Press Release

May 30, 2017


Senate Passes Buhari's Anti-Corruption Bill
 

 

The Senate has approved and passed the Bill on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters between Nigeria and other Foreign States.  


The executive bill presented to the Senate by President Muhammadu Buhari, provides for the repeal of the Money Laundering Act of 2011 (as amended in 2012) to prohibit money laundering activities, expand the scope of money laundering offences, provide protection for employees of various institutions, provide appropriate penalties and other purposes.

 

In his comment after the passage of the Bill, Senate President,  Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, said: “This anti-money laundering legislation is a key component of President Muhammadu Buhari’s war on corruption agenda.  This act will facilitate the needed cooperation with other states to prevent individuals from escaping prosecution by fleeing to another country.”

 

Under the passed Bill, the Nigerian government may request that any country where a money launderer is hiding out to aid in the prosecution of such person, or such person may even be prosecuted in accord with the law of the host country.  Nigeria would also be able to supply the country with evidentiary support to aid a conviction.

 

“This is the kind of innovative and cooperative anti-corruption scheme that will truly discourage money laundering”, said Saraki.  “I and my colleagues applaud the President’s creativity and determination to discourage this kind of corruption.”

 

END


Senate President's Media Press Office

*Another milestone reached by the Nigerian Senate under the leadership of Dr ABUBAKAR BUKOLA SARAKI*

Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters between Nigeria and other Foreign States Bill, 2017 (SB. 224) is read the 3rd time and passed.

This is a critical bill to support the fight against corruption

Access to Finance has always been a major problem for owners of small and medium-sized businesses in Nigeria. 


A 2016 NASSBER report highlighted that only 3% of SME owners that were surveyed, revealed that they had received their start-up loans and capital through formal financial institutions like banks.


This is because SME owners often do not have the collateral or the assets requested by banks before they are given loans.


This is why, this month, as part of the 8th Senate’s ‘Economic Reform Agenda’ to make the Ease of Doing Business in the country easier, we have focused on passing laws that will create more opportunities for SMEs to access the credit that they need to grow.


Just yesterday, we passed the Independent Warehouse Regulatory Agency Act. This Bill solves the problem of collateral by allowing businesses to secure loans using commercial warehouse receipts. 


Additionally, with the Secured Transactions in Movable Assets Bill, which passed on the 9th of May, 2017, business-owners will be able to access credit using movable assets like cars, jewelry, and computers.


These reforms will also serve to liberate our financial services sector from the fixed asset system which currently places too much emphasis on land as the base capital. This will create more leverage for our banks and credit agencies to lend more to the real sector.


The Senate has focused on these reforms because the facts speak for themselves: our SMEs employ 84% of our workforce. Hence, if our SMEs are provided with opportunities for sustainable growth, our economy thrives, and we as a nation are all better of.


-ABS


A 2016 NASSBER report highlighted that only 3% of SME owners that were surveyed, revealed that they had received their start-up loans and capital through formal financial institutions like banks.


This is because SME owners often do not have the collateral or the assets requested by banks before they are given loans.


This is why, this month, as part of the 8th Senate’s ‘Economic Reform Agenda’ to make the Ease of Doing Business in the country easier, we have focused on passing laws that will create more opportunities for SMEs to access the credit that they need to grow.


Just yesterday, we passed the Independent Warehouse Regulatory Agency Act. This Bill solves the problem of collateral by allowing businesses to secure loans using commercial warehouse receipts. 


Additionally, with the Secured Transactions in Movable Assets Bill, which passed on the 9th of May, 2017, business-owners will be able to access credit using movable assets like cars, jewelry, and computers.


These reforms will also serve to liberate our financial services sector from the fixed asset system which currently places too much emphasis on land as the base capital. This will create more leverage for our banks and credit agencies to lend more to the real sector.


The Senate has focused on these reforms because the facts speak for themselves: our SMEs employ 84% of our workforce. Hence, if our SMEs are provided with opportunities for sustainable growth, our economy thrives, and we as a nation are all better of.


-ABS

Bankole Omishore, Hero of #OpenNass


By Surajudeen Lawal

The furore over #OpenNass has come and gone, but a particular voice was surprisingly vocal in a manner that speaketh of assurances.

The words of Bankole Omishore, the Special Assistant on New Media to President of the Senate.
"I would resign, if the Senate fails to lay the 2017 budget, together with the National Assembly budget."

Since I've known Mr. Bankole Omishore aka Banks, he's been a guy with fierce loyalty to his principal, rain or sunshine.

Snippets of gossips abound in Washington of his doggedness and tenacious focus on any given task, (news for another day).

The Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has shown the Nation, nay the World that as he's a man of astuteness, he surrounds himself with people of notable characters.

Because of his love of country, trust in his principal, the suave Senate President ABS and believe in the positive progress of the 8th Senate, Bankole Omishore put his career on the line, by vowing to resign in the advent of "No #OpenNass"!.

I believe this young man deserves to be commended for giving the youths of the Nation hope, that indeed we can be taken serious if and when we promote a trustworthy personality.

Bankole Omisore has shown the world that he trust his Principal, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, the Chairman of the 8th Assembly explicitly and the Senate President, ABS too made sure the trust is not misplaced.

Thanks to the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki for a tenacious and worthy employment of the hardworking Bankole on his team.
Maybe, maybe not the action of the always active bundle of brain ala Banks' role in the #OpenNass will be known in the future shall be determined if and when he does decides to publish his memoirs.

Does he plan to publish one?

Bankole Omishore "Banks" deserves an ovation.


Lawal Suraj'deen Don-Koga Is A Kwara Based Young Entrepreneur

Today, at the @NGRSenate, we passed the Secured Transactions in Movable Assets Bill and the Credit Bureau Services Bill. https:///yZg5n66Ikz

Today, at the @NGRSenate, we passed the Secured Transactions in Movable Assets Bill and the Credit Bureau Services Bill. 1
-@bukolasaraki

We just laid the #2017Budget at the @NGRSenate. This is the first time since 1999 the Bill and its details are being laid at the same time. https:///UFVpZA1Id2

My Offence is That I Opposed Muslim-Muslim Ticket (Wrote this article last year) 23 April 2016

By Bukola Saraki

My dear brother Dele, let me thank you most sincerely for your article last weekend, “My Candid Letter to Saraki.” I take everything you said in that article to heart and I must commend you for your candidness indeed and the sincerity of your intentions.

As you said in your article, you are someone I have known more by reputation than by any personal relationship, until recently when we struck up some personal acquaintance based on our shared political interests, especially during the last presidential election. However, I understand why you had to sound so defensive for knowing me at all and had to publicly map the boundaries of our relationship. We have got to that point in our country when we no longer believe that anyone could stand for anything based on principles and convictions alone. Moreover, in the growing culture of media crucifixion and presumed guilt; it is rare to find a voice like yours that calls for fairness and justice.

I would have simply sent you a text message or call you up for your candid advice to me, which I take seriously. But I feel the need to make some clarifications on some of the issues you raised. One of them was that in seeking to be Senate President, I struck a deal with the PDP and made it possible for one of them to be the Deputy Senate President. I know this is the dominant narrative out there, but it is far from the truth.

I did not do any deal with the PDP. I did not have to because even before the PDP Senators as a group took the decision to support my candidature on the eve of the inauguration of the 8th Senate, 22 PDP Senators had already written a letter supporting me. What I did not envisage was a situation where some members of my party would not be in the chambers that day, especially when the clerk had already received a proclamation from the President authorizing the inauguration of the Senate. Pray, if a team refused to turn up for a scheduled match and was consequently walked over, would it be fair to blame the team that turned up and claimed victory? I believe those that made it possible for PDP to claim the DSP position were those who decided to hold a meeting with APC senators elsewhere at the time they ought to be in the chambers. What the PDP Senators did was to take advantage of their numerical strength at the material time. They simply lined up behind Senator Ike Ikweremadu while those of us from APC voted for Senator Ali Ndume. It was a game of numbers, and we were hopelessly outnumbered. If the PDP had nominated their own candidate for the Senate Presidency position that day, they would have won. It was as simple as that.

Secondly, I don’t know if you were aware that in the build up to Senate inauguration, the National Working Committee of the APC sent two signals. The first signal specified how leadership positions in the National Assembly have been zoned. While we were trying to give effect to this decision, the second signal came, which contained names of people to which these zoned position had been allocated. What was not acknowledged was that the President of the Senate is not an executive president. He is primarily one of 109 senators. Therefore, I cannot decide by myself who gets what in the Senate. Therefore, when they said I defied party directive in the choice of principal officers, they are invariably ascribing to me the power that I did not have.

My dear brother, most people talk about the Senate Presidency position, but this was not my only offence. I have also been accused of helping to frustrate some people’s opportunity to emerge as President Muhammadu Buhari’s running mate. But I have no problem with anybody. My concern was that it would not be politically smart of us to run with a Muslim-Muslim ticket. I doubt if we would have won the election if we had done this, especially after the PDP had successfully framed us a Muslim party. I felt we were no longer in 1993. Perhaps, more than ever before, Nigerians are more sensitive to issues of religious balancing. This, my brother, was my original sin. What they say to themselves, among other things, was that if he could conspire against our ambition, then he must not realize his own ambition as well. For me however, I have no regrets about this. I only stood for what I believed was in the best interest of the party and in the best interest of Nigeria.

Now to the substantive issue of my trial. As you rightly noted, this trial is not about corruption. And I am happy that since my trial started, people who have followed the proceedings have now understood better what the whole thing is about. I have had opportunity to declare my assets four times since 2003. Over those years, the Code of Conduct Bureau had examined my claims. There was no time that they raised any issues with me on any item contained in my declarations over those twelve years. This is why you should be surprised that while I am being tried by the Code of Conduct Tribunal, the witness and the evidence supplied against me were all from EFCC.

Like you, I have an abiding faith in the judiciary. May God forbid the day that we would give up on our judicial system. However, the onus is not on me to prove that I have confidence in the judiciary; the burden is on my prosecutors to prove to the world that justice is done in my case. If the process of fighting corruption is itself corrupt, then whatever victory is recorded would remain tainted and puerile!

Some people have wondered, why has Saraki been “jumping” from one court to another instead of facing his trial? To those people, I would say that I have only gone to those courts in search of justice. Strange things have happened, and they are still happening. For example, Section 3(d) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act states that the Bureau shall refer any breach or non-compliance to the Tribunal. However, where the person concerned makes a written admission of the breach, no reference to the Tribunal shall be necessary. It was on this basis that the case against Asiwaju Bola Tinubu was dismissed in 2011, by this same judge in this same Tribunal on the grounds that he was not given an opportunity to deny or admit to any breach before he was brought before the tribunal. This was the ruling that I relied on in making my case. But what did the judge say? That he had judged in error in 2011 and he had since realized his error and departed from it. My question is whether a Tribunal of first instance has the power to reverse itself. I should expect that everyone would be worried if justice is applied differently to different people. However, in spite of my fears, I remain hopeful. Why? Because the judiciary does not end with this Tribunal.

Do you know the genesis of my real problems with President Goodluck Jonathan? I have had a touchy relationship with him, but the turning point was in September 2011 when I moved a motion on the floor of the Senate that exposed the N2.3 trillion fuel subsidy racket. I remain proud that I was the Senator that blew the lid on the most elaborate corruption scheme ever in this country. But after that I became a marked man. My security was withdrawn. I was invited and re-invited by the EFCC and the Special Fraud Unit. I was even declared wanted at a point. I believe I am still one of the most investigated former governors in this country. I have no doubt that if the Jonathan government was able to find anything against me, they would not have allowed me to go unpunished.

Let me make this point clearly. I do not expect to be shielded from prosecution because of my contribution to APC, if there was genuine basis for such action to be taken against me. But I have every reason to expect not to be persecuted by the party that I contributed so much to build. The New PDP may not have given APC victory in 2015, but it was an important factor in the dynamics that produced that victory. And with all sense of modesty, I was an important factor in the formation of New PDP; in leading that group to the APC; in ensuring our group’s support for the candidate during the primaries and in mobilizing substantial resources for the election. For these, I have not expected any special compensation. Rather, I only expect to be treated like every loyal party member and accorded the right to freely aspire!

Some people have complained that I have been taken Senators with me to my trial. But I did not force them to follow me. The Senators have freely accompanied me to the Tribunal not because they are loyal to me as Abubakar Bukola Saraki, but because they are committed to the principle that produced me as the President of the Senate. The same principle that produced Ike Ekweremadu as Deputy Senate President and produced Ali Ndume as Majority Leader. They see all of us in the Senate leadership as manifestation of their jealously guarded right to freely choose their own leaders. Because they know they made us their leaders without any external interference; they are confident that they retain the power to remove us whenever they so wish. They also know what this trial is all about. They believe I am being victimized because they have expressed their right to choose their own leadership. This is why I am not in any way perturbed by my absence in the chambers during this trial. Because I was not imposed on the Senate, I feel confident that the Senate will protect its own choice whether I am present or not. It is never about me. It is about the independence of the legislature. It has always been so since 1999. It is so today and it would be so in 2019, it would be so in 2023, and as long as we practice a democracy that operates on the principle of separation of powers.

My dear brother, let me end by observing that I am not alone in this trial. On trial with me in this process is the entire judicial system. On trial with me is our entire anti-corruption institutions and our avowed commitment to honestly fight corruption. On trial with me is our party's promise to depart from the ways of the past, a promise that Nigerians voted for. And I dare say, on trial with me is our media and their ethical commitment to report fairly and objectively. In the end, it is my earnest hope that whatever we do will ultimately ennoble our country.

Dr. Saraki is President of the Senate, Federal Republic of Nigeria

*#TodayInPlenary* *PROCEEDING OF THE NIGERIAN SENATE OF THURSDAY 27TH APRIL, 2017*

Welcome to a new Legialative day in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Deputy Senate President Ike Rkweremadu took the official prayer and led the Senate Leadership into today's proceedings.

Senator Abdullahi Gumel moved for the approval of the votes and proceedings of Wednesday 26th April, 2017. Senator Ben Murray Bruce seconded.

*ANNOUNCEMENT*

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu made announcements. He also welcomed guests observing Senate Proceedings in the Gallery.

Invitation from Senator Philip Aduda for free fertilization to farmers on the 29th of April, 2017. Venue: Kuje Abuja.

*PETITION*

Senator Ovie OmoAgege presented a petition on behalf of one of his constituents. The Petition is referred to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petition.

*POINT OF ORDER*

-Senator Joshua Lidani raised a Point of Order on the demise of a Former Senator from Gombe State.

Senator James Manager spoke on the great life of former Senate Adamu Waziri as Senate observes a Minute Silence in honour of the late Senator.

-Senator George Sekibo also raised a Point of Order on Personal Explanation that the cash found in #IkoyiGate actually belongs to Rivers State.He said its the second time they are blowing the whistle on this matter and wants the circumstances around #IkoyiGate investigated.

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu noted that the Nigerian House of Representative has already set up a panel on #IkoyiGate as well as the other Executive panel led by Proffesor Yemi Osinbajo.

-Senator Nazif Suleiman also raised a Point of Order and a subsequent motion on the upcoming May 1, 2017 #WorkersDay.

Senator Dino Melaye spoke on the need for improvement in the welfare of Nigerian Workers. He accuses Governors of not using bailouts and the Paris Club Refund to actually pay Salaries and singles out his home State, Kogi for owing 15 Months Workers' Salary. He advises President Muhammadu Buhari to stop the allocation of 2nd tranche of Paris Club Refund to States who owe Workers' Salaries.

Senator Paulker spoke in support of the Motion on improvement in Workers' Welfare, insisting Workers be given their due entitlements.

Senate Leader Ahmed Lawan congratulated Nigerian Workers on the occasion of the 2017 Workers Day. He added that Nigerians need to ask about what happened to Bail Out Funds I and II as well as the Paris Club Refund. He urged State Legislators to be up and doing in Oversight.

Senators Abdullahi Gumel, Albert Bassey and  Ibrahim Gobir all congratulated Nigerian Workers and lent their voices on the need for incentives.

Senator Chukwuka Utazi said the Executive needs to take the welfare of workers as paramount. He urged Governors to come and learn from Enugu State.

Senator Emmanuel Bwacha also congratulated the Nigerian Worker on the upcoming occassion of the May 1, 2017 Workers' Day.

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu-"Congratulations to the workers, I believe we can do more for them on productivity. Security of lives is also a major focus". He said Government needs to ensure the prompt payment of Gratuities and Pensions upon retirement. He spoke on the need for fiscal federalism to ensure states can sustain themselves unlike the current situation where they take handouts monthly.
"The review of minimum wage should be a priority." -Deputy Senate President.

*PRESENTATION OF BILL FOR FIRST READING*

1. Petroleum Industry Fiscal Bill, 2017 (SB. 472)by Senator Alasoadura Omotayo.

*PRESENTATION OF REPORT*

Report of the Joint Committee on Gas, Petroleum Upstream, Finance and Appropriation. Implementation of Joint Cash Calls Obligation from 2011- 2015 by Senator Bassey Albert Akpan.
-That the Senate do consider the report of the Joint Committee on Gas, Petroleum Upstream, Finance and Appropriation on the Implementation of Joint Cash Calls Obligation by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) from 2011-2015.
- The Report was LAID.
*CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS*

Report of the Committee on Marine Transport. Nigerian Ports and Habours Bill, 2017 (SB.243) by Senator Ahmed  Rufai Sani.
-That the Senate do consider the report of the Committee on Marine Transport on the Nigerian Ports and Harbours Bill, 2017 (SB.243).

*COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE*

Senate dissolved into the committee of whole to consider the report on the Marine Transport, Nigerian Ports and Harbours Bill.

"What is worth doing is worth doing well, this is for us to jump start the process"
- Senator James Manager.

Senate reverted back to plenary and reported progress.

At the commitee of the whole the Senate considered the ammended clauses.

"It's a very important development in our country and we should adopt the best practices,also ensure there is improvement and port efficiency.
-Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu.

*ADJOURNMENT*

Deputy Senate leader moved that other items on the order paper be stood down to another Legislative day. Deputy minority leader seconded.

Plenary is adjourned to Tuesday 2nd May, 2017.

#GavelBangs.

Watch President of Senate, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki in an Exclusive Interview with Arise TV.

As he discusses Opennass, Economy, Executive-Legislature relationship, handling of recovered funds by EFCC etc



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13ZGPl0U2vM

Saraki The Baba Adini of Ansarul Islam Worldwide, Well Deserved


Let me begin with the words #CongratulationsOurLeader, the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki on his turbaning as the Baba Adini of Ansarul Islam worldwide. The title, which was bequeathed on him in Ilorin last weekend during the 75th year anniversary of the society, is a well deserved one owing to his immense physical and anonymous contributions towards the propagation of Islam in Nigeria and beyond.


Obviously, the passion that Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has for Islam being an ardent and undiluted muslim, vindicated him to emerge as the first Muslim Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In spite of all the concerted efforts of political adversaries in the ruling (All Progressive Congress) party, the party he worked for relentlessly to ensure its victory in 2015, against his ambition. It is on record that Dr. Bukola Saraki never toyed with any Islamic clarion call whenever he heard it; and since he emerged as Senate President his impacts on Islam throughout the nation have continued to justify his commitment to the religion. This shows that the distinguished Senate President recognizes the fact that supporting the course of Allah is due for him not only as a muslim but also for all wonderful supports He has bestowed on him.


All right-thinking muslims who are keen followers of history would not marvel on the Senate President's bits to Islam as a popular Yoruba adage says "Omo ajannaku kii yarán, omo tekun babi, ekun nii jo". My apologies to the non-yoruba speakers. It is scientifically proven that great men take after their ancestors. This is because the Senate President's late father, Dr. Olusola Saraki who was popularly called Oloyee, lived his life all for the propagation of Islam and alleviation of the downtrodden as many community mosques, Qur'anic and Islamic schools were built and financially supported by him during his lifetime. Specifically on Ilorin Central Mosque, which is the rallying point of all Ilorin Emirate muslims home and abroad, one can conclude that the Islamic spirit of Sen. Bukola Saraki is hereditary. This inheritance evidently spans Oloyee's easing of Muslim faithful in terms of provision of foods and beverages during Ramadan, Eid-il-Fitir, Eil-il-Kabir and other Islamic festivals. From the archive, In 1970s when the mosque was first constructed to suit the world class taste, the contribution of Late Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki to the putting of that gigantic sacred edifice was second to none. However, Dr. Bukola Saraki, the distinguished Senate President, as a true son of the man who dedicated all he had to the course of Allah, replicated his father by not only donating huge amount of money, but for exploring his position to woo many of his political and non-political associates (muslims and non-muslims) including Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chief Femi Otedola among others to donate colossal amount of money in 2009. The mosque was completed within the timeline promised and its interior and exterior beauty is unequalled to any mosque on the continent of Africa and beyond to some extent. This is another remarkable achievement of Dr. Bukola Saraki for Islam worthy of flaunting over every now and then, but he never stopped there as he recently sponsored the construction of the women wing of the mosque and started the monthly donation for  the maintenance of the edifice.


Moreover, the contribution of the Distinguished Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki to the development of Islamic societies and organizations within and outside Ilorin Emirate cannot be overemphasized. One of these is his periodic financial support to the construction of Muhammed Kamaldeen University during and after the lifetime of Sheikh (Dr.) Muhammed Kamaldeen Al Adabby, the founder of Ansarul Islam Society of Nigeria which is the first Islamic society in the northern Nigeria. The optimism on the university reached its peak when the Senate President visited the University site last year (2016) and promised the needed facilities within his capacity to ensuring the university secures approval and commences operation in order to get Sheikh Kamaldeen, who produced thousands of erudite Islamic Scholars, immortalized. This alone is great, not to talk of other supports which are not visible to the members of the public, towards making the university operational.


On the last note, the recently held National Qur'anic competition in Ilorin, Kwara State had Bukola Saraki's name etched to its success, because of his marvelous dedication to the course of Allah which he displayed through his largesse.  As an appreciation to the Almighty Allah as well as the Nigerian muslims, being the first Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he singlehandedly sponsored the programme with huge amount of money. Not only that, he identified with other muslims as he deemed it fit to be in attendance on the day of grand finale of the competition with special financial and material packages, to the tune of fifty million naira, for the winners at different categories and the organising and officiating teams. This simple depiction revealed how important the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, takes Islam and also vindicated him as a true son of Ilorin, where we have no any business other than the Qur'an.


Abdulrahman Abdullahi Kayode writes from Ilorin.

WHAT IS SARAKI'S SIN?

When you ask them why they want to occupy NASS they will say because of Saraki.

What has Saraki done ? He has refused to be a puppet of Buhari's kitchen Cabals.

Ask how many Economic bills the President has sent to NASS and they have refused to pass ? None.

In a swift response to the economy entering recession, the Senate passed 7 urgent Economic bills & the executive did not immediately sign

All of them pending since last assembly and one is the reason the coastal and Lagos/ibadan railways can start reconstruction.

Ask how many anti corruption bills the Executives has sent to the NASS? One, the whistleblower bill and it's going through the process.

Ask how many public accountability bills have been sent to the nass to date? None

How many education or health reform bills have been sent to the nass by the executive? none

How many judicial reform bills have been sent to the nass by the executive to date? None

How many economic diversification bills including oil and gas sector reforms have been sent by the executive to the nass since inception? None.

How is it that the man who has lead to the initiation of 13 economic reforms and business environment bills is the one against change?

How is it that despite the distractions he has not one day offered excuses but continues to push on with legislative reforms the enemy of change?

How is that though the president has continued to violate our laws and the constitution by unilaterally dismissing all public boards for 2yrs without replacement; nigeria is without ambassadors in all countries for 2years?
Is Saraki corrupt? Ask EFCC that has been taking him to court since 2012.

Because Jonathan refused to assent to nPDP's request that EFCC withdraws it's prosecution they joined APC to remove Jonathan. So it's not today EFCC started persecuting him.

Is it Saraki who rejected Magu? No! DSS a body under the Presidency defied the orders of the President and said Magu isn't fit to handle

BUHARI/ SARAKI RELATIONSHIP: PARTNERSHIP THAT WORKS

http://leadership.ng/opinions/580395/buharisaraki-relationship-a-partnership-that-works

Legislative Achievements of the 8th Senate


33 Senate Bills Passed

68 Bills Due for Second Reading

56 Bills Introduced Since September

227 Bills at First Reading Stage

145 Bills Due for Second Reading

118 Bills at Committee stage

411 Bills Introduced

9 Priority Bills at Committee Stage

54 House Bills Waiting for Concurrence

35 Concurrence bills passed

32 Constitution amendment Bills


Tell your friends: the Senate is working.

THE ​SENATE BILLS 

​THAT HAVE BEEN ​

PASSED

​ (ORIGINATED IN THE SENATE)​


1 Bankruptcy & Insolvency Act Cap.B2 LFN 2011 (Repeal and Enactment) Bill 2015

2 Public Procurement Amendment Act

3 Nigerian Railway Corporation Act, 1955 N129 LFN 2004 (Repeal And Re-Enactment) Bill 2015

4 Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities (Prohibition) Bill 2015

5 National Centre For Cancer And Treatment (Est.) Bill SB. 10

6 Federal University Of Petroleum Resources Effurun And For Other Related Matters Bill, 2016 

7 Forestry Research Institute Act Bill 2015

8 Soil Science Nigerian Institute Act Bill 2015

9 High Court Of FCT Amendment Act Bill 

10 Electronic Transactions Bill 2015

11 Public Procurement Amendment Act Bill 2015

12 National Assembly Budget and Research Office (Establishment) Bill, 2016

13 Jamb Act (Amendment) Bill, 2016

14 Food Security Bill, 2016

15 Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund (Est. etc.) Act Bill, 2016

16 Defense Space Agency (Est. etc.) Act Bill 2016

17 Federal University, Wukari (Establishment, etc.) Act Bill

18 Commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme Act Bill, 2016.

19 National Institute for Cancer Research & Treatment (Establishment, etc.) Act Bill

20 High Court of Federal Capital Territory, Abuja (Amendment) Act Bill

21 Electronic Transactions Act Bill 2016

22 North East Development Commission Bill (Establishment, etc.) Act Bill 2016

23 Code of Conduct Act (Amendment) Bill 2016 

24 Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Education Institutions Bill 2016 

25 Counterfeit And Fake Drugs And Unwholesome Processed Foods Act 2004 SB55

26 Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service Bill 2016 SB81

27 National Poverty Alleviation Commission (Est. etc.) 2016 SB23

28 Air force Institute of Technology (Est. etc.) 2016 SB180

29 2015 FCT Appropriation Act (SB. 225)

30 National Sports Lottery Act, 2005 Amendment Bill (SB.227)

31 Nigerian Peace Corps (Establishment) Bill,

32 2016 Appropriation Bill (SB 212)

​        33    INEC Amendment Bill (SB 231 & 234)

​

Legislative Achievements of the 8th Senate


33 Senate Bills Passed

68 Bills Due for Second Reading

56 Bills Introduced Since September

227 Bills at First Reading Stage

145 Bills Due for Second Reading

118 Bills at Committee stage

411 Bills Introduced

9 Priority Bills at Committee Stage

54 House Bills Waiting for Concurrence

35 Concurrence bills passed

32 Constitution amendment Bills


Tell your friends: the Senate is working.

THE ​SENATE BILLS 

​THAT HAVE BEEN ​

PASSED

​ (ORIGINATED IN THE SENATE)​


1 Bankruptcy & Insolvency Act Cap.B2 LFN 2011 (Repeal and Enactment) Bill 2015

2 Public Procurement Amendment Act

3 Nigerian Railway Corporation Act, 1955 N129 LFN 2004 (Repeal And Re-Enactment) Bill 2015

4 Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities (Prohibition) Bill 2015

5 National Centre For Cancer And Treatment (Est.) Bill SB. 10

6 Federal University Of Petroleum Resources Effurun And For Other Related Matters Bill, 2016 

7 Forestry Research Institute Act Bill 2015

8 Soil Science Nigerian Institute Act Bill 2015

9 High Court Of FCT Amendment Act Bill 

10 Electronic Transactions Bill 2015

11 Public Procurement Amendment Act Bill 2015

12 National Assembly Budget and Research Office (Establishment) Bill, 2016

13 Jamb Act (Amendment) Bill, 2016

14 Food Security Bill, 2016

15 Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund (Est. etc.) Act Bill, 2016

16 Defense Space Agency (Est. etc.) Act Bill 2016

17 Federal University, Wukari (Establishment, etc.) Act Bill

18 Commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme Act Bill, 2016.

19 National Institute for Cancer Research & Treatment (Establishment, etc.) Act Bill

20 High Court of Federal Capital Territory, Abuja (Amendment) Act Bill

21 Electronic Transactions Act Bill 2016

22 North East Development Commission Bill (Establishment, etc.) Act Bill 2016

23 Code of Conduct Act (Amendment) Bill 2016 

24 Sexual Harassment in Tertiary Education Institutions Bill 2016 

25 Counterfeit And Fake Drugs And Unwholesome Processed Foods Act 2004 SB55

26 Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service Bill 2016 SB81

27 National Poverty Alleviation Commission (Est. etc.) 2016 SB23

28 Air force Institute of Technology (Est. etc.) 2016 SB180

29 2015 FCT Appropriation Act (SB. 225)

30 National Sports Lottery Act, 2005 Amendment Bill (SB.227)

31 Nigerian Peace Corps (Establishment) Bill,

32 2016 Appropriation Bill (SB 212)

​        33    INEC Amendment Bill (SB 231 & 234)

​

*#TodayInPlenary*

*PROCEEDINGS OF THE NIGERIAN SENATE OF THURSDAY 30TH MARCH, 2017.*

Welcome to a new Legislative day in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Senate President Bukola Saraki took the official prayer and led the chamber into the day's proceedings.

Senator Ovie Omo-Agege moved for the approval of Votes and Proceedings of Wednesday 29th March, 2017. Senator John Enoh seconded.

*EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATION*

1. Senate President Bukola Saraki read a letter from President Muhammadu Buhari for the Confirmation of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board Nominees for Replacement of those rejected. The New Nominees includes Lucky Omirisan, Honourable Chuka and Nwogu N.Nwogu from Ondo, Imo and Abia States respectively.

*ANNOUNCEMENTS*

1. Senate President Bukola Saraki announces that all Committees with outstanding reports on the #2017Budget to the Appropriation committees have been advised to submit their reports.

*PRESENTATION OF BILLS -FIRST READING*

1. Chartered Institute of Commerce of Nigeria (Est,. Etc.) Bill 2017 (SB. 326) by Senator Danjuma La'ah.

2. National Consumer Credit Regulatory Commission Bill 2017 (SB. 456) by Senator Biodun Olujimi.

3. Banks and other Financial Institutions Act 2007 (Amendment) Bill 2017 (SB. 457) by Senator Umaru Kurfi.

*PRESENTATION OF REPORT*

1. The Conference Committee Report on the Agricultural Credit and Guarantee Scheme (Amendment) Bill 2017 (SB.17) is laid Senator Abdullahi Adamu.

*CONSIDERATION OF REPORT*

1. The Report of the Committee on Independent National Electoral Commission INEC on the INEC Act No. 6 2010 (Amendment) Bill 2017 (SB. 231 and SB. 234) by Senator Abubakar Kyari.
-Adjourned Consideration from Thursday, 23rd March,2017

*COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE*

Senate dissolved to the Committee of the Whole to consider the report of the INEC on the INEC Bill Amendment and Senators took turn to contribute to the INEC Act (Amendment) Bill.

One of the amendment raised is whether to allow a party replace a candidate with the 1st runner-up or conduct a fresh election.  #INECBill

The current law does not allow a party present new Candidate if the election is nullified for any reason.

Senator Samuel Anyanwu suggested that if a candidate dies or is disqualified after an election, and the runner-up doesn't have the required 25% vote, a new primary should be conducted for the fresh elections.

Senate President Bukola Saraki explained Clause 22, and Senators voted to delete the amendment and maintain the status quo. He stated "In case of death, the party should hold a fresh primary to determine a new candidate". The case of the recent Kogi State Governorship Election was cited.

Senator Omo-Agege asked if the party can still conduct a fresh election, if the candidate is nullified by a court.

Senate President Bukola Saraki responded and said a new primary will be conducted whether the candidate is nullified, withdrew or died.

Senate now reverted to Plenary and reported progress.

*CONSIDERATION OF BILL -THIRD READING AND PASSAGE*

The #INECBill was read and passed for third reading.

Senate President Bukola Saraki thanked his distinguished colleagues for a job well done especially the Committee on INEC. He said "What we have done on the bill will strengthen our democracy, touch new areas that will improve our credibility". He went further to say "this will also improve the areas of technology, smart card issue and timely collation of results".

Senate President Bukola Saraki added that "this is a great work which we have been able to put up today, I hope the House of Representatives will act on this and send to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent".

*CONSIDERATION OF BILLS FOR CONCURRENCE -SECOND READING*

1. Nigerians in Diaspora (Establishment) Commission Bill 2017 (HB.160) by Senate Leader.

2. Chartered Institute of Project Managers of Nigeria (Establishment. Etc.) Bill 2017 (HB. 18) by Senate Leader.

3. Chartered Institute of Loan and Risk Management of Nigeria Bill 2017 (HB. 77) by Senate Leader.

4. Chartered Institute of Local Government and Public Administration Bill 2017 (HB. 108) by Senate Leader.

5. Chartered Institute of Human Capital Development of Nigeria Bill 2017 (HB. 28) by Senate Leader

6. Chartered Institute of Public Management of Nigeria Bill 2017 (HB. 78) by Senate Leader

7. Nigerian Council for Social Work (Establishment., Etc.) Bill 2017 (HB. 161) by Senate Leader

8. Chartered Institute of Export and Commodity Brokers of Nigeria Bill 2017 (HB. 85) by Senate Leader

Senate passes the Bills which emanated from the House of Representatives for second reading.

*COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE*

Senate dissolved to the Committee of the whole for the clause by clause consideration of the Bills.

Senate reverted to Plenary and reported progress on the consideration of 8 Bills for Concurrence.

The 8 Bills which passed for 2nd Reading were read the third time, concurred with and passed.

Senate President Bukola Saraki said the Nigerians in Diaspora Bill will excite Nigerians in various countries as evident in the recent trip of the Nigerian Senate to Germany. Senator Saraki thanked his colleagues for the Bills for Concurrence from House of Representatives and said the Bill will go a long way in human capital development and the economy.

*ADJOURNMENT*

Senate Leader Ahmed Lawan moved that other items on the Order Paper be stepped down to another Legislative day. Minority Leader seconded.

Plenary is adjourned to Tuesday 4th April, 2017.

#GavelBangs

FOLLOW THIS LINK TO WATCH THE PROCEEDINGS:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rm-rCBSJmJ8

Breaking: No document shows I imported any bulletproof Range Rover jeep – Saraki

Senate President, Bukola Saraki has denied ever importing any SUV Range Rover jeep, saying “No document shows my name.”
Saraki said this, Monday, when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Ethics and public petitions on allegation of non Payment of duty for the alleged imported jeep.

Sen. Ali Ndume while testifying on Monday before the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges over the alleged importation of bullet proof vehicle by Senate President Bukola Saraki that was seized by Customs said that the “bullet proof SUV allegedly belonging to the Senate President was cleared with fake documents.”
He however reiterated saying, “Me, Ali Ndume, has no interest in this case. If I had come with documents that Saraki imported this or that, that means I have interest. I don’t.”
But in his defense, Senate President, Bukola Saraki said, “I am not an importer and I know nothing about the agent or any clearing company.” “It is important that I clear my name. The documents are there and none of the documents are in my name,” Saraki said.
Bukola Saraki says “We must protect this institution, that’s why I took time to be here to clear my name and charges against me.”
However, both the car importer, Tokunbo Akindele and the Car agent, Mr. Lanre Shittu who, after taking an oath before the Committee on Ethics, also denied that the bullet-proof car belongs to Saraki. They however said that the National Assembly only advertised for the purchase of such cars and they supplied.
“In 2015, we imported the bullet proof SUV for the company use, we later changed our minds, as we got an alternative.” He said further that, “We received the car in 2015, the car was not imported for Senator Saraki.”
Corroborating this point, chairman Senate Service, Senator Gobir said, “We buy our cars from dealers and dealers buy from the importers. Saraki has nothing to do with documents or SUV.”

Saraki Has Nothing to Do With Importation of Vehicle, Says Aide

Special Adviser to Senate President on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu has stated that the allegation raised today by Senator Ali Ndume linking Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki to the importation of vehicle lacks basis as it was outright falsehood.

In a press statement, Olaniyonu said from the facts and documents about the seized vehicle, it is obvious that the Senate President has nothing to do with the importation of any vehicle.

"A supplier was engaged by the Senate to supply a vehicle. While transferring the vehicle between Lagos and Abuja, it was impounded by the Customs. We believe that is an issue between the supplier and the Customs because the Senate has not taken delivery. So, why is somebody trying to drag in the name of Saraki into the issue.

"The documents on the vehicle are there for the general public to view and make their conclusions. Now, that the matter has been referred to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, all the facts will be out", Olaniyonu stated.

Signed

Yusuph Olaniyonu
Special Adviser ( Media and Publicity)

*SARAKI CONGRATULATES OSINBAJO AT 60*

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Tuesday, congratulated the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, on his 60th birthday anniversary.

Saraki in a statement, signed by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, also wished Osinbajo good health, great wisdom and enduring grace to to serve the nation and humanity.

"On behalf of all members of the 8th Senate of the Federal Republic, I wish our Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, a happy birthday as he turns 60 today, Wednesday, March 8, 2017," Saraki said.

He added: "We pray to Almighty God to continue to give you good health, great wisdom and enduring grace to serve the nation, in particular, and humanity, in general, for many more years."

END

Signed:

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

Saraki Congratulates Adeboye at 75

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Thursday congratulated the General Overseer (GO) of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Worldwide, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, on his 75th birthday anniversary.
Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, described Papa Adeboye as one of the leaders who make so much impact on the people and whose fame continues to grow both in Nigeria and in Diaspora.

According to the Senate President, leaders across board have a lot to learn from Adeboye – a mathematician and scientist – who has remained faithful to the call of God, unflinchingly walking his talk and being a positive example to his teeming followers and non-followers alike.

Saraki said: “Papa Adeboye’s exemplary humility, passion for soul winning, ministering the word of God and prayers continue to be of immense benefit to Nigerians in particular and the world in general. He has continued to  demonstrate through the force of personal example that it pays to serve God in truth and contentment.

“It is my prayer that Almighty God will continue to preserve his life, grant him strength, many more years and excellent health to continue in his invaluable works and contribution to nation building and growth of the kingdom of God”, the Senate President stated.

Saraki, however, urged the GO of RCCG and other religious leaders in the country not to relent in praying for the country, to overcome her present security, economic and social challenges.

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

*FACEBOOK COMMENDS SARAKI FOR OPENING UP NATIONAL ASSEMBLY*

The Office of the President of the Senate is indeed delighted at the endorsement of the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki for opening up the activities of the 8th Nigerian National Assembly through various channels, especially the daily Facebook Live Video streaming from Senate Plenary.

The Chief Product Officer and Company Lead on Product Management and Development of Facebook, Christopher Cox, gave the commendation while speaking at The Future of Media Keynote Session and opening of the annual Social Media Week held at the Landmark Centre in Lagos.
Special Assistant to the Senate President on New Media, Bamikole Omishore, in a statement in Abuja, said: "This commendation reinforces one of the core mandates of the Senate President to the New Media unit, which is to bridge the gap between the Senate and Nigerians.

"The Nigerian Senate facebook live streaming has an average view of four million unique clicks monthly for the plenary live feeds and we will be expanding coverage to courtesy calls, committee hearings and oversights in the next few months," he said.

Omishore added: "You would recall that Saraki personally attended the 2016 edition of the Social Media Week in company of Senators Foster Ogola, Dino Melaye and Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi amongst others, where he spoke on the topic: "Promoting Online Communities to improve Participatory Governance" and subsequently had a no-holds-barred interaction with traditional and social media enthusiasts on how to continue bridging the gap between elected government officials and Nigerians passionate about the use of social media for political engagement.

"We are encouraged to do more with this commendation and wish to kindly reiterate and assure our friends, from the online community and beyond, of the commitment of the Senate President towards ensuring that the 8th National Assembly continues to witness improved transparency and accountability on government functions and people participation," he said.

END
(Signed)
Bamikole Omishore
Special Assistant (New Media) to the President of the Senate

*Saraki's Made-In-Nigeria Advocacy Gets A Boost In Abuja*

The Made-In-Nigeria Campaign of the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, gathers traction, as retail industry group dedicates acreage to Made-In-Nigeria talents and products.

The Abuja luxury retail landscape was electrified yesterday, as the Dunes Group, leading luxury retailers, launched and dedicated an entire floor of the flagship retail mall to #MadeInNigeria creative talents and products in apparel merchandise, arts and crafts.

The opening of the 4th Floor Made In Nigeria Marketplace was marked by an exhibition and fashion show, with over 40 exhibitors and retailers proudly making their products and services available to the public.

The launch was crowned by a dinner, and the unveiling of Dunes Ambassador, acclaimed Nollywood actress, Lilian Esoro.

In his speech, the President of the Senate, represented by Mr Bamikole Omishore, campaign director of Made In Nigeria, said in order to ensure continuous success, the Senate President has created a Made-In-Nigeria Desk in his office where there is effective interaction with critical stakeholders and members of the public on ways to identify local manufacturers whose products and services deserve patronage by government agencies.

On this commitment, his office will work with all Senate Committees to ensure that, as part of their oversight functions, government agencies make Made in Nigeria goods their first option during procurement.

The launch which featured the best of modern Nigeria's creative arts, design and entertainment was attended by Senator Phillip Aduda, Minister of Trade Aisha Abubakar, Banky W, Seyi Shay, Iyanya, Segun Awolowo  and also graced by Mrs. Toyin Saraki, wife of the Senate President, accompanied by members of the Senators Wives Forum, among a roll call of dignitaries and celebrities.

END

Signed:
Bamikole Omishore
Special Assistant (New Media) to the Senate President

#CCTTRIAL Prosecution Witness Contradicts Own Affidavit*

The code of conduct tribunal prosecuting the senate president , Doctor Bukola saraki on false asset declaration has been told that it is lawful for the senate president to own shares in companies like any other public servant .


A prosecution witness in the trial Mister Samuel madojemu  told the tribunal that saraki as a former governor of kwara state was not prevented by law to own shares in any company while he held sway as kwara state governor .


Under cross examination by mister paul Erukoro who is a counsel to saraki, the witness who is the head of investigation unit of the code of conduct bureau , admitted that public officers are allowed to  own shares in companies in addition to owning farms for agricultural purposes.


The witness informed the Danladi Umar led tribunal that there is no law that forbids public officers from having majority shares in a company.


Specifically the witness  said the senate president has right to own shares In a company that traded i. Rice and sugar commodities .


Under further cross examination, madojemu said that he never asked the senate president whether he had shares in any company trading In rice and sugar .


And that he is never seen any audited account of any company linked to saraki 



The senate president  had earlier in the day being re-arraigned on an 18 count further amended charges In Which he denied any wrong doing in the falsification of his asset declaration .


The prosecution witness had earlier testified that saraki in one of his asset forms claimed to have acquired properties at number 15a and 17 a Macdonald streets  ikoyi lagos from proceeds of rice and sugar commodities .


According to him engaging in rice and sugar commodities is unlawful for any public officer.


The witness also said that contrary to his averment in his asset declaration form , the senate president did not acquired the said properties from the presidential committee on sales of federal government properties , but from another company g and c real estate property and investment company which is also unlawful .


However under cross examination , the witness claimed that , he did not know the year , the senate president assumed office as governor of kwara state and that he never met the senate president in person before he became governor .


As the head of investigation into of the code of conduct bureau , the witness admitted that he never treated any letter from the senate president to the ccb and that he had no knowledge of saraki'S handwriting other than the one on his asset declaration form .


The witness said that most of the document tendered as exhibits were obtained by He efcc operatives and not by his own team .


He recalled that on September 14,2015 , He swore to an affidavit at the code of co duct tribunal and that he knew that the affidavit was going to be used by the federal government was going to use it to file the present charge against the senate president .


He added that at the time he made the affidavit , that he was aware that it must be truthful in fact and content and that he still stands by the truthfulness of the affidavit.


However ,when his attention  was drawn to his claim that the senate president returned four asset forms to the code of conduct bureau as against the seven tendered by the prosecution.the witness said that four and seven are not the same


Trial has been adjourned to continue march 2nd 2017 .

#TodayInPlenary

* SENATE PROCEEDINGS FOR TUESDAY 21st FEBRUARY 2017*


Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki leads the Senate Leadership into the Chambers. He also takes the Official Prayers

Senator Abdullahi Adamu moves for the approval of Votes and Proceedings of Thursday 26th January, 2017. Senator John Enoh seconds.

*Announcement*

Senate President, Bukola Saraki reads Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari’s letter dated 5th February 2017 on the extension of his annual leave.

Senate President, Bukola Saraki announces the defection of Senator Andy Uba from the PDP to the APC

Senator Andy Uba formerly of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), now officially defected to the All Progressive Congress (APC).

Senate President, Bukola Saraki reads Acting President's letter on the additional nomination Mr Adeyinka Asekun as non-career ambassador designate.

Senate President, Bukola Sarak reads another letter from the Acting Pres. on the confirmation of Justice Walter Onnoghen as Chief Justice of Nigeria.

*Condolence*

Senate observes one-minute silence on the passing away of Hon. Bello Sani, a member of the House of Representative who died at the age of 51.

 
*Adjournment*

Senate Leader, Ahmed Lawan now moves that Plenary be adjourned in honour of the late ‪@HouseNGR member, Bello Sani and minority seconds.

Senate President, Bukola Saraki‪ puts the question and Plenary is adjourned to Wednesday, 22nd February 2017. ‪

#GavelBang

SENATE CONCLUDES 3-DAY PUBLIC HEARING ON 2017 BUDGET

The National Assembly just concluded the first of its kind 3 Day three day public hearing on the 2017 Budget. The Public Hearing which was aimed at allowing members of the public to make contributions to the proposed budget before passage into law.  The Public Hearing is also a testament to the leadership and foresight of the commitment of the Chairman of the National Assembly, Senator Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki to transparency and people participation in Government.  

The Public Hearing was officially opened by Senate President Bukola Saraki with remarks by Speaker Yakubu Dogara and attended by other members of the Senate and House of Representatives Leadership, Chairmen of the Appropriation Committees of the Senate and House of Representatives, Senator Danjuma Goje and Honourable Mustapha Dawaki, members of the Joint Senate and House of Reps Committee on Appropriation as well as numerous Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members.  

The Executive Arm was ably led by Honourable Minister for Budget and Planning, Senator Udo Udoma Udo and included the Honourable Minister of State, Hajia Zainab Ahmed; Honourable Minister for Agriculture, Mr. Audu Ogbeh and Director General of the Budget Office, Mr. Ben Akabueze.

The Public Hearing which featured several interactive sessions also had presentations taken including the following:

            DAY 1

            Chairman: Senator Danjuma Goje –Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation.

1.      Hajia Zainab Ahmed –Honourable Minister of State, Budget and Planning.

BUDGET ADDRESS

2.      Dr. Obadiah Mailafia –Former Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria and CEO, Centre for Policy and Economic Research.

PUBLIC FINANCE IN THE CONTEXT OF ECONOMIC RECESSION: INNOVATIVE OPTIONS

3.      Associate Professor Nazifi Abdullahi Darma –Dept of Economics, University of Abuja.

THE KEY CHALLENGES OF PLANNING OF PLANNING AND BUDGETING IN NIGERIA: A CASE STUDY OF SOCIAL SAFETY NET PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION IN NIGERIA

4.      PRESENTATIONS

NIGERIAN UNION OF PENSIONERS, CIVIL SOCIETY LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY CENTRE, CENTRE FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE, ACTION AID, MILLENIUM AGENDA NIGERIA, AFRICA CENTRE FOR LEADERSHIP STRATEGY AND DEVELOPMENT, DEVELOPMENT AGENDA, VOICE AND ACCOUNTABILITY PLATFORM.

 

DAY 2

Chairman: Hon. Mustapha Bala Dawaki – Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation.

1.      Professor Danbala Danju – Managing Director, Nigeria Agricultural Bank.

INNOVATIVE FINANCING FOR AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA IN THE CONTEXT OF ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION

2.      Dr. Benjamin Anyele – Chairman, Health Sector Reform Coalition.

3.      Mrs. Toyin Saraki – Founder, Wellbeing Africa Foundation.

4.      Dr. Ayo Teriba – CEO, Economic Associates.

THE ROLE OF THE LEGISLATURE IN ECONOMIC MANAGEMENT ISSUES AND KEY INNOVATIONS FOR EFFECTIVENESS.

5.      Mr. Seun Onigbinde – Lead Partner, BudgIT Nigeria.

BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS FOR 2017 BUDGET PROJECT TRACKING

6.      PRESENTATIONS

CIVIL SOCIETY GROUPS

 

DAY 3

Chairman: Senator Danjuma Goje with the Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Muhammad Sali present

1.      Engineer Y.Y. Sanni – Niger State Representative.

2.      Mr. Theophilus – Member, Academic Union of Research Institutions.

3.      Mr. Kadiri Haruna – President, National Association of Nigerian Students.

4.      Reports by Syndicate Groups

5.      Closing

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senbator Danjuma Goje in closing the 3-Day Public Hearing thanked everyone for the success of the maiden event and reads recommendations. He further assures that input will be collated, that the Appropriation Committee will ensure the use of its legislative powers effectively and urged Nigerians to reach out to the Budget Office of the Federation for any clarification on the 2017 Budget as he officially closed the event.

Excerpts from the Speech delivered by the President of the Senate at the 31st Closing Ceremony of the National Qur'anic Recitation Competition Held at Metro Square, Ilorin .

" Bismillah Rahamon Rahim. All praises be to Almighty Allah, the owner of today, the owner of yesterday and the designer of our tomorrow"- SP @Bukolasaraki

"May His blessing be on our Holy Prophet Muhammmed, his companions and members of his family. Assalam Alaekunm Waramotullah Wa Barakatuhu."- SP @Bukolasaraki

" Competition creates another level of scholarship in Islamic theology, it it exemplifies age-long pre-eminence of Islamic intellectuals"- @Bukolasaraki

"I am convinced that if we all forget about religion & look at rationality of words contained in the holy books, our world will be better."- SP @Bukolasaraki

"The holy books of the two major religions, the Quran and Bible, teach morality, justice, equity, love, compassion, respect for elders...."- SP @Bukolasaraki

"It is true that all of us are in one position of leadership or the other. As head of a nuclear family or extended family, as religious head"- SP @Bukolasaraki

"Even as a follower, we will be held accountable on whether we have played our role in making our leaders lead with the fear of Allah."- @Bukolasaraki

#VIDEO: How the #MadeInNigeria Agenda can transform the Economy

https:///4kwlYQrVtE

*Saraki Urges NGOs to Partner with Govt on North-East Crisis*

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has advised all humanitarian agencies and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) operating in the Northeast region of the country to always liaise with government agencies to help ease administrative bottlenecks in the cause of their duties.

The Senate President, while receiving the Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), Ms. Ertharin Cousin, who led other members of WFP to the National Assembly, urged humanitarian agencies to always collaborate with security agencies so as to ensure their safety at every point during their stay in the country.

While responding to comments by the WFP Executive Director, Saraki said such collaboration with different levels of governments in the country would help ease some of the administrative challenges the NGOs may encounter in their line of duty, especially on security and importation of their equipment.

According to the Senate President, "the collaborative efforts will help us play our part very well by providing the necessary counterpart initiatives", he said.

The Senate President also called for a sustained humanitarian effort to address the challenges facing Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the Northeast, while urging the WFP to help ensure that the food crisis in the IDP camps are reduced.

Earlier, the WFP Executive Director complained that her organisation encountered some administrative bottlenecks in the importation of the equipment needed in the course of its duties and sought the intervention of the Senate President to ease the challenges.

Ms. Cousin said the WFP is providing high yield seedlings to the displaced persons in the Northeast, explaining that the intervention is to ensure food security in the region.

She explained that over one million people had benefited in the provision of assorted seedlings and that between January and April this year the number would increase from 1.3 million to 1.8 million following the joint efforts with the various States' Ministries of Agriculture.

END
Signed:
Chuks Okocha
Special Assistant to the Senate President on Print Media

20 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD PATRONIZE MADE IN NIGERIA PRODUCTS

 
Our country’s economy has drop vertically nowadays. This is effect by the consumers that buy import product more than local product. The government in our country has tried to solve this problem that consumers should buy only local products to revive the nation’s economy.



             We have to change our attitude in believing that imported things are superior to local goods. We have locally-made goods which are of similar value and quality. Actually a significant number of goods sold overseas, items such as TV, radio, air-conditioner, VCR, shirt, shoe and automobile are made in Malaysia. We should develop a culture where we do not automatically think that imported goods are of superior quality over local goods. The following are among the major reasons why we should patronize made in our country (Nigeria) products.





1. When we buy #MadeInNigeria, we directly impact our economy in positive ways. Every Naira we spend in Nigeria has a ripple effect that far exceeds that of simple profits made by the businesses who take our money in exchange for goods or services.  #BuyNaijaToGrowNaija



2. When you by #MadeInNigeria, Regardless of what sectors and industries we work in, we are all part of this cycle. We are securing jobs, helping to create new ones and let’s not forget, when Nigerian businesses are successful, they are in a position to give back to the communities they serve. #BuyNaijaToGrowNaija



3. When you by #MadeInNigeria, Successfully employed Nigerians and successful businesses also mean larger tax revenues towards government programs. Buying products made in Nigeria makes sense! #BuyNaijaToGrowNaija



4. When you by #MadeInNigeria, we are reducing our carbon footprint, as products made closer to home require much less transportation. For example, did you know that buying products made in Nigeria makes our planet greener! #BuyNaijaToGrowNaija



5. When we buy #MadeInNigeria, we can rest assured that the people who make the products are treated fairly, working in safe & sanitary conditions. #BuyNaijaToGrowNaija



6.When we buy #MadeInNigeria, we are contributing to the enrichment of our communities. #BuyNaijaToGrowNaija



7. When you buy #MadeInNigeria, It will systematically makes us a part of something greater than ourselves and our immediate (material) needs. #BuyNaijaToGrowNaija



8. When you buy #MadeInNigeria, That one purchase we just made may contribute to the survival of a struggling local family business. #BuyNaijaToGrowNaija



9. When you by #MadeInNigeria, You're already bridging the gap between the consumer, the manufacturer and the retailer as continuing process. Buying products made in Nigeria supports our communities. #BuyNaijaToGrowNaija



10. When you buy #MadeInNigeria, we promote how rich and beautiful our culture is, because it shows the creativity of the Nigerians who made it. #BuyNaijaToGrowNaija



11. When you buy #MadeInNigeria, In patronizing our own products, you are creating jobs”, our problem with unemployment will diminish. #BuyNaijaToGrowNaija



12. When all of us, are patronizing locally made products, many innovative entrepreneurs will be encouraged to put up small businesses that will sell our local products. #BuyNaijaToGrowNaija



13. When you buy #MadeInNigeria, we are helping the economy of our country to improve and lessen the poverty we are experiencing. #BuyNaijaToGrowNaija



14. If you buy a product made near you, as opposed to one made far away, you are helping your own local economy.  You are supporting a person or a firm that is in your own community. #MadeInNigeria #BuyNaijaToGrowNaija



15. When you buy #MadeInNigeria, you're helping Nigerian companies stay in close distance, if not ahead, with other international brands. By doing so, Nigeria companies can stay in a good competitive range with bigger international companies. #BuyNaijaToGrowNaija


16. When you buy #MadeInNigeria, Part of the money you spend on Nigerian product, goes to the government for nation building. The taxes that go along with the products, are spent in building of roads, construction of government buildings, enhancement of government services and many sorts of things. #BuyNaijaToGrowNaija



17. When you buy #MadeInNigeria, The money you spend buying Nigerian products helps in keeping Nigerian workers and their families with decent, earning jobs. Taking Dangote companies as an example, wherein hundreds are employed on a regular capacity. Imagine how many Nigerian families are depending on the manpower that Dangote employs. #BuyNaijaToGrowNaija



18. When you buy #MadeInNigeria, you’re promoting Local economic growth which will attract new talent and professionals, who may, in turn, create businesses of their own, enhancing a local economy. #BuyNaijaToGrowNaija



19. Another argument for buying local is that it enhances the "velocity" of money, or circulation speed, in the area. The idea is that if currency circulates more quickly, the money passes through more hands and more people have had the benefit of the money and what it has purchased for them. #MadeIn Nigeria #BuyNaijaToGrowNaija



20. Finally when you buy #madeInNigeria, one way or the other you’re contributing immensely towards the growth, betterment and development of your country.#MadeInNigeria #BuyNaijaToGrowNaija

 

@chiefow

Breaking:

#2017Budget passes Second reading in the Senate as plenary is adjourned to 21st February 2017 to allow Cttees work on the Budget.

Debate on the 2017 Budget Continues Today in Senate.

Watch live on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZOkNtYgVk0

OR directly on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/NgrSenate/videos/1238567829531890/

*Leave Me Out of Baseless Rumour, Says Saraki*

My attention has been drawn to a speculation on some online media about supposed meeting of some Governors who held Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to ransom and sought for Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki to take over the Presidency.

My first initial reaction was to ignore this empty rumour but after being inundated with calls from across the country and abroad, it became necessary for me to make clarifications from our own end.

It is a good thing that the Presidency had dismissed the speculation and showed that there is no substance to it. However, i feel it should be known that those behind this baseless, empty and unintelligent mischief are those who do not love this country.

Such suggestions as contained in the speculation can only bring ill-will, disunity and crisis to the country and i therefore advise the sponsors to desist immediately. More importantly, these trouble makers should refrain from linking Senator Saraki's name to their evil plot.