Presidency Pursues Recovery Of Over N5 Trillion Owe Asset Management Corporation

July 30, 2019

Nigerian Presidency has vowed that it would renew effort in ensuring the effective recovery of over N5 Trillion being outstanding debts owed the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), with the setting up of a new task force.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who gave the indication during a meeting with board members and management of AMCON and selected heads of government agencies, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja yesterday evening, July 29, ordered all the relevant agencies to re-strategize to achieve the desired results.
The special task force/committee is made up of the Heads of AMCON, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and the Ministry of Justice. It will be working to develop and implement new strategies that will ensure that the determination of the FG to recover the money is speedily achieved.
Professor Osinbajo said: “we need a small team comprising these agencies to look at the next steps that we need to take, especially the criminal aspect, forfeiture, and all of that.”
He said that the task force should look at the top 20 AMCON defaulters closely and develop a plan of action that brings results.
It would be recalled that the Vice President had previously in May met with AMCON management to discuss how to resolve the issue.
According to the AMCON Chairman, Muiz Banire, almost 67 per cent of the outstanding N5tn debt is owed by just 20 individuals/entities.
Banire noted that the agency had been “trying its best in its attempt to recover this through the civil judicial process, but had encountered several challenges.”
Also present at the meeting was the Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu; Chairman, ICPC, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye; Director/Chief Executive, NFIU, Mr. Modibbo Tukur; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Sabiu Zakari; and other senior government officials.

Nigerian Govt Gazettes Court Order Proscribing Shiites

Editorial staff

July 30, 2019

Nigeria’s Federal Government has published in its Official Gazette, the court order proscribing the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shiites. The gazetting was done yesterday, July 29.

The Federal High Court in Abuja, which issued the proscription order on July 26, ordered the Federal Government to publish the order in its gazette and also in two national dailies.

The newspaper publication in the two dailies has since been done.

Source: , The PUNCH.

Police Boss Recounts Shiites Atrocities Against Nigeria, Their Foreign Connections

Editorial staff

July 30, 2019

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu has recounted several atrocities committed by leaders and members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shiites against the Nigerian State, and their sponsorship by some foreign countries.

Addressing senior police officers at a conference held today, July 30, the Inspector General said that the IMN had shown through itsrecent violent campaigns that it is “clearly designed to destabilise the country.

“The activities of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria led by Sheik Ibrahim El-Zakzaky has over time, evolved to constitute a grave threat to national security, law and order, socio-religious harmony, peace, good governance and the sovereign integrity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The police boss recalled that members of the IMN have engaged in extreme radicalism, series of terror-related activities, violence and other unlawful activities which are inimical to the national security interest, good governance, and the corporate existence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Some of these nefarious activities include the following:

1. Pledging allegiance to foreign countries from where they are enjoying political, financial and training support with the aim of advancing their destabilizing intents within Nigeria.

2. Unauthorized blocking of public highways, engagement in illegal road blocks, imposition of illegal curfews and checkpoints, raids on security assets, prevention of arrest of their members, invasion of court premises to abort legal proceedings involving IMN members, refusal to submit to ordinary security checks and attacks on security agents which led to the death of several Nigerians.

3. Setting up of a para-military guard known as ‘HURRAS’ through which IMN has been terrorizing local residents. They have also instituted unregistered security outfits and performed paramilitary ceremonies, hoisting of flags, combat exercises, parades and inspection by the IMN leader reminiscent of a State authority;

4. Provocative preaching and hate speeches aimed at inciting members against non-members while working towards its agenda of creating an Islamic State in Nigeria and challenging the legitimacy of the Federal Government in favour of Islamic government, non-recognition of the Constitution of the Federal republic of Nigeria, non-recognition of State Authority, non-recognition of our democratic values and disrespect for our judicial processes.

5. The IMN has over the years manifested its penchant for launching attacks on Nigerians and the symbols of State authority. Since 2018 till date, the IMN has engaged in coordinated and organized violent protests within the Federal Capital Territory.

6. Two weeks ago, the IMN extended its violent protest on 9^th July 2019 to the National Assembly in the course of which they violently attacked and fatally injured security operatives in an attempt to overrun the National Assembly and threaten the nation’s democratic order. The protesters overwhelmed the first gate of the complex, inflicting damage on the security post, and marched on to the second one just before the main complex while the lawmakers were in session. The protesters also damaged a police vehicle and several other vehicles belonging to visitors, lawmakers and staff of the National Assembly who also sustained varying degrees of injuries.

7. On 22^nd July 2019, the IMN members again launched another vicious cycle of violent protest around the Federal secretariat during which they set a sub-station of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) containing a truck and ambulance on fire. A Deputy Commissioner of Police, Usman Umar, in charge of Operations at the FCT Police Command and Precious Owolabi, a National Youth Service Corp member in the FCT were killed and several others injured with many properties destroyed by them. The violent activities of IMN under the guise of clamouring for the release of their leader who is being detained on the order of a Court of competent jurisdiction in Kaduna State, has not only confirmed their disdain for due legal processes, but has heightened tension and insecurity in the country in a manner that confirms that their motivation is to destabilise the country.”

Mohammed Adamu said that it is obvious from the foregoing that the activities of IMN constitute glaring defiance and/or rebellion against the Nigerian State, calculated efforts to plunge the nation into an ethno-religious war, intimidation of citizens and security agents, disrespect for Nigerian laws and the authority of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

“Their activities also clearly and consistently negate Section 1(2)(A)&(B) of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act 2013 andSection 2(1)(A)(B)(C) of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act of 2013 and hence, justify their proscription in overriding national security interest.

“Although this meeting will review this and other general security situation and emplace appropriate action plans that are targeted at addressing these threats, let me affirm that in relation to the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, in view of their increasing engagement of terror tactics and other violent and subversive activities which contravene the Terrorism Prevention Act 2013, as amended, and vide the judicial pronouncement of the Federal High Court, Abuja on 26^th July, 2019, the Federal Government has classified them as a terrorist group and has accordingly, proscribed the El-Zakzaky-led Islamic Movement in Nigeria.

“In consequence, henceforth, any person engaged or associating, in any manner that could advance the activities of the proscribed Islamic Movement in Nigeria, shall be treated as a terrorist, enemy of the State, and a subversive element and shall be brought to justice within the context of the Terrorism Act. The import of this is that all forms of procession or protest by IMN is now illegal and thus banned.

“The Police and other security agencies are fully committed to giving full effect to this judicial pronouncement in the interest of our internal security and national cohesion. In this regard, I wish to solicit the support of members of the public, specifically, in the provision of information that will aid in the identification of the locations of the IMN members and their mentors as well as in working with us in apprehending and bringing them to justice. For purpose of clarification, Nigeria is a secular State with constitution provisions guaranteeing the freedom to practice our faiths. This, however, must be exercised in a manner that will not threaten our national security.

“Hence, it is to be emphasised that while all adherents of the Shiite Sect in Nigeria remain free to continue to practice their faith and shall be guaranteed adequate security to so do as the Judicial Order does not stop them, the El-Zakzaky-led Shiite Islamic Movement in Nigeria which does not recognise nor accept the Constitution and Government of the Federation is the sole organisation that has been classified as a terrorist organisation and proscribed.”

The police boss commended all the strategic Commanders and their Officers and men for their dedication to duty and the sacrifices they have to make in the line of duty, even as he particularly recognize and condole the families of late DCP Usman A.K. Umar and Precious Owolabi, the National Youth Service Corp member that lost their lives during the recent violent campaign of members of the proscribed Islamic Movement in Nigeria in Abuja on 22^nd July, 2019.

He also commiserates with all other police personnel and citizens that were injured or had their valuable assets vandalised during the violence, stressing that the perpetrators of these tragic and unguided acts shall in the fullness of time, be identified and brought to book.

“I have already directed the Deputy Inspector General of Police in-charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) to undertake a detailed investigation into the circumstances of the death of these great citizens and to identify the perpetrators with a view to prosecuting them.”

Edo Gov Vows To Defy Senate Over Fresh Proclamation Of State Assembly, Says It’s Unconstitutional

Editorial staff

July 30, 2019

Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki has given an early indication of possible confrontation with the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, with his government describing the directive by the Senate to re-proclaim the State House of Assembly as unconstitutional and a flagrant disregard for the Principle of Separation of Powers.

The state government insisted that the resolution of the Senate directing the Governor of Edo State to issue a fresh proclamation for the inauguration of the Edo State House of Assembly cannot stand.

A statement today, July 30, by Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., declared: “this illegality will not stand” and advised those the state government referred to as “powerful persons” not to set the State ablaze merely to satisfy their thirst for power and control.

The statement said: “the Edo State Government watched with alarm today as the distinguished Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in a step that was not totally unexpected, purported to pass a resolution in the following terms: – Directing the Governor of Edo State to issue a fresh proclamation for the inauguration of the Edo State House of Assembly, and Ordering a fresh inauguration of the Edo State House of Assembly within one (1) week from the date of the said Resolution.

“As earlier mentioned, this move was not unexpected in the light of the enormous political pressure which had been brought to bear on the Officers and Members of the distinguished Senate by the highly placed and powerful persons who are intent on foisting their will and choices on the good people of Edo State.

“This is borne out by the recorded statements made by one Seid Oshiomhole (a Member-elect and younger brother of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress Comrade Adams Oshiomhole) wherein he boasted that both the Senate President, Senator Ahmed Lawan and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila have been instructed on what to do in this matter.

“The Government of Edo State wishes to observe that the Chairman and Members of Ad-Hoc Committee of the Senate which visited Edo State were made aware of the existence of at least three (3) suits pending before various Courts wherein the factual and legal dispute regarding the Edo State House of Assembly inauguration have been submitted to the Courts by both contending parties for resolution.

“The Ad-Hoc Committee also failed to inform the Senate of the existence of a valid injunction in Suit No FHC/B/OS/70/2019 wherein the Federal High Court restrained various parties from interfering in any manner with the activities of the Edo State House of Assembly which said order had been brought to their attention in the course of their visit to Edo State.

“In point of fact in Suit No. FHC/PH/CS/159/2019 the National Assembly, the Clerk of National Assembly, the President of the Senate and Speaker of House of Representatives amongst others were specifically ordered by the Federal High Court to maintain the Status Quo as at 25th July, 2019.

“The Edo State Government is further aware that in suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/815/2019, wherein the Clerk and the National Assembly are defendants before the Federal High Court in Abuja, the National Assembly and the Clerk have not only been duly served with the processes but have entered appearance in the matter.

“It is unfortunate that the Distinguished Senate would act in flagrant breach of these various Court Orders and purport to come to factual and legal conclusions concerning a matter in which the parties are already before the Courts and therefore subjudice.

“We are also concerned that the Members of the Distinguished Senate appear to have very scant regard for the principle of separation of powers as enshrined in our Constitution which is manifested by their taking over the functions of the Judiciary in dispute resolution and giving directives to a Governor of a State who is certainly not subject to the supervision of the National Assembly.

“The Edo State Government maintains that there is nowhere in the Constitution particularly Section 11(4) which enables the National Assembly to “take over” any House of Assembly or in this respect, the Edo State House of Assembly.

“It must be further observed that it has always been the contention of the Edo State Government that the power to issue a proclamation for the inauguration of a House of Assembly as set out in Section 105(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was duly and completely complied with and it is not within the power of the Governor to recall same once issued or to perform the same act multiple times. Once the Governor issues a proclamation letter, his job is done.

“It is the duty of the Clerk of the House of Assembly to inaugurate the House of Assembly and he has since performed that task. He has further approached a Court of law to seek a validation of his actions. The pronouncements of the Distinguished Senate on the subject (with respect) is clearly misconceived and would amount to interference in the role of the Courts which may in fact constitute contempt with which the Governor would not wish to be associated.

“The Government of Edo State firmly believes that our State is not a colony or a vassal of any person or persons exercising power in Abuja and we shall take all necessary steps within the ambit of the law to defend and validate our position and actions on this matter.

“We call on all persons of goodwill to call the powerful wielders of “power and authority” in Abuja and elsewhere to refrain from acts which are clearly unconstitutional, undemocratic and a flagrant disrespect for the principle of due process and separation of powers.

“These powerful persons should not be allowed to set our State ablaze merely to satisfy their thirst for power and control. As we have always maintained on this subject: – This illegality will not stand!!!”

Why Yahaya Bello Can’t Pay Salaries, By Usman Okai Austin

Editorial staff

July 30, 2019

I happen to be in Ayingba, Dekina Local Government of Kogi State on the weekend when it was rumored that Yahaya Bello’s Chief of Staff, Edwad Onoja had been arrested by the DSS. I was in front of Kogi State University trying to buy some fruits when pandemonium suddenly broke out. From afar it looked like a caravan of motorcycle and keke-napep operators who were staging a protest. Could it be that one of their members had been killed? Or they were protesting against the oppressive tendencies of the regulatory bodies.

As the caravan drew nearer, it became clear that it was an advance parade for a big politician in the State. After the caravan, came the actual show piece. A chubby personality was seen waving through the sunroof in a well-guarded black armored Mercedes Benz G-Wagon. He also had as backup, a Toyota Land Cruiser armored SUV and a Lexus LX-570 armored SUV in his convoy. Both vehicles were empty with only the driver and a police escort in front.

After the show of force in the city, I inquired from the locals if the vehicles he rode in belonged to the Governor. There where divergent views. The majority claimed they were the Chief of Staff’s official vehicles, while the minority claimed they belonged to the Governor. Going by the later, I further asked why a Governor will allow his Chief of Staff use his official vehicles. Their responses were in line with the Chief of Staff being the defacto Governor of the State!

This experience got me thinking. There were many unanswered questions and so I began to make further investigations.

My quest for more answers got me to interact with civil servants in Lokoja. I learnt from them that the Chief of Staff has five armored vehicles namely: Mercedes Benz G-Wagon, Lexus LX-570, Mercedes Benz S-Class, Toyota Land and a BMW 7-Series. They also stated that some Commissioners and Special Advisers in the government also ride armored Mercedes Benz G-Wagon as their official vehicles. Prominent among them is the Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Asiwaju Idris.

After ascertaining the existence of the fleet of luxury armored vehicles owned by the appointees of the Governor, I made efforts to investigate the acquisition cost.

The responses I got from various sources were consistent and staggering. For the Mercedes G-Wagon the prices range between N200 Million and N250 Million Naira. The Lexus LX-570 cost N150 Million Naira. The Mercedes Benz S-Class also goes for N150 Million. The BMW 7-Series and the Toyota Land Cruiser both cost a paltry N140 Million each.

From the aforementioned it means a total of about N830 Million Naira of Kogi tax payers’ money was used to provide transportation for the Governor’s Chief of Staff. No wonder he is referred to as the defacto Governor. Furthermore, an average of about N250 Million was used to provide transportation for each commissioner.

Now for a State which non-payment of salaries has been the policy thrust of the Yahaya Bello Administration, one can clearly understand why Bello will never pay salaries. Kogi State’s allocation is too meagre to fund his insatiable appetite for vain luxury.

I made further inquest about the fleet of vehicles owned by the first family and the revelations were depressing. I was made to understand that Governor Bello rides a similar type of official vehicle with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

As fate will have it, I happened to be around Nataco Junction when police out-riders cordoned off the roads. Behold it was the Governor-General of the confluence riding in his armored Mercedes Benz S-560. As if to let the bystanders know that he had arrived, he opened the door and threw money at them. They in turn screamed white Lion while the scampered for the crisp N1000 notes. No Governor in the history of our democracy has attempted to match the President’s vehicular fleet. Yet Yahaya Bello being the acclaimed “political son” of the President has once again adjusted the “Status Quo”, to no condemnation from his Party.

A governor who is concerned about the welfare of civil servants, won’t make acquisition of armored vehicles a top priority. He will preach the doctrine of sacrifice to his aides and lead by example. A chief of Staff is a non-constitutional position in Government and hence shouldn’t be a major cost center. In the case of Kogi, the running cost of the Chief of Staff’s office cost more than that of the entire the Civil Service. While the civil servants wail in penury, he drives around the State in reckless and intimidating Opulence.

To date, Kogi State Government has acquired a total of about 59 armored vehicles. Comprising of SUVs, Sedans and Hilux. This has cost the State a whooping sum of N12 Billion. More than what the Presidency has spent on vehicles since 2015. To put it in context, N12 Billion can pay 4 months’ salary to the State’s Civil Servants.

Finally, Yahaya Bello is fond of bragging about the security reforms he has introduced to the State. Since Kogi is so secured, the Chief of Staff and Commissioners should lead by example by riding in non-armored vehicles.

Austin, Social Crusader, Political Analyst wrote in from Abuja.

Forex: Central Bank, Again, Boosts Wholesale Segment, Others With $210 Million

Editorial staff

July 30, 2019

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has again intervened in the Forex with the injection of $210 million into the inter-bank Foreign Exchange Market.

Figures obtained from the CBN today, July 30, indicated that authorized dealers in the wholesale sector of the market received $100 million, while the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and the invisibles segments were allocated the sum of $55 million each.

The Director in the Corporate Communications Department of the bank, Isaac Okorafor, said that the efforts of the CBN had helped to ensure the stability of the Naira. He said that it has also increased the level of investors and public confidence in the economy.

It will be recalled that the Central Bank of Nigeria had in the last intervention, on July 26, injected $284.2million and CNY36million into the Retail Secondary Market Intervention Sales (SMIS) segment.

Meanwhile, the Naira today, July 30, exchanged at an average of N358/$1 in the BDC segment of the market.

Senate President Names Chairmen, Vice Chairmen For 69 Committees

Editorial staff

July 30, 2019

President of the Nigerian Senate, Ahmed Lawan, today, July 30, announced the constitution of 69 committees, assigning each of the committees with a chairman and Vice chairman.

They are as follows:

1. Agriculture – Abdullahi Adamu, Bima Enagi.

2. Airforce – Bala Ibn Na’Allah, Michael Nnachi.

3. Anti-corruption and Financial Crimes – Suleiman Kwari, Aliyu Wamakko.

4. Appropriation – Barau Jibrin, Stella Oduah.

5. Army – Ali Ndume, Abba Moro.

6. Aviation – Dino Melaye, Bala Na’Allah.

7. Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions – Uba Sani, Orji Uzor Kalu.

8. Capital Market – Ibikunle Amosun, Binos Yero

9. Communications – Oluremi Tinubu, Ibrahim Bomai.

10. Corporation and Integration in Africa and NEPAD – Chimaroke Nnamani, Yusuf Yusuf.

11. Culture and Tourism – Rochas Okorocha, Ignatius Longjohn.

12. Customs, Excise and Tarrifs – Francis Alimekhena, Francis Fadahunsi.

13. Defence – Aliyu Wamakko, Istifanus Gyang.

14. Diaspora and NGOs – Bashiru Ajibola, Ibrahim Oloriegbe.

15. Downstream Petroleum Sector – Sabo Mohammed, Philip Aduda.

16.Drugs and Narcotics – Hezekaiah Dimka, Chimaroke Nnamani.

17. Ecology Climate Change – Mohammad Gusau, Olubunmi Adetunmbi.

18. Education (Basic and Secondary) – Ibrahim Geidam, Akon Eyakenyi

19. Employment, Labour and Productivity – Ben Umajumogwu, Kabiru Barkiya.

20. Environment – Ike Ekweremadu, Ibrahim Hadejia.

21. Establishment and Public Service – Ibrahim Shekarau, Barinadas Mpigi.

22. Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions – Patrick Akinyelure, Ahmed Babba-Kaita.

23. FCT – Abubakar Kyari, Tolu Odebiyi.

24.Federal Character and Intergovernmental Affairs – Danjuma Laah, Yahaya Gumau.

25. FERMA – Gershom Bassey, Kabir Barkiya.

26. Finance – Adeola Olamilekan, Isa Jibrin.

27. Foreign Affairs – Mohammed Bulkachuwa, Ignatius Longjohn.

28. Gas Resources – James Manager, Biobaraku Wangagra.

29. Health (Secondary and Tertiary) – Ibrahim Oloriegbe, Betty Apiafi.

30. Housing – Sam Egwu, Lola Ashiru.

31. ICT and Cybercrime – Yakubu Useni, Abdulfatai Buhari.

32. INEC – Kabiru Gaya, Sahabi Ya’u.

33. Industries – Adebayo Osinowo.

34. Information and National Communication – Danladi Sankara, Aishatu Ahmed.

35. Interior -Kashim Shettima, Diri Douye.

36. Interparliamentary Affairs – Godiya Akwashiki, Abba Moro.

37. Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters – Michael Bamidele, Emmanuel Oker-Jev.

38. Land Transport – Abdulfatai Buhari, Nicholas Tofowomo.

39. Legislative Compliance – Oriolowo Adeyemi, Sabi Abdullahi.

40. Local Content – Teslim Folarin, Sabi Abdullahi.

41. Local and Foreign Debts – Clifford Ordia, Bima Enagi.

42. Marine Transport – Danjuma Goje, Adebayo Osinowo.

43. Media and Public Affairs – Adedayo Adeyeye, Akwashiki Godiya.

44. National Identity and National Population – Sa’idu Alkali, Suleiman Kwari.

45. National Planning – Olubunmi Adetunmbi, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

46. National Security and Intelligence – Abdullahi Gobir, Chukwuka Utazi.

47. Navy – George Sekibo, Elisha Abbo.

48. Niger Delta – Peter Nwabaoshi, Bulus Amos.

49. Petroleum Upstream – Albert Akpan, Ifeanyi Ubah.

50. Police affairs – Dauda Jika, Abubakar Tambuwal.

51. Poverty Alleviation and Social Investment Program – Lawal Gumau, Michael Nnachi.

52. Power -Gabriel Suswam, Enyinnaya Abaribe.

53. Primary Health Care and Communicable Diseases – Chuwkuka Utazi, Sadiq Umar.

54. Privatisation – Theodore Orji, Oriolowo Adeyemi.

55. Public Accounts – Mathew Urghohide, Ibrahim Hassan.

56. Public Procurement – Shuaibu Lau, Lola Ashiru.

57. Rules and business – Sadiq Umar, Yahaya Abdullahi.

58. Science and Technology – Uche Ekwunife, Robert Boroffice.

59. Senate Services – Sani Musa, Lawal Hassan.

60. Solid Minerals, Mine, Steel Development and Metallurgy – Tanko Almakura, Oriolowo Adeyeye.

61. Sports and Social Development – Joseph Garba

62. State and Local Government – Lekan Mustapha, Francis Onyewuchi.

63. Special duties – Yusuf Yusuf, Biobaraku Wangagra.

64. SDGs – Aisha Dahiru, Lekan Mustapha

65. Tertiary Institution and TETFUND – Ahmed Baba Kaita, Sandy Onor.

66. Trade and Investment – Rose Oko

Francis Fadahunsi.

67. Water Resources – Bello Mandiya, Christopher Ekpeyong.

68. Women Affairs and Youth Development – Betty Apiafi, Aishatu Dahiru.

69. Works – Adamu Aliero, Emmanuel Bwacha.

Nigeria Would’ve Overcome Ethno-Religious Tension With MKO Abiola’s Presidency – Buhari

Editorial staff

July 30, 2019

late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola

President Muhammadu Buhari has described the late MKO Abiola as a bridge builder who could have prevented the religious and tribal issues besetting the country now from happening, if he had been allowed to rule Nigeria.

Speaking when he received Elders and Leaders of Thought from Ogun State at the State House today, July 30, President Buhari said: “if MKO Abiola was allowed to rule, the religious and tribal issues now in Nigeria would not have been as strong, because he ran on a Muslim-Muslim ticket, chose his deputy from the Kanuri, a minority tribe and because of his personality, he went across Nigeria and was accepted.

“He used his resources and energy to convince Nigerians that all he wanted was a solid Nigeria and nothing else.”

President Buhari said that he named the National Stadium, a national monument, after the late politician because he knows that in future, the youths would want to find out why such an important national institution was named after MKO Abiola.

He expressed appreciation to Governor Dapo Abiodun for mobilising such a strong delegation to thank him for the gesture towards their illustrious son.

The Ogun State delegation, led by the governor, had come to thank the President for the honour done the late MKO Abiola, an indigene of the State, by conferring on him the highest national honour, Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) for his ultimate sacrifice in enthroning democracy.

The delegation, which presented a big talking drum to the President, also used the opportunity to solicit for the rehabilitation of some federal roads as well as other critical infrastructure in the State, which they are convinced will decongest the gridlock occasioned by the movement of consignments along the Apapa – Oshodi expressway and improve the standard of living of Nigerians along the corridor.

I Won’t Be Anybody’s Political Godfather: My Successor Must Struggle On His Own – Buhari

Editorial staff

July 30, 2019

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that he would not like to be a burden on anyone that will succeed him after 2023 by turning himself into political godfather.

He made it clear that anybody who wants to succeed him must work hard the same way he did, three times, before he finally got the power through the help of technology.

President Buhari, who spoke today, July 30, as he received in audience, members of the Progressive in Academics (Pro-Acad) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, stressed that he would be creating problems for anyone he picks now to succeed him.

Responding to the point raised by members of the group that he should start to groom a young person who would replace him when his second term tenure expires in 2023, Buhari said that no one should think that he can just become president overnight.

“To me, this (issue of choosing a successor) is very funny. I think if I identify anybody I will create more problem for him or for her. So, I would rather keep my mouth shut. Let those who would want to be president try as much as I did. And I believe that those who are interested know that I tried three times. And the first time, I thank God and technology, PVC. Before, they would just go to the television and they read the results. They would say anybody who disagreed should go to court. And most of my supporters are looking for next day’s meal. They don’t have money to give to lawyers. So I said God dey. So, the fourth time, God and technology came along through PVC. They couldn’t rig the election so I won. This time around…I tried to work hard but I think you have a lot more to do as intellectuals so that you correctly document Nigeria’s political developments. It is very important for the next generation. A lot of our young chaps are taking things for granted. “Imagine to contest election three times ending up in Supreme Court three times. It needs a lot of conviction you know, and hard work. “But people take success for granted. They say, ah, he’s the President. They think I just closed my eyes and I got it?”

Responding to the issue of education and the almajiri in the country, the president said: “Nigerians overwhelmingly voted for progress, they decided not to go back to the dark days of impunity and corruption.

“Education remains a top priority for our government. In the last four years, we injected over N1 trillion into education through the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Tetfund) and our needs assessment interventions.

“We also released N25 billion to public universities to pay earned academic allowances to lecturers. “Of course, you are all aware of the rot we uncovered at JAMB and many other institutions. “Our home grown school feeding programme covering more than two million children couple with our social investment initiative has encouraged many parents to send their children to school and also pay for more teachers in classrooms.

“In the next four years, we shall continue with the work to transform the sector bearing in mind our high population growth rate, financial challenges and security issues especially those grossly affected areas. “Simply put, our focus and agenda can only be sustained if we have educated and secured society. Therefore, we have no choice but to produce more engineers, technicians, doctors, nurses and the teachers. “To achieve this, we shall continue to seek your advise and guidance. I am pleased to note some of the ideas you proposed, this submission is timely as we prepare for the next level.”

Senate Gives Edo Gov A Week Ultimatum To Properly Proclaim Assembly Or…

Editorial staff

July 30, 2019

Nigerian senate has given Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki one week ultimatum to issue a fresh proclamation letter to reconvene the state house of assembly.

It ordered that the clerk of the Assembly to inform all the 24 members elected through print and electronic media about the new inauguration date after receiving the proclamation letter from the governor.

The Senate resolved that if the proclamation is not made in one week it shall take over the functions of the State House of Assembly.

The Senate resolution followed the adoption of the report of the Senate ad hoc committee on crisis rocking the Edo State House of Assembly crisis, presented by its chairman, Senator Sabi Abdullahi (APC Niger) at yesterday, July 29 plenary after two weeks of investigation.

The Senate’s action aligned with the House of Representatives, which issued a similar directive two weeks ago.

The Senate said that its action was hinged on Section 11 (4) of the 1999 Constitution which empowers it to wade into such crises and take over the legislative duties of such crisis-ridden assemblies.

The Senate started looking into the matter following a point of order raised by Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele (APC Ekiti) on July 10.

Among other recommendations of the Senate is that a proper proclamation should be issued by Obaseki and must be advertised in both print and electronic media, inviting all the 24 members of the assembly to its inauguration.

However, a contrary position was taken Sen. Rochas Okorocha (APC Imo), who said that the Senate appeared to be in a hurry to take over the Edo State House of Assembly.

“The National Assembly seems to be overreaching its boundary in this matter. We appear to be in a hurry to take over the Edo State House of Assembly. We should see this as a family affair in APC and we must not ridicule ourselves in public, rather we should look into the matter instead of this position the Senate is taking”.

“I have been a governor before and I think what is happening in Edo is simply a failure of leadership which can be addressed,’’ he said.

Senator Sam Egwu (PDP Ebonyi), however disagreed, saying that it was wrong for the state governor to have constituted an assembly by 9 p.m., referring to a claim by the ad hoc committee.

“It is suspect for the governor to have issued a proclamation constituting a parliament by 9 p.m. For me, the governor did a very wrong thing.”

President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, while defending the position, said: “The decision is in conformity with the decision of the House of Representatives two weeks ago.

“If the National Assembly can reach out to the president on any matter, I don’t see any reason why same cannot be done in any state when democracy is threatened”.

“I thank the National Assembly and the committee for coming to the rescue of democracy again.”

Governor Godwin Obaseki, while reacting to publication in one of the National dailies that President Buhari directed him to issue fresh proclamation earlier, had said that he would not issue a fresh proclamation letter for the inauguration of the 7th Edo State House of Assembly.

According to him, the Nigerian Constitution of 1999, as amended, mandated state governors to issue proclamation only once for the inauguration of their Houses of Assembly and he has dutifully performed the function.

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