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Tag: Yakubu Dogara

  • Padding: Lawmakers received $25,000 each for vote of confidence – Jibrin

    Padding: Lawmakers received $25,000 each for vote of confidence – Jibrin

    ….. Its tales by moonlight – Zakari Mohammed

    The budget paddings scandal took yet another turn Wednesday as the former Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin accused the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara of bribing some members with 25,000 dollars each.

    According to Jibrin, the alleged sum was for the selected members to sign a vote of confidence for the speaker and three other accused principal officers.

    The lawmaker made the allegation in a statement issued to journalists yesterday in Abuja, saying members of the House of Representatives were given 25,000 dollars to sign a register opened at the Speakers Asokoro guest house.

    He further states: “This disgraceful act is coordinated by Hon. Zakari Mohammed, Hon. Jagaba Adams Jagaba and DCOS to Mr Speaker Hon. CID Maduabum.

    “It is a shame that Mr. Speaker has not responded to any of the allegations raised against him but has resorted to look for fraudulent cover

    “My stand is that the corrupt Speaker Dogara, Lasun, Doguwa and Ogor must listen to Nigerians, reconvene the house immediately and step aside.

    “Investigation by anti-graft agencies is already on and I pledge to support the investigation and prosecution of these corrupt public officers, “he said.

    However, in a swift reaction to the allegation, one of the lawmakers accused of distributing the money, Hon. Zakari Mohammed in a tweet quickly debunked the allegation.

    He said: “My attention has been drawn to yet another tweet by the former chairman appropriation committee, Hon Abdulmumin Jibrin saying that I and others were distributing $25,000 to each member of the House, to generate signatures for speaker Dogara’s vote of confidence, “I want to state that the accusation is not only untrue but it is another tales by moonlight to hoodwink Nigerians to malign my image.

    “Fellow countrymen please disregard this cheap blackmail aimed at playing to the gallery, I challenge Mr. Jibrin to name at least 10 members or less who benefitted from the bribe.

    “My advice to Mr. Jibrin is that he should stop the mudslinging of my person and concentrate on licking his self-inflicted wounds.”

  • Budget padding: Don’t judge Dogara, others – Gbajabiamila

    Budget padding: Don’t judge Dogara, others – Gbajabiamila

    ….Denies working against Speaker

    The leader of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila Monday said fellow lawmakers and by extension all Nigerians, should not judge the Speaker of the House of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara and three other principal officers accused of “insertions” of billions into the 2016 budget.

    Gbajabiamila made the appeal Monday in a statement to his colleagues made available to National Assembly reporters.

    “Yes, allegations have been made but I strongly believe judgment should not be passed based on allegations. We operate a constitutional democracy and we must at all times submit to its dictates and ethos. All parties are innocent until otherwise proven. This should be our guide. I plead with all members. The mudslinging must stop.

    The lawmaker also denied that he is working against the Speaker of the House, Yakubu Dogara, over the allegations of budget padding leveled against him by the former Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, Abdulmumin Jibrin.

    A text message making the rounds amongst members of the House alleged that Gbajabiamila is working with the former Appropriation Chairman to remove Dogara, but the House Leader in a statement yesterday said the allegation is far from the truth.

    He further states: “Since the budget controversy that engulfed the House  about a week ago, I have pointedly maintained a dignified silence. I did this for the sake of the institution I represent and which I have labored hard to grow and protect, knowing that whatever I say could be impactful both within the House and outside it.

    “I was determined to keep in place the glue that holds an otherwise
    O fragmented House, protect its integrity and at same time avoid eroding the little confidence and vestiges of hope Nigerians have in us.

    “Unfortunately, the controversy has now taken a different turn following the rather strange if not comical text making the rounds amongst members about my complicity in this rather sordid matter.   I am being dragged into an arena I tried very hard to stay out of only for the good of the House.

    “The Speakership election has come and gone. The election was divisive and acrimonious but I have since worked hard to heal the wounds some of which still fester amongst members on both sides. It is my responsibility to bring all tendencies in a House I lead together and I have worked well with the Speaker and all other Principal officers in a bi partisan manner and in the interest of the institution and the country.

    “This text message, which desperately seeks to finger me in some macabre plot to destabilize the House is a throw-back and echoes our dark post Speakership election history. The resurfacing or resurgence of the faceless text messengers will not help us as a House and let me quickly add that it will fail.

    “My strongest critics and biggest political adversaries in the House cannot deny the fact that my commitment has always been to strengthen the legislature and its processes and our democracy as a whole. I consider everyone a friend and colleague and urge that as we collectively work towards a stronger legislature and strive to deepen our democracy, we do not pull back the hands of the clock nor lose sight of the enormous responsibility placed upon us by providence as members of a critical arm of government.”

    The House Leader however, admitted that the budget process needs to be reformed:

    “On the budget issue at hand, it is clear that our budget process needs radical reform and very quickly too,” he said.

  • Jibrin to EFCC: Quiz Dogara, Lasun, others for financial scam

    Jibrin to EFCC: Quiz Dogara, Lasun, others for financial scam

    … Jubrin a drowning man – Speaker

    A member of the House of Representatives, Abdulmumin Jubrin, on Monday accused the Speaker of the House, Yakubu Dogara, of perpetrating financial fraud on behalf of entire members of the House.

    Jibrin, who was sacked by Dogara as Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, said the magnitude of corruption perpetrated by Dogara, Deputy Speaker, Yussuff Lasun, Chief Whip, Hassan Ado Doguwa and the Minority Leader, Leo Ogor, is in contrast to the anti-corruption position of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    He asked Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the Speaker and the other three principal officers of the House for financial fraud.

    In a statement issued on Monday, Jibrin alleged that the Speaker is running the finances of the House like his personal estate.

    He said: “Speaker Yakubu Dogara and his senior cabal namely – Deputy Speaker of the House, Yussuff Lasun, Whip Ado Doguwa and the Minority leader, Leo Ogor had promoted corruption so badly in the House that if President Muhammadu Buhari with his disdain for corruption and corrupt people have the slightest idea, he will ban the quartet permanently from the Villa before they eventually allow for proper and unbiased investigation by the House.

    “Mr. Speaker and Deputy Speaker Yusuf Lasun diverted millions of naira all in the name of paying for guest houses and official residence.

    “The issue became so messy that the Deputy Speaker openly accused Hon. Herma Hembe of short changing them of millions of naira in the deal to the shock of many honourable members of the House.

    “Speaker Yakubu Dogara abuses his office by soliciting for inappropriate favours from agencies and multinational companies.

    “He forced an agency to grant loans and a construction company was blackmailed to do some work at his Asokoro plot.”

    “Speaker Yakubu Dogara has carefully designed a scheme to scam members of the House through deduction from their salaries certain amount of money for a so called mortgage arrangements to build houses for members.

    “He has been applying every under hand tactics to ensure members agree to the deal.

    “Speaker Yakubu Dogara has consistently refused members access to the financial dealings and internal budget of the House. He runs the financial management of the House like a cult aided and abated by the Chairman House Services. Hon. Babanlle Ila.”

    Meanwhile, Dogara has denied allegations of corruption leveled against him by the former Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation.

    In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Turaki Hassan, the Speaker said the allegations were all lies, describing Jibrin as a drowning man.

    The statement said, “These are all lies and desperate attempts of a drowning man to clutch unto anything having found that all his frivolous allegations do not disclose any element of corruption or wrongdoing against Mr. Speaker.”

     

  • Dogara, others using Police to monitor, harass me  – Jubrin

    Dogara, others using Police to monitor, harass me  – Jubrin

    ….. writes IGP

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara and three Principal members accused of padding the budget with N40 billion are using Police to harass, monitor and intimidate, the former Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, Abdulmunin Jibrin, his lawyers have said.

    A press release in Abuja Friday by Jibrin’s lawyers titled: “Attempt to blackmail and harass our client Honourable Abdulmumin Jibrin with a view to obstruct justice,” said its attention has been drawn to “subterranean and clandestine efforts” of Speaker Yakubu Dogara, Deputy Speaker Yusuf Lasun, House Whip Hon. Alhassan  Ado Doguwa, and House Minority Leader, Hon. Leo Ogor in such direction.

    “The above quartet have resorted to blackmail our Client into silence and to further harass his person and family using the instrument of the obstructive coercion and perversion of due process by deploying, albeit illegally some elements of the Nigeria Police.

    “You will recall that our Client is in dispute with thesaid quartet over his refusal and inability to admit into the National Budget of 2016, the sum of about 30 Billion Naira at the behest of these quartet and also his refusal to cover up the decision of Speaker Dogara and others’ unilateral decision to distribute to themselves 40 Billion Naira out of the 100 Billion Naira allocated to the entire National Assembly in addition to what our Client considers as wasteful projects of over 20 Billion Naira to their (quartet) various constituencies.

    “We now have it on good authority that these quartet acting in concert are at the moment using some elements within the police to monitor, harass, intimidate and hound our client into an unwarranted detention with the purpose of inhibiting his right to move freely and to express himself as contained in Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

    “The purpose of their antics is to upturn the narrative and paint our client as the black sheep in the flock, and cleverly presenting themselves as transparent angels.

    “Accordingly, we have made appropriate representations to the Inspector General of Police and other relevant security agencies in the Country drawing their attention to this unwarranted and ill-intentioned steps taken by these quartet and not to allow themselves (security agencies) to be used to execute the personal objectives of these quartet; more so appropriate legal action has been taken by our client, as a law abiding citizen, to protect his fundamental rights as guaranteed by our laws.

    “Finally, we hasten to advise Speaker Dogara and the 3 other principal officers mentioned here not to descend to the narrow aim of dragging the institution of the House of Representatives into their personal fight and to note that by virtue of  the institution he leads and as a lawyer, he should act within the confines of the Rule of Law and allow the House of Representatives to institute a special investigation into this matter where our Client will have the opportunity earlier denied him by the quartet to testify and provide evidence against them because he who comes to equity must come with clean hands.”

  • Buhari, Dogara, Nigerien Speaker meet in Aso Rock

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday met with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara and the Nigerien Speaker, Ousseini Tinni.

    The closed-door meeting was held inside the President’s Office at the State House, Abuja.

    The meeting, which lasted about one hour, was termed ‘private’.

    At the end of the meeting, Dogara and Tinni did not speak with State House correspondents concerning issues discussed at the meeting.

    Dogara dismissed the journalists that approached him with “No, this was a private meeting,”

    No official statement has been issued concerning the meeting.

  • We will strengthen democracy through quality legislation – Dogara

    The Speaker of House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has congratulated Nigerians as the country marks its Democracy Day on May 29.

    A statement issued on Saturday by Dogara’s spokesman, Mr. Turaki Hassan, said Nigeria’s democracy has come of age since 17 years of uninterrupted democratic rule.

    According to the statement, this milestone event calls for sober reflection on achievements and failures as a democratic nation.

    “As a major symbol of democracy, the House of Representatives promise to continue to strengthen our democratic growth and development through legislation for the needs and aspirations of Nigerians.

    “The 2015 general elections that brought the opposition party headed by President Muhammadu Buhari to power shows that our democracy has matured and come of age.

    “As Nigeria faces serious economic challenges as a result of dwindling oil revenues and mismanagement of our resources, Nigerians should trust the capacity of the current government to confront these problems and provide lasting solutions.

    “Indeed, we should patiently await the results of the current policies and actions of government which we believe will soon begin to yield positive results.
    “It is not an easy task and we are not yet there,” the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quoted the speaker as saying in the statement.

  • Dogara: We’ll strengthen democracy through legislation

    Dogara: We’ll strengthen democracy through legislation

    Speaker Yakubu Dogara has assured that the legislature will continue to strengthen the nation’s democracy.

    While congratulating Nigerians on the celebration of Democracy Day in a statement yesterday, Dogara however, noted that the milestone of 17 years uninterrupted democracy calls for sober reflections on achievements and failures as a democratic nation.

    He said: “The 2015 general elections that brought the opposition party headed by President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, to power shows that our democracy has matured and come of age.

    “As Nigeria faces serious economic challenges as a result of dwindling oil revenues and mismanagement of our resources, Nigerians should be hopeful and trust the capacity of the current democratically elected government to confront these problems and provide lasting solutions.”

    He added: “Indeed, we should patiently await the results of the current policies and actions of government which we believe will soon begin to yield positive results.

    “It is not an easy task and we are not yet there but with hardwork, commitment, dedication and patriotic zeal on the part of all Nigerians and good, accountable and corrupt- free government by leaders, our democracy will soon begin to deliver on its promise of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”.

  • How to surmount Nigeria’s development challenges – Dogara

    How to surmount Nigeria’s development challenges – Dogara

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara has said that sustainable economic policies for Nigeria require careful appraisal and deep knowledge of economic fundamentals of the Nigerian economy.

    Dogara, who spoke while declaring open the 1st Nigerian Economic Stakeholders summit in Abuja Thursday, noted that it was coming at a time Nigeria is in search of a stable economic direction following the devastating decline in oil prices, increased pressure on foreign exchange receipts of government and the fall in production of oil and gas as a result of increasing militancy in the Niger Delta region.

    Dogara spoke on the theme, ‘The Nigerian Economy: Navigating a sustainable Landscape’,  where he noted that  measures that would lead to a self reliant and robust economy consistent with the size and population Nigeria must be put in place.

    He said: “Sustainable economic policies require careful appraisal and deep knowledge of economic fundamentals of the Nigerian economy.

    “For Nigeria to meet its development challenges and foster sustainable growth and economic development, efforts should focus on good Governance; anti – corruption measures; security of lives and property; poverty eradication; job creation; wealth creation; economic diversification (through agriculture; solid Minerals; culture and tourism; fiscal measures; ICT; industrialisation, trade and investment etc.); massive investment in human capital; and sound environmental management policies.

    “Others include social programmes; education, health; massive infrastructural development (Roads, rail, Water, Aviation, power supply; strengthening the institutional and legal frameworks for doing business in Nigeria, including reduction in the cost thereof among others.

    “These measures will lead to a self reliant and robust economy consistent with the size and population Nigeria.

    “We, in the House of Representatives will partner with you in the difficult task of building a strong economy worthy of the human and material resources available in Nigeria. Indeed in the Legislative Agenda of the 8th House of Representatives, the House set for itself a roadmap towards achieving sustainable economic development using the legislative tools at its disposal.

    “The House Agenda said: “The House will legislate to achieve reforms in Nigeria’s national economy and development, tackle poverty, unemployment, confront the scourge of corruption, terrorism and security challenges in the country. The House will also give priority to green legislations to address environmental challenges such as desertification, erosion and pollution.

    “The 8th House of Representatives will also work assiduously to improve the governance process in Nigeria by legislating to cut the cost of running government, reduce wastage and tackle National Revenue leakages. The House commits to playing its part in rescuing Nigeria from the clutches of hunger, poverty, disease, social, economic, political and infrastructural quagmire.”

    “The House in implementation of these lofty ideals has embarked on several legislative measures. We set up the Ad-Hoc Committee on the review of existing laws to update and reform our laws including all laws that impeding economic growth and business in Nigeria. The Committee has submitted the first phase of its Report leading to the unprecedented introduction of 150 bills in one day.

    “Consistent with our Legislative Agenda and the need to find a lasting legislative solution to the economic challenges facing us, that the House introduced what it calls Sectoral debates on the Nigerian Economy. The first phase of this initiative is the issue of Diversification of the Nigerian Economy. This initiative involves invitation of Honourable Ministers of the relevant ministries to House plenary sessions to brief the House on the initiatives and activities of their Ministries. The House then probes, interrogates and debates their proposals with a view to proposing new laws and amendment of existing laws to help achieve the goal of diversification of the economy.

    “We believe that the present anti corruption and recent economic measures introduced by President Muhammadu Buhari’s government will yield the desired results in due course. We have provided strong legislative backing to the government to execute its programmes promised to the Nigerian people”.

  • Reps bar Kachikwu from plenary

    Reps bar Kachikwu from plenary

    Members of the opposition in the House of Representatives vehemently opposed the admittance of the Minister of State (Petroleum Resources), Ibe Kachikwu into the chamber Monday afternoon.

    Kachikwu was scheduled to address the lawmakers Monday on the latest development over hike in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

    However, trouble started when plenary resumed and time for the Majority Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila to move for the admittance of the Minister into the Chamber.

    After the motion was seconded, the Speaker put the question but the nays were more than the ayes.

    The Speaker ruled in favour of the ayes before banging the gavel but before he could drop the gavel, “No, no, All we are saying, save Nigeria and APC shame” rent the air.

    After about three minutes, the Majority Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila and Chief Whip, Ado Doguwa approached the Speaker for consultation.

    The Deputy Speaker, Yussuff Lasun, who was seen placating his colleagues and the Minority Leader, Leo Ogor later joined the Speaker’s consultation group.

    The chanting and flag waving went on for another 20 minutes before the Speaker was able to rally the members.

    Before he recognized the Minority Leader Ogor after the noise had subsided, the Speaker said,  “This is the beauty of democracy,  we disagree to agree”.

    He then acknowledged Ogor, who moved that the House dissolve into Executive session.

    The House went into the session without the Minister being admitted.

     

  • Hamzat Ahmadu: Dogara commiserates with Sokoto State

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Yakubu Dogara, has condoled the government and people of Sokoto State and the Sultanate Council over the demise of Alhaji Hamzat Ahmadu.

    This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Turaki Hassan, Special Adviser on Media to Dogara, in Abuja on Monday.

    Dogara described Ahmadu’s death as a big loss not only to Sokoto State, but Nigeria in general.

    He said that the deceased made valuable contributions to the development of Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives.

    The speaker described the deceased a consummate statesman and an accomplished diplomat who dedicated his life and time to the service of his country and people.

    Dogara prayed God to grant his family the fortitude to bear the loss of former Nigerian Ambassador to the U.S.

    Ahmadu died at a private hospital in Lagos on Sunday at the age of 92.