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Tag: Yusuph Olaniyonu

  • Saraki commiserates with Buratai over father’s death

    Saraki commiserates with Buratai over father’s death

    President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, has condoled with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, over the death of his father, Malam Yusuf Buratai.

    Saraki made the assertion in a statement in Abuja on Saturday by Mr Yusuph Olaniyonu, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity.

    The senate president described the late Buratai as “a true Nigerian who contributed immensely to the development of his country during his lifetime and left behind a legacy of selfless service, discipline and hard work”.

    Saraki said, “Pa Buratai did not only serve the country as a military personnel, having been a non-commissioned officer in the West African Frontier Force.

    Read Also: Killings: An intolerable cycle of hell that must be broken – Saraki

    “He left behind capable children like the Chief of Army Staff, who are today carrying on the torch of national service.”

    The senate president commiserated with the Chief of Army Staff, the entire Buratai’s family, the military high command and Government and people of Borno State over the irreparable loss.

    Saraki prayed Almighty Allah to grant the soul of the deceased Aljannah Firdaus.

    He also called on the late Buratai’s children and the loved ones to take solace in the exemplary lifestyle of their late father.

  • Armed Forces Day: Saraki seeks enhanced welfare for military

    Armed Forces Day: Saraki seeks enhanced welfare for military

    Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Monday called on the Federal Government and military authorities to prioritize the welfare of both their serving and retired personnel, in view of the enormous sacrifices they render to sustain the peace and security of the country.

    Saraki, according to a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, made the call after laying a wreath at the National Arcade to commemorate the 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, led by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    He lauded the national attention being accorded the nation’s armed forces through the annual celebration of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, and said it is time to do more for members of of the armed forces still serving and those who have retired, while not neglecting the families of the fallen heroes.

    Saraki said: “I must commend the Federal Government for its commitment to ensure that the nation’s armed forces are fully catered for in terms of operational logistics and welfare packages. But there is room for more when you consider that these are men who have given their all and continue to give their all for the security, stability and prosperity of the country.

    “While serving members of the armed forces must be made to feel that their effort at protecting the territorial integrity of the country and assisting in the maintenance of law and order internally – often at the risk of their very lives – is not in vain, the welfare of the immediate families of all our fallen heroes must be given due consideration,” he stated.

    While commending the leadership and members of the Nigerian armed forces for their continuous support to civil authorities in ensuring the safety of lives and property in all parts of the country, he called on them not to relent in restoring peace to all troubled parts of the country.

    He pledged that the National Assembly will continue to ensure that all bills relating to the armed forces’ operation and welfare are given accelerated consideration and passage from time to time.

    Earlier in a social media post, the Senate President thanked members of the Nigerian Armed Forces for their commitment to keeping the nation safe.

    His post:

  • Saraki, Ekweremadu, Mark, Uba mourn Ekwueme

    Saraki, Ekweremadu, Mark, Uba mourn Ekwueme

    Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu and former Senate President, David Mark, yesterday expressed grief over the demise of the first elected Vice-President of Nigeria, Dr. Alex Ekwueme.

    Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, lauded the dedication and service of Ekwueme to the development of the country.

    He described Ekwueme as a rare personality and an exceptional leader.

    The Senate President prayed God for the repose of Ekwueme’s soul and the grace for his family and the nation to bear the loss.

    Saraki said: “Today, I join the entire nation to mourn the passing of one of Nigeria’s most illustrious sons, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, our first elected Vice-President. As we mourn his death, we celebrate his dedication and service to the development of our country.

    “We remember his unique and exemplary courage in the face of overwhelming odds – when he stood up to past military regimes in the struggle for restoration of democracy and his dexterity in his personal pursuits as a successful architect, lawyer, businessman and philanthropist.

    “Dr. Ekwueme was a rare man and a great leader. He will be sorely missed. I pray for God’s strength for his family at this difficult time. May the Almighty God in his infinite wisdom and grace continue to guide the family and the nation that he has left behind.”

    Ekweremadu in a statement by his media adviser, Uche Anichukwu, described Ekwueme’s death as a sad event for Nigeria and her democracy, noting that Ide Oko, as he called him, was a pillar of the nation’s democracy and the struggle for a restructured, just, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria.

    He said: “Dr. Ekwueme combined the uncommon toughness and courage of Heracles with the wits of Odysseus and Nestor. His fearless battle against military rule as the convener of the Group of 34 eminent Nigerians (G-34) can be likened to Heracles’ heroic encounter with the hydra-headed chthonic monsters.

    “Ekwueme was a fine gentleman and an epitome of politics without bitterness. Although he lost the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), an offshoot of the G34 and pan-Nigerian political platform he built from the scratch, he remained faithful to the party in thick and thin until his death.

    “He will be remembered as a public administrator per excellence and a soldier of conscience. He stood by his people during their most challenging and difficult time, knowing that politics has a local flavor most of the time. He offered his undiluted professional service in the design and development of access to the air for Ndigbo during the civil war 1967 to 1970. As the Head of Planning of the Biafra Airports Board, the late prodigy built two functional airports in Ulli and Uga, while the airport projects at Mbaise, Ntigha Ngwa, Umuleri, and Arochukwu were at various completion stages before the end of hostilities.

    “Yet, as a detribalized and pan-Nigerian, he joined the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) rather than the Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe’s Nigeria Peoples Party (NPP) in the journey to the Second Republic.  He also did Ndigbo a great honour by facilitating the state pardon and eventual return from exile, and reunion of late Ezeigbo Gburugbu, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, with Ndigbo and Nigeria”.

    The Senator added that Ekwueme bequeathed a legacy of integrity and strength of character as “he was until his death reputed to have left Office as the Vice President of Nigeria poorer”.

    While condoling the Ekwueme family, Government and people of Anambra State, and indeed the entire nation on the great loss, Ekweremadu prayed God to grant the deceased a peaceful repose.

    Ex- Senate President, David Mark, on his own described second republic Vice President Dr. Alex Ekwueme as a quintessential leader and a hero of the present democratic dispensation in Nigeria.

    Mark in a statement by his media assistant, Paul Mumeh, noted that the elder statesman was a fine architect both in character and leadership.

    Ekwueme, he added, was unarguably a foremost leader of the modern day Nigeria pointing out that besides his successes in politics, he was among the leading indigenous architects who designed the Federal capital Territory ( FCT), Abuja.

    He recalled Ekwueme’s relentless struggle for the enthronement of democracy  in Nigeria when he led the famous G34 that later metamorphosed into the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that formed the government in 1999.

    He listed Ekwueme’s exploits in politics and leadership to include but not limited to propounding the theory of the segmentation of Nigeria into the current six geo political zones for administrative and political convenience during the 1994/95 constitutional conference convoked by late Head of State General Sani Abacha.

    Interestingly, the six geo political zonal  structure ( North West, North East, South East, South West, North Central and South South ) have remain the a road map for power sharing arrangement in Nigeria today.

    According to Mark, “Nigeria and indeed Africa has lost a visionary leader, a forefront politician who brought intellectualism into governance.  His quest for excellence, due process and rule of law  in Nigeria will remain a reference point in politics and leadership in many years to come.

    “No doubt, history will be kind to Ekwueme for his immeasurable contributions to the political, socio and economic development of Nigeria”

    Senator Mark urged the federal government to immortalize Ekwueme for his selfless contributions to the nation.

    Also the Senator representing Anambra South senatorial district, Senator Andy Uba, described the exit of Dr Alex Ekwueme as “loss of a great iconic figure”.

    Senator Uba, who represents the constituency of the late Vice President, in a statement, condoled the immediate family of Ekwueme, the senatorial district and Nigeria at large.

    “I want to sincerely condole with the family of Dr. Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme, GCON and the people of Anambra South Senatorial Zone, Anambra State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on the loss of this great Iconic figure and Former Vice President of Nigeria”, Uba said.

    Uba added, “Dr. Ekwueme’s selfless contributions to Nigeria’s democracy cannot be overemphasized.

    “I therefore honour his legacy and mourn his loss alongside his family and the people of Nigeria.

    “I pray that the Almighty God grant us the fortitude to bear this great loss”.

  • IBB, a major part of Nigeria’s political history – Saraki

    IBB, a major part of Nigeria’s political history – Saraki

    The President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, has described former military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, as a major part of Nigeria’s political history.

    In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Yusuph Olaniyonu, to congratulate the former Head of State his 76th birthday, Saraki described Babangida as one of Nigeria’s most prolific statesmen.

    He commended the former head of state for the role he had continued to play in bringing about the development and progress of the country.

    “The former military president has played a key role in the history and development of our nation.

    “IBB’s leadership, commentaries and advice on the state of our polity and how to move our nation forward have been pivotal since he left office.

    “I wish him good health and many more years as he celebrates his 76th birthday,” he said.

    He prayed the Almighty Allah to continue to bless, guide and protect the former head of state.

  • ‘Why Saraki sacked 100 aides’

    ‘Why Saraki sacked 100 aides’

    Senate President, Bukola Saraki, sacked 100 aides to ensure efficiency, his aide said on Thursday.

    The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Senate President, Yusuph Olaniyonu, told journalists in Abuja that those disengaged were not aides inherited from a former Senate President, David Mark.

    Olaniyonu who explained the development, said the measure was part of Saraki’s restructuring agenda.

    He said: “I am here to discuss this issue of restructuring in the office of the Senate President. Some of our colleagues called me to clarify what happened.

    “It is has been known since four months ago that a comprehensive staff review exercise was going on in the office of the Senate President. It was just concluded a few days ago and the purpose of the exercise is to reposition the office to improve on service delivery and improve on his ability to deliver on the agenda of the 8th Senate.

    “We have served for two years and this is a long time enough to determine who is good enough to continue in the last phase of the service.  You know the Senate has just about 22 months to its expiration.

    “It is an exercise that has now been concluded and we can determine who is good enough to continue, who needs to give way and who may likely come in.

    “So at the end of the day, decisions have been taken on three sides. There are some members of staff who by their performance in the last two years have been deemed fit to continue and those ones are still there.

    “There is also a second category of people who were seconded from the National Assembly Service Commission to the office of the Senate President and in this exercise some of them were told to revert back to bureaucracy where they were from the beginning.

    “Then there is a third set who have been removed obviously maybe because they were found not to have met the expectation of their offices or who are not helping enough in the function of the office.

    “So you see that actually it is a positive one not a punitive measure. It was meant to reposition the office.

    “That is the summary of the whole exercise and it is possible that a new set of people will be joining the exercise.

    “I don’t have the detail on the number of persons affected, those retained and those likely to be recruited. I may have to revert back to you on the specifics you are asking for. I am just addressing the general principles of what has happened.”

  • Anambra Massacre: Bring perpetrators to justice, Saraki, Ekweremadu urge police

    Anambra Massacre: Bring perpetrators to justice, Saraki, Ekweremadu urge police

    The President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, has expressed sadness over the killing of some worshipers at St. Philip’s Catholic Church, Ozubulu, Anambra, on Sunday.

    The Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, also condemned the tragedy and called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

    Saraki, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, stated that the killing of worshippers was evil.

    He called on security operatives to bring perpetrators of the crime to justice.

    “Today, my heart goes out to Nigeria’s Christian community, Gov. Willy Obiano, the people of Anambra and the families of the victims and the survivors of this terrible massacre.

    “This brutal act of attacking innocent and unsuspecting worshippers represents the purest kind of evil.

    “Our security forces must not stop until everyone involved in the orchestration and execution of today’s massacre in St. Philip’s Catholic Church is brought to book by the strong arm of justice.

    “The Senate will continue to offer assistance in this endeavour because today, all of us as Nigerians have been attacked by this senseless act committed by evil people,” he said.

    Saraki further urged security agencies in the country to step up their intelligence activities to prevent activities of criminals.

    He also called on security agencies to unravel any crime committed against Nigerians by undesirable elements in the society.

  • ‘Corruption not just about giving or diverting money’

    ‘Corruption not just about giving or diverting money’

    Senate President Bukola Saraki has boasted that the appeal filed by the Federal Government challenging his acquittal by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) will go the way of his original trial for false declaration of assets.

    Saraki, in his first reaction to the filing of the appeal by the Federal Government, said he was “confident that the verdict at the appellate court would not be different from that of the tribunal as the facts of the case remain the same and the grounds on which the decision of the CCT was based remain unassailable.”

    He spoke in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Yusuph Olaniyonu.

    “Anybody who has been following the proceedings and the evidence given by the prosecution witnesses during the examination in chief and cross-examination on would know that if presented before any court of justice and law, the same outcome as in the CCT would be arrived at.

    “Those who are running commentary on the ruling by the tribunal and criticizing it are those who are not even familiar with the case and the details coming out of the trial.

    “That is why Dr. Saraki continues to wonder how desperate some people in government and their collaborators outside have become to pull him down at all cost and by all means up to the point that they do not care if they destroy the institution of the judiciary in the process.

    “That is why they sponsored stories of allegation of bribery in an online publication against the tribunal judges.

    “The Senate President seizes this opportunity to call on security agencies to immediately commence an investigation on this bribery allegation,” Olaniyonu said.

    Saraki wants those who made the allegation to be invited to substantiate their claims.

    He cited the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Anti-Corruption (PACAC), Professor  Itse Sagay, as one of such people.

    Continuing, Olaniyonu said: “Corruption is not just about giving or diverting money. When an official interferes with the judicial process with a view to achieving personal objectives, that is corruption.

    “We hear the same desperate people say there was so much evidence they are surprised at the verdict of the tribunal. But they forget to mention that this was a case that the prosecution counsel amended charges thrice.

  • Saraki to FG: I’m not perturbed by your appeal suit

    Saraki to FG: I’m not perturbed by your appeal suit

    Senate President Bukola Saraki boasted Friday that the appeal filed by the Federal Government challenging his acquittal by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) will go the way of his original trial for false declaration of assets.

    Saraki,in his first reaction to the filing of the appeal by the federal government said he was “confident that the verdict at the appellate court would not be different from that of the tribunal as the facts of the case remain the same and the grounds on which the decision of the CCT was based remain unassailable.”

    He spoke in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Yusuph Olaniyonu.

    “Anybody who has been following the proceedings and the evidence given by the prosecution witnesses during examination in chief and cross examination would know that if presented before any court of Justice and law, the same outcome as in the CCT would be arrived at,” Olaniyonu said.

    “Those who are running commentary on the ruling by the Tribunal and criticizing it are those who are not even familiar with the case and the details coming out of the trial.

    “That is why Dr. Saraki continues to wonder how desperate some people in government and their collaborators outside have become to pull him down at all cost and by all means up to the point that they do not care if they destroy the institution of the judiciary in the process.

    “That is why they sponsored stories of allegation of bribery in an online publication against the Tribunal judges.

    “The Senate President seizes this opportunity to call on security agencies to immediately commence investigation on this bribery allegation.”

    Saraki wants those who made the allegation to be invited to substantiate their claims.

    He cited the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Anti-Corruption (PACAC), Professor Itse Sagay as one of such people.

    Continuing, Olaniyonu said: “Corruption is not just about giving or diverting money. When an official interferes with the judicial process with a view to achieving personal objectives, which is corruption.

    “We hear the same desperate people say there was so much evidence they are surprised at the verdict of the tribunal. But they forget to mention that this was a case that the prosecution counsel amended charges thrice.

    “If as it is being portrayed to the public it was a straight forward case following investigation how come every time their case was dismantled during the process they went back to amend charges just in desperation to get a conviction?

    “The Senate President notes that another sign of desperation by those who want to get him convicted at all cost was the failed antics of the prosecution counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacob who in collusion with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) sought to manipulate evidence at the tribunal.

    “On realizing the fundamental flaw in its case as it did not invite the defendant to make any statement at any point in the investigation, the prosecution brought in an agent of the EFCC to tender old statements Saraki made in a totally different and unrelated matter that had nothing to do with false asset declaration. The prosecution forgot that the letter inviting Saraki to make the tendered statements explicitly mentioned the matter being investigated. However, the tribunal, as it is obvious in its ruling, saw through the dirty trick. It therefore disregarded that piece of evidence and described it as irrelevant and of no value to the case,” he said.

    He said that all the evidence provided during the trial by CCT were all EFCC evidence adding that the CB chief prosecutor testified that he got his instruction to investigate the case orally.

    “He made his report from the investigation orally. Even the directive to ‘collaborate with EFCC’ on the investigation was given orally, a development the tribunal found strange and unknown to law. ‎

    “All these antics aimed at perverting the course of justice were obvious throughout the period of the tribunal’s sitting. Though, one is conscious of the fact that the anti- graft agency and its ally bodies are frantically looking for a poster-case to sell its anti-corruption campaign and there is the hunger for conviction in a celebrated case to advertise in the international arena government’s determination to pursue the anti-graft campaign, we implore them to achieve this aim by allowing Justice to take its normal course.

    “This Appeal against the CCT ruling is nothing but another attempt to grandstand and embark on another media trial without any substance. This is why the Senate President is sure it will be another exercise in futility.”

    Dr. Saraki has demonstrated his unflinching belief in and respect for the judicial process and its ability to resolve issues relating to fundamental rights of Nigerians. That belief in the judiciary is the basis for his assurance that the position of the CCT that he is not guilty of the charges preferred against him would be  sustained in the higher courts.

     

  • Saraki seeks strong economy to sustain Nigeria’s democracy

    Saraki seeks strong economy to sustain Nigeria’s democracy

    The President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, has called for concerted effort by all Nigerians to build a strong economy as a means of sustaining the nation’s democracy.

    Saraki made this known in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, to commemorate the 2017 Democracy Day in Abuja on Sunday.

    Saraki said it was only an economy that guaranteed high standard of living for its citizens and equitable distribution of resources that could boast of sustaining democracy.

    Saraki commended the present administration for coming up with policies and programmes aimed at repositioning the country and called on Nigerians to continue to support the government.

    He stressed that the present administration was endowed with the necessary political will to initiate changes that would lead to the overall development of the country.

    He urged Nigerians to support the policies of government aimed at involving the private sector in key sectors of the economy.

    “I want to congratulate all Nigerians for the successes we have recorded so far in our democratic journey.

    “We cannot afford to remove our legs from the gas pedal. Government definitely is determined to make life more abundant for our people.

    “All Nigerians deserve commendation. We have done well so far. We must strive more to make democracy a way of life.

    “The successes recorded so far, demonstrate the unwavering commitment of Nigerians to sustain and grow our democracy.

    “Let us celebrate with hope that the present economic challenges will soon give way to a prosperous country that we can all be proud of.

    “Our democratic institutions need to be strengthened to perform their duties in the service of all Nigerians irrespective of the government in power,’’ he said.

    Saraki further called on Nigerians to shun acts that could threaten the stability of the country, adding that it was only then that democracy would be strengthened.

    He urged Nigerians to nurture the various institutions that make up a democracy, stressing that it was by building institutions and respecting the values they represented that the nation could guarantee stability, development and consistency.

    The senate president commended Nigerians for their perseverance, understanding and resilience in the face of the current economic challenges.

    He urged Nigerians not to give up hope, saying “better days are near’’.

  • Nigerian workers, pillars of the nation – Saraki

    Nigerian workers, pillars of the nation – Saraki

    The President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki has described Nigerian workers as the pillars and driving force of the nation in view of their invaluable contributions to national development.
    Saraki made this known in a message signed by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Mr Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja at the weekend to mark this year’s 2017 Workers’ Day celebration.
    He lauded the resilience and commitment of workers in both the formal and informal sector describing their contribution to the nation and the economy as “priceless’’.
    “From the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that contribute over 47 per cent to our Gross Domestic Product (GDP), to the civil servants who are the driving force behind our government;
    “All the way to the unregistered business owners who work to make a living for themselves and their families, every Nigerian worker in both the formal and informal sectors makes a priceless contribution to the sustainability of our nation.
    “As we mark this year’s Workers’ Day, all Nigerian workers should be proud that their significant contributions keep this nation moving forward as they are the lifeblood of our country, an integral part of the fabric that makes up our society,” he said.
    Saraki said that the Senate would continue to work to establish and enhance all legislations that would guarantee the safety and well-being of Nigerian workers.
    He also emphasised on the need for government across all levels and participants in the private sector to work toward ensuring that workers received their salaries and pensions as and when due.
    “As a result of globalization, the Nigerian workforce is no longer competing with itself. We are now competing with our counterparts from both developing and developed nations.
    “With this in mind, it is necessary that all employers, those in the public and private sectors, work to continuously invest in the development of their employees,’’ he said.
    Saraki said the upper chamber would continue to partner with Nigerian workers to enact legislation that would guarantee that they got their dues at the appropriate time.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Workers’ Day is observed May 1 each year to celebrate the achievements of workers.