Ahman-pategi describes late Ahmed Majiya Etsu as an hero.

The honourable member, representing Edu,Patigi and Moro Federal constituency at the house of representatives, honourable doctor Aliyu Ahman-pategi has described the death of late Ahmed Etsu,popularly known as Bala as great loss to Nigerian Army and the nation at large.

Hon. Ahman-Pategi stated this in a condolence message to the family, friends and colleagues of the Departed young officer.

He noted that the late young bala was a dedicated officer who has become a hero in his community particularly for aspiring youths in the country.

"I am deeply saddened by the loss of a Nigeria hero from patigi.I remember that the last time we saw was in minna when I personally took 13 of our young sons to the minna cantonment for recruitment and training in 2016."

"I drove them in my hi lux truck to the camp commandant and they immediately commenced training that faithful day."

"They all where so eager and willing to start training for the sole purpose of protecting the Nations territorial integrity and the citizens"

Late Bala died in zamfara state while on active service for the nation.

The lawmaker prayed Almighty Allah to forgive the deceased and grant him Aljannah Fridaus.

Signed
SA Media
Fatimah Jiyah.

*APP Chairman Has Nothing to Do With “Saraki”*

Our attention has been drawn to reports by some news platforms that described Mr. Ikenga Ugochinyere, the Chairman of a political party known as “APP” as an aide to the President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

Please note, that in a letter of resignation addressed to President of the Senate, and dated October 3, 2017, Ugochinyere, who was then President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, said he had formed a political party and would be resigning his position as Special Assistant on Youth Affairs.

In this regard, we ask that all platforms be guided in their reporting of the activities of Mr. Ugochinyere and his party, and refrain from including “Dr. Saraki’s” name in any such related stories.

Yusuph OLANIYONU
Special Adviser on Media to the President of the Senate

*APP Chairman Has Nothing to Do With “Saraki”*

Our attention has been drawn to reports by some news platforms that described Mr. Ikenga Ugochinyere, the Chairman of a political party known as “APP” as an aide to the President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

Please note, that in a letter of resignation addressed to President of the Senate, and dated October 3, 2017, Ugochinyere, who was then President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, said he had formed a political party and would be resigning his position as Special Assistant on Youth Affairs.

In this regard, we ask that all platforms be guided in their reporting of the activities of Mr. Ugochinyere and his party, and refrain from including “Dr. Saraki’s” name in any such related stories.

Yusuph OLANIYONU
Special Adviser on Media to the President of the Senate

*THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION: MONKEY DEY WORK, BABOON DEY TALK*

The National Assembly is working hard to fight corruption. Though, if you read those broadcasts that are full of bulls**t — some paid Whatsapp pundits have been lying and saying that the legislators are the real reason why Buhari’s governments fictional war against corruption is highly *selective*, totally *political*, extremely *ineffective* and of course, ENTIRELY *non-existent.*

Blame is easy. Taking charge and fixing your f***ups is the hard part. Yes, Nigeria has a corruption problem. And yes, this administration, pledged, swore, pleaded and begged us to vote them into power. They said that they would fix corruption — now, they are blaming the National Assembly? Total BULLS**T!

*Let’s analyze this critically. You be the judge of who is really fighting corruption:*

Q: The Presidency’s pundits say that the National Assembly is yet to pass the *Whistleblower Protection Bill*. Is this true?

A: No. On July 19th, 2017, the Senate passed the *Whistleblower Protection* Bill sponsored by Senator Biodun Olujimi. This Bill will encourage the disclosure of bad conduct by public officers, by protecting Whistleblowers from injury, death, economic sabotage, job termination, etc.


Q: What about the *Anti-Money Laundering Act?*

A: The Buhari government withdrew the Bill with their own hand o! After an intensive examination of the *Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill (2016)*, the EFCC, yes, Magu’s EFCC, asked the National Assembly to dump the bill. If you do not believe it, read it here: http:///2FpLY7z.

Q: Okay, now, what happened to the Witness Protection Bill that will provide more safety for people that testify in corruption cases? Has the National Assembly done anything about it?

A: Yes o! The Senate has passed the *Witness Protection Bill* sponsored by the late Senator Isiaka Adeleke, which creates a programme in Nigeria that protects witnesses who provide vital information, evidence or render assistance to law enforcement agencies during investigations, enquiries or prosecutions.

Q: How about the other anti-corruption Bill they call *Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Bill*? Where is it now?

A: Okay, the *Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Bill* is the only Executive Bill on Anti-Corruption that is currently in the pipeline. It was passed by the Senate on May 30th 2017. This Bill will enhancing the collaboration between Nigeria and other foreign countries on cases that have to do with corruption.

Q: What else is left? Are there any other anti-corruption bills that Buhari has sent to the National Assembly?

A: No! In fact, the Senate has already gone ahead and passed two other Bills that will help Nigeria fight this corruption nonsense.

Q: 2 Bills? What are they?

A: The first is the *Nigerian Financial Intelligence Agency (NFIA) Bill*, sponsored by Senator Chukwuka Utazi. This law will establish an independent financial intelligence unit in Nigeria, that will liaise with other nations on financial investigations like: money laundering, terrorism financing, proliferation of arms, corruption, financial crimes and economic crimes.

The other is the *Federal Audit Services Bill* that will give the Auditor-General of the Federation more independence to investigate and probe all the money that the Federal Government spends. Under this new law,*every single kobo* that is spent in Nigeria can and will be open for investigation. So there will be no place to hide for looters and their friends.

Q: Then why are people believing all this nonsense about the National Assembly not helping in the fight against corruption?

A: Because people do not read or research, and it is easy to blame the people that are working, instead of focusing on the work that is in front of you.

*DON’T LET THEM DECEIVE US. SHARE THIS WIDELY*

Is Saraki really the problem?

Wale Bakare digs in.....


- Saraki is not a problem to his party contrary to views expressed by uninformed people with myopic views.

- Despite several sponsored attempts by his party men to use the court as a cloak to remove Saraki, he has remained focused and loyal to the party's creed.

- Men within his party also tried to use his colleagues in the Senate to remove him as Senate President coupled with other sponsored coordinated attacks. He has continued to wax stronger by constantly shifting the focus from himself while using every available opportunity to call for a stronger institution that will outlive him.

- Also, Saraki has acceded to, and approved more Executive requests when compared to his predecessor. A case in point is Buhari's 135billion Naira virement fund request which was almost killed by Senators for lack of spending breakdown- Saraki saved the day and the virement was approved.

- The same Senate led by Saraki in his wisdom saved Nigeria from being expelled by the EGMONT Group - ( A global network of 152 financial intelligence unit) by passing the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Agency Bill. Recall that the group threatened to expell Nigeria after it was discovered that EFCC Chairman, IbrahimMagu had leaked classified information to the media.

- Saraki is going to tide over all the storms in his way, he's not an easy prey for the niceties of the rule of law, at least, every attempt along the way to muzzle him out on concocted allegations has always been defeated by the truth. He's a strong believer in the ruler of law and as he rightly posited that he will have his day in court- Alas- Victory in the most dramatic fashion for the Senate President.

*WHO IS REALLY FIGHTING CORRUPTION: THE EXECUTIVE OR THE LEGISLATURE*

*Corruption is getting worse in Nigeria, according to the latest corruption perception index (CPI) released by Transparency International (TI) on Wednesday, which shows that Nigeria has dropped 12 places in its Corruption Perception Index.*

Whose fault is this, the Executive or the Legislature? Let’s break this down…

There have been several attacks from sponsored sources that allege that the National Assembly is frustrating the efforts of the Executive in fighting corruption.

However, if we look at the facts on the ground, we can see that:

The National Assembly, through the Senate, has been at the forefront of exposing high-levels of corruption in government — yet, the Executive has not done its part to prosecute those that have been exposed.

The Senate exposed the former SGF, Babachir Lawal’s, intimate involvement in a N200million grass-cutting scandal through which funds meant for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North-east were diverted into private pockets. Two Committees, one in the Senate and another one headed by the VP, had indicted the man. Yet, it took President Muhammadu Buhari over 9 months to sack the man. and up till now, he is still has not been prosecuted.

Also, months after the committee headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo indicted the former NIA DG over the 43million Dollar Cash in Ikoyi Flat scandal, the man has not been prosecuted. The DG NHIS that was suspended over financial misappropriation bh the supervising Minster was arbitrarily recalled and re-instated without recourse to the report of the on-going investigation by the EFCC.

When a Senator leveled allegations of misappropriation of funds against the Inspector General of Police, instead of he Government to investigate the allegations and allow the IG to seek redress if he feels he has been defamed, the Government sought to intimidate the Senator by filling criminal charge against him.

In the same vein, there are other allegations of corrupt practices leveled against top members of the Executive arm which are simply swept under the carpet.

Now, we know that write-ups like the one being circulated on WhatsApp are now alleging that the National Assembly is frustrating the anti-corruption war will come out as a way of fighting back by the Executive over the AMENDMENT OF THE ELECTORAL LAW in which the Presidency failed to get through its preferred ORDER OF ELECTIONS. This write up is just the Executive arms way of fighting back by stereotyping the Legislative Arm.

NOW BEYOND THE PROPAGANDA, FALLACY AND FALSEHOOD, let’s check the facts.

The Senate has already passed the following bills that are aimed at fighting Corruption in Nigeria:

*The Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Bill*, which is aimed at enhancing the collaboration and mutual assistance between the Nigerian government and its foreign counterparts. This Bill will also help to facilitate the identification, tracing, freezing, restraining, recovery, forfeiture and confiscation of proceeds of crime wherever they are located.

*The Whistleblower Protection Bill*, which will encourage the disclosure of improper conduct by persons, public officers and corporate bodies, private and public.

*The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) Bill*, which, in line with international best practices, establishes a substantive and autonomous financial intelligence unit in Nigeria, that will promote the exchange of information with all countries in issue that relate to criminal intelligence and financial investigations that deal with money laundering, terrorism financing, proliferation of arms, corruption, financial crimes and economic crimes.

*The Witness Protection Bill*, which creates a programme in Nigeria that protects witnesses who provide vital information, evidence or render assistance to law enforcement agencies during investigations, enquiries or prosecutions.

*Of all these Bills, THE ONLY ONE that was sent to the Senate, from the Executive was the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Bill. All others were initiated, fast-tracked and passed by the Senators.*

The article in question also referred to the Special Anti-Corruption Courts Bill which he said the National Assembly has refused to pass. However, it should be noted that the National assembly cannot create a Court through a Bill. Creation of Courts require Constitutional Amendments. That is why the Bill was suspended so that it could be part of the Constitutional Amendment process and the Judiciary could have adequate input.

I am sure it is now clear that the Anti-Corruption war is being frustrated by those claiming to be prosecuting it. The War is being defeated by nepotism, inconsistency, inter-agency rivalry, dishonesty and the lack of adherence to the Rule of Law.

*THE FACTS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES!*

SIGNED:

*HON. BASHIR SULEIMAN*

No Plan To Return To PDP – Gov. Ahmed

Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed has debunked claims in certain quarters that he is planning to return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which he left with some other chieftains of the party prior the 2015 general elections.

In a statement on Tuesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Dr. Muyideen Akorede, the governor said he, Senate President Bukola Saraki and other political leaders in Kwara have no reason to return to the PDP or join any other political party unless they are asked to do so by supporters.

Governor Ahmed clarified that the insinuations, which emerged from his recent interview with a newspaper, did not suggest that he was planning to leave. Rather, he was stating the conditions under which he and other political stakeholders in the state left the PDP.
Alhaji Ahmed emphasized that he, Saraki and other governors left the PDP due to impunity, disregard for the rule of law and lack of inclusiveness in the party at the time and following extensive consultations with stakeholders and supporters.

He, therefore, declared that he, Dr. Saraki, other stakeholders and supporters are committed to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and have no intention to cross-carpet to the opposition PDP.

The governor also urged those commenting on the matter to read the said interview properly, rather than relying on social media headlines and insinuations to draw uninformed conclusions.

Governor Ahmed also advised disgruntled elements within the legacy parties of the APC that are urging him and Senator Bukola Saraki to hasten their exit from the party to educate themselves with that interview and be appropriately informed instead of making misguided comments on issues they have no knowledge of.

He affirmed his full support for the APC government of President Muhammadu Buhari and commended him for his strides in governing the country and for the unprecedented federal projects in Kwara State, which he added, were aided by the intervention of Senate President Bukola Saraki.

The governor also restated that his administration is fully committed to sustaining its ongoing fulfilment of its electoral promises to Kwarans across all sectors, and refuses to be distracted by uninformed commentaries and political mischief from any quarters.

No Plan To Return To PDP – Gov. Ahmed

Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed has debunked claims in certain quarters that he is planning to return to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which he left with some other chieftains of the party prior the 2015 general elections.

In a statement on Tuesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Dr. Muyideen Akorede, the governor said he, Senate President Bukola Saraki and other political leaders in Kwara have no reason to return to the PDP or join any other political party unless they are asked to do so by supporters.

Governor Ahmed clarified that the insinuations, which emerged from his recent interview with a newspaper, did not suggest that he was planning to leave. Rather, he was stating the conditions under which he and other political stakeholders in the state left the PDP.
Alhaji Ahmed emphasized that he, Saraki and other governors left the PDP due to impunity, disregard for the rule of law and lack of inclusiveness in the party at the time and following extensive consultations with stakeholders and supporters.

He, therefore, declared that he, Dr. Saraki, other stakeholders and supporters are committed to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and have no intention to cross-carpet to the opposition PDP.

The governor also urged those commenting on the matter to read the said interview properly, rather than relying on social media headlines and insinuations to draw uninformed conclusions.

Governor Ahmed also advised disgruntled elements within the legacy parties of the APC that are urging him and Senator Bukola Saraki to hasten their exit from the party to educate themselves with that interview and be appropriately informed instead of making misguided comments on issues they have no knowledge of.

He affirmed his full support for the APC government of President Muhammadu Buhari and commended him for his strides in governing the country and for the unprecedented federal projects in Kwara State, which he added, were aided by the intervention of Senate President Bukola Saraki.

The governor also restated that his administration is fully committed to sustaining its ongoing fulfilment of its electoral promises to Kwarans across all sectors, and refuses to be distracted by uninformed commentaries and political mischief from any quarters.

*Security Crisis: Senate Partners Presidency to Hold National Summit Feb 1*

Worried by the multi-dimensional security challenges facing the nation, the Senate in collaboration with the President Muhammadu Buhari and the Executive arm will on Thursday, February 1 and Monday February 5 convene a National Security Summit.

The Summit will provide an all inclusive platform for heads of security and defence agencies, Governors, traditional rulers, socio-cultural groups, civil society organizations and others, with a view to finding solutions to acute and long term security challenges in the country.

It will be recalled that the Senate had on January 17, while deliberating on the interim report submitted by its adhoc committee on review of security infrastructure led by majority leader, Senator Ahmed Lawan, on the crises that erupted in Benue, Taraba and Adamawa States, resolved to convene a summit to interface with security agencies and other critical stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the issue and other related security challenges.

The two-day Summit, according to a statement by the chairman of the ad-hoc committee and Senate Majority Leader, Sen. Ahmed Lawan, will also review the challenges being faced by security agencies in the performance of their duties and charting the way forward towards resolving the issues involved.

The statement noted that though the summit was an initiative of the Senate as part of it's contribution to the resolution of the rising security challenges, it is being convened in partnership with the Presidency to find a common solution to the issue.

President Buhari, according to the statement, will declare open the summit to be held at the Banquet Hall of the State House on Thursday with all the 36 state governors in attendance.

Other participants at the event include all Senators and members of the House of Representatives, Ministers of Defence and Interior, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Service Chiefs and other heads of security agencies.

Others expected to participate in the two-day summit are selected traditional rulers from across the six geo-political zones, representatives of regional socio political organizations, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

Other stakeholders invited to the summit are the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).

Signed:

Senator Ahmad Lawan
Senate Majority Leader and Chairman, Senate Adhoc Committee on Security Infrastructure

Winter Olympics: Saraki Celebrates Nigerian Bobsledding Team

Ahead of the 2018 Winter Olympics, scheduled to hold in PyeongChang, South Korea, the President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has thrown his weight behind Nigeria’s female bobsledding team who are set to make history as the first African team to compete in the sport at the winter olympics.

In a tweet on his personal Twitter handle, @BukolaSaraki, the President of the Senate expressed pride at the accomplishments of the girls, stating that their journey to the Winter Olympics defies all odds.

The Senate President said:

“I am super proud of Seun Adigun, Ngozi Onwumere and Akuoma Omeoga.

“These 3 young women are defying all odds and making history by representing Nigeria in Bobsledding at the Winter #Olympics!

“Keep flying the flag ��! We will continue to support you.”

For more information, you can visit the handles of the Senate President at:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bukolasaraki/status/955155482720768000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bukola.saraki/posts/10156102527749962

*8 Things Saraki said to the Senators in the Senate’s 2018 Resumption Speech*

On Tuesday, January 16th, 2018, the 8th Senate resumed its plenary activities for the year. The Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, in his resumption speech, discussed the work of the Senate and the way forward. These are 8 of the major things that he said.

1. On the Fuel Scarcity: “When one part of the body is hurting, the whole body hurts, and this holds true for the entire nation.”
I am not unmindful of the sobering fact that the new year has met many citizens in a reflective mood. Many were on the queue for petrol; many households are grief-stricken. This mood of reflection is also one from which no lawmaker is immune; what affects one, affects all. When one part of the body is hurting, the whole body hurts, and this holds true for the entire nation.
 
We have all been witnesses to the hardships with which many Nigerians saw in the new year, stuck on fuel queues tailing from petrol stations in many of our cities. It has been disheartening to see, especially during the festive period when Nigerians should have been enjoying carefree time with their loved ones, with enough petrol in their tanks to make that cherished journey to the various hometowns.
 
2. On the Fuel Scarcity: “We, as representatives of the people, feel the pain of the people.”
We, as representatives of the people, feel the pain of the people. Things being the way they were, we could not but respond to the crisis. I therefore had to direct members of the Senate Investigative Panel on Fuel Scarcity cut short their recess to commence hearings into the lingering problem; and that work is ongoing. I commend the committee for their prompt response and the work carried out.
 
We seek the cooperation and understanding of Nigerians as we try to get to the bottom of this issue. My own estimation of the fuel scarcity phenomenon is that it is man-made. We thought we had left the problem of fuel queues firmly in the past in this country, but sadly, that appears not to be the case. In any event, there is a problem, and it must be solved. We await the findings of the Investigative Panel on Fuel Scarcity, firm in our resolve that whoever is responsible must pay the price for visiting this needless hardship upon our people.
 
3. On the Benue Killings: “We condemn these killings in the strongest terms, and we declare that mindless bloodletting has no place in our society.”
Distinguished colleagues, you will agree with me that even more sober reflection attends the killings in some parts of the country, particularly recent tragic events in Benue State. We condemn these killings in the strongest terms, and we declare that mindless bloodletting has no place in our society. I offer our sincerest condolences to the people of Benue, and indeed to all who have suffered the loss of their loved ones as a result of these wanton acts.
 
Human life is sacred. We state without equivocation that Nigerian life must become sacred. When we fail in our duty to protect Nigerian lives, it is a tragedy and an indictment on us all. We as the 8th Senate stand ready to help find solutions to assuage the hurt to affected parts, to bring the perpetrators to justice and to enthrone peace in all four corners of this country.
 
Let me state that the 8th Senate is disturbed by these unfortunate incidents, and we have been for some time. We were concerned enough to have inaugurated the Ad-Hoc Committee on Security in November of last year. And so it was that, with the shocking reports from Benue, Rivers and other places, the Security Committee members also cut short their recess to resume sitting, with a view to fast-tracking their investigations, in order to present an interim report for the Senate’s consideration immediately on resumption.  I really must commend the committee for their swift action in this regard; and I am happy to note that the Interim Report is ready for the consideration of this chamber.


 4. On the Work of the Senate: “We cannot lose momentum, nor can we afford to rest on our oars.”
We are a people-oriented Senate, and I believe I speak for us all when I pledge that we shall continue to demonstrate similar dedication to our duties this year, as worthy representatives of the people who voted us into office.
 
Distinguished colleagues, the 8th Senate has continued its historic run, because by the end of 2017, we had passed 140 Bills over a period of 30 months. The landmark Economic Bills we passed, helped to propel the country’s emergence from recession, powering us upwards in the Ease of Doing Business Report. While the legislative feats of the year gone by shall go down in the annals of lawmaking in this country, what is also true is that we cannot lose momentum, nor can we afford to rest on our oars.


5. “This is Nigeria’s time. Let us devote ourselves to her service.”
Going into the new year, I can only wish each and every one of us the best as we prepare for the task ahead. It is a crucial year. As you all know, this, in all probability, will be the last productive year before we go into the 2019 electioneering period. Not only is there a need to up the ante in terms of productivity, it is important we keep our eyes on the big picture. Let us not be caught in the political fray before due season. To each and every thing under the sun, its own time. This is Nigeria’s time. Let us devote ourselves to her service. It is therefore imperative that we speed up consideration on the various bills on which legislative work remains outstanding – particularly economic bills. Calling for similar attention are the other parts of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) related bills still to be passed, namely: the Petroleum Industry Fiscal Bill and the Petroleum Host Community Bill.
 
6.“We must not allow the upcoming 2019 elections to overshadow our work for the people.”
Distinguished colleagues, it is my appeal to each and every one of us, that our legislative duty to Nigeria and her people, must be uppermost in our minds. We must not allow the upcoming 2019 elections to overshadow our work for the people that elected us - or distract us from that which we are mandated to do by the constitution and the trust reposed in us by the people.
 
This is my appeal: it is too early for 2019 politicking to override the legislative agenda and the larger work of governance. We have begun a good thing with the economic core of our agenda; let us see it to its proper conclusion. It would be most insensitive to the needs of the people of this country if we were to do otherwise. I am directing this appeal not only to us in the chamber but to the National Assembly as a whole, as well as to the Executive and indeed all political actors.
 
7. “Let me opine that 2018 will be defined by the collaboration between the two chambers of the 8th National Assembly"
Distinguished colleagues, let me opine that 2018 will be defined by the collaboration between the two chambers of the 8th National Assembly as regards the number of items due for concurrence. We must work to build on the very cordial relationship between the two chambers as witnessed so far, and elevate the level of cooperation, for the benefit the people. To this end, I urge you all to reach out to our counterparts in the House, so that we can fulfil the lawmaking function in the most expeditious manner. This will help streamline the process - and clear the way for the passing of various legislations – making for improved synergy and joined-up working between the two chambers.
 
8. On the Way Forward: “We will not relent in our efforts…”
Currently, distinguished colleagues, there are two major ongoing issues before us – namely the Constitutional Amendment process and the 2018 Appropriation Bill. It is encouraging to see that the Assemblies in the States have already started work on the Constitutional Amendment; I urge us all to keep a keen eye on developments on that front. With regard to the 2018 Budget, let me take this opportunity to give a word of encouragement to the Committee as they work to ensure the proper conduct of the process.

Senate: No Request from Presidency on Payment to Oil Marketers

The attention of the Senate has been drawn to a claim said to have been made by the Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari during a meeting with stakeholders in the oil industry on the perrenial fuel scarcity in the country to the effect that the payment of debt owed to oil marketters was being delayed because the National Assembly has not approved request presented to the legislature for loan meant for that purpose.

The Senate would want members of the public to know that no such request has been made to it specifically requesting for loan meant for payment to oil marketers.

The Senate is aware that subsidy on petroleum had been cancelled by this administration; so we wonder which payment we are talking about now.

Senators have been inundated with calls from oil marketers who were present at the meeting with the Chief of Staff to the President on the issue and thus, we call on Mallam Kyari to either prove his claim or retract it.

It should be noted that a similar claim was made by the Minister of Finance on the foreign loan at a time the Presidency had not forwarded the request. The letter requesting for the foreign loan was submitted long after she was confronted with the fact.

It is the opinion of the Senate that instead of resorting to false claims and shifting blames in the mould of ' Blame Someone Else', both the executive and legislature should work together to solve this unecessary fuel crisis which is making life more difficult for our people.

That is why members of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream were mandated by the Senate President to suspend their recess and embark on ovesight visits to key areas in the sector while it would tomorrow (Thursday, Jan. 4th) hold an investigative public hearing with all stakeholders aimed at finding solution to the problem of fuel scarcity.

Signed

Sen. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi
Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs

Senate: No Request from Presidency on Payment to Oil Marketers

The attention of the Senate has been drawn to a claim said to have been made by the Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari during a meeting with stakeholders in the oil industry on the perrenial fuel scarcity in the country to the effect that the payment of debt owed to oil marketters was being delayed because the National Assembly has not approved request presented to the legislature for loan meant for that purpose.

The Senate would want members of the public to know that no such request has been made to it specifically requesting for loan meant for payment to oil marketers.

The Senate is aware that subsidy on petroleum had been cancelled by this administration; so we wonder which payment we are talking about now.

Senators have been inundated with calls from oil marketers who were present at the meeting with the Chief of Staff to the President on the issue and thus, we call on Mallam Kyari to either prove his claim or retract it.

It should be noted that a similar claim was made by the Minister of Finance on the foreign loan at a time the Presidency had not forwarded the request. The letter requesting for the foreign loan was submitted long after she was confronted with the fact.

It is the opinion of the Senate that instead of resorting to false claims and shifting blames in the mould of ' Blame Someone Else', both the executive and legislature should work together to solve this unecessary fuel crisis which is making life more difficult for our people.

That is why members of the Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream were mandated by the Senate President to suspend their recess and embark on ovesight visits to key areas in the sector while it would tomorrow (Thursday, Jan. 4th) hold an investigative public hearing with all stakeholders aimed at finding solution to the problem of fuel scarcity.

Signed

Sen. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi
Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs

*#SarakiConstituencyProjects; Saraki Flags Off Rehabilitation Of SobiDam Waterworks, Inspects AgbaDam Waterworks*

The constituency office of the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, today flagged off the rehabilitation of Sobi Waterworks. It is noteworthy that the waterworks which was built about three (3) decades ago to serve some communities in Ilorin East, Ilorin South and Moro local government areas of the state, with the maiden design of delivering two million (2,000,000) gallons per day, has been operating on its twenty five percent (25%) efficiency in the last 15 years, thereby resulting in the shortage of pipe borne water in the beneficial communities. Hence, the need for its rehabilitation for higher efficiency for the domestic and industrial benefits of the constituents and Kwarans by extension.


Shortly before the project was handed over to the contractor by Engr. Aremu, the Managing Director of Lower Niger River Basin, which is the MDA in charge of the the project, the Director General of ABS Mandate Constituency Office, Alhaji Musa Abdullahi, disclosed that the Senate President is committed to the welfare of his constituents and ready to bring to an end the sufferings that emanate from the insufficiency of water supply through the rehabilitation of old and construction of new surface and underground waterworks. He proceeded by making it known that his principal has about two hundred (200) ongoing constituency projects in which there are more than twenty communal road projects that are eighty percent (80%) completed and will be commissioned soon across the four local government that make up the Kwara Central Senatorial District being represented by Sen. Saraki at the Senate. He therefore concluded by assuring Kwarans of the hundred percent (100%) completion of all the projects facilitated by the Senate President and that more of such people oriented projects are in the pipeline.


According to the Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Water Resources, Hon. Ali Bahago Ahman Pategi, who was present at the flag off event, the National Assembly under the Chairmanship of Sen. Bukola Saraki wants to discourage the incessant digging of boreholes but invest more on water dam construction and reticulation in order to ensure every household in the country has access to healthy and drinkable water. He went further by appreciating the Senate President for his interest in ensuring monumental projects are captured for Kwarans in the 2018 national budget. "He is indeed a responsible and responsive leader and blessing to Kwara state", Hon. Pategi Added.


After the project was handed over to the Contrator by the Lower Niger River Basin and the site possessed by the constituency office of the Senate President, the CEO of Deco Nigeria Ltd, made it known that all the equipment to be used for the project are to be imported from Germany and assured that the project will be hundred percent (100%) completed in six (6) month.


Breifly after the flag off of Sobi Dam, the constituency office of the Senate President also had an inspection tour to the nearly completed AgbaDam waterworks expansion site, a multimillion naira project which was flagged off last year. The inspection team was impressed by the level of works done on the dam and optimistic that in the next few months, water will run on every household in Ilorin metropolis.


Also present during the flag-off and inspection outing are; The state Chairman of Kwara APC, Alhaji Ishola BF, the three Senatorial Chairmen of APC, Alhaji Jimoh Balogun, Alhaji Jimoh Adeshina, Alhaji Isiaka Oniwa respectively, the Kwara state Commissioner for water resources, Barr. Abdulrasaq Akorede, Kwara Water Corporation GM and Engineers, Directors and other staff of ABS Mandate Constituency Office, Team of Engineers from Lower Niger River Basin, the APC state executive member, the council chairmen of Ilorin East and Ilorin South local government areas and many others.

Press Release
December 31, 2017

Saraki to Nigerians at New Year: Let Us Pray for an Improved Economy in 2018

President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has extended his heart felt good wishes to all Nigerians in the New Year, with a clarion call on them to pray for a full recovery of the economy in 2018.

Saraki in a New Year message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, said a strong economy would enable government to achieve physical development and improved standard of living of the people.

He added that God has blessed Nigeria with all the potentials necessary for her to have a strong economy that would take care of its growing population but that it was unfortunate that there is still so much underdevelopment in the country.

He noted that most of the problems now threatening the unity, progress and peace of the country were rooted in the poor state of the economy and that there was need for the government and Nigerians to work together in Year 2018 to ensure the success of policies initiated to rebuild the economy, create employment, attract investment opportunities and make the nation self-sufficient.

He said that government alone cannot make the economy to work but that it requires the co-operation, prayers and change of attitude on the part of the people to develop the country and make 2018 a more fruitful and beneficial year for the citizenry.

"I wish all Nigerians overflowing happiness on this joyful occasion," Saraki said. "The end of one year and the beginning of another is always a time that is full of hope. While 2017 was challenging for many Nigerians, we must look back on the year with the knowledge that better days are ahead.

"Although we still have so much to do to achieve our desired individual and national objectives, let us rise up with courage and determination to make the situation better", he stated.

While lauding the resilience of Nigerians in the face of national challenges and their avowed love for the unity and greater progress for the country, he noted that every Nigerian deserve a better deal.

"All of us deserve a chance to live a better life. This is why the Senate and indeed the 8th National Assembly will continue to collaborate with the executive to ensure that all the policies and programmes of the present administration targeted at making life more meaningful for the people are realized.

"The National Assembly will not spare efforts in passing more laws that will serve as catalyst for our economic stability and growth. Laws that will help make our businesses thrive. Laws that will enhance the creation of jobs and put more money in the pockets of our people", he stated.

He wished Nigerians a happy and blessed 2018.

END

Signed

Yusuph Olaniyonu
Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, to the President of the Senate

*Saraki Pays Tuition of 37 Ilorin Emirate Students*

On Tuesday night, ahead of Wednesday’s closure of the tuition payment portal for undergraduate students of the University of Ilorin, President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, paid the tuition of 37 students.

The 37 students, who are a part of the Ilorin Emirate Student Union, were given N25,000 each in cash to pay for the 2017/2018 academic session.

The president of the association, Mr. Amosa Ahmad Aliyulahi, revealed that a letter was written to the Senate President’s constituency office to request for his assistance in the payment of tuition fees of some of its members that have been unable to pay for the 2017/2018 academic session.

In a prompt response by the Senate President, Saraki instructed that the tuition and fees of all the concerned students be attended to immediately.

One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Mohammed Jamiu Ismail, expressed his gratitude for the gesture. He prayed that God will continue to strengthen the Senate President, who is also the Senator representing Kwara Central in the 8th Senate.

The association also applauded Saraki’s work in Kwara Central, stating that the Senate President has established and maintained a track-record of helping students with their education, through scholarships.

“We sincerely appreciate the speedy response of the Senate President to the letter written to his constituency office,” the Ilorin Emirate Student Union said.

END

Kwara South: No Fake Media Arrangement Will Stop the People's Senator, Dr Rafiu Ibrahim 




It's quite unfortunate that some scrupulous elements, who are allegedly said to be employed by an errand boy to top Media Aide in the State, have embarked on fruitless mission to discredit the Kwara South Senator, Dr Rafiu Adebayo Ibrahim, to pave way for him to continue benefitting from the structure he has no contribution.

Without distorting the fact, Senator Rafiu Ibrahim remains one of the best politicians that has ever been produced in Kwara South. Senator Rafiu Ibrahim, a political Son and product of the Saraki dynasty, who endears himself with his people and community development.

Kwara South people are very sophisticated politically across party lines, and we believe our people will make their choice of who represents them in 2019. These errand boys should be warned not to cause political tension where non exist. The entire Kwara South youth condemn in totality and they should be reminded that Kwara Southerners are peace loving people and any attempt to disrupt the known peace is unacceptable.


The fact still remains that Kwara APC has a formidable structure under the leadership of the Nigerian Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki. It should be stated clearly that the supremacy of the party is key and whoever the party picks and anoints shall remain the only candidate for all.

We acknowledge the leadership prowess of the Nigerian Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, and his managerial skills in holding the party together for the development of our people and our state.

We, in Kwara South, know our sons and daughters, who have the people at heart and have contributed to the yearning and development of our Senatorial District.

We owe no apology to say that, we are proud of the outstanding performance of our Senator, Dr Rafiu Adebayo Ibrahim, in his legislative business at the National Assembly and that he has performed excellently well with his constituency projects and other developmental projects through his RIB Foundation in rural road network, rural electrification, provision of potable water, renovation of library, provision of public toilets in prime markets, training, scholarship and educational support, etc

We want to urge others who are juggling for the Kwara South Senatorial seat to come out open and state what they have done for the people rather standing on the "bring him down syndrome" to get public sympathy.

God bless Kwara South Senatorial District!!!
God bless Kwara State!!
God bless Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!


Hon. Wasiu Awoniyi
Federation of Kwara South Youth

Kwara South: No Fake Media Arrangement Will Stop the People's Senator, Dr Rafiu Ibrahim 




It's quite unfortunate that some scrupulous elements, who are allegedly said to be employed by an errand boy to top Media Aide in the State, have embarked on fruitless mission to discredit the Kwara South Senator, Dr Rafiu Adebayo Ibrahim, to pave way for him to continue benefitting from the structure he has no contribution.

Without distorting the fact, Senator Rafiu Ibrahim remains one of the best politicians that has ever been produced in Kwara South. Senator Rafiu Ibrahim, a political Son and product of the Saraki dynasty, who endears himself with his people and community development.

Kwara South people are very sophisticated politically across party lines, and we believe our people will make their choice of who represents them in 2019. These errand boys should be warned not to cause political tension where non exist. The entire Kwara South youth condemn in totality and they should be reminded that Kwara Southerners are peace loving people and any attempt to disrupt the known peace is unacceptable.


The fact still remains that Kwara APC has a formidable structure under the leadership of the Nigerian Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki. It should be stated clearly that the supremacy of the party is key and whoever the party picks and anoints shall remain the only candidate for all.

We acknowledge the leadership prowess of the Nigerian Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, and his managerial skills in holding the party together for the development of our people and our state.

We, in Kwara South, know our sons and daughters, who have the people at heart and have contributed to the yearning and development of our Senatorial District.

We owe no apology to say that, we are proud of the outstanding performance of our Senator, Dr Rafiu Adebayo Ibrahim, in his legislative business at the National Assembly and that he has performed excellently well with his constituency projects and other developmental projects through his RIB Foundation in rural road network, rural electrification, provision of potable water, renovation of library, provision of public toilets in prime markets, training, scholarship and educational support, etc

We want to urge others who are juggling for the Kwara South Senatorial seat to come out open and state what they have done for the people rather standing on the "bring him down syndrome" to get public sympathy.

God bless Kwara South Senatorial District!!!
God bless Kwara State!!
God bless Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!


Hon. Wasiu Awoniyi
Federation of Kwara South Youth

Despite all the noise , Despite all the Character Assasination , despite all the lies against Saraki and despite all the distractions designed to slip Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki off his feet , he still remain gallant and not only just gallant but also the best Senate President in Nigeria that has performed beyond reasonable doubt. Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki became Senate President against the will of few that believed that seat is their birthright but with God and Saraki's political sagacity " Baba still dey digbidigbi" . if those forces love Nigeria like they claimed, They should have allowed Saraki to settle down and deliver more but for their personal interest and greed , they keep on influencing judgement to cage him for their own greed and personal interest . Dear Saraki, Nigerians are with you because you have delivered ...Happy Birthday Dr Saraki , May you continue to age with grace ...#SarakiAt55

26 Nigerian Women Buried in Italy: Saraki Reiterates Senate’s Resolve for Justice

The President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Friday evening, reiterated the resolve of the Nigerian Senate to ensure that the families and loved ones of the 26 Nigerian girls who died while trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea receive justice.

In a post on his Facebook page and tweets on his @BukolaSaraki handle, the Senate President stated that the Senate will continue to push for a declaration of a State of Emergency on ‘Youth Unemployment.’

He said:

“My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of the 26 Nigerian women and girls who died while trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea.

“They were laid to rest today in Salerno, Italy. May their souls Rest In Peace.

“As we stated in our 9th November, 2017 Resolution:

“1. The Nigerian Senate will not stop until justice is done and a proper investigation is conducted by Italian authorities on the death of the 26 Nigerian women;

“2. We will continue to urge the FG to declare a State of Emergency on youth unemployment, as we collectively work to come up with more proactive measures to engage our young people;

“3. We urge the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NAPTIP, and the Nigerian Immigration Service to work together to devise a comprehensive strategy to combat this menace of illegal migration and human trafficking.”

You can read more here: https://twitter.com/bukolasaraki/status/931569905756966912

END

26 Nigerian Women Buried in Italy: Saraki Reiterates Senate’s Resolve for Justice

The President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Friday evening, reiterated the resolve of the Nigerian Senate to ensure that the families and loved ones of the 26 Nigerian girls who died while trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea receive justice.

In a post on his Facebook page and tweets on his @BukolaSaraki handle, the Senate President stated that the Senate will continue to push for a declaration of a State of Emergency on ‘Youth Unemployment.’

He said:

“My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of the 26 Nigerian women and girls who died while trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea.

“They were laid to rest today in Salerno, Italy. May their souls Rest In Peace.

“As we stated in our 9th November, 2017 Resolution:

“1. The Nigerian Senate will not stop until justice is done and a proper investigation is conducted by Italian authorities on the death of the 26 Nigerian women;

“2. We will continue to urge the FG to declare a State of Emergency on youth unemployment, as we collectively work to come up with more proactive measures to engage our young people;

“3. We urge the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NAPTIP, and the Nigerian Immigration Service to work together to devise a comprehensive strategy to combat this menace of illegal migration and human trafficking.”

You can read more here: https://twitter.com/bukolasaraki/status/931569905756966912

END

*Saraki Urges Auditors-General to Block Revenue Leakages in Public Service*

President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has called on Auditors-General in the country, particularly at the Local Government level, to partner with the Senate in its current effort to block financial leakages and ensure that maximum revenue accrues to government at all levels in the Federation.

Saraki, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sanni Onogu, gave the charge when the national executive of the Conference of the Auditors-General for Local Governments in Nigeria, led by its National Chairman, Barr. Reuben Osita Nwosu, visited him at the National Assembly, Abuja.

He noted that the visit was apt by coming at a time the 8th Senate is intensifying efforts to enhance government’s non-oil revenue through thorough scrutinization of revenue generation activities in Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and demanding accountability and transparency in their operations.

"I want to urge the Conference of the Auditors General for Local Governments in Nigeria to join hands with the Senate in ensuring that governments at all levels get all the revenues that are due to them," Saraki stated.

He noted the concerns of the association regarding granting autonomy to the offices of the Auditors General throughout the federation by amending the Constitution to strengthen their capacity to carry out their legitimate functions.

Saraki said: "In fact, one of the amendments we have carried out on the Constitution is financial autonomy to Local Governments and I am sure that will go a long way in helping them to have a more transparent and accountable finance system.

"I totally agree with you that in doing that we must also strengthen the autonomy of the Auditors-General because since we are giving those kind of responsibilities to local governments.

"It is necessary that we support that with the necessary tools that will ensure that they are effective because if you don't do that, the capacity at the local governments with those kind of responsibilities will be defeated," he said.

Earlier, the National Chairman of Auditors-General for Local Governments in Nigeria, Barr. Reuben Osita Nwosu, who led other national executive members of the association on the visit, said that the country cannot entrench accountability and transparency in the public service without guaranteed autonomy through administrative and financial independence for Auditors-General at the three tiers of government.

Nwosu who is the Auditor General for Local Governments in Imo State, said: "At the Local Government level with the granting of financial autonomy to the Local Government Councils, there arose a greater need to strengthen the capacity of the office of Auditors-General for Local Governments.

"Financial autonomy to the Local Government Councils without granting autonomy through administrative and financial independence to the Auditors-General for Local Governments would be counter productive," he stated.

He said that the association was excited at the progress made so far in the amendment of the Constitution by the National Assembly adding that the "exercise would greatly remove all Constitutional impediments on the granting of autonomy through financial and administrative independence to the Office of the Auditors-General at the Federal, State and Local Governments in the country."

END

Focus on Your Own Issues, A Response To The Misguided Statement Of APYF Lagos


Our attention has been drawn to a statement credited to the Lagos State Chapter of APYF signed by one Sola Osindero, an Abuja-based hireling. While we deemed it necessary to honor the directive issued by our State Chairman to not comment on the Lagos release, we consider silence in this matter as a sign of weakness and a glaring lack of political astuteness on the part of our Chairman.


For the avoidance of doubt, the Public Relations Officer of APYF Kwara State, Mr. Abdulrahman Abdullahi Kayode, was duly appointed and has been under the supervision of the National Public Relations Officer. Osindero can put a call through to whatever shadow contact he has in the national APYF to confirm this.


Additionally, we wish to condemn in the strongest possible terms the indiscipline demonstrated by Osindero who has absolutely no right or powers to speak on behalf of the Lagos State Chapter. 


At no point and at no time has the APYF in Kwara State alluded to speaking for the National Chapter of the Party.  Hence, the statement credited to the Lagos State Chapter is not only an insult to the National body of the APYF, but a subversion of its powers. 


Furthermore, it is important to note that instead of the so-called Osindero to focus on the issues in his the state he claimed to speak for, like the desperate attempts of its political elder to dictate all that goes on in the state, the South West, and at the National level, a habit that is gradually leading to the denigration of our great party, the APC, has we witnessed in the recent Osun West Bye election in the State of Osun; he has instead gone beyond his mandate to focus his lens on Kwara State, which is ably led by the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.


Finally, at this point, we wish to caution all members of the APYF to disregard the sorry attempts by Osindero hiding under the supposed banner of the Lagos State APYF Chapter, to attempt to paint a picture of discord and disunity in the APYF.


Signed:


Alhaji Aliyu Al-Agbaji,
APYF Local Government Coordinator for Ilorin

---

Press Statement


APC Youth Forum Disowns Anti-Saraki Story


The attention of the All Progressives Congress Youth Forum (APYF), has been drawn to an asinine and absurd Press Statement released by a fictional group under the name of Kwara Youth Stakeholders Forum (KYSF). 


For the avoidance of doubt, this group does not exist and has never existed. The sole aim of the person who is suing this fictitious group has been to attempt to discredit the integrity and person of the political leader of Kwara, the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, the member representing Kwara Central in the 8th National Assembly.


In the statement, the invented group — which is supposedly led by one Mr. Charles Ofemi Folayan — has concocted several complaints, which do not in anyway reflect the views of the youth of our great state.


Additionally, as a constituent of Kwara South, Mr. Charles Ofemi Folayan, has no legal or moral right to attempt to speak on behalf of the youth of Kwara Central. He did not vote there; he is not known there; and based on his statement, we, the Youth of APYF Kwara do not welcome his political views and outlandish sentiments.


Finally, as Mr. Charles Ofemi Folayan, serves as a technical aide to the Special Assistant on Youth and Students Affairs to the President, Mr. Nasiru Adhama, we call on Mr. Adhama to immediately distance himself from the comments and actions of his employee. This is because, Mr. Folayan’s actions, in these erratic political climes can be viewed as an outside attempt by the executive to use its employees to discredit the leadership of the National Assembly and stoke the embers of discord. 

Obviously, this Charles Ofemi Folayan is one of the divisive elements in the Presidency who are fond of fanning the ember of discord between the legislature and the executive. He is believed to be a primary source of some of the fictitious and phones stories often dished out by Sahara Reporters against some prominent Nigerians wherein the discredited online medium usually quote sources in the Presidency and weave their concocted and imaginary stories on events around the presidency.




Signed:


ABDULRAHMAN ABDULLAHI Kayode

Public Relations Officer, APYF, Kwara

Just in : No Public Servant has right to disregard the laws of the country, Says Senator Adeyeye

The Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Olusola Adeyeye, as declared that no public servant whether in the executive, legislature or judiciary is exempted from obeying the laws of the country.

Senator Adeyeye made the remarks on Tuesday while contributing to a debate on the powers of the Senate to confirm or reject certain nominations for political appointments by the President.

The Senator representing the State of Osun Central Senatorial District while urging the Red Chamber to assert its independence, said is far wiser in a republic to choose strong institution rather than strong individuals.

He said that it is wrong for any Nigerian tayo seek to bend the laws of the land to which they may not be in agreement without first challenging those laws at the Apex Court of the land.

Adeyeye said: "This are frightening times. These times are frightening because many Nigerians including many of us in this chamber put our lives on the line to ensure that we have democratic governance in Nigeria and I want to remind all of us that which I think nobody body needs reminding but in particular to remind the republic that the difference between a military regime, however benevolent or autocratic it may be, and a democratic regime is the presence of a legislature - a legislature whose responsibilities are explicitly defined by the Constitution.

"I also want to say that whether you serve this republic in the executive, legislature or judiciary, every public servant is sworn to obey all the laws of the republic. If there is any law which has been passed, by the legislature, signed by the President, gazetted into the laws of the republic, no one is given an exemption to dodge, bend, avoid or dance around that law.

"Many have argued and I believe convincingly, that the power to confirm certain appointments are explicitly written in the Constitution, but does a republic or any country in this world obey only its constitution? Does a republic not obey its laws? Every act that specifies confirmation of any appointment is the law of the land.

"Nobody - not the President, not the Vice President nor the Senate President - nobody has the right to avoid obeying that law. To that extent, whoever has a problem with any law, whoever believes that the law of the land is not constitutional should go to court and seek it to be declared null and void.

"Until that is done, it remains the law of the land and must be respected and anyone who does not respect it is breaking the law of the land and we don't want to go to the extent of what happens to those who swear to obey the laws of the land but do not obey them.

"For the records, I want to say here that I voted yes for Ibrahim Magu. But this is not about my view. The Senate of Nigeria voted no. I stand with the Nigerian Senate because if a republic must choose between strong leaders and strong institutions, it is wiser by far to choose strong institutions.

"We must not allow any branch of government to be weakened to an extent that the laws of the land can be fragrantly disregarded. To that extent, my dear colleagues, I believe what is happening is not about you and myself. What is happening is about the character of this nation until eternity.

"Can we pass laws and not obey our laws? Can we stand by our laws? Are we going to say that we are the same thing as when a government can pass a decree without even the voice of the people being heard? We the legislature, we are the voice of the Nigerian people. Maybe 100 years from now, the Nigerian people may decide they don't want the legislature, by then I would have been dead!

"But today, the Constitution says that there is a legislature, we make laws and even in the recent history of Nigeria, there are laws that we have made that the Supreme Court has overturned as unconstitutional. What did we do? We abided by it.

"When nobody has gone to challenge a law, that person has no other option that to obey that law. For that purpose, I want to 100 per cent lend the whole of my being to the strengthening of the first realm of the estate - the first realm of every democratic estate is the legislature.

"In fact, in advanced countries, when the judiciary misinterprets the law, the legislature is quick to make such amendments so that such misinterpretation will not take place again.

"In that regards, let me say again with all of my being, that I pray that we will assert the independence of the legislature, not as a way of power mongering, but as in making sure that this is not the government of individuals, but the government of laws. May God bless the republic of N[truncated by WhatsApp]

*Saraki: Judgement Against Sahara Reporters Shows Justice Will Always Prevail*

President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Thursday commended the judgment of an Ilorin High Court that ruled that the publisher of the online news platform, Sahara Reporters, Mr Omoyele Sowore, should pay him the sum of N4 billion ($11.1 Million) as damages over a series of libelous stories published against him by the medium in 2015.

Saraki, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, stated that the judgement issued against Sahara Reporters for constantly publishing false, libelous and misleading stories that were aimed at defaming his person, was a testament that the moral arc of the universe will always bend towards justice.

“One thing is clear by the judgement, there are systems in place in our nation for all citizens to seek redress if they have been unfairly treated in any way,” the statement read, “This judgement is a fulfillment of our promise that we will explore all legal means to seek redress for all the fabrications and mudslinging that Sahara Reporters has thrown at us over the years.

“This judgement demonstrates that our justice system can and will continue to protect the fundamental human rights of all citizens from being infringed by anyone. Moving forward, the purveyors of mischievous stories can learn from this precedent that has been set. The ruling by Justice Adeyinka Oyinloye, will serve as a deterrent to all those who profit by propagating ‘Fake News’ to blackmail innocent citizens or curry undue favours.
"This judgement is definitely not a victory for the Senate President alone. It is a victory for all the victims of the falsehood which Sahara Reporters daily dole out to rubbish the reputation of innocent Nigerians, many of whom either out of fear, lack of the patience to consistently pursue a court case for years or lack of belief in the ability of the system to give them justice decided to live with the injury to their reputation. The judgement is another vindication for our country and her solid enthronement of the rule of law as against the rule of men.

"Dr Saraki believes this judgement would provide inspiration and encouragement for all those whose reputations have been unduly and unnecessarily injured by SaharaReporters and its ilk who are purveyors of false news to seek redress through the courts.

"He sees the verdict of the High Court against Sahara Reporters as a positive development with the potential to reassure individuals and firms who would in future come under undeserved attack by publications which spread falsehood aimed at maliciously casting them in bad light.

"The judgement provides a redeeming point for the noble profession of journalism which has as its sacred, cardinal principle the pursuit of facts at all times and in all situations. The journalists and news media who have devoted themselves to the pursuit of truth but appear to be overwhelmed by those who trade in falsehood and sensationalism now have a reason to be proud that they are on the right path. That is another meaning Dr. Saraki gives to this judgement.

"However, the Senate President will like to assure all and sundry that he will not spare any legal efforts and expenses, both in Nigeria and abroad, necessary to recover every kobo of the cost awarded in his favour from the defendant.

“The restitution from this judgement will be channeled to set up a Foundation whose aim will be to support pure and unadulterated investigative journalism and assist the families of real journalists that die in the line of duty. The money will also be used to support genuine publications whose owners are struggling to pay salaries of workers or meet their ever rising running cost. Part of the money will also be channelled to help lawyers who have been providing pro bono services to litigants, particularly, on cases bothering on enforcement of fundamental human rights.

" It should be noted that the methodical and dogged manner in which Dr. Saraki pursued the case despite the ceaseless barrage of false allegations thrown at him by the Sahara Reporters should assure all Nigerians that he maintains a solid belief in free press, free speech and responsible journalism and that he will do every thing legal to fight those who want to use journalism as a destructive, blackmail and oppressive instrument . This latter brand of journalism will not help our society and has no role to play in the emerging Nigeria", he stated.



END

#KindlyVoteForUs : Vicfold Recyclers, Nigeria

https://youforg20.deutschland.de/en/vicfold-recyclers-nigeria

Budget 2017: Fashola Should Stop Spreading Half-Truths, Says Senate

The Senate has cautioned Minister of Works, Housing and Power, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, to stop spreading wrong information and half-truth about the 2017 budget as the legislators worked to ensure equity across the country on all new and outstanding projects.

In a statement by its spokesperson, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, the Senate noted that Mr. Fashola did not give members of the public full details about the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which has been on a private finance initiative from the beginning because he would prefer an arrangement that allows the Ministry to continue to award contracts and fund the project through Government budgetary allocation at a time when the nation's revenue is dwindling and at an all time low.

Abdullahi stated that the Bureau of Public Procurement, and the Federal Executive Council in 2013, approved the reconstruction, rehabilitation and expansion of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway as a Public Private Partnership project using the Private Finance Initiative, with the Federal Government providing about 30 percent of the funding while the balance shall be provided by the private sector. The project was on course for completion by end of 2017 when the private finance initiative was being implemented, with over 30 percent completion rate attained as at early 2015.

Abdullahi further noted that in a blatant disregard for existing agreements, constituted authorities and extant laws,  Fashola on assumption of office got Government through the Ministry to start voting money for the implementation of the project.


"Even as at last year the 2016 Appropriation Act voted N40 billion for the project on the insistence of the Ministry and only N26 billion was released. If we had known, the rest N14 billion could have been allocated to other critical roads across the country", he said. 


"In the spirit of consensus building and effective stakeholder engagement, the Leadership of the Senate met with key relevant stakeholders, including the Ministries of Works and finance. It was agreed that we should give the Private Finance Initiative a chance to complement Government’s resources in the delivery of critical infrastructure assets across the country. Hence, in this year's budget, we have engaged with the Government and private sector groups who have assured that they will resume funding of the project. So, we only provided the fund in the budget that would ensure work does not stop before the funds from the private sector start coming in .What we reduced from Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in the 2017 budget estimate was spread on Oyo-Ogbomoso road in the South-west, Enugu-Onitsha road in the South-east, and two other critical roads in the North-east and North-west; and this was done to achieve equity. The Minister should realise he is Minister for the entire country and not just that of Lagos State.

"It is our view that the Federal Government cannot fund the reconstruction and maintenance of all the 34,000 kilometres of roads under its care. We are looking for private funds for some of these roads, particularly those with high potentials of attracting private investors. These include the Enugu-Onitsha road, Kano-Abuja road and Abuja-Lokoja road. It has been our hope that the Lagos -Ibadan road would be a model for private sector funding of infrastructure in the country", the spokesman stated.


He added that Fashola knew that Federal Government cannot fully fund this road for completion by 2019 as he is promising Nigerians. "It's deceit of the highest order. Just going by the last two years of funding where an average of about N30b per annum was released then the nation would have to wait for the next six years for completion of the work .But with Private sector Finance Initiative, this project can be completed on time because full funding will be provided and there will be more certainty", he stated.


Abdullahi noted that since Government did not have enough money and/or unlimited resources to provide all the needed road infrastructure on a sustainable basis, the use of funds from the private sector to complement Government’s resources would ease pressure on the annual budgetary provisions for infrastructure provision, as more money will be spent on less commercially viable roads that would not ordinarily attract private sector investment as well as other social services like education, health and human capital development.

"The Minister's statement is in bad taste and we believe he has been quoted out of context as an experienced public servant with over 15 years of high level responsibility will not be uttering such statements. He should desist from spreading half-truths. When he said the National Assembly imported projects into the 2017 budget, he did not mention that these include the 26 projects which the Federal Government approved in the 2016 budget, awarded contract for them in January 2016, but totally omitted them in the 2017 budget. One of them is the Abuja-Kaduna road. These ones would have become abandoned projects. We reduced funds across board to make provision for these omitted projects that  are of critical importance to the socio-economic development of the country in line with equity and fair play. 

"Mr. Fashola obviously wants the Federal Ministry of Works to have many construction projects it can award contracts for and that is why he would always oppose any attempt to allow the private sector financing initiatives through Public Private Partnerships or other levels of Government to fund construction of roads under the control of the Federal Government. That was why he waited until he was arm-twisted on the Lagos Airport road before he allowed the Lagos State Government take up the reconstruction, using private funds. Same thing happened to the proposal for the Apapa Wharf road, which was frustrated for over a year before the stakeholders reined in the Ministry to grudgingly approve that Dangote and Flour Mills should take over the project.

"It should also be explained that nobody introduced budgetary provisions for the sinking of boreholes and construction of clinics under the budget of the Works division of the Ministry. However, the Housing division would ordinarily have provision for such facilities in its estimate, so as to meet the Sustainable Development Goals as provided for by the United Nations . This is aimed at reducing slums and improve the well-being of our citizenry.


"The National Assembly already have an agreement with the Acting President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, that if for example, the Private Finance Initiative does not materialize to provide the needed funds for the completion of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, just as in other areas where government has issues with the budget, the instruments of Virement and supplementary budget can be used. This is as a result of our belief that it is one Government and we all share the gains of the successes and pains of the failure. However, with all these blackmail game and backbiting going on, they are already laying the foundation for the failure of the agreement with the Executive", he stated.


Abdullahi added that the National Assembly acted in the national interest to ensure equity and fairness is achieved in the distribution of projects and to ensure that all sections of the country have representation in the national budget as guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution.

*Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi
Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs*

*Senate Gets Commendation on Motion Seeking to Allow treatment for Gunshot Victims Without Police Report*

The Nigerian Senate under the leadership of Senator Bukola Saraki has received commendations from Nigerians over the motion adopted which seeks to compel hospitals to treat and provide medical care to gunshot victims without necessarily obtaining a police report.

While speaking on the reasons for raising this Motion in an interview with #SenateTV Senator Monsurat Sunmonu who is the Chairman Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs disclosed that the debate on whether a gunshot victim has committed a crime or not before being admitted for treatment should not arise.

She stated further that failure to treat gunshot victims at first call would amount to needless waste of lives and recovery of useful statement that could eventually aid the Police in carrying out a thorough investigation.

“With this government of change, I believe things needs to change for the better, Gunshot victims have the rights to be treated, have we established that the victim has done something wrong that deserves to be shot?, If not , we kill innocent people” Senator Monsurat said.

Commending the Senate for tinkering with this important piece of legislation to save victims lives; Facebook users and followers of the Nigerian Senate expressed their views on the adoption of this laudable Motion.

Ceejay Nelson Amankwe said “Very Good!. I have been talking about this for so long, many people have lost their life because of this police nonsense report. The best thing is to treat the person and while treating the person call police to come over that hospital”


Femi Omsehin: “Our laws should dignify the human person before and after conviction. Our attitudes towards gun shot victims need to change”

Engr Baba Aliyu: “I really support this Motion and hope it will be considered quickly, not only gunshot “

Taiwo Ajayi: “I support the idea more also any one brought in, such victims data should be adequately taken along with his fingerprint”

*Illicit Drugs Claiming Lives Of Our Youths - Senator Gbenga Ashafa*

Senator Gbenga Ashafa has raised the alarm over the rising rate of drug abuse among young people in Nigeria stressing that it is now a national concern.

In an interview published on the twitter handle of the Nigerian Senate: @NGRSenate, Sen. Ashafa said that there was an urgent need to combat drug abuse among youths.

The interview was conducted and made available by Bamikole Omishore, Special Assistant to the President of the Senate on New Media.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the senator is sponsoring a bill in the upper legislative chamber aimed at curbing the menace of drug abuse in Nigeria.

According o Ashafa, the rate at which the youth including girls were abusing drugs was now on the increase.

He said that if nothing is done about it urgently, mental homes will be filled with youths seeking treatment from drug related illness.

He feared that when the federal government eventually succeeds in creating jobs, there might be no sound youths left for the employment.

“When I was thinking about this bill what was in my mind was the situation where our youths are just abusing drugs.

“Now what I heard is that there is a particular drug that ladies now take when they go to parties and this is supposed to be a cough suppressant.

“They take it in volumes and then go to parties.

“Drugs is something that is affecting that group of Nigerians, if nobody is saying anything, in the next three years we would have our psychiatric homes full of young people begging for mental treatment.

“If we succeed in creating employment for our youth, what kind of youths are we creating the jobs for?

“Are we creating the jobs for sound minded individuals and young people or what? That is part of the side effects we are having with that,” he said.

He said that a former head of state saw the bill and commended it while also making some inputs which has been sent through the President of the Senate Dr. Bukola Saraki.

*Videos of the interview available on @NgrSenate Twitter and Facebook*