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Tag: Senate

Senate begins budget 2017 consideration

• Reps optmistic budget ‘ll succeed

The Senate yesterday began debate of the general principles of budget 2017 presented to a joint session of the National Assembly by President Muhammadu Buhari on December 14, last year.

Senate Leader, Senator Ahmed Lawan, flagged off the debate of a Bill for an Act to authorise the issue from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation the total sum of N7, 298,507,709,937 only, of which N419,020,648,000 only, is for statutory transfers, N1,663,885,430,499 only, is for Debt Service, N177,460,296,707 only, is for sinking fund for maturing bonds, N2,979,151,756,196 only, is for recurrent (Non-Debt) expenditure while the sum of N2,058,,989,578,536 only, is for contribution to the Development fund for capital expenditure.

Lawan noted that with the 2017 budget of recovery and growth, the future of the country looks bright as the year to year growth in capital expenditure demonstrated the government’s desire to make the country more competitive in order to bring the economy out of recession and into steady growth and prosperity.

He said the 2017 capital budget was designed to align expenditure to long-term objective, sustainable development as well as fiscal consolidation, inclusive growth and job creation, stabilisation of the welfare of Nigerians by focusing more on micro-economic stability, consolidating structural reforms and enhancing governance and institutional goals.

Meanwhile, legislative work on the budget also commenced at the House of Representatives with a debate on the general principles of the appropriation bill.

House Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila said the N7 trillion budget estimates was ambitious but that ambition is the precursor to success.

He said: “Prior to now, we ran successive budgets averaging N4 trillion at a time when this country was earning far more than it is now at 100 to 120 dollars a barrel.

“The last two budgets of this administration have upped the ante to (between) N6 and N7 trillion at a time when oil dropped to $30 and rose to $50.

“This is ambitious but ambition is the precursor to success. Prior to this time, capital allocation in our yearly budget was way below 30 per cent and now this administration has raised it to over 30 per cent. Before now, budget performance has been about 30 per cent but somehow with little resources available, this administration hovers around the mid 50s range in terms of budget performance.

“We are not there yet, 50 per cent is not even good enough but its important to know where we were coming from to understand where we are and are going. That’s the story of this administration. How has this administration been able to achieve this? It is very simple.

“It’s blocked leakages, aggressively pursued and broadened its tax base and collection, introduced reforms such as Treasury Single Account (TSA), zero based budgeting and eliminated ghost workers.

“Recession is a word that describes the downward turn in a country’s economy. Nigeria has been hit as has many oil producing countries. This budget seeks to reboot the economy with a massive dose of capital injection and payment of local debts to contractors which will help stimulate and reflate the economy.”

Gbajabiamila also said the government continues to lay emphasis on diversification of the economy particularly in the areas of agriculture and solid minerals hoping that manufacturers and Power Ministry are allocated a substantial part of the budget.

January 25, 2017
Falana to Senate: forward your report on SGF to ICPC

Lagos lawyer Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) yesterday urged the Senate to send its report indicting Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Babachir David Lawal, for alleged abuse of office, to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Commission (ICPC “without any further delay”
In a statement, he said this was necessary “since the findings of the Senate have not been challenged by the federal government.”
Falana said: “With respect, the Presidency made a mistake in asking the Senate to “pardon” the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Babachir David Lawal who has not denied the grave allegations of corruption made against him. Unlike Mr. Ibrahim Magu whose nomination is subject to the confirmation of the Senate Mr. Lawal was recommended for removal and prosecution by the Senate. So the Senate cannot ignore or set aside the findings of the Senator Shehu Sanni-led Committee on Mounting Humanitarian Crisis in the North East region.
“However, the criminal diversion of funds earmarked for the provision of relief materials to provide succour for internally displaced people is akin to crimes against humanity.
“Therefore, the former public officers who stole the fund allocated for the purchase of weapons to fight the Boko Haram terrorists and the serving public officers who diverted the fund earmarked for the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons deserve to be prosecuted in like manner by the federal government which has said that there would be no sacred cows in the fight against corruption.
“To that extent any attempt to sweep the serious allegations of corrupt practices involving the Secretary to the Government of the Fedeation, Mr Babachir David Lawal, under the carpet will create a moral crisis for the war against corruption and impunity in the country.”

January 25, 2017
Uproar in Senate over Buhari’s plea for SGF

•Clearing Lawal funeral service for anti-graft campaign, says Sani

There was uproar in the Senate yesterday its President Bukola Saraki read President Muhammadu Buhari’s letter on the Senate’s resolution that Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Babachir David Lawal, should resign following alleged abuse of office.
Senator Shehu Sani, (Kaduna Central), who said he was shocked that President Buhari could be misled to write such a letters, described it as “the funeral service for anti-corruption fight” in the country.
Senator Sani chaired the ad-hoc committee on “mounting humanitarian crisis in the Northeast”.
The Kaduna Central senator, elected on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC), noted that Buhari had chosen to fight corruption with “insecticide when it has to do with the Judiciary, National Assembly and the larger society and uses deodorant when it has to do with the Presidency.”
He added: “It is unfortunate that we have a political atmosphere where you have a saintly and angelic Presidency and a devillish and evil society.”
Saraki appeared uncomfortable with the line of defence Sani’s submissions and attempted to cut him short.
There was instantaneous uproar in the chamber as senators across party line, urged Sani to “fire on.”
Saraki retreated and allowed Sani to continue. He explained how his committee arrived at its conclusions and recommendations on the need for Lawal to resign and be prosecuted for alleged abuse of office.
Many senators were also said to have doubted that President Buhari wrote the letter since it was “hurriedly sent to the Senate after President Buhari travelled to the United Kingdome for medical treatment.”
In the letter, President Buhari faulted the Senate for resolving that Lawal should resign and be prosecuted.
The President said due process was not followed before the Senate arrived at its resolution.
Buhari’s letter dated January 17, 2017 absolved Lawal of wrong doing in the handling of funds approved for the care of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) reads:
“Re-resolution by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria concerning the humanitarian situation in the northeast region particularly in relation to the alleged role of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Engr. David Babachir Lawal in the contract implementation regime of the Presidential Initiative for the northeast (PINE).
“You may recall your letter with reference NASS /8X/R/01/5 dated 15th December, 2016 in respect of the Senate consideration of the report of its ad-hoc committee on the mounting humanitarian crisis in the northeast that conveyed the resolution of the committee as contained in paragraph 1 subsection 8 therein which reads as follows:
“Engr. Babachir Lawal having contravenes the provisions of part one of the 5th schedule of the 1999 Constitution as amended had breached his oath of office and should resign and be prosecuted by the relevant authority, S/075/02/01/16.
“Following the receipt of your letter, I set up a review team to consider the recommendations from the Senate committee.
“I have also conducted further investigation based on Engr Lawal’s response to the allegations and issues raised in the Senate resolution.
“I have come to the following conclusion that I believe will guide the Senate in the proper review of its interim report and eventual resolution.
“The report forwarded to the Presidency by the Senate which informed the decision that Engr Babachir Lawal should resign and be prosecuted by the relevant authority S/075/02/016 was an interim report as against a final report which ought to have been presented to the Senate in the plenary for adoption as a binding and final report before submission to the Presidency given the weight of allegations made in the report.
“The Senate committee set up to investigate the mounting humanitarian crisis in the northeast comprised of nine members namely, senator Oluremi Tinubu, senator Mohammed Hassan, Senator Solomon Adeola, senator Ben Murray Bruce, Senator Tayo Alasoadura, Senator Theodore Orji, Senator Yahaya A. Abdullahi, Senator Mallam Aliu Wakili and Senator Issac M Alfa.
“The review of the interim report shows that the interim report was only signed by only three out of the nine members namely Senator Solomon Adeola, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi, and Senator Isaac M. Alfa
“The signing of the interim report by three out of nine members of the committee makes it a minority report of the Senate committee and not a committee report being an interim report. Thus, presenting a challenge for the Presidency to determine the weight to attach to the report as currently presented.
“I have also observed that the Senate ad-hoc interim committee report and the Votes and Proceedings of the Senate have not in its own right established that Engr Babachir Lawal was ever given an opportunity to appear before the committee and defend himself.
“It is also on record that a company linked to him Rollervision Engineering Limited was also not invited at anytime before the committee against the allegations which eventually formed the fulcrum of the Senate’s case against the company.
“You are invited to note that non application of principles of fair hearing by the Senate ad-hoc committee is a clear contravention of section 36 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended and against all principles of rule of law as initiated in the Nigerian legal system as well as the roles of the National Assembly committees on handling of public petitions.
“Consequently, I am of the view that baring other consideration that may arise as a result of subsequent investigation of Engr Lawal by the interim ad-hoc committee, the current report as presented to the Presidency in its own right does not meet the principles of fair hearing and compliance with the Senate rules for conduct of investigations in matters relating to abuse of office by public officers.
“In replying on the foregoing, I am not able to approve the recommendation to remove and prosecute Engr Lawal on the basis of the Senate ad-hoc committee report dated 15th December, 2016.”
Senator Sani said: “It is shocking to me that such a letter can come from the Presidency with such misinformation and outright distortions.
“They lied by saying that the committee didn’t invite the SGF. The committee invited the SGF and the letter was acknowledged by the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the SGF.
“To make sure that we buttress our point, we made a paid advert in three or four national dailies: This one was published on Dec. 2, 2016 and the SGF is clearly mentioned as one of those that is expected to come and appear before the National Assembly.
“If they have the intention of simply reaching a pre-determined conclusion by covering up on the issues raised by the committee that is one thing.
“Secondly, issues were raised that only three members of the committee signed that interim report, that was also a second lie coming from the Presidency.
“I have a copy of the interim report which was initially signed by seven members of the nine members of that committee and I am going to submit it to the clerk of the Senate.
“Even if it is nine and then three people signed, we still have a quorum, but here I have seven people.
“I will say also that I listened to the list of the names that were read and they omitted the chairman which is myself.
“I know I am not very big in frame but I believe my name shouldn’t have been omitted.
“This shows clearly how the SGF and his minions in the Presidency misinformed the President to sign this letter.
“Secondly I will say this clearly, this letter is a funeral service for the anti-corruption fight.”
At this stage, Saraki tried to stop Sani from continuing.
The Senate President was overwhelmed by protests from senators.
“I stand by the report of that committee and it is very clear to us: if we can allow this committee’s report to be shredded into pieces then I think it would be in order for us to open all the 138 prisons in this country for all the convicts and awaiting trial inmates to go scot free.”
Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, told reporters after plenary that the “Senate stands on its resolution on Lawal.”
Abdullahi said Buhari’s letter absolving the SGF did not in any way change the position of the Senate.

January 25, 2017
Senate begins consideration of 2017 budget

The Senate on Tuesday began debate on the general principles of the 2017 budget presented to a joint session of the National Assembly by President Muhammadu Buhari on December 14, 2016.

Senate Leader, Senator Ahmed Lawan, flagged off the debate of a Bill for an Act to authorize the issue from the consolidated revenue fund of the Federation the total sum of N7, 298,507,709,937, of which N419,020,648,000 is for statutory transfers, N1,663,885,430,499 for debt service, N177,460,296,707 for sinking fund for maturing bonds, N2,979,151,756,196 for recurrent (Non-Debt) expenditure while the sum of N2,058,,989,578,536 is for contribution to the development fund for capital expenditure.

Lawan noted that with the 2017 budget of recovery and growth, the future of the country looks bright as the year to year growth in capital expenditure demonstrated the government’s desire to make the country more competitive in order to bring the economy out of recession and into steady growth and prosperity for Nigerians.

He said the 2017 budget was designed to align expenditure to long-term objective, sustainable development as well as fiscal consolidation, inclusive growth and job creation, stabilization of the welfare of Nigerians by focusing more on micro-economic stability, consolidating structural reforms and enhancing governance and institutional goals.

January 24, 2017
Senate’s report on SGF lacks principle of fair hearing – Presidency

The Presidency on Tuesday said the report of the Senate Ad hoc Committee on Mounting Humanitarian Crisis in the North-East “lacks the principle of fair hearing.”

The Senate report indicted the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Babachir Lawal.

The Presidency remark came in a letter read by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, at plenary on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the call for Lawal’s resignation followed alleged contravention of the provisions of Public Procurement Act and the Federal Government Financial Rules and Regulations on the award of contracts.

The letter reads: “I am of the view that by other considerations that may arise as a result of subsequent investigation of Babachir by the interim Ad Hoc Committee, the current report does not meet the principles of fair hearing.

“You are invited to note that none application of principles of fair hearing by the Senate Ad Hoc Committee is a clear contravention of Section 36 Sub-section (1) of the 1999 Constitution.

“It is also against all principles of rule of law as enunciated in the Nigerian Legal System as well as the rules of the National Assembly Committees on handling of public petitions.

“In the light of the foregoing, I am not able to approve the recommendation to remove and prosecute Babachir on the basis of the Senate Ad Hoc Committee Report dated 15th December 2016.’’

The letter explained that on receipt of the letter from the Senate, the Presidency set up a review team to consider the recommendations of the Senate committee.

January 24, 2017
EFCC: Why Senate should confirm Magu’s nomination – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday said the need to sustain the current anti-graft war informed his decision to re-nominate the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu, for consideration and confirmation by the Senate.

President Buhari noted that in undertaking the anti-graft campaign, his administration has been guided by the need for urgency, consolidation and improvement of the statutory framework for addressing the scourge of corruption in the country.

He said the need to take the benefits of institutional memory and present capacity in taking the campaign forward should was also recognised.

President Buhari said he has received adequate clarification on the matter relied upon by the Senate during its decision to reject Magu’s nomination.

The Senate, however, said President Buhari’s letter representing Magu for confirmation failed to address the issues raised in the Department of State Services (DSS) report which weighed heavily against Magu.

The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, had read a letter by President Buhari re-nominating Magu for confirmation as EFCC Chairman.

The upper chamber went into closed door session immediately it resumed plenary apparently to discuss the re-nomination of Magu and President Buhari’s rejection of the Senate resolution to approve the resignation of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Babachir David- Lawal, over alleged abuse of office.

After over one hour closed session said to have been “heated” Saraki emerged to announce the receipt of a letter re-nominating Magu for confirmation as EFCC chairman.

A reliable source told our correspondent that the questions before the Senate during the closed session included whether the Senate should dismiss the report of the DSS which weighed heavily against Magu.

The Senate, he said wanted to know whether the issues raised by the DSS are true of false.

January 24, 2017
SGF: Presidency lied in Buhari’s letter to Senate- Sani

Senator Shehu Sani, Chairman of the Senate ad-hoc committee on “Mounting humanitarian crisis in the North-East”, has faulted the letter written to the Senate by President Muhammadu Buhari on the resolution for sack of the Secretary to the Federal Government, Babachair David Lawal.

Responding to the letter in which President Buhari turned down the call for Lawal’s resignation, Sani said that he was shocked that President Buhari could be misled to write such a letters and described it as “the funeral service for anti-corruption fight” in the country.

Senator Sani while defending the report of his committee said “it is shocking to me that such a letter can come from the Presidency with such misinformation and outright distortions.

“They lied by saying that the committee didn’t invite the SGF. The committee invited the SGF and the letter was acknowledged by the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the SGF

“To make sure that we buttress our point, we made a paid advert in three or four national dailies:

” This one was published on Dec. 2, 2016 and the SGF is clearly mentioned as one of those that is expected to come and appear before the National Assembly.

“If they have the intention of simply reaching a pre-determined conclusion by covering up on the issues raised by the committee that is one thing.

“Secondly, issues were raised that only three members of the committee signed that interim report, that was also a second lie coming from the Presidency.

“I have a copy of the interim report which was initially signed by seven members of the nine members of that committee and I am going to submit it to the clerk of the Senate.

“Even if it is nine and then three people signed, we still have a quorum, but here I have seven people.

“I will say also that I listened to the list of the names that were read and they omitted the chairman which is myself.

“I know I am not very big in frame but I believe my name shouldn’t have been omitted.

“This shows clearly how the SGF and his minions in the Presidency misinformed the President to sign this letter.

“Secondly I will say this clearly, this letter is a funeral service for the anti-corruption fight.

“Mr Senate President when it comes to fighting corruption in the National Assembly and the Judiciary and in the larger Nigeria sector, the President uses insecticide and when it comes to fighting corruption within the presidency, they use deodorants.

“I stand by the report of that committee and it is very clear to us: if we can allow this committee’s report to be shredded into pieces then I think it would be in order for us to open all the 138 prisons in this country for all the convicts and awaiting trial inmates to go Scot free.

“As far as I am concerned, on behalf of myself and the committee, what we did was a thorough job, we invited all the companies concerned, we invited the SGF and he sent us the Secretary of the Presidential Initiative on the North East.

“The secretary testified under oath that he is competent enough, he came with tons and tons of documents which we went through and then we came out with our report.

“It is unfortunate that we have a political atmosphere where you have a saintly and angelic presidency and a devilish and evil society.

“We must in every respect fight corruption within the kitchen as we do in the veranda; if we don’t do that then we are being hypocritical.

“This letter does not in any way reflect the spirit with which we espoused as a people fighting to cleanse and fumigate this country of corruption.”

Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi told reporters after the plenary that the “Senate stands on its resolution on Lawal.”

Abdullahi said that President Buahri’s letter absolving the SGF did not in any way change the position of the Senate.

January 24, 2017
Text of Buhari’s letter to Senate on SGF

President Muhammadu Buhari has faulted the Senate’s resolution that the Secretary to the Federal Government, Babachair David Lawal should resign and be prosecuted.

The President said that due process was not followed before the Senate arrived at its resolution.

The President Buhari’s letter dated 17 January, 2017 absolving Lawal of wrong doing in the handling of funds approved for the care of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) read in part:

“Re-resolution by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria concerning the humanitarian situation in the northeast region particularly in relation to the alleged role of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Engr. David Babachir Lawal in the contract implementation regime of the Presidential Initiative for the northeast (PINE).

“You may recall your letter with reference NASS /8X/R/01/5 dated 15th December, 2016 in respect of the Senate consideration of the report of its ad-hoc committee on the mounting humanitarian crisis in the northeast that conveyed the resolution of the committee as contained in paragraph 1 subsection 8 therein which reads as follows:

“ Engr. Babachir Lawal having contravenes the provisions of part one of the 5th schedule of the 1999 Constitution as amended had breached his oath of office and should resign and be prosecuted by the relevant authority, S/075/02/01/16.

“Following the receipt of your letter, I set up a review team to consider the recommendations from the Senate committee.

“I have also conducted further investigation based on Engr Lawal’s response to the allegations and issues raised in the Senate resolution.

“I have come to the following conclusion that I believe will guide the Senate in the proper review of its interim report and eventual resolution.

“The report forwarded to the Presidency by the Senate which informed the decision that Engr Babachir Lawal should resign and be prosecuted by the relevant authority S/075/02/016 was an interim report as against a final report which ought to have been presented to the Senate in the plenary for adoption as a binding and final report before submission to the Presidency given the weight of allegations made in the report.

“The Senate committee set up to investigate the mounting humanitarian crisis in the northeast comprised of nine members namely, senator Oluremi Tinubu, senator Mohammed Hassan, Senator Solomon Adeola, senator Ben Murray Bruce, Senator Tayo Alasoadura, Senator Theodore Orji, Senator Yahaya A. Abdullahi, Senator Mallam Aliu Wakili and Senator Issac M Alfa.

“The review of the interim report shows that the interim report was only signed by only three out of the nine members namely Senator Solomon Adeola, senator Yahaya Abdullahi, and Senator Isaac M. Alfa

“The signing of the interim report by three out of nine members of the committee makes it a minority report of the Senate committee and not a committee report being an interim report. Thus, presenting a challenge for the Presidency to determine the weight to attach to the report as currently presented.

“I have also observed that the Senate ad-hoc interim committee report and the Votes and Proceedings of the Senate have not in its own right established that Engr Babachir Lawal was ever given an opportunity to appear before the committee and defend himself.

“It is also on record that company linked to him Rollervision Engineering limited was also not invited at anytime before the committee to defend himself against the allegations which eventually formed the fulcrum of the Senate’s case against the company.

“You are invited to note that non application of principles of fair hearing by the Senate ad-hoc committee is a clear contravention of section 36 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended and against all principles of rule of law as initiated in the Nigerian legal system as well as the roles of the National Assembly committees on handling of public petitions.

“Consequently, I am of the view that baring other consideration that may arise as a result of subsequent investigation of Engr Lawal by the interim ad-hoc committee, the current report as presented to the Presidency in its own right does not meet the principles of fair hearing and compliance with the Senate rules for conduct of investigations in matters relating to abuse of office by public officers.

“In replying on the foregoing, I am not able to approve the recommendation to remove and prosecute Engr Lawal on the basis of the Senate ad-hoc committee report dated 15th December, 2016.”

January 24, 2017
Uproar in Senate as Buhari turns down resolution to sack SGF

There was uproar in the Senate on Tuesday as Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, read President Muhammadu Buhari’s letter, which criticized the resolution of the Senate that Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Babachir David Lawal, should resign his position and face prosecution over alleged abuse of office.

Senator Shehu Sani, (Kaduna Central) who said that he was shocked that President Buhari could be misled to write such a letters, described it as “the funeral service for anti-corruption fight” in the country.

Senator Sani who was chairman, Senate ad-hoc committee on “Mounting humanitarian crisis in the North-East” while defending the report of his committee came hard on President Buhari.

The Kaduna Central Senator noted that it was unfortunate that President Buhari’s Government has chosen to fight corruption with “insecticide when it has to do with the Judiciary, National Assembly and the larger society and uses deodorant when it has to do with the Presidency.”

He also insisted that “It is unfortunate that we have a political atmosphere where you have a saintly and angelic presidency and a devilish and evil society.”

Saraki appeared uncomfortable with the line of defence Sani was offering and attempted to cut him short.

There was instantaneous uproar in the chamber as Senators across party line urged Sani to “fire on.”

Saraki retreated and allowed Sani to conclude his explanation about how his committee arrived at its conclusions and recommendations on the need for Lawal to resign and be prosecuted for alleged abuse of office.

Many Senators were also said to have doubted that President Buhari actually wrote the letter since it was “hurriedly sent to the Senate after President Buahri travelled to the United Kingdome for medical treatment.”

January 24, 2017
EFCC: Buhari resubmits Magu’s name for confirmation

President Muhammadu Buhari has resubmitted the name of the Acting Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu, for confirmation as substantive chairman of the anti-graft body.

A competent source at the National Assembly confided in our reporter that the letter of President Buhari for the Senate to reconsider its position on Magu, has been received.

The source said that President Buhari also wrote another letter pleading with the Senate to reconsider its stand that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Babachir David Lawal should resign his position and face prosecution for alleged abuse of office.

Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, the source said, “will likely read the two separate letters on Magu and Lawal, today at the resumption of plenary.

January 23, 2017