Tag: Senate

The Senate on Wednesday threatened to sack and jail the Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari and other top executive officers of petroleum subsidiaries.

The Senate specifically threatened to sack the executive officers whose agencies were involved in the Turn Around Maitenance (TAM) projects of refineries.

The Senate noted that from 2010 till date, over N12 trillion has been spent on TAM. The Senate also said that it has records of over $592 million, €4.8 million and £3.4 million spent between 2010 till date on TAM, yet none of the refineries is working.

The Chairman of the Senate Ad-hoc Committee investigating the various Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) projects of Refineries, Senator Isah Jibrin, made the threats following the failure of Kyari and other chief executive officers of its subsidiaries to attend an interactive session by the panel.

Some of the agencies invited whose chief executive officers failed to turn up at the session but sent representatives include the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL); Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA); Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and others.

Senator Jibrin (APC – Kogi East), noted that so much has been heard on the TAM of refineries and so much have been spent on operational materials on the refineries that are not working.

He said that the Senate wanted to find solutions to all the leakages, as there are a lot of them.

“We will ask for refund and dismissal of all the chief executives involved in the Turn Around Maintenance,” he declared.

Jibrin said that for weeks, they have been asking for documents, which have not been given by the oil companies, a development that created suspicion.

“We sent them invitation more than two weeks ago requesting for documents and the documents have not been released after two weeks. So, we want the chief executives to be present.

“More worrisome is between 2010 and 2020, the sum of N4.8 trillion was said to have been spent as operational expenses.

“How do you incurr operational expenses that have to do with purchase of raw materials and similar expenses on factories that are moribund? How do we come about operational expenses? We need to know.

“These are issues that Nigerians want to know; they want solutions to all these leakages. We know they are leakages. Whether you accept it or not they are leakages and they are all forms of compromise within your various establishments.

“We know and we will not hesitate to escalate it to the highest possible level, including possibility of refund and outright dismissal of some of the heads of some of these agencies and possibly go to jail,” he said.

Read Also: Appeal Court insists on sack of Kano Gov Yusuf

Senator Yahaya Abdullahi said that NNPCL and management of other agencies, who came to represent their bosses, should be sent back to tell their Chief Executives that they should appear in person rather than send representatives.

Senator Sumaila Kawu said that they know the modus operandi of the Civil Service, adding, “We are not in the Senate for personal functions. We are representing the entire legislators. You in the civil service, we know how you are operating.

“We are in a very serious business. At the end, you will be at the receiving end. Nigerians are not satisfied with what you are doing and you will be at the receiving end.

“We are independent. We can go to any length to defend our people. It is the constitution that  established you. So, we must agree how to operate.

“We will suspend this interaction until when you are ready. We have 100 ways through which we can achieve our legislative work. We just wanted to give you fair hearing and you must respect the constitution.”

Senator Danjuma Goje, who asked them whether they are the heads of the agencies, added that the panel  will only deal with heads or Chief Executives and not people who have been sent.

“We will have to agree on new dates for the submission of the documents both hard copies and soft copies and a date for meeting where the Chief Executive must appear,” he said.

They were, however, given till Tuesday to submit the documents before the meeting with the Chief Executive.

The Senate on Wednesday, November 22, passed the 2024-2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF/FSP).

The passage of the executive communication followed its consideration and adoption of the report of the ad-hoc committee set up for the purpose.

The passage of the MTEF/FSP followed the consideration and adoption of the Senate Joint Committees on Finance, Appropriations, National Planning and Economic Affairs, and Local and Foreign Debts on the 2024-2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF/FSP).

Read Also: UK govt pledges more investments in Nigeria at N-BA 2023 Presidential Cocktail

The report was presented by the chairman Senate Committee on Finance and Chairman of the Joint Committee, Senator Sani Musa (APC-Niger East).

In the report, the Senate approved proposals by the executive for the 2024 budget which include the sum of N26trillion aggregate expenditure for 2024, N10.2trillion Recurrent Expenditure, N16.9trillion Revenue, N9trillion Budget Deficit, N7.8trillion Borrowings and Statutory Transfers of N1.3trillion.

Others are N8.2 trillion for Debt Service, N243.6 billion for Sinking Fund, and N1.27 trillion for Pension and gratuities.

Details later…

The Senate has called on the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Chief Nyesom Wike to investigate the implementation of 500 million dollars contract on installation of CCTV cameras in the FCT.

Senate resolution was sequel to adoption of a motion on Galadimawa Kidnapping Tragedy at plenary on Wednesday.

The motion was sponsored by Sen. Ned Nwoko(PDP-Delta).

Nwoke in his lead debate expressed concern on recent kidnapping incident in Galadimawa area of the FCT,involving multiple individuals, including his Senior Legislative Aide, Mr. Chris Agidy.

He said two weeks ago, a distressing incident unfolded, where 19 individuals were forcefully taken from their homes in Galadimawa area of Abuja.

Nwoke said, upon receiving the distressing news, immediate measures were taken, saying that he contacted the Commissioner of Police who swiftly activated the OC Anti-Kidnapping team to secure the release of those abducted.

He,however, expressed regret that distressing updates from reliable police sources confirmed that out of the 19 individuals abducted, 12 have been killed, while seven remained in the custody of the kidnappers.

He said efforts to ascertain the well-being and status of his staff, among the 7 individuals still held, was ongoing.

Nwoke said there was a close coordination with the security operatives who have been diligently working on the matter.

He, however, said the challenges persist, as contacting the kidnappers for negotiation has proven immensely difficult.

“Their lines remain inactive, hindering direct communication and negotiation efforts.

“According to security operatives, efforts are still focused on securing the remaining individuals held captive from the forested area approximately 100 km away, despite the daunting challenges faced in reaching the kidnappers.

“As we await further updates from the authorities, we remain resolute in our pursuit of a swift and safe resolution to this distressing situation.”

Contributing, Sen.Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA- Abia )said kidnapping i was not just in Galadimawa alone , but also in Lugbe, Kubwa Kuje and other parts of the FCT.

He said many residents in these areas no longer sleep in the homes for fear of being kidnapped.

He said there was an urgent need for the senate to take the issue seriously as FCT its environs was under seige of kidnapping.

Sen.Adamu Alero (PDP-Kebbi) said insecurity was every where in the FCT, saying that urgent steps needed to be taken to put a halt to it.

He called for a revisiting of the 500 million dollars contract awarded for the installation of CCTV cameras in the FCT in the past.

Alero said it was a shame, national embarrassment for kidnapping activities to be happening in the FCT,saying that the National Assembly had approve over N 1 trillion for security agencies to fight insecurity in Nigeria.

Senate in its further resolutions, called for a Joint operation involving the Army, Police and DSS to intenify a search efforts for the kidnapped victims.

Read Also: Uproar in Senate over appointment of Moro as Minority Leader, Ngwu as Minority Whip

It also urge the Minister of FCT to revisit the installation of CCTV contract award within Abuja where over 500 million dollars has been spent and make the contractor accountable.

It also called on the Inspector General of Police to increase the surveillance patrols in Abuja to prevent kidnapping.

Senate also called on the IGP to conduct thorough investigation into the kidnapping in Abuja.

It also mandated its committees on securities to enforce a robust security measures within Abuja and prevail on security agencies to consider installation of the CCTV cameras within specific areas in Abuja and other parts of the country.

It also urged its b Committee on FCT to liase with the FCT Minster on ways to resolve insecurity in Abuja.

(NAN)

Former President of the Senate, David Mark has described the emergence of  Sen. Abba Moro (PDP- Benue) as senate minority leader as a remarkable achievement.

Moro who succeeded Mark in the Senate emerged minority leader on Tuesday following the exit of his predecessor Sen. Simon Mwadkwon from Plateau.

Mark who stated this in a congratulatory message by his Special Adviser, Paul Mumeh   said this is a proof of his leadership quality.

“This is a testament to your exceptional leadership skills, unwavering dedication and the trust and confidence your colleagues have in you.

“Your elevation to such a crucial position is a testament to the respect and admiration you have earned throughout your distinguished career.

“Your commitment to public service, tireless advocacy for your constituents, and your ability to bridge divides make you an exemplary choice for the role of Minority Leader”.

The former Senate President added “as the Minority Leader, you will undoubtedly face numerous challenges and responsibilities.

“However, I have no doubt that your wealth of experience, sharp intellect, and unwavering principles will guide you in navigating these complexities with grace and resilience.

Read Also: Uproar in Senate over appointment of Moro as Minority Leader, Ngwu as Minority Whip

“Your ability to foster collaboration, encourage bipartisan dialogue and find common ground will be instrumental in shaping thoughtful and impactful policies for the betterment of our nation”.

“Your election also serves as an inspiration to aspiring leaders who look up to you as a role model.

“Your dedication to public service and your unwavering commitment to the values that define our great nation will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of leaders,“he said.

Mark described Moro as a worthy successor saying ” I have every confidence that you will excel in your new role as the Minority Leader.

He urged him to continue to make significant difference in the lives of his constituents.(NAN)

The Senate erupted in a rowdy session yesterday.

The uproar followed the appointment of Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South) as Minority Leader and Senator Osita Ngwu (PDP, Enugu West) as Minority Whip by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Akpabio said: “Abba Moro is now the Minority Leader of the Senate and this is the resolution of the minority in favour of Senator Abba Moro which 41 senators signed.

“I also have another document sent by the minority: 30 of them have also signed nominating Senator Osita Ngwu as Senate Minority Whip.”

Deputy Minority Leader Oyewunmi Olarere is also a PDP member.

The seats of the Minority Leader and Minority Whip became vacant after the Court of Appeal sacked the former occupants, Senator Simon Davou Mwadkwon (PDP, Plateau North) and Darlington Nwokocha (LP, Abia Central).

The appellate court had nullified the election of Mwadkwon and ordered a rerun, while it sacked Nwokocha replaced him with Senator Augustine Akobundu, also of the PDP.

Last week, the PDP senators held a meeting at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on the replacements for the Minority Leader and Minority Whip.

Garba Maidoki (PDP, Kebbi South), who addressed reporters after the closed-door meeting, had said the opposition lawmakers settled for the Northcentral to produce the Minority Leader.

But the Labour Party (LP) senators opposed the appointments during yesterday’s plenary.

They complained that out of the four minority positions for Principal Officers, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was given three while the remaining went to the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

Raising a Point of Order, Senator Ezea Okechukwu (LP, Enugu North) said: “At the minority meeting from which we just came out of, Abba Moro was endorsed. But on the position of Minority Whip, we agreed to schedule another meeting because the leadership has to be shared equitably.

“There is no way we will have four leadership seats for minority in this Senate and the PDP will take three of the seats.

“The next party is LP with seven senators, and we got nothing. That is unfair; that is unjust; that is unacceptable, and it is against the spirit of the Nigerian Constitution.”

Amid the uproar, Senator Tony Nwoye (LP, Anambra North) accused Akpabio of picking minority leaders for the opposition parties.

“How can you be choosing minority leaders for us? Are we your slaves?” Nwoye queried the Senate President.

All Progressives Congress (APC) senators tried to pacify their LP counterparts, but the Labour Party lawmakers chose to approach Akpabio for consultation over the development.

Read Also: UPDATED: Drama as Senate names Moro as minority leader, Ngwu as minority whip

After about 15 minutes of rowdy session, Akpabio addressed the opposition lawmakers and dismissed the claim of interference in the affairs of the opposition.

Ruling on a Point of Order moved by Senator Okechukwu, the Senate President said: “That is the PDP. If you were talking about the APC, I am sure they would have been fair and considerate. I am in total sympathy with the Labour Party; I am in total sympathy with the minority parties, the SDP and others.

“I am relying on the documents in my hands and majority, out of the total minority. That is PDP for you. So, your Point of Order is noted.

“The Senate President can only work with the evidence before him. The minority has very Distinguished Senator (Enyinnaya) Abaribe, and very ranking, (but) his name is not here. The former Speaker (Aminu Waziri) Tambuwal; his name is not here. We have Distinguished Senator (Seriake) Dickson, Distinguished Senator (Godiya) Akwashiki, Senator Jarigbe (Agom Jarigbe), a ranking senator; his name is not here.

“But taking cognisance of the number of senators in the minority caucus, it follows that all you need to produce a leader is the majority.

“If you are about 48 or 49 and 30 people have signed, what is the magic that you said he should not be announced?

“If you are 49 and 41 persons have signed for Abba Moro, what is the reason you said the Senate President should not announce?

“Majority have agreed. I will listen to the Point of Order, but I want you to bear something in mind. In my front, I have two papers: majority have signed; some are still signing, but not all of you have signed for Abba Moro. But he already has the majority.

“It would be unfair for me to ignore the majority signatures and refuse to announce Senator Moro as your Minority Leader for now. At the same time, it would also be unfair for me to see somebody who actually is in the majority. What he actually needs is 24 or 25 senators and he has up to 30. Why would I will not announce him?

“No matter your personal observations, I just want to plead with my colleagues to understand that my job here is not to take individual opinion or to work with what some want but to work on the basis of truth.

“So, this issue for Minority Leader or Minority Whip is for now rested until you produce another paper.”

Addressing reporters after plenary, Moro said: “I will endeavour to bring all our people together to achieve oneness.

“We will provide viable opposition that would make the government to provide good governance where Nigerians would enjoy social amenities.”

The Senate has confirmed the appointment of Dr. Aminu Maida as the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC).

This followed the presentation and adoption of a report of the Committee on Communication by the Chairman Sen. Bilbis Ikra(APC- Zamfara) at the Committee of the Whole on Thursday.

Presenting the report Ikra urged the Senate to consider the request of President Bola Tinubu for the confirmation of Maida for appointment as NCC Chairman.

He said the request was in accordance with Section 8 (1) of the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) Establishment Act, 2003.

Read Also: Nine lecturers get N49m varsity senate research grants

He said the committee had screened Maida, saying that he passed all security clearance, possessed the requisite qualifications, professional experience, competence and regulatory capacity to further ensure success of the NCC.

He therefore urged the senate to approve the nomination.

Senate, thereafter confirmed the appointment of Aminu Maida, as Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC.(NAN)