I Said It; Rogues And Armed Robbers Filled The Legislature – Obasanjo

July 25, 2016

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has insisted that rogues and armed robbers have filled the legislative arm of the federal government.

His position, which he first mooted in 2012, came on the heels of the gory allegations making the rounds the National Assembly, especially, the House of Representatives on the resurrected case of budget padding. Hon. Abdumumuni Jubril (APC, Kano) who was hitherto the Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation had, on Friday, opened a can of worms on the padding of the 2016 budget by the lawmakers, implicating the Speaker, Mr. Yakubu Dogara in the padding controversy of over N40 billion. The exposure came on the heels of his sack on Thursday by the Speaker.

Obasanjo, who attended the Fourth annual conference of the Academy for Entrepreneurial Studies in Lagos, had said in 2012: “integrity is necessary for all systems and institutions to be strong. Today, rogues, armed robbers are in the state houses of assembly and the national assembly. What sort of laws will they make?”

Obasanjo, who spoke to news men on Monday shortly after he had an audience with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Aso Presidential Villa, Abuja, said that the institution stinks.

“Well, if you said that I have said it in the past and if they are people who didn’t believe what I said ‎in the past then you now say that what has come out confirms what I said in the past, then you can say what I said in the past is what I will say now.

‎”It is not a question of investigation; we should get men and women of integrity in the place and the president should be very vigilant, whatever should not pass should not pass.”

Obasanjo said that he was in the Villa to deliver messages from Liberia, Gambia and Seychilles to President Buhari.

“I am visiting this time because I have some messages for the president. Not too long ago, I was in Liberia and Gambia and I have messages these two countries will want me to deliver to the president.

“Also, only yesterday I came back from Seychelles Island where I attended this year’s Annual General meeting of Africa Export Development Bank. And there are aspects of the proceedings that I think I should update the President.”

Obasanjo said that traveling to different countries has educated him more.

“Travelling is a good education, what you will learn about a country by visiting that country for two or three days you won’t learn by reading through books”, he said. Asked whether he intended to slow down, he said “May God not allow you to slow now.” [myad]

IMF Lied On Nigeria’s Economy, Economic Society Boss Says

Greenbarge Reporters

July 25, 2016

The President of the Nigeria Economic Society (NES), Professor Ben Aigbokhan has faulted the prediction made by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that Nigeria is facing bleak economic future.

The economist, who spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), insisted that the IMF was wrong in forecasting that Nigeria’s economy would contract by 1.8 per cent in 2016.
The IMF had predicted that the Nigerian economy will now grow at a much slower pace than South Africa’s, which is expected to grow at 0.1 per cent in 2016. It also reported that the economy will contract for the first time in more than two decades as it adjusts to foreign currency shortages, lower power generation and weaker investor confidence.
Aigbokhan said: “I am not as pessimistic as the IMF. You know how IMF forecasts do go.
“Sometimes they use it to put pressure on government to act. So, I don’t think Nigeria’s economy will grow at minus 1.8 per cent.
“No! Things will not be that bad.”

He praised the Federal Government for doing everything possible to improve the living conditions of Nigerians, adding: “the government wants to be seen to achieve something and will not allow the economy to be nose-diving as to come to minus 1.8 per cent in the last quarter of the year.
“I think between now and the last quarter, the government is going to release some amount of money for the capital projects. So, the government will want to be seen doing something.
“That is why I’m optimistic that the country will come out of recession.” [myad]

No Crisis In Nigeria Football Management, FIFA President Rules

Greenbarge Reporters

July 25, 2016

The visiting President of world football governing body, FIFA, Gianni Infantino, has ruled that there is crisis in the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The FIFA President who spoke to news men at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Monday, shortly after meeting President Muhammadu Buhari said: “I don’t think there is any crisis in football management in Nigeria. There is an elected president in place and he is functioning.

“In a big country like Nigeria, you are bound to see opposition; that’s what you see,” Infantino said.

He said that he discussed football development in Nigeria when he had the meeting with President Buhari, saying: “I have had some intense discussion on football in Nigeria and Africa. “We discussed how we can best develop football in Africa because there are talents, potentials and passion to do great things in football in Nigeria and Africa.”

The FIFA President said that he had the mandate to ensure accountability and transparency in the organization and that one of his mandate is to develop football.

A statement by presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, said that the FIFA boss had during the meeting with Buhari, asked the Nigerian authorities to pay attention to infrastructure and find a lasting solution to the problem of violence and insecurity at match venues.

“I foresee Nigeria as bedrock for the development of the game in Africa, however infrastructure, stability and security are needed to make this happen.”

Buhari was said to have promised at the meeting that his administration will pay keen interest to accountability and transparency to fast-track football development in the country.

Infantino was accompanied on the visit by FIFA Secretary-General, Fatma Samoura; the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung; President of NFF, Amaju Pinnick and the President of Nigerian Olympics Committee, Mr. Habu Gumel. [myad]

Senate Has No Power To Singlehandedly Impeach President – Ndume

Greenbarge Reporters

July 25, 2016

Senate Leader, Mohammed Ali Ndume, on Monday dismissed reports of a planned impeachment process against President Muhammadu Buhari, saying it was untrue.

Ndume said it is futile for anybody to think the Senate alone can impeach the President.

The Senate leader told journalists in Abuja that impeachment process is never a sole business of the Senate.

The Borno South lawmaker was emphatic that the Senate cannot impeach the President.

He said, “The impeachment process is a National Assembly matter not the Senate alone. Senate cannot impeach the President. It is the National Assembly that can impeach the President. The Senate cannot impeach President Buhari.

“It is the National Assembly and it is by 2/3 majority.

“It is a process, a long tedious process and in this country we don’t even need that. We are not even contemplating it and even if anybody contemplates it, it is not going to work because this is an APC Senate.

“We have the majority. It is 60- 58 senators and you need 72 senators to start off impeachment process.

“Where are they going to get the 24? Let me tell you as some of them are coming into PDP, many of them have their other legs with us in the APC.” [myad]

Osinbajo Vows: Never Again Will Public Funds Be Diverted For Political Campaign

Greenbarge Reporters

July 25, 2016

The Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, has vowed that never again will the public funds be diverted for political campaigns in favour of any of the political parties.

Speaking on Monday at the 2016 Annual Conference of the Mallam Bashir Yusuf-led Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) held at the Yar’adua Centre, Abuja, Osinbajo recalled that when the current government took over from the PDP-led government in May last year, it found out that a huge chunk of money meant for the purchase of arms to fight terrorists in the North-east was diverted.‎

Osinbajo, who was represented my his special assistant on political parties, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, said the federal government is not targeting ‎opposition parties in its anti corruption drive but wants to bring sanity to the polity in order to sustain democracy in the country.

“Politics and elections should not be war or ‎depletion of public resources. Never again will government agencies be used in favour of any political party to win elections. The war against corruption is not targeted at the opposition parties. What government is doing now is that money meant for essential services should not be diverted for campaigns or any other purposes.”

He said that the reason why the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is going after some of the stalwarts of the PDP is because the party diverted money meant for public services for political campaigns or other questionable purposes.

He said that the Buhari’s anti corruption drive had gone to show that huge sums of money voted for security was diverted ‎into private pockets while part of the money was used for campaigns by the PDP-led government.

According to the Vice President, the trend cannot be allowed to continue, even as he called on the IPAC tp play critical role in educating political parties and the general public on the issue so that ‎democracy can survive in Nigeria.

Osinbajo recounted the terrible experience of the military in the hands of Boko Haram insurgents during the regime of the former President, Goodluck Jonathan, when some of the soldiers went to the battle with obsolete weapons.
The ‎Senate President, Bukola Saraki in his remarks, called for concerted efforts to sustain the democratic culture in the country. [myad]

Minister Thinks Big For Sporting Activities In FCT

Greenbarge Reporters

July 25, 2016

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has said that his government is thinking of reviving sporting activities in the capital territory so as to allow sports to take their rightful position in the socio-economic development of the Territory.
The FCT received a delegation of the Nigerian Hockey Federation led by its President, Senator Abdul Ningi, said that sport is a very important avenue to engage the youths and also serves as employment opportunity.
Muhammadu Bello who acknowledged the assistance the FCT has been receiving from the Nigeria Hockey Federation, made it clear that the FCT Administration would partner and support Sport Federations to take sporting activities to greater heights in the Territory.
“The current FCT Administration would do everything possible to revive sporting activities in the Federal Capital Territory particularly hockey, because it also goes a long way in
improving the health status of the people.”
The Minister emphasized that the FCT has an international standard hockey pitch which he asked the Nigeria Hockey Federation to take advantage of, saying he would leverage on the experiences of the President as well as the Board members in engaging the FCT youths.
He assured that the FCT Administration would be represented at the closing ceremony of the on-going super league competition in Abuja as requested by the Federation.
Speaking earlier, the President of the Nigerian Hockey Federation, Senator Abdul Ningi said that the Federation is expecting some sports facilities from the International Hockey Federation and the Federation will be attending the African Hockey Federation meeting in Accra, Ghana in September 2016. He therefore solicited for the FCT Administration’s support. [myad]

Buhari Admires Iran’s Economic Recovery Through Diversification

Greenbarge Reporters

July 25, 2016

President Buhari with Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran H.E. Dr. Mohammad Javad Zarif and H.E. Mr. Morteza Rahimi Zarchi Ambassador of Iran to Nigeria at the Statehouse on 25th July 2016.

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed great respect for the economic recovery of Ira through the use of diversification. He said that his government is carefully understudying the experiences Iran and other countries that have thrived in adversity.

Receiving a Special Envoy from the President of Islamic Republic of Iran at the State House, Mohammad Javad Zarif, President Buhari said the Iranian economy remains an inspiration for Nigeria in the deployment of technology to harness and export gas, grow food for the populace and promote entrepreneurship in education.

“The progress made by Iran within a short period of 30 years is really commendable. Within the period, you have been able to harness gas flaring, and you are now exporting. You have recorded strides in security, manufacturing, agriculture and technology.

“You have also achieved a lot in nuclear research. I must also congratulate you for successfully negotiating with America and the European countries on the development of your nuclear energy,’’ he said.

The President noted that Nigeria had all the potentials for growing into a great economy through more inclusive planning, consistency in government policies and commitment to the realization of development targets.

“In Nigeria, we are learning. We are learning the hard way through hardship, and we are learning very quickly on how to explore other sectors of the economy like gas, solid minerals and agriculture for growth.

“We are grateful for your support and cooperation in opening up the Nigerian economy for diversification,’’ President Buhari told the envoy.”

The Iranian envoy, who is also the Minister of Foreign Affairs, assured the support of the Iranian government of the ongoing restructuring of the Nigerian economy.

“We are very keen to see a better and stronger relationship with Nigeria, which is the largest country in Africa and a major global player.”

Zarif said that he came into Nigeria with a delegation of more than 70 members of the Iranian business community who had already started discussions in investing in sectors like banking, education, scholarship, agriculture, energy, tourism and technology development. [myad]

Let’s Cash In On APC Mistakes For 2019 Elections, Ciroma Encourages PDP

Greenbarge Reporters

July 25, 2016

A former Nigeria Minister of Finance, Adamu Ciroma, has encouraged members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to brace up to cash in on the mistakes the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will make before the 2019 general elections.

“Anybody can make a mistake. The beauty of it is that every party that has a chance to rule has the chance to make mistakes. APC will make a lot of mistakes and the PDP must be ready to put things right and all of you must be ready to contribute, participate and get involved for the interests of ordinary Nigerians.’’

Ciroma who spoke when he received members of PDP Board of Trustee led by its Chairman, Senator Jibrin Walid, in Abuja, emphasized that any party that got into power must make mistakes, and advised fellow party members to prepare ahead of the 2019 elections, “especially as the APC will continue to make mistakes.”

He insisted that the PDP is still the dominant political party, dominating political discuss in Nigeria despite the country being an APC-led Federal Government

“Just before the last elections and when we saw the trend of events, I warned members of the PDP to prepare themselves for whatever eventuality that may come. Today, PDP didn’t lose and APC didn’t win because APC has a lot to do.

“When you talk about politics, you talk about PDP. When you talk of politics, people talk about PDP as If APC does not exist. So far, APC is not playing the right role‎.’’

He challenged PDP members to play positive roles in politics as there would always be several parties, hence, they must learn to make the masses the centrepiece of their developmental projects.

“Politics will always be there,’’ he said, adding that “there must be good and bad people who’ll participate in it.

“Everybody who participates in politics does so for good cause and that good cause is of the interest and political stability of all Nigerians.

“There will not be one party; there will always be one political party or the others.

“I insist that people must play the rightful role in politics and that role is to promote the interest of the poor masses.

Earlier, Senator Walid said ‎that the visit was “part of strategies mapped-out to visit well-recognized founding fathers and leaders of the PDP to tap from their advice on the way forward for the party.

“We promise you that we shall remain the conscience of our party,’’ he assured.

Members of the BoT on the entourage included former President of the Senate, Adolphus Wabara, former Deputy President of the Senate, Ibrahim Mantu and Professor Jerry Gana.

(NAN). [myad]

Buhari Is Positively Handling Niger Delta Problems, SGF Babachir Assures

Greenbarge Reporters

July 25, 2016

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal has said that President Muhammadu Buhari has been positively handling the problems of the Niger Delta region even as he asked the people in the region to give the President time to properly develop it.

Babachir Lawal who spoke at an empowerment programme, sponsored by Ossy Prestige, a member of the House of Representatives, representing Aba North/Aba South federal constituency, said that President Buhari is working tirelessly to deliver a new country and appealed for the support of the citizenry.

The SGF, who was represented by the Senior Special Assistant on Political Matters to the President, Mr. Gideon Samani, commended the lawmaker for his sterling performance in one year as well as commitment to the welfare of his constituents through the provision of empowerment items.

“We have noted the problems of this area as presented by the traditional rulers. During my trip from Owerri, we have seen how terrible the roads were. It is like if you are part of the IDPs in the North East zone. For the issues in the Niger Delta, we call on you to give the President time to solve the problems. The issue of Ogoni region is receiving attention. You know that in the budget, we have provided money for creating employment for the youths, including money for skill acquisition.

“Already, we are employing about 10,000 policemen. We have budgeted money for the less privileged. Mr. President is looking for men and women who will team up with him to rebuild the nation and make it great again. He wants people who will team up with him to fight corruption. Mr. President is trying his best to do away with corruption. Our President is also in the assignment of recovering stolen money. Nigerians should support him.”

He called on Mr. Prestige to join the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) to identify with the change agenda of the federal government.

Earlier, the lawmaker had said that he will continue to do his best to uplift the lives of his constituents, adding that within one year, he has instituted free health care, legal services as well as road maintenance system for the constituency.

Among the empowerment items distributed at the event include tricycles, sewing machines, motorcycles, bags of rice and garri, as well as power generating sets. [myad]

FCT Minister Reminds APC Of Need To Provide Good Leadership Before Next Elections

Greenbarge Reporters

July 25, 2016

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has called on leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the North Central zone of Nigeria to remain united and provide good governance to the populace against the backdrop of the 2019 general elections.
The minister, who spoke when the Deputy National Chairman, North Central zone of the Party, Zakari Idde, led the state chairmen of the zone to pay him a courtesy visit in Abuja, noted that good leadership and good governance are necessary for the Party to prolong its electoral fortunes in the region.
“The Party is in control of all the states in the North Central and the only way it could go back to solicit their support during elections is by providing quality leadership at levels of government.
“This is an opportunity for us to show good governance because it is something that our members have been yearning for a long time. We have to really govern properly to enable the
people spot the difference so that next time, when we go back to them, they will receive us with open arms.” [myad]

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