The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Yakubu Dogara

  • Breaking: Buhari, Saraki, Dogara in a meeting over Benue killings

    Breaking: Buhari, Saraki, Dogara in a meeting over Benue killings

    President Mohammodu Buhari, Senate President, Bukola Saraki; and Speaker House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara are currently in an ongoing meeting over the security situation in Benue, Taraba State and other parts of the country.

    The meeting called by President Buhari is being held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja to brief the National Assembly on efforts put in place by the Federal Government to stop the recent killings recorded in some States across the country.

     

    Details later…

  • Maryam Abacha regains groove

    Maryam Abacha regains groove

    Time often plays a fast one on the heroines of every age. In the blink of an eye, an icon of high society is swept aside only for her to make few and far between cameos at high octane events.

    This appears to have been the fate of former First Lady, Maryam Abacha.

    In her heyday, she was everywhere launching programmes and foundations, playing the host at exquisite events or acting as an esteemed guest of honour at functions. In those days, she could shape or change policies with mere verbal pronouncements.

    All that had changed with the death of her husband and former head of state, Gen. Sani Abacha, who gave up the ghost in mysterious circumstances while he held sway as the nation’s military dictator. His death forced Maryam to lie low as she was shunned by those who once queued up for the crumbs that fell from her table.

    The former first lady has however regained some of her former glories in recent times. She has been spotted at a few high profile shindigs exuding the poise and confidence of a matriarch of high society. One of them was the recent birthday party of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, where she shone brightly in the midst of some of her children who accompanied her to the occasion.

  • Agbakoba: Why 2018 appropriation bill is unconstitutional

    Agbakoba: Why 2018 appropriation bill is unconstitutional

    A former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) today said the Executive has not fully complied with constitutional provisions in preparing this year’s Appropriation Bill with regards to the Judiciary.

    He said he would initiate legal proceedings and pray the court to set aside the 2018 budget if the right thing is not done within seven days.

    Agbakoba, in January 3 letters to Senate President Bukola Saraki and House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara, noted that President Muhammadu Buhari has laid the 2018 Appropriation Bill before the National Assembly and discussions are ongoing on the estimates.

    He said sections 81 to 84 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) set out the procedure for preparing the Appropriation Bill, but that it was not complied with as far the Judiciary is concerned.

    “The Constitution requests each arm of government (the Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary) to lay before the National Assembly its estimates of revenue and expenditure for each financial year, after which it is appropriated, harmonised as a Bill and presented to the President for his assent.

    “Unfortunately, the Executive has failed to comply with this procedure by laying before the National Assembly estimates of revenues and expenditure for the Judiciary.

    “This is in spite of a subsisting Federal High Court decision in Olisa Agbakoba vs. Attorney-General of the Federation & Others, with suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/63/2013 that has declared this practice unconstitutional,” Agbakoba said.

    The frontline human rights activist urged the National Assembly to draw the Executive’s attention to the Federal High Court’s decision.

    He urged the National Assembly to send a request to the National Judicial Council (NJC) to lay before it the Judiciary’s estimates of revenue and expenditure for 2018.

    Agbakoba said the Executive should be made to represent its estimates for 2018.

    “We are unaware if the National Assembly has laid it budget estimates. But, please note that if after seven days the constitutional procedure is not complied with, we shall have no choice but to initiate legal proceedings to enforce the decision of the Federal High Court and set aside the 2018 Appropriation Bill,” Agbakoba said.

  • Timi Frank hails Dogara at 50

    Timi Frank hails Dogara at 50

    Comrade Timi Frank of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has joined millions of Nigerians to felicitate with Hon Yakubu Dogara, Speaker of the House of Representatives, as he celebrates his 50th birthday.

    The APC Chieftain in his congratulatory message made available to newsmen described the 14th Speaker as a torchbearer for the younger generations.

    Comrade Frank who in a birthday wish, said he is proud of the legislative savviness and dynamism of the Speaker also said that the Dogara is a comrade whose “intelligence, humility, hard work, honesty and integrity” have succeeded in chatting new course for the Green Chambers.

    While also describing Honourable Dogara as the “Peoples’ speaker,” comrade Frank said the speaker has justified the confidence Nigerians reposed in him by piloting the affairs of the House in such a way that the hope of democracy in Nigeria is even made stronger.

    According to him, “I am greatly excited to join millions of your friends and well-wishers to shout 5o Gbosas to a comrade and the People’s speaker! As a torchbearer for the younger generation in the present political dispensation, you have honourably justified the confidence reposed in you by piloting the affairs of the Green Chambers credibility.
    I am proud of your legislative savviness and dynamism. I am proud of your intelligence, humility, hard work, honesty and integrity. I celebrate the grace of God upon your life.
    In you and your likes lies the hope of our democracy.
    At 50, your achievements and stabilizing role as a great administrator and an excellent lawmaker makes me pray to have you around in the next 50 years and more.”

  • Dogara urges Nigerians to assist less privileged

    Dogara urges Nigerians to assist less privileged

    Mr Yakubu Dogara, the Speaker of House of Representatives, on Tuesday called on prominent Nigerians to always assist the less privileged to make the society a better place.

    Dogara made the call when he donated some items to 19 charity homes in Abuja as part of activities to mark his 50 years birthday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the items included food items, toiletries, mattresses and clothing.

    Dogara, who was at the Treasure Orphanages Foundation, Karu, to present some of the items, said that his donation to charity homes was a way of giving back to the society.

    The Speaker urged children at orphanage homes to remain focused and be disciplined in their efforts to attain greatness in life.

    “Don’t dwell much on the circumstances you have found yourselves, not being with your immediate families, but always look up to God.

    “Each person has particular gift deposited in him by God. Many didn’t have much, but achieved a lot, so stay focused and always be disciplined,” Dogara said.

    Earlier, Mrs Sarah John, the founder of Treasure Orphanages Foundation, solicited for a legislative framework that would enable orphans to have free access to health.

    John said that said that the Speaker’s donations would improve the living standard of the orphans.

    “While appreciating this gesture, may I appeal to other well meaning Nigerians to always come to our assistance, particularly to meet the educational needs of the children,” she said.

  • Bill to regulate bank charges passes second reading

    Bill to regulate bank charges passes second reading

    A bill for an Act to amend the Banks and other Financial Institutions Act has passed second reading in the House of Representatives.

    The amendment seeks to mandate banks and other financial institution in Nigeria to state in writing, all charges and fees accruing to any transactions in the banks.

    The bill which was sponsored by Rep. Jones Onyereri ( Imo-PDP ) also seeks to increase penalties to deter corporate and individual misconduct.

    Leading the debate, Onyereri said the bill seeks to amend the banking Act and to among other things, regulate banks and other financial institutions.

    The legislator said in line with the current economic realities, there was a need to deter incessant contravention of banking laws.

    He said that the bill, when amended will prohibit carrying on of such businesses in the country and streamline the operations of banks and financial institutions in Nigeria to conform with international best practices.

    Rep. Daniel Reyenieju (Delta-PDP) said that there are many victims of arbitrary charges and that there was need for banks and financial institutions to be transparent.

    Reyenieju acknowledged that the banks were out to make profits but stressed that the process most be open for the customer to know.

    In his ruling, the Speaker Yakubu Dogara referred the bill to the House Committee on Banking and Currency for further legislative actions.

    NAN

  • NASS to support local government autonomy

    NASS to support local government autonomy

    Speaker House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, on Tuesday in Abuja said the National Assembly was committed to ensuring that local government administration in the country got autonomy.

    He made this known at the Retreat of the Secretary to Government of the Federation ( SGF ) and Secretaries to State Governments ( SSGs ).

    Represented Chief Whip of the House, Mr Ado Doguwa, he spoke on “Local Government Autonomy: Imperative for Sustainable Grassroots Development’’, said autonomy was the right for local governments to operate independently.

    He said that autonomy for the councils was essential for development to get to the grassroots.

    “As long as we want development to get to the door-step of our people, the autonomy is necessary.

    “This is the institutional position of the national assembly in line with the provisions of the law.

    “The national assembly will continue to remain resolute to ensure that local government autonomy is achieved in Nigeria.

    “We will continue to take advantage of the legislative right given to us to ensure that local government autonomy is realised.

    “The local government chairmen are in bondage inflicted on them by the governors and this bondage must be released to ensure development at the grassroots level,’’ he said.

    According to the speaker, the state governments abuse the Constitution in relation to the Joint Account, which they are meant to be mere trustees and not beneficiaries.

    Read also: How local government can get autonomy, by Oyo Speaker

    He explained that state governments took over the joint account meant for the state and the local government.

    “The state government which are believed to be mature must be seen to be doing exactly what the Constitution has stipulated in relation to the joint account.

    “If this is not done, the right thing will not be achieved.’’

    Dogara commended the SGF, Mr Boss Mustapha, for resuscitating the retreat.

    Earlier, Mr Ibrahim Khaleed, President, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees ( NULGE ), had said that rural-urban migration would greatly be addressed through the actualisation of local government autonomy.

    Khaleed added that local government was a critical tier in government, and that some constitutional reforms must be made to bridge the gap between the government and the people.

    According to him, the local government system in Nigeria has been destroyed and the essence of local government establishment is not achieved.

    “Local government was established to bring development to the citizens at the local area, but the system has completely been bastardised and the essence of its establishment has not been achieved.

    “We are advocating for autonomy not because of increase in wages or welfare for staff but to make sure we contribute our quota in national development.

    “The local government system in the United States of America is one of the best and it is independent,’’ Khaleed said.

    NAN

  • House to investigate alleged corruption against suspended SEC boss

    House to investigate alleged corruption against suspended SEC boss

    The House of Representatives on Tuesday resolved to probe alleged corruption in Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which led to suspension of its Director-General, Mr Munir Gwazo by Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun.

    To this end, the House asked the parties in the matter to maintain status quo, pending the outcome of the investigation.

    The resolution followed a motion under Matters of Urgent Public Importance by Rep. Diri Douye  (Bayelsa-PDP) on “need to intervene on the conflict between Minister of Finance and suspended Director-General, Securities and Exchange Commission.’’

    Moving the motion, Douye said there were allegations of interference by the Ministry of Finance in the discharge of responsibilities by SEC, particularly the Oando Forensic Audit matter which was largely responsible for Gwarzo’s suspension.

    According to him, it has also led to constitution of Administrative Panel of Inquiry and appointment of acting SEC director-general by minister of finance.

    Douye explained that the conflict had allegedly lingered for several months between Ministry of Finance and SEC but the matter of disagreement brought it into public domain.

    Read also: Why FG suspended DG SEC, 2 others over alleged corruption

    The lawmaker said “there were allegations of interference by Ministry of Finance in the discharge of responsibilities by SEC, particularly the Oando Forensic Audit matter, which was largely responsible for the DG’s suspension.

    “The intervention by the House would put the matter into proper perspective and amicable resolution of the conflict to protect the image of SEC in the interest of both local and foreign investors.’’

    He, therefore, urged the House to investigate the matter to ascertain the true situation in the commission.

    Contributing to the motion, Rep. Toby Okechukwu (Enugu-PDP) said that the rot in SEC apparently contributed to the collapse of the capital market in Nigeria.

    He said “what is happening in SEC is symptomatic of the collapse of capital market. I wouldn’t know why infractions should be swept under the carpet.

    “The Nigerian people should be told why the infractions of Oando would be swept under the carpet. Nigerians should know why the minister could not be investigated.

    “Nigerians should know why the SEC DG was suspended. A total panel of inquiry is needed in SEC,’’ he said.

    Also in his contribution, Rep. Sanni Kaita (Katsina-APC) said that the commission was too sensitive and important to be left unattended to.

    He said “SEC is very sensitive and very important to Nigeria and the international community. Should we allow the investigation to go on without knowing what happened?”.

    The motion was unanimously adopted by members when it was put to a voice vote by the Speaker, Mr Yakubu Dogara, who mandated the Committee on Capital Market and Institutions to investigate all allegations.

    The committee was asked to report findings to the House within two weeks for further legislative action.

    NAN

  • Dogara laments impact of financial crimes, terrorism on Nigeria’s devt

    Dogara laments impact of financial crimes, terrorism on Nigeria’s devt

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara has lamented the negative effect of money laundering, terrorist financing and small arms proliferation on Nigeria’s developments.

    Dogara applauded the Mohammadu Buhari-led administration for initiatives so far adopted to address these challenges.

    He identified such measures to include the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy, the Bank Varification Number (BVN).

    The Speaker spoke in Abuja yesterday at the 28th technical session/plenary meeting of the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA).

    He said: “It is important to state that Nigeria in particular, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in general, are suffering the devastating effects of money laundering, terrorit finanacing and the proliferation of small and light arms as well as their predicate offences like corruption, fraud, tax evasion, amongst others.

    “It is common knowledge that when you fight crime, those who benefit from the crime fight back and they fight dirty, and even organise themselves into networks to beat the system.

    “Nonetheless, the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has taken bold steps to restructure the institutions and strengthening of laws in order to maximise prosecution and conviction of offenders, increase recovery of stolen assets and guarantee transparent management of recovered, returned or repatriated assets, ” Dogara said.

    He hailed GIABA for its activities in Nigeria and the ECOWAS sub-region.

    GIABA is an agency of ECOWAS responsible for facilitating the adoption and implementation of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (CFT) in West Africa. It is also a FATF-Styled Regional Body (FSRB) working with its member states to ensure compliance with international AML/CFT standards.

    GIABA’s Director General, Colonel Adama Coulibaly hailed Nigeria’s government’s commitment to tackling the scourge of financial crimes and related vices.

    Coulibaly particularly hailed the decision by the government to ensure that every bank owner in the country comply with the BVN directive as a measure for curbing money laundry and other financial crimes.

    The GIABA DG assured that the group would strengthen its technical assistance to member states so that the forthcoming second round of mutual evaluations results in substantial improvement of states’ AML/CFT regimes.

    The Director, Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and GIABA’s National Correspondent on AMTL/CFT, Francis Usani called for collaboration among Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) and other related agencies in GIABA member states.

    This, he said would enhance the rate of success recorded by member states in the fight against money laundry, terrorist financing, trade in illicit arms, among others.

    Usani said: “I recommend that information sharing is critical for us to make any meaningful impact. We should therefore, enhance our information sharing protocols.

    “I urge us to ignore barriers that have overtime, restricted us from sharing information within ourselves freely.Let us create informal channels for information exchange especially within the GIABA forum,” Usani said.

  • Osinbajo, Tinubu, governors attend Buhari’s book presentation 

    Osinbajo, Tinubu, governors attend Buhari’s book presentation 

    Eminent personalities on Thursday attended President Muhammadu Buhari’s book’s public presentation in Abuja.

    The book  ‘Making Steady, Sustainable Progress for Nigeria’s Peace and Prosperity’, was presented to the public at the old Banquet Hall of the State House.

    It was a mid-term scorecard on the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

    Among those that graced the public presentation of the book, that started few minutes past 12 noon, were the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who is the keynote speaker at the occasion.

    Also at the occasion was the Chairman of the occasion and the APC National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha.

    State governors at the event were Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Rauf Aragbesola (Osun), Jigawa, Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Darius Ishaku (Taraba), Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara).

    Other members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), other top government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and traditional rulers also attended.

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara was represented at the occasion.

    The programme was still in progress at the time of filing this report.