The governor of Taraba State, Darius Ishaku has forgiven the sins of four out of seven traditional rulers who were suspended for aiding and harboring criminal elements, as well as conducted illegal sales of lands belonging to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to unknown persons in their domains.
Governor Ishaku Darius, who spoke through his deputy Engineer Haruna Manu, gave the names of those who have been pardoned as the district head of Taka in Mutum Biyu Chiefdom under Gasol local government (Ali Adamu), the district head of Tella in Gasol Chiefdom under Gasol local government (Bello Chiloma), district head of Sendirde in Gasol chiefdom under Gasol local government area (Ali Umaru Tafida) and ward head of Sabon Dale in Bakundi chiefdom under Bali local government.
The deputy governor who was addressing stakeholders from the affected local government areas (Bali and Gasol) who were at government house in connection to the issue the governor, who had suspended the traditional rulers, has ordered that they should be recalled.
He made it clear that the suspense who was carried out for serious security reasons, and that the administration could not sit idly and allow people who occupy sensitive positions of responsibilities to foment trouble in their various domains.
“We acted swiftly based on accurate security report to restore harmony and avoid further breach of peace in the areas affected.”
He directed the permanent secretary, Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Bello Yero to issue the four traditional rulers with letter of reinstatement and warning through their respective chiefs.
He also advised the reinstated traditional rulers to live above board and avoid a repeat of what happened that attracted their earlier suspension. [myad]
A popular Yoruba movie actress/ producer, Lola Alao has said that her conversion to Islam from Christianity was not accidental.
She recently took to her Instagram page to make an announcement to confirm the speculations that she had converted to Islam, saying that she was originally a Muslim from an Islamic family. Lola said: “Salaam alykun to all my wonderful friends and fans. May almighty Allah grant u all your heart desires. I just want everyone to know that I was born into a Muslim home. My late father’s name is Lasisi Alao, so I reverted back to my root through Alhaji Yusuf Adepoju (Acadip). May almighty Allah bless him and all my wonderful friends and fans…. Thanks love you all.. Rohdiat Omolola Alao Ajibola.” [myad]
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Adamawa state in the 2015 general elections, Nuhu Ribadu, has returned to the All Progressives Congress (APC). He left the party for the Peoples Democratic Party in 2014.
Nuhu Ribadu, who was the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), during the regime of Olusegun Obasanjo, had contested the Presidential election under the then Action Congress of Nigeria (CAN) in 2011.
In a statement posted on his Facebook wall on Friday, Ribadu said he rejoined the in his Bako Ward in Yola South Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Ribadu explained that his return to the APC was triggered by his belief that all politics were local and that almost everyone around him who started politics with him believed the time had come for them to make sacrifices and concession.
“My decision to return to the APC was triggered by my belief that all politics are local. Almost everyone around me, and with whom we started my political journey believed the time had come for us to make sacrifices and make concessions. That is in addition to the unbelievable love that my friends in the APC have showered on me in the past months.
“They demonstrated in words and action that they wanted me back home. The intractable crises in the PDP also made it impossible for one to contribute to the necessary task of building a viable opposition platform for our country. “I also did a deep and long reassessment of the circumstances that warranted my exit from the APC in the first place. I left the APC in 2014 owing to fundamental disagreements with the ways the chapter of the party in my state was run after it fell into some hands.”
Below is Ribadu’s statement announcing his return to the APC
Today I heeded the calls on me to return to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a party of which I was a founding member.
I re-registered as a member of the APC last night through the party’s online portal. After that, the leadership of the party in my Bako ward of Yola South Local Government Area visited me in my Yola residence to welcome me back to their fold.
This afternoon, I visited the Yola South secretariat of the party to present myself and submit to the leadership as a loyal party man.
My decision to return to the APC was triggered by my belief that all politics are local. Almost everyone around me, and with whom we started my political journey believed the time had come for us to make sacrifices and make concessions. That is in addition to the unbelievable love that my friends in the APC have showered on me in the past months.
They demonstrated in words and action that they wanted me back home. The intractable crises in the PDP also made it impossible for one to contribute to the necessary task of building a viable opposition platform for our country.
I also did a deep and long reassessment of the circumstances that warranted my exit from the APC in the first place. I left the APC in 2014 owing to fundamental disagreements with the ways the chapter of the party in my state was run after it fell into some hands.
Some colleagues and I tried hard to reposition the fold and save the then APC administration from an orchestrated impeachment plot. We didn’t succeed.
Events in the last 15 months have addressed many of the issues and healed some of the wounds. More so, with the genuine and sincere invitations I received since last year to retrace my steps into the party, I decided to return after consulting family and political associates at all levels.
I would like to appreciate all those members of the party who privately and publicly prodded me to return to the party. My appreciation also goes to the leadership of our party, from my ward in Bako to the national leadership, for the enthusiasm they showed in having me back.
The former EFCC boss is one of the founding leaders of the party, but defected to the PDP in 2014, a few months to the 2015 general elections. He left the APC after the impeachment of former Governor Murtala Nyako by the State House of Assembly in 2014.
He was reportedly disappointed that the APC leadership could not save Mr. Nyako from impeachment. [myad]
An Indian military plane with more than 20 people on board has gone missing over the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Air Force (AIF) has confirmed.
The Antonov-32 transporter aircraft took off from Chennai (Madras) in southern India at 8.30 am (local time) for Port Blair in the eastern archipelago of Andaman and Nicobar.
It was scheduled to land at 11.30am. A search operation has been launched.
The IAF operates more than 100 Antonov-32 aircraft.
A navy spokesman told the Reuters news agency that surveillance planes and ships were looking for the missing aircraft, which was carrying service personnel to strategic islands near the Malacca Straits, where India has a military base. [myad]
Bukola Saraki has been marked for ‘destruction’ by the ‘Hawks’ in the ruling All Progressives Party (APC). They want him out at any cost. This is the group that Saraki recently described as “government within government.” He is probably restrained in the use of radical words like ‘Cabal,’ ‘Mafia,’ due to the integrity of the office he occupies as the President of the Senate and as a result of his continuous search for political solution. But as we have seen, and regardless of the onslaught and the pains he has suffered, it appears Saraki’s preference for political diplomacy is still preferred by him to the ‘unknown’ cost of confrontation – option B. His latest comment “I remain loyal to the APC,” and the re-allocation of ‘juicy’ committees to Senators opposed to his emergence, could also be interpreted in the political framework of his option A – diplomacy.
The wild and unrestrained impulses with which those involved in this “operation demolish Saraki,” have carried on so far, do not suggest they are likely to adopt political solution or give up on this matter. These Hawks are consumed by the urge to seek political retribution and by extension reduce the burden of challenge for 2019 power struggle – an agitation which started in the APC since April, 2015 before the swearing-in of President Muhammadu Buhari. It is also unlikely that even a signed pact of “I’ll not contest 2019 Presidency,” by Saraki will sway their minds. It is a matter of life and death for them – wickedness taken too far. They had succeeded in massaging the ego of Mr. President that Saraki contested against his will and he must be crushed.
But Saraki after yet another case – a forgery suit instituted by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, against him and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu at an Abuja High Court, might have put aside any further fear. His statement after the second arraignment, sounded more like it to his loyal supporters off and on the social media: “Let it be clear, as a citizen and as a foremost legislator, I will continue to rise above all the persecution and distraction that have been visited on me. In the words of Martin Luther King Junior, `the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience but where he stands at a time of challenge and controversy.” For once, Saraki sounded in a way the radicals amongst his supporters had wanted. He capped it by daring the Hawks: “If yielding (unyielding) to the nefarious agenda of a few individuals who are bent on undermining our democracy and destabilising the Federal Government to satisfy their selfish interests is alternative to losing my personal freedom, let the doors of jails be thrown open. I shall be a happy guest.” His popularity soared afterwards.
The second case instituted by the executive over what is purely an internal affairs of the Senate is a legal affront against the principle of Separation of Power. Especially when there is a pending one on same matter in another court of law. Justice Gabriel Kolawole handling the first case, clearly expressed his misgiving on this: “In all of these facts and issues, having regard to the pendency of this suit in which the defendants have both filed processes, one question that did not cease to resonate in my thoughts is why this “desperate haste” to prefer the criminal indictments in exhibit “B” the investigation of which is at the heart of this suit and of the parallel suit in exhibit “E”, and which indictments, by law are not time barred as the substantive suit before this court, had by consent of both the Plaintiff’s Counsel and the 1st defendant’s Counsel, been scheduled for 6/7/16 for hearing.”
When the principle of separation of power developed by Baron de Montesquieu is violated by one arm or when another organ of government constitutes a threat to the other, it is likely to give rise to an unhealthy political rivalry. This sometimes leads to the quest to balance power by the offended arm in a bid to guide and defend its independence especially if there is the will to do so. The rumours over an attempt to commence an impeachment process against President Muhammadu Buhari which was widely reported by the media is an indication of an emerging group in the Senate that is favourably disposed to negotiating balance of power in an executive-legislature cold war. The constitution confers on the National Assembly the power to remove the President and such instrument is available for political negotiations – it is a common legislative bargaining strength globally. The House of Representatives attempted it during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and it worked.
In international politics, states oftentimes try to ensure their survival and relevance by maintaining or increasing their power in a self-help world. In international relations, balance of power suggests that “national security is enhanced when military capability is distributed so that no one state is strong enough to dominate all others. If one State becomes much stronger than others, the theory predicts that it will take advantage of its strength and attack weaker neighbours, thereby providing an incentive for those threatened to unite in a defensive coalition,” – Wikipedia. This concept (theory) is also silently embedded in the principle of separation of powers as adapted by the constitution of democratic nations. The National Assembly understands this perspective clearly too in preserving its independence, hence the rumours of impeachment.
As a trained medical doctor, Saraki understands the implications of a cancer that is already growing and spreading and the likely treatments. Unfortunately, legislative-executive imbroglio has also degenerated into a political cancer of sort. It is spreading. The recent Dino Melaye vs Remi Tinubu face-off is part of the symptoms. And we are likely to see more in the weeks ahead if caution is not applied. Semblance of this, is a Senator Robert Boroffice who was not in the National Assembly complex during the confrontation, but he took to the media to lampoon Senator Dino Melaye, just in a desperate bid to enlist the support of the husband of Senator Remi Tinubu for APC Governorship ticket in Ondo State. There will be other derived intrusions in the trials of Saraki in the days ahead. Same Boroffice is also amplifying the Abuja court trial.
Borrowing Saraki’s phrase, this “government within government” group has since crossed the red-line, closing their minds to any form of negotiation. Saraki should apprise himself to this singular fact – Hawks are hardliners with extreme positions, they take no prisoners and are perpetually pro-wars. He has options, including fighting back, but he is personally over-conscious of probable executive tyranny and the fear of not receiving enough positive media support. Also, the goodwill of the National Assembly is still considerably low – worry over getting enough public sympathy. But fighting for honour and purpose is the signature of courageous men – history reckons with them. The onus is on Saraki to choose his battle.
There is a latest silent intervention by some past leaders, but yet they are closing in on him with legal distractions. The third leg of his trial is likely in the offing, if and after the Senate confirms Ibrahim Magu as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He was a Governor and he is on their radar; they may explore that – this is in addition to his trials at the Code of Conduct Tribunal and the Abuja High Court. The plan is to use every means to deprive him of Senate sittings, including his Deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, joined in the second suit. It is not unlikely that Ekweremadu will be included in the third-leg option albeit separately to double his trial and ensure none of them is able to attend sittings. At least the EFCC has proved time and again that cases could be manufactured against perceived enemies of government to achieve a mission. The case of fiery human rights lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa who was arrested just to prevent a mass action in Lagos over subsidy removal comes handy.
Sensing that Saraki, aided by one of the best assemblages of lawyers in recent history, had wriggled himself out of a quick plan to get a judgment at the CCT, the Hawks from all indications decided to adopt the ‘distraction approach.’ Probably the lacuna these trials will create, may help the anti-Saraki group to negotiate their replacements by reaching some deals. It is going to be a tall dream. Aside the fact that the Senate is not ready to compromise its independence as epitomised by Saraki/Ekweremadu leadership, they are also ahead in this game with options. A PDP person will take over the Presidency of the red chamber and still secure the seat for Saraki. Mind you, some cases will get to the Supreme Court and none is strong enough to convict Saraki. The Hawks had perfected plans to manipulate court of first instance just to remove Saraki, while appeals would be immaterial. That was why the same CCT that exonerated former Gov. Bola Tinubu reversed himself in a desperate bid to execute these plans.
In a fair sense, embarking on an impeachment process may not be a bad option to balance power. The Hawks are not likely to compromise their stand and since Saraki/Ekweremadu are not ready to relinquish their seats, then they may have to act. Moving against the executive will definitely stoke tension in the land but it will at least give the National Assembly a bargaining power at a time the popularity of the President has dimmed. For instance, the legislature could be blackmailed as working against good governance if it adopts the approach of not treating executive requests or without dispatch, but certainly not an impeachment move. There is no better time for the legislature to save itself from the tyrannical disposition of the executive than now.
Ariyo-Dare Atoye is the Convener, PDP Reform Group and can be reached via aristotle001us@yahoo.com [myad]
Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo (Right), seems to be asking Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosu and Anambra State Governor, Chief Willy Obiano that the Nation’s economy is improving, shortly before the meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC), which he presided at the Council Chamber of the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja on Thursday. Photo by Sunday Aghaeze.
Unlike the previous administrations which the minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun said, had been borrowing to pay salaries thereby playing a photo trick on Nigerians, President Muhammadu Buhari will not pretend that there are no problems. “This administration (of Buhari) will state the fact as they are and be honest with Nigerians so that we can work collectively to fix all the problems, rather than pretend there are no problems.” Adeosun, who appeared before the Senate on Thursday where he answered questions about ensuring that the agencies under the ministry of finance are properly scrutinised, acknowledged that work is on-going to ensure improved efficiency and fiscal discipline. The Minister confirmed that Nigerian Customs will be reformed under this administration and steps are already in place to do so. “We also learned that a multi-agency committee has been set up to review waivers: a new policy on waivers will be published shortly. Loop-holes and leakages will be closed and a clear strategic approach will be applied to import waivers. “This policy will ensure that any waiver will be tied directly to economic growth and diversification.” Adeosun said that the reality of the economy is that Nigeria most start to save, adding: “we cannot continue to spend all our earnings. We must start to save. It is our collective responsibility.” The Minister attributed the current increase in prices of Agricultural products in Nigerian markets to payment delay to fertiliser producers in the past. According to he, the situation has led to crop failures and subsequently a lower output of basic products for the markets. “Naturally prices increased due to these shortages.” The minister said that plans are on the way for implement the poverty alleviation programmes most of which will be channelled through agriculture. “We can expect a bumper harvest. What we must guard against is over supply and we will work with the farmers in this regard. “Money has been pushed out in corn, rice and millet. We have widened the definition of Internally Generated Revenue of all states. This will encourage each state to look inward and increase production especially in agriculture. “We are working on the recapitalisation of the Bank of agriculture and we will come up with a plan in the next 30 days. “All agricultural machinery is allowed to be imported with Zero import duty” Responding to the issue of the size of the nation’s economy, the Minister stated that “Nigerians should not panic. We are still the biggest economy in Africa and we will still get better. “When you have two consecutive quarters of negative growth, you are technically in a recession, but that notwithstanding, our focus should be on the progress we are making. “We are tackling infrastructure deficits. Our focus towards economic diversification is to bridge the infrastructural gaps.” The Minister stressed the need to promote patronage for made in Nigeria products, saying that Made in Nigeria must be promoted and prioritised across all sectors of Nigeria. When asked about implementation of budgeted constituency projects, the minister said: “everything in the budget needs to be implemented or else there is no sense in passing the budget.” [myad]
President Muhammadu Buhari has disclosed that his government is currently talking to Niger Delta militants through oil companies and law-enforcement agencies as a way of finding a lasting solution to insecurity in the region. Speaking at a farewell audience with the outgoing Ambassador of Germany to Nigeria, Mr. Michael Zinner, at the State House on Thursday, President Buhari said that government is studying the instruments of the Amnesty Programme inherited from the previous administration with a view to carrying out commitments made that were undelivered. “We understand their feelings. We are studying the instruments. We have to secure the environment, otherwise investment will not come. We will do our best for the country.” The President thanked the government of Germany for its continuing support to Nigeria in the efforts to tackle insecurity and the on-going rehabilitation and resettlement of displaced citizens in crisis areas in the North-Eastern parts of the country. President Buhari also thanked Nigeria’s neighbours for their firm and unflinching support in the war against terror. The outgoing German Ambassador noted that bilateral relations between Nigeria and Germany had improved very much in the last 12 months of this administration. He expressed the readiness of Germany to assist Nigeria in the rehabilitation process in the North East to help displaced persons return to their villages. He also expressed the eagerness of German businesses to invest in the country, now that conditions for investment have been put in place. The German Ambassador reiterated the standing invitation of Chancellor Angela Merkel to President Buhari to visit Germany. [myad]
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has cleared air for Nigerians operating Domiciliary Accounts to lodge dollar cash into their non-export Domestic accounts. The CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, who briefed the National Economic Council (NEC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Thursday, said however that such transaction would be subject to the provisions of the money laundering Act. The NEC meeting was attended by governors from the 36 states of the federation and the Central Bank. It was presided over the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo. The meeting discussed specific steps and actions to be taken as both the Federal Government and state governments intensify focus on diversifying the Nigerian economy especially through agriculture. The meeting welcomed the newly adopted “Green Alternative.” The Green Alternative is the name of the Agricultural Diversification plan of the Federal Government. Below are highlights of the NEC meeting. A. UPDATE ON SEPARATE FUNDING STREAM FOR JOINT VENTURES CASH CALLS (JVC) · Minister of State, Petroleum Resources briefed the Council that the current upstream JVC arrangement in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Industry are incorporated JV with NNPC and the IOC partners · Minister proposed a new self-funded JVC Cash Calls i.e. Incorporated JVCs or IJVC · Some benefits of the self-funded JV i.e. IJVC: – Improves accountability within the governing structure of the JVs – A self-funding entity outside otherwise cumbersome government budget process – Less political interference given that operational control rests with joint teams and ultimately IJVC entities when formed – It also focuses on commercial decision making · Council heard that a decision on the proposal would be taken once negotiations for the new IJVC are concluded B. PRESENTATION ON MEDIUM TERM FISCAL FRAMEWORK 2017 – 2019 · The Honourable Minister of Budget and National Planning also made a presentation on MTFF 2017 – 2019 to the Council C. PRESENTATION ON SELF-SUFFICIENCY IN FOOD PRODUCTION – MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE · The presentation noted that economic diversification must be taken with all commitment in view of current harsh economic situation. · Emphasized that Agriculture needs to be more seriously embarked upon by all governments and citizens with renewed vigor. · Federal Government is pursuing Self-Sufficiency in food production with all seriousness. · Federal Government to launch “The Green Alternative” as a road map following FEC’s endorsement. · Two main thrusts of the road map: – Operate in partnership with State Governments to meet national production targets. – Embark on production of export commodities. · CBN Anchor Borrowers Programme to support millions of small-holders in rice production. · Government to raise rice milling capacity to 10 million paddy rice annually. · Current efforts to conclude a China-Exim Bank Credit to support 40,000 – 100,000 tons per day rice mills for Nigeria. · Government intends to meet target of 2018 in Rice Self-Sufficiency. · Role of States in Food Self-Sufficiency: – Processing and preservation – States to put in quality control measures and intensify advocacy; – Provide extension services and intensify seed development and supply fertilizer; – States should encourage more youths to get involved in agriculture and replace ageing farmer population now averaging 63 – 65 in age; – Lands preparation for effective mechanization by States to encourage old hands and encourage new comers to gain access; – Other areas for States to intervene/support include; earth dams because of climatic uncertainties, machinery such as tractors, rural roads to improve access to support evacuation from farmlands and also appropriate fertilizer to nourish soil accordingly; – There was an enthusiastic discussion of this presentation by NEC, indicating awareness on need for agriculture diversification; – States were also asked to identify their specific intensions areas and targets regarding agriculture diversification so as to measure progress. D. REPORT ON EXCESS CRUDE PROCEEDS · Minister of Finance reported to the Council that the balance in the ECA as at July 20, 2016 stood at USD 3.93 billion. E. UPDATE ON BUDGET SUPPORT FACILITY BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FINANCE · Minister of Finance gave and update as follows: i) 35 States applied for the facility. ii) 28 States met the requirements iii) 7 States sent their required documentations late and are being processed. ANY OTHER BUSINESS The Council was informed by the Central Bank Governor that all Bank customers that operate Domiciliary Accounts are permitted to lodge dollar cash into their non-export Dom accounts subject to the provisions of the money laundering Act. [myad]
Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside has said that the Agency will no longer tolerate the disregard for Cabotage and environmental laws by the International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in Nigeria. Dr. Peterside who spoke at a meeting with representatives of the IOCs in Lagos on ways to foster a closer synergy towards Nigeria’s economic development, charged the IOCs to be mindful of all existing laws and regulations in the discharge of their duties. He warned that applicable sanctions will be meted out to erring companies. The Director General highlighted areas of interest to NIMASA, which he said, include the flouting of Cabotage law, negative impact to the environment from oil exploration activities, none payment of statutory levies due to the government and inadequate information sharing. He said that a situation where the IOCs engage foreign vessels to do jobs that Nigerian operators have adequate capacity and equipment to do will no longer be tolerated as this has been a major bane in the development of Nigeria’s shipping industry. “You must give us ample notice of vessel requirements so that we can engage indigenous operators who have the capacity to do the job instead of giving it to foreign operators. “The spirit of the Cabotage Act is not to generate revenue in terms of waivers but to build the requisite capacity for indigenous players which will in the long run generate wealth and create employment for Nigeria’s teeming population.” Dr. Peterside however commended the IOCs for their compliance level with payment of statutory levies so far, even as he said that the argument on the payment of Cabotage levies on Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSOs) facilities and other offshore platforms is unnecessary. “By our laws, FPSOs and other offshore platforms are Cabotage vessels that are subject to NIMASA’s regulation and payment of statutory levies.” NIMASA boss called for closer synergy with the oil companies for the benefit of the Nation, even as he promised that the Agency will deepen its collaboration with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for the benefit of indigenous operators in Nigeria’s maritime environment. “Whether you are into shipping or shipping related business, NIMASA has a role to play in ensuring that the business is done seamlessly without security risk and not at the detriment of the Nigerian state. Therefore there is the need for you to cooperate with NIMASA especially in the area of information sharing.” Peterside said that the new NIMASA under his watch is committed to raising a high level of service delivery and that there is the need for all key players to cooperate with the Agency by sharing relevant information that would assist the Agency in carrying out its statutory responsibilities. He said that the era of some of the IOCs carrying out their businesses in violation of Nigeria’s laws especially as regards Cabotage and the environment is over, stressing: “we will not fold our arms and watch while you do damage to our environment because environmental pollution is life threatening.” [myad]
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The governor of Taraba State, Darius Ishaku has forgiven the sins of four out of seven traditional rulers who were suspended for aiding and harboring criminal elements, as well as conducted illegal sales of lands belonging to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to unknown persons in their domains.
Saraki: Between Political Diplomacy And Balance Of Power, By Ariyo-Dare Atoye
The wild and unrestrained impulses with which those involved in this “operation demolish Saraki,” have carried on so far, do not suggest they are likely to adopt political solution or give up on this matter. These Hawks are consumed by the urge to seek political retribution and by extension reduce the burden of challenge for 2019 power struggle – an agitation which started in the APC since April, 2015 before the swearing-in of President Muhammadu Buhari. It is also unlikely that even a signed pact of “I’ll not contest 2019 Presidency,” by Saraki will sway their minds. It is a matter of life and death for them – wickedness taken too far. They had succeeded in massaging the ego of Mr. President that Saraki contested against his will and he must be crushed.
But Saraki after yet another case – a forgery suit instituted by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, against him and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu at an Abuja High Court, might have put aside any further fear. His statement after the second arraignment, sounded more like it to his loyal supporters off and on the social media: “Let it be clear, as a citizen and as a foremost legislator, I will continue to rise above all the persecution and distraction that have been visited on me. In the words of Martin Luther King Junior, `the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience but where he stands at a time of challenge and controversy.” For once, Saraki sounded in a way the radicals amongst his supporters had wanted. He capped it by daring the Hawks: “If yielding (unyielding) to the nefarious agenda of a few individuals who are bent on undermining our democracy and destabilising the Federal Government to satisfy their selfish interests is alternative to losing my personal freedom, let the doors of jails be thrown open. I shall be a happy guest.” His popularity soared afterwards.
The second case instituted by the executive over what is purely an internal affairs of the Senate is a legal affront against the principle of Separation of Power. Especially when there is a pending one on same matter in another court of law. Justice Gabriel Kolawole handling the first case, clearly expressed his misgiving on this: “In all of these facts and issues, having regard to the pendency of this suit in which the defendants have both filed processes, one question that did not cease to resonate in my thoughts is why this “desperate haste” to prefer the criminal indictments in exhibit “B” the investigation of which is at the heart of this suit and of the parallel suit in exhibit “E”, and which indictments, by law are not time barred as the substantive suit before this court, had by consent of both the Plaintiff’s Counsel and the 1st defendant’s Counsel, been scheduled for 6/7/16 for hearing.”
When the principle of separation of power developed by Baron de Montesquieu is violated by one arm or when another organ of government constitutes a threat to the other, it is likely to give rise to an unhealthy political rivalry. This sometimes leads to the quest to balance power by the offended arm in a bid to guide and defend its independence especially if there is the will to do so. The rumours over an attempt to commence an impeachment process against President Muhammadu Buhari which was widely reported by the media is an indication of an emerging group in the Senate that is favourably disposed to negotiating balance of power in an executive-legislature cold war. The constitution confers on the National Assembly the power to remove the President and such instrument is available for political negotiations – it is a common legislative bargaining strength globally. The House of Representatives attempted it during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and it worked.
In international politics, states oftentimes try to ensure their survival and relevance by maintaining or increasing their power in a self-help world. In international relations, balance of power suggests that “national security is enhanced when military capability is distributed so that no one state is strong enough to dominate all others. If one State becomes much stronger than others, the theory predicts that it will take advantage of its strength and attack weaker neighbours, thereby providing an incentive for those threatened to unite in a defensive coalition,” – Wikipedia. This concept (theory) is also silently embedded in the principle of separation of powers as adapted by the constitution of democratic nations. The National Assembly understands this perspective clearly too in preserving its independence, hence the rumours of impeachment.
As a trained medical doctor, Saraki understands the implications of a cancer that is already growing and spreading and the likely treatments. Unfortunately, legislative-executive imbroglio has also degenerated into a political cancer of sort. It is spreading. The recent Dino Melaye vs Remi Tinubu face-off is part of the symptoms. And we are likely to see more in the weeks ahead if caution is not applied. Semblance of this, is a Senator Robert Boroffice who was not in the National Assembly complex during the confrontation, but he took to the media to lampoon Senator Dino Melaye, just in a desperate bid to enlist the support of the husband of Senator Remi Tinubu for APC Governorship ticket in Ondo State. There will be other derived intrusions in the trials of Saraki in the days ahead. Same Boroffice is also amplifying the Abuja court trial.
Borrowing Saraki’s phrase, this “government within government” group has since crossed the red-line, closing their minds to any form of negotiation. Saraki should apprise himself to this singular fact – Hawks are hardliners with extreme positions, they take no prisoners and are perpetually pro-wars. He has options, including fighting back, but he is personally over-conscious of probable executive tyranny and the fear of not receiving enough positive media support. Also, the goodwill of the National Assembly is still considerably low – worry over getting enough public sympathy. But fighting for honour and purpose is the signature of courageous men – history reckons with them. The onus is on Saraki to choose his battle.
There is a latest silent intervention by some past leaders, but yet they are closing in on him with legal distractions. The third leg of his trial is likely in the offing, if and after the Senate confirms Ibrahim Magu as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He was a Governor and he is on their radar; they may explore that – this is in addition to his trials at the Code of Conduct Tribunal and the Abuja High Court. The plan is to use every means to deprive him of Senate sittings, including his Deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, joined in the second suit. It is not unlikely that Ekweremadu will be included in the third-leg option albeit separately to double his trial and ensure none of them is able to attend sittings. At least the EFCC has proved time and again that cases could be manufactured against perceived enemies of government to achieve a mission. The case of fiery human rights lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa who was arrested just to prevent a mass action in Lagos over subsidy removal comes handy.
Sensing that Saraki, aided by one of the best assemblages of lawyers in recent history, had wriggled himself out of a quick plan to get a judgment at the CCT, the Hawks from all indications decided to adopt the ‘distraction approach.’ Probably the lacuna these trials will create, may help the anti-Saraki group to negotiate their replacements by reaching some deals. It is going to be a tall dream. Aside the fact that the Senate is not ready to compromise its independence as epitomised by Saraki/Ekweremadu leadership, they are also ahead in this game with options. A PDP person will take over the Presidency of the red chamber and still secure the seat for Saraki. Mind you, some cases will get to the Supreme Court and none is strong enough to convict Saraki. The Hawks had perfected plans to manipulate court of first instance just to remove Saraki, while appeals would be immaterial. That was why the same CCT that exonerated former Gov. Bola Tinubu reversed himself in a desperate bid to execute these plans.
In a fair sense, embarking on an impeachment process may not be a bad option to balance power. The Hawks are not likely to compromise their stand and since Saraki/Ekweremadu are not ready to relinquish their seats, then they may have to act. Moving against the executive will definitely stoke tension in the land but it will at least give the National Assembly a bargaining power at a time the popularity of the President has dimmed. For instance, the legislature could be blackmailed as working against good governance if it adopts the approach of not treating executive requests or without dispatch, but certainly not an impeachment move. There is no better time for the legislature to save itself from the tyrannical disposition of the executive than now.
Ariyo-Dare Atoye is the Convener, PDP Reform Group and can be reached via aristotle001us@yahoo.com [myad]