₦airaland Forum

iwaeda:
That is it now.
Everyone is buying a bag of rice at 5k

iwaeda:
I told people back then, they said Jonathan is paying me

iwaeda:
Let us go back to Ojota

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has advised Nigerians to reject politicians trying to use “sectional sentiments” to take power.

The vice president gave the advice while speaking at the inaugural conference of APC Professional Forum themed “The Role of Professionals in Politics and National Building” held at the Old Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja, on Monday.

He said professionals who are politicians must stand out as people acquainted with an assessment based on their achievements and used to making competence as the first means of showcasing their acumen.

He said there was no point to have professionals in politics if they were driven by ethnic, religious and other parochial considerations, stressing that “the whole point of professionalism is that you are defined by merit, you are defined by your professional acumen.”

Osinbajo stressed the need for all stakeholders to come to the realisation that it was no longer sustainable to keep finding individual solutions to collective challenges.

He said: “Let me conclude with the following thoughts for further consideration. The usefulness of professionals in politics is that you have people who are used to being assessed on the basis of their own achievements, who are unafraid to make competence the first advertorial of their acumen. In other words, professionals emphasize the role of merit in public life.

“So, one of the major advantages to our communities of having professionals in politics is lost if we do not recognise our role as merit driven persons must be to fight the temptation of ethnic, religious and other parochial considerations in making crucial decisions for the development of our nation.

“And I just emphasise that there is no point having professionals in politics if these professionals are driven by ethnic, religious and other parochial considerations because the whole point of professionalism is that you are defined by merit, you are defined by your professional acumen.

“Nobody would place their lives in the hands of an incompetent doctor because they share the same faith or continue to patronize a dangerously inept mechanic because they belong to the same tribe. If someone told me, for example, that the pilot who is to fly the plane that I’m to go in is not a very good pilot, but he’s from Ikenne, my hometown, I certainly won’t go in that plane. So, in the same way, we must especially refuse to be swayed by those whose sole argument for power is an appeal to sectional sentiments. We must resist it. And we must say no to it, because otherwise, we fail in our professional calling.

“So, let me again commend the APC Professionals Forum for starting this important conversation. And I hope we will be able to mainstream some of the innovative ideas and some of the very important suggestions that are made here in our party and also in our governments across the nation.”

While fielding questions, the senator representing Nasarawa Central, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, efforts would be made to make people considering politics a profession lose their job.

The APC national chairmanship aspirant expressed belief that “this is the beginning of our winning streak in 2023” as the professionals with competences and values trying to come together and take interest in politics, saying “we will be able to sustain all the gains this administration has made”.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Monday said there was no going back on the decision to ban movement, sale and consumption of Fulani cows throughout the Southeast with effect from April 2022.

The group said the decision followed the desire to preserve the people of the region from being wiped out by herdsmen.

In a statement by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, IPOB claimed that over N3billion was spent on cow meat annually, insisting that such wastages must stop.


It reiterated its call on those dealing with Fulani cows in the zone to better look for alternatives immediately, warning that it would not spare any herdsmen cows after the April deadline.

The statement reads in part: “We wish to reiterate that our earlier decision to ban the movement and consumption of Fulani cows in Biafra land, from April 2022, is sacrosanct.


“We also wish to correct the misinformation and misconceptions surrounding our position on the issue which our enemies are peddling to blackmail us.

“In the first place, the decision was taken as a last resort after many years of patience over the unprovoked genocidal attacks by Fulani herdsmen on our communities, and the failure of the double-faced Nigeria security agencies to rein in the rampaging Fulani mass murderers.

“We have waited enough and can no longer tolerate the docility and criminal silence of the Federal Government in protecting our communities against these agents of death.

“Since their cows have been the reason the jihadists are slaughtering our people, destroying our farms, raping our women and kidnapping our men for ransom, we have decided to stop consuming these cursed Fulani cows which have now become a source of sorrow and death.

“It’s better we are alive and eat no Fulani cows than desire to eat them and be killed.

“The world should note that before arriving at this IRREVERSIBLE decision, we have made several appeals to the federal government and the security agencies to stop the Fulani from their atrocities in our land but they looked the other way, leaving our hapless communities at the mercy of these messengers of death.

“Our patience has been over stretched beyond its elasticity point. We can no longer afford to fold our arms and be waiting for the last man in Biafra land to be killed by jihadists masquerading as herdsmen.

“Our people waste huge sums of money up to N3bn every year on cow meat and we won’t allow that to continue and encouraging those who have the money to start breeding our local cows (Efi Igbo) and other farming, IPOB will support them to boasts the farming and animal husbandry business.

“Our decision to ban the movement, sale and consumption of Fulani cows throughout Biafra land with effect from April of this year is not borne out of hate but we are safeguarding our land and our people from the evil agenda of Fulanis. Our decision is born out of the natural desire to preserve our race from being wiped out by the herdsmen.

“If you are a Biafran dealing on Fulani cows in Biafraland, its better you look for an alternative now because we won’t spear any inch regarding herdsmen cows after April this year, don’t say we don’t warn you. A word is enough for the wise.”

The Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, says Nigeria’s constitution allows Muslim women to wear hijab in line with the teachings of their faith.

He noted that all citizens are allowed to practise their religions as long as no harm or inconvenience is caused to other people.

He spoke at the National Mosque, Abuja, yesterday at a public lecture organised by the Coalition of Nigerian Muslim Women as part of activities marking this year’s World Hijab Day.

Adamu, represented by Hajiya Sidikat Shomope of the Social Mobilisation Department, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), said it was unfortunate that the controversy over the wearing of hijab in the country had gone down to the school level and generated needless clashes.

There was violence on Thursday at the Baptist High School, Ijagbo in Oyun Local Government of Kwara State, leading to the killing of Habeeb Idris, a Muslim student of the school, when a rally by the Muslim students was reportedly disrupted by hoodlums and security agents.

The minister said: “The wearing of hijab by Muslim women is a Sunna as recommended in the Holy Qur’an (Q 33 V 59).”

According to him, there is a lot the country can gain by dialoguing on matters of religious differences rather than resort to violence.

“Our children will remain citizens of Nigeria irrespective of their faith. They will live and interact in the world outside school where no boundary exists between the religions.

“We should understand that the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees freedom of religion to all citizens. This, by implication, means that all citizens are allowed to practice their religions according to the teachings of their faith as long as no harm or inconvenience is caused to other people.”

He appealed to all traditional, religions and community leaders to use their offices to douse tension so that Nigerians could all live in peace, harmony and tolerance.

Adamu also called on parents and school teachers “to ensure that in both words and actions, they present the best model to our children to emulate.”

Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters, Aisha Duku; Hajiya Maryam Bukar Abba; Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Prof. Saadatu Hassan Liman; Prof. Rafatu Abdulhamid of the University of Abuja and the FOMWAN National Ameerah, Hajiya Rafat Sanni, asked hijab-wearing Muslim women to ensure that while the hijab covers their physical appearance, the essence on their lives and behaviours are also prioritised.

The wife of former Vice President Namadi Sambo, Hajiya Amina, said: “We are more determined to sensitize and promote this Islamic identity and culture without being intimidated.”

Director, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Prof. Ishaq Akintola, who spoke on ‘The Hijab as a Metaphor of Our National Aspiration’, noted that it is the responsibility of everyone, especially government at all levels, to ensure that the rights of all female Muslims are protected to adorn hijab in public.

sarrki:
Brother ow far ?

Happy new year

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has described the turbaning of Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi as
Dan Amanar Daura as a big boost to the realisation of Igbo presidency in 2023.

In a statement in Kaduna on Sunday by its Secretary-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, which described the former Rivers Governor as as beloved son of Igbo Nation and the battle-axes of Ndigbo, said Amaechi an asset to Ndigbo for the 2023 project.

Ohanaeze said: “The new Dan Amanar Daura, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi is a beloved son of Igbo Nation and the battle-ax of Ndigbo,.

“We accept the reality that the pan Nigerian postures of the honorable minister for transportation had strengthened the cordial relationship between the North and Eastern Nigeria.

“The Minister’s gesture has brightened up the opportunity for the emergence of a New Nigeria anchored on justice and equity, Amaechi’s title has opened a new link between the North and Eastern region, which will boost the chance of Igbo in 2023.

“2023 Igbo Presidency accommodates all prominent sons and daughters from all Igbo speaking areas including Delta and Rivers states. Rt hon Chibuike Amaechi is the only bridge linking South/ south, South-East and the North, he is more of an asset to Ndigbo, as all eyes of the Igbo is on 2023, everyone is important to the realization of 2023 Igbo Presidency, and there will be no segregation in the 2023 Igbo Project.

“Ndigbo expects more efforts that will make southeastern Nigeria benefit from the dividends from the Federal Government projects under the Ministry of Transport, we have the assurances that Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi will deliver all railway, deep-sea, and dry sea projects in the southeast and South-south before the end of the year, because Ndigbo is proud of his upright declaration of his Igboness, which is the personality traits for his accomplishments right from the beginning of his political trajectory and to his future aspirations.”

tareigns:
Funny

But, this is still one of ( if not the only ) decent fraternity we have in our higher institutions. Wasn't a member when I was back home but I just gbadun the way those kegite guys and gals de freestyle when ever them de gyrate.

Angelfrost:
You should know he is just kidding...

If na one club like that, I will say he has a great chance of making some serious money!!!

Lemme not mention any name! Meanwhile, where are Fergie001, Kyase, Xynerise, Ray07, these days?!!!

Snapchat:
I’m putting all my money on Cardiff, including my dad’s property.

The Joint Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review has approved the separation of the office of the Minister of Justice from that of the Attorney-General of the Federation as part of the recommended amendments to the 1999 Constitution.

The matter and about 54 other proposed amendments are expected to be tabled before the legislative arm by the end of this month.

If it is passed by the two chambers and endorsed by at least two-thirds of 36 State Houses of Assembly, Nigeria will join the league of countries with a similar practice.


The Nation learnt on good authority in Abuja yesterday that the joint committee similarly proposed that independent candidates be allowed to contest elective posts.

Such candidates will not need to go through the rigour of consensus or direct/ indirect primaries.


For more representation in elective offices, special seat concessions were recommended for allocation to women at all levels.

Besides, the lawmakers resolved to effect a change in the constitution to outlaw parading of suspects by the police, Department of State Services (DSS), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other agencies before arraigning them in court.


They were of the view that Nigeria should not subscribe to such an “act of torture” of its citizens.

It was learnt that some of the amendments were considered by the Joint Senate and House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review on Friday.


A source, who was privy to the deliberation at the session, said: “The National Assembly Constitution Review Committee opted to separate the Office of the Minister of Justice from the Attorney-General of the Federation because the present structure is being politicised. We need to get our justice system right from the top.

“While the Minister of Justice deals with policy and administrative issues, the AGF as the Chief Law Officer of the Federation will oversee dispensation of justice without fear or favour.

“We don’t have anyone in mind, but combining the two offices in Nigeria is becoming complex. We need a drastic reform in this respect.”

On independent candidacy, the source said: “This will enable the system to produce leaders on merit. The prevalent direct, indirect and consensus clauses promote mediocrity and imposition of candidates by state governors.

“Outside of party structure, a good candidate should be able to emerge and win elections.

“But the National Assembly is adding a proviso that at least 20 per cent of voters in a constituency or district must endorse the nomination of an independent candidate.”

The source said the constitutional provision for special allocation of seats for some elective offices is to” promote gender balance and Affirmative Action. ”

On the fate of criminal suspects or those with cases, the proposed amendment “seeks to outlaw parade of suspects before their arraignment in court. But once a suspect is put on trial, he can be paraded.

“This alteration is in line with international best practices. The law says a suspect is innocent until proven guilty.

“Look at some of those arrested and paraded for economic and financial crimes; they have been set free. They have however lost their reputation.

“This amendment will affect the police, EFCC, ICPC, NDLEA, NSCDC and other agencies. It will also guarantee citizens’ access to fair hearing.”

All the proposals have to be considered and approved by the two chambers of the National Assembly and the 36 state Houses of Assembly before the constitution can be amended.

A member of the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review said: “All these are proposals by the Joint Committee. The two chambers would have to ratify before we pass the amendments to the State Houses of Assembly.

“Going by Section 9(2 and 3) of the 1999 Constitution, the Joint Committee, the National Assembly cannot alter the 1999 Constitution without the backing of the State Houses of Assembly.

“So, we need to build consensus with the executive at the federal and state levels and the Conference of Speakers of the State Houses of Assembly.

Section 9(2) of the 1999 Constitution says: “An Act of the National Assembly for the alteration of this Constitution, not being an act to which Section 8 of this Constitution applies, shall not be passed by either House of the National Assembly unless the proposal is supported by the votes of not less than two-thirds majority of all the members of that House and approved by the resolution of the Houses of Assembly of not less than two-thirds of all the states.

Section 9(3) reads: “An Act of the National Assembly for the purposes of altering the provisions of this section, Section 8 or Chapter IV of this Constitution shall not be passed by either House of the National Assembly unless the proposal is supported by the votes of not less than two-thirds majority of all the members of that House and approved by the resolution of the Houses of Assembly of not less than two-thirds of all the states.”

Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege announced on Friday that the report of the National Assembly Joint Committee on Review of the 1999 Constitution would be presented to both chambers for consideration by the end of this month.

Omo-Agege, who doubles as co-chairman of the panel, spoke during the joint retreat of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Constitution review.

He said the recommendations for 55 amendments stemmed from hearings and memos submitted by the public.

The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan has said that the government of President Muhammadu Buhari is in a hurry to develop Nigeria.

Lawan made the remarks on Saturday while on a visit to Kwara State to witness the launch of the 2022 Empowerment Programme of Senator Sadiq Suleiman Umar who is representing Kwara North.

The event was also witnessed by the State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq held at the Kwara State Polytechnic.

The Senate President said there were infrastructural projects going on in virtually all parts of the country stressing that the synergy between the states and federal government was producing positive results.

“Development of any nation is not about Federal government doing its beat. It is about Federal Government doing its own, working in partnership with the state government and even the local government and that is what we are doing.

“Every single project of Federal Government of Nigeria whether it is a constituency project or direct project from the Federal Government is to complement what the state government is doing and that partnership has been so purposeful that today in every corner, in every part of Nigeria, you have infrastructural development.

“The Federal Government of President Muhammadu Buhari is in a hurry. We are in a hurry to develop Nigeria.

“By 2023, Nigeria would have been turned into an infrastructural laboratory because in every part of Nigeria, from the east to the west to the north to the south, there is something going on.

“In the east, the Second Niger Bridge, today it is at 75 to 80 per cent completion level. For 20 years, those people, they will go there, do groundbreaking and disappear to the ground. Another person would come, do groundbreaking and disappear to the ground.

“President Muhammadu Buhari did only one groundbreaking and today, it is at 75 per cent completion level. That is what it is, in every part of Nigeria.

“So the synergy between our states and the Federal government is working. It is making Nigeria to develop the infrastructure that we need. We have never seen it done like this one by this administration,” Lawan said.

The Senate President was full of commendation for the Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for changing the narratives in the state in terms of development and urged the people of Kwara State to consider him for another term to continue his good work.

“APC administration in this state is barely two and half years but we know how far we have gone in two and half years.

“Others were here for 16 years. What you(Governor Abdulrazaq) have been able to do in two and half years can be favourably compared with what others could not do in 16 years.

“No one should deceive you. No one should confuse you. Elect His Excellency, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for a second term. He has already performed so well in two and half years,” Lawan said.

Lawan said the Empowerment Programme of Senator Sadiq Suleiman Umar was to complement the efforts of the state government.

The Senate President extolled the virtues of the Kwara North Senator for his commitment and dedication to work and for the quality representation of his people at the Senate.

Lawan said the people of Kwara had sent the best team to represent them at the Senate and appealed to them to continue to support the return bid of their three senators to the National Assembly.

The six Senators in company of the Senate President on the trip from Abuja were Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi( Senate Deputy Chief Whip), Bello Mandiya, Yakubu Oseni, Ibrahim Oloriegbe, Lola Ashiru and Smart Adeyemi.

Iyaebe:
Hmm see her eyes sef.A man is behind all this,no doubt.

The most topical and popular issue in South East today is the actualization of a Nigerian President from the region. Though some people believe that restructuring of the federation is what the Igbo needs at the moment, there are those clamouring for Nigerian President of Igbo extraction. To this end, the apex Igbo socio-cultural body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has formed a non-partisan political action committee to push for the realization of the lofty dream.

Many Igbo groups and leaders, including Igbo World Assemby (IWA), Nzuko Umunna, Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) as well as a former National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, have recently spoken in support of President of South East extraction in 2023

Announcing the setting up of the committee in Enugu on Wednesday, President General of Ohanaeze, George Obiozor, said it would deploy persuasion in reaching out to key political actors across the country as well as other critical stakeholders and leaders.

According to him, the “persuasion team would recognise those that are critical in Nigeria including our own people. They will also talk to our people here that are aspiring for the Presidency. The team is nonpartisan and non-political. We will try to reach everybody on the need for the South East to produce the next president.” He argued that the basis for any viable democracy, especially in a diverse and complex country such as Nigeria, rests on fair and even sharing of power.

He lamented that the twin-devil of power sharing and social justice has held Nigeria back and is about leading to its dismemberment. He restated that the Igbo were not secessionists or separatists, adding that they were prepared and deserved the presidency because it is politically defensible and morally justifiable.

The Ohanaeze leader declared that anybody working against the emergence of Igbo president does not wish Nigeria well because, according to him, only the Igbo can save the country at this critical period. He stated that the current series of national crisis facing the country were enough to bring it to its knees.

Saturday Sun investigation shows that Obiozor and the body he represents are not alone in this thinking. Former Governor of Enugu State, Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo said that the South East has waited for close to 60 years for justice to be done in this area. He pointed out that the Igbo have supported other regions in the past and deserved all the backing and cooperation of other Nigerians.

He appeared on a national television on Thursday, to beg other Nigerians to forgive Igbo for any ‘sin’ they might have committed and give the prople a chance at the Presidency. He asked: “What has the South East actually done to merit all of these? Is it that we lack people that can rule Nigeria or is there a crime we’ve committed that this punishment is not yet over? I think our countrymen should have a conscience. And I believe that this country has a conscience.”

Alluding to the redressing of the injustice meted out to the Yorubas on the June 12 Presidential Election, he said: “Yes, there was injustice in June 12. The next opportunities that came up after Abacha suspended June 12, and when he left office, at the next election, justice was done to the people of South West. PDP nominated Olusegun Obasanjo. Even though Ogbonnaya Onu won the nomination in the opposition party, he had to yield to Olu Falae. This country has a conscience. We don’t know why that conscience takes a flight when it comes to the South East. We think that we need that conscience to wake up and we need all right-thinking people of Nigeria who want to heal the wounds of yesterday, who want us to march together in unity and develop our country, to yield this position at this time in all parties to the South East.”

Speaking similarly, Chairman of Igbo World Assembly, Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze noted that the Igbo have demonstrated the highest virtues of patriotism and genuine nationalistic propensities in the history of Nigeria, from Nnamdi Azikiwe to the present.

Addressing the Nigerian Inter-Ethnic Nationalities Dialogue on Presidency of Igbo extraction in 2023, he noted that by history and character, what defines Ndigbo is friendliness and peaceful coexistence with others regardless of tribe, religion or race. Ndigbo, he noted, are market people, travellers, entrepreneurs or businessmen.

He argued that all the regions of Nigeria had produced Presidents except the South East, stating that it is now the turn of the region to provide good leadership for the good of all Nigerians so as to move the country in a positive direction. He raised the alarm of plots by some presidential aspirants to thwart the aspiration of the South East by getting Vice President from the Southern part of the country. He said that the South East was poised for the position of president and nothing less, adding that any betrayal would be against the national interest.

Speaking in the same vein, South East youths vowed to move against anybody from the zone that is angling for the position of Vice President in 2023. According to President General, Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), Goodluck Ibem, the zone will not accept the position of vice president. “We want one of our own to be elected President in 2023,” he said. “Nothing more, nothing less. Ndigbo has worked hard towards the development of Nigeria and deserves to be supported to occupy the No. 1 seat in the country.”

The group commended ohaneze ndigbo for forming political action committee chaired by its president, Obiozor with its secretary general, Amb. Okey Emuchay as secretary. He pleaded with the committee to ensure that those to be selected as members are people of high integrity, patriotism, proven track record and wide political contacts across the country. He also asked it to stand firm and work assiduously to ensure that South East geopolitical zone is supported by other zones to produce the President of Nigeria in 2023.

TheRareGem1:
So you think this isn't true but pandora paper that is well detailed..what should we call that's.... If if can hid money via tax heaven, he can easily do this.

Senator Rochas Okorocha says President Muhammadu Buhari has promised to take on the case he has with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He said this on Thursday while responding to questions from State House reporters after a closed door meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The former Governor of Imo State said the EFCC has continued to harass him in spite of a subsisting court order restraining the anti-graft agency from prosecuting him.

The commission had filed a 17-count fraud charge against him at the Federal High Court, Abuja, shortly after Okorocha publicly declared intention to contest for presidency in 2023.

He was alleged to have embezzled N2.4billion through connivance with some individuals and companies.

Okorocha said he met the President in order to get justice because the EFCC was still holding his international passport.

According to him, it is the responsibility of Buhari to ensure that justice is served on all citizens.

Okorocha stated that “The President said he would take up the matter, especially when he saw the judgment. He said, he will take up the matter and find out what is actually happening. And I hope he will do so. And I believe he will do that.”

The federal lawmaker said it was “politically motivated” when asked if he suspected his ordeal was being orchestrated by the detractors.

On why he sought the President’s intervention despite his disposition for principles especially in the fight against corruption, he said: “One of the duties of a president is to protect the law of the land. And when an issue comes to an issue of judgment the duty is incumbent on the government of the day to ensure that justice is done.

“I came to demand for justice that you should prevail and as the custodian, as the leader of our nation, he should be made to know that such is going on. I didn’t come here to say, I don’t want to be investigated by the EFCC. That’s not the issue, that there’s judgment on the ground.

“There’s judgment and there’s order of court that I’m asking Mr. President, who appointed the EFCC to recall that there was the law that established the EFCC. And if that law is good to make somebody EFCC, that law should be obeyed, too.”

Okorocha attributed the general insecurity in the South East to “poor handling” of the issues of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

He said the decision to prescribe IPOB as terrorists by the federal government was needless action when the matter could have been properly handled by the authorities.’

Okorocha said he was able to manage the security situation effectively during his tenure as Governor for eight years in Imo State.

“It was a needless action to have even started. Something that you can handle and not allowed to escalate? If the federal government made them to call them terrorists it is the state government that made the recommendations and created that image that presented the boys as terrorists,” he added.

He also asked for justice on the matter involving his in-law, Uche Nwosu, who was kidnapped by masked security personnel, saying the arrested person in connection with the matter had been released.

The Federal Government says the President Muhammadu Buhari administration’s policy plank of fighting corruption is unwavering and on course.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed who said this at a media briefing on Thursday in Abuja, said the administration had put in place structures that would not only check corrupt tendencies but make it unattractive and costly.

Mohammed highlighted the fundamental strategy of the administration in the fight against corruption and the successes recorded by the various anti-corruption agencies in justifying his position.

“The Buhari administration has taken bold measures to streamline cumbersome bureaucratic processes in the implementation of government policies, check corrupt practices and ensure accountability in the implementation as well as delivery of these policies.

“These reforms are all inclusive, cutting across all spheres of governance and not excluding even the private sector.

“They included the Treasury Single Account (TSA), Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), Petroleum Industry Act, Financial Autonomy for State Legislature and Judiciary (2020), Whistle-Blower Policy, Assets Recovery, Justice and Law reforms.

“Nigeria’s membership of the Open Government Partnership as well as the various instruments at the disposal of the Federal Government to track, trace and stop the flow of illicit funds used in financing terrorist activities within Nigeria, among others.

“For those who may say that some of these reforms, like the TSA, predate this administration, our response is that what’s the use of a policy that is not implemented?

“This administration has implemented these reforms with fidelity, and the reforms have made a huge impact in preventing corruption,’’ he said.

Specifically, the minister said the TSA system has been implemented in more than 90 per cent of all Federal MDAs.

He said the TSA has resulted in the consolidation of more than 17,000 bank accounts previously spread across Deposit Money Banks in the country monthly savings of an average of N4 billion in bank charges.

The minister said against stiff opposition, the Buhari administration expanded the coverage of IPPIS.

He said the use of BVN to verify the Federal Government’s payroll on the IPPIS platform had so far led to the detection of 54,000 fraudulent payroll entries.

Mohammed said the whistle-blower policy had helped in the cleansing of IPPIS, compliance on TSA and enhanced the Procurement Act 2007.

He said that as at 2020, a total sum of N700 billion had been recovered through the Whistle-Blower Policy.

The minister said the Petroleum Industry Act (2021) had helped the country to reform the laws regulating its oil and gas sector and blocked all loopholes hitherto being exploited by corrupt practitioners.

To check terrorism financing, the minister said the administration deployed a plethora of tools, including the Money Laundering Act, 2004, the EFCC Act, 2004, the ICPC Act, 2000, Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).

He said the tools had helped to deal with the issue of corruption, money laundering and terror financing.

“On Assets Recovery, the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) has assisted anti-corruption agencies in devising clearer strategies for obtaining forfeiture of assets suspected to have been fraudulently acquired from state coffers before prosecuting suspected culprits.

“The President also signed an Executive Order in May 2020 that unequivocally granted financial autonomy to State Houses of Assembly, State Judiciaries as well as the Local Governments as the third tier of government.

“The order also mandated the Accountant-General of the Federation to deduct from source, funds due to state legislatures and judiciaries from the monthly allocation of states that fail to comply.

“The financial suffocation of LGs is a major enabler of insecurity and terrorism in the Nigerian countryside,’’ he said.

According to Mohammed, one of the most difficult tasks for any government is to fight corruption, because when you fight corruption, corruption will fight you back!

He said that was the reason why naysayers had continued to belittle or dismiss the administration’s anti-corruption efforts.

The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), has launched the Revised National Policy on Population for Sustainable Development, stressing the need for urgent measures to address Nigeria’s high fertility rate, through expanding access to modern contraceptive methods across the country.

The President also inaugurated the National Council on Population Management, chaired by him, and the Vice President as the deputy chairman with Heads of relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies as members.

Details of both events were contained in a statement by Buhari’s Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, titled ‘Nigeria Seeks Urgent Measures to Address High Fertility Rate as President Buhari Launches Revised Population Policy’, on Thursday.

Speaking on the country’s revised population policy in Abuja, the President said its overall goal was to improve the quality of life and standards of living of all Nigerians, which was one of the major aspirations of his administration.

He said, “The policy emphasizes the urgency to address Nigeria’s sustained high fertility rate, through expanding access to modern family planning, counselling and commodities as well as promote births spacing.

“This will enable Nigeria to achieve rapid fertility control, improve the health of women, adolescents, newborns and children, and other population groups.”

Buhari noted that Nigeria’s population, which was the largest in Africa, seventh globally and among the few whose fertility is still growing, was hinged on a youthful population, with more than 72 percent of them being below 30 years while half of the female population are in their reproductive years (15-49 years).

“These levels have implications for sustained population growth and narrowed prospects to achieving population management, facilitating sufficient demographic transition, harnessing our demographic endowment and eventually realizing sustainable development,” he said.

On other highlights of the revised population policy, the President explained that it underscored the importance of investing in quality education of young people (particularly girls), human capital development, and advancing the holistic effort to achieve significant demographic transition.

He said, “The Revised Population Policy is rich with all necessary information that will guide the implementation of Nigeria’s Mid-term and Perspective Development Plan.

“It will further address concerns of the large population of young people who are our pride, our future and assets to drive our development efforts.”

Lalasticlala, Mynd44

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved contracts worth $328.87 million in consultancy services for the supervision of the various railway projects in the country. FEC also approved N115.4 billion for the dualisation of Kano-Kazaure-Kongolam highway in Katsina State.

These were disclosed to newsmen yesterday in Abuja by Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, after the weekly virtual FEC meeting, which was presided by President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House.

Giving a breakdown of his ministry’s presentations at the meeting, Amaechi said he presented two memoranda, one of which was in respect of the consultancy services, adding that the second one was for the concessioning of the Onitsha River Port.

The minister said, “Ministry of Transportation presented two memos and the first one has to do with the contract for consultancy services for the supervision of the various railway projects. Remember that we have about three railway projects that are yet to start construction and they include the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri, Kano-Maradi and then the Abuja-Warri.

“For the consultancy services, the following contractors were approved, with the total cost of $183.7 million: GIX Engineers Infrastructure Excellence/Yaroso & Partnership Ltd, Core Consulting Engineering Plc. That’s for Abuja to Warri.

“For the consultancy services for supervision of Port Harcourt-Maiduguri railway, with branch lines to Bonny Deep Seaport and Port Harcourt Industrial Park, and, then, to Owerri, we have Kyari Consults SDMBHD/Jamood Global Services Limited at $97.5 million. The first one is $38.4 million.

“The last one is consultancy services for the supervision of Kano-Katsina-Jibia-Maradi Rail-line to TEAM (Technics Engineering Architecture Marketing Nigeria Limited) and that is for $47,670,000 million. All of them are for a period of 36 months. That’s the first.

“The second one is that the cabinet approved a concession agreement for the Ministry of Transportation to concession the Onitsha River Port to a company, called Inversal Elysium Consortium. They are to manage the river port for 30 years.”

On why the federal government was abandoning the agreements signed with China on construction of railway in the country, Amaechi explained, “Actually, that is why there is a delay. We were waiting on the Chinese to give us the loans we applied for and till today they’ve not replied. They kept delaying us – will the delay extend our tenure? The answer is no.

“We’ve gone to Standard Chartered Bank and while they’ve done financial closure, they’ve approved some level of funding. We are also pursuing Port Harcourt-Maiduguri line with Standard Chartered Bank. The Lagos-Kano, part of it will come from Standard Chartered Bank, and part of it will come from some commercial banks in China.”

Speaking at the briefing, Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, said the council approved a contract for the dualisation of the Kano-Kazaure-Kongolam Road at the cost of N115.4 billion. Fashola explained that the project, which covers 131.4 kilometres, was expected to be completed within a period of 48 months.

Fashola said, “Ministry of Works and Housing presented one memo for the dualisation of the Kano-Kazaure-Kongoland highway, 131.4 kilometres, from a single carriage way to dual carriage way. So, council approved that proposal at a cost of N115,425, 896,907.15 kobo (in billion) over 48months.

“The instructive thing is that the financing will be done by the Tax Credit Scheme of Bua International Limited. And they will use Messrs PW Construction Nigeria limited, a company in which they have acquired some interest, to undertake the construction.”

Briefing newsmen also, Minister of State for Environment, Sharon Ikeazor, said FEC approved an Energy Transition Plan for the country.

“This memo was presented as a plan for Nigeria to achieve net zero carbon emission,” the minister said, noting, “this will clearly set out the pathway for Nigeria in achieving this.”

Ikeazor further said FEC also approved a second memo to aid the Waste Battery Management Policy for Nigeria.

This policy, according to her, “Will create a lot of jobs in the circular economy for Nigeria and at the same time protect the health of Nigerians to make sure that hazardous waste, like waste batteries, are properly disposed of with regulations, including recycling in Nigeria as well.”

She said her ministry also presented to the council a report on the last COP 26 (the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference), which Nigeria attended, and the country’s plans for COP 27 going forward.

On his part, Minister of State for Health, Dr. Olorunimbe Mamora, said council, during a closed-door session, also approved the award of contract for consultancy services to facilitate the building of the corporate headquarters of National Health Insurance Scheme in Abuja.

Mamora said, “The need has become inevitable to expand what is on ground to improve the operational efficiency of that agency, which is the National Health Insurance Scheme and happily, the council considered the memo approved same.”

The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a bill to increase jail time for bankers that breach the asset declaration law.

Section 1 of the Bank Employee Act provides that “Every employee of a Bank shall, within fourteen days of the commencement of this Act, make full disclosure of all his assets.

“In the case of a new employee, he shall within fourteen days of assuming duty with the Bank make full disclosure of all his assets at the time of his assuming duty; and for the purpose of this subsection, a transfer or secondment from one Bank to another shall be treated as new employment.

The bill, sponsored by Francis Waive (PDP, Delta), was debated on Wednesday and passed for second reading.

Mr Waive’s bill intends to amend sections 5 and 7(2) of the bank employee act.

Amendment to Section 7(2) of the Bill seeks to increase the punishment for not declaring assets— from 10 years imprisonment in the principal Act to 20 years.

“Any employee guilty of an offence under subsection (1) of this section shall on conviction be liable to imprisonment for twenty years and shall, in addition, forfeit the excess assets or its equivalent in money to the Federal Government,” he said.

In addition, the alteration to section 5 proposes to mandate Chief Executive Officers to provide movement of workers in the banking sector within 12 months.

“The Chief Executive of every bank shall once in every year, but not later than 7th January submit to the appropriate authority a list of all employees who joined or left the employment of the bank in the immediate proceeding 6months expiring on 31st December of the proceeding year,” it reads.

Debate

Mr Waive said the proposed amendment will provide data to monitor the movement of employees to stem the fraud perpetrated by bankers.

He noted that section 5 seeks to make sure that employees of banks can be fully accounted for at any time.

“It is no longer news that computer fraud which includes hacking of people’s accounts forms part of a majority of the fraud perpetrated in our country in recent times and has consistently been on the rise.

“It is also true that most of the online fraud carried out are perpetuated with bank staff as collaborators. And in some cases involving staff who is no longer in the employment of the Bank,” he said.

Uzoma Abonta (PDP, Abia), while speaking in support of the bill, said directors should also be classified as employees of the bank.

“Directors of banks, for this purpose should be interpreted to be employees of banks. We see directors assessing loans without collateral.


“Bank owners, anybody who is related to the bank should be dimmed to be an employee of the bank so that the directors of the bank will not be richer than the deposit owners.

“If you look at it, for example, most banks that failed, the directors will simply form another bank and then they move on and then NDIC will give people N500,000,” he said.

Ahmed Gagdi (PDP, Plateau), also contributed to the debate. He said banks in Nigeria are frustrating customers.

Speaking against the bill, Robert Tyough, said the 20years proposed by the bill ”is too much for a fraud case and the annual declaration of assets is too tedious”.

The bill was referred to the Committee on Banking and Currency after it was put to vote by the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila.

JAMO84:
Enemy of progress

Aufbauh:
You are probably a Sadducee (sad they see good news) or a Pharisee ( far they see good news)