The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Senator Sunday Karimi

  • FG, NASS not to blame for non–implementation of Supreme Court Judgment on LG autonomy — Karimi

    FG, NASS not to blame for non–implementation of Supreme Court Judgment on LG autonomy — Karimi

    Senator Sunday Karimi (Kogi West) has argued that President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly should not be held responsible for the slow or near-non-implementation of the Supreme Court judgement granting local government financial autonomy, barely about a year ago.

    Karimi, who spoke while giving account of his stewardship in the last two years in the 10th Senate during a media parley at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Lokoja, said Tinubu’s vision leading to the favourable judgement of the supreme Court was to free the people from slavery and underdevelopment, which starts with financial autonomy for the third tier. of government. 

    He urged Nigerians to continue to support the President in his effort to bring good governance close to the people at the grassroots.

    The provisions of Section 235 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, (As Amended) within Chapter 7, Part 1, deals with the finality of determinations by the Supreme Court. 

    It stated that no appeal can be made to any other body or person from a decision of the Supreme Court, except for the powers of the President or a state Governor regarding the prerogative of mercy. 

    In essence, this section establishes the Supreme Court as the final arbiter of legal disputes within the country, with its decisions being binding and unappealable. 

    Without prejudice to the powers of the President or of the Governor of a state with respect to prerogative of mercy, no appeal shall lie with any other body or person(s) to revalidate the already  determined matter or dispute by the Supreme Court.

    In view of the provisions of above section of the Constitution, Senator Karimi was asked during the interactive session to explain why the Senate has not deemed  it fit to give any legislative backing to the Supreme Court judgement of the 11th July, 2024 on local government autonomy. 

    Responding, the lawmaker described the Supreme Court judgement granting full autonomy to the Councils as the President’s trump card to legally and holistically address the local government challenges once and for all.

    “That was why the Attorney General and  Minister of Justice of the Federation went to Supreme Court to institute that case,” he said.

    He emphasised the importance of local government autonomy, stating that case instituted by the Attorney General at the Supreme Court,and midwived by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment and support for a functional local government system in the country.

    He further that “As a means of solving local government problems, the president wants autonomy for local government. If the Federal Government of Nigeria doesn’t want local government autonomy, it wouldn’t have instituted the case in the first place.

    And for us in the National Assembly, we are fully in support of local government autonomy and the steps so far taken to restore proper governance at the local level in Nigeria.

     I don’t want to say much about it before when I came in. But we will talk about it. Local government autonomy must come to stay. It’s not for National Assembly alone but for the good of every Nigerian, therefore, it is a fight for  all of us,, because if we keep quiet, that autonomy will not stand. 

    “But if we talk, it will stand. I am not the one who brought this question in. Somebody brought it, but I have to speak to it. And I have to speak the truth always. Some people are not interested in this local government autonomy”.

    Senator Karimi noted that the leadership of the National Assembly, including the Senate  President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, were in full support of the Local Government Autonomy.

    Read Also: Tinubu in support of LG autonomy – Senator Karimi

    He added: “And let me tell you—go and check—what is happening there differs from State to State. If you go to some states now, they are already enjoying it. I don’t know whether we are enjoying it fully here yet, because I don’t want to be quoted our of context, before somebody will go and tell government that Senator Karimi said they are not doing local government autonomy in Kogi State, but somebody asked the question, and the person has the right to ask the question. And we have the right to answer. The President brought about that case to free the people from slavery. That is the interest of President Tinubu.

    “Somebody equally asked me, why am I backing President Tinubu. I will back him and I will back him and back him continuously, because the man has the interest of the people. All these hardships we are talking about are not of his own creation, but he has the passion for us to develop  or grow to our fullest potential.”

    He continued: “Before Nigeria can get to the promised land, hardship must come. But it will not last forever, it will go. Let’s free the people from slavery. Let what belongs to the people go back to the people.

    “That is what the President is out to do by instituting the case on LG autonomy in the Supreme Court. And let me tell you, nobody has the power to override that Supreme Court judgment. Anybody that is doing it is doing it at his own peril”.

  • Senator: tax reform, commission bills will spur growth

    Senator: tax reform, commission bills will spur growth

    The Tax Reform and Regional Development Commission Bills will drive competition among states and enhance development, Senator Sunday Karimi (Kogi West), has said.

    The Senate Services Committee Chairman spoke as a guest on TVC “This Morning” at the weekend.

    He said: “The tax reforms bill is one of the best things that has ever happened to this nation.

    “You know what it is going to bring to us? We are going to have states competing with each other on revenue generation because the more revenue you are able to generate, the more that will accrue to you.

    “We are not just going to have the situation where some states will just sit down and be expecting manna from the centre.

    “No government, before now, has been able to tinker with the tax reforms to encourage the states in the federating units to compete and bring more revenue.

    Read Also: Television lawyers

    “The bill is almost being done with. Before we go on break in August, I believe we’re going to get the tax reforms bill passed into law. We have worked hard on it.

    “All governors across the federation are now on board, they now see reason why we have to pass it; they now see reason why it will benefit their states.

    “They now see the sense in what Mr President has done. And on this work, we cooperated with the executive.

    “We did a lot of groundwork reaching out to the states. I am not saying we accepted everything inside the bill (wholesale); we made amendments in some areas.”

    He said the Regional Development Commission Bill is the creation of this 10th National Assembly, not of the executive.

    “We enacted it and the president accepted it. In this year’s budget alone, about N170 billion was earmarked for each of the six commissions.

    “You are going to see a lot of developmental projects going on all over the six geopolitical zones,” Karimi said.

    The lawmaker admitted that some negative perceptions of the National Assembly, including on the importance of constituency projects.

    “Through such projects, I made sure every community in my federal constituency had access to potable water.

    “For communities that have poor power supply, I gave them transformers and solar-powered street lights.

    “I am doing a yearly N100m bursary award of N100,000 each to 1000 students in public tertiary institutions across seven local  governments in Kogi West Senatorial District.

    “My colleagues are reaching out to their constituencies in different ways because you cannot know the problems of our people more than us. We are the ones representing the grassroots.”

  • ‘How Senator Sunday Karimi championed agric reform, oil sector accountability, banking transparency’

    ‘How Senator Sunday Karimi championed agric reform, oil sector accountability, banking transparency’

    Senator Sunday Karimi, representing Kogi West Senatorial District, has gained recognition for his active role in addressing critical national issues through legislative reform. 

    Karimi’s work spans key sectors such as agriculture, oil and gas, and banking, all aimed at promoting economic development, transparency, and improving the welfare of Nigerians. 

    This was highlighted by a political activist Eleta Oluseyi Kelvin on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.

    Agricultural Development Initiatives

    As agriculture remains the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, Senator Karimi has spearheaded several legislative reforms to revitalize the sector. 

    Among these is the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund (Amendment) Bill 2023, which seeks to enhance access to credit for small-scale farmers. By improving access to financing, the bill aims to empower farmers and agribusinesses, boost production, improve food security, and reduce poverty.

    In addition, Karimi introduced the National Fertilizer Quality Control Bill 2023, which aims to regulate the production and distribution of fertilizers. 

    This ensures that farmers receive high-quality inputs, leading to increased productivity and higher yields, tackling the recurring issue of low agricultural output in the country.

    Another significant contribution is the Livestock Development and Management Bill 2023, focusing on modernizing the livestock industry. 

    The bill promotes livestock production, processing, and marketing, which is crucial for rural economies. 

    This legislation aims to increase income for livestock farmers and ensure the availability of quality animal products.

    Moreover, Karimi’s Agricultural Insurance Commission (Establishment) Bill 2023 seeks to create an insurance commission to protect farmers against risks like climate change, pests, and other unforeseen disasters. 

    This legislation is essential in preventing farmers from facing financial ruin due to circumstances beyond their control.

    Ensuring Oil Sector Accountability

    Senator Karimi has also been vocal in addressing inefficiencies within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. His motion to probe the N11.35 trillion spent on refinery maintenance between 2010 and 2024 shed light on the staggering costs associated with maintaining non-functional refineries. 

    Karimi emphasized that despite these expenditures, the refineries remain largely unproductive, calling for greater accountability and transparency in managing public funds. His efforts seek to ensure that future investments in the oil sector deliver tangible benefits to Nigerians.

    In addition, Karimi has sponsored several bills aimed at improving the regulation and management of Nigeria’s oil resources. These legislative efforts are focused on promoting transparency and ensuring that the wealth generated from the country’s natural resources is used to benefit all citizens.

    Reforming Nigeria’s banking sector

    In the financial sector, Senator Karimi has pushed for reforms to improve the transparency and accountability of Nigeria’s banking system. 

    His proposed amendments to the Central Bank (Establishment) Act 2007 include criminalizing the use of foreign currency in domestic transactions, restricting Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governors from engaging in partisan politics, and restructuring the CBN board to include representatives from key financial institutions. 

    Read Also: Senator builds military base in Kogi to tackle insecurity

    These reforms aim to strengthen the management of Nigeria’s monetary policy and foster greater accountability in the banking sector.

    A vision for nigeria’s future

    Through his legislative initiatives, Senator Sunday Karimi demonstrates his commitment to addressing Nigeria’s most pressing challenges. 

    Whether reforming agricultural policy, pushing for transparency in oil sector spending, or advocating for banking reforms, Karimi’s work in the Senate reflects his broader vision for a well-governed and prosperous Nigeria.

  • Senator builds military base in Kogi to tackle insecurity

    Senator builds military base in Kogi to tackle insecurity

    Senator representing Kogi West, Senator Sunday Karimi has completed the construction of a military base in the outskirts of Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.

    According to him, the base would help to improve security in Kogi and Kwara states.

    During the inauguration of the base yesterday, the lawmaker  said: “I conceived the idea of the military base in January, this year to assist the Nigerian military and security agencies to ensure quick response in combating terrorists, kidnappers, and criminals whose activities in recent times around the border of Kogi and Kwara (where there is a great expanse of forest that is fast becoming a fortress for criminals) is becoming an issue of national concern.

    “It is also hoped that the presence of a standard military base will serve as a deterrence to these criminals and restore peace and security in the communities in Kogi and Kwara states.’’

    Read Also: Counter-terrorism: FG to acquire 24 M-346 jets, 10 Trekker helicopters

    “The urge to construct, furnish, and hand over this edifice to the Nigerian Army is borne out of my commitment to assisting the military in protecting the lives of the citizenry and warding off criminals from our rural communities.”

    He noted that the new base contains two hostels containing 85-bed space for soldiers, fully furnished with beds, beddings, and fittings; Armory; office apartments for the Commander of the Military Base, among others.

    Governor Usman Ododo, represented by his Special Adviser on Security, Commander Jerry Omadara (rtd), said the base would enable the Army to have the insecurity of the area under its control.’’

    “I therefore thank Senator Sunday Karimi for this wonderful initiative in the fulfillment of his constituent’s responsibility

    Therefore, the establishment of this Forward Operating Base will serve to form a chain of influx into Kogi State, provide the needed safety for our people, and also allow the Nigerian Army to take firm control of the security of this area, including Yagba east and beyond.”

    Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen.Taoreed Lagbaja, represented by the GOC 2 Division, Maj.-Gen Obinna Onubogu, commended the lawmaker for the gesture.

    “Let me publicly extend my heartfelt appreciation to the distinguished Senator for his tenacity and commitment in spearheading the construction and completion of this strategic facility. As the Chief of Army Staff, I am able to say that it is through this kind of partnership and shared vision that the Nigerian Army is reassured that members of the civil populace appreciate our efforts in covering insecurity across the nation,”

    He said the base would help the Army to adequately secure the 10 other states.

    “Kogi State is integral to that effort because it is the most central state in Nigeria. The fact that Kodi State is dominated by the most significant river in Nigeria and is surrounded by states from the north-central to southwest, southeast, and south-south, namely Niger, Anambra, Nasarawa, Benue, Enugu, Edo, Ondo, Ekiti, and Kwara states means that Kogi State bears the most impact of any wave of insecurity emanating from River Niger or from any of these 10 surrounding states.

    “Thus, forward-operating bases like this are critical because it helps us project our operations to not only the host states but to neighbouring states as well.

  • Nigerians need reorientation to tackle multi-faceted problems — Karimi

    Nigerians need reorientation to tackle multi-faceted problems — Karimi

    Senator Sunday Karimi (Kogi West) has advocated national reorientation as the practical way to tackle the multifaceted challenges facing Nigeria.

    A statement by the lawmaker with respect to the state of the Nation on Wednesday explained that President Bola Tinubu meant well for country.

    Karimi, who is also the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Services said: “As we attempt to get things right, we have to deal with the plague that is rooted in our National live styles.

    “That is plague of getting rich through any means, no matter how dirty. That’s the reason kidnapping has remain a big time business in Nigeria. That is why people are stealing from government every day and getting away with plea bargain.

    “There is need for National reorientation to deal with root of all our problems. He that covereth sins shall not prosper, but he that confesseth and forsake them, the Lord will have mercy.

    “Floating of Naira in the Forex market is not working yet, because of the inherent corruption and indiscipline in our National Live styles.

    Read Also; Fed Govt completes Tincan port road

    “Let us face the reality, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu mean well for our nation by introducing the single exchange rate, instead of continuing with multiple exchange rates that he met, through which some privileged Nigerians had turned themselves into multi billionaires owning financial houses all over the place at the expense of our country.

    ” To be frank, many Nigerians are not patriotic, the tendency is always to defraud the system and get rich quickly. They will cut corners, round trip, warehouse dollars with stolen funds. Most of the Bureau De Change, BDC today are own by these same set of people. They are doing all sorts to frustrate the lofty plan of President Tinubu.

    ” The recent N30billion each given to state governments for palliative to reduce the problems of the suffering masses, most of the money will find it way to forex market there by further devaluing the naira and the masses will be at the receiving end because the prices of goods and services will go hay wire as we are currently witnessing in the country

    “As a Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I make bold to say that once the National reorientation is vigorously pursued, within the next six months or so, Nigeria will change for a better country and a toast of the International Community especially with the type of Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the nation’s President and crops of the Lawmakers at the National Assembly

    “It is not magic, just let us put this into test for months and watch what will happen to our country, Nigeria has what it will take to make it to rise again and take her rightful position in the comfy of Nations”.