₦airaland Forum

SENATOR BUKOLA SARAKI DENIES SIGNING REPORT.
 
The attention of office of Distinguished Senator Bukola Saraki has been drawn to a publication made in today's Thisday Newspaper publication of 11th August, 2014, particularly on pages lX to XV wherein the Distinguished Senator was listed as one of the signatories to the report of Senate committee on  Finance on the investigation of the alleged un remitted US$49.8 Billion oil revenue by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation NNPC. 

While we are not denying the fact that Senator Saraki is a member of the  Senate committee on Finance, and whereas we also acknowledges that Senator Saraki participated actively in almost all of the committee's assignment as it affects the investigation of the unremitted US$48.9 Billion oil revenue by NNPC, the office of Senator Saraki wish to state  categorically and further deny that the  Senator Bukola Saraki, representing Kwara central Senatorial District of Kwara State did not SIGN any committee report as it affects the said investigation contrary to the impression given in the said Thisday publication . This is totally not correct. 

It is pertinent therefore to correct the erroneous impression and insinuation that such publication might portray to the general public. The names  listed in the report as published by Thisday newspaper report are just the list of members of the Committee and nothing more. 

As of today as a result of  the said publication, our office has inundated with many  phone calls, sms and emails. 

In view of the above, this correction which is for record purposes , is equally necessary for the attention of  the editor/publisher of the newspaper and by extension, the general public who might have been misled in the circumstance. 

Signed 

Bamikole Omishore
SA Media And Advocacy

KWARA 2015: ATUNWA, THE MAN THE CAP FITS MOST 

BY

AKEEM OLANIHUN

The world isn't only craving for development, but importantly, sustainable development. The demand for sustainable development has become very strong that it decides the modus and pattern in which a development will take. Nigeria, a developing country equally needs sustainable development in order to ensure lasting growth in the nation. However, one of the key factors that hinders sustainable development is change in government, particularly when such change in government introduces a different political party from the previous one. Such approach does not only hinder sustainable development, it makes existing development less important and abandoned on going project to begin its own agenda; this is obtainable and evident in the Nigerian system.

Taking Oyo state as example; the inconsistency in government since 1999 has deprived the old state of good development. On the other side, examining a state like Lagos, where the same political party with a progressive ideology has been at the hem of affairs, the state has not only made its way to being Nigeria's only economic power but has also experienced massive infrastructural development that have created enabling environment for businesses to triumph and people to live happily. No doubt, the experience of Kwara is similar to that of Lagos. In 2003, Kwara experienced an ideological change in leadership, when Dr Bukola Saraki became governor which spanned for eight uninterrupted years. Of course, not all was achieved during this period, but all was achieved, how? The leadership ideological position continued as Alhaji Ahmed got the leadership mantle, sustaining the existing development. If we will recall, Alhaji Ahmed has served under Governor Bukola Saraki, therefore, he has understood the developmental ideology of the Governor which made it easy for him to sustain, thus, Kwara enjoys stability and sustained growth.

It is popular said that he who forgets the past will repeat the mistake of the past in the future and he who respects the past, will succeed easily as success standards of the past will be used to uphold the present. As 2015 is approaching, all states across the country are anxious, with strong enthusiasm to choose a leader that will uplift the glory of the state, Kwara inclusive. In the case if Kwara, a host if potential candidates are been discussed among the masses with varying positions about their political stands as far as development is concerned in Kwara. Even though there are several potential candidates but among them all, there's a leading potential candidate who is believed to be strong, bold and development oriented enough to sustain development in Kwara; Barrister AbudulRazak Atunwa.

Born 17 October 1969, Atunwa is the Honorable Speaker Kwara State House of Assembly. He was a member of the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) between 2002 and 2014. On 22 January 2014 he formally announced his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Rt. Hon. Razak Atunwa holds a Bachelor of Laws degree (Hons), and a Master of Laws degree, Public International Law (Lond). He was called to the Bar of England and Wales in October 1994 by the Inner Temple Inns of Court. As a barrister practicing from Chambers in London, he specialized in criminal defence and international law cases. He appeared in a number of notable and high profile cases (reported in various Law Reports). In 2005 Atunwa moved to Nigeria to commence his political career. In August 2005, he was appointed the Honourable Commissioner for Land and Housing of Kwara State. A year later in August 2006, he became Honourable Commissioner for Information and Home Affairs. In July 2007 he became Honourable Commissioner for Works and Transport. He was moved to the Ministry of Finance in November 2009. In April 2011, Atunwa was elected into the Kwara State House of Assembly to represent Owode/Onire Constituency of Asa Local Government, Kwara State, Nigeria. On 6 June 2011, he was unanimously elected as Honourable Speaker of Kwara State House of Assembly.

Atunwa has been on the spotlight among potential governorship candidates in Kwara. The reasons are not far fetched. Politics they say its all about grassroot development and interaction. Atunwa's grassroot relation is immense which is evident in his empowerment approaches to people at the grassroot. His passion for grassroot is equal to none which explains why he is readily available to attend to public duties even outside his area of function. Being speaker of Kwara Assembly, he has been leading the house without any iota of crisis as we have in many house of assemblies across the country. The harmony experienced in the state house under his leadership has definitely accelerated progress in the state as appropriation bills are critically checked and meticulously implemented for progress in Kwara. Beyond the regular form of leading, Atunwa has created dynamism in his approach to development by facilitating various social interactions and feedback methods such as his presence on social media where he engages Kwarans on key issues in line with development.

Importantly, as I have based my article on sustainability; I'm a Kwaran who wants the best for my state of origin. The best that can happen to Kwara is continuity; not just continuity but continuity with a leader that will uplift the state to a higher level as soon as possible, Barr. Atunwa is no doubt the man. Let's give progress another chance.
BY

AKEEM OLANIHUN

The world isn't only craving for development, but importantly, sustainable development. The demand for sustainable development has become very strong that it decides the modus and pattern in which a development will take. Nigeria, a developing country equally needs sustainable development in order to ensure lasting growth in the nation. However, one of the key factors that hinders sustainable development is change in government, particularly when such change in government introduces a different political party from the previous one. Such approach does not only hinder sustainable development, it makes existing development less important and abandoned on going project to begin its own agenda; this is obtainable and evident in the Nigerian system.

Taking Oyo state as example; the inconsistency in government since 1999 has deprived the old state of good development. On the other side, examining a state like Lagos, where the same political party with a progressive ideology has been at the hem of affairs, the state has not only made its way to being Nigeria's only economic power but has also experienced massive infrastructural development that have created enabling environment for businesses to triumph and people to live happily. No doubt, the experience of Kwara is similar to that of Lagos. In 2003, Kwara experienced an ideological change in leadership, when Dr Bukola Saraki became governor which spanned for eight uninterrupted years. Of course, not all was achieved during this period, but all was achieved, how? The leadership ideological position continued as Alhaji Ahmed got the leadership mantle, sustaining the existing development. If we will recall, Alhaji Ahmed has served under Governor Bukola Saraki, therefore, he has understood the developmental ideology of the Governor which made it easy for him to sustain, thus, Kwara enjoys stability and sustained growth.

It is popular said that he who forgets the past will repeat the mistake of the past in the future and he who respects the past, will succeed easily as success standards of the past will be used to uphold the present. As 2015 is approaching, all states across the country are anxious, with strong enthusiasm to choose a leader that will uplift the glory of the state, Kwara inclusive. In the case if Kwara, a host if potential candidates are been discussed among the masses with varying positions about their political stands as far as development is concerned in Kwara. Even though there are several potential candidates but among them all, there's a leading potential candidate who is believed to be strong, bold and development oriented enough to sustain development in Kwara; Barrister AbudulRazak Atunwa.

Born 17 October 1969, Atunwa is the Honorable Speaker Kwara State House of Assembly. He was a member of the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) between 2002 and 2014. On 22 January 2014 he formally announced his membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Rt. Hon. Razak Atunwa holds a Bachelor of Laws degree (Hons), and a Master of Laws degree, Public International Law (Lond). He was called to the Bar of England and Wales in October 1994 by the Inner Temple Inns of Court. As a barrister practicing from Chambers in London, he specialized in criminal defence and international law cases. He appeared in a number of notable and high profile cases (reported in various Law Reports). In 2005 Atunwa moved to Nigeria to commence his political career. In August 2005, he was appointed the Honourable Commissioner for Land and Housing of Kwara State. A year later in August 2006, he became Honourable Commissioner for Information and Home Affairs. In July 2007 he became Honourable Commissioner for Works and Transport. He was moved to the Ministry of Finance in November 2009. In April 2011, Atunwa was elected into the Kwara State House of Assembly to represent Owode/Onire Constituency of Asa Local Government, Kwara State, Nigeria. On 6 June 2011, he was unanimously elected as Honourable Speaker of Kwara State House of Assembly.

Atunwa has been on the spotlight among potential governorship candidates in Kwara. The reasons are not far fetched. Politics they say its all about grassroot development and interaction. Atunwa's grassroot relation is immense which is evident in his empowerment approaches to people at the grassroot. His passion for grassroot is equal to none which explains why he is readily available to attend to public duties even outside his area of function. Being speaker of Kwara Assembly, he has been leading the house without any iota of crisis as we have in many house of assemblies across the country. The harmony experienced in the state house under his leadership has definitely accelerated progress in the state as appropriation bills are critically checked and meticulously implemented for progress in Kwara. Beyond the regular form of leading, Atunwa has created dynamism in his approach to development by facilitating various social interactions and feedback methods such as his presence on social media where he engages Kwarans on key issues in line with development.

Importantly, as I have based my article on sustainability; I'm a Kwaran who wants the best for my state of origin. The best that can happen to Kwara is continuity; not just continuity but continuity with a leader that will uplift the state to a higher level as soon as possible, Barr. Atunwa is no doubt the man. Let's give progress another chance.

ANOTHER YOUTH GROUP NCYCA URGES SENATOR BUKOLA SARAKI TO RUN FOR 2015 PRESIDENCY.

A group under the aegis of North-Central Youths
Consultative Assembly (NCYCA) has urged former Kwara State Governor, SENATOR BUKOLA SARAKI to contest next year’s presidential election on the ticket of the All Progressive Congress, APC.

Arising from its meeting in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, the group said Senator SARAKI has the requisite credentials to rule the country and should be allowed to do so.

In a communique at the end of its meeting jointly signed by its National Chairman Comrade Ibrahim Abubakar and Secretary Comrade David Audu, the group canvassed the need for the next president to come from the North Central, adding that NCYCA has perused his pedigree and is qualified to run.

It stated that SENATOR SARAKI’S tenure as governor of Kwara State saw monumental achievements in the area of agriculture and infrastructural development among other sectors that made the state stand tall among other states in the country, and hailed him for successful piloting of the affairs of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum where he served as its chairman.

It said: “SARAKI has variously proven that he is the bridge between the various religious and sectional divides that threaten the very existence of our troubled nation.

His vast network of friends and contacts across the nation is a rare but much needed quality of a leader at this peculiar period of our great nation,”

The group stated that with the gradual growth of the country’s democratic process, the nation needs a true democrat that would steer the ship into actualization of the dreams of the past heroes.

AGAIN? OBA ABU YOUTH GROUP DECLARES FOR SEN @BUKOLASARAKI, @KWARAAPC

Again, Kwara PDP suffers more setback as several youths declares support for Senator Bukola Saraki and APC. The group under the umbrella of Solidarity Oba Abu Youth Vanguard has decamped to APC in their hundreds having lamented disorganization and severe instability in Kwara PDP.

During the declaration for Saraki, APC by the youth group in Isale-Ajanaku; the youth expressed total dissatisfaction their leader Oba Abu, the FEC chairman. Some of the allegations level against the Professor turned politician include failed promises, lack of political will to carry the youth populace along, lack of empowerment programmes among others.

As over 236 members declared for APC; they expressed confidence in Senator Bukola Saraki's leadership, stating that they have always envied the leadership of Senator Saraki based on the developmental projects and youth oriented empowerment projects embarked upon by the state Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed and Senator Bukola Saraki.

While speaking, the woman leader of the group Fatimoh Jimoh pointed out that the party (PDP) isn’t ready to work out modalities that would benefit the youths and the women of her ward and Kwara at large, thus there was no reason for any progress loving Kwaran to remain in such a party or follow any of their leaders.

Further speaking, she urged Kwarans to ensure they are not thrilled by the group of nocturnal politicians who only use the people to achieve their selfish political goals.

While receiving the decampees on behalf of the Party Chairman and Senator Bukola Saraki, Alhaji Kayode Sulyman Maja commended them for the thoughtful decision, and assured them of complete transparency, commitment and fulfillment of their desires and that of their wards in APC. He promised to convey their message to the party leaders as the group the group changed their name to Solidarity Bukola Saraki Youth Vanguard.

Again, Kwara PDP suffers more setback as several youths declares support for Senator Bukola Saraki and APC. The group under the umbrella of Solidarity Oba Abu Youth Vanguard has decamped to APC in their hundreds having lamented disorganization and severe instability in Kwara PDP.

During the declaration for Saraki, APC by the youth group in Isale-Ajanaku; the youth expressed total dissatisfaction their leader Oba Abu, the FEC chairman. Some of the allegations level against the Professor turned politician include failed promises, lack of political will to carry the youth populace along, lack of empowerment programmes among others.

As over 236 members declared for APC; they expressed confidence in Senator Bukola Saraki's leadership, stating that they have always envied the leadership of Senator Saraki based on the developmental projects and youth oriented empowerment projects embarked upon by the state Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed and Senator Bukola Saraki.

While speaking, the woman leader of the group Fatimoh Jimoh pointed out that the party (PDP) isn’t ready to work out modalities that would benefit the youths and the women of her ward and Kwara at large, thus there was no reason for any progress loving Kwaran to remain in such a party or follow any of their leaders.

Further speaking, she urged Kwarans to ensure they are not thrilled by the group of nocturnal politicians who only use the people to achieve their selfish political goals.

While receiving the decampees on behalf of the Party Chairman and Senator Bukola Saraki, Alhaji Kayode Sulyman Maja commended them for the thoughtful decision, and assured them of complete transparency, commitment and fulfillment of their desires and that of their wards in APC. He promised to convey their message to the party leaders as the group the group changed their name to Solidarity Bukola Saraki Youth Vanguard.

The SA Youth Mobilisation Kwara Central Alhaji AbdulFatai Sholagberu meet with 'Saraki Ideology Movement Association Executives' about the forthcoming voters registration exercise, He urge the association to continue to give their total support towards good governance of the Executive Governor of kwara state Alhaji AbdulFatai Ahmed and to continue their support to the leadership of senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki. A P & C oloyee

Traditional rulers in Kwara state have threw their weight behind the political leadership of the immediate past governor of the state, Dr Bukola Saraki.

The traditional chiefs said their declaration of open support for the scion of the famous Saraki political dynasty became necessary in view of the unfolding political development in the country.

Addressing a crowded news conference in Ilorin, the state capital yesterday, the monarchs said Saraki's unmatched contributions to the development of the state in the past one decade eminently qualified him to be the state's political leader.

The chiefs that addressed the news conference came under the aegis of Ilorin Emirate Magajis  and Alanguas forum.
The text of the news conference read by the Magaji Nda of Ilorin was signed by 350 chiefs from Ilorin Emirate.

Ilorin Emirate is made up of Ilorin East, West, South, Asa and Moro local government areas and boasts of 48 percent of the state's population.

The. Statement reads:
"We,the undersigned traditional chiefs appointed by His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin,from the various districts, wards,towns and villages of Ilorin Emirate in Ilorin West, East, South, Asa and Moro local government areas in Kwara state having painstakingly deliberated extensively on the new political development in Nigeria, particularly as it will the general wellbeing of our people, progress and development of Kwara state in future and having held necessary consultations with our large people, we have unanimously resolved to support the political leadership of Senator (Dr) Abubakar Bukola Saraki and Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed.

"Our decision based purely on their unequal track records of unprecedented achievements in the state and beyond.

"We therefore pledge our continued unalloyed support and loyalty  for their present political mission,which we considered justifiable."
ENDS,

Senator Dr Bukola Saraki

What are we to take away from the Warsaw Conference? For me, the message appears to be that developed Western nations want to offload reductions in Co2 emissions until they can afford it, or at best, use a market-based approach to finance climate change adaptation in developing countries. But is this the best way forward? Won’t this jeopardize the whole essence of curbing the impact of climate change on the most vulnerable population?

The discussions on “loss and damage” mechanisms won’t even happen until 2015 and clarification on funding for the proposed $100 billion a year post-2020 fund has stalled, for now economics seems to have won over the environment. From an African perspective, is a very narrow-minded equation.

The UNEP report released this week has highlighted how Africa is extremely vulnerable to the rise in global temperatures. It’s estimated that the costs to adapt the farming and infrastructure across the continent will be in excess of $350 billion a year. The post 2020 $100 billion a year fund wouldn’t even get close to this. But it’s not just these unaffordable costs that are the issue. Food shortages and droughts that will follow will cause frictions among already struggling nations, and conflict may follow.

The higher the temperatures rise, the greater the financial and human challenge to adapt, says the report. It argues that present policies point to temperatures rising to 3-4C by 2100, a turn of events it claims would be catastrophic. The African Union (AU) has made a seven-point demand for a framework that recognises the vulnerability of African countries to climate change and their incapacity to adapt. They want all parties to ratify the Doha ammendments in preparation for the 2015 outcome document. This demand, which I fully support, looks to avoid any failure at Paris (COP 21), where the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol (KP2) is expected to come into operation.

The AU demand does not have unachievable objectives. It additionally calls for institutions to administer forest related activities (under the UN REDD+ programme), and for a strategy and reporting mechanisms to control the reduction of emissions in developed countries. The finances of the green climate fund need to be used along with an implementation of the promised $100billion Global Climate Fund by developed countries. Finally, the climate technology centre and network need to be addressed properly in order to remove bottlenecks for Nigeria and other African countries in accessing new technologies for adaptation and mitigation.

Further ideas should also be drawn into the agenda for the Paris talks. The World Bank has recommended a development called the “landscape approach” where both ecosystems and social-economic policies are strategically combined and implemented together like two sides of a coin. With this system ‘the natural capital is used, without using it up’. This forward looking project aims to assist the development of sustainable agriculture across the world, especially for those that will bear the brunt of climate changes. Instead of using the Warsaw Conference to push aside commitments to drive down damage, resources and knowledge should be used to find more intelligent ways of making the most of what we have and what we will have.

The G77+China group of 133 countries were right to make a stand against the non-committal of the developed nations. We are not in the position to allow our economies to drive our environmental policies as we will bear the brunt of rising temperatures. We need firmer commitments on a global scale for not just funding to mitigate the damage but also to pursue alternative methods of agriculture, damage prevention and planning for such acts of nature that we have recently seen.

What the Warsaw Conference has highlighted is the huge difference between what the poorer nations need and what the richer nations are willing to provide. The $100 billion fund needs to be put in place in 2020, with richer nations making the commitments. The framework for the Paris talks must have the needs of the least developed nations in mind and take on board recommendations from outside organisations such as the AU and World Bank. The damage of climate change needs to be seen not just as a short-term economic issue, but as a long-term global social problem as this is how it is seen in Africa.

About:
Dr Bukola Saraki is the Senator for Kwara State in the National Assembly of Nigeria (www.abubakarbukolasaraki.org). He is also the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology, and founding President of GLOBE Nigeria, an affiliate of GLOBE International & World Summit of Legislators which is meant to bring legislators in Nigeria to join their counterparts across the globe, to agree and advance common legislative response to major global environmental and sustainable development challenges facing our time. Dr. Bukola Saraki who was a former two time Executive Governor of Kwara state between 2003-2011, has helped transformed the agricultural landscape of his home state and indeed Nigeria through innovative agricultural strategies. Little wonder, he is a member of the Nigerian Senate Committees on Agriculture, Banking & Capital markets, Finance, and Health where he continues to play an active role through visionary leadership.

A former governor of Kwara, Sen. Bukola Saraki, and a former Acting National Chairman of PDP, Alhaji Abubakar Baraje, on Saturday expressed satisfaction over the turnout of voters for the local government election.
Saraki, representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, told newsmen at his Agbaji, Ilorin, family house that voters' turnout would improve as voting continued.
He expressed gratitude to the people of the state for their continued support to the PDP, saying the turnout was commendable.
Baraje, in his remarks, expressed the belief that the PDP would win the council poll.
“We have done it before, we are still doing it. Kwara State is a unique state that delivers right from the grassroots to the national level for the PDP, ‘’ he said.
He also dismissed speculations that policemen were withdrawn from providing security during the election.
`` I can see security men here and there. They are very much around. I was coming from GRA to my family house here and they stopped me in about three or four places,’’ he said.
Baraje expressed the hope that the crisis in the PDP at the national level would end once law and order were respected.

@LeadershipNGA

Jonathan Not Weak, Institutions Now Stronger — Saraki @bukolasaraki

Senator Bukola Saraki (PDP, Kwara Central) is the immediate-past governor of the state. Now identifying with the Alhaji Kawu Baraje-led new PDP, he says, the Nigerian Senate deserves commendation for the discovery of the fuel subsidy discrepancies. Above all, he avers that those who think President Goodluck Jonathan is weak are wrong. He bared his mind Donald Ojogo and Jonathan Nda-Isaiah

You appear to have identified with the new PDP; can you tell Nigerians your reasons for this as a former governor on the platform of the party

I believe the issue is that we are trying to have a party that should stand for fairness and equity; a party that will be all- encompassing. There is need to get a strong party in preparation for the next election because there are concerns that the party is drifting; it’s not showing the readiness of sticking to the constitution and principles of the party, and there is need for us to address these issues. We can list many different scenarios happening in different states that give us concern. One of the key things that will always undermine the party is if the internal democracy mechanism is not strong leading to the election. So the sooner we address the issues the better for us; it is then that the public will see this is a party to trust, and we can’t do that without taking a look at what will be happening around in the country. PDP must reposition itself stronger and better and we believe such is not happening now.



Can you tell us specific constitutional breaches in the party and by who could be held responsible for such?

Constitutional breaches in the party are many; for example, there are issues that occurred in states like Adamawa, constitutional procedure on how you suspend members of the party, procedures in primary, if you look at what happened in Anambra state, it’s a concern, how a party can run two primaries at two different locations, as at today as we speak we don’t have a candidate in the next election; whether we like it or not, that is not good for the party, the party must be able to resolve its differences. We must get it right and the signals are not encouraging and that is why its better we shout now.



The formation of the new PDP appears to be the highpoint of the crisis within the party; did the leadership of the new PDP before the formation of that group, take advantage of internal crisis resolution mechanisms of the party before the final step?

Yes, unfortunately I was not at the convention, but you can see that one of the fundamental issues is that there were requests that certain procedures as agreed within the convention should be followed; but it found that delegates from some states were removed for those who were not delegates at all. Things like these made people to stage the walk out.



Is it just about lack of internal democracy in the party or breaches of party constitution; is the formation of the new PDP on a mission to stop President Jonathan from re-contesting in 2015?

How can that be?



But that’s the view of most Nigerians?

How can that be the issue for the formation of the new PDP, That is not the issue, may be that is what is exciting that could sell newspapers, people pick what they want to hammer on, no it’s not that. Look, there are about 18 states out of the 23 where you will have a change of baton at the states and you know what it’s like when there is change of baton in a state, the political activities become fierce and it is not like 2011 when most of governors were coming back; it was an easier transition then, but when you have this kind of situation without a strong internal party democracy or dynamics that party will stem serious problems, danger looms. If already you are having problem of delegates or state executives that is child play compared to when you will start dealing with primaries, if you go by one state already where we have two primary PDP by the time we are now doing 18 states. Is there any PDP person that can confidently say we have strengthened the party enough to ensure that we will not have crisis at the point of change of baton? Forget the issue of stopping President Jonathan, we are talking about the base, unlike before in 2003 in some places some places once you win the PDP ticket, you can go and sleep because you will win the general elections but it’s not like that anymore, and once it’s no longer like that, we must adjust because it is not the party that makes people, the people make the party.



You are the first leader of the new PDP that is saying Jonathan in not the issue, the G-7 governors and perhaps press statements by the new PDP always cite one of the conditions as President Jonathan’s second term ambition, are you disagreeing with them?

The issue of President Jonathan let me correct you, I am not saying that is not the only issue there are eight reasons we have put down; one out of eight in my mathematics is 13 percent, but we are talking about the remaining 87 percent rather than on the 13 percent. As much as we talk about it at the end of the day it’s a decision of his; decision of his in the sense that it’s a moral decision, at President Jonathan’s meeting with governors what did he commit, what did he tell Nigerians I am sure there will be recording of the past, what President Obasanjo said at Eagles Square, what he said somewhere, interpretation of meetings with people and all the rest. But it’s a decision of his at the end of the day; he should take a look at the environment to take a decision so at the end of the day it’s a moral decision; the decision is his individual choice.



Do you believe Tukur is the problem and his exit as chairman will solve the problems of the party?

What I will say is that the way the party is now, there is a problem presently under the chairmanship of Alhaji Tukur, the problem started when the new executive was put in place since then, we all saw the internal fighting within the party, now in going forward, sacrifices have to be made and one of the sacrifices is different leadership for the party, there is no doubt about that because that is the demand of the majority of the people now and in putting that in place, it must be a leadership that honestly people will believe can provide sanity. For instance, before, even if you are messed up in PDP, you have nowhere to go to; today, there are options because if you mess up a popular person, he can go to another party and mess up PDP.



But a national convention has been conducted, how do you effect a change of leadership at the national level?

Those are the challenges before the party.



There is the perception that those of you in the new PDP are up in arms against President Jonathan and Tukur because the president is perceived to be weak. Could you people have done this under ex-president Obasanjo?

I want to categorically say that President Jonathan is not a weak president. Even if ex-president Obasanjo is the president now, it would not have changed the current tempo and situation as it affects the new PDP. These are the kinds of stories some people in government tell the president, that Mr. President, don’t accept this, they think are weak, they always say you are weak and things like that, that because you are not from the majority Hausa/Fulani, or Yoruba or because you are from the minority; stories that will always make the man make mistakes. These are the people creating problems in this government. The difference between 2003 and now are wide; democracy is beginning to have meaning to the ordinary Nigerian, institutions are striving and people are more conscious of their rights and responsibilities as citizens.

The attention of Senator Dr Saraki’s office has been drawn to speculation in some media outlet that as part of the demand of the Baraje led PDP for reconciliation with the President, that Senator Saraki directly or indirectly asked that EFCC be asked not to probe him.
We would like to categorically put on record that this allegation is utterly false and at no time did Senator Saraki personally or through anyone else ask that the EFCC be influenced to stop any investigation into him.
As a law-abiding citizen who has served his state and country, as Governor of Kwara State, as Chair of the Nigeria Governor’s Forum and today as a Senator, Dr Saraki believes firmly in the rule of law and open democratic accountability.
That is why under his Governorship, Kwara State was the first state to open its accounts up to public scrutiny, and the first to gain an internationally recognised Fitch credit rating and consequently it is why today 90% of Kwara has access to electricity compared to the national average of 30%. This is in addition to Kwara State boasting an international airport, international pilot school, extensive road networks, community health insurance, the innovative Shonga Farms, and a robust and growing economy. It’s why he was recently honoured as emerging political icon of Africa by African Leadership Magazine, gracing its cover and accepting an award at an event in Atlanta, USA.
It should be noted that seven separate investigations have taken place into Senator Dr Saraki during his time in office. After each investigation the Senator always receives a clean bill of health. In September of 2006, Nuhu Ribadu, then Chairman of EFCC, took to the floor of the Senate to give a clean bill to six states, of which Kwara was one. Under Ribadu’s successor Waziri’s Chairmanship, Kwara Local Council was investigated in 2010 at the time that Senator Dr Saraki joined the presidential race.  Then, in 2011 at the same time that the Senator raised a motion on the floor of the senate he was investigated by SFU, but the Ministry of Justice wrote to him clearing his name of any wrongdoing.
Notably, most of the investigations have taken place after Senator Saraki raised issues of public concern, such as the mismanagement of the fuel subsidy, or when he was pursuing his presidential ambition. The current investigations, by EFCC, which are based on two issues, one is the issue of SGBN which occurred over 12 years ago and the other during his time as Governor which ended over 2 and half years ago, point to questionable motivations for the investigations. In 2003/4, whilst Governor, Senator Saraki gave up his immunity to answer questions on SGBN and till date he is one of only two governors in the history of Nigeria to ever give up immunity, which shows his sincerity and willingness to always uphold the rule of law.
The Senator is firmly of the belief that politicians and government should not pull the EFCC or other agencies into the political arena, where the perception of their work might become questionable. Agencies should be allowed to do their jobs independently without any interference.
It should be noted that no level of intimidation whether personal or political will prevent the Senator from standing up for the rights of ordinary Nigerians.?
Times are changing; the world is changing, and Nigeria and the PDP must change accordingly. Nigeria under the PDP cannot stay as it has been, it must change, otherwise the people who elected us to serve them, the people we serve, will reject us as a party.
The PDP must be the party that stands up for the rights of every Nigerian; that brings, security and safety into the lives of every Nigerian; that brings economic prosperity, opportunity and stability to the life of every Nigerian; that takes the lead on eradicating corruption; that takes a lead on eradicating poverty and ensures every Nigerian has access to education, health care, power and clean water; good roads, good markets; the PDP must be the party that leads Nigeria to take its rightful place leading the continent with a powerful voice on the global stage.
These are the concerns of Senator Dr Saraki, and the new PDP and he will continue to fight within the PDP, within the Senate for a just and fair Nigeria in which the wealth of the nation is not just those who corrupt the system but is shared for the benefit of every Nigerian man, woman and child.
 Signed,
Bamikole Omishore
www.abubakarbukolasaraki.com?

The attention of Senator Dr Saraki’s office has been drawn to speculation in some media outlet that as part of the demand of the Baraje led PDP for reconciliation with the President, that Senator Saraki directly or indirectly asked that EFCC be asked not to probe him.
We would like to categorically put on record that this allegation is utterly false and at no time did Senator Saraki personally or through anyone else ask that the EFCC be influenced to stop any investigation into him.
As a law-abiding citizen who has served his state and country, as Governor of Kwara State, as Chair of the Nigeria Governor’s Forum and today as a Senator, Dr Saraki believes firmly in the rule of law and open democratic accountability.
That is why under his Governorship, Kwara State was the first state to open its accounts up to public scrutiny, and the first to gain an internationally recognised Fitch credit rating and consequently it is why today 90% of Kwara has access to electricity compared to the national average of 30%. This is in addition to Kwara State boasting an international airport, international pilot school, extensive road networks, community health insurance, the innovative Shonga Farms, and a robust and growing economy. It’s why he was recently honoured as emerging political icon of Africa by African Leadership Magazine, gracing its cover and accepting an award at an event in Atlanta, USA.
It should be noted that seven separate investigations have taken place into Senator Dr Saraki during his time in office. After each investigation the Senator always receives a clean bill of health. In September of 2006, Nuhu Ribadu, then Chairman of EFCC, took to the floor of the Senate to give a clean bill to six states, of which Kwara was one. Under Ribadu’s successor Waziri’s Chairmanship, Kwara Local Council was investigated in 2010 at the time that Senator Dr Saraki joined the presidential race.  Then, in 2011 at the same time that the Senator raised a motion on the floor of the senate he was investigated by SFU, but the Ministry of Justice wrote to him clearing his name of any wrongdoing.
Notably, most of the investigations have taken place after Senator Saraki raised issues of public concern, such as the mismanagement of the fuel subsidy, or when he was pursuing his presidential ambition. The current investigations, by EFCC, which are based on two issues, one is the issue of SGBN which occurred over 12 years ago and the other during his time as Governor which ended over 2 and half years ago, point to questionable motivations for the investigations. In 2003/4, whilst Governor, Senator Saraki gave up his immunity to answer questions on SGBN and till date he is one of only two governors in the history of Nigeria to ever give up immunity, which shows his sincerity and willingness to always uphold the rule of law.
The Senator is firmly of the belief that politicians and government should not pull the EFCC or other agencies into the political arena, where the perception of their work might become questionable. Agencies should be allowed to do their jobs independently without any interference.
It should be noted that no level of intimidation whether personal or political will prevent the Senator from standing up for the rights of ordinary Nigerians.?
Times are changing; the world is changing, and Nigeria and the PDP must change accordingly. Nigeria under the PDP cannot stay as it has been, it must change, otherwise the people who elected us to serve them, the people we serve, will reject us as a party.
The PDP must be the party that stands up for the rights of every Nigerian; that brings, security and safety into the lives of every Nigerian; that brings economic prosperity, opportunity and stability to the life of every Nigerian; that takes the lead on eradicating corruption; that takes a lead on eradicating poverty and ensures every Nigerian has access to education, health care, power and clean water; good roads, good markets; the PDP must be the party that leads Nigeria to take its rightful place leading the continent with a powerful voice on the global stage.
These are the concerns of Senator Dr Saraki, and the new PDP and he will continue to fight within the PDP, within the Senate for a just and fair Nigeria in which the wealth of the nation is not just those who corrupt the system but is shared for the benefit of every Nigerian man, woman and child.
 Signed,
Bamikole Omishore
www.abubakarbukolasaraki.com?

A goodwill message by His Excellency, Senator Bukola Saraki to commemorate with Nigerians on her 53rd independence anniversary.
It is an honour for me to extend my warmest greetings to all Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora on the auspicious occasion of our 53rdindependence anniversary. Today marks the end of the prolonged colonial era and the beginning of a new nation, governed by the will and passion of its own people. Certainly, irrespective of the challenges we are facing as a nation, today is a day of joy for us.
But on this celebration of independence, we cannot but feel the pain in our hearts of innocent Nigerians who have lost their lives to violent uprising in parts of the country, vibrant and energetic youths who have been home due to the strike action, unemployed graduates, sick nursing mothers and children in hospitals, our brothers, fathers uncles, who have lost their lives while serving the nation; even as we strive daily fervently for a better Nigeria, we can’t but be reminded of you.
I am particularly elated that despite today’s challenges that this independence day celebration will provide a wonderful opportunity for us to come together once more irrespective of our religion, ethnic and political affiliation to reflect on the true state of our dear country in an attempt to revisit the brave effort of those who fought for our freedom and rights that characterizes the nation today.
Today 53 years after we achieved independence, if we look at our subsequent journey, we would find that our country has seen major changes and challenges,
In spite of all, we have drawn strength in our diversity.
Considering our multi-ethnic diversity, culture, religious beliefs we remain one nation bound in freedom as we face these challenges.
Today, we remember the families of our heroes past who bears the agonizing reality of moving forward with their lives while keeping the memories of our fallen heroes alive.    
 Also, noteworthy is the resolute nature of Nigerians (both young and old) in the political affairs of the country who work tirelessly for fairness and equality.
I must commend the contributions of these citizens who are now more enlightened and demand more from their representatives, and accordingly more from their politicians, Governors and Government.
Even though, we may not always agree on issues, but for the sake of  the country’s young democracy we always work together to harmonize our views for a better Nigeria where we can all express our opinion freely. This is the essence of the independence that we celebrate  yearly.
I solemnly acknowledge the need for us as leaders to make sacrifices in the interest of the nation. Nation building is not limited to government alone; every citizen has a role to play by complementing government’s efforts and keeping vigilant at all times against dangers posed by those  who have continued to undermine our democracy and peaceful coexistence.   
I will continue to work with progressives who believe in a government of the people, by and for the people to keep the dreams, hopes and aspirations of the people alive.  This will not come easy, but the ultimate sacrifice and our resolution to reclaim the true heroism we inherited from our founding fathers will be enough to see us through these challenging times.
I remain upbeat about the Nigeria project, my representation of  Kwara Central Senatorial District and also as the Chairman Senate Committee on the Environment and Ecology has  afforded me a rare opportunity to meet with Nigerian youths to garner their suggestions and contributions to nation building.
We must not only commemorate the work of our fallen heroes, we all should endeavor to join hands in the spirit of oneness and togetherness to achieve even the most daunting task in the reclamation of the dear country. 
As we reflect, and celebrate our 53rd independence anniversary, we must remember to keep hope alive by dedication to service, courage to uplift the nation at all times and the supreme sacrifices for our common prosperity.
May God bless Nigeria.
Long Live Kwara,
Long Live Federal Republic of Nigeria

Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Chairman Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology alongside members of the Leadership Council of the Alliance is expected to give update on Nigerian activities and how the government is making progress to promote and prioritize the issue of clean cooking in Nigeria.

The Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves is an innovative public-private partnership that has grown from 19 partners at launch in September 2010 to more than 800 partners across 6 continents, working together to save lives, improve livelihoods, empower women, and protect the environment by creating a thriving global market for clean cooking solutions.
The Alliance’s partners now include 39 national governments, the private sector comprised of large corporations and hundreds of small- and medium-sized enterprises, over a dozen UN agencies, foundations, and scores of non-governmental organizations, women’s groups, investors, and academic institutions.
With the ambitious goal of enabling 100 million households to adopt clean cooking solutions by 2020, the Alliance has made strong progress in identifying and implementing solutions to overcome the many market barriers that currently impede the production, deployment, and sustained use of clean cookstoves and fuels at scale.

Three years ago, Hillary Clinton – US Secretary of State launched the Alliance to raise awareness globally, and much progress has been made since inception. Now they need the support and active personal engagement of all of Leadership and Advisory Council members including Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki to help continue their efforts to transform the lives of 500 million households, many of which depend on women and the sustainability of our planet. The Alliance proves that public-private partnerships are a powerful means of having a lasting impact, and is a model for the future.

Other members of the leadership council includes, Michelle Bachelet
Former President and Chile and Former Under-Secretary-General and Former Executive Director, UN Women, Mary Robinson, Former President of Ireland and President and Chair of the Board of Trustees, Mary Robinson Foundation – Climate Justice, Otto Pérez Molina
President of Guatemalan Gunilla Carlsson,
Minister for International Development Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sweden, and Lilianne Ploumen
Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Netherlands.

Yesterday, the Inspector General of police directed the immediate withdrawal of security personnel detailed to the former Governor of Kwara State and current Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Distinguished Senator Bukola Saraki (CON). The security personnel withdrawn are from the Senator’s residences in Abuja and Ilorin.

That, it was an order from above is not enough reason to deny an elected person of his legal rights as prescribed by virtue of Kwara State Pension Law of 2010, Third Schedule, Section 2 (3) paragraph H.

While it is clear that this is not unconnected with the recent political activities going on in the country. No doubt, recent events in the nation have been taking strange and tragic dimensions but we have to look beyond our individual interests and let the weight of making Nigeria great dominate our minds as leaders and citizens as Nigeria is bigger than any individual.

By law, the Nigerian police have  contravened the rights of an elected citizen with deliberate harassment and intimidation to the person of Senator Saraki and we shall not hesitate to seek legal redress against  this arbitrary decision. 

This move by the Nigerian police authorities no doubt will definitely endanger the life of Senator Bukola Saraki. We hereby call on good citizens of Nigeria to hold the Federal Government responsible for any eventuality considering the fact that there are illegal arms going round the country without being properly checked.

Finally, Senator Saraki wishes to re affirm his commitment and readiness to uphold the virtue of democracy, good governance, , rule of law, equity and justice even in the face of this present intimidation and harassment as those are part of the sacrifices we must all make for a better Nigeria we will all be proud of. 

Signed,

Bamikole Omishore

Sen. Bukola Saraki’s Security Withdrawn

Yesterday, the Inspector General of police directed the immediate withdrawal of security personnel detailed to the former Governor of Kwara State and current Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Distinguished Senator Bukola Saraki (CON). The security personnel withdrawn are from the Senator’s residences in Abuja and Ilorin.

That, it was an order from above is not enough reason to deny an elected person of his legal rights as prescribed by virtue of Kwara State Pension Law of 2010, Third Schedule, Section 2 (3) paragraph H.

While it is clear that this is not unconnected with the recent political activities going on in the country. No doubt, recent events in the nation have been taking strange and tragic dimensions but we have to look beyond our individual interests and let the weight of making Nigeria great dominate our minds as leaders and citizens as Nigeria is bigger than any individual.

By law, the Nigerian police have  contravened the rights of an elected citizen with deliberate harassment and intimidation to the person of Senator Saraki and we shall not hesitate to seek legal redress against  this arbitrary decision. 

This move by the Nigerian police authorities no doubt will definitely endanger the life of Senator Bukola Saraki. We hereby call on good citizens of Nigeria to hold the Federal Government responsible for any eventuality considering the fact that there are illegal arms going round the country without being properly checked.

Finally, Senator Saraki wishes to re affirm his commitment and readiness to uphold the virtue of democracy, good governance, , rule of law, equity and justice even in the face of this present intimidation and harassment as those are part of the sacrifices we must all make for a better Nigeria we will all be proud of. 

Signed,

Bamikole Omishore

OPENING REMARK BY THE CHAIRMAN SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY SEN. BUKOLA SARAKI AT AN INFORMAL COMMITTEE INTERACTIVE SESSION WITH STAKEHOLDERS ON DESERTIFICATION AND EROSION, HELD ON THE 15TH OF JULY 2013 AT SENATE COMMITTEE RM 231 SENATE NEW BUILDING NATIONAL ASSEMBLY COMPLEX ABUJA.

PROTOCOL

I am delighted to welcome all of you to the Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology. Let me begin by reiterating that this interactive session is not a public hearing on any bill before the committee. However, in keeping with the committee tradition of partnership and engagement with Key Stakeholders including civil society as key partners in the activities of this committee, the committee has organised this forum to get feedback from experts on the field and also feel the pulse of our larger constituencies on the proposed merger of the desertification bill with the Erosion Commission bill earlier referred to the committee.

You will recall that we had on the 30th Of May 2012 organised a public hearing on the Erosion Control Commission bill 2011. At the hearing there was an overwhelming support for the intended commission to be a merger of erosion and desertification. We know however, that the problem we seek to solve is a very serious one and requires broad consensus and field knowledge.

The fact that we are today holding this interactive session is a pointer to the seriousness the committee attaches to this twin environmental challenge of erosion and desertification. We are by this forum sending out a strong message that we are ready to partner with stakeholders everywhere to deal with the challenge of desertification and erosion in the country. However, the committee understands that in order to build the right institutional framework to tackle desertification and erosion, such proposal must be in synch with the expectations of the communities affected and the experts on the field.

Distinguished colleagues, invited guests, desertification and erosion are becoming in my view our biggest environmental treats. I am sure everyone here knows this much. I do not see the need to stress the enormity of the problem. But with our country said to be losing 350,000 hectares of arable lands per year and tens of thousands of farmers and Nigerian families forcibly dislocated from their lands and homes, it is hard to need another reason to suggest that desertification and erosion has become major contributors to worsening poverty and insecurity in the country. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation FAO, Nigeria has the highest rate of deforestation (the precursor of erosion and desertification) in the world. A study conducted recently and published by ‘A Journal of Human Ecology’ shows that in terms of climate change there was a temperature increase in Nigeria of 1.1°C, while the global mean temperature increase was only 0.74°C. much of this is attributable to deforestation. The same study also found in the same period of time that the amount of rainfall in the country has decreased significantly by 81mm. It was noticed that both of these trends simultaneously had sharp changes in the 1970s. From 1990 to 2010 Nigeria has lost half of its Forest Cover, moving from 17,234 to 9041 hectares a clear indication of where the problem lies.

The environmental and economic cost of erosion and desertification is spiraling out of control. We are losing as a nation over $5.1bn a year to the Sahara desert alone. This is not different from the economic cost of erosion in the South. The committee sees this situation as unacceptable, dire and very worrying. Therefore, we are determined to do our utmost to see that this scenario is reversed quickly. This is why the committee will be attaching a lot of seriousness to your views and opinions on this bill, because of your wealth of knowledge working on this area of the environment over time. We see you as partners therefore, we expect honest, positive (not individual bashing) and thought provoking insights and solution purposed interventions.

Our mission here is simple. To produce a legislative framework that will enable us act much more intelligently and sustainably to reclaim our land from the desert and stem the ravaging gully erosion from eating up our land. Thankfully, the government is showing proactivity by the recent launch of the Great Green Wall Initiative.

However, this committee acknowledges that fact that a sustainable initiative must be one underpinned by a viable legislative instrument. That viable legislative instrument is what we seek to develop taking a cue from your field knowledge. This is why your partnership and participation is important to us not merely to satisfy the ritualistic democratic notion of participation but as an enriching and valuable part of our deliberative process in this regards. This is why this committee is committed to broaden the space for participation to include you the civil society and the communities mostly impacted by these environmental challenge. You form our valued stakeholders in this regard.

We expect to learn more, appreciate more and enrich the final draft from a robust and insightful deliberation with you our partners so that at the end of the day we will have a bill not just made by the national assembly but made by Nigerians for Nigeria.

Once again on behalf of the Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology, I welcome you all.

God bless Nigeria.