A motion on the “misuse of public funds” by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mallam Lamido Sanusi, caused a rowdy session at the House of Representatives on Wednesday as members on opposing sides almost got into a fistfight. A member from Kano State, Mr. Aminu Suleiman, accused the Speaker, Mr. Aminu Tambuwal, of taking sides in the matter.

A member from Yobe State, Mr. Goni Lawan, described Sanusi’s donation of N100m and N25m to Kano and Madalla bomb blast victims respectively as “an act of terrorism.”

He said, “When I first heard of the action of the CBN governor, I was surprised. I asked whether Yobe and Borno states were not parts of Nigeria, as these attacks took place there first.

“There was a time during the General (Ibrahim) Babangida (retd.) era when there was a coup (Gideon Orka coup) and they said some of us were excised from Nigeria.

“So, I had to check the 1999 Constitution again to be sure that Yobe and Borno were still parts of Nigeria.

“This action by the CBN governor is an act of terrorism; in fact, he is a terrorist. Sanusi is causing confusion in this country.

“Up till today, Yobe and Borno states have not received any assistance from the Federal Government on this issue of attacks.”

For over 15 minutes after the submission, proceedings were suspended as the Speaker of the House, Aminu Tambuwal, tried to restore normalcy.

But for the intervention of principal officers such as the Deputy Speaker, Mr. Emeka Ihedioha, and the Deputy Minority Leader, Mr. Suleiman Kawu, some lawmakers would have exchanged blows.

Some members of the Kano State caucus including Suleiman and Mr. Bashir Babale staged a walkout in reaction to the tone of the debate which condemned Sanusi for donating public funds to the victims of the bomb blasts in Kano and Madalla.

Mr. Mohmmed Wudil attempted to walk out also but was prevented by Kawu.

Trouble started after Tambuwal had ruled in favour of the (majority) vote supporting the condemnation of the action of Sanusi. Suleiman suddenly raised a point of order, accusing Tambuwal of taking sides.

He claimed that the speaker did not allow those who opposed the motion to speak.

He said, “It is most unfair that you gave those speaking for the motion over one hour.

“You prevented us from contributing to a motion that we believe was not well-intended.

“The debate in support of the motion started at 11.25am and ended at 1.15pm; it is not fair that we were not allowed to speak against the motion.”

In response, the speaker said he sighted Suleiman raising his hand to speak in support of the motion earlier, and expressed surprise that the same lawmaker claimed that he wanted to oppose it.

He further explained that when he asked whether anybody wanted to speak against the motion, there was silence, prompting him to rule in favour of the majority.

“On my honour, I saw your hand up several times when it was time to speak for the motion.

“The procedure is that those speaking for will speak first, then ‘the against’ will take their turn.

“But, I saw you raise your hand to speak for the motion,” Tambuwal countered.

He, however, insisted that his ruling was final.

As anger boiled on the floor, Babale rushed from his seat and attempted to hit Lawan who had earlier criticised Sanusi’s donations.

Lawan had accused the CBN governor of being discriminatory in donating money to his kith and kin in Kano.

He recalled that Borno and Yobe states had suffered more attacks by the Boko Haram sect and ought to have received assistance before any other state.

Lawan also listed Plateau, Gombe and Adamawa states as areas that had suffered losses as a result of the activities of theBoko Haram sect before Kano State.

His comments infuriated Babale, who got up from his seat and tried to engage Lawan in a fight but was prevented.

The sponsor of the motion, Mr. Uzor Azubike (Abia State), had observed that Sanusi was using the CBN to play roles that were outside its core mandate of directing government’s monetary policies.

Azubike told the House that there was no provision in the CBN Act, which permitted it to donate to projects or provide funds for disaster and crime victims.

He recalled that besides the donation of N100m and N25m to the bomb blast victims in Kano and Madalla respectively, Sanusi also donated N500m for the “building of a bridge at the University of Benin.”

Azubike noted that these donations came after the controversial N650bn the CBN spent in 2010 to bail out six ailing banks in the country.

“Mr. Speaker, this House has to ask Sanusi to tell us whether he is the CBN or whether the CBN has the legal power to donate public funds freely.

“The CBN Act does not make any provision for the bank as an institution or the governor to make such donations,” he added.

The Minority Leader of the House, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, supported the motion which accused Sanusi of “taking care of his own (people)” by his action, a contravention of Section 42 (1b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Gbajabiamila stated that by doling out public funds at will, Sanusi was sending a signal that “he is more powerful that Mr. President, who cannot spend a kobo unless appropriated by the National Assembly.”

He said, “We have to define the primary responsibility of the CBN. Is it a donor agency, charity organisation or regulator of the monetary policy of the country?

“Are the funds in the CBN private or public funds? His actions are illegal, especially when he hides under corporate responsibility, a role not created for the CBN.”

A lawmaker from Rivers State, Mrs. Betty Apiafi, reminded the House that the CBN governor had already told the National Assembly that the bank’s budget could not be subjected to appropriation, a reason he could spend money as it pleased him.

Outside the chambers where he continued to protest, Babale insisted that the speaker took sides, as he allegedly ignored those who wished to oppose the motion.

“We raised our hands but it did not take five seconds before the speaker made the ruling,” he said.

He also told journalists that many members from Kano State did not take Lawan’s contributions kindly for alleging discrimination against Yobe and Borno states.

“We expected him to say that the CBN governor should address all the affected areas holistically. “Instead, he was personalising it, tilting towards Kano, which is not fair,” he said.

The lawmaker said the people of Kano State were still grieving over the “over 300 lives” lost in the bomb blast.

He observed that making an issue out of the N100m was sending the message that money was valued more than human lives.
http://www.punchng.com/news/bombings-sanusis-donations-spark-row-in-house-of-reps/

“There was a time during the General (Ibrahim) Babangida (retd.) era when there was a coup (Gideon Orka coup) and they said some of us were excised from Nigeria.

“So, I had to check the 1999 Constitution again to be sure that Yobe and Borno were still parts of Nigeria.

“This action by the CBN governor is an act of terrorism;[size=14pt] in fact, he is a terrorist.[/size] Sanusi is causing confusion in this country.

Damn!

www.nairaland.com/attachments/180447_ROTFLMAO_gif3d0c775232c7f27cf80592785b9635b6

Good morning Nigerians, especially those who couldn't see from 100 miles away that King Sanusi is unsuited and unqualified for the job he currently has

We know before. Any northerner at all even may not be a member of BH but they love BH.

Sanusi still remains a prime suspect for all dis carnage caused by boko haram. No matter d position they assume or d level of education. They still reek of ethnic and religious bigotry

These donations made by sanusi really does have ulterior motive (and it wont augur well for the state he did it for). He thinks he is so smart when he dosent think before he acts. Maybe he is planning to sell Kano state to the lowest bidder just as he did to one of the banks he hijacked. Sanusi is so rash, thinks with his arse. Nigerians knows he is one of the major sponsors of the dreadful BOKO HARAM sect. he wants to cover his tracks by trying to be a philantropist with nigerian money? Nemesis will soon catch up with him.


He who the gods wants to kill will definately make deaf first.

It's not all these noise, what can they do at the end of the day?

To me I don't care who he gives money to, the question still remain does the cbn governor has the power of phillantropism, I mean is there any legal power to back up doling out public fund to his kiths and kin (which is a different kettle of fish) when cbn is not his private investment

Mtcheew! Make dem die joor.

sanusi is a sectional leader. He must have heard link wit boko haram. He should b sacked and should nt occupy any public position again.

supereagle:

A member from Yobe State, Mr. Goni Lawan, described Sanusi’s donation of N100m and N25m to Kano and Madalla bomb blast victims respectively as “an act of terrorism.”
“[size=8pt][size=8pt][size=8pt][size=8pt]This action by the CBN governor is an act of terrorism; in fact, he is a terrorist. Sanusi is causing confusion in this country[/size][/size][/size][/size]."

The heading of this thread should have been "Sanusi is a Terrorist" --- Mr. Goni Lawan.

What does it take the FG to have this slowpoke kicked out from that office?

Mr. Speaker, this House has to ask Sanusi to tell us whether he is the CBN or whether the CBN has the legal power to donate public funds freely.

“The CBN Act does not make any provision for the bank as an institution or the governor to make such donations,” he added.

rareman:

To me I don't care who he gives money to, the question still remain does the cbn governor has the power of phillantropism, I mean is there any legal power to back up doling out public fund to his kiths and kin (which is a different kettle of fish) when cbn is not his private investment

guess the above ans ur question.

Its time SLS wings be clipped.He is beginning 2 fly beyond his field.

N500M for a bridge in uniben?
Oh my God!

supereagle:


“The CBN Act does not make any provision for the bank as an institution or the governor to make such donations,” he added.

The Minority Leader of the House, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, supported the motion which accused Sanusi of[b] “taking care of his own (people)” by his action,[/b] a contravention of Section 42 (1b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Gbajabiamila stated that by doling out public funds at will, Sanusi was sending a signal that “he is more powerful that Mr. President, who cannot spend a kobo unless appropriated by the National Assembly.”

He said, “We have to define the primary responsibility of the CBN. Is it a donor agency, charity organisation or regulator of the monetary policy of the country?

“Are the funds in the CBN private or public funds? His actions are illegal, especially when he hides under corporate responsibility, a role not created for the CBN.”

A lawmaker from Rivers State, Mrs. Betty Apiafi, reminded the House that the CBN governor had already told the National Assembly that the[b] bank’s budget could not be subjected to appropriation, a reason he could spend money as it pleased him.[/b]

Sanusi has courted controversies from his first day on that seat. When he is not causing melee with his mouth, he is causing tension and confusion with his actions. He talks too much, boasts too much and cares less about the consequences of his actions.

Whether or not he is associated with terrorism, he has brought the exalted seat of CBN Governor into needless rancour and acrimony.

In view of this, it is plausible to act the question: is Sanusi a fit and proper person to occupy that seat.

which 500milla bridge in uniben is he talking about. oh my God which bridge. i hope is not that steel rack across uniben main gate he s talking about. gej should sack this terrorist guy before he recks more havoc

Sanusi is clearing the way for his ambition in 2015 for the Governorship of Kano State

Now that the house has seen and ruled against sanusi,what else can they do?is it to tal talk and talk they do there without no action?are they toothless bulldogs?what is their recommendation to the president?what disciplinary action would they take?useless and hopeless people

All these because of Sanusi's insensitivity.

NOT surprised?about all Sanusi is doing now. This guy has a degree in islamic studies for Pete stake!!!!!!!! How does that qualify him to be CBN governor?
only for ninja

supereagle:
Sanusi also donated N500m for the “building of a bridge at the University of Benin.”
http://www.punchng.com/news/bombings-sanusis-donations-spark-row-in-house-of-reps/

Gawd 500m

Uncollaterised loan using public funds <= (still remains a lesser crime compared to), bokoharam sponsorship/bank bail-out hoax & now (kano & mandalla) selective philanthropy using PUBLIC FUNDS = F-R-A-U-D!!!!! SLS needs his arse sued off big time, Still wondering whatever gives this aboki d impression that he is above d law and our so called leaders are still making him feel like a king,

He should donate N2 billion to my Zone - SE for erosion control "or whatever excuse he can think of before he is sacked! Foolish 'terrorist'!

@@@@@@@@@

united abokis indeed

Under this guy's tenure alone, over 15000 bank workers nationwide have lost their jobs, practically each and everyone of the banks have laid off thousands of their staff strenghts which has caused a ripple effect on the nations' wholistic economy; all because of one man's personal Vendetta enshrouded within some irrational strategies, infact fed govt should initiate moves to freeze all the billion dollars assets this hypocrite has already accumulated just within his short stay in office and make him appologise to the nation as a whole, because its hard to believe he is not equally making some undeclared philantropic donations to himself, folks and women, using public funds.

Haha, This man should be asked the source of boko harams finance, If he can spend our money that way, he knows a lot about BH,

supereagle:

Sanusi also donated N500m for the “building of a bridge at the University of Benin.”

Azubike noted that these donations came after the controversial N650bn the CBN spent in 2010 to bail out six ailing banks in the country.

“Mr. Speaker, this House has to ask Sanusi to tell us whether he is the CBN or whether the CBN has the legal power to donate public funds freely.

“The CBN Act does not make any provision for the bank as an institution or the governor to make such donations,” he added.

The Minority Leader of the House, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, supported the motion which accused Sanusi of “taking care of his own (people)” by his action, a contravention of Section 42 (1b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
http://www.punchng.com/news/bombings-sanusis-donations-spark-row-in-house-of-reps/

Contradiction, somewhere between the reality of what was said next to fiction.

Why won't he feel like a demi-god when nigerians have been eulogizing him all along and swallowing whatever he says hook,line and sinker?

I just don't admire this man for anything!

Sanusi should be FIRED, the CBN has no business making donations to victims of violence or either financially endowing any educational institution in Nigeria. The constitution does NOT allow it,  This is a case one one over-zealous individual (CBN Governor) going above & beyond what the constitution allows, but hey we're talking about Nigeria here where anything goes 

Me think this man is going beyond his boundary. Is he nt the same assbag that introduced islamic bank? He should be shown d exit door before he causes more havoc in Nigeria.