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Tag: SENATOR

  • Senator aborts defection

    Senator aborts defection

    The senator representing Ebonyi South, Sunday Ogbuoji, yesterday caused a stir rin the chamber when he aborted his planned defection.

    Ogbuoji, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senator, has planned to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Ogbuoji raised Order 43 (personal explanation) to announce his defection from PDP to APC.

    Before Ogbuoji could make the announcement, there was confusion on the floor.

    PDP senators crossed the aisle to practically stop Ogbuoji from proceeding.

    For close to 20 minutes; proceedings were stalled, senators formed groups.

    The shout of “order, order, order” by Chief Whip Olusola Adeyeye did not help matter.

    A PDP senator attempted to grab the piece of paper Oguoji was holding.

    APC senators were already jubilating over the possibility of snatching an opposition senator.

    When the seeming confusion cleared, Ogbuoji said: “I came under Order 43 with the intention that I needed to make some declaration this morning. My colleagues in my party, the PDP, felt that I needed to consult them more.

    “Because of the love they have shown me, I wish to step down my declaration.”

    What followed was show of camaraderie and solidarity song among PDP senators.

    Moved by the turn of event, Senate Minority Leader Godswill Akpabio rushed to turn Ogbuoji’s seat to embrace him.

    Other PDP members did the same to the apparent disappointment of APC lawmakers.

     

     

     

     

  • Drama as senator aborts defection move

    Drama as senator aborts defection move

    The senator representing Ebonyi South, Sunday Ogbuoji on Wednesday caused confusion on the floor of the upper chamber as he unceremoniously aborted his planned defection.

    Ogbuoji, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senator, made move to defect from the opposition party to the majority All Progressives Congress (APC).

    He was prevailed upon by a horde of PDP senators who swarmed around him to persuade him to back down.

    Ogbuoji had raised Order 43 (personal explanation) to announce his defection from PDP to APC.

    Before Ogbuoji could make the announcement, there was confusion on the floor.

    PDP senators crossed the aisle to practically stop Ogbuoji from proceeding further.

    For close to 20 minutes, proceedings were stalled as senators gathered in groups.

    While APC senators urged the apparently undecided senator to go ahead and announce his defection, their PDP counterparts were locked in discussion with Ogbuoji.

    It seemed a ding-dong affair. The shout of “order, order, order by the Chief Whip, Senator Olusola Adeyeye, did not help matter.

    A PDP senator attempted to grab the piece of paper Oguoji was holding.

    APC senators were already jubilating over the possibility of snatching an opposition senator.

    When the seeming confusion cleared, Ogbuoji said: “I came under Order 43 with the intention that I needed to make some declaration this morning. My colleagues in my party the PDP, felt that I needed to consult them more.

    “Because of the love they have shown me, I wish to step down my declaration.”

    What followed was show of camaraderie and solidarity song among PDP senators.

    Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio was so moved by the change of event that he rushed to Ogbuoji’s seat to give him an embrace.

    Other PDP senators did the same to the disappointment of APC lawmakers.

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki who appeared to have detached himself from the unfolding drama announced that the matter was not open for debate “because Ogbuoji came under Order 43.”

    Saraki however jokingly announced that he would keep the whole day open any day Ogbuoji wanted to make the declaration.

    “The Ebonyi State senator may have chickened out today, who knows what he would do tomorrow. Nobody can tell what PDP senators told him to persuade him to change his mind on an issue that is purely personal. We keep our fingers crossed. The soul of Ogbuoji has gone from the PDP,”  an APC senator said

  • Ex-minister, senator charged with ‘N650m fraud’

    Ex-minister, senator charged with ‘N650m fraud’

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), yesterday re-arraigned former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Jumoke Akinjide, at the Federal High Court, Lagos, for allegedly laundering N650million.

    Akinjide was charged alongside Senator Ayo Adeseun, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart Chief Olanrewaju Otiti and former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, who was said to be at large.

    The defendants are standing trial on a 24-count charge before Justice Muslim Hassan.

    They were accused of conspiring to obtain the 650m from Mrs Alison-Madueke, in the build-up to the 2015 general elections.

    According to the EFCC, they reasonably ought to have known “that the money formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act.”

    At yesterday’s proceeding, EFCC counsel, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, told the court that the agency had an amended 24-count charge and urged the court to admit same as their charge in the suit.

    He said Akinjide, Adeseun and Otiti acted contrary to Section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2012.

    The amended charge was not opposed by the defence team, following which Justice Hassan ordered the registrar to take the plea of the defendants.

    Trial commences on February 5, 6, 13 and 14.

  • Benue killings: Why politicians must speak out, by senator

    Benue killings: Why politicians must speak out, by senator

    Southern Senators Forum (SSF) Chairman Hope Uzodimma has warned politicians of the consequences of keeping quiet instead of speaking out on burning national issues.

    According to him, as major beneficiaries of the democratic process, it became imperative for all politicians, irrespective of their political leanings, to be objective on issues threatening the country’s survival.

    Uzodinma said in Abuja yesterday in the wake of the tension generated over the gruesome killings in Benue communities by suspected herdsmen, the  security agencies should step up patrol in the affected communities and border towns to prevent possible spread and recurrence of the dastardly act.

    Uzodimma, who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Customs, Excise & Tariffs, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for mandating the relocation of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris Kpotum to Benue to take charge.

    According to him, though the attack was painful as it claimed several lives, politicians should be cautious of their remarks to avoid the escalation of the already tensed situation.

    He said: “Those blaming the President for not speaking out and accusing him (President) of backing the alleged perpetrators of the heinous crime are only fanning the embers of hatred and putting him on the spot.”

    Uzodinma said the President had done what was constitutional right by ordering the deployment of the police, led by the IGP to douse tension.

    He noted that only the police are statutorily empowered to take charge of such situations.

    The senator said: “It is regrettable that in this country, everything is heaped on the doors of the President whereas there are statutory organs and institutions that are responsible to handle every situation.

    “When a person in this country has an issue with the judiciary or security agencies, the President is accused of having a hand in it. We must move away from this to make progress as a nation.

    “The attitude of our politicians on national issues must be that of unity and national interest because we should always have it at the back of our mind that it will be one person at a time.”

    Condemned the calls for the deployment of the military to Benue, Uzodinma said the Nothcentral state was not in a war situation.

    “The Police are trained to handle civil matters. Calling for the deployment of the military will compound issues as they may intend to use maximum force which will not be good for the people,” he said.

    He urged security agencies to liaise with the Benue State Government and other critical stakeholders in the state to identify the culprits and areas of challenges to put an end to the crisis.

  • Group demands recall of Kwara senator

    Group demands recall of Kwara senator

    A group, the Kwara South Unity Forum,  has instituted a recall process against the senator representing Kwara South  District, Rafiu Ibrahim.

    The group said it has dispatched letters to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the National Assembly on the recall.

    The forum said its decision was due to the under performance and poor representation of the Kwara South senatorial district under Senator Ibrahim.

    Addressing reporters in Ijagbo,  Oyun local government area,  its President Comrade John Adegboye said: “The current system of representation we are experiencing under Senator Ibrahim is archaic, demeaning, dehumanizing  and also unacceptable. We are no longer under the precolonial dispensation where there is indirect rule.

    “We the proof Kwara South are appalled by the fact that a man whom we unanimously elected as a senator to represent us in the 8th Assembly, has now openly declared that he has ‘boss’ other than we the good people of Kwara  South, that he takes directives from us.

    “We make bold to call your attention to the physical implications of this show of subservience. In almost three years, where are the federal projects the senator has attracted to the district?”

    Adegboye said the senator has continued to dismiss “our elders and insult our common patrimony by telling that he must consult with his boss.

    “It is therefore, under these circus that the good people of the Kwara South today decide to intimate the generality of Nigerians about our intention to recall him.”

    Reacting to the group’s intention, the National Association of Students, the state branch,  National Association of Kwara state students (NAKSS) passed confidence vote on the senator.

    Also speaking with reporters in Ajase-Ipo, Irepodun locally government area, NANS leader, Comrade Abdulkadir Aliyu said the senator is a man of the people and father of Nigerian students in the constituency.

    Aliyu said that his leadership qualities and open door policy had endeared him to the students.

    He said this can be attested to by the construction of relaxation centre to University of Ilorin students,  students empowerment scheme, renovation of Offa Township Hall,  free SSCE and JAMB registration. Others are sponsorship of students programmes, scholarships, free vocational training.

    “Without iota of doubt, we are convinced that his leadership deserves a great applause,” he added.

    In his reaction, former transition implementation chair,  Irepodun local government Kashim Adekeye described the plan recall as a cheap talk.

    Adekeye added that “anybody can decide to say what he likes.

  • 2019: Obanikoro eyes Senate

    2019: Obanikoro eyes Senate

    •Ikorodu agitates for senator

    Former Minister of State for Defence Senator Musiliu Obanikoro is among the gladiators warming up for the 2019 senatorial race in Lagos West District, it was learnt yesterday.

    The former Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana has started consultation and mobilisation in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), ahead of next general elections.

    Also, some Ikorodu political leaders have kicked off their agitation to produce the next senator from Lagos East. The seat is currently occupied by Senator Barewu Ashafa, who was first elected in 2011. The senator is from Ibeju/Lekki axis.

    A source said those eyeing the seat include Apena Kaoli Olusanya, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa and Hon. Abiru of the Lagos State House of Assembly. However, former Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Commissioner Ademorin Kuye, who is from Somolu and Chief Lanre Rasaq from Epe, also eyeing the slot.

    An APC leader from Ikorodu confirmed that some senatorial aspirants are campaigning on the platform of Ikorodu, despite the fact that there is no consensus on what he described as “senatorial power shift” to Ikorodu.

    He said: “They are individuals. But, they want a collective support and push for the senatorial slot. There is division. Some of us believe that Ashafa has tried his best and he can re-contest. He is mature and he relates with us well.”

    Obanikoro represented Lagos Central in the Senate on the platform of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) between 2003 and 2007, after resigning as Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs. He later defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), contested for the governorship twice and served as minister in the Jonathan administration. He was also the Chairman of the National Social Insurant Trust Fund (NSITF). Before the advent of the Fourth Republic, he had served as Chairman of Lagos Town Council.

    Obanikoro, who defected to the APC last month, has traced his roots to the Iba/Ojo sub-division and he may likely adopt as his new political base.

    A party elder, who spoke on a condition of anonymity, disclosed that Obanikoro’s ambition is legitimate, although it may polarize the party in Lagos West at the initial stage. Ironically, Obanikoro’s senatorial bid in 2003 led to Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi’s migration from Lagos Central to Lagos West.

    “Obanikoro is a strong politician. But, he cannot get the ticket in Lagos Central because the impressive record of Senator Oluremi Tinubu may make the party elders, led by Prince Oluyole Olusi, to extend her tenure in the Senate. She is a fantastic senator who has done the Lagos Central proud. She is the best senator Lagos Central ever had.

    “I am aware that Obanikoro wants to be senator. If he has the opportunity, he will like to be governor. But, the coast is not clear. I learnt that he has started consulting and tracing his roots to Lagos West. The understanding is that, if Senator Olamilekan Adeola is bent on becoming the governor of Ogun State, the senatorial seat of Lagos West will be vacant in 2019.”

    According to the source, there are indications that former Deputy Governor Joke Orelope-Adefulire, Chief Demola Seriki and Senator Ganiyu Solomon are also interested in the senatorial race.

    He added: “We are still trying to confirm whether Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola is also going to contest. He is from Alimoso sub-zone. He is their leader there. But, we had that his camp is divided over the issue.”

    Few months ago, Obanikoro had peeped into the future and traced his background to Aworiland. He said that his progenitor, Obanikoro of Lagos, was not from Bini Kingdom, Edo State. He clarified that the legendary Obanikoro was an Awori from Idiluwo-Ile in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos.

    The former minister said the account of the eminent Lagosian and former Works Minister Chief Femi Okunnu that Obanikoro was from Benin was wrong. He said while he personally had a link with Benin City through his paternal great grandmother, who was from Eletu-Odibo family, the first Obanikoro was not from Benin.

    Obanikoro said the descendants of Chief Obanikoro, including Ajayi-Bembe, Ogunlana Arewa, Abisawo Otun, Osadeko, Aregbe and Oyerokun, were conscious of their Awori root.

    He stressed: “Chief Okunnu said Obanikoro was from Benin. We are not from Benin. We are from Aworiland. We are from Idiluwo-Ile in Ojo local government. Personally, I have Bini blood. My paternal great grandmother was from Eletu-Odibo family. Eletu-Odibo came with the Oba of Benin to lagos. She was the daughter of Ogabi Eletu-Odibo. But, Obanikoro was not a Bini man. He was an Awori.”

     

  • Court has not sacked me, says senator

    Court has not sacked me, says senator

    Kogi East Senator Attai Aidoko last night denied news making the rounds that the Court of Appeal siting in Abuja sacked him over a pre-election matter.

    The senator told our correspondent: “The news is fake. What happened in court today (Appeal Court -Abuja) is this:  I was the first to approach the court for referral on whether it has jurisdiction and when the court ruled today, the judges said my application was not a constitutional one and that we should go back to the Federal High Court. They have not even gone into the matter.

    “In any case, it’s a pre-election matter. There is nothing like that (declaring his seat vacant). The court has not given its judgment. It is completely fake news.

    Senator Aidoko contested the Kogi East PDP primary along with AirVice Marshall Isaac Alfa and others. He was declared winner. Alfa challenged the results and was sworn in as senator for a brief period. Aidoko upstaged him  through a court judgment.

  • Senator assures on Lagos-Ibadan road completion

    •N20.5b in 2018 budget for dual carriageway

    The ongoing Lagos-Ibadan express road repairs will soon be completed, the senator representing Lagos West, Solomon Adeola, has said.

    Adeola assured the residents that work on the dual carriageway, being undertaken by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc and Reynolds Construction Company Limited, will be completed, hopefully, in 2018.

    The assurance is coming on the heel of controversy trailing alleged reduced funding for the busy road in the 2018 budget.

    The Lagos West lawmaker noted that ample provisions (N20.5 billion) were made for the road in the 2018 budget proposal.

    A statement by his media aide, Kayode Odunaro, said the senator, who is the Chairman of Senate Committee on Local Content and a member of the Senate Finance Committee, was reacting to the recent condemnations of the Executive and the National Assembly over the reduction of a proposed N31 billion to N10 billion in the 2017 budget and the failure of a proposed virement before the presentation of the 2018 budget proposals.

    Adeola was quoted to have said that with the President’s presentation of the 2018 budget, “the issue of virement is now in abeyance with the issue still trapped in legislative process of the National Assembly”.

    He added: “Following the President’s presentation of the 2018 budget proposal, our focus is now on how to appropriate funds for the Lagos-Ibadan express dual carriageway as the virement requested by the Executive as well as supplementary budget suggested by some of us did not see the light of day with the year almost gone.”

    The senator expressed happiness that the 2018 budget proposal under consideration made ample provisions for the expressway, which serves as a major road network for economic activities in Nigeria.

    He added that efforts would be made to ensure that the provisions are passed and strict implementation enforced for the completion of the project.

    Aseola said: “In all, N20.5 billion was made for the dual carriageway in the 2018 proposal. For Section 1 of the project, N9 billion was proposed while Section 2 of the project has N11.5 billion. We will consider an increase, if possible, in view of debt from unpaid completion certificates already executed on the two sections to see contractors back to site and working fully early next year.”

  • No crack in Buhari support groups, says senator

    National Committee for Buhari Support Groups’ Coordinator Senator Abu Ibrahim has dismissed insinuation of a crack in the groups.

    Senator Ibrahim (Katsina South) described as “insulting” the allusion that his committee was going round collecting money from governors.

    He noted that the aim of his committee was to stimulate Buhari support groups for a common purpose as was the case before the 2015 general elections.

    Ibrahim, who is also chairman, Senate Committee on Police Affairs, said there were over 198 groups that worked for President Buhari before 2015 elections out of which about 23 had national spread.

    He said the talk of a crack was the handiwork of political jobbers, who wanted to create a non-existent crack.

    Insisting that there is nothing like crack in his group, the four time senator noted that the group condemning them is affiliated with the All Progressives Congress (APC) while they are not.

    On the allegation that the support group was moving round collecting money from governors, he noted that apart from Katsina Governor, Aminu Masari, who assisted them, the group has not received a dime from any other governor in the country.

    He said: “It is insulting to claim that I went out to collect money. I am a fourth time senator and I am too big to go round and be asking for money. It was only one governor who assisted us and that is Bello Masari of Katsina State.

    “When he saw what we were doing, he assisted us. That is the only person I know who gave us donations. If there is any governor who gave us money, let him speak up.

    On the report that he has been tipped as a minister, Ibrahim said nobody has told him of his nomination as a minister.

    He, however, added that every senator and member of House of Representatives is qualified to be minister “but nobody has told me anything”.

     

  • NDDC: A senator’s ignorance

    NDDC: A senator’s ignorance

    A senator should not commit an irony of ignorance before the law. That was the unholy example of Senator Emmanuel Paulker. Wrapped up with the politics of succession, he did not understand the meaning of cessation. Hence, he called for the Federal Government to dissolve the NDDC board on the grounds that it was a continuation of the Henshaw era.

    The law, as the attorney general explained it, shows that continuation can continue only on the grounds of bankruptcy, suspension, conviction, unsound mind, misconduct and resignation. None of these infect the new board with Ndoma Egba and Nsima Ekere.

    In his controversial novel, Satanic Verses, Salman Rushdie started with the lines: “To be born again, first you have to die.” So true. Senator Paulker thought the Ndoma Egba and Nsima Ekere board was born again, and a continuation of a former life. Hence, he has failed to distinguish between succession and cessation. When a board is constituted, according to the NDDC Act, it has fresh blood, fresh persons and fresh tenure, as it is now. Attorney General Malami got it right when he noted that, “there has to be fresh composition of the board for a fresh term of four years.” That is what it is with the new board, and Senator Paulker can only be urged to exercise patience until the next tenure. It is what we call a fait accompli.

    The good Lord said, “except a corn of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it abides alone. When it dies, it brings forth much fruit.” The present board is a corn that abides alone because it is not time for it to fall. When its four years run their course, the corn can fall and yield another tenure that Senator Paulker is pining for. Patience, brother Paulker. And knowledge to understand that to succeed and to cease have to be well-defined. Senator Paulker, can we now have a cessation of hostilities?