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Tag: Senate

  • Senate to summon Attorney-General over Buhari’s Executive Order 6

    •Senators to debate alleged human rights abuses

    THE Senate may soon summon the Attorney -General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN to appear before the chamber in plenary.

    The move is to enable him explain to the Senate the constitutional basis for the Executive Order No. 006 and the other Executive Orders, which have been issued by President Muhammadu Buhari  in alleged “clear usurpation of the lawmaking functions of the National Assembly”.

    The Senate also plan to debate allegations of constitutional and human rights violations levelled against the Presidency.

    The debate should have been conducted yesterday, but for the unexplained absence of the lead promoter in the chamber, Senator David Umaru (APC Niger East).

    The enactment of “Executive Order No. 006 as an Executive legislation, which permits security agencies to freeze the assets of persons standing trial without recourse to the court, continuous detention of a former National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki (retd) for over two years in total disregard of over four court orders, including that of ECOWAS Court, among others, were issues slated for debate.

    The ECOWAS Court had granted Dasuki bail pending his trial over money laundering charges.

    The issues for debate were listed in a motion entitled: “Alarming rise in cases of alleged human rights violations and consistent assault on the provisions of the 1999 Constitution by the Executive”.

    The issues were listed as the first Order of the Day in the Senate Order Paper for yesterday ‘s proceeding, but the senator representing Niger East and Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Umaru, was to  lead the debate before it was called off.

    Although Deputy Senate Leader, Bala Ibn Na’ Allah, read the order to signal beginning of the debate, the absence from the chamber of the motion’s sponsor forced the chamber to call off the debate “to another legislative day”.

    The motion, it was learnt, would be taken when Umaru comes to the chamber.

    The motion reads in part: “Recalls with nostalgia, Nigeria’s tortuous journey to constitutional democracy, which reached its climax on the promulgation of the 1999 Constitution and its adoption as the grundnorm. The reins of power were subsequently handed over by the military junta to democratically elected leaders on May 29, 1999;

    “Further recalls the immense sacrifices made by Nigerians of diverse backgrounds in our quest for democracy with some of the heroes and heroines of the struggle paying the ultimate price in exchange for the democracy we all enjoy today;

    “Concerned that in the last few years, Nigeria’s democratic credentials have become questionable as a result of the alarming cases of alleged state-inspired human rights violations and consistent constitutional infractions perpetrated by agencies of government;

    “Alarmed that in the recent past, allegations abound that the executive has not only consistently violated the fundamental rights of Nigerian citizens particularly the rights to dignity of human person and right to personal liberty as guaranteed respectively under section 34 and 35 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended but also infringed on the constitution in several ways. Notable instances of such human rights violations are well documented by the Human Rights Watch and other reputable human rights organizations and they include the following:

    “Continuous detention of the former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.) for over two years in total disregard of over four court orders including that of the ECOWAS Court which granted him bail pending his trial over money laundering charges.

    It added: “Continuous incarceration of the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, also known as Shiite, Sheik lbrahim El-Zakzaky, for over two years contrary to an order of the Federal High Court, which ordered his release in 2016;

    “Lack of accountability for human rights violations by security agencies and other militant elements, including armed herdsmen; heavy-handed violent responses to peaceful protests as exemplified by previous crackdown on agitators for the Independent State of Biafra (IP0B) and the recent violent clashes between the police and suspected members of the IMN, who were protesting the release of their leader in Abuja and Kaduna respectively; and

    “Gradual descent of the country into anarchy and despotism as a result of indiscriminate arrests, unconstitutional detention of citizens under questionable circumstances as was the fate of the Senator representing Abia South Senatorial District, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who was whisked away by a detachment of Department of State Service (DSS) personnel while attending a function at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja and later kept incommunicado at 055 detention facility for five days;

    “Further alarmed that Nigeria’s democracy is also being threatened by deliberate and sustained executive assault on the Constitution as exemplified by the following actions of the executive.”

    Accordingly, the Senate, among others, resolves to:

    “Urge the Federal Government to urgently empanel a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate all cases of human rights abuse allegedly committed by the Police, the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in the course of discharging their duties with a view to identifying the culprits and victims and offering redress where necessary; and

    “Call on the Federal Government to demonstrate practical commitment to the observance of the rule of law, especially in ensuring obedience to court orders and following due process in fulfillment of its constitutional obligation.”

  • Senate moves to amend 75 year old Police Act

    The Senate Tuesday set in motion the process of amending the 75 year old Police Act to ensure delivery of better service by the Nigeria Police Force.

    This followed the second reading of a Bill for an Act to repeal the Police Act CAP P18 LFN 2004 and enact the Police Reform and related matters 2018.

    Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah (Kebbi South) in his lead debate said that when passed into law, the Bill will make for the formation of a Police that shall protect the rights and freedoms of persons envisaged in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

    Read Also:Senate probes NYSC member’s death in Abuja

    Na’Allah lamented that “we are in a country where somebody will be kidnapped, ransom demanded, arranged, paid and delivered to the kidnappers without any arrest.”

    He said that the Bill will lead to the establishment of a Police that will “prevent the commission of crimes, detect crimes, apprehend offenders, preserve law order, protect lives and property and duly enforce all laws and regulations with which they are duly charged and such duties within or outside Nigeria as may be required of them by or under the authority of this or any other Act ensure cooperation between the Police Service and the various communities it serves in preventing and combating crimes, ensuring respect for the victims of crime; appreciating the needs of such victims and providing for effective civilian supervision of the Police.”

    Na’Allah noted that the general idea behind Bill which was read for the first time on 30th May, 2018 is the “establishment of a service oriented modern Police that will meet globally acceptable policing standards in a democratic setting to replace the current Police Force which was conceptualize and established in the colonial environment more to protect the colonial interest than to protect and safeguard the Nigerian citizen.”

    Na’Allah said, “The philosophy of the Bill goes to the conceptualization of the Police as a service in which the people and communities are core stakeholders and in which the people come first as against the Police as a Force which stood apart from the people it set out to protect and safeguard.”

    He noted that the Bill when passed into law will replace the Police Act, which came into effect on 1st April 1943 with all its subsequent amendments.

    He listed the highlights of the Bill to include:  “Section 5, which seeks to establish for Nigeria a Police organization to be known as the Nigeria Police to replace the Nigeria Police Force thereby removing the colonial vestiges of the police, making the Police more responsive to modern day policing in an independent nation governed by the Constitution and laws promulgated there-under and to bring it within acceptable global standards of police in democratic countries.

    “Part Three of the Bill, which comprises sections: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 clearly establishes the hierarchy of the Police as contemplated by the Constitution, their Appointments, Duties; Functions and Powers.

    “Unlike the existing Police Act, the Bill outlines the roles and duties of the Police hierarchy to avoid role conflict and to introduce a Responsibility Clause to make them more effective.

    “Section 24(2) of the Bill forbids a Police Officer from being the prosecutor in matter that he or she participated to promote and respect the principles of natural justice and allow for a free and fair trial.

    “Section 28 of the Bill provides for the bail of persons arrested without warrant to the effect that such persons shall not be kept in Police detention for more than 24hours without being charged to Court Within jurisdiction to try them. This is to bring the provision of the Act, when passed into law to conform with the constitutionally enshrined right to personal liberty as provided for by Section 35 (5) of the constitution and the African Charter on Human and people’s rights, which Nigeria has since ratified and which consequently is part of our municipal laws. ‘

    “Part Eight deals with offences by a Police Officer. The Bill elaborates on existing offences within the existing Police Act and Section 51 particularly criminalizes the drinking while on duty of any intoxicating liquor. This provision is intended to prevent the abuse of weapons by a drunken Police Officer.

    “Part nine seeks to establish Community Police forum and Boards in all the States of the Federation to consist of broad representatives of the community and the State to ensure effective, efficient and participatory community policing (Section 59).

    “Divisional and State Police Boards are also established (Section 60 and 61 and the objective of such boards are stated (Section 62), to include:

    1, Establishing and maintaining a partnership between the community and the Police;

    ii, Promoting communication between the Police and the community.

    iii. Promoting c00peration between the Police and community in fulfilling the needs of the community regarding policing. The rationale is that property of members of the community, it is ideal to involve the community in policing by engaging them in formal for a and decision making Boards and to provide them the opportunity tom participate in reviewing and revising policing mechanisms in communities.

    Part Xlll establishes a complaint authority with its functions clearly spelt out in Section 78 to include:

    1. Receiving complaints against police officers’ misconduct from the public and;
    2. Receiving complaints of misconduct against Police Officers from other Police Officers authority.

    Section 79 provides the steps to be taken after investigations, including sending a copy of the Report of their investigations and recommendations to the Director of Public Prosecutions if an offence is disclosed and sending a copy of the Report of Investigations and Recommendations to the appropriate Police authority for proper disciplinary action as per its regulations.

    “We cannot envisage any meaningful reforms of the Nigeria Police without first and foremost, reforming the legal infrastructure under which it operates.

    “The Bill is therefore that crucial step to reforming the Nigeria Police to make it amenable to the demands and expectations of our independent, democratic country that is an eminent member of an increasingly globalized world and to have a Police that is the product of our democratic experiences and expectations.

    “The Bill is certainly not an absolute panacea to our policing problems but will be a major contribution to addressing it.”

    He said that the financial implication of this Bill is no more than what has been appr0priated for the Police by the National Assembly.”

  • Senate Invasion: ‘Suspend, prosecute Omo-Agege, six others’

    The report of the Ad Hoc Committee investigating the incidence of the Senate Chamber invasion was considered Tuesday and 10 of the 11 recommendations were approved and adopted by the lawmakers.

    The report which was laid in the House Tuesday by the joint Chairperson of the Committee Hon. Betty Apiafi on Wednesday 5th July, 2018 and considered in the Committee of the Whole Tuesday asked for “the immediate suspension of Sen. Ovie Omo- Agege for 180 Legislative sitting days in line with Section 14(2) of the legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, 2017.”

    Read Also:Senate seeks probe of murder of nine police officers in Abuja

    Other recommendations asked for the “immediate prosecution of Senator Omo- Agege and the 6 other suspects for treasonable felony, assault occasioning harm, conspiracy to steal and actual theft of the mace, the symbol of authority of the Parliament;

    “That Senator Omo- Agege be prosecuted for incitement and breach of peace in the Chamber of the Senate and contempt ex- facie;

    “the prosecution of Senator Omo- Agege and the six others for obstructing and assaulting officers of the National Assembly in the course of their duty contrary to section 14(1)(C)  of the Legislative Houses ( Powers and Privileges) which states ‘Any member of a Legislative House who assaults or obstructs any officer of the Legislative House while in the execution of his duty shall be guilty of contempt of. Legislative House’ and should be dealt with in accordance with the provision of the law;

    “That the Nigeria Police’s preliminary investigation on the issue should be concluded to allow for prosecution.”

    The recommendations further state ” that the management of National Assembly should, as a matter of urgency, review the existing Security Operational Procedure  and indeed the entire Security architecture with a view to improving  the capacity of the Sergeants- at- Arm to enable them take the lead in providing security and encouraging synergy among other agencies to assist in complimentary roles;

    “And introduce electronic gate screening mechanism with capacity to automatically process authorized persons to Jain access into and out of the National Assembly Complex.

    “That members should accord the Security Operative the required courtesy and cooperation to enable them discharge their responsibilities effectively and efficiently.”

    The report commended the House of Representatives, the international community, the media and other well- meaning individuals for their show of support in the side of Senate when “democracy was threatened”.

    It also recommended for special compensation staff of the Senate Chamber namely Sandra Davou, Chuks Egemuka, Hussaini Yuri, as well as  Timothy Omale and Jacob James Idoko of the House of Representatives Chamber ” who did their best to retrieve the Mace but were overpowered by the thugs.

    Finally, the report commended the Deputy Senate President and the entire Senate “for refusing to be intimidated by the invasion and upholding their oath of office as prescribed in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended.)”

    Recall that on April 18, 2018, a set of thugs gained entry into the Senate chamber while it was in session and carted the mace away. The Mace was allegedly seen some days later around the Abuja City gate

    The National Assembly thereafter set up an ad hoc committee with Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah and Hon. Betty Apiafi as co- Chairmen to investigate the circumstances surrounding the theft of the Mace and come up with recommendations.

     

     

  • Senate to debate FG’s ‘constitutional breaches’

    The Senate on Tuesday resolved to debate allegations of constitutional and human rights violations by the Federal Government

    The debate should have been conducted on the day but for unavoidable absence of the lead promoter of the matter, Senator David Umaru.

    Umaru is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters.

    The enactment of the controversial “Executive Order No. 006 as an Executive legislation which allows security agents to freeze suspicious assets without recourse to court and the continuous detention of a former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd), in total disregard of court orders, were listed for debate by the senators.

    The issues were listed in a motion titled: “Alarming rise in cases of alleged human rights violations and consistent assault on the provisions of the 1999 Constitution by the Executive.”

    The controversial Executive Order was listed as the Senate’s first Order of the Day and Umaru was to lead the debate before it was suspended.

    Although the Deputy Senate Leader, Bala Ibn Na’ Allah, read the Order to signal commencement of the debate, the absence of the motion’s sponsor forced the Senate to suspend the debate till another legislative day.

    The motion read: “Recalls with nostalgia, Nigeria’s tortuous journey to constitutional democracy which reached its climax with the promulgation of the 1999 Constitution and its adoption as the ground norm. The reins of power were subsequently handed over by the military junta to democratically elected leaders on May 29, 1999;

    “Further recalls the immense sacrifices made by Nigerians of diverse backgrounds in our quest for democracy with some of the heroes and heroines of the struggle paying the ultimate price in exchange for the democracy we all enjoy today;

    “Concerned that in the last few years, Nigeria’s democratic credentials have become questionable as a result of the alarming cases of alleged state-inspired human rights violations and consistent constitutional infractions perpetrated by agencies of government;

    “Alarmed that in the recent past, allegations abound that the executive has not only consistently violated the fundamental rights of Nigerian citizens particularly the rights to dignity of human person and right to personal liberty as guaranteed respectively under section 34 and 35 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended but also infringed on the constitution in several ways. Notable instances of such human rights violations are well documented by the Human Rights Watch and other reputable human rights organizations and they include the following:

    • Continuous detention of a former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd), for over two years in total disregard of over four court orders including that of the ECOWAS Court which granted him bail pending his trial over money laundering charges.
    • Continuous incarceration of the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria also known as Shiite, Sheik lbrahim El-Zakzaki, for over two years contrary to an order of the Federal High Court which ordered his release in 2016.
    • Lack of accountability for human rights violations by security agencies and other militant elements including armed herdsmen, heavy-handed violent responses to peaceful protests as exemplified by previous crackdown on agitators for the Independent State of Biafra ( IP0B) and the recent violent clashes between the police and suspected members of the MN who were protesting the release of their leader, Sheik Ibrahim El-Zakzaki, in Abuja and Kaduna respectively.

     

  • Kogi East battle: Why Senate must swear me in, by candidate

    A contender to the controversial Kogi East Senatorial seat, Air Marshal Isaac Mohammed Alfa (rtd), has said the Senate has no reason not to inaugurate him as the rightful representative of Kogi East.

    Alfa, who addressed reporters in Abuja yesterday, said the judgment of the Federal High Court mandated the leadership of the Senate to swear him in as the Senator representing Kogi East.

    He noted that three judgments given in his favour were binding on the Senate to do justice to him by swearing him in without further delay.

    The Federal High Court in Abuja, on June 13, declared Alfa as the rightful winner of the Kogi East Senatorial seat.

    The court directed the Clerk of the National Assembly to “forthwith withdraw all the privileges, rights and perquisites of office which the third defendant (Senator Atai Aidoko) hitherto enjoyed as a member of the Senate, and shall convey to the Senate President, the decision of this court that he should forthwith withdraw further recognition to the third defendant as a member of the 8th National Assembly…”

    Senator Atai Aidoko, who the court asked to vacate the seat, told reporters that he has a pending appeal in the Court of Appeal which must be decided to know the rightful occupant of the seat.

    Aidoko faulted the judgment which directed the Clerk to the National Assembly to swear Alfa in. He claimed that the Clerk, not being a party to the suit, cannot be ordered to swear in a new comer.

    But Alfa insisted that Aidoko was only buying time by refusing to vacate the seat.

    He said: “The Supreme Court judgment referred the case to the High Court that it should determine the rightful person to occupy Kogi East Senate seat…”

  • Senate probes NYSC member’s death in Abuja

    •We battled to save her life, says hospital

    The Senate yesterday mandated its joint committees on Health, Youth/Sports Development and Police Affairs to investigate the killing of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Linda Angela Igwetu, in Abuja.

    The senator representing Kogi East, Atai Aidoko Ali, drew the attention of his colleagues to the death of the NYSC member.

    Miss Igwatu was said to have been killed on Wednesday night, a day to his passing out from the NYSC.

    She reportedly went out with her friends as part of celebrations for the completion of her mandatory service year.

    The late Miss Igwetu was said to have been shot at a police checkpoint near Cedi Plaza in the central area of Abuja by a police officer identified as Benjamin Peters.

    The policeman reportedly claimed that he shot at an approaching vehicle in which Miss Igwetu was riding when he heard “help” in his subconscious.

    The joint committee is expected to report back to the Senate at plenary within two weeks.

    Also, the management of Garki Hospital in Abuja has said it tried its best to save Miss Igwetu but without success.

    Speaking on the circumstances that led to the NYSC member’s death, the convener of #ReformPoliceNG, Mr. Segun Awosanya, had told The Nation that the hospital refused to treat her without a police report.

    But in a statement yesterday in Abuja, the Medical Director of Garki Hospital, Dr. Nyomudim Essen, debunked the report, saying the hospital battled to save her life.

    He said: “The attention of Garki Hospital, Abuja, has been drawn to certain defamatory rumours peddled in the social media, blogs and newsrooms and published on Page 5 of The Nation Newspaper of July 5 on the unfortunate incident that happened to a promising young lady, Angela Igwetu, who was cut short at the prime of her life.

    “Garki Hospital deeply sympathises with the family of the deceased, the NYSC and Nigeria on the death of Miss Igwetu.

    “Garki Hospital wishes to state that the purported complicity of Garki Hospital, Abuja, in denying Miss Igwetu treatment and allowing her to bleed to death while asking for a police report is false and malicious.

    “Garki Hospital, Abuja, does not demand for a police report before attending to trauma patients at its Accident and Emergency Department.

    “Garki Hospital does not insist on payment before stabilising trauma patients; it is a tradition that we do not compromise.

    “To set the records straight, Miss Igwetu was brought to our hospital at 3.05 a.m on July 4 in a very precarious condition. The doctors on duty at the Accident and Emergency Unit, including the consultant surgeon on call, battled to save her life by providing care, including blood transfusions and limited surgery.

    “This was done even before any form of payment could be made; unfortunately, despite all efforts to save her life, she did not make it.”

    Complaining about the mass dissemination of reports before an official verification from the hospital, the director threatened to take legal actions against media houses and blogs that may refuse to publish rebuttals and apology within 48 hours.

    “Failure to publish the required rebuttals and apology would compel Garki Hospital to take legal actions against such media houses and blogs, including their promoters.

    “We also encourage the media to always take a step further by confirming the information they are fed with before broadcasting it to the public.

    “Garki Hospital prays for comfort and grace for the family of the deceased at this trying moment.

    “Garki Hospital wishes to reassure all Nigerians of the commitment of the management and workers of the hospital our singular duty: saving lives!”

     

  • Senate orders removal of roadblocks in South East

    The Senate on Thursday asked the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to dismantle multiple roadblocks mounted along major highways in the South East geo-political zone.

    The upper chamber mandated its Committee on Works to take a tour of federal roads in the zone to ensure compliance with the directive without further delay.

    The resolution followed the adopting a motion presented by the Senator representing Abia North, Mao Ohuabunwa, on matter of urgent national importance.

    Ohuabunwa said the proliferation of roadblocks in the area was affecting the free flow of people, goods and services in the zone.

    He wondered why multiple roadblocks would be mounted in an area that does not necessarily need them.

    According to him, the roadblocks are seen by the people as instrument of intimidation and harassment.

    Senator Victor Umeh, (Anambra Central), who seconded the motion, said the roadblocks have  become a huge embarrassment to the people of the zone.

    Umeh said: “The proliferation of roadblocks in the South East by security agencies is becoming a huge embarrassment. It is killing businesses in the region. Our people who are business oriented can no longer ply their trade.

    “In the South East, we are not in any imminent danger. I don’t see the need why we should have more road blocks in the area. Sometimes, you have roadblocks in a distance of about 300 metres.

    “Security is important. But it should not be abused. Our people are complaining and we need to correct this. Our people now spend more time on the road because of these unnecessary roadblocks.”

    Senate President, Bukola Saraki, asked the Committee on Police Affairs and Army, to visit the affected areas and report back to the Senate for further legislative action.

  • Senate probes corps member’s death in Abuja

    The Senate on Thursday mandated its joint Committees on Health, Youth/Sports Development and Police Affairs, to investigate the killing of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Linda Angela Igwetu, in Abuja.

    The senator representing Kogi East, Atai Aidoko Ali, drew the attention of his colleagues to the death of the NYSC member.

    The corps member was killed on Wednesday, a day to her passing out from the NYSC.

    The deceased was said to have gone out with her friends as part of celebrations for the completion of the service year.

    Igwetu was shot at a police checkpoint near Cedi Plaza in the central area of Abuja by a police officer identified as Benjamin Peters.

    The joint committee is expected to report back to the Senate in plenary within two weeks.

  • Why I want to go to Senate, by Abiru

    Former Clerk of the Lagos State House of Assembly Otunba Ganiyu Abiru is a senatorial aspirant in Lagos East District. The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain spoke with reporters on his ambition and other partisan issues. EMMANUEL OLADESU was there.

    Since you retired in 2016, almost two years now. How have you been coping, having been a civil servant for a very long time?

    First and foremost, I want to give thanks to God Almighty who has given me that strength and the opportunity to serve in Lagos State Public Service, which of course, is the most potent, most viral and most focused public service in Africa so to say. I thank God also that I rose to the pinnacle of my career, to the extent that I became the Clerk to the most prestigious Lagos State House of Assembly. Well, I thank God that, having retired in 2016, you know the salary of public servants is very meager. That is an area that we have been clamouring to government to look into with a view to increasing it, because it is not a living wage. It is an existing wage and we think that government should look into it with a view to seeing more of commitment on the part of public servants. But having said that well, I have been in the business of consultancy and also hospitality business and before then, I have been partnering with my wife in the management and production of sachet and bottle water and God has helped us to keep both ends meet. We have not gone beyond our bounds, we are cutting our coat according to our cloth and not according to our size. So, I would say that I and Alhaja, God has been kind, God has been merciful.

    You entered the public service as a very young man and left as an old man which means the most productive years of your life was spent there. So, what unforgettable experience did you take from the public service?

    Well, like you rightly said, I joined the service at the age of 27 and retired at the age of 60. Which means that one has put almost 33 years in the service and that long years of service, one would have seen a lot of things, experienced a lot of challenges, well I will say that yes public service is an interesting area to work, because you have the privilege of moving from one ministry to the other, gaining experience you know, preparing you for greater responsibilities in the future. In the course of your movement, you are likely to come across a lot of people with different exposure, different orientations and different backgrounds. And you would really know how to manage all of these people, but the experience that I cannot forget in my life and let me also say that the ministry that most people hate to work, hate to be posted to is perhaps the ministry that I enjoy the most while in service, and that is the Civil Service Commission. The Civil Service Commission should be a hub of public service. In those days, people felt that if you want to be punished, if the government wants to punish you, the best place that you can really get that punishment is to deploy you to civil service commission. And when I was deployed to the civil service commission, some of my friends came to me and ask Segun, who have you offended? Why civil service commission? I said what kind of a question is that, is civil service commission not part of government agencies and ministries? I worked there for almost four years and I can say with gratitude to God that that was where I had an experience that is enriching, that is everlasting, when I look in retrospect an experience that I would love to remember, because when I was there, I was once a director of recruitment. And these are areas where the lives and career of people in the service were being managed and that is why I say and I said it to the head of service then when I was there that the civil service commission should not be a dumping ground for those who know nothing about the norms and nuances the of the civil service.  Civil Service Commission should be  a place where the best of the civil service should be employed, because they are going to manage the career of public servants and they are going to formulate policies that will direct, influence and affect the career of public service and I will tell you for free that we are lucky to work with some commissioners who were forward looking then, and together we were able to redefine what the Civil Service Commission should be. And I can look back in retrospect and say that I found myself very lucky to have had the opportunity of working in the civil service commission. One other experience that I had was at the Pilgrims Board, when an error of judgement nearly cost me my job and I’ve always said it that if not for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I wouldn’t have risen to the position of the Clerk. But, because of his generosity, his sense of consideration and kindness. He really played the role of a big father, the role of a considerate governor and gave me another chance. If he had not given me another chance, I wouldn’t have risen to the position that I was and that is why forever in my house and my very self, we will be grateful to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for that singular act.

    Towards the end of your career in the civil service, you were the Clerk of the Lagos State House of Assembly. How were you able to ensure that politicians did’t get you into trouble?

    That question has always been asked that how were you able to survive among the so called lion’s so to say and then I would say that Lagos State again is very lucky to have the kind of honourable members that we have. I’m not saying this to patronise them. I’m saying this out of sense of responsibility and out of the fact that I have worked with them. When you look at the quality of members in Lagos State in terms of education and exposure you will agree with me that the Clerk or secretary who work with them can hardly have problems. First and foremost, the members are there for the interest of their constituents and to make laws and some other functions, so naturally everybody has different backgrounds, and these are party members with different qualifications, with different family backgrounds, with different orientations and for you to be able to manage them, you have to come down to their level. You have to be extremely patient, you have to be persevering, you have to be enduring, you have to be knowledgeable about your job, because sometimes they can stampede you into doing what is illegal, because they are in a hurry to achieve. Not that they want you to commit illegality, but because they are in a hurry to achieve, they want you to do certain things for them at the expense of bureaucracy or due process, but if you know your job and the manner in which you present the case to them, I think you will not have problems with them. I am lucky that to a reasonable extent we have cool headed members and with my experience like I told you that I have worked virtually in most of the ministries in the public service I have come across different characters that has prepared me for that position. We are able to enjoy ourselves and I think my working or association with them has also improved my ability to manage people, to manage resources and to also appreciate different characters which of cause you come across in the course of your work. Yes one cannot say it has been rosy all the time. Sometimes some of them can be funny in terms of wanting to impose their supremacy on you. To assert themselves on you and in most cases all of these things are done rudely and you will have to be extremely patient in order to really manage them, but I can say it has been good and indeed my relationship with them had enabled me to understand politics as it were and coming now to play politics is not strange to me, because while you are working with them, you are playing politics. The only difference is that you are not playing active politics.

    Will you say your last experience in the service influenced your decision to go into full time politics and contest the senatorial election?

    Yes, very correct because, I saw how law was being made and I know all the intricacies around law. I know political intrigues and I know everything that you can talk about politics and if you are talking about Lagos politics, it begins from Lagos State House of Assembly. My interactions with them also has exposed me to a lot of things and good enough the Lagos State House of Assembly like I said is a well focused and well structured organisation that place high premium on human capital development.

    We have the opportunity of travelling outside of the country to exchange ideas with legislatures outside of this shore and in the course of our discussion we always realise that Lagos is always on top. So, my coming into politics is not accidental. It is something that has been in me.

    Somebody is occupying that position right now. How do you intends to ensure that you are victorious at the primaries?

    There is no harm in anybody in the legislature wanting to go several times over, because the constitution allows for that. The legislature unlike the executive does not have any time bound. The more you spend your years there, the more experience you are likely to have and I’m not saying that I’m better than the person that is there, but I know for sure that I can improve on what he has done. I’m a retired public servant and I am not an advocate of money politics. I don’t even have money to spend, but I know that I want to offer myself for services to the improvement of Lagos State, to the improvement of Nigeria and also improvement of Lagos East senatorial district. It’s a game. It’s like a football match. There shouldn’t be any enmity about it. There shouldn’t be any acrimony about it. He has his reasons for wanting to go the third term and I cannot begrudge for that. He is exercising his constitutional rights and I am going for the first time and he also cannot begrudge me. The more the merrier. What matters most is for everyone of us who wants to partake in this election to really know what he wants to do and how the dividends of democracy can be translated to the people of the state and particularly the Lagos East senatorial district.

    I wish him best of luck and I also want to know that he will also wish me best of luck. Whoever wins, it is in furtherance of our party, the APC and if at the end of the day the party leadership says it is him that will go, I have no choice but to give him my total support and assistance to ensure that our party wins the election. As far as I’m concerned, I don’t believe in politics of bitterness. I don’t believe in politics of acrimony, and I don’t believe in politics that will be running the other person down. What I know is that what our people want is somebody that can alleviate their suffering, somebody that can eliminate their problems, somebody that can do a lot of things that will make them achieve their purpose in life and these are areas that I think I know I can perform. It’s not that we are just going to sit down and start thinking of what to do.

    before he makes his choice so I would think that Asiwaju Ahmed wouldn’t have made an endorsement on somebody, wouldn’t have opted for somebody without thinking the capacity and ability of that individual. And i want to say that Asiwaju is not the only person that calls the shot. The primaries is going to be held and the primaries is not going to be held in the dark. It is going to be held in the open and everybody will know who comes first and last. And by so doing, i think we should re-emphasize the issue of Asiwaju will endorse. We are presenting him as being undemocratic. I don’t see him as such, I see him as a democrat per excellence and I see him as a person who can read people. When he gave us Fashola, people complained and what did Fashola do? He did wonderfully well. Now when he also opted for Ambode, at least everybody also knew that there were primaries for all of those also. And Ambode also came and you would see the transformation that Ambode has made out of Lagos so which means also that like i said the man has native intelligence and he couldn’t have won against the will of the people. If the will of the people say mr this, I am sure that Asiwaju will also dance along with the people. But whatever happens in politics, the party is supreme. There is always the supremacy of party. If the party says this is where we are going, i have no choice but to follow the party because without the party, I cannot contest and  there is no wau that i can be struggling or be fighting the party because the party knows best and the party knows why it has taken some actions but i think that everyone that wants to contest will have a level playing field so that you can display whatever you have. All the contestants that i know are going round consulting and seeing people to be helpful to them in their cause. Of course I am going round. I have gone to Epe, Ikorodu and things like that. It’s a game and i believe that somebody will win but i always say and that is where i am particularly interested. We should, our politicians must play down the issue of money because when you overplay the issue of money you are likely to have problems. The good people may not want to come in, and you’ll have the bad people having the whole field to themselves.

    ********* You talked earlier about propelled from your constituency, your community. Who are those behind you in Ikorodu? Who are those big wings that you are sure are behind you?

    Well, I wouldn’t want to sing my song. I don’t want to exaggerate issues but you can do your investigation and see that God is with us and our people are equally with us. Like i told you initially, i didn’t want to come out for senate. I had my eyes on something else but the pressure was so much to the extent that even the kabiyesi’s around and the elites and particularly the youths you know have to come to me, pressure me. I say well, what am i? If people could come to me and tell me that they want me to play a certain role. I have no choice than to come in and do the little i can do. I’m not saying that I’m the best in Ikorodu. I am not saying that but i can say for sure that i know what i am doing. And i know that if elected, we will change the face of politics in Lagos East senatorial district. The dividends of democracy will be felt by the people in the place. Not in terms of monetary gifts, but in terms of what will impact their lives eternally.

    ******** How confident are you?

    Confident in the lord. Whatever is mine will never miss me and whatever misses me surely is not mine. That has been my principle. I’ve never been desperate about any position. Ive never been desperate about anything in my life. When it comes, i believe it’s the will of Allah, and if it does not come, i also believe that this is how God wants it to be. And i also tell my children also tell my children also try, work hard if you achieve, thank God. If you don’t achieve, try again and if you try and try and you don’t achieve, then it means it’s not meant for you. This is my first time of contesting election and it is my belief and prayer to almighty God that with your support I’m going to represent the Lagos East senatorial district 2019 in Abuja.

     

     

     

  • Senate to Presidency: expedite action on release of budget funds

    THE Senate yesterday asked the Presidency to expedite action on release of funds for the implementation of 2018 budget projects.

    The upper chamber said expeditious release of funds for the implementation of the budget was the only way Nigerians could begin to appreciate the positive impact of the fiscal estimates.

    Senate President Bukola Saraki, in his address to welcome senators back to plenary yesterday, urged them to “fasten to their seat belts and power on with the work we have been tasked to do”.

    He said posterity is watching them “and history will vindicate us if we do the job with diligence and in truth”

    Saraki said: “Happily, the 2018 Budget has been signed by the President. We call on the Executive to expedite the release of funds for budget implementation, so that our people can begin to see the positive impact in their lives without delay.

    “We as the Senate must continue to exercise our oversight functions to ensure successful implementation and value for money.

    “Naturally, we continue to work towards reforming the budgetary process. Clearly, it is necessary for the Executive and the Legislature to work towards a more robust engagement on the need for a better budget environment and process, going forward.”

    Saraki said it was clear that internal tensions were also reflections of the economic condition of Nigerians.

    He said stakeholders should put economic Bills on the fast lane so that “we may conclude them, so that we can open the door to greater opportunities for our people”.

    He noted that growth and development could only serve to deepen the country’s democracy.

    Saraki said the Senate clocked its third anniversary while they were on break and given the sombre mood of the nation, there was no celebration.

    He noted that they have had occasion to get an overview of the considerable achievements of the Eight Senate since its inauguration on June 9, 2015.

    “Indeed, we have come a long way, and have set a new bar in the legislative history of this country. We have passed 213 Bills in the period under review and cleared 138 petitions – surpassing in three years the records of the entire four-year terms of every previous Senate.

    “This is no mean feat. As we hit the home run, therefore, it is important we do not back-pedal or slow down; we must intensify efforts towards doing all that we are sworn to do for the electorate that voted for us as their representatives.

    “With the backing of the people, we have been able to introduce landmark legislations that have helped boost our recovering economy.

    He added: “We set up the Ad-Hoc Committee on the Review of Security Infrastructure in Nigeria, chaired by Senate Leader Ahmed Lawan; and we must now take steps to consider the report of that committee and take forward the recommendations therein as may be appropriate.

    “Events have shown that we were right to take these steps in response to the security challenges facing the nation at this time.”