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Tag: Tambuwal

  • Tambuwal on constituency projects

    The National Assembly resumed last week from recess hopefully rejuvenated for another round of legislative duties. At the lower house, otherwise known as the House of Representatives, the first legislative session took off with the Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal warmly welcoming his colleagues. In his address, Tambuwal spoke on the controversies over the so called constituency projects, among other issues. He took a swipe at those who claim that he and his colleagues are trespassing into executive functions through constituency projects. Looking into the cameras he claimed that members merely influence the citing of projects in their constituencies, and have no hand in the choice of contractors or similar mundane matters.

    Tambuwal must have used the break to refresh himself on the constitutional responsibilities of the legislature, particularly in a presidential democracy. My guess is that after refreshing himself with the provisions of sections 4 and 80 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, he may have come to the realisation that it amounts to folly and a constitutional aberration for legislators to also seek to appropriate sections 5 and 81 of the constitution to their loaded responsibilities. Section 4(1) vests the legislative powers of the federation in the National Assembly, while sub-section 2 deals with the gamut of the powers which is: “to make laws for the peace, order and good government of the Federation or any part thereof with respect to any matter included in the Exclusive Legislative list….”

    From the idiosyncrasies of our young democracy, and obviously in furtherance of section 4, it is section 80 that provides the bedlam upon which most of our national crises oscillates – it deals with the sharing of the almighty consolidated revenue fund of the federation. Subsections 2, 3 and 4, of that section are instructive in this endeavour. In summary they provide that no expenditure from any money of the federation or the consolidated revenue fund can be shared unless authorised by the constitution or an act of the National Assembly. So except monies due to the judiciary and other special agencies, that should be paid directly to them – observed mostly in the breach; Tambuwal and his colleagues at the two chambers have the powers to legislate on how to share the rest. The charge from members of the public which the Speaker was trying to deny at the first plenary of the House is that, they have not illegally appropriated the executive powers provided in sections 5 and 81 to their own powers in breach of the constitution.

    Section 5(1)(b) provides that: “the executive powers of the Federation – shall extend to the execution and maintenance of this constitution, all laws made by the National Assembly and to all matters with respect to which the National Assembly has for the time being power to make laws”. On its part, section 81 (1) and (2) in summary authorizes the President to prepare and lay before the National Assembly the revenues and expenditure of the Federation; and to include the heads of expenditure in a bill, and the sums to meet that expenditure from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, which he will then present before a joint sitting of the National Assembly for legislative action. From the foregoing, it is clear that our presidential democracy is structured to avoid the concentration of two very important key powers over the sharing of national resources in one institution.

    The charge against the members of the National Assembly is that they usually add their own heads of expenditure to that provided in the bill presented by the executive, determine the sums to meet those expenditure (these are executive powers), and then authorise through an appropriation act those heads of expenditure that they have added (legislative powers). The worse of the charges is that they execute the laws they have made for their own benefit, (tagged constituency projects) by determining the contractors who will execute the projects, force the executive to disburse the monies, otherwise, they risk a breach of the appropriation act which they made, and then going back to their legislative responsibility, they provide the oversight functions over those expenditures as provided by Section 88 of the constitution. Now the combination of these disparate functions in a presidential democracy is clearly incongruous and must have informed the spirited efforts by the Speaker to exculpate his colleagues from the charge; for if they are culpable as many believe, then the democratic project may be charged as dubious.

    No doubt it is reassuring that Tambuwal has denied these charges of unconstitutional conducts proffered against his colleagues at the two chambers; even if many Nigerians believe it was mere propaganda. I prefer that Nigerians give him benefit of doubt in this matter. After all who is sure that the speaker has not come to a new understanding of the constitution? Or if they had knowingly been acting against the constitution, is it not possible that they are now determined to act in the overall interest of the law? The Speaker and hopefully his colleagues may have realised that a combination of these two powers could derail our democracy and are determined to make amends.

    The other matter to which the National Assembly must come to terms with is the issue of their salaries and allowances. They must urgently re-read and imbibe the provisions of Section 70 of the constitution. That section provides unequivocally that: “a member of the Senate or the House of Representative shall receive such salary and other allowances as the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission may determine”. Indeed any other money they receive not determined by the Commission amounts to stealing.

  • Eulogies as Jonathan, Tambuwal, governors, Senator Tinubu, others bid Oluwole Awolowo farewell

    Eulogies as Jonathan, Tambuwal, governors, Senator Tinubu, others bid Oluwole Awolowo farewell

    Evangelist Oluwole Awolowo, son of the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, was laid to rest in his Ikenne hometown, Ogun State yesterday amid a deluge of tributes.

    Before a crowd of relatives, friends, eminent Nigerians and other sympathisers, President Goodluck Jonathan described the deceased the late publisher of the Nigerian Tribune as a man of honour, fairness, simplicity, philanthropy and service.

    Represented by the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, the President eulogised the deceased for not taking advantage of his family background for self aggrandizement.

    Nigeria, he stressed,will continue to cry for men of vision and principle like Wole “who will stand on the platform of fairness to the entire federation, platform of service with integrity, platform of believe in the greater Nigeria.

    “I share the sentiment that it is not easy for the children of great men to rise to the occasion and carve a separate image and recognition for themselves. I can say, as the President of this republic, that I cherish the good ideals of Chief Oluwole Awolowo and his good examples of not using his family name and tradition for self aggrandizement.

    “Throughout his life, in spite of the privileges that the family name could have opened doors in the corridors of power, he maintained a healthy relationship that is based on honour, on the family tradition and indeed on the principles that this family has taught Nigerians, those principles are embedded in the motto of Tribune, which is truth, courage and fairness.

    “If you look at Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s political history, one thing that made him out as a sage in our country wasn’t the offices he held but that he was always led by honour; he was always led by the truth; and he was always led by what he spread in the Nigeria federation.

    “Sometimes he suffered greatly for his principles, but he remained undaunted. This nation remains grateful to his tradition and what he has done to help this nation. We thank him for what he has done for this country.”

    In a separate tribute, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, said although the late Oluwole Awolowo was born into a great family which ordinarily should have made him carry on like lords, he chose a life of humility all through.

    Tambuwal said the lesson the nation should learn from the life of the deceased is that of philanthropy, simplicity and life of service to humanity.”

    On his part, Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State said : ”Today, we should be rejoicing except for one reason, and that is because Mama is still alive here with us. It is not easy to be a son or daughter of the late sage, Awolowo.

    “Awolowo is awesome; a colossus. And Uncle Wole did very well and achieved so much. The few times I met with him, I know he was a good man, very humble.

    “I want you to take solace in the fact that Uncle Wole did very well not only as a parliamentarian, he did well at the Lagos State House of Assembly. This is a lesson for us: whatever we do, people will talk about it. It is not about how long but how well.”

    Mr. Kolapo Ogunsanwo, who spoke on behalf of friends of the deceased, hailed him as a dogged fighter, who bore the burden of being an Awo’s son, saying it was an unfair challenge to face and contend with.

    Ogunsanwo cited moves by the late military ruler, Gen. Sani Abacha in 1994 to seduce Oluwole with lucrative business offers such as oil blocks, contracts and federal appointments, all of which he turned down.

    Oluwole’s final journey home began at 10:55 am when the bell of Our Saviour Church, Anglican Communion, Ikenne, tolled and his remains, encased in a silver casket, was wheeled into the auditorium by six pall bearers in response to a clergy’s call for the body to be received and committed into the hands of God.

    In his sermon at the funeral service, the Anglican Bishop of Remo Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Olusina Fape, advised Christians to live a productive life for the benefit of humanity and society.

    The Bishop said: ”There are so many Christians today, but they are not fruit-bearing ones.Unfortunately, today, many Christians are morally bankrupt, reckless and they have nothing to show for being identified as Christians.

    “Unfortunately, Christians are adding more to the problems of our nation today. Are there Christian contractors in the nation today handling some of our road constructions? Then why are our roads becoming death traps?

    “Are there Christian legislators in the country today saddled with the responsibility of making laws that will lighten the burden of the poor masses? Why are the people groaning?

    “Are there Christian politicians in this country today who are using politics to enrich themselves?

    “In the present political dispensation, politics has become a tool for personal enrichment as against a tool for serving humanity. Insincerity is the bane of this country. If God could only open our eyes as we are seated here today and help us to see what we conceal within us, people will run from some people and they will not stay close to them.

    “In Nigeria, how many people who are here today sincerely believe that Wole is worth celebrating? How many people?

    “Those who have destroyed our economy and turned politics to a theatre and arena of blood-letting will suddenly become heroes at death. Those who have instituted corruption and fuel terrorism and political crises are the ones that will want to be celebrated as the best head of state Nigeria has ever produced. Which way, Nigeria?”

    Service over, the coffin was lowered into the grave at 1:30 pm at the church cemetery.

    Younger sister of the deceased, Dr. Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu, expressed gratitude to President Jonathan and Governor Amosun for their support. She also asked Nigerians, particularly clergymen, to intercede to put an end to “untimely death in Awolowo family.”

    She recalled that Oluwole died exactly two weeks to the anniversary of the death of their sister, Mrs. Ayo Soyode.

    Oluwole, until his death at Wellington Hospital, St. Johnswood, London, was the Publisher/Vice Chairman, African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc, (publishers of Tribune titles). He was aged 70.

    At the graveside, his eldest daughter, Yejide, broke down in tears as she performed the dust-to-dust and ash-to-ash rite.

    Dr. Awolowo-Dosunmu, commended Yejide for the effort she made to ensure the recovery of the deceased from his ailment.

    She recalled an occasion when Yejide had to travel to Kano to purchase a medical equipment required for a surgery on her father but the surgery never took place.

    In her tribute, Yejide said of her father: ”You have left us too soon and words cannot express the vacuum your absence has created in our hearts… to me, you were my father, my mother, my friend, counsellor, chaperon and mentor. We had a special relationship which I will miss and cannot find with any other.”

    About 50 priests were at the funeral.

    Prominent traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okuade Sijuwade, sent their staff of office to the ceremony.

    Also present were Governors Babatunde Fashola (Lagos); Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta); Rauf Aregbesola (Osun) and Segun Mimiko (Ondo); Senator Oluremi Tinubu; wife of the Ogun State governor, Olufunso Amosun; former Ogun State governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba; Engr. Segun Oni; former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel; former Inspector General of Police, Mr Musiliu Smith; former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; Mr.Idowu Sofola (SAN); and publisher of ThisDay and Chairman, Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria(NPAN), Prince Nduka Obaigbena.

    The Presidential delegation led by Maku comprised Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru; Minister of State (FCT), Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide; Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati and Special Adviser to the President on Research and Strategy, Mr. Oronto Douglas.

  • 2015: Jonathan, Tambuwal in cold war

    2015: Jonathan, Tambuwal in cold war

    • Speaker shuns presidential fleet

     • IBB’s advice to seek ‘higher office’ unsettles presidency  

     • Okupe:It’s a free world

     

    The Presidency is poised for war with Speaker Aminu Tambuwal of the House of Representatives over what it perceives as his interest in the 2015 presidential race.

    The seat of power is said to have been ‘provoked’ by the public encouragement given the Speaker by former military ruler, General Ibrahim Babangida, in Lagos penultimate Saturday, to take a shot at the presidency.

    Babangida, speaking at the Vanguard Man of the Year Awards Nite in Lagos had said: “When leaders like Tambuwal deliver on their electoral promises, we advise them to try something higher. For Tambuwal, your guess is as good as mine. Well done.”

    Tambuwal was a guest at the event.

    The Presidency, sources said, is also uncomfortable with the high level of confidence enjoyed by Tambuwal with the opposition that does not see face to face with the ruling PDP (to which President Jonathan and Tambuwal belong).

    Similarly, intelligence reports suggest that Tambuwal’s comments on national issues are in tandem with those of the opposition.

    Although the Presidency and the Tambuwal-led House of Representatives have been locked in a long –standing face off over budget matters, his alleged interest in the 2015 presidential race appears to have turned him into ‘Enemy N0 1’ in the villa. Some security agencies, it was gathered, have already put him under surveillance.

    This, sources disclosed has forced the Speaker to adopt a ‘discreet approach” in his movement and activities.

    The strain in the relationship between him and the Presidency has now been fuelled by Gen. Babangida’s comment that he deserves to seek a higher position in the polity.

    According to investigation by our correspondent, loyalists of the President have, in the last one year, picked Tambuwal as a potential threat to the second term ambition in 2015 even when there was no concrete evidence to show that he was interested in the race.

    Sources said that Jonathan had twice taunted Tambuwal to know his mindset on 2015 but on both occasions, the Speaker merely smiled and waved it off.

    A highly-placed source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The Presidency is uncomfortable with Tambuwal because of what it terms his anti-government attitude. Besides the uncompromising oversight of the House on 2012 and 2013 budgets, the presidency sees the Speaker as working for the opposition.

    “The advice of Babangida to Tambuwal to go for a “higher office” has unsettled Jonathan and his strategists on the 2015 agenda. The general interpretation is that Tambuwal might be the candidate of the North against Jonathan.

    “In fact, barely 24 hours after Babangida’s suggestion, two northern governors called Tambuwal to know whether he would seek the presidential ticket on the platform of a party other than the PDP. But the Speaker was just laughing.”

    Asked why Tambuwal was non-committal to the governors, the source added: “The Speaker felt the fear of the unknown about 2015 in the Presidency has been recurring. There has been some drama of suspicion, twice, on 2015 between the President and Tambuwal. For instance, during one of the consultative sessions with the National Assembly leaders on 2013 budget at the Presidential Villa, the President drew the President of the Senate, David Mark, closer to himself on the sofa by saying, ‘after all, we are together in the same party.’ The import was not lost to Tambuwal.

    “Also during the inauguration of the Eko Atlantic City Project in Lagos, Tambuwal was on hand in Lagos, among other guests, to welcome Jonathan. Upon sighting Jonathan, Tambuwal jokingly said: “Your Excellency, you can see that I came early enough to receive you’, but the President simply told the Speaker, ‘You came as the presidential candidate of ACN.’

    “Yet, the Speaker has not shown interest in the presidential race. He is still preoccupied with the mandate given to him to lead the House.”

    Investigation showed that another reason the presidency is suspicious of Tambuwal was his remarks on Monday in Abuja that government should be cautious in granting pardon to those who have committed economic and financial crimes.

    Another source added: “The government regarded Tambuwal’s position as a way of distancing himself from the decision of the National Council of State on ex-Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha. The Presidency was hurt that Tambuwal did not oppose the pardon at the Council of State session.

    “The Speaker’s position also rubbishes security brief that Alamieyeseigha enjoys the backing of Tambuwal. Prior to Tambuwal’s warning, he was sighted at a highbrow hotel on Victoria Island in Lagos with Alamieyeseigha having a breakfast session.

    “Actually, Tambuwal was eating alone before Alamieyeseigha tapped him and joined the table for some talks. A South-South governor also teamed up with the duo.

    “Alamieyeseigha and some government officials at the hotel left the table confident that there could be a friend in Tambuwal. But on Monday, Tambuwal lambasted the Presidency on amnesty for corrupt elements. This twist shocked many in the Presidency.”

    On the security surveillance on him, a source said: “The Speaker knows he is under surveillance, especially on 2015 poll which is not yet on his political card. But he is trying to be careful to avoid being framed up.

    “Well, like most public officials now, Tambuwal is hardly using his phone and he runs an unscheduled itinerary known to himself alone.

    “The Speaker also does not use any aircraft in the presidential fleet despite his tight commitments nationwide. He is now more open to some PDP leaders like Chief Tony Anenih and two to three ministers to enable them understand his person. He has told these people that he is not undermining the government or working against President Jonathan.”

    The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, however denied any cold war between his principal and Tambuwal.

    Contacted last night, Okupe said: “I am not aware of any cold war between the President and the Speaker. My belief is that there is very obvious separation of powers and activities between the Executive and the Legislature.

    “In terms of bills, there are areas of disagreement when the Executive do send them to the Legislature which do not amount to cold war.” On the recommendation of Tambuwal for a higher office by ex-President Babangida, Okupe said: “Why should the presidency be jittery? If ex-President Babangida recommended the Speaker for a higher office, there are other offices along the ladder. It could be President of the Senate, it could be Vice-President. It does not mean the President of Nigeria.

    “Even if he recommended him for the Presidency of Nigeria, it does not call for being jittery. It is a very free world.”

  • President, Nigerian Institute of Management visits Tambuwal

    President, Nigerian Institute of Management visits Tambuwal

  • Southwest PDP denies plotting Tambuwal, Onwe’s removal

    The Southwest chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned a report about purported moves by the party to remove House Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and the Acting National Secretary Onwe S. Onwe.

    In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Waheed Lawal, the party described the report as “fabricated and misleading”.

    The statement reads in part: “We are constrained to express disgust at reports making the round in a section of the media which suggest that members of the party in the Southwest zone at a reconciliatory parley held in Ibadan had resolved to remove Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and acting National Secretary, Onwe S. Onwe.”

    Lawal said such deliberations did not form part of the interactions with party leaders and stakeholders at the meeting.

    “The report is disturbing and everything a fair report should not be. For the avoidance of doubt, the main agenda for the meeting was how to reconcile aggrieved members in order to strengthen and reposition the party in the Southwest. We wish to note with gladness that tremendous success was recorded in the reconciliatory efforts during the National Chairman’s visit.

    “We wish to reiterate that the report is nothing but the imagination of its author as the party cannot engage in self-immolation by working against the interest of its patriotic members who are occupying exalted political offices in Nigeria. We hold Speaker Tambuwal and Onwe in high esteem, and we therefore urge the public and our teeming members to disregard the misleading report because it did represent neither the deliberations nor outcome of the meeting.”

     

  • Tambuwal to swear in Rep

    Tambuwal to swear in Rep

    Embattled former president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Tony Nwoye, may be sworn in today as member representing Anambra East/West Federal constituency of Anambra State in the House of Representatives, it was learnt yesterday.

    According to a source, Speaker Aminu Tambuwal has promised to ensure justice by heeding judicial advice hinged on court pronouncements.

    But the incumbent member, Chriscato Ameke has described the development as impossible, saying that being a pre-election matter, it has to be decided by the Supreme Court.

    The source said the Speaker’s decision was based on the findings of an independent panel he set up as well as the advice of the Clerk of the National Assembly, Alhaji Salisu Kasuwa and the Head of Litigation and Counselling, Mr. Saleh Abubakar.

    “I can confirm to you that Dr. Tony Nwoye will be sworn in on Tuesday (today) by the Speaker. You know, the Speaker is a lawyer and he has studied the contents of all the judgements and has concluded that he will swear in Nwoye today.

    “In fact, Mr. Speaker has promised that in compliance with the House Legislative Agenda, which preaches rule of law, he cannot be party to a travesty of justice,” he said.

     

  • S/West PDP denies plotting Tambuwal, Onwe’s removal

    S/West PDP denies plotting Tambuwal, Onwe’s removal

    The South-west chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned a report in a section of the media about purported moves by the party to remove the Speaker of House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal and the Acting National Secretary, Rt. Hon. Onwe S. Onwe, from office.

    In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Waheed Lawal, the party described the report as “fabricated and misleading.”

    The statement reads in part: “We are constrained to express disgust at reports making the round in a section of the Nigerian media which suggest that members of the party in the South-west geographical zone at a reconciliatory parley held in Ibadan had resolved to remove Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and acting National Secretary, Rt. Hon. Onwe S. Onwe.”

    Lawal said such deliberations did not form part of the interactions with party leaders and stakeholders at the meeting.

    “The report is disturbing and everything a fair report should not be. For the avoidance of doubt, the main agenda for the meeting was how to reconcile aggrieved members of the party in order to strengthen and reposition the party in the South-west. We wish to note with gladness that tremendous success was recorded in the reconciliatory efforts during the National Chairman’s visit.”

     

  • S/West PDP in fresh bid to oust Tambuwal

    S/West PDP in fresh bid to oust Tambuwal

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Southwest has launched a fresh move to unseat Mallam Aminu Tambuwal as Speaker of the House of Representatives and Mr. Solomon Onwe as acting national secretary of the party.

    The Southwest PDP wants the two positions restored to the geo-political zone to redress what it calls undue marginalisation in the country’s leadership structure.

    Stakeholders of the party in the region believe that the party’s chances in the 2015 elections will depend largely on its own occupying the two positions.

    Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, the PDP National Secretary, was eased out in the festering intra-party crisis. The national leadership of the party, however, said Oyinlola’s removal was in compliance with a court decision.

    The Southwest PDP also lost the slot of speaker to Tambuwal from the Northwest on account of the Southwest’s inability to agree on a common candidate.

    They unanimously agreed that there is need for the position of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and general -secretary of the PDP to be occupied by South-westerners if the party’s quest for a good showing in the region during the 2015 general election is to be realised.

    The Nation gathered that party leaders and stakeholders told the PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, at a meeting in Ibadan that unless the Speaker’s position is returned to the Southwest, the cry of marginalisation by the people of the region will not stop. The leaders said as politicians, they are expected to support the aspiration of the people and as such, it has become important to address the issue of alleged marginalisation of the region.

    Tukur was in Ibadan to resolve the crisis which has torn the party into shreds in the geo-political zone.

    The reconciliatory move, however, hit the rock following the boycott of the meeting by Segun Oni, the sacked Deputy National Chairman of the party.

    Tukur, according to sources at the meeting, appealed to the PDP Southwest leaders to be patient and allow the party to address what he admitted was lopsidedness in the distribution of political offices by the ruling party.

    One PDP leader in the zone said:”Yes, we are in a position to push for the redistribution of political offices. Specifically, we want the position of the Speaker and that of the party secretary to be given to us in the Southwest. It doesn’t matter that some people currently occupy the positions. The party’s zoning principle gave them to us and so they should be ours.

    “If we must tell our people to look in the way of the PDP again, we must be able to tell them the party respects and desires them. If the people feel they are not wanted by the party, it will be difficult to tell them about the party.

    “From the presidency to the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, that is about ten top positions in the country, no Yoruba is there. We can feel it that the anger of our people against the party is just because of that. We are determined to push for redistribution in line with the constitution of the party.

    “Initially we wanted the issue raised publicly at the reception but the leaders prevailed on us to allow for a private discussion of the matter given how sensitive it is. That was why a brief parley followed the reception same day.”

    The complaint, which was to be formally presented to Tukur at a reception held in his honour at Premier Hotel on Friday night, had to be dropped by those delegated to speak for the zone.

    However, former governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Agagu in his own submission at the reception, harped on the need for the PDP to respect its constitution and promote equality and fairness among its members if it intends to continue to do well as a political party in the country.

    “There is too much arbitrariness in our party. There are too many people claiming leadership positions. The earlier we found a solution, the better for us,” he said.

    Other party chieftains at the deliberations, according to our sources, include former Ekiti State governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, Erelu Olusola Obada, Senator Teslim Folarin and Chief Buruji Kashamu.

  • Tambuwal, Fayemi seek global efforts on insecurity in Africa

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal and Ekiti State Governor,’ Dr Kayode Fayemi, have drawn global attention to insecurity in some parts of Africa.

    They said tackling insecurity in the continent requires urgent intervention of world leaders.

    Tambuwal and Fayemi spoke in Brussels, Belgium at the weekend during the opening session of the Crans Montana forum with the theme: “The impact of Sahelo-Saharan crisis on African security, economy and political stability.”

    Tambuwal, who chaired the session, observed that the crises in the Sahelian region of Mali, Cote d’Ivoire, Libya and Sudan as well as Boko Haram in Nigeria required global efforts to address instead of reducing them to problems for the affected countries.

    He commended the organisers of the forum for “providing a platform where people from across the world come together to discuss how to make Africa a better place to live.”

    The Speaker said: “Being the emerging economy that we all agree that it is, the security upheavals in Africa, especially the Sahelian region, have to be addressed. We have to discuss and proffer solutions to the problem.”

    Fayemi, who was one of the main speakers at the forum, spoke on the Boko Haram perspective to insecurity in parts of northern Nigeria.

    For Nigeria, Fayemi noted that the Boko Haram menace gained momentum because the government had not demonstrated the seriousness to identify and penalise suspects to serve as a deterrent.

    Fayemi identified the three strands of Boko Haram, which he described as economic Boko Haram, political Boko Haram and religious Boko Haram.

    The governor claimed that out of the three, the economic Boko Haram was more devastating because lack of economic opportunities had made it possible for those with political and religious agenda to exploit an army of idle hands to recruit for their selfish intentions.

    The governor said: “To find solutions, therefore, there has to be a holistic and international response.”

     

  • Jonathan, Mark, Tambuwal to meet over budget row

    Jonathan, Mark, Tambuwal to meet over budget row

    The row over Budget 2013 persisted yesterday.

    Worried by the four conditions given to the Executive by the National Assembly, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday invited principal officers of the Senate and the House of Representatives for talks.

    The session might also touch on the proposed amendments to the 1999 Constitution for which the executive is finalising its proposals, it was learnt.

    In readiness for the talks, the principal officers of the House met for two hours yesterday in Abuja.

    As the National Assembly leaders were getting set for the meeting, there was tension following alleged plans by Minister of Finance Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to speak on the budget row on Thursday.

    The Assembly leaders vowed to “retaliate”, if Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala attacks them at the proposed briefing.

    After persuasion by Senate President David Mark, the President had last week assented to the 2013 budget with a caveat.

    The budget comprises N2.3 trillion recurrent non-debt expenditure; N1.6 trillion for contribution to the development fund for capital expenditure; N387.9 billion statutory transfers; N591.7 billion for debt service; and a $79 a barrel benchmark.

    In spite of the signing of the instrument, the Executive and the National Assembly have not agreed on four key areas.

    The areas of disagreement are:

    •no-access by the Executive to the budgetary allocations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) until its Director-General, Ms Arunma Oteh, is removed;

    •extension of the lifespan of the 2012 Capital Budget to April;

    •2013 budget benchmark to remain at $79 per barrel; and

    •mandatory quarterly briefing of the National Assembly by Dr. Okonjo-Iweala on the budget’s implementation.