President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered security agents to re-strategise for the purpose of flushing out armed bandits that have been ravaging some parts of the North and killing people.
According to a statement today, Monday, by the senior special assistant to the President on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, a major operation by the Nigerian Armed Forces, Police, Department of State Services and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, is being considered to restore peace and stability in the region.
The Presidency, reacting to the killing of innocent Nigerians in Birnin Magaji community in Tsafe Local Government Area and Magami community in Faru District of Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State, following attacks by suspected armed bandits, conveyed strong support to the Nigeria Police Force, which has already deployed Special Forces in each of the local government in Zamfara State and the Defence Headquarters’ deployment of a Special Military Intervention Force comprising more than 1,000 personnel to respond to the security challenges in the North Central and North West.
“These measures, among others, will be intensified to flush out the bandits from wherever they are.”
The President expressed deepest condolences to the families of those killed in the attacks, the government and people of Zamfara State, the President also wished those injured a speedy recovery.
The President, who has authorized an assessment trip to Zamfara and Sokoto States by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Abubakar Baba Sadiq on Christmas and Boxing days, reassured residents of States plagued by armed bandits, including Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna, Niger and Taraba, that their safety is an enduring commitment of his administration and he will continue to ensure that security agencies work round the clock to protect local populations.
The President commended Nigerians for their support to security agencies who have continued to demonstrate dedication, commitment and bravery even in very difficult and complex operations.
All Progressives Congress (APC) national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has said that though there are things upon which Nigerians can disagree and differ, but that they must rise over these differences and treat one another with kindness and decency.
“We must exercise tolerance regarding those who even oppose us and must douse hatred and conflict where we find it.”
In a Christmas message today, Monday, to Nigerians which he personally signed, Tinubu, who is former Lagos governor said: “as a Muslim, I understand that Jesus knew the road to our better existence and that his life was dedicated so that we may walk this path as well. Whether or not one is a practicing Christian or not, Jesus holds something value for us.
Jesus Christ came into the world not that we may use his birthday as an excuse for festivities. He came into this world to teach us how to show us the best aspects of our common humanity and to point the way to spiritual salvation.
“He is known as the prince of peace but he came into the world not cloaked in temporal power or visible wealth. He came dressed in humility and in compassion for those whom society has tossed aside. Let us remember these things as we eat and drink on this day. Let us, on this day, resolve to help our fellow man a bit more than we have in the past.
“It is easy to be good to family and friends. However, we must do better than this. We must strive to be kind and generous even when hard to do so.
“His teachings are of a most ethical and humanitarian existence. To follow them will make each of us a better person and to make of Nigeria a better nation.
“We are a young and growing nation. We are still shaping our national identity and political culture. It would be easy for us to descend into the way of endless squabbling and mindless conflict, to seek power solely for the sake of holding power.
“But this is not how we build our nation. We must strive to serve the greater purpose. Whether Christian or Muslim, we must recognize each other as part of the same human family and must act as brothers not antagonists.
“There will always be things upon which we will disagree and differ. Such is the way of life. But we must always transcend these inevitable differences to treat one another with fundamental kindness and decency. This is the real spirit of Christmas and this must be the spirit of the Nigeria we seek to build.
“We extend to all Nigerians of all stripes our wishes for a peaceful and happy Christmas. May we join hands and make of this Nigeria a better land for all. May God continue to bless you and this home we call Nigeria.”
President Muhammadu Buhari has made it clear that he is totally committed to free, fair, credible and violence-free polls in 2019. He emphasized that such determination as he has always been saying, “is not a ruse or yet another vain political promise. My word is my bond.”
The President, in his message today, Monday, which he personally signed, to commiserate with Christians on the Christmas celebration which commences tomorrow, Tuesday, stressed: “it is a sworn declaration on the advancement of Nigeria, the future and safety of our young and unborn generations.
“Let us tell the world that, indeed, something good can come out from Nigeria. And it will happen, as we all team up to make it happen.”
He said that with general elections around the corner and heightened political activities across the country, he had charged the security and law enforcement agencies to secure the sanctity of the ballot box and ensure that the outcome of the polls reflects the will of the Nigerian people.
He asked Nigerians that to continue to show generosity to their neighbours and demonstrate the diversity that makes Nigeria unique, “a land with a beautiful climate and vegetation, beaming with an energetic and creative youth population.
“We must not also forget that what lies ahead of us as a nation is better than whatever we must have experienced in the past.”
Buhari congratulated Nigerians, particularly Christian brothers and sisters, on the joyous occasion of this year’s Christmas, which commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ.
“Like I have done in the last three Christmas messages to my fellow compatriots as a serving President, I believe this season is another opportunity to reflect on the imagery of the humble, symbolic and divine birth of a young child thousands of years ago in Bethlehem, Judea, and the message of hope, compassion, salvation, reconciliation, forgiveness and peace that Jesus Christ embodies and conveys.”
The President recalled that in 2018, Nigerians have had mixed blessings, typical of human beings, adding that the economy made significant progress since coming out from recession and the government’s faithful implementation of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.
“Agricultural revolution has seen a vastly improved local production to the detriment of importation, while we have achieved surplus in our trade balance. Similarly, infrastructural deficit has been greatly reduced with significant improvements in roads, railways, aviation and power.
“In addition, we have not relented in the fight against corruption while the business environment has been improved through institutional reforms.
“On the downside, we have seen so many unnecessary deaths caused by violent clashes between neighbours, who ordinarily should complement and support one another.
“We cannot bring back the lives lost to floods, unfortunate fire disasters, road accidents, farmers/herders clashes and insurgency.
“But we can put back smiles on the faces of the grieving, the displaced and the troubled, if we show a little love and recommit ourselves to building relationships with those outside our ethnic, religious and socio-political divides.
“As we celebrate Christmas, exchange gifts, pray and visit loved ones, let us remember many others who cannot be with their families this time.
“Our brave Armed Forces, and other security men and women who make incredible sacrifices to keep us safe, the aged, the sick, physically challenged persons, all deserve our goodwill in this season of love and sharing.”
A Social Political group in Nigeria, The Progressive League (TPG), has described the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a drowned opposition party that has resorted to dishing out lie to cover up all its past atrocities on the nation’s socio economy.
In a statement today, Monday by the Acting Publicity Secretary, Wasiu Ibraheem reacting to the PDP attack on Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the group said that the PDP Publicity Secretary is not only playing God and seer of the future but deliberately dishing out lies typical of the drowned opposition party. “The PDP is still living in fool Paradise thinking Nigeria can be cajoled by their lies and deliberate distortion of facts about Buhari-Osinbajo leadership.
“It is equally ironical that PDP moribund campaign are the ones talking about the political relevance of the people’s Vice President Yemi Osinbajo who has shown without fear or favor that the office of the vice president is not meant for selling off government properties but giving back to the people and uplift the less privileged for the greater good of our country. “The political sophistication of the South West will never make them fall prey to the gangs of looters working tirelessly to find their way back to the National Treasury against the consistency and tireless effort of Prof. Osinbajo.
“Without leaving any part of the country behind, we have no doubt the choice of good over evil is a easy one for the South West in particular and Nigeria in general. “The PDP efforts to continue to bandied fake corruption allegations against the vice president is another Dubai Strategy of PDP that is already falling flat. On the N33 billion NEMA Fund and Tradermoni, we say Osinbajo is a truthful, credible and a man of integrity whose contributions has brought Change to Nigeria as a public officer never found culpable of any corrupt practice in his political career. “The PDP should not forget that the House of Representatives has since exonerated the Vice President on the claims on the IDP funds. We also state that the TraderMoni is never an election or vote buying method, it is to further strengthen our micro economy. “The PDP should forget returning to power in 2019 as Nigerians are yet to recover from the maladministration and retrogression that bedevilled the country from 16 years. “The Progressive League hereby wants to remind the PDP that the government of the people for the people as represented by Buhari -Osinbajo will never depart this path to progress, this government will continue to build more roads and infrastructure for posterity and the fight against corruption will never cease as a symbol of corruption as represented by your presidential candidate will never lead this nation.”
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello has presented a budget of N146,736,042,510 to the State House of Assembly for consideration and approval for the year 2019.
Presenting the proposal today, Monday, Governor Yahaya Bello said that the budget outlay is divided into Recurrent Expenditure of N71,841,314,458 representing 48.96 percent and Capital Expenditure of N74,894,728,051 representing 51.04 percent.
The full address of the governor is reproduced here:
ADDRESS BY THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF KOGI STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, ALHAJI YAHAYA BELLO ON THE OCCASION OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE 2019 BUDGET PROPOSAL TO THE STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY ON 24TH DECEMBER, 2018
Protocols:
I thank the Almighty God for another opportunity to stand before the Kogi State House of Assembly. It has been an eventful year since the last time I was here and we have weathered many storms together as we worked to serve our people. To God Almighty Alone be the Glory.
There is no doubt that mutual respect and cordiality has enabled both Arms to function optimally in our joint efforts to reposition Kogi State through accelerated development and the ideals of probity, accountability, equity and justice.
I am here to present the Kogi State 2019 budget proposals and to secure your continuing support for our policies, programmes and projects in the coming year through your expeditious consideration and passage of this Budget.
Mr. Speaker, Honourable members of the House, We have always done our best to align the expectations of our people with our New Direction Agenda through judicious use of resources appropriated in successive Budgets.
This is our 3rd Budget and we have chosen to tag it, BUDGET OF CONSOLIDATION’ for the simple reason that it will help us build on previous successes while simultaneously laying the foundation for fresh growth.
Distinguished members, the outgoing 2018 ‘Budget of Sustainable Growth’ provided a framework for sustaining momentum on various growth and development initiatives kick-started in previous years, and given the resources available we did not underachieve set objectives.
At the core of any budget is credibility, thus the objective of our 2019 Budget is consolidation of what we have been doing in the last 3 years, mainly the completion and commissioning of key infrastructure projects and reinvigoration of ongoing human development programmes.
In addition to minimizing extra-budgetary expenditure, this Budget of Consolidation is critical to the attainment of sundry macroeconomic goals including the effective delivery of public services through fair distribution of resources.
Above all, it will assist compliance with the budgetary objectives and principles stated in the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) as well as the Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) approved by this Honourable House.
As you are aware, the principal objectives of these instruments are wealth creation, poverty reduction, employment generation, security of lives and properties, peace-building, and ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability in the governance of Kogi State.
With this Budget, as with previous ones, the Administration’s commitment to honest and realistic implementation remains unshaken while our Blueprint for a New Direction of multidimensional poverty reduction and wealth creation remains a priority.
Mr. Speaker Sir, Honourable members, you may wish to recall that the nation is only just recovering from a recession but the danger remains present and apposite with the Central Bank of Nigeria warning that if the right things are not done, Nigeria might might slip back into recession.
Thus, we, the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary, have a joint mandate to provide foresighted leadership in order to render our domestic economy impervious to recession while ensuring that Kogites get the most mileage from all categories of public resources.
One way the Executive is working to promote economic stability is to key into the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) of the Federal Government, backed by a hard schedule of fiscal discipline – financial cost-cutting, blocking of leakages and elimination of wastage from government processes.
Mr. Speaker, permit me to say that government validates its legitimacy and reputation from the support it enjoys among the governed. That goodwill is directly proportional to the benefits flowing to the people from the policies of government.
In 2019, in addition to programmes for multidimensional poverty reduction and wealth creation, we are investing even more in human capital development by dedicating a massive 15% of this Budget to Education, both formal and non-formal.
We are also making provisions in this budget to attract investors, stimulate economic activities, empower our people, and raise standards of living even as we explore fresh options for increasing the revenue base and improving the overall economy of the state.
It is with the foregoing in mind that I call on this honorable House, as well as all men and women of goodwill to co-operate with the Administration so that the policies, programmes and projects contained in this Budget Proposal can be implemented holistically.
The Honourable Speaker, Honourable members, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, before I give the details of the 2019 Budget Proposal I will now review the performance of the 2018 budget and the achievements we made in the outgoing year.
HIGHLIGHTS OF YEAR 2018 BUDGET PERFORMANCE.
The total Budget package for year 2018 was N151,677,854,494 for both Recurrent and Capital Expenditure.
The total recurrent revenue approved for year 2018 was N90,834,787,658, out of which N46,895,199,757 was collected as at the end of August, 2018 representing 51.63% performance.
The approved capital receipts for 2018 was N60,843,066,836 out of which N4,312,367,201 was realized representing 7.09% performance as at the end of August, 2018.
A total sum of N66,694,526,233 was approved for recurrent expenditure in year 2018, however, only N28,506,097,331 was spent as at 30th August, 2018 representing 42.74% performance.
The approved capital expenditure for 2018 was N84,983,328,261 out of which the sum of N13,812,132,688 was expended representing 16.25% performance as at August, 2018. This lean performance is due to the current economic downturn in the country which has bedeviled our income expectations from various sources.
2019 BUDGET OF CONSOLIDATION
Macro-economic indicators show an uptick in global growth at 3.8% and gradual recovery on the national front from recession, and a reduction in the inflation rate.
As a State Government with no control over monetary policy, the state budget is our key fiscal policy tool for strengthening our economy and safeguarding against unforeseen shocks. The budget is also our most important mechanism towards achieving our State Development Plans and socioeconomic aspirations.
By a combination of budgeting best practices and development partner demands, it is therefore imperative for the state to present a realistic and implementable Budget going forward, thus this 2019-2021 multi-year budget is based on conservative, but realistic, projections.
Mr. Speaker, Honorable Members, the 2019-2021 Multi-Year Budget is based on Zero-Based Budgeting principles and is tailored towards actualization of our State Development Plan. From a fiscal perspective, the key targets of this budget are:
Ensuring the actualization of the development priorities of the government as articulated in the State Development Plan and respective Sector Implementation Plans (SIPs).
Maintaining a favourable proportion of Capital to Recurrent Expenditure.
Completing all on-going projects and adding new projects in the critical area of needs.
Expanding our revenue generation capacity so as to reduce over dependence on federation allocation.
Maintaining a sustainable debt position thereby reducing our State Domestic Debt profile.
To provide a conducive environment for investors and Donor Agencies to operate in the State.
To enhance greater transparency, accountability and proper public expenditure management.
BUDGET POLICY STATEMENT
The fiscal strategy of Government is anchored on the on-going Public Financial Management (PFM) Reforms, therefore over the period 2019-2021 the Kogi State Government’s fiscal policy will be directed at:
Improving the efficiency and effectiveness of spending.
Greater control of the wage bill.
Directing capital expenditure to critical infrastructure such as Road, Housing, Education, Health and such other thematic areas as Job creation, Youth Engagement, Infrastructure and Utilities as well as Public Sector and Pension Reforms.
Boosting revenue receipts by identifying and blocking revenue leakages; and gradual fiscal consolidation in order to achieve a level of public spending consistent with macroeconomic stability and sustainable debt.
BUDGET OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS
The 2019 Budget is designed to give expression to our overall aspirations within the context, but the specific fiscal objective is simply effective allocation of scarce resources to identified critical programmes and projects, with the following major targets:
To improve security of lives and properties in Kogi State and enhance further her current good standing in the top three on several security, peace and low crime statistics among Nigerian states.
To improve the quality of education at all levels and make it accessible and affordable to all citizens in order to produce the skilled manpower needed for our economic transformation.
To improve access to healthcare leading to improvement in efficiency of the healthcare delivery system.
To ensure food security and generate a high proportion of the GDP from agriculture.
To exploit the full potentials of our economy and expand trade and commerce in the State.
To ensure that products from our agricultural and industrial activities have access to markets locally and internationally.
To ensure gainful employment of youths and create opportunities for the development of their talents.
To achieve sustainable development and promote social and economic development through culture and tourism.
To establish the necessary framework for a robust mining and solid minerals sector, and to brand Kogi State as the nation’s foremost solid minerals mining destination.
To expand the road network in urban and rural areas through construction of new roads and bridges and rehabilitation of existing ones.
To improve the quantity, quality and access to safe water for domestic, commercial and industrial uses as well as improve sanitation and hygiene practices among the citizens.
To ensure sustainable use of the environment and continuous management of environmental challenges such as flooding, pollution, degradation and gully erosion.
To facilitate the social and economic development of Kogi State by ensuring easy access to lands for agricultural, residential, commercial and industrial uses to all citizens and investors.
To improve the quantity of decent housing and facilitate the creation of viable urban communities in the state.
To improve and expand affordable housing options through public private partnerships.
To reduce average power outage through the generation and distribution of adequate electricity in the urban and rural areas in Kogi State.
To rejuvenate the transportation sector in all its layers and to facilitate mobility of goods and services.
In absolute terms, Mr. Speaker, we will strive to complete every single project we have started in each of our 21 Local Government Areas, and to pay the contractors we have commissioned to work for us, even as we continue to cut the cost of government and ensure that our people are the ultimate beneficiaries of public resources.
SUMMARY OF THE 2019 DRAFT REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE ESTIMATES
The summary of the draft 2019 Revenue and Expenditure Estimates is as follows:
The proposed 2019 Budget has an estimated outlay of N146,736,042,510. This total budget outlay of N146,736,042,510 is divided into Recurrent Expenditure of N71,841,314,458 representing 48.96% and Capital Expenditure of N74,894,728,051 representing 51.04%. This is represented in the table below:
Expenditure Item
Allocation %
Recurrent Expenditure
N71,325,314,459
48.61%
Capital Expenditure
N75,410,728,051
51.39%.
Total N146,736,042,510
100%
The total Budget expenditure outlay is given in the following sectors:
Code
Sectors Allocation %
01 Administration 45,198,834,158 30.80
02 Economic 51,753,811,012 35.27
03 Law and Justice 7,446,791,251 5.08
05 Social 42,336,606,08928.85
Total N146,736,042,510
N100%
THE TOTAL BUDGET PACKAGE
The total Budget package for year 2019 is N146,736,042,510 as against N151,677,854,494 approved for year 2018. This is a decrease of N4,941,811,984 or 3.26% when compared with the 2018 Revised Budget. In addition to earlier stated reasons, inherent in the reduction is a tactical move to match new indicators released by the World Bank which will determine access to budget support funding.
Mr. Speaker Sir, Honourable Members, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, I now present to you the year 2019 Draft Budget for your consideration and approval. The Honourable House is invited to note that:
We have budgeted a total estimated recurrent revenue of N104,341,267,675 consisting of N20,172,740,733 from internal sources, N60,972,262,719 as State’s share from the Federation Account, N17,500,000,000 revenues from Value Added Tax (VAT), N2,243,973,366 from Excess crude, N130,893,199 as refund from Federal Government, N2,000,000,000 from Non-Oil Revenue, N200,698,829 from Foreign Exchange Equalisation and N120,698,829 from Excess Bank charges.
Recurrent Revenue for the year 2019 stands at N104,341,267,675. Out of the above figure, the estimated personnel cost for the period is N36,153,682,517 whereas N35,687,631,941 is Overhead Costs, thereby giving N71,325,314,459 as a total recurrent expenditure for the year 2019.
From the foregoing, we have a total estimated Transfer Surplus of N33,015,953,216 as Capital Development Fund.
The estimated Capital Receipt is N42,394,774,835 comprising Capital receipts analysis by economic, Aids and Grants. However, if the Transfer Surplus of N33,015,953,216 is added to this amount, we shall have N75,410,728,051 as fund available for capital development projects.
Total estimated capital expenditure therefore stands at N75,410,728,051.
In summary, our total estimated revenue (i.e. recurrent revenue and capital receipts) stands at N146,736,042,510 for the year 2019 making total estimated expenditure (i.e, Recurrent and Capital) to stand at N146,736,042,510 for the year 2019 making our 2019 Budget a balanced budget.
Mr. Speaker Sir, Honourable Members, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, it is now my pleasure to formally present to you the 2019 Draft Budget for your deliberation and approval.
JUDICIARY CRISIS
It will be very remiss of me to end this Presentation without addressing the needless injury and suffering our civil servants who work in the Judiciary are undergoing right now because of a needless impasse foisted on the state by the Judicial Arm.
Members may wish to recall that following a Collective Agreement signed with Organized Labour on the disbursement of the last Tranche of Paris Club Refunds, we embarked on Pay Parade cum Table Payment as the most transparent methodology for making sure that money reaches only genuine and actual civil servants in the form of salaries and pensions.
This Honourable House graciously encouraged her civil servants to participate and can testify that the process was speedy, dignified and effective in identifying civil servants, capturing their biometric data and paying them their due.
The Judiciary refused to participate citing notions of Independence and Autonomy which are at best dodgy in law and at worst extremely legalistic and were supported by the Judiciary Service Union of Nigeria which has proceeded on an indefinite strike.
The efforts of this House to broker a middle ground was stopped in its tracks by an ex parte injunction curiously obtained while the court staff were on strike, and at a time when no one else could transact any business in the various Court Registries because of the strike.
As things stand now, the genuine civil servants serving in the Judiciary are boycotting (or being forced to boycott) their own salaries and pensions while the money for their several months’ pay sits in the bank.
I pray Mr. Speaker and the Honourable House to take notice of these curious events, to ask the right questions, especially why the payroll of the Kogi State Judiciary seem to be a document for the eyes of only some senior initiates alone, but above all, to assist us in resolving the impasse so that our people who have worked hard for their money can do the needful to receive it.
3RD ANNIVERSARY EVENTS
In my very first Budget Presentation here, I did reel out a long list of projects which we had embarked upon. I am glad to report that most, especially the civil engineering ones, are gradually winding down their contractual and construction cycles, and are nearing completion even as we speak.
In the last week of January 2019, we will observe our anniversary week as usual during which we intend to showcase major projects and achievements of the Administration across the 3 Senatorial Districts. We are also working to bring His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari and other dignitaries to assist us in commissioning some of them.
I shall therefore crave the indulgence of this honourable house to be my guests as we observe our 2019 Anniversary Week and Presentation of Compendium of Achievements.
IN CONCLUSION
Mr. Speaker, Honorable Members, this is the third time I have been admitted into this honorable House to present the annual budget, and it is only fitting that I express my gratitude again for the accommodation.
I am deeply grateful to honorable members for allowing maturity and mutual patience to characterize the relationship between this honourable House and the Executive over the last 2 years in particular.
We will all face critical elections next year, starting from February and I trust that the next time I stand here to interact with this House, we will have a contingent of legislators who will continue with the tradition of placing our state above personal interest. I have no doubt that many of you here now will be here then.
I wish all of you the very best.
Do enjoy a very Merry Christmas and I wish all of us a peaceful, prosperous and fulfilling New Year.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has forgiven MTN Communications Limited (MTNN) on its earlier directive that the communications giant should reverse repatriations, valued at $8.1 billion done on its behalf by four commercial banks between 2007 and 2015 on the basis of Certificates of Capital Importation (CCIs) irregularly issued to it (MTNN).
In a statement today, Monday, by the CBN’s Director of Corporate Communications, Isaac Okorafor, the Nigeria apex bank said that the decision to forgive MTNN followed the review of the case with the additional documentation which the company provided it.
“The CBN has concluded that MTNN is no longer required to reverse the historical dividend payments made to MTN Nigeria shareholders.
“However, the CBN identified that the proceeds from the preference shares in MTNN’s private placement remittances of 2008 were irregular having been based on CCIs that were issued without the final approval of CBN.
“The CBN and MTNN have mutually agreed that the aforementioned transaction be reversed notionally to bring it into full compliance with foreign exchange laws and regulations.
“The parties have resolved that execution of the terms of the agreement will lead to amicable disposal of the pending legal suit between the parties and final resolution of the matter.
“The CBN assures foreign investors that the integrity of the CCIs issued by authorized dealers remain sacrosanct. Potential investors are encouraged to take advantage of the enormous investment opportunities that abound within Nigeria.”
The Central Bank had waded into the matter in August this year, culminating in the MTNN holding several meetings with the CBN in the course of which MTNN supplied additional material information, not previously offered to the apex bank, satisfactorily clarifying its remittances.
Former Senate Leader and Chairman, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Victor Ndoma-Egba, has described one-term promise by the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar if he is elected in the 2019election as deception.
He said that the only guarantee for the Igbo to ascend the presidency in 2013 is for President Muhammadu Buhari to be voted back to complete his second term, which will make him disqualifies him from contest in 2013, thereby paving the way for Igbo to take a shot at it.
“By the application of the law, come 2023, Buhari will become ineligible to contest because he must end his tenure and that is when the south east can have their turn. Any other person that comes, forget whatever promises they make.
“The moment they seat on that chair, they must take their constitutional two full terms. So, any other person will delay the chances for the south east. That is why I think the south east will go with President Buhari.”
The former senate leader said however that automatic ticket for Igbo for the Presidency in 2013 might not be possible, but they have brighter chance after the Buhari’s second term.
Ndoma-Egba emphasized that while there would not be an automatic ticket for the region, they must however put their house in order if a south easterner must get the plum job.
“We are talking about the opportunity and it is for the south east to go and organize themselves and ready itself for that opportunity. Will they have an opportunity in 2023 through President Buhari? The answer is yes, the opportunity will be there and you need to put your house in order. “Will it be possible with another person in 2023 considering the fact that the person would have a constitutional two term? The answer is no.”
He assured that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would embark on issues based campaign and that the party is not concerned about the length of campaign but its quality. Source: Vanguard
The Nigerian Army has announced the introduction of new technologies and application of drones in the fight against Boko Haram insurgents in the Northeast.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, who spoke at a dinner and media interactive session organized for editors and defence correspondents in Maiduguri yesterday, Saturday. Said: “we are working on deployment of drones.
“The Nigerian Air Force has been deploying drones in our operations in the northeast and they are deploying more, it has been very effective in this operation.
“For surveillance, local drones are deployed and when new ones are also deployed, it will be effective and useful in the operation.”
Buratai said that applications of drones and new technologies are critical in modern warfare to ensure successful implementation of the counter insurgency campaign.
According to him, the army had utilized drones in surveillance and research and that the process was effective in execution of its operations against the insurgents.
According to him, the military has also deployed modern military hardware, rehabilitated office and house accommodation, clinics and executed viable projects for the improvement of personnel welfare and boost their morale.
Buratai said that the military would also deploy modern scanning machines to check vehicular movements and enhance security on high ways.
The army chief called for closer media-military relation to check the spate of terrorists’ propaganda and campaign of calumny against the Nigerian Army.
The army chief commended the media for effective coverage of counter insurgency campaign, even as he tasked them to educate the people, to discourage terrorists’ propaganda.
Buratai lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for his support to the military which he said, facilitated significant successes recorded by the military against the insurgents.
He reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Army to end insurgency, restore peace to the northeast, and remain apolitical, disciplined and professional in the discharge of its constitutional mandate.
A group, known as Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has alleged that Joshua Dariye is still receiving the N750,000 salary and N13.5 million monthly allowances, amounting to a total of N14.2 million, from the Nigerian Senate in the prison, where he is serving 10 years jail term for corruption.
SERAP, which went to the Federal High Court in Lagos to challenge the Senate President, Bukola Saraki over the continued payment of such salary and allowaces to Dariye, who was once the governor of Plateau State, insisted that such payment, which is still being made six months after the conviction of the Senator, violates Nigerian law and international obligations.
Joined as defendants in the suit number FHC/L/CS/2146/18 filed on Friday, are Dariye and the National Assembly Service Commission.
SERAP said that the Senate President and the National Assembly Service Commission are trying to override Nigerian law and the judgment of the court by continuing to pay Dariye’s allowances while he serves out a 10-year prison term and unable to sit and perform the functions of a senator.
It said that such action undermines the rule of law and is a great moral failure because it sends a message that corruption pays—it’s the opposite of Nigerian Constitutional principles and international obligations.
“Stopping the Defendants would ensure that only sitting and serving senators are worthy of drawing salaries and allowances from the public treasury. It would also further the public interest and general public confidence in the government it elects. The interest in public confidence is greater than the convicted person’s interest in continuing to receive allowances while serving his sentence for corruption in Kuje prison.”
The 15-page lawsuit read in part: “Mr Saraki and the National Assembly Service Commission should be immediately restrained from unlawfully paying salaries and allowances to Mr Dariye who is serving jail term. Restraining them would send a clear message to Nigerian elected officials that corruption does not pay and contribute to promoting accountability and fostering public trust and confidence in Nigeria’s democracy, the rule of law and the governance system.”
“By paying Mr Dariye’s allowances while in prison, Mr Saraki and the National Assembly Service Commission have destroyed the efficacy and purpose of Mr Dariye’s conviction and have brought the rule of law and administration of justice into disrepute. SERAP and the public are alarmed by the action of Mr Saraki and the National Assembly Service Commission and they ought to be restrained by this Honourable Court.”
“Mr Saraki and the National Assembly Service Commission should not be allowed to continue to make a mockery of the rule of law, our process of administration of justice and our judicial system by behaving as if the Nigerian Senate is not bound by the court judgment which convicted and sentenced Dariye for corruption. Mr Saraki and the Nigerian Senate should be compelled to respect and obey decisions of the court.”
“By continuing to pay Mr Dariye’s allowances after his conviction and while in Kuje prison and unable to sit and perform the functions of a sitting senator, Mr Saraki and the National Assembly Service Commission have played a negative role to wit: undermining the authority and integrity of the court. Mr Saraki and the National Assembly Service Commission knew or ought to know that Mr Dariye has been convicted and sentenced and now serving his jail term in Kuje prison pursuant to a decision of a competent court.”
“Mr Dariye, having been convicted, sentenced and currently serving jail term in Kuje prison can no longer by virtue of his imprisonment lawfully carry out or perform the duties of a senator. Mr Dariye ordinarily ceases to be a senator, as per the provisions of section 66 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended).”
“Section 68(1) provides that a senator shall vacate his/her seat if any circumstances arise that would cause him/her to be disqualified for election as senator. This is exactly what happened to Mr Dariye, who is, as a result of his imprisonment, no longer fit to be a senator let alone be entitled to allowances of a sitting senator. Similarly, a senator shall vacate his/her seat if without just cause, he/she is absent from meetings of the Senate, for a period amounting in the aggregate to more than one-third of the total number of days during which the Senate meets in any one year”
“Mr Dariye is no longer a senator having been convicted, sentenced and currently serving prison terms and having been in prison since June 12, 2018, he is caught by the provision of section 68(1)(f) as it is practically impossible for him to sit as senator.”
“Mr Dariye, having been absent for a period amounting in the aggregate to more than one-third of the total number of days during which the Senate meets in 2018, is disqualified and therefore his seat has automatically become vacant. Mr Dariye is no longer entitled to be paid and/or to receive the allowances of a sitting and serving senator.”
“Mr Dariye’s conviction remains in effect until it is set aside. Therefore, the argument that he has appealed his conviction will not hold water. A judgment of a competent court of law subsists until set aside on appeal. The Supreme Court of Nigeria has made this point very clear in several cases.”
“So long as the decision exists, it must be obeyed to the letter. A judgment of court, no matter the fundamental vice that afflict it, remains legally binding and valid until set aside by due process of law. As the Supreme Court has said, the judiciary like all citizens of this country cannot be a passive on-looker when any person attempts to subvert the administration of justice and will not hesitate to use the powers available to it to do justice in the cases before it.’’
“Mr Dariye cannot justly and reasonably earn the allowances of a sitting and serving senator, having been convicted and sentenced and serving a prison term. Under the common law principle of money had and received, Mr Dariye is under a legally binding duty to return all such salaries and allowances to the public treasury, having not justly earned such. Mr Dariye should be compelled to return the allowances he has received so far since his conviction.”
“SERAP is seeking an order restraining Mr Saraki and the National Assembly Service Commission from paying Mr Dariye any further allowances while serving his jail term in Kuje prisons, Abuja.”
“SERAP is also seeking a declaration that the seat of Mr Dariye in the Senate is automatically deemed vacant, having being convicted and sentenced to a prison term and currently serving jail term and having been absent at the sessions of the Senate for a period amounting in the aggregate to more than one-third of the total number of days allowed, and that he is therefore,not entitled to any allowances reserved for a sitting and serving senator.”
“SERAP is also seeking an order compelling Mr Dariye to return all salaries and allowances paid to him as a senatorwhile in prison, having not performed the functions and office of a sitting and serving senator and having not deservedly earned such.”
“Unless the reliefs sought are granted, Mr Saraki and the National Assembly Service Commission will continue to act in flagrant defiance of the judgment of the court, the independence and authority of the court, and the rule of law. It is in the interest of justice to grant this application as the Defendants have nothing to lose if the application is granted.”
An FCT high court, in June this year, convicted Dariye for diverting N1.162 billion state ecological funds while he was governor. He was sentenced to 14 years in prison, which was later reduced to 10 years by a court of appeal in Abuja.
Dariye is said to have been paid N85.5 million as allowances since his conviction.
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
“The 2019 general elections is our own. We are not looking at the 2019 but 2023. If we get it in 2019, Yoruba will get it in 2023. Because if we don’t get it in 2019, we may not get it in 2023 and it may take a very long time to get it. We need to look at tomorrow and not because of today. What we are doing now is for tomorrow and not for today.”
These are the words of advice by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo when he paid a courtesy visit on the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi 111 in his palace today, Saturday. He was in the palace to pay homage to the monarch along with Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state, All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the 2019 general elections, Adebayo Adelabu; former Senate leader, Senator Teslim Folarin and Hon. Akeem Adeyemi who represents Atiba/ Afijio/Oyo East/Oyo West in the House of Representatives.
Osinbajo asked Yoruba people and Nigerians to beware of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which he said, was in power for 16 years without any tangible achievements, except the institutionalization of corruption.
He advised the people of the southwest and Nigerians, not to return the PDP to power, adding: “now, they are regrouping. These are the people that have ruled for 16 years and they say they want to come back again. They are corrupt. Though, it is still difficult because no man or woman can build a house without a foundation.”
He said that President Muhammadu Buhari has proved to be a man who has zero tolerance for corruption, describing corruption as one of the major problems in Nigeria.
“What I know about Buhari is that he is an honest man. What he says he will do, he will do it.”
Oba Adeyemi had earlier described Osinbajo as a cerebral lawyer who has excelled in his profession.
“He is a good lawyer, the case he instituted on behalf of Lagos state when the federal government withhold the local government allocations in Lagos state during Obasanjo regime, he won the case. And it was Yar’adua that paid the money to Lagos state. The load you are carrying is big, Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, you will succeed.”
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All Progressives Congress (APC) national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has said that though there are things upon which Nigerians can disagree and differ, but that they must rise over these differences and treat one another with kindness and decency.
A Social Political group in Nigeria, The Progressive League (TPG), has described the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a drowned opposition party that has resorted to dishing out lie to cover up all its past atrocities on the nation’s socio economy.
