in any of the figures.”

    Details of the corrections made on the fiscal document were not disclosed.

    After reading the letter, Senate Leader, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, moved for the adoption of the letter so that the communication would formally become a document of the Senate.

    Ndume also moved that with the adoption of the communication, the Senate should consider the budget as amended.

    The two motions were endorsed by the Senate.

     

  • Count me out of N60b arms deal – Saraki

    Count me out of N60b arms deal – Saraki

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Tuesday dissociated himself from the N60billion arms deal involving the immediate past National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd).

    Saraki in a statement  issued by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Mr. Yusuph Olaniyonu, said that contrary to report published on an online medium, SaharaReporters, he never had anything to do with purchase of security equipment.

    The Senate President noted that in his entire political career he never served in any committee or body which had any link with defence or national security.

    It said: “As a member of the Seventh Senate, Dr. Saraki was not a member of any of the committees with oversight function on the Ministry of Defence or the intelligence and national security apparatus.

    “If he was tagged the leader of the opposition to the Jonathan administration, how then will he be privy to arms purchases and have the influence to blackmail any government agency or institution over the release of funds.”

     

     

     

  • Buhari hosts Senate to interactive dinner

    Buhari hosts Senate to interactive dinner

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday night hosted President of the Senate as well as members of the senate to an interactive dinner.

     

    Buhari - Senate (3)

     

    Buhari - Senate (1)

     

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    Buhari - Senate 1

  • Amnesty: Don’t extend immunity to Senate President, deputy

    The anti-corruption crusade by President Muhammadu Buhari is at risk if the immunity clause is extended to the Senate President and his deputy, Legal dviser at Amnesty International, London, Kolawole Olaniyan, has said.

    He urged the President to move swiftly to dissuade members of the eighth National Assembly from taking forward the immunity initiative if his vision “to be remembered as a Nigerian president who fought corruption to a standstill” is to be effectively realised.

    Olaniyan, who gave the advice in a statement issued last week in London and titled, “Why Buhari can’t be tight-lipped over immunity proposal by the 8thNational Assembly” argued that it amounted to double standard for the lawmakers to make laws to regulate others while tearing up the constitution to be free of regulation themselves.

    Olaniyan,  who noted that the immunity initiative is coming on the heels of the trial of the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki who is facing a 13 count charge of false assets declaration before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, argued that the proposal by the Senate is against United Nations (UN) convention on corruption and of which Nigeria is a signatory.

    “Extending rather than limiting immunity from prosecution for corruption involving parliamentarians is a licence to impunity and lawbreaking, which clearly isn’t compatible with good governance.

    “Parliamentarians promoting and granting immunity to themselves can only serve to launder the rule of the powerful rather than the rule of law. And it’s patently inconsistent with the United Nations Convention against Corruption to which Nigeria is a state party. The convention in fact requires Nigeria to achieve “appropriate balance between any immunities” and to “ensure effective investigation, prosecution and adjudication of corruption offences”.

    He explained  that part of making laws for good governance of the country is to serve the desire of victims of corruption for accountability, for justice, for dignity, and stressed that the members of the 8th National Assembly will be fulfilling their constitutional role by addressing as a central priority, the situation of victims of corruption including clearing the way through public hearings and progressive legislation that can provide legal standing and access to effective remedies for victims of corruption.

    “It is not by clinging to whatever will shield them from their perceived political foes that members of the 8th National Assembly will better perform their law-making role. And it doesn’t have to be at the expense of the fight against corruption. After all, there is always the judiciary and due process of law to take care of any perceived abuse of anti-corruption laws by the authorities.

    “If only members of the 8th National Assembly can grasp the thinnest slice of what victims of corruption experience they will re-think their proposal to grant their leaders immunity from prosecution for corruption.

    “As a law-making body whose primary duty it is to make laws for good governance, its purpose ought to be to rid the country of impunity for those who will commit high level official corruption, with a philosophy that doesn’t recognise immunity or give leeway to the most powerful or influential.

    “The 1999 Constitution (as amended) recognises the role of the National Assembly to “make laws for the peace, order and good governance of the Federation.” This suggests that when it comes to issue of corruption, members of the 8th National Assembly should worry less about their own interest and more about the citizens who are the real victims of corruption”, he posited.

    Olaniyan contended,  “what the National Assembly is doing is patently at odds with the ‘anti-corruption agenda’ of President Muhammadu Buhari and the ‘political change’ that Nigerians voted for. This is like taking Nigeria back to the middle ages. And it clearly undermines the rule of law as it portrays the lawmakers as being above the law”.

    Olaniyan argued that the immunity initiative looks like a revenge job, and one for self-aggrandisement stressing, “this is undoubtedly a low period in public esteem for our ‘lawmakers.’

    He emphasised that the success of President Muhammadu Buhari’s proclaimed fight against corruption hinges not only on his ‘integrity record’ or members of his cabinet but also the collective involvement of all branches of government, in particular the National Assembly and the judiciary

     

     

  • Court to deliver judgment in Saraki’s appeal Friday

    Court to deliver judgment in Saraki’s appeal Friday

    The Court of Appeal, Abuja is expected to deliver judgment on Friday in the appeal by Senate President, Bukola Saraki.

    Saraki, who is standing trial on a 13-count charge of false asset declaration before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), is appealing the tribunal’s decision to assume jurisdiction over his trial.

    The appellate court had, on October 16, after taking arguments from parties, fixed judgment for 2 pm on October 19, but failed deliver it on the ground that the judgment was not ready.

    The judgment was reserved indefinitely, with the court promising to communicate a new date to parties.

    It was learnt Thursday that notices were sent to parties informing them about Friday’s date.

    The delay by the Court of Appeal to deliver its judgment has stalled proceedings before the CCT, which has elected to await the appellate court’s decision before taking any further steps in Saraki’s trial.

    Listed as respondents in the appeal are the CCT, the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), the Federal Ministry of Justice and a lawyer in the ministry, Muslim Hassan.

    Arguing the appeal on October 16, Saraki’s lawyer, Joseph Daudu (SAN), urged the appellate court to set aside the entire proceedings before the CCT, including the charge before it.

    He argued that the CCT was not properly constituted on when it assumed jurisdiction to entertain the charges because it was made up of two members as against three, which is provided for in Paragraph 15(1) of the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution.

    Daudu contended that the provision of Section 28 of the Interpretation Act relied upon by the respondents to argue that the tribunal could validly sit with its Chairman and one other member, was a contradiction of the three-member provision in the Constitution.

    He also argued that the tribunal not being a superior court recognised by the Constitution could not exercise criminal jurisdiction.

  • Tribunal adjourns Saraki’s trial to November 5

    Tribunal adjourns Saraki’s trial to November 5

    The Code of Conduct Tribunal on Wednesday adjourned the trial of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, to November 5 and 6.

    This was disclosed  by the Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Danladi Umar.

    The Senate President is facing a 13-count charge of false declaration of assets preferred against him by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

    Wednesday’s adjournment followed the pending judgment of the Appeal Court‎ on the trial of Saraki.

     

     

     

  • Senate President arrives

    Senate President has just arrived Senate chamber for commencement of the ministerial screening.

    The Senate President said the prayer to signal beginning of the day’s business.

    There is tight security in and around the National Assembly complex.

    Meanwhile, Senators has opted for a closed-door session to deliberate on salient issues and will return for plenary in about one hour.

     

  • Senate President: no plot against Buhari

    Senate President: no plot against Buhari

    Senate President Bukola Saraki yesterday pledged that the Senate will be fair in the ministerial screening.

    Reacting to the statement by All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s aide Sunday Dare, Saraki’s Media Adviser Yusuph Olaniyonu issued a statement on behalf of the Senate President.

    He said: “I saw the statement said to be issued by Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu over a story published by The Sun newspapers. I have decided not to join issues with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. However, I know  that most Nigerians are aware that there has been no meeting or communication between me and Asiwaju Tinubu since I was elected Senate President. Therefore, I do not see any basis for a newspaper to report that we are both plotting to oppose the President.

    “I recognise Tinubu as one of the leaders of the APC who contributed so much to the victory of the party in the last election. Some other people also contributed and I believe the collective efforts made it possible for the first time in the history of our party for an opposition party to win the general elections.

    “Let me state clearly that I remain a committed member of the APC and will do all in my power to ensure the party fulfill its promises to bring positive changes into the country.

    “Since my election as Senate President, my focus and efforts have been devoted to doing the job that I was elected to do by my constituents and my colleagues in the Senate. Twice, my colleagues have confirmed their support for me as the primus inter pares in the Senate.

    “As I said in my speech when we resumed from our recess late September and in Ikenne yesterday, the screening of ministerial nominees will be handled by me and my colleagues with all sense of responsibility and in adherence to the provision of the constitution. We will be fair to all and be guided by the interest of Nigeria. The screening will be devoid of sentiment and it is not an opportunity for anybody to settle scores. We are equally eager for us make a positive difference in our polity and Nigerians will be able to judge us whether we acted in their best interest or not.”

  • Appeal Court to hear Saraki’s case Oct 16

    Appeal Court to hear Saraki’s case Oct 16

    The Court of Appeal in Abuja said Thursday that it will hear the appeal by Senate President, Bukola Abubakar Saraki on October 16.

    SarakI is before the appellate court to challenge the jurisdiction of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) to try him based on the 13-count charge of false assets declaration filed against him by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

    A three-man panel of the Court of Appeal, led by Justice Moore Adumein-led panel of the Court of Appeal, while granting accelerated hearing in the case, promised to render its judgment before Saraki’s next appearance before the CCT on October 21.

    Chairman of the CCT, Danladi Umar had, on September 22 after Saraki pleaded not guilty to the charge upon his arraignment, fixed October 21 for further proceedings in the case.

    Saraki’s lawyer, Mahmud Magaji (SAN) urged the appellate court to expeditiously determine his client’s appeal on the ground that time was of the essence.

    Saraki has, along with his appeal, filed as application seeking to stay proceedings before the CCT pending the determination of his appeal.

    Hearing of the application for stay of proceedings may no longer be necessary in view of the appellate court’s decision to give its judgment in the main appeal before October 21.

    Saraki, in his appeal, wants the Court of Appeal to declare that the CCT lacked the jurisdiction to try him based on the charge brought against him. He also wants the court to quash the charge for being incompetent.

    Saraki is, in his appeal, raising similar issues earlier canvassed before the CCT, which the tribunal disregarded.

    They include that the tribunal was not properly constituted, in that it currently has a member sitting with the Chairman as against the constitutional provision of two members and the Chairman.

    He also challenged the competence of the charge on the ground that it was not filed by a substantive Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

    Saraki equally faulted the process leading to the filing of the charge, arguing that was not confronted with the alleged discrepancies in his declaration, as required by law, before the charge was filed against him.

    It is also his contention that since assets declaration is undertaken by every public officer every four years, a charge could not legitimately be filed against based on the declaration he made in 2003.

    Named as respondents to the appeal are the Chairman of the CCB, Chairman of the CCT, the Federal Ministry of Justice and an official of the ministry, Muslim Hassan, who endorsed the charge against Saraki.

    The Senate President is charged among others, with failure to declare property on Plot 2A, Glover Road, Ikoyi, Lagos; failure to declare property on No 1, Tagus Street, Maitama, Abuja (Plot 2482, Cadastral Zone A06, Abuja) and failure to declare property No 3, Tagus Street, Maitama, Abuja (Plot 2481, Cadastral Properties Limited).

    He is also accused of claiming to own property on No 42, Gerard Road, Ikoyi and earning N110, 000,000 per annum at a time the property was under construction; failure to declare N375m GTB loan converted to 1.5m Pound Sterling and used to purchase property in London; operating a foreign bank account; transfer of $3.4m from GTB to foreign bank account during his tenure as governor and failure to declare leasehold interest in No. 42, Remi Fani-Kayode Street, Ikeja.

    Saraki was equally accused of making anticipatory asset declaration of a house in Ikoyi in the asset declaration form he submitted to the CCB in 2003.

  • SERAP condemns proposed immunity for lawmakers

    SERAP condemns proposed immunity for lawmakers

    The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) yesterday described as a setback for transparency, plans by the National Assembly to give lawmakers immunity from prosecution. SERAP was reacting to the proposed constitution amendment triggered by the legislators in the buildup of the allegations against Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki.

    In a statement signed by the group’s executive director,  Adetokunbo Mumuni, the lawmakers were accused of trying to shield Saraki and the Speaker,  House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara from prosecution over alleged corruption.

    He said the proposed immunity for lawmakers tantamount to breaking the law, demanding an end to the process.

    Describing the move as a clear breach of public trust and a form of political corruption, he challenged civil society groups to vigorously challenge the lawmakers.

    “It is a huge setback for transparency, accountability and the rule of law that the same privileged and powerful leaders of parliament who regularly make laws that consign powerless Nigerians to prison for even trivial offences, want to establish elite immunity to protect themselves from the consequences of corruption and money laundering: “That is the Nigerian justice system in a nutshell. This is called breaking the law.

    “This initiative by the leaders of the National Assembly is coming at a time countries like Guatemala has voted unanimously to strip their president of immunity from prosecution for corruption. “The message the leadership of the National Assembly is sending to us is clear: in Nigeria, powerful and influential actors must not be and are not subject to the rule of law. It’s simply not proper for lawmakers to be the chief advocates of immunity for corruption,” stated Mumuni.

    Continuing, the SERAP boss said: “This is an unacceptable proposition as it gives the impression that both the Senate President and the Speaker of the House and others are above the law.

    “If the leaders of the National Assembly should have their way, this will shield the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives from any legal accountability and rob millions of Nigerians of their rights to accountable government.

    “Public officials who are genuinely committed to the well-being of the state and its people, and to the estab­lishment of an effective and functioning system of administration of jus­tice, should have absolutely nothing to fear.

    “We will work with other members of the civil society to vigorously challenge this gift of immunity against corruption and blatant breach of public trust by the National Assembly.”

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