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Tag: Senate

  • Senate probes misappropriation of $4bn by NNPC, NPDC

    Senate probes misappropriation of $4bn by NNPC, NPDC

    The Senate on Tuesday said  it will investigate the alleged unlawful misappropriation of $4 billion  by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation(NNPC) and Nigerian Petroleum Development Company Ltd(NPDC)  since 2013.

    This followed a motion moved by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Sen. Dino Melaye at the plenary on Tuesday.

    Melaye alleged that the diversion of oil revenue between the two agencies of government had continued unabated since 2013.

    According to him, the NDPC has continued to lift crude oil from divested oil wells OML 61, 62, and 63, worth over $3.5 billion without remittance to the Federation Account.

    He also said the NDPC had continued to lift crude oil from divested oil wells OML 65, 111 and 119 to the tune of $ 1.85 billion out of which only $100 million had been remitted.

    “While this practice may have started before the present administration, it has continued under the watch of the new administration without abating.

    “In 2016 alone, between January and August, a total of $344.442 million worth of oil was lifted by NPDC without remittance to federation account and also not paying royalties and other taxes on lifting.,” Melaye added.

    The lawmaker expressed concern that such amount of money could be diverted at a time when the country was facing severe economic challenges.

    Supporting the motion, the Leader of the Senate, Ali Ndume, commended Melaye for making such important information available to the Senate.

    He wondered how such level of corruption could go on in a country currently facing recession.

    Ndume urged the Senate to carry out a thorough investigation into the allegation with a view to unravelling the level of corruption  in the sector.

    He said, “I support the motion. I want to emphasise that whenever the Senate receives something like, this we should know the seriousness we need to attach to it.

    “You can imagine what $3.5 billion will do to the economy in the face of recession.’’

    On his part, Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa (PDP- Abia North), said the allegation, if found to be true, was an infringement on the 1999 Constitution as amended.

    He added that those involved should be made to immediately pay the money into the consolidated revenue account.

    The lawmaker called on members of the joint committee to suspend their Christmas vacation in order to conclude findings and report back to the Senate in January 2017.

    The Vice-Chairman, Senate Committee on Communication, Sen. Solomon Adeola, said the revelation was a wake-up call for the Senate to use its powers to unravel irregularities in the oil and gas sector.

     

  • Senate; allow Magu take a bow

    Senate; allow Magu take a bow

    The long awaited screening and confirmation of Mr. Ibrahim Magu as the executive chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by the Senate understandably has generated keen public interest and controversy. Latest reports indicate that the screening expected to take place on the floor of the Senate on Thursday, December 8, 2 has been deferred by the Senate till Thursday, December 15, for what reliable sources attribute to the desire of many senators to participate in the screening exercise.
    Many may consider as regrettable the three failed attempts to screen the anti-corruption czar, but the delay may constitute blessing in disguise after all for several reasons. First, the seeming delay may have allowed the lawmakers ample time to understudy the performance of Magu before confirming his appointment into the substantive position given the high sensitivity of the exalted office. This intervention is not meant to trade blames on the propriety or otherwise of the seeming delay in confirming Magu but to make the point that in the light of current realities and sterling performance of Magu within the short period he holds forth as acting EFCC chair, he is deserving of being allowed by the Senate to simply take a bow and resume his anti-corruption drives in the country that has assumed monumental dimension and incredible heights in recent times more than any period of our national history.
    In urging the Senate to take this stance and honour Magu, my proposition is based on achievements recorded so far and the overriding consideration of national interest. We also examine some other parameters critical to sustaining the anti-corruption war.
    First, Magu can hardly be faulted on the integrity index. This trait is consistence with the global integrity index which ‘assesses the existence, effectiveness and citizen access to key national – level anti-corruption mechanisms used to hold governments accountable’. We need a personality of Magu’s integrity to enable Nigeria deliver on the global integrity index indicators consisting of judicial accountability and anti-corruption among other variables.
    Secondly, Magu has demonstrated strong capacity to curb money laundering and fight corruption using laws, regulations and institutions as powerful tools against corruption. In achieving these objectives, Magu has held extensive consultations and interactions with several professional groups, civil society organisations and other stakeholders in order to aggregate resources in the fight against corruption. Towards this end, he has put in place a supervisory mechanism to ensure a comprehensive compliance with domestic regulatory and supervisory regime for banks and non-bank financial institutions to forestall money laundering. More than ever before, there is greater realization by institutions to respect the laws of the land in carrying out their operations owing to the strategic initiatives spearheaded by Magu. Consequently, it can be said that Magu is delivering on the mandate of prevention of corruption, an indispensable tool in combating the scourge.
    The other critical consideration is on the elements of criminalization and law enforcement. In these areas the activity of EFCC under Magu’s watch has assumed unprecedented heights. Nearly all sectors of the economy are being touched by Magu and those who run foul of the law are being arraigned in court with many others freely returning the loot of the country in their possessions. Magu’s tenure has witnessed unprecedented loot recovery for the benefit of Nigeria’s economy. Embezzlement, misappropriation or other diversion of resources by public officers are no longer fashionable. Affected public officers accused of such practices are assured of their days in court. The criminalization of illicit enrichment and abuse of public office penalized in our statute books are now given realistic practical expressions under Magu.
    Magu is also exploring the element of international cooperation in the fight against corruption collaborating in the process with international partners and major law enforcement agencies around the world. He understands the need to cooperate in criminal matters in the areas of extradition, mutual legal assistance, the transfer of criminal proceedings and law enforcement including joint investigations and special investigative techniques.
    The performance of Magu on asset recovery is very impressive. The extent of exportation of illicit funds or assets obtained through corrupt practices by public officers is steadily on the decline particularly under the watch of Magu.
    Magu has also posted positive results of convictions. Within such a short time of Magu’s tenure, he has recorded more convictions than any other tenure in the history of the commission. The facts, records and statistics are there for all to see.
    Magu understands that to combat corruption, you require a holistic approach involving mechanisms required to prevent, detect, punish and eradicate corruption and other related offences in the public and private sectors. Equally critical is the need to promote, facilitate and regulate cooperation among all stakeholders with a view to ensuring the effectiveness of measures and actions to achieve stated objectives.
    Nick named the ‘General’ on account of his clinical efficiency and effectiveness, Magu understands the need to coordinate and harmonize policies including establishing the necessary conditions to foster transparency and accountability in the management of public affairs.
    A seasoned investigator, Magu is at home with the operations of the EFCC including the challenges in the fight against corruption in the past, notably delay in the administration of justice, abuse of plea bargaining, absence of political will, inefficiency of prosecuting lawyers and needless pressures. He has the shock absorbing mechanism to take on these challenges and more.
    Magu has been around the EFCC structure since inception and successive administrations have utilized his expertise in driving the anti-corruption war. Therefore, the country needs his knowledge, experience, exposure, character and integrity.
    Based on all these parameters, including unprecedented performance founded on efficiency and effectiveness, Mr. Ibrahim Magu deserves to take a bow when he appears before the Senate for screening and confirmation.
    In the history of our country, never has the candidacy of any aspirant to public office received such over whelming endorsement on account of performance as the massive consensus on Magu across the length and breadth of the country. Nearly all major newspapers have written editorials urging the senate to confirm Magu. Civil and professional organisations across the country have all expressed solidarity with Magu on account of his integrity and performance. The records of the performance of Magu speak volumes. As lawyers would say, res ipsa loquitor meaning the fact speak for itself.
    Magu is leading a winning team. You don’t change a winning team. Magu ought to be confirmed because he deserves it.
    If the Senate approves this proposal urging Magu to take a bow, it will be a great service to our country in the overall national interest.
    I urge the Senate to so hold.
    • Shittu is a Lagos-based attorney.

  • Bill to move Presidential Inauguration to National Assembly pass second reading in Senate

    Bill to move Presidential Inauguration to National Assembly pass second reading in Senate

    The Senate on Thursday, passed for a second reading,a bill for an Act to Provide for the Inauguration of the President and Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    The bill, titled “Presidential Inauguration Bill, 2016’’, sponsored by the Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, seeks to align presidential inauguration in Nigeria with what obtained in advanced democracies of the world.

    While leading the debate on the general principles of the bill, Ekweremadu explained that the bill sought to move the inauguration of the president and the vice-president from the Eagle Square to the National Assembly.

    He said the new arrangement would not prevent the Chief Justice of Nigeria from swearing in the president and vice-president.

    “You would recall that Nigeria transformed from operating a parliamentary Westminster system to the extant Presidential system which is  modelled after the U.S. Presidential system of government in 1979 and continued to the Fourth Republic from 1999 to date.

    “From the commencement of  Fourth Republic to 2015, inauguration or swearing-in of a newly elected president and vice-president  took  place at the Eagle Square.

    “This is at variance with what transpires in the United States and other democracies where their presidents and vice-presidents are inaugurated within the precincts of their parliaments.

    “This is a misnomer.  The popular or international best practice is for the leadership of the Executive to be inaugurated within the premises of the Legislature, who are perceived as the true representatives of the people,’’ he said.

    Ekweremadu said that the bill further provided for the inauguration ceremony of the president-elect and the vice-president-elect to take place at the Arcade of the National Assembly, where the people were represented.

    He further said the bill provided for the setting up of a Presidential Inauguration Committee,  consisting of a serving member of the National Assembly as chairman.

    He added that the committee would consist of  six members drawn from the Legislature, two from the Executive, two from the Judiciary and two from Civil Society Organisations.

    Consequently, the Senate approved for the bill to be read a second time after a voice vote and subsequently referred  to the Senate Committee on Special Duties for further consideration.

    A similar bill was sponsored by Sen. Jubril Aminu(Adamawa Central)  in 2009 and was passed by the 6th National Assembly but did not receive presidential assent.

  • DMO, Senate Committee discuss $29.9b loan

    DMO, Senate Committee discuss $29.9b loan

    The  Debt Management Office (DMO) and Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, yesterday, discussed the viability of the $29.9 billion offshore borrowing plan by the Federal Government and the mechanisms in place to ensure proper utilisation of the funds.

    The committee, which was on oversight visit to the DMO office, in Abuja, had during the question and answer session, enquired from the debt office, the state of the country’s debt profile.

    In a statement, the DMO said the visit was in line with legislative tradition and provided committee members the opportunity to interact with the DMO Director-General, his management team and appraise the workplace.

    The committee, led by its Chairman, Senator Shehu Sani, equally discussed how the debt office utilised its funds allocation to achieve its organisational mandate.

    In his welcome address, DMO D-G, Dr. Abraham Nwankwo, on behalf of the management and staff, praised the committee for the visit and expressed appreciation of the support, encouragement and guidance the DMO had always enjoyed from its members.

    Nwankwo said that the DMO’s interactions with the committee had always been fruitful and helped greatly towards realising its objectives.

    In his response, Senator Sani said he was delighted to have visited the DMO and the discussions that followed. “This is the first oversight visit since the committee was inaugurated last year. We commended the D-G and his team for their hard work and diligence and acknowledged their efforts towards achieving a sustainable debt profile for the country,” he said.

    He also thanked the D-G for his clear and precise presentation and assured the DMO of the committee’s continued support towards assisting the government to succeed with its change agenda.

    Also at the meeting were senators Ahmed Sani Yarima, Aliyu Magatakarda Wammako and Joseph Obinna.

  • Senate set to screen Magu Thursday

    Senate set to screen Magu Thursday

    More than five months after his nomination as the Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu, will Thursday be screened by the Senate for possible confirmation as substantive EFCC chairman.

    President Muhammadu Buhari nominated and forwarded the name of Magu to the Senate for consideration and confirmation as EFCC chairman.

    Magu has been functioning on acting capacity since his nomination raising fears that some powerful forces in and outside the Senate may be against his confirmation.

    The Senate did not help matters as it failed to refer the nominee to any committee for screening as it normally does in other instances.

    Findings showed that a principal officer of the upper chamber had been moving round to lobby Senators on the need to screen and confirm Magu.

    The principal officer is said to have told his colleagues that it would be better for those who may harbor any misgiving against the confirmation of Magu to play them up during his screening.

    Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu who presided Wednesday, announced that the Senate will hold a “confirmation hearing” for the screening of Magu today.

    Although Ekweremadu did not say whether the confirmation hearing will be conducted by the committee on Anti-Corruption, it is expected that the Committee of the Whole, chaired by the Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, would handle the exercise.

    The sensitive nature of the chairmanship of the EFCC is likely to come to play during the screening.

    Apart from asking the nominee some penetrating questions bordering on the operations of the anti-graft agency, sources said that the Senate would rely on the security report on Magu submitted to it by relevant security agencies.

    If confirmed, Magu would succeed Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde who was removed in November 2015.

  • Senate proposes special tribunal for maritime criminals

    Senate proposes special tribunal for maritime criminals

    The Senate Committee on the Nigerian Navy (NN) yesterday said it would propose the establishment of a special tribunal for the prosecution of maritime criminals.
    Chairman Isa Maisau stated this when the committee members inspected facilities at the headquarters of the Western Naval Command (WNC) and Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC).
    He said the Senate would emplace a legislation to ensure that the tribunal starts and concludes litigation to lessen the burden on the NN.
    His words: “We are looking at a situation where arrested vessels are taken care of in three months. We shall have a special tribunal to handle cases of arrested vessels so that within three months, all the exhibits are handed over to the appropriate agencies and prosecution is concluded.
    “We will put legislation in place whereby such vessels are forfeited to the Federal Government to deter sponsors because if you auction them, they will go behind to buy it and continue the illegality.
    “But if you put it to government use, it will deter criminals from venturing into criminality, given the fact that they will forfeit their vessel to the government.”
    Maisau hinted that the visit was necessitated by the need to have firsthand experience on the needs of the Navy, especially as the 2017 budget would soon be sent to the National Assembly.
    “The Navy needs so much than the government is approving in the budget. About 75 to 80 per cent of the resources coming to government coffers lie within the maritime domain and the Navy is in charge of protecting the facilities.
    “With the kind of budget we are approving, the Navy cannot perform its functions effectively. We are trying to see how we can make a special presentation and appeal to the President, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Finance Minister and budget office to get intervention from other sources for the Navy.
    “As a committee, we would ensure the Navy gets enough funds to perform its duties. If the resources are availed of the Navy, the activities of militants in the Niger Delta will reduce, because they have the discipline, capacity and well-trained officers to do it, but no equipment,” he said.
    Maisau stressed that the country would do its best to salvage NNS Aradu because the Navy’s history would not be complete without her.
    “We are even proposing a legislation to enable the military get direct allocation (some percentage) from the Federal Government so they can work effectively.
    “A budgetary allocation of about N25 billion cannot do anything for a capital intensive agency like the Navy. That money cannot even fuel the ships they use in one month because one vessel takes as much as 24 tankers of 33 litres.
    “I am not happy with the situation of the things; I want a situation where we would be proud of the assets we have. The government has to look inwards to see how they can assist the Navy.”
    Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of WNC, Rear Admiral Fergusson Bobai, lauded the committee for appreciating the challenges of the Navy, describing it as a good omen.
    “These challenges are the issues the political masters of the past couldn’t fathom. We need more of these visits,” he noted.
    Bobai said the command was looking towards establishing Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) at
    Takwa Bay and Tongeji Island, and would require assistance.
    He also mentioned training of personnel, barracks accommodation, as well as providing financial support for the Navy by appropriating funds for the repairs of its platforms.
    Bobai said the navy would require more locally- built patrol boats like NNS ANDONI because it was cost effective.

  • Buhari to present 2017 budget December 14

    Buhari to present 2017 budget December 14

    President Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday asked the Senate to grant him Wednesday, December 14th, 2016 to present the 2017 Appropriation Bill to the joint session of the National Assembly.
    The request is contained in a letter read by the Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Tuesday entitled “2017 budget proposal and plans to lead Nigeria out of recession.”  The presentation of the budget is coming without the approval of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) by the Senate.
     Although the MTEF has been considered and referred to the joint Senate committee of Appropriation, Finance and National Planning, the fiscal document which detailed the parameters for the 2017 to 2019 fiscal measure, is yet to be approved.
     The presidential letter read in part, “I crave the kind indulgence of the National Assembly to grant me the slot of 1000 hours on Wednesday, the 14th of December, 2016 to formally address a joint session of the National Assembly on the 2017 budget proposal and our plans to get the country out of recession.

    “Please extend Mr. Senate President, the assurances of my highest regards to the distinguished senators, as I look forward to addressing the joint session.”
  • 2017 Budget will be passed in good time – Saraki

    2017 Budget will be passed in good time – Saraki

    The Senate President, Bukola Saraki on Thursday promised that the 2017 Budget will be passed in good time, unlike the experiences with past budgets.

    President Mohammadu Buhari is expected to lay the proposal before the joint session of the Senate and the House of Representatives for consideration.

    Speaking with State House correspondents after meeting with President Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Saraki said that much consultations have been carried out on the soon to be presented 2017 Budget proposals.

    According to him, the National Assembly is ready to receive the President as soon as communication is received from the Executive.

    He also said that the issues concerning the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) will soon be resolved.

    He said: “We are ready. Once the document comes to us, we are ready. I think this time around, a lot of work has taken place behind the scene, there is a lot of more collaboration and you will see the result of that in the time frame it will take after the president will have presented it.

    “I came for consultation with the President on a number of national issues. We are all getting towards the end of the year, getting the budget. Just regular consultation,” he stated.

    On MTEF, he said: “That is still a work in progress. I am sure that very soon, that matter will be concluded. But I am very optimistic that this year’s budget will be passed much more sooner than what we saw in the past.”

    Asked if he can give details about the budget, he said: “Well, I haven’t seen the details until the president lays it. I am sure within the next ten days, it will be presented

    He maintained that the decamping of a lawmaker on the floor of the Senate was democracy at work.

    “It is democracy at work. The opposition party has its views about the defection of a senator to the APC. Normalcy has been restored to the house and we are one family again,” he said.

  • Senate probes FIRS, NPA, others for alleged fraud

    Senate probes FIRS, NPA, others for alleged fraud

    The Senate yesterday  resolved to probe alleged misuse, under remittance and other fraudulent practices in the collection and accounting of internally generated revenue (IGR) by revenue generating agencies.

    The probe, the Senate agreed, will cover all revenue generating agencies including the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Customs Service and others. It will cover between 2012 and this year.

    The resolution followed the adoption of a motion which prayed the upper chamber to “constitute a high powered ad-hoc committee to investigate the alleged misuse, under remittance/non remittance and other fraudulent practices in the collection, accounting, remittance and expenditure of internally generated revenue by all revenue generating agencies of government from 2012 to 2016.”

    A six-member panel of investigators to be headed by Senator Solomon Adeola, (Lagos West) was mandated to submit its report to Senate in plenary in six weeks.

    Senator Adeola who sponsored the motion in his lead debate noted that Section 80,subsection 1-4 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria clearly stipulated that all revenue, moneys raised or received shall be paid as consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation.

    He further noted that the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 was enacted to ensure transparency, accountability and prevent corrupt practices in relation to public revenues and expenditure.

    The lawmaker said  he was aware that Section 21 -23 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 clearly limited  corporations, agencies and government-owned companies listed in the Schedule to the Act to the expenditure of only a fifth of its operating surplus with the balance paid to the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federal Government.

    He expressed concern that the Acting Chairman of Fiscal Responsibility Commission, Mr. Victor Muruako on November 8 this year “raised the alarm over leakages in revenue and remittances which he said has assumed alarming proportion in the last five years with some Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) producing two different statement of accounts in an attempt to manipulate their operating surpluses and losses.”

    Adeola said he was also aware that at “the last National Economic Council meeting, the Federal Government specifically accused  revenue generating agencies of raising over N1.5 trillion and expending over 90 per cent on recurrent expenditure mostly in paying bloated salaries and controversial allowances above Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Allocation Committee, monetisation of medical allowances, unapproved overseas travels, lavish training allowances and excessive personal loan approval all amounting to financial misconducts.

    He expressed worry that “these corporations, agencies and government-owned companies have over the years grossly violated the letters of the 1999 Constitution and the Fiscal Responsibility Act in relation to their revenue generation activities and expenditure.”

    Adeola said various audit queries against the agencies over the years further indicated possible mismanagement of public funds against the spirit of the constitution and Fiscal Responsibility Act.

    According to him, it is a matter of concern that in view of Federal Government dwindling revenue from the traditional crude oil sector and the on- going recession, “these government bodies continue to short change government of needed revenue through various illegal practices.”

  • Senate plans to upturn Odili’s perpetual injunction

    Chairman, Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, Senator Chukwuka Utazi, has said that plans are under way to amend the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Act, which will upturn the perpetual injunction granted a former Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili.

    The amendment is planned against the backdrop of arrangements by the EFCC to reopen the probe of alleged misappropriation of N100 billion by Odili when he was Governor of Rivers State between 1999 and 2007.

    Senator Utazi who led other members of the committee on oversight function to the South-south regional office of the EFCC in Port Harcourt, Rivers State at the weekend, insisted that it was wrong for one arm of the government to stop another from performing its constitutional role.

    The Enugu North lawmaker who was reacting to a request made by the South-south regional coordinator of EFCC, Mr. Ishaq Salihu that the Senate should assist in reopening the probe of Odili, noted that the amendment will give the anti-graft agency the latitude to upturn the injunction.

    Utazi said: “The House of Representatives has done its bit on the amendment of EFCC Act. It has come to us. The amendments effected in the House of Representatives were not exhaustive. We are going to look into this (perpetual injunction) issue with a view to correcting it.

    “Nobody should stop an organ of government from performing its duties. We want to empower them (EFCC) to work. They cannot work with one hand tied to the back. We are going to ensure that everything is done in accordance with the rule of law. Nobody should be shortchanged.”

    South-south regional boss of EFCC, Salihu had told the committee that the injunction was affecting the morale of operatives in the area.

    Salihu said, “The perpetual injunction of Odili is a problem for us. Because of that injunction, it means we cannot invite anybody related to the case to give any testimony. The famous injunction of Justice Buba has killed a lot of cases. The injunction has crippled the EFCC.

    “It has killed the morale around here. I do not know if the Senate can look into that. The Act of EFCC makes it hard for us to do anything. The people who should enjoy immunity are presidents and vice, governors and their deputies. We can only investigate them. But in the case of Odili, our hands are tied.”

    Justice Ibrahim Buba of the then Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, had in 2007, given an order of perpetual injunction, preventing the  EFCC and any other government anti-corruption agency from prosecuting or arresting Odili, who was accused of allegedly embezzling about N100bn of Rivers State money during his eight-year tenure as governor.