₦airaland Forum

The House of Representatives will probe its members from Bebeji/Kiru Federal Constituency ,Kano State, Abdulmumin Jibrin, over his comments on the resolutions of the joint session of the National Assembly.

Jibrin is back on the hot seat barely three months after he returned to the House from a suspension which lasted for 17 months.

He was suspended in September 2016 after the Committee on Ethics and Privilege found him guilty of accusing the leadership of the House of padding the 2016 budget.

Jibrin, who resumed plenary in March, faulted the resolutions of the National Assembly after a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives on Tuesday.

The lawmakers had convened the emergency session to address burning national issues that included insecurity and the economy.

In the resolutions read by Senate President Bukola Saraki, the lawmakers vowed to evoke their constitutional powers if nothing was done to address issues raised.

They had also warned President Muhammadu Buhari against the “systematic harassment and humiliation by the Executive of perceived political opponents”.

In the face of the failure of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, to appear before the Senate on three occasions, the National Assembly accused him of “outright disregard for constitutional authority, both executive and legislative”.

They also noted that the President must be held accountable for the actions of his appointees and must be ready to sanction those engaging in acts that can endanger the nation’s democracy.

http://www.theadvocate.ng/nass-reps-probe-jibrin-for-comments-over-resolution/

The Parliamentary Support Group, a group of Senators and members of the House of Representatives loyal to Muhammadu Buhari, the President of Nigeria has distanced itself from Tuesday’s resolution of the National Assembly.

After a joint closed door session, the National Assembly on Tuesday charged Buhari to take responsibility for actions of his appointees, desist from being selective in his anti-corruption war among other resolutions.

The Chairman of the National Assembly, Bukola Saraki, who read the resolutions added that the legislature will exercise its constitutional power if Buhari fails to act.

The resolutions, however, did not go down well with members of the support group.

In a statement Tuesday evening, the group said most people who spoke at the session were members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

http://www.politico.ng/we-oppose-national-assembly-resolutions-on-buhari-pro-president-lawmakers/

It claimed members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) tactically avoided airing their views. However both chambers of the National Assembly are led by APC lawmakers (Saraki and Speaker Yakubu Dogara).

The PSG statement was signed by Abdulmumin Jibrin, a known member of the group. Other members of the group include Abdullahi Adamu and Ovie Omo-Agege.

It is however unclear if Jibrin got the permission of all members of the group to release the statement.

The group alleged that the questions, submissions and resolutions of the joint session were pre-determined by anti-Buhari lawmakers.

“All the members and Senators that spoke at the Executive session are of the PDP while members of the APC declined joining the discussion to avoid a rowdy confrontation as the entire session could easily pass for a PDP Executive session

“That it is commendable that the Speaker tactically refused to make any comment at the session even after the Senate President took time to explain the issues which are mostly personal.

“That it is disturbing and raised many questions of pre-determined intentions that a known ally of the Senate President from Kwara State, Rasak Atunwa drafted what was adopted as the resolution and without voting against standard parliamentary practice

“That most of the issues raised concerning the fight against corruption, insecurity and the rule of law has been severally discussed in the Senate and the House and various resolutions passed.”

The group further commended the efforts of President Buhari in the fight against corruption, tackling of the insecurity challenges and respect for rule of law and democratic institutions.

“Mr President is known for his non interference policy.”

They also said every Senator or Member of House who has corruption or criminal allegation against him or her should clear his or her name without dragging the entire institution of the National Assembly into the matter

“That the National Assembly should as well look in ward and address the issue of suffocating Senators and members with dissenting or contrary opinion through coercion or extra legal means

“That the PDP should recall how it members in the 7th Assembly sat comfortably in the chamber and watched a sitting Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal locked out of the National Assembly and all his security personnels withdrawn while APC members had to scale the fence to gain entrance into the National Assembly.”

Muhammadu Buhari, the President of Nigeria has been made the grand patron of the Nigerian Red Cross Society- The Nigerian Arm of The Global Red Cross Red Crescent Movement in State House on Monday

President Buhari was with National President of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Bolaji Anani Akpan, National Vice President Zubair Umar, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Head of office, Michael Charles and Deputy head of delegation International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) Jean Francois Queguiner and other memebrs were at the Investiture Ceremony.

http://www.theadvocate.ng/photos-buharis-investiture-ceremony-as-grand-patron-by-the-nigerian-red-cross-society/

The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed an officer that reportedly shot a former member of the House of Representatives, Opeyemi Bamidele, and two others at a campaign rally organised for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Ekiti State governorship candidate, Kayode Fayemi.

The State Commissioner of Police, Bello Ahmed, confirmed this on Monday when he made an appearance on Channels Television’s breakfast show, Sunrise Daily.

“The policeman involved is dismissed already and even though he’s nursing some injury; at the appropriate time, he will face the law of course.

“Nigerians will be briefed on the outcome of our actions,” he said.

The Police boss also revealed that the politician that brought the erring cop was in detention and that at the appropriate time, he would be charged to court.

http://www.theadvocate.ng/ekiti-shooting-police-dismiss-arrest-officer-involved/

Speaking further, Ahmed reiterated the readiness of the Police to ensure a hitch-free governorship election in the state.

“We have robust arrangement to regulate and observe these political activities as its unwinding in Ekiti State, in fact in the entire state. We just got a robust deployment of mobile policemen and that will be increased as the campaigns are progressing.

“You know what is on the ground will determine what will be done. If the situation on ground dictates we behave otherwise, we will do, provided it is within the confines of the law. This morning (Monday) I’ll be having a meeting with all the political chairmen. We have programmes for them.

“We are going to regulate every inch of activity in the state. We will not sit down and tolerate any act of lawlessness, whoever is involved. We are willing and competent to take action against any group or persons, either individual or groups as far this campaign is concerned.”

His comments come three days after Mr Bamidele was shot in Ado Ekiti, the state capital during the APC rally.

Contrary to beliefs in some quarters that the attack was an assassination attempt, the Police boss explained it was an accidental discharge.

“It is not true. We should not be making politics out of situations,” he said.

“I believe it was an accidental discharge because no right-thinking policeman will cork and start shooting.

“He might have corked his riffle before arriving that scene and you know how crowded political activities are always.

“I believe as the campaign was almost finishing, he might have touched the trigger that pulled out the bullet,” the CP explained.

The Speaker of Osun House of Assembly, has urged aspirants for political offices to shun violence, to promote peace and cross-fertilisation of ideas.

Salaam, one of the contenders for Osun Governorship position, made the plea in Osogbo on Monday while addressing Local Government Coordinators of his campaign.

The speaker urged political aspirants to play responsible politics.

He said that hooliganism and political violence before, during and after election would not attract any good, saying that violence would only draw the wheel of development of the state back.

The governorship aspirant advised those who intend to govern the state to lay emphasis on peaceful co-existence among the people of the state.

According to him, Osun is noted for peace and tranquility.

Salaam urged stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to look inward on the issue of conventional zoning that had become a thorny issue in the state.

“We, the concerned stakeholders in APC should save the party by adhering to age-long tradition of zoning system.

“The electorate are wiser now and may punish any party perceived to have wronged them in the political arrangement,’’ he said.

Salaam appealed to his Campaign coordinators to be peaceful, noting that he would not have anything to do with violence.

http://www.politico.ng/osun-2018-speaker-urges-aspirants-to-play-responsible-politics-and-shun-violence/

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo has described the life of the late Chairman of Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Justice Mustapha Akanbi as one that oozed with honesty and integrity.

He said these qualities made him appoint Akanbi as the pioneer boss of the anti-corruption agency.

In a condolence letter penned to the Akanbi’s eldest child, Akeem, the former President said he “was a distinguished Nigerian, an icon, a paragon of rightness and rectitude, whose life is devoted entirely to the service of his nation.”

Akanbi, he said further, was a distinguished Nigerian, a paragon of rightness and rectitude, whose life was devoted entirely to the service of his nation.

“He will be recorded by history as a Nigerian who embodies all the high points of our national achievements, and one of the very rare breeds of citizens who have combined total dedication, commitment and excellence in all national endeavours they have engaged in.

“All of these explain his conferment with the medal of the Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFR) and appointment,” Obasanjo said.

He added that in 2000 when there was the need for someone to head the ICPC, out of about ten people he sought for advice from, seven-pointed at Justice Akanbi.

“His background and disposition were formidably humble, unassuming, and oozing with patent honesty and integrity. I lost no time in settling for him.

“With Justice Akanbi in charge of ICPC, I did not have to worry about how well. He was, of course, a hands-on manager. It is needless to say that for the first time in the history of Nigeria, the combined and complementary efforts of ICPC under him and EFCC under Nuhu Ribadu made Nigerians and non-Nigerians to know that corruption can be put in check and put to flight.”

Obasanjo, therefore, prayed that God will grant everyone associated with the deceased and the immediate family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

http://www.theadvocate.ng/late-akanbis-life-oozed-with-honesty-and-integrity-says-obasanjo/

The Nigeria Prisons Service (NPS) has confirmed a jailbreak at Minna Medium Security Prison.

The Spokesperson of the Prison Service in Niger State, Rabiu Shuaibu, said the incident occurred on Sunday night at the prison, which is in Tunga area of Minna Metropolis.

Two persons were killed in the process of the jailbreak.

“The unfortunate incident was perpetrated by armed criminals who attacked the prison and gained access after an exchange of fire with prison armed men.

“This led to the death of a prison officer and an Okada rider who convey a prison officer on night duty,” Shuaibu said.

The Spokesperson added that the number of prisoners on the flee is still being compiled but some of the fleeing prisoners have been rearrested.

“The Prison authority in Minna is profiling the number of fleeing inmates to ascertain the escaped prisoners.

“So far, through the combined effort of all security agencies in the state, seven prisoners who attempted to escape have been recaptured and returned to the prison.”

The Prison Service has since called on residents of the area to go about their normal activities noting that normalcy has returned and Security Agencies are working to ensure that fleeing inmates are recaptured.

Niger State Governor Abubakar Bello has however visited the Minna Minimum Prison on Monday morning to access the situation.

http://www.theadvocate.ng/armed-criminals-storm-nigeri-prison-kill-two-free-inmates/

Troops of operation LAST HOLD have been urged to exhibit high level of discipline in other to have a successful operation.
The Commander Operation LAST HOLD, Abba Dikko, Major General made this statement recently in Azare, Bauchi State while addressing troops at the concentration area.
He further emphasised that discipline would remain the bedrock of military professionalism, urging troops to abide by the tenets of the profession at all times.

He called on them to take their pre-deployment training serious as training in peace time brings about victory in conflicts.
3. He also identified the key tasks of the inducting troops to include, clearing the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists especially in Nine (9) Local Government Areas of Northern Borno State, facilitate the return of internally displaced persons back to their ancestral communities to enable them resume their traditional vocations and preparing an enabling environment for the conduct of this year’s Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2018 scheduled to hold in Northern Borno.

He noted that the nation relies on the sacrifices of members of the Armed Forces in various theatres of operations to suppress insecurity and bring about peace in the country.

He charged the troops to emulate the discipline and uprightness of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Tukur Buratai and brace up for the challenges ahead of them.
He affirmed that discipline was a great asset which determines success in battle, adding that operation LAST HOLD which entails the deployment of additional maneouvre Brigades, other critical assets and fire power will ensure the destruction of Boko Haram terrorist camps as well as strong points in the Lake Chad Basin general area. He pointed out that, it will also facilitate the rescue of hostages and pave way for the return of Internally Displaced Persons to their communities.

The Commander stated further that, troops drawn from Army formations and units across the country are in Azare for concentrated, mission specific and pre-deployment training.

http://www.theadvocate.ng/operation-last-hold-commander-tasks-troops-on-discipline/

Five soldiers died along the Pridang-Bita road in Borno after their vehicle stepped on Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), the Nigerian Army said on Thursday.

The incident happened when troops of 271 Task Force Battalion fought through an ambush staged by Boko Haram terrorists in Gwoza.

“Sadly, five military personnel paid the supreme price as a result of the Improvised Explosive Device attack,” spokesman for the army, Texas Chukwu said in a statement.

But he said the troops neutralised a number of the terrorists, while others fled with gunshot wounds.

Chukwu also said that troops had rescued nine people held by the terrorists during a clearance operation in six villages in Borno.

He named the villages as Jaje, Angwa Audu, Major Ali, Dabu Abdullahi, Dabu Wulkaro and Gori Jaji.

“They are currently receiving medical attention at the military facility and will be handed over to the appropriate authority soon,” he added.


http://www.theadvocate.ng/boko-haram-five-soldiers-killed-during-ambush/

The Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Chikwendu Kalu has given the assurance that the anti-grazing bill currently before the House would soon be passed into law.

According to Kalu, work on the bill has been completed but the members were just doting the “is” and crossing the “ts” so as to get it right.

The Speaker who spoke at his Umuahia official lodge, explained that when passed into law, and security agencies adhere completely to its implementation, the lingering clashes between farmers and herdsmen would end.

The proposed law, he hinted, prohibits movement of cattle by road in the State, as cattle would be moved to the state by trucks or by rail.

“We are interested in getting the anti-grazing bill right. Work on the bill has been completed, it will soon be passed and it has a lot of advantages. The advantages are many.

“If Nigerians work within the ambit of the law, there would be no problem. I urge the security agencies to muster the courage to implement the law when passed, to the letter, to ensure the end of clashes between farmers and herdsmen. If they do it, the law would assure peace between herdsmen and farmers”, the Speaker said.

Giving more insight into the proposed anti-grazing law, Chikwendu said: “We must go the way of ranches. If you are bringing cattle into any part of Abia State, it must be through rail or trucks and they must be registered. Cattle will no longer move on the roads in the State.

“Movement of cattle within the state must be by truck not by road; there will be consequences for violators. With the law well implemented, both the farmers and the herders will be happy.”

http://www.theadvocate.ng/we-are-dotting-the-is-and-crossing-the-ts-of-anti-open-grazing-law-it-will-be-ready-soon-says-abia-lawmaker/

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) deputy governor in charge of Operations, Adebayo Adelabu, will resign his appointment with effect from July 15.

Adelabu whose disengagement notice has already been accepted by Muhammadu Buhari, the President of Nigeria, has indicated interest to join the gubernatorial race in his home state, Oyo.

In an acceptance letter dated May 24, President Buhari thanked Adelabu for his services to the country and wished him the best in his future ambitions.

“While appreciating your services in the Central Bank of Nigeria since April 9, 2014, I wish you the very best in your future ambitions and continued commitment to public service in our country and specifically, as you seek to play a more active role in politics, in your home State,” the President said in the letter.

Adelabu, who was one of the four deputy governors of the CBN, assumed duty on April 9, 2014.

Since then, he has served at different times as deputy governor in charge of Financial System Stability (FSS) and Corporate Services (CS), before his last position as the deputy governor in charge of Operations.

In political circles in Oyo State, Adelabu is widely believed to be the most likely successor to the incumbent governor of the State, Abiola Ajimobi, of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

One of the grand children of ace Oyo political godfather, late Adegoke Adelabu, Adelabu has made his mark in the financial sector, rising to the position of Executive Director/Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of First Bank of Nigeria Plc. (FBN) prior to his ascension to the CBN.

Before his stint at First Bank, Adelabu was the general manager and the West African Regional Head of Finance & Strategy (Consumer Banking Business) for Standard Chartered Bank.

A first class degree holder in Accounting from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Adelabu is also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and member of the Institute of Directors of Nigeria (IoD).

http://www.theadvocate.ng/cbn-deputy-governor-resigns-pursues-political-ambition/

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the late Chairman of the Punch Newspapers Limited, Gbadebowale Aboderin a great Nigerian; a quintessential administrator and very ingenious entrepreneur, who committed his resource, in may spheres, towards the development of our dear nation.

The opposition party in a statement by Kola Ologbondiyan, its National Publicity Secretary said Aboderin’s legacy in publishing a credible news media of the status of the Punch Newspapers remains an indelible mark in the history and development of journalism in Nigeria.

“Aboderin is widely known for his philanthropy and sports enthusiasm. He played key role in the development of sports in Nigeria including as founder and chairman of the Dolphins Female Basketball Foundation as well as the former chairman of the Lagos, State Basketball Association.

“We are particularly pained that this very resourceful Nigerian left the stage at a time his contributions towards nation building are needed the most."

http://www.theadvocate.ng/aboderins-death-is-a-big-blow-not-just-to-the-entire-media-landscape-of-nigeria-and-africa-says-npo/

“The PDP commiserates with the family of the Adoderin, the Punch Newspapers and the media industry and prays God to give them the fortitude to bear the loss.”

Muhammadu Buhari, the President of Nigeria has tasked the Super Eagles to play a clean and fair game but bring the World Cup trophy back home.

The President stated this on Wednesday when he met with the Super Eagles at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

He said that the team is very young but encourage them to display the Nigerian spirit and their knowledge to a great advantage over their opponents.

The meeting was held just before the commencement of the weekly Federal Executive Council, (FEC).

Also present at the meeting was the Youth and Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung.

The Super Eagles are expected to leave the country today for London in preparation towards their match against England at the Wembley Stadium on Saturday evening, another pre-World Cup friendly.

In five previous outings at the FIFA World Cup, the Eagles have reached the Round of 16 on three occasions (1994, 1998 and 2014), but excited at the group stage at the 2002 and 2010 finals.

From London, the delegation will fly into Bad Tatzmannsdorf, a city in Austria where they will spend eight days at the world-renowned Avita Resort before flying to Russia.

In-between the final camping in Austria, the team will play a final pre-World Cup friendly against the Czech Republic at the Rudolf Tonn Stadium (just outside Vienna) on Wednesday next week.

http://www.theadvocate.ng/russia-2018-bring-world-cup-trophy-home-buhari-charges-super-eagles/

The lawmaker representing Obudu Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly, Steven Ukpukpen, slumped and died during an early morning workout on Wednesday.

It as gathered that the incident happened at 7am along Moore Road in Calabar.

The lawmaker was said to have been rushed to a nearby Navy Clinic, but medical officials on duty said he was in a critical condition and therefore directed that he should be transferred to another hospital.

He was confirmed dead by medical officials in a private hospital where he was later taken to.

The Anatomy Unit of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, where he was thereafter taken also certified him dead.

Reacting to the development, Speaker of the CRHA, John Gaul-Lebo, said he was in shock over the development.

Gaul-Lebo, who was in a meeting with the family of the deceased as of 11.51am, said the House would later issue a statement over the death of the lawmaker.

“I am still in shock. I do not know what to say. We are in a meeting with the family members and we would later issue a statement on the sad development,” he said.

http://www.theadvocate.ng/cross-river-lawmaker-dies-during-workout/

The Super Eagles of Nigeria is meeting with Muhammadu Buhari, the President of Nigeria at Aso Rock on Monday ahead of their participation in Russia 2018 World Cup.

The competition start June 14, while Nigeria’s first game against Croatia will hold on June 16.

President of the Nigerian Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick led the team to the house.

The session was earlier slated for Tuesday evening.

It would be an opportunity for the President to wish the three –time African champions well on their way to a sixth appearance at football’s biggest showpiece.

The meeting is coming hours before the eagles are due to fly to London for a pre-World Cup friendly against England’s Three Lions at Wembley Stadium on Saturday evening.

From London, the delegation will fly into Bad Tatzmannsdorf, a city in Austria where they will spend eight days at the world–renowned Avita Resort before flying to Russia.

In-between the final camping in Austria, the team will play a final pre-World Cup friendly against the Czech Republic at the Rudolf Tonn Stadium (just outside Vienna) next Wednesday.

http://www.theadvocate.ng/video-buhari-meets-super-eagles-in-aso-rock/

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11 has urged the Federal Government to control the birth rate in the country or be prepared to face the consequences occasioned by overpopulation.

The Traditional Ruler pointed that it is unfortunate at the rate Nigerians give birth without adequate enlightenment about birth control.

He said this could make the population of children alone in the next few years to hit 80 percent of the nation’s entire population.

A development which he believes may spell disaster for the nation.

Ooni Ogunwusi said this at the Ile Odua when he played host to children from over 80 public and private schools from across Ile-Ife town in Osun state in commemoration of the Children’s Day.

“I thank God for keeping our children intact in all they have been doing, the truth be told, as a nation we are not mindful of these children enough especially as regards their future, we should be celebrating them every day, not only on a day set aside for them.

“if you look at the demography of today, 60 percent of the entire population today is below the age of 30. They are growing very fast, nobody is giving them any sense of belonging or instilling hope in them. Nobody is selling the products Nigeria to them, the only time they sell Nigeria to them is when they are in school.

“We need to be very serious in this country. Over 120 million Nigerians are less than 30 years old – that is saying something to us in this country, it’s about time for our leaders to get serious.

“Nobody is talking about birth control in Nigeria and that is a huge keg of gunpowder which we are all sitting on”,he said.

http://www.theadvocate.ng/control-birth-rate-or-face-consequences-of-overpopulation-ooni-tells-fg/

The National Chairman of Action Democratic Party (ADP), Yabagi Sani, has stated that there is a negative change in Nigeria.

Sani who was one of the guests on Channels Television programme, Channels Forum held on Tuesday, faulted the President Muhammadu Buhari Administration in its campaign promise to deliver change in Nigeria, noting that the situation in the country has retrogressed.

“If we talk about change (in Nigeria), yes there is a change, I think from bad to worse. Because every indices we want to look at it, we have retrogressed in such a manner that you will not believe that it is the same Nigeria we had three years ago,” he said.

Recalling the crises which accompanied the All Progressives Congress (APC) Congress held across the nation, Sani described this as a mockery of Nigeria’s democracy.

“This is a government that lacks capacity, they lack credibility and organisation. Under the PDP, people were engaged.

“Even though that government had it own shortcoming in terms of managing corruption, that was the shortcoming of that government but not as bad as we have in the case today.”

http://www.politico.ng/apc-brought-negative-change-to-nigeria-says-adp-chairman/

A former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Attahiru Jega, has accused members of the National Assembly of seeking for bribes to carry out their constitutional duties.

Speaking while delivering the year’s Democracy Day lecture at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, on Monday, Jega said he has “spoken to quite a number of Chief Executives who complained of high demand for bribes from members of the National Assembly in the name of so called oversight functions.”

The Professor of Political Science, told the gathering, including Muhammadu Buhari, the President of Nigeria, Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen and other top government personalities that “some chairmen of committees at the National Assembly are notorious for seeking for bribes.”

http://www.theadvocate.ng/nass-members-notorious-for-seeking-bribe-says-former-inec-chairman/

Muhammadu Buhari, the President of Nigeria will be making a national broadcast Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at 7 am as part of activities to commemorate the 2018 Democracy Day celebrations.

In a statement released by Special Adviser to the President Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President enjoined Nigerians to hook up to the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Radio Nigeria for the broadcast.

May 29th marks the third year anniversary of Presiden Buhari Administration.

http://www.theadvocate.ng/democracy-day-buhari-to-make-nationwide-broadcast-on-tuesday/

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), is discussing with about 30 other parties with a view to forming a mega alliance in June.

The aim is to boost their chances of defeating incumbent President, Muhammadu Buhari in next year’s general election.

Buhari has since declared his interest to seek a second term of four years in office.

“We have started the reorganisation of the party, and by June, we are going to address the nation on the way forward and the promise ADC has for Nigerians,” national chairman of ADC, Okey Nwosu, told ThisDay newspaper.

“By June, we are going to address the nation on the way forward and what ADC has in stock for Nigeria and Africa.

“We are just working on a document to create a continental brand from the ADC, a model political party like no one before.”

“With this fusion we are undergoing now and the membership we have, I feel we are taking a new life. So any moment from now we are going to fix our convention.

“The most important thing for people like me is that I have founded a party that eminent Nigerians approve as a proper vehicle to address the inadequacies that brought about the political situation in our country.

“So I am fulfilled and I am like a missionary on a mission of nation-building. Position doesn’t matter to me and most members of the party. My preoccupation from now on is how to move this party to the Villa and state government houses in Nigeria.”

http://www.politico.ng/2019-elections-adc-30-other-parties-planning-to-defeat-buhari/

The Ministry of Finance has said the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has succeeded in developing and implementing fiscal policies to curtail wastage in governance, thereby reducing fiscal leakages and boosting government’s non-oil revenue.

Oluyinka Akintunde, Special Adviser to Finance Minister, Kemi Adeosun on Media and Communications, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, on the achievements of the his principal since her assumption of office in November, 2015.

He said the Minister played a leading role in setting up the Presidential Initiative on Continuous Audit (PICA), which oversees the utilisation of public funds under the present administration.

Akintunde said Adeosun also introduced the Efficiency Unit, which succeeded in bringing down overhead costs in many Federal Government’s Ministries Department and Agencies (MDAs).

http://www.theadvocate.ng/treasury-looters-find-it-difficult-to-operate-under-buhari-says-adeosun/
He said the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA), which was conceived by the previous administration, but implemented by the present, has made it easier to effectively track government’s revenues.

In addition, Akintunde said Adeosun introduced the Whistleblower Policy, which was launched in December, 2016 to encourage public participation in the fight against corruption.

“Under the Whistleblower Policy, the Federal Government has recovered N7.8 billion, 378 million dollars and 27,800 Pounds Sterling.

“In May 2018, the government paid about N439.27 million to 14 whistleblowers who gave specific tips on tax evasion,” he said.

Akintunde also said in June 29, 2017, the Federal Government launched the Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS) to improve tax compliance in the country.

He recalled that through VAIDS, tax payers were offered a window of opportunity to regularise their tax status relating to previous tax periods, without incurring penalties.

“The robust implementation of VAIDS has seen an increase in the number of tax payers from 13 million before the assumption of Office by the incumbent Administration to 14 million in 2016 and 19.3 million in 2018.

“It is instructive to note that some local and foreign companies are now disposed to the VAIDS initiative, and have started to regularise their tax status,” he said.

Furthermore, Akintunde said Adeosun had succeeded in clearing some of the pension liabilities it inherited from the previous administration.

“N41.5 billion was released by the Federal Ministry of Finance to pay off outstanding pensions arrears of 2014, 2015 and 2016, while N12.5 billion was paid out to clear pension claims for up to March, 2017.

“This brings the total payment of outstanding pension arrears by the current administration to over N54 billion; an unprecedented feat, which has been commended by the various workers’ unions,” he said.

Akintunde also said the establishment of the N396.5 billion Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) was part of Adeosun’s achievements.

“Already, the DBN has a N5 billion line of credit to be accessed by MSMEs through its partner institutions,” he said.

Akintunde also said the Minister was responsible for the debt refinancing strategy to better manage existing debt and the Fiscal Sustainability Plans and Budget Support Facility for States of the Federation.

The Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo has warned Nigerians to resist the temptation of asking to be returned to the era of the past characterised by corruption and ethnic conflicts.

Osinbajo stated this during the 2018 Democracy Day Interdenominational Church Service held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja on Sunday.

Osinbajo said his message for Nigerians at such critical point in the nation’ s history was for them to go forward and refuse to turn back because “ the challenges they see today won ’t be seen again . ”

“As it was with the journey of the Israelites, so it is in the journey of nation-building and development. Our nation is not different. We are on a journey from the past.

“There have been times where the journey is somewhat tough, difficult and even fearful. We looked behind us, we see the armies of the past : the armies of division which led to civil war where many of us died; the armies of religious strife that refused to leave us; the armies of corruption and graft ; those who want us to remain in the captivity of ethnic and religious conflicts , these are the armies of the past.

“But ahead of us , we also see the Red Sea– bloody conflicts and the doom sayers saying the future will be worse than the past. Moses , inspired by God, said to the children of Israel to go forward. He also said ‘Do not be afraid, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians you see today, you shall see no more forever . He will fight for you and you shall hold your peace .’

“So, I say to you brethren in Christ and to you my fellow country men and women, let us go forward , let us not look back.

http://www.theadvocate.ng/resist-temptation-of-returning-to-the-era-corruption-and-ethnic-conflicts-osinbajo-urges-nigerians/

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, (SERAP) has urged Muhammadu Buhari, the President of Nigeria to urgently refer the allegations of mismanagement of $16 billion power projects between 1999 and 2007 to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for further investigation.

The group also said that if there is relevant and sufficient admissible evidence, anyone suspected to be involved should face prosecution.

SERAP also urged Buhari to refer to the EFCC and ICPC not just allegations regarding the $16 billion power projects but also the alleged squandering of over N11 trillion meant to provide regular electricity supply covering the governments of former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan.

Buhari had on Tuesday accused Obasanjo of spending $16bn on power projects during his tenure as the President without corresponding power supply to Nigerians.

But responding, Obasanjo said the President’s allegation was rooted in ignorance, claiming he was already cleared of any wrongdoing concerning the power sector by the National Assembly, and referring Buhari to his autobiography, My Watch, which he said reproduced various reports on the matter.

But SERAP in a statement by its Executive Director, Adetokunbo Mumuni said, “We welcome the focus by President Buhari on the massive allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the power sector and urge him to expand his searchlight beyond the Obasanjo government by ensuring accountability and full recovery of the over N11 trillion squandered by the three administrations.

“It is only by pursuing all the allegations and taking the evidence before the court that the truth will be revealed and justice best served. This is the only way to conclusively address the systemic corruption in the power sector and an entrenched culture of impunity of perpetrators.”

“Addressing impunity in the power sector should be total. This would help improve the integrity of government and public confidence and trust in their government. It would also serve as a vehicle to further the public’s perception of fairness and thoroughness, and to avert any appearance of political considerations in the whole exercise.”

“By immediately pursuing justice and recovery of any stolen assets in the power sector, the Buhari government would be acting in the public interest, and consistent with the spirit and letter of the constitution, particularly Chapter 2 of the 1999 Constitution dealing with Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy, and providing that high-level public officials have a clear obligation to “eradicate all corrupt practices and abuse of power,” it said.

http://www.theadvocate.ng/16bn-power-projects-expand-searchlight-beyond-obasanjos-government-serap-tells-buhari/

The Senate is currently holding an executive session with the Chief of Defence Staff, Abayomi Olonisakin; the Director-General of State Security Service (DSS), Lawan Daura; and other service chiefs.

The Service Chiefs are the heads of the Nigerian Army, Air Force and Navy.

Olonisakin led the delegation into the upper chamber at about 12:23 p.m. following the Senate’s summon two weeks ago.

The Service Chiefs are to brief the lawmakers on the proliferation of dangerous firearms, spate of killings by terrorists as well as kidnappings by hoodlums across the country.

The Senate had on May 8 summoned all service chiefs; the Director-General of the State Security Service, the Comptroller General of Customs, Hameed Ali; and the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, over possession of firearms by unauthorised persons in Nigeria.

The invitation was sequel to deliberations on a motion titled “Proliferation of dangerous firearms in Nigeria” sponsored by Suleiman Hunkuyi, who represents Kaduna North District.

Overtime, Birnin-Gwari in Kaduna State and some villages in Maru Local Government of Zamfara State have been terrorised daily.

Armed bandits have not only killed and kidnapped residents of villages but destroyed properties too.

On Sunday, about 87 persons were abducted along Birnin-Gwari Road in Kaduna State by armed bandits who ambushed over 15 vehicles conveying them.

After reading out the next order of the day, which was the security briefing by the service chiefs, the Senate Leader, Ahmad Lawan, moved that the Senate moved into committee of the whole and the invitees were called in.

The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, thereafter, announced their presence and said that the briefing be held in a closed-door session.

http://www.theadvocate.ng/killings-senate-military-chiefs-sss-dg-in-closed-door-session/

Transparency International (TI) has decried the growing wave of grand corruption worldwide, lamenting that no fewer than six billion people were now affected by the menace.

Transparency International’s chair, Delia Matilde Ferreira Rubio, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja while delivering a keynote address at the opening of an international experience-sharing workshop on best practices to address emerging issues organised by Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC).

“Our last Corruption Perception Index (CPI) states that 69 percent of the 180 countries we have surveyed are under 50 in our scale.

“Our scale reads from 100, very transparent countries, how public sector is perceived in those countries, and zero, highly corrupt-perceived public sector. 69 percent of those countries are under 50.

“That means that more than six billion people live in context of highly corrupt government and highly corrupt private sector. They are exposed to corruption everyday because corruption has to do with everyday lives of citizens.

“That is what is at stake here. They are facing corruption when they go to ask for a place in schools or when they go to the hospitals. They are also the victims of corruption in cases of grand corruption.

“In many countries, corruption has been normalized as the ordinary way of doing business and misbehaving. We have to fight that. We cannot accept that it is the normal way of doing business from the petty corruption to grand corruption. We have to stop discretionary powers.
We must stop comparing corrupt administrations

“Corruption can happen in any country. It has nothing to do with our countries being in the south or being developing countries or being poor. The difference between countries in our CPI has to do with the reaction.

“The reaction against corruption, not only from the institutions saddled with fighting corruption but the reaction of society. Can you imagine in a country, the Vice Prime Minister had to resign because she used the credit card of the ministry to buy chocolate, Toblerone.

“It was known as the ‘Toblerone scandal.’ She went out of the office, stopped to fuel and then used the official card to pay for fuel and a Toblerone. The following morning, she went to the office and wanted to pay back for the Toblerone. That was eight in the morning. By midday, she had her dismissal letter duly signed.

“It took her more than 15 years to come back to politics because it is unacceptable to use the official credit card for private expenses, a Toblerone. Can you imagine this in my country or here?”

http://www.theadvocate.ng/corruption-affects-6bn-people-worldwide-says-transparency-intl/

The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Lawal Daura; and the Chief of Defence Staff, Abayomi Olonisakin, ‎have arrived at the Senate to address the lawmakers on the security situation in the country.

While Olonisakin arrived earlier, Daura arrived around 11:25am.

Both of them are waiting at the office of the Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Ita Enang, to be called into the Senate chamber for the address.

The Senate had sumoned the service chiefs and heads of security agencies in the country, including the Nigerian Immigration Service and the Nigeria Customs Service, to address the lawmakers.

‎It was however learnt that apart from Daura and Olonisakin, other heads of security agencies sent their representatives.

http://www.theadvocate.ng/killings-daura-olonisakin-arrive-senate-to-address-lawmakers/

A former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili has called for an exhaustive, expert investigation investigation on how $16bn was expended on power supply during the administration of former president, Olusegun Obasanjo without commensurate result.

The Convernenr of the Red Card Movement noted that the “$16Billion Power Sector expenditure allegation” has a way of always surfacing for Public Debate whenever there are squabbles within the political circle. I wish to assert that it is TIME for Citizens to DEMAND INDEPENDENT & EXHAUSTIVE EXPERT INVESTIGATION of that matter.

“The Power Sector is TOO IMPORTANT a determinant of the level of Productivity & Competitiveness of each Nigerian, Business and Country as a whole to be mirred in UNRESOLVED CONTROVERSY among the Political Class. Let’s have an INDEPENDENT EXPERT PANEL inaugurated to INVESTIGATE,” she Twitted on Wednesday morning.

http://www.theadvocate.ng/ezekwesili-calls-for-exhaustive-expert-investigation-into-16bn-power-project/

Senators appointed by their colleagues are currently meeting with Muhammadu Buhari, the President of Nigeria at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The lawmakers, led by Senate President, Bukola Saraki, were appointed by their colleagues to discuss with the President over the controversy surrounding the actions of the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris.

The Senate set up the nine-member committee last Wednesday after Saraki raised an allegation that Idris was trying to frame him in the handling of crime suspects arrested in Kwara.

Saraki had told his colleagues that the police chief transferred the suspects undergoing interrogation in Kwara State to Abuja to make statements to implicate the senate president, who is a former Kwara governor.

The police have since confirmed transferring the suspects, but cautioned Saraki not to jeopardise investigations.

Saraki’s allegation came days after Idris, for the third time, refused to honour summons by the Senate. The lawmakers invited the police chief to discuss the treatment meted on a senator, Dino Melaye, the Police, as well as the poor security situation across the country.

Other members of the Senate committee appointed to meet Buhari are Senate Leader Ahmed Lawan; Chief Whip, Olusola Adeyeye; Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio; Danjuma Goje; Sam Anyanwu; Aliyu Wammako; Fatima Raji-Rasaki; and Oluremi Tinubu.

http://www.theadvocate.ng/senators-in-closed-door-meeting-buhari-over-saraki-igp-idris-row/

The lawmaker representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Ovie Omo-Agege, is currently appearing before the joint Senate and House of Representatives Ad hoc committee set up to investigate the invasion and mace snatching at the Senate chamber on April 18, 2018.

Omo-Agege has however dragged the National Assembly to court to stop the investigation.

The committee had last week invited Omo-Agege and Ndume over their alleged roles in the attack on the Senate.

Chairman of the committee, Bala Ibn Na’Allah, while announcing the summons last Tuesday, had noted that testimonies given by various security personnel at the National Assembly Complex before the panel had implicated Omo-Agege and Ndume.

The panel had however shifted the investigate hearing to Tuesday following an extended session held by the Senate last Wednesday for consideration and passage of the 2018 Appropriation Bill.

Both chambers of the National Assembly had also skipped plenary last Thursday to allow members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) attend to the state congresses held by the party last Saturday.

Omo-Agege had said he would appear before the panel, although he had taken the legal step to stop the probe.

http://www.theadvocate.ng/omo-agege-appears-before-nass-probe-panel-over-mace-theft/

Requiem masses were held in all parishes of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi on Monday for the murdered priests and parishioners of Saint Ignatius Quasi Parish, Mbalom in Gwer Local Government Council of the state.

The Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese Wilfred Anagbe, directed that masses be held throughout the diocese for the priests and the parishioners killed by gunmen during morning mass on April 24.

Anagbe described the deaths as “sacrilegious” and called on Christians, particularly, Catholics to hold to their faith despite such brazen acts of barbarism against their fellow members.

The attacks had been condemned by all Nigerians, including non Christians.

The masses, which commenced between 6pm and 7 pm, were celebrated by parish priests at their respective parishes.

In his homily during the requiem mass on Monday, the Parish priest in charge of Saint Theresa’s parish, Makurdi, Amos Mbachie, said the priests died for peace to reign in the state.

He was hopeful that their deaths, together with the 17 others, would end the spate of killings across the state.

http://www.theadvocate.ng/makurdi-diocese-prays-for-peace-in-nigeria-holds-requiem-masses-for-murdered-priests/

Emeka Etiaba, a defence lawyer to a former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh, has re-appeared in the case Tuesday morning barely 24 hours after he announced his withdrawal.

Although Metuh, who collapsed during the Monday’s proceedings, is absent from the ongoing court session, Etiaba announced himself as the lawyer to the ex-spokesperson for the PDP.

Etiaba had withdrawn from the case Monday after the judge insisted that the trial must continue after Metuh’s fall in court.

But the judge, Justice Okon Abang, had overruled Etiaba’s application to withdraw from the case, saying it was an attempt to delay the case.

‎Insisting that he had withdrawn from the case, Etiaba refused to answer further questions asked by the judge even after the ruling dismissing his application for withdrawal from the case.

The judge described Etiaba’s attitude as rude and unethical.

The judge, however, adjourned the case till Tuesday after the court’s medical official said Metuh needed to see his doctor.

Metuh, who with his company, Destra Investment Limited, are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for the N400m he allegedly received fraudulently from the Office of the National Security Adviser in 2014, fell after taking some steps towards the dock on Monday.

http://www.theadvocate.ng/metuhs-corruption-trial-resumes-lawyer-returns-to-court-24-hours-after-withdrawal-from-case/

The Defence Headquarters has said 35 militia herdsmen have been killed, while one soldiers paid the supreme price and another one missing in the “Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS)’’ in Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba and Zamfara states.

John Agim, the Acting Director Defence Information (DDI) stated this in a statement on Monday.

Agim said that the success was recorded in a four-pronged clearance operation at the weekend.

According to him, two personnel sustained minor injuries in the operations.

Giving further update on the operation, Agim said that at Umaisha and Toto Villages in Nasarawa State, troops ambushed the militia following a tip off of a planned attack on the two villages.

The DDI also said that one Musa Habu aged 32, was arrested at Kolo close to Umiasha in Toto Local Government Council.

Items recovered from the suspect, he said were one locally made pistol, two cartridges, one Techno handset and N130 only.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is linked with some suspected militia in the locality.

“The suspect has been handed over to the DSS for further necessary action,’’ he said.

The DDI said that another suspected militia herdsman, Abdullahi Adamu, was arrested at Rukubi in Doma Local Government Area of the state.

He said that the suspect was found to be in possession of an ID card of the vigilante group of Nigeria, Nasarawa State command and “a photograph in which he posed with an AK47 rifle.’’

http://www.theadvocate.ng/troops-pursue-bandits-with-m135-helicopter-kill-35-in-benue-taraba-nasarawa-zamfara/