A former Minister of State for Education, Chief Kenneth Gbagi, has called on the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, to step down, saying that the mere fact that he has been docked on alleged corruption has put dark spots on the Senate he is now presiding over.
He said the present trial, whether it is justified or not, has already put a question mark on his integrity to lead the upper legislate chamber.
Gbagi said with what is going on, there is no way Nigerians and the international community would respect motions and bills that would emanate from the Senate under the leadership of Saraki.
The former minister, who spoke with some journalists in Abuja today, said the trial of Saraki by the CCT was enough reason for the former governor of Kwara State to step down and allow another person to take over leadership of the Senate.
“We have a problem in Nigeria where we don’t have people of honor, dignity and integrity as leaders. The mere fact that the Senate President is undergoing criminal trial is an indication that he has no business being a Senate president living with tax payers’ money.
“First, Nigerians will not have faith in anything that comes out of his Senate that is chaired or presented by that kind of person.
“Again, the entire international community will not believe in the passage of any Bill or motion under his leadership.
“So if you ask me, that is the end of him. He is gone. And like several other government where you think you get in and it will be business as usual, it is not true.”
He regretted that Saraki would not learn from advanced countries where someone like him, who is undergoing such trial, would have resigned from office, adding that this was one of the reasons why countries like the United States of America is still being respected. [myad]
Pope Francis has given assurance that he is ready to listen to the “hopes and dreams of the American people” and to offer guidance to those charged with shaping the nation’s political future “in fidelity to its founding principles.”
Pope Francis, who is on a six-day official visit to America, endorsed President Barack Obama’s efforts on climate change and rebuilding ties with Cuba after more than half a century of estrangement.
The pontiff, speaking before 11,000 ticketed guests at an elaborate welcoming ceremony on South Lawn of the White House, used his first direct address to the nation to weigh in on deeply divisive issues, including climate change, Cuba, marriage and immigration.
Pope Francis, who spoke today atop an open-sided Popemobile before tens of thousands of cheering people lining the streets around the White House, gave a clear indication that he would not steer clear of controversial issues during his six-day visit.
President Barack Obama hosts Pope Francis in the Oval Office of the White House today. Francis is expected to visit Washington, New York and Philadelphia during his will six days in the United States. It is his first trip to the country. [myad]
President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to take all necessary action to ensure the safe and speedy rescue of Chief Olu Falae who was kidnapped from his farm on Monday. A statement by special adviser to the President on media and publicity, Femi Adesina, said that Buhari condemned what he called “the callous and reprehensible kidnapping” of the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and elder statesman. The President assured Chief Falae’s family, friends and other concerned Nigerians that the Federal Government will do all within its powers to ensure his swift release. President Buhari, who has requested constant updates from the police and security agencies on efforts to find and rescue Chief Falae, also denounced the recurring incidents of criminal abductions across the country. He assured all Nigerians that ongoing efforts to significantly enhance the security of lives and property in the country will continue apace and that under his leadership, Nigerians, irrespective of their status, will no longer be left at the mercy of criminal elements. [myad]
Six select group of West African leaders have been scheduled to meet today in Quagadougou, capital of troubled Burkina Faso in efforts to resolve the political logjam in that country. The meeting today is said to be a follow-up to yesterday’s extra-ordinary session of ECOWAS leaders in Abuja in respect of the situation in Burkina Faso. President Muhammadu Buhari, who hosted the Abuja summit would be represented at the meeting by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. The ECOWAS six leaders are expected to have talks with the leaders of last Thursday’s military coup in Burkina Faso. Meanwhile, Vice President Osinbajo is expected to return to Nigeria later in the day.
Today, the ninth day of Muslim Zul-Hijja, is Arafat Day, described in Muslim world as a mini resurrection day. It is a day that precedes the Eid-el-Kabir where Muslims slaughter rams and other recommended animals as sacrifice in honour of Allah, the way Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) did it. It is a day in which everyone is for himself and Allah is for all. It is a day of prayers, difficulties, cries, tears, tribulations and joy. Over three million Muslims are said to have arrived in the Holy land and are from the dawn of today, Wednesday, taking part in the great movement from Minah to the Arafat plain in vehicles, on camels’ backs, on foot and other forms of movement. They will remain on Mount Arafat until early evening (Maghrib) prayers from where they would move en mass to Muzdalifah. The distance between Mina and Mount Arafat is about 20 kilometres.
Taking place roughly 70 days after the end of Ramadan, Arafat Day marks the second day of Hajj. The occasion marks the day when a verse of the Holy Quran revealed that Islam was perfected, and when Allah’s blessings were completed.
To complete the Hajj, Muslims must stand on Mount Arafat, or the pilgrimage becomes invalid. Muslims who have completed the Hajj have their sins expiated.
Those who are unable to travel to Mecca for Hajj may fast instead.
Mount Arafat is the site where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) spoke his Farewell Sermon thus:
After praising, and thanking God, the Prophet, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, said: “O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore, listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and take these words to those who could not be present here today.
O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds. God has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. God has Judged that there shall be no interest, and that all the interest due to Al-Abbas ibn Abd’el Muttalib shall henceforth be waived…
Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.
O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under a trust from God and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste.
O People, listen to me in earnest, worship God, perform your five daily prayers, fast during the month of Ramadan, and offer Zakat. Perform Hajj if you have the means.
All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; a white has no superiority over a black, nor does a black have any superiority over a white; [none have superiority over another] except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.
Remember, one day you will appear before God and answer for your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.
O People, no prophet or apostle will come after me, and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O people, and understand words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Quran and my example, the Sunnah, and if you follow these you will never go astray.
All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and it may be that the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness, O God, that I have conveyed your message to your people.”
Thus the Prophet completed his Final Sermon, and upon it, near the summit of Arafat, the revelation came down:
“…This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My Grace upon you, and have chosen Islam for you as your religion…” (Quran 5:3)
Even today, the Last Sermon of Prophet Muhammad is passed to every Muslim in every corner of the world through all possible means of communication. Muslims are reminded about it in mosques and in lectures. Indeed the meanings found in this sermon are indeed astounding, touching upon some of the most important rights God has over humanity, and humanity has over each other. Though the Prophet’s soul has left this world, his words are still living in our hearts. [myad]
Director General of the National Boundary Commission, Dr. M. B. Ahmad has lamented that the Commission has been underfunded for a long time, thus limiting its capacity to carry out its constitutional mandate. Dr. Ahmad, who briefed Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja yesterday said that the Commission also faces the challenges if straddling settlements, re-establishment of destroyed/missing boundary pillars as well as demographic movements with the emergence of new settlements, among others. He told the Vice President that the Commission has been able to intervene in many internal boundary disputes in the country. They include states like Jigawa/Kano, Kaduna/Kano, Kaduna/Katsina, Kaduna/Plateau in the North and other areas in country. The Director General said that the Commission is in-charge of the Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission (NNJC); Nigeria-Benin Joint Commission (NBJC); Nigeria-Benin Joint Technical Committee on Delimitation; Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission (CNMC); Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) and the ECOWAS/Cross River Initiatives (CBI). Other function of the Commission, Dr. Ahmad said, include intervening and dealing with any boundary disputes that may arise between Nigeria and any of her neighbours with a view to settling it. The Commission also intervenes, determines and deals with boundary dispute that may arise among states, local government areas or communities in the federation with a view to settling them, he added. Meanwhile, Professor Osinbajo said that the federal government will explore ideas on how relevant agencies can collaborate and coordinate effectively to deal with smuggling activities along the borders of Nigeria and its neighbouring countries. The Vice President gave an indication that the Boundary Commission, the Nigeria Customs and the Immigration authorities could work together to tackle the problem of smuggling. Such coordination, he added, would be useful “identifying actual points where smuggling is taking place.” He expressed appreciation to the work and the detailed presentation of the Commission, even as expressed the desire to see more collaboration among relevant government agencies and called for a plan in that direction. Vice President is the Chairman of the Boundary Commission’s Board. [myad]
by Bassano, half-plate film negative, 21 July 1972
The Obafemi Awolowo Foundation has announced that an HID Awolowo Foundation will be inaugurated soon to celebrate and commemorate in perpetuity the outstanding contributions of Mama, HID to family values, entrepreneurship and perseverance in the face of adversity. A statement from the Office of the Executive Director, Dr O. Awolowo Dosumu said that the Foundation is being instituted under the aegis of the Obafemi Awolowo Foundation. The statement said that though the details and fine points of the initiative are being worked out, but that it would focus on the synergy between the values that Mama HID stood for and exemplified and the legacy of the sage, Chief Awolowo, from which the Foundation has derived its core mandate and competencies. “It is pertinent to recall Mama’s fortitude and exemplary forte in keeping the faith both at a time when her husband was unjustly persecuted by political authorities and in the years since the sage passed on. It ought to be remarked that her business acumen, organizational intelligence and hard work stood her in good stead throughout her remarkable life. It is in recognition of these virtues and the need to underline the careers of role models and visionaries in a morally adrift generation that the HID Awolowo stood for.” HID Awolowo, who was until her death, Chairperson and moving spirit of Oodua, died on Saturday, 19th of September at the age of 99. [myad]
President Muhammadu Buhari will leave Nigeria for New York, the United State of America tomorrow, Thursday for a series of meetings and interactions with notable world leaders within and on the sidelines of the main events of the 70th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. A statement by the Presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina said that while in America, President Buhari will hold talks, deliberations and interactions with the United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki Moon, President Barack Obama of the United States, President Francois Hollande of France, Prime Minister David Cameron of Britain, Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany, President Vladmir Putin of Russia, President Xi Jinping of China, Prime Minister Narenda Modi of India and others. The discussions with various leaders, the statement said, will focus on domestic developmental issues, bilateral relations, the war against terrorism, countering violent extremism, the enhancement of global security, peace-keeping operations, climate change and the adoption of a post 2015 global development agenda. “President Buhari, who will be accompanied by the Governors of Sokoto, Kaduna and Niger States, the National Security Adviser and the Permanent Secretaries in the Federal Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defence, Finance, Health, Industry, Trade and Investment, will deliver Nigeria’s Statement to the 70th Session of the United Nations General Assembly on Monday, September 28. “President Buhari is also scheduled to address the World Leaders Summit on Violent Extremism to which he was personally invited by Mr. Ban Ki Moon during the Secretary-General’s recent visit to Nigeria. “Also on the President busy schedule in New York are a meeting of the African Union’s Peace and Security Council, a High-Level Roundtable on South-South Cooperation organised by President Xi Jinping of China and the United Nations, and participation in the launching of an updated global health strategy for women and children. “On President Buhari’s schedule too are meetings with former President Bill Clinton of the United States, Mr. Bill Gates of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation which is assisting Nigeria in several areas including polio eradication, and former Prime Minister Gordon Brown of Britain, the United Nations Special Envoy on Global Education who is one of the main drivers of the Safe Schools Initiative.” The statement said that the President will concluded his visit to New York on Tuesday, September 29 and return to Nigeria on the same day. [myad]
The immediate past governor of Rivers State, Chief Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, has gone to court to seek for N300 billion from the Rivers state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, its chairman, Felix Obuah, and two others for general damages done to him and defamation of his character, reputation and person.
In a suit filed at an Abuja High court today, Amaechi complain of an allegations of foreign accounts ownership and embezzlement against him.
The PDP had in a statement in August alleged that Mr. Amaechi stole $757million (N80 billion) of Rivers State public funds and stashed them away in an account in his name in Bancorp Bank in Minnesota, United States of America.
In the suit, Amaechi said that each of the said publications by the PDP and its officials “are untrue, false, motivated by ill-will and without any foundations in truth whatsoever.”
He said that they “made the said libelous publications after the party failed the March 28 presidential election and with a view to rubbishing him in the eyes of right thinking members of the society and the persons to whom the said libellous publications have been made.”
In his statement of claims in the suit, Amaechi said he did not steal the state’s funds neither did he stash them away in Bancorp Bank in the US or in a Swiss bank.
According to him, the US bank did not at any time reveal that he embezzled or misappropriated or connived in the embezzlement and misappropriation of monies meant for Rivers State people and stashed them away in his name.
“The Bancorp Bank, Minnesota, United States did not write and did not communicate President Muhammadu Buhari over any said sum of $757 million dollars allegedly looted by the Plaintiff (Amaechi) that is kept with it and in Switzerland since no such money was ever looted by the Plaintiff (Amaechi),” he said.
“There exists no letter which the Defendants (PDP, Felix Obuah and two others) had seen written to President Muhammadu Buhari, by Bancorp Bank, Minnesota, United States confirming the existence, lodgment or transfer with the said Bancorp Bank and in Switzerland of the said sum in the name of the Plaintiff (Amaechi) since no such monies were ever looted by the Plaintiff.
“The Plaintiff (Amaechi) did not steal monies belonging to Rivers State and did not lodge them in any private foreign accounts. The Plaintiff did not admit that he lodged and domiciled in his name in an account in Bancorp Bank, Minnesota, United States any monies as alleged by the Defendants. The Plaintiff did not lodge any sum of $757 million or N80billion in the said bank account belonging to him and none was revealed or blown open by Christiane Amanpour of CNN.”
The former governor further stated that ever since the said invidious, insidious and vitriolic malicious libellous publications by the PDP and Mr. Obuah to the general public, he had been inundated, bombarded and confronted by several persons who expressed lack of respect, loss of faith in him and who no longer regard him as trustworthy and now view him as a common criminal.
He said he had been confronted by persons who disrespected him because of the false accusations, even though he denied committing the several heinous offences which the PDP and its chairman falsely and maliciously accused him of committing.
He said, “By the several said publications the Plaintiff (Amaechi) has been seriously injured in his credit, character and reputation and has been brought into public scandal, odium, contempt and his person, character and integrity lowered in the estimation of right thinking members of the society; the said publications are false and most disparaging of the person of the Plaintiff.
“The Defendants (PDP, Felix Obuah and two others) have widely further circulated the said malicious publications to the general public in the internet; these wide and general circulations of the said malicious publications have exposed the person of the Plaintiff (Amaechi) to very heavy and irredeemable ridicule, public odium, contempt and disparagement in the eyes of right thinking and reasonable members of the society including the persons already pleaded and other persons yet unknown and who will also be called upon to testify in this proceedings.
“The Defendants (PDP, Felix Obuah and two others) have continued with the republication, recirculation and widespread republishing and distribution of the said libelous publications to the general public through the internet leading to deluge of inquiries from the general public and well wishers who have severally confronted the Plaintiff (Amaechi) with the very wild allegations of the Defendants and to which Plaintiff denied any looting or ownership of any looted funds or looting of public funds of Rivers State.”
Amaechi also stated that he served Rivers State with distinction, initiated and completed numerous public projects and undertook other public infrastructure projects. He said he had never been convicted by any court with either stealing or embezzlement of public funds anywhere in the state or Nigeria or anywhere in the world. [myad]
The House of Representatives ad-hoc committee on the Non-Implementation of the 2015 Capital Budget has raised eye-borw over N222.1 billion fuel subsidy expenditure by the government of former President Goodluck Jonathan between January –July, 2015.
Chairman of the Committee, Aliyu Pategi (APC Kwara), expressed the committee’s position during a public hearing in Abuja, today. He said that the money was neither appropriated nor approved by the National Assembly.
He noted that such extra-budgetary expenditure had more often than not become a source of concern for legislators.
“Appropriation is an Act, and we insist on its implementation. We want to know where there are challenges, but to spend monies such as the N222.1bn without recourse to the parliament, is not acceptable to us.”
The committee also queried a loan of N615.96bn taken from the Ways and Means Account at the Central Bank of Nigeria, without recourse to the National Assembly.
The committee chairman directed the Ministry of Finance to provide details of these transactions in a position paper which should be submitted to the Clerk of the Committee within two days.
On the issue of the Treasury Single Account, Pategi said the National Assembly would consider a review of the Acts establishing some revenue generating agencies, so they can retain a portion of their revenue.
He cited an example of the Nigeria Customs Service which retains seven percent of its revenue and remits 93 percent to the Federation Account.
“For instance, last year the Nigeria Ports Authority collected N161bn, they spent all of it and remitted only N1bn. These agencies belong to the people; you cannot spend these monies without recourse to Parliament.”
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Anastasia Daniel-Nwaobia in her presentation to the committee, revealed that the Federal Government spent N222.1bn on fuel subsidy between January and July, 2015.
She admitted that the money was neither appropriated for in the 2015 Appropriation Act nor was it approved by the National Assembly.
Daniel-Nwaobia who was represented by the Director General, Budget Office of the Federation, Mr. Aliyu Gusau, said he did not have sufficient information on the expenditures. [myad]
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