Aftermath of DSS Invasion of NASS Complex: Saraki, Dogara Postpone Leadership Meeting

Following the on-going invasion of the National Assembly complex by men of the Department of State Services (DSS) in which legislators and members of staff, including the Clerk of the National Assembly, Alhaji Mohammed Sani Omolori, who is the administrative head of the Federal legislature, were harassed and prevented from accessing their offices, Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki and Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara have condemned the action of the security agents and described it as another attempt to subevert the nation's democracy.

In a statement jointly signed by the two presiding officers of both Chambers of the National Assembly, Saraki and Dogara stated that the heavy presence of armed security men who unnecessarily militarized the legislative complex and harassed legislators and the workers in the complex could not be justified in a democracy.

The Senate President and Speaker further noted that today was a sad day for democracy as very early in the morning, they got reports backed by video and pictures, from members of staff of the National Assembly, their colleagues from both chambers and other individuals, about the heavy presence of the security personnel who insisted that nobody would enter the complex except certain Senators who were to be conveyed into the complex in a Coaster bus.

"By 6.30 am, the reports started coming in and by 7am, there were pictures and video online showing armed security men preventing Senators and Honourable members from coming into the Complex. Some of our colleagues then mobilized other members in both chambers from their respective abode so that they could pressurize the Security men from allowing them to gain entry.

"Obviously, the public outcry from Nigerians and members of the international community against this illegality, this desecration of the sanctity of the legislature and this flagrant abuse of powers forced the government to relax the directives given to the security men as they later allowed the legislators to walk from the main gate into the foyer. Still the lawmakers were not allowed to drive in, in their vehicles and were denied access into the main building housing their offices.

"It is not clear what the plan of the government is but information reaching us indicated that some Senators who are pro-executive arm are being camped somewhere here in Abuja and they are being compelled to sign an impeachment notice that would later be brought to the Assembly complex. The Senate Chamber will now be forced open to enable an illegal change of leadership take place in the Senate.

"It should be noted that the Senate formally adjourned on July 24, 2018 and it stands adjourned. To reconvene, there is a process which has to be followed. Also, it should be clear that these Senators who are camped somewhere know the procedure for changing the leadership of the Senate. Both the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Presidency officials masterminding this illegality know that they do not have the numbers to lawfully carry out this action.

"Therefore, we call on members of the international community to view this development as a coup against democracy. This is a throw-back to the inglorious days of military rule where dissent is not tolerated and freedom of association and other fundamental human rights are willfully and carelessly violated.

"We urge Nigerians and the international community to condemn this illegal invasion of the National Assembly complex and the attempt to asphyxiate the legislature as undemocratic, uncivilized and irresponsible.

"Let us use this opportunity to thank our colleagues in the Senate and House of Representatives who immediately mobilized to resist this coup against democracy. Their action will be recorded as one taken at a time when the soul of this country is being imperilled. They have acted to avert the breakdown of constitutionalism and collapse of the rule of law. They have stood up to dictatorship and demonstrated that this country belongs to all of us.

"We also thank members of the press, local and international, and all Nigerians whose support for the cause of democracy have sustained us this far.

Following this unpleasant development, the joint leadership meeting slated for this afternoon has been postponed till further notice because under the prevailing circumstances, we cannot guarantee the safety of the 20 members from both chambers expected at the meeting", Saraki and Dogara stated.

Signed
1. Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, CON
President of the Senate

2. Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara
Speaker, House of Representatives

25 Sins Buhari Has Committed Against Nigeria’s Democracy

It is tempting to say it’s a Dog eat Dog World and move on but this affects us all fundamentally. The APC Presidency has been one of the most oppressive and dictatorial governments in Nigeria, despite the fact that we claim to be in a democracy. What’s even worse, is the Presidency’s disregard for parliament which sets a dangerous precedent for the future. Today, our country is a model of “How Democracies Die”.

*Here are 25 deliberate Infractions Of the Presidency Against the National Assembly and Nigeria's Democracy*:

1. The President clearly breached Section 80 of the Constitution, which stipulates that all government spending must be appropriated by the legislature, when he gave anticipatory approval for the withdrawal of $496m from the Excess Crude Account to purchase Tucano Jets that wont be supplied till the year 2020.

2. The President failed to fully investigate and prosecute the invasion of the National Assembly by thugs led and sponsored by a Senator who is supposedly loyal to the ruling party APC, which led to the theft of the Senate’s mace and the injury of seven National Assembly workers who were brutalized by the thugs.

3. The Executive authorized the siege on the houses of the Senate President and the Deputy Senate President, while coordinating a legislative coup with a minority group of Senators, to avoid the defection of members from the APC.

4. The President withheld his. assent to the Electoral Amendment Bill — for selfish reasons — despite the fact that this amendment would have greatly improved our electoral processes through the use of technology in the collation and transmission of results.

5. As the Minister of Petroleum, the President has breached Section 80 of the Constitution by overseeing the unauthorized expenditure of over N216billion by the NNPC for illegal subsidies, under the guise of 2017 “operational costs.’

6. The President has disregarded the principle of separation of powers, with his insistence on keeping Ibrahim Magu as the Acting EFCC Chairman, despite the fact that he failed confirmation twice, based on two reports presented by the Directorate of State Security (DSS), an agency of the Executive, that said he was unfit for public office.

7. The President has presided over a government that is known for its systematic harassment and humiliation of perceived political opponents and people with contrary opinions including the Legislature and Judiciary by the police and other security agencies.

8. The President has failed to hold accountable or sanction the actions of his appointees that choose to continuously endanger and ridicule the nation, despite a Joint National Assembly resolution that called his attention to the fact.

9. The President has failed to get Heads of Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) to defend their budgetary proposals on time, thereby frustrating efforts of the National Assembly to pass the budgets on time.

10. The President has demonstrated a failure to show sincerity in the fight against corruption. He has been selective by not prosecuting his appointees that have pending cases, despite a Joint National Assembly resolution that called his attention to the fact.

11. The President has failed to take immediate and consistent steps to contain the growing level of unemployment and poverty in Nigeria especially now that oil prices are high — despite a Joint National Assembly resolution that called his attention to the fact.

12. The President has failed to sanction the heads of law enforcement agencies, who appear helpless over the killing of innocent Nigerians but indulge in consistent framing up of perceived political opponents of the President and outright disregard for constitutional authority, both executive and legislative.

13. The President has a preference for circumventing the law. First, he demanded to have emergency powers in his first few months in office. Later, he signed and authorized Order 006 to give him powers outside the provisions of the EFCC Act and ICPC Act — as well as the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and the Criminal Code.

14. The President has consistently failed to adhere to Resolutions of the National Assembly and court orders on the unconstitutional incarceration of citizens of the Federal Republic, like Ibrahim El-Zakzaky and Sambo Dasuki.

15. The President’s appointment of the Service Chiefs is in violation of the Federal Character Principle that is enshrined in the Constitution that the members of the National Assembly swore to uphold and the Federal Character Commission Act passed by the National Assembly and signed into law — which seeks to ensure that appointments to public service institutions fairly reflect the linguistic, ethnic, religious, and geographic diversity of the country.

16. The President’s failed attempts to harass and intimidate the leadership of the Senate, by bringing up bogus charges against them in the Code of Conduct Tribunal; falsely accusing them of forging the Senate rules without any evidence; and attempting to implicate the Senate President, through the Police, in a serious robbery incident, thereby politicizing the criminal investigation.

18. The President has failed to investigate the coordinated affront on parliaments across the nation and has demonstrated complicity, with the use of the Security agencies under his control, to prevent lawmakers from participating in their legislative duties — thereby leading to bogus impeachment of presiding officers.

18. The President has presided over the unnecessary and constant defamation and disrespect of the National Assembly by his appointees, thereby deliberately destroying our nation’s democratic institutions.

19. The President has presided over the drastic reduction of the security details of the Senate President, the Speaker, the Deputy Senate President and the Deputy Speaker, all in an effort to coerce these presiding officers to do his bidding.

20. The President has been complicit in the outright failure of security agencies to provide security to some serving legislators who have dissenting views. This has led to a situation whereby certain legislators cannot visit their constituencies due to threats of violence.

21. During the 2018 budget signing, the oblivious President threw the National Assembly under the bus by highlighting some expenditures that were amended. This is despite the fact that the National Assembly and its committees on appropriation, worked closely with his Ministers of Finance and Budget & National Planning before authorizing these expenditures.

22. Nigeria has a potential to raise up to or more than N15trillion in independent revenue through its various revenue generating agencies. Despite this fact, in 2017, the Senate discovered that the President was presiding over the intentional breach of Section 21 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act by not ordering 38 MDAs of the Federal Government to submit their budgets to the National Assembly through their supervising Minister.

23. Despite the social and security challenges in the country, the President has failed to assent to the following critical Acts passed by both chambers of the National Assembly: the Corporate Manslaughter Bill, the Dangerous Drugs Bill, the National Child Protection and Enforcement Agency Bill and the Police Procurement Fund Bill, which was aimed at making the Nigerian Police better equipped to address present day challenges as well as other Constitutional Amendment bills.

24. The President has consistently incited members of the public against the National Assembly through his public statements. There are several examples. One of them was the speech he made during the signing of the 2018 budget. The other was during his last visit to Bauchi State where he made derisive remarks over the call for more engagement with lawmakers in order to reduce areas of disagreement between the two arms of government.

25. The President publicly commended — thereby endorsing — the action of an APC Governor who maliciously demolished the house of a Senator from his state just to settle political scores and demonstrate his ability to deal with political opponents.

https://medium.com/@segalink/25-reasons-why-we-should-be-concerned-for-president-buharis-disdain-for-democracy-segalink-d806b1312634

*Saraki Won't Resign, Let Abu Ibrahim Do His Worst, Say Senators*

The Senators representing Bauchi Central and Kwara South respectively, Isa Hama Misau and Rafiu Ibrahim have warned their counterpart from Katsina South, Abu Ibrahim and his fellow travellers in the All Progressives Congress (APC) not to foment any trouble when the Senate resumes on September 25, as the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki will never resign from the position.

Misau and Ibrahim, in a statement jointly signed by them in reaction to an interview granted by the Katsina Senator to the Cable online newspaper, stated that Abu Ibrahim and his colleagues will meet their match if they tried anything illegal even with all the deployment of security forces which they might have been assured of by the executive arm of government.

"It is obvious from the statements of Abu Ibrahim that he and his cohorts are not democrats. They do not believe in rule of law, the provisions of the constitution, the standing order of the Senate, parliamentary procedure and the due process.

"How will a supposed democrat be threatening disruption of peace in the parliament because his party lost members and lost its majority status? His statements showed why one of them led thugs to disrupt the proceeding of the Senate, steal the mace, the symbol of authority of the legislature, and yet there is no consequence. Both the mastermind and his thugs have been protected from being prosecuted. Now, Abu Ibrahim has given us an insight into what they are planning and we will be ready for them. He has also shown an indication of how he, as the chairman of the Police Affairs Committee, has been misusing the police against other Senators.

"APC should note that they are now the minority party. PDP have more members. When we resume, if they push us, we will move for a head count of members and change some of our principal officers to reflect party strength. Today, by the list paraded by APC themselves, they have only 48 Senators and PDP has 54, APGA has 2 and ADC has 2. There are two vacancies. That is the distribution in the Senate. Let them continue to deceive themselves.

"We will use our strength to defend the position of the present leadership of the Senate under Dr. Saraki and Senator Ike Ekweremadu. We will defend democracy and rule of law against the pretenders. We will show that every Senator represent different constituencies in our country.

"Our colleague from Katsina State has equally demonstrated that even though he has spent four terms in the legislature, he has not imbibed parliamentary ethos. Even his knowledge of the provisions of the law and the Senate rules is suspect. That is why he misrepresented the provisions of Rule 12 order 1, 2 and 3 of the Senate about the process of reconvening the Senate after it properly adjourned. By the provision, without all the leaders of the four parties initiating the reconvening of the Senate before the adjourned date, nothing can legally happen. Also without the consent of the Senate President, nothing can happen.

"We urge him and his colleagues to know that if they tried anything illegal and indecent, we will resist it through legal means. They saw an instance with the way our colleagues in the House of Representatives quickly gathered to foil their failed coup early this week.

"Abu Ibrahim and his cohorts have shown that they are desperate to win the 2019 elections at all cost by all means. We are surprised that this defection is making APC so uncomfortable that they are ready to bring the country down because some Senators left their party. We gave them all the opportunities to make amends from their destructive, non-inclusive and dictatorial ways. They did not take the chances and were behaving as if nobody matters. They are running a government by cabals, serving selfish interests and forgetting all the promises the party made to the people before being elected into office.

"The APC government has always demonstrated serious contempt for the legislature. That is why they have sent only a paltry 11 executive bills to the National Assembly in 38 months despite their promise of reform in various sectors of the country, The APC government came in 2015 and the first proposal they put forward was to have emergency powers in a democracy. Thank God we did not fall for their antics.

"We call on all Nigerians and the international community to take note of the threat by Abu Ibrahim and know that if there is any illegal move to reconvene the Senate or there is breakdown of law and order in the Senate, the man has leaked their plan. The APC cabal in the Senate should be held responsible. Nigerians and the global community should know the type of people in charge of Nigeria now and how they seek to desecrate and destroy democratic institutions at will", Misau and Ibrahim stated.

Signed:
*1. Senator Isa Hama Misau*
*Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy*
*2. Senator Rafiu Ibrahim*
*Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions*

Saraki to PDP: Let’s Work Together in Defence of Democracy

President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has enjoined all members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to work together in defence of democracy and with the aim of providing good governance to Nigerians.

Speaking at the 81st National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the party, Saraki, who recently moved back to the PDP, emphasized the need for inclusiveness, justice, equity and sacrifices in order to ensure that Nigerians feel the impact of the party in preparations for the 2019 general elections.

“For me, I am happy that I am back to the political party where I started. I am happy to see many of my colleagues here. Men and women, who have given me faith. Men and women, who make me to believe that there are still people of character.

“Many of you have made and are always ready to make sacrifices for this great party and for this nation, because you all want a better tomorrow. Now that this day has come, we have been brought together in unity, and we will forge ahead as one.”

The President of the Senate, urged members of the PDP NEC, to endeavour to acknowledge the contributions of every member of the party, regardless of who they are or where they stand.

“What we have learnt from history, and what we have continued to see, is that everyone is important on this journey that we are embarking, and no sacrifice is too much for us to make to reach that promised land. However, we will only reach that promised land when we see a greater tomorrow for our people, and for all Nigerians.

“Therefore, I want to make an appeal on behalf of all of us — when we get back to our constituencies, please, let us continue to open our arms and receive the people who have the numbers that will give us victory come February 2019. This is because, we are all here to work towards a better and greater tomorrow on behalf of all Nigerians,” Saraki said.

He thanked the party under the leadership, including Prince Uche Secondus, National Chairman of the PDP, and Senator Walid Jubrin, the Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, for welcoming back himself, his state Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed; Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State; and Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, back to the party.

"On behalf of all of us, those who have left, and are now happy to be back here, I want to assure you that we will work tirelessly to do what is right and put this country in the right situation.”

Saraki also pledged to join others under the umbrella of the PDP towards making the nation’s democracy stronger, providing security, stronger economy and quality service delivery for the benefit of the people.

“The message that I would like to leave you all with, is: ‘Let us all work together, so that this time, our sacrifice can truly be worth it for all our people. I thank you for how the warm reception you have given to us. We are grateful that you have received us into where we truly belong.”

END

Media Office of the Senate President

Saraki to PDP: Let’s Work Together in Defence of Democracy

President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has enjoined all members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to work together in defence of democracy and with the aim of providing good governance to Nigerians.

Speaking at the 81st National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the party, Saraki, who recently moved back to the PDP, emphasized the need for inclusiveness, justice, equity and sacrifices in order to ensure that Nigerians feel the impact of the party in preparations for the 2019 general elections.

“For me, I am happy that I am back to the political party where I started. I am happy to see many of my colleagues here. Men and women, who have given me faith. Men and women, who make me to believe that there are still people of character.

“Many of you have made and are always ready to make sacrifices for this great party and for this nation, because you all want a better tomorrow. Now that this day has come, we have been brought together in unity, and we will forge ahead as one.”

The President of the Senate, urged members of the PDP NEC, to endeavour to acknowledge the contributions of every member of the party, regardless of who they are or where they stand.

“What we have learnt from history, and what we have continued to see, is that everyone is important on this journey that we are embarking, and no sacrifice is too much for us to make to reach that promised land. However, we will only reach that promised land when we see a greater tomorrow for our people, and for all Nigerians.

“Therefore, I want to make an appeal on behalf of all of us — when we get back to our constituencies, please, let us continue to open our arms and receive the people who have the numbers that will give us victory come February 2019. This is because, we are all here to work towards a better and greater tomorrow on behalf of all Nigerians,” Saraki said.

He thanked the party under the leadership, including Prince Uche Secondus, National Chairman of the PDP, and Senator Walid Jubrin, the Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, for welcoming back himself, his state Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed; Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State; and Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, back to the party.

"On behalf of all of us, those who have left, and are now happy to be back here, I want to assure you that we will work tirelessly to do what is right and put this country in the right situation.”

Saraki also pledged to join others under the umbrella of the PDP towards making the nation’s democracy stronger, providing security, stronger economy and quality service delivery for the benefit of the people.

“The message that I would like to leave you all with, is: ‘Let us all work together, so that this time, our sacrifice can truly be worth it for all our people. I thank you for how the warm reception you have given to us. We are grateful that you have received us into where we truly belong.”

END

Media Office of the Senate President

URGENT INFORMATION:

There are plans to clampdown on the Senate tomorow morning by 5am.

A combination of well-armed Police and SSS are to arrive early in the morning to forcefully reconvene the Senate.

PRESS STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, DR. ABUBAKAR BUKOLA SARAKI, CON, ON JULY 31, 2018.

I wish to inform Nigerians that, after extensive consultations, I have decided to take my leave of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This is not a decision that I have made lightly. If anything at all, I have tarried for so long and did all that was humanly possible, even in the face of great provocation, ridicule and flagrant persecution, to give opportunity for peace, reconciliation and harmonious existence.

Perhaps, more significantly, I am mindful of the fact that I carry on my shoulder a great responsibility for thousands of my supporters, political associates and friends, who have trusted in my leadership and have attached their political fortunes to mine. However, it is after an extensive consultation with all the important stakeholders that we have come to this difficult but inevitable decision to pitch our political tent elsewhere; where we could enjoy greater sense of belonging and where the interests of the greatest number of our Nigerians would be best served.

While I take full responsibility for this decision, I will like to emphasise that it is a decision that has been inescapably imposed on me by certain elements and forces within the APC who have ensured that the minimum conditions for peace, cooperation, inclusion and a general sense of belonging did not exist.

They have done everything to ensure that the basic rules of party administration, which should promote harmonious relations among the various elements within the party were blatantly disregarded. All governance principles which were required for a healthy functioning of the party and the government were deliberately violated or undermined. And all entreaties for justice, equity and fairness as basic precondition for peace and unity, not only within the party, but also the country at large, were simply ignored, or employed as additional pretext for further exclusion.

The experience of my people and associates in the past three years is that they have suffered alienation and have been treated as outsiders in their own party. Thus, many have become disaffected and disenchanted. At the same time, opportunities to seek redress and correct these anomalies were deliberately blocked as a government-within-a-government had formed an impregnable wall and left in the cold, everyone else who was not recognized as “one of us”. This is why my people, like all self-respecting people would do, decided to seek accommodation elsewhere.

I have had the privilege to lead the Nigerian legislature in the past three years as the President of the Senate and the Chairman of the National Assembly. The framers of our constitution envisage a degree of benign tension among the three arms of government if the principle of checks and balances must continue to serve as the building block of our democracy. In my role as the head of the legislature, and a leader of the party, I have ensured that this necessary tension did not escalate at any time in such a way that it could encumber Executive function or correspondingly, undermine the independence of the legislature. Over the years, I have made great efforts in the overall interest of the country, and in spite of my personal predicament, to manage situations that would otherwise have resulted in unsavoury consequences for the government and the administration. My colleagues in the Senate will bear testimony to this.

However, what we have seen is a situation whereby every dissent from the legislature was framed as an affront on the executive or as part of an agenda to undermine the government itself. The populist notion of anti-corruption became a ready weapon for silencing any form of dissent and for framing even principled objection as “corruption fighting back”. Persistent onslaught against the legislature and open incitement of the people against their own representatives became a default argument in defence of any short-coming of the government in a manner that betrays all too easily, a certain contempt for the Constitution itself or even the democracy that it is meant to serve.

Unfortunately, the self-serving gulf that has been created between the leadership of the two critical arms of government based on distrust and mutual suspicion has made any form of constructive engagement impossible. Therefore, anything short of a slavish surrender in a way that reduces the legislature to a mere rubber stamp would not have been sufficient in procuring the kind of rapprochement that was desired in the interest of all. But I have no doubt in my mind, that to surrender this way is to be complicit in the subversion of the institution that remains the very bastion of our democracy. I am a democrat. And I believe that anyone who lays even the most basic claim to being a democrat will not accept peace on those terms; which seeks to compromise the very basis of our existence as the parliament of the people.

The recent weeks have witnessed a rather unusual attempts to engage with some of these most critical issues at stake. Unfortunately, the discord has been allowed to fester unaddressed for too long, with dire consequences for the ultimate objective of delivering the common good and achieving peace and unity in our country. Any hope of reconciliation at this point was therefore very slim indeed. Most of the horses had bolted from the stable.

The emergence of a new national party executives a few weeks ago held out some hopes, however slender. The new party chairman has swung into action and did his best alongside some of the Governors of APC and His Excellency, the Vice President. I thank them for all their great efforts to save the day and achieve reconciliation. Even though I thought these efforts were coming late in the day, but seeing the genuine commitment of these gentlemen, I began to think that perhaps it was still possible to reconsider the situation.

However, as I have realized all along, there are some others in the party leadership hierarchy, who did not think dialogue was the way forward and therefore chose to play the fifth columnists. These individuals went to work and ensured that they scuttled the great efforts and the good intentions of these aforementioned leaders of the party. Perhaps, had these divisive forces not thrown the cogs in the wheel at the last minutes, and in a manner that made it impossible to sustain any trust in the process, the story today would have been different.

For me, I leave all that behind me. Today, I start as I return to the party where I began my political journey, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

When we left the PDP to join the then nascent coalition of All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2014, we left in a quest for justice, equity and inclusion; the fundamental principles on which the PDP was originally built but which it had deviated from. We were attracted to the APC by its promise of change. We fought hard along with others and defeated the PDP.

In retrospect, it is now evident that the PDP has learnt more from its defeat than the APC has learnt from its victory. The PDP that we return to is now a party that has learnt its lessons the hard way and have realized that no member of the party should be taken for granted; a party that has realized that inclusion, justice and equity are basic precondition for peace; a party that has realized that never again can the people of Nigeria be taken for granted.

I am excited by the new efforts, which seeks to build the reborn PDP on the core principles of promoting democratic values; internal democracy; accountability; inclusion and national competitiveness; genuine commitment to restructuring and devolution of powers; and an abiding belief in zoning of political and elective offices as an inevitable strategy for managing our rich diversity as a people of one great indivisible nation called Nigeria.

What we have all agreed is that a deep commitment to these ideals were not only a demonstration of our patriotism but also a matter of enlightened self-interest, believing that our very survival as political elites of this country will depend on our ability to earn the trust of our people and in making them believe that, more than anything else, we are committed to serving the people.

What the experience of the last three years have taught us is that the most important task that we face as a country is how to reunite our people. Never before had so many people in so many parts of our country felt so alienated from their Nigerianness. Therefore, we understand that the greatest task before us is to reunite the county and give everyone a sense of belonging regardless of region or religion.

Every Nigerian must have an instinctive confidence that he or she will be treated with justice and equity in any part of the country regardless of the language they speak or how they worship God. This is the great task that trumps all. Unless we are able to achieve this, all other claim to progress no matter how defined, would remain unsustainable.

This is the task that I am committing myself to and I believe that it is in this PDP, that I will have the opportunity to play my part. It is my hope that the APC will respect the choice that I have made as my democratic right, and understand that even though we will now occupy a different political space, we do not necessarily become enemies unto one another.

Thank you.

Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, CON
President of the Senate

Offa Robbery: AGF Malami clears Saraki, says police lack evidence against Senate

Nigeria’s Attorney-General, Abubakar Malami, has told the police that there was no evidence that linked Senate President Bukola Saraki and Kwara State Governor Abdulfattah Ahmed to the armed robbery attack that left 31 persons dead in Offa, Kwara State, in April, PREMIUM TIMES can now confirm.

Mr Malami advised in a June 22 letter to the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, that the police would need to ramp up their investigation and also painstakingly explore all critical areas before identifying the Senate President as a suspect in the carnage, much less filing charges against him.

Yusuf Abdulwahab, Mr Ahmed’s chief of staff who was amongst state officials arrested for allegedly conspiring with the prime suspects, was also cleared, with the prosecutor saying “no evidence is credible enough to sustain any charge based on any offence known to law against him.”

The attorney-general’s office said only six prime suspects should be charged to court for armed robbery and murder which could draw capital punishment upon conviction. Olalekan Alabi, a personal assistant to Mr Ahmed, was also recommended for trial, but only on lesser charges of illegal possession of arms.

Mr Saraki hinted at the existence of the letter on Monday night as part of a fierce response to Mr Idris’ latest summon to him. The Senate President said the invitation, which he was asked to honour by 8:00 a.m. today, was unnecessary because the Director of Public Prosecutions had already informed the police that there were no sufficient bases to keep dragging him into the armed robbery investigation.

“I am aware that following a request made by the Police on June 13, 2018 to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) of the Federation had written a legal advice dated June 22, 2018, in which he stated on page 5, paragraph (f) that “For the Senate President and the Kwara State Governor, this office is unable to establish from the evidence in the interim report a nexus between the alleged office and the suspects,” Mr Saraki said in the Monday night statement.

At least five banks were raided and substantial amount of cash carted away when armed robbers stormed the polytechnic town on April 5. The police initially said 17 people were killed in the attack, including nine police officers, but continued to revise the figure upwards, apparently as some of those receiving treatments for critical wounds were passing on.

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/277780-offa-robbery-agf-malami-clears-saraki-says-police-lack-evidence-against-senate-president.html

Police Invitation is a Mere Political Game, Says Saraki

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has stated that the invitation to him by the Police to report to a station in Guzape over the Offa robbery investigation is a mere afterthought which is designed to achieve political purpose.

Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, stated that he has it on good authority that the Police had already decided on the suspects to arraign in court in Ilorin, Kwara State on Wednesday based on the advice of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Mohammed U.E. and that the turn around to invite him was a ploy aimed at scoring cheap political points.

" I have been reliably informed that the police invitation was planned by IG as a ploy to stop an alleged plan by some Senators and House of Representatives members from defecting from the All Progressives Congress (APC). It was also said that if I was detained between Tuesday and Wednesday, that will abort the so-called defection plan.

"While I continue to maintain that the issue of my position on the 2019 elections is not a personal decision for me alone to make, it should be noted that all these concoctions and evil plot cannot deter me. Those behind this fresh assault will fail as I have nothing to do with the robbery incident or any criminal matter for that matter.

"I am aware that following a request made by the Police on June 13, 2018 to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) of the Fedeeation had written a legal advice dated June 22, 2018, in which he stated on page 5, paragraph (f) that "For the Senate President and the Kwara State Governor, this office is unable to establish from the evidence in the interim report a nexus between the alleged office and the suspects".

"The Police have obviously corrupted and politicized their investigations into the Offa robbery incident. They have turned it into an instrument for the party in power to suppress perceived opponents, witchunt issue for blackmailing people from freely choosing which platform on which they want to pursue their ambition and a matter for harassing the people whose exit from APC would harm the chances of the party in the forthcoming elections.

" I want to make it apparent that I have no hand in either the robbery incident or any criminal acitivity. The Police in their haste to embarrass me sent the invitation to me at 8pm and requested that I report to the station by 8am tomorrow morning. This obviously demonstrated their desperation as I do not see why they are now in a hurry.

"They also stated in today's letter that because in my response of June 7, 2018 to their own letter written on June 4, 2018, I stated that I was responding simply to the contents of the letter and that the full text of the statement made by the arrested suspects which they claimed indicted me was not made available to me, they were now including the suspects statements in the current letter. Yet, instead of including the suspects' statements, they only attached two copies of my own letter to the invitation. No suspects statement was made available.

"This plot aimed at compelling me and my associates to stay in a party where members are criminalised without just cause, where injustice is perpetrated at the highest level and where there is no respect for constitutionalism is an exercise in futility and it will fail.

"Once again, my confidence in God and our judicial system remains intact and unshaken. The truth shall also prevail in this case", he stated.

Signed
Yusuph Olaniyonu
Special Adviser (Media and Publicity) to the Senate President

Nigerians react to "Buhari "Begs" Saraki Not To Leave APC.

1. Teddy Asika Agaji:

They called him thief and arm robber yet they are begging him to remain in their Saint party. What a shame! The so call integrity of Buhari is becoming diminishing return in this political dispensation.Why now? The begging should have been better when saraki was subjected to trial over his purported false assets declaration.
I would have loved Bola Tinubu to come begging him instead

2. Kenechukwu Victor:

Lol no mind nonsense Buhari supporters who feels Buhari is a party on his own. Can see the way he's begging. TV news showed him on his knees sef.

3.Chidiebere Nwobodo:

I thought Buharists said all the National Assembly members of APC extraction won election with the so-called popularity of Buhari in 2015? Why is he begging now? You think Saraki is a fool? After given him humiliation of his life for three years, you still expect him to allow you "use and dump" him again?
Buhari and his power-drunk cabal sees every other persons as fools.
You

4. Mazii Chinedu Ohams:

After insulting him with the Code of Conduct prosecution, you now beg him not to leave APC. Its only in the imagination of Buhari that Saraki will not leave.

5. Mojid Abd:

Why is the bloody tyrant begging Saraki, I thought he fears nothing. Bloody president. Anyways, regardless of whether Saraki teams up with him or otherwise, we must elect someone else to occupy Aso Rock come 2019.

Supreme Court Acquittal: Heroic Welcome For Saraki In Ilorin

The Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has just been accorded a heroic reception by mammoth crowd of supporters and admirers that gathered at Ilorin International Airport to welcome him to Ilorin, his hometown, some ten days after the Supreme Court discharged and acquitted him of allegations of false assets declaration.

The supporters of the Senate President patiently waited for the arrival of their leader for about eight hours, having assembled at the airport as early as 8.00am.

Motorists and other road users had a hectic time on the Ilorin-Ogbomosho road, as Saraki's supporters lined both sides of the road with vehicles stretching for about five kilometers.

Although Saraki's flight didn't arrive until about 4.17pm, the supporters kept themselves alive with dance and music from various live bands.

He was accompanied on the flight by the Speaker of the state's house of Assembly, Dr. Ali Ahmad, Senator Rafiu Ibrahim, former Speaker of the state Assembly and chairman House Committee on Judiciary, Barr. Razak Atunwa as well as former presidential spokesman, Dr. Doyin Okupe.

While taking questions from newsmen, Saraki described his three-year trial as tough but expressed satisfaction that his followers never doubted his innocence as he had told them on many occasions.

But he declined comment on what he will do over pressure by some of his followers to lead them out of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He only asked newsmen not to 'worry' or 'push' him over the matter.

"As I said, don't worry, don't push me, I will call at a time and I will tell Nigerians", he said.

On his trial and the visit he said: "It's been a long journey for all my own people in the state, and today we thank the Almighty God for this. I want to thank all of them who did not at any time waver. They believe in my innocence and supported me throughout those three very tough years and it was a great feeling for all of us.

"It is my first homecoming to thank them for all the support they have given me and the victory and for the fact that the truth prevailed and justice was done. Today is a day for me to visit and more importantly thank the people for the support they have given for years.

" As I always say time will come for everything, a time will come I will tell people where I am, what I'm doing. For now it is just to thank the people of the state because the last three years have been tough and they are still committed and remain and I have to appreciate that. I appreciate that."

The Senate President and his entourage drove directly from the airport to the Emir's palace to pay a thank you visit to the Emir, Alh Ibrahim Sulu- Gambari.

It was cheers all the way for Saraki by residents who lined the streets to show their love for their hero.

END

You Lack Decorum, Kwara APC Chides National Officer

Kwara State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has cautioned Yekini Nabena, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party, to stay within the mandate of his new position, and stop his campaign of uninformed comments against the President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

In a statement by the state Publicity Secretary, Sulyman Buhari, in response to the statement by Nabena calling on Dr. Saraki to declare his stand on the R-APC, Kwara APC noted that Nabena should first clarify if he was speaking on behalf of his superiors in the APC National Working Committee (NWC) or he was running errand for some faceless and mischievous elements who are his paymasters.

“The Kwara APC has taken note of the immature display and lack of decorum by one Yekinni Nabena in a statement he issued today calling the Senate President names. Nabena needs to first clarify if he was speaking on behalf of the National Working Committee of the APC or representing some faceless and mischievous elements who are his paymasters.

“Instead of embarrassing himself with his meaningless diatribe that demonstrates his lack of decorum and immaturity for the position he has accidentally found himself, Nabena should focus on understanding what his current position entails. This is necessary because his preparedness and capacity have definitely been called into question by his antics. He definitely cannot use Saraki's name to get cheap popularity and buy relevance.

“At the right time, our leader, the Senate President, who remains one of the founding fathers of the APC and a deciding factor in our national politics today, will make his decision known to the whole world when he is ready.

“As a grassroots politician who believes in carrying everyone along and works in the best interest of the people at the State and national levels, Saraki does not owe an unknown factor like Nabena any response or explanation. Instead, at the right time, I am sure that his friends, supporters, associates, all Nigerians and the entire world will know where he stands on issues regarding 2019 elections.

“Saraki that we know does not hide to play his politics. He plays in the open. Those who feel uncomfortable with his rising profile will continue to bell-ache for a long time to come. In fact, we enjoy the way he is making his opponents fret and suffer insomnia by his silence", the Kwara APC stated.

It also urged Nigerians not to be distracted by individuals who are fond of making statements to seek relevance or for personal gain. Kwara APC further stated that Nigerians should be rest assured that the Senate President, who is currently on his way back from the United States talking about how to improve trade relations with Nigeria and increasing the chances of our youth to get self-employed, will not be distracted by the needless noise.

Signed

Sulyman Buhari
Publicity Secretary
Kwara State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress

Dambazau, Amaechi, others for Peace Scholars' Abuja Conference


All is set for the Annual General Conference of the Society for Peace Studies and Practice holding in Abuja, the nation's capital.

The conference with the theme "Violent Conflicts and the Challenges of Peacebuilding in Contemporary Nigeria", holds between Monday and Wednesday (9th and 11th July, 2018) at the National Open University Campus, Jabi, Abuja.

A statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of Society for Peace Studies and Practice, Dr (Mrs) Abiola Adimula, said Minister of Interior, Lt. General Abdulrahaman Dambazau (rtd) and Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi would be Chairman and Special Guest of Honour respectively at the opening ceremonies on Monday at 10am.

The statement said the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, will
declare the conference open while Emeritus Prof. Godwin Sogolo and Rtd Col. Ola Mejeyeogbe, would serve as Keynote Speakers.

It noted that the conference would discuss in depth security issues and violent conflicts in the country and suggest possible solutions for policy design.

The statement said erudite scholars from various fields of study would present well researched papers on sub-titles relating to the main theme, maintaining that the conference would also feature a workshop on Alternative Dispute Resolution, Special Sessions and Induction of new Members at a gala night, among other events.

The statement added that, delegates in peace studies from tertiary institutions, peace practitioners, security personnel and others, within and outside the country are expected to arrive Abuja (tomorrow) Sunday 8th July, 2018.

Saraki Hails Supreme Court Verdict, Says Trial Politically Motivated


Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has reiterated his confidence in the judicial process and the ability of the Judiciary to do justice to all manner of men and in all circumstances.

In a statement personally signed by him after the judgement of the Supreme Court which upheld the earlier decision of the Code of Conduct Tribunal discharging and acquitting him of all 18 charges instituted against him, Saraki expressed gratitude to all Nigerians who have supported him since the case commenced three years ago.

“At the end of a tortuous journey of 1018 Days counting from September 22, 2015 when the case began at the Tribunal, I am happy that I have been vindicated. The Supreme Court has affirmed that there is no evidence of false declaration of assets. The court also observed that certain agents took over the responsibility of the Code of Conduct Bureau in this trial, and one can infer that this was done towards a pre-determined end.

“This outcome has gladdened my heart and further strengthened my belief in this country and as well as my faith in Almighty Allah, who is the righter of all wrongs. God has vindicated me today before the judgement of man, and I am most thankful and humbled at His grace and infinite mercies.

“Through it all, I refused to be shaken, knowing, as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, that the arch of the moral universe may be long, but it bends towards justice. I knew the day would come when justice would prevail and I would be exonerated.

“I have always believed in the infallibility of our Judiciary, secure in the knowledge that our courts – the last refuge of the oppressed - would never condemn the innocent. This outcome is also a vindication of my belief in the rule of law.

“As I said in my first appearance at the CCT, this is a politically motivated case. The case was trumped up in the first instance because of my emergence as the President of the Senate against the wishes of certain forces. Ordinarily, I doubt anyone would be interested in the asset declaration form I filled over 15 years ago.

“What we have seen is the opposite. Instead of working together in the interest of the nation and to seek to do better for our people, we are fighting one another and using legal instruments to mount baseless accusations against one another. Instead of exhibiting the need for unity and working day and night for that purpose, we are stoking the fire of division and rancour. I maintain that, above all else, my CCT trial has been a flagrant vilification of my person, and shows that some people are after their personal interests rather than the national interest.

“As a result of the war of attrition, various arms of government have wasted resources needlessly. It has been three wasted years across board in this country. Three years that would have been devoted to tackling issues affecting Nigerians, including: economic recovery, insecurity, youth unemployment and strengthening national institutions – were wasted on malicious prosecution. People were ready to trade off three years that would have been devoted to fostering cooperation, unity and economic progress for their selfish ends. It is my hope that those who are behind my persecution will see the handwriting on the wall and leave me to do the work for which I was elected, so I can continue to give my all to this great country of ours.

“As many have rightly observed, it is plain to see that the anti-corruption fight is being prosecuted with vindictiveness, to target perceived political opponents. I believe in the need to fight corruption, but I will never be party to the selective application of the law or the rhetoric of an insincere anti-corruption fight.

“I believe in fighting corruption and I have made my own humble contributions to the fight against corruption in this country. As a presidential aide, I initiated the process that led to the enactment of the Fiscal Responsibility Act. I was the first governor to establish the Price Intelligence Unit which later metamorphosed into the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) at the federal level. In the history of this country, the highest fraud, the most brazen corruption has been the Fuel Subsidy scam. No one wanted to talk about it or confront entrenched powers. As a Senator on the platform of the ruling party at that time, I sponsored a motion on the floor of the Senate calling for investigation that led to the unprecedented exposure of the massive corruption in the fuel subsidy regime. That was my only point of departure with the former President. My antecedents speak for themselves.

“I thank Nigerians for standing by me through the difficult period of this trial. The support of ordinary Nigerians and their faith in me, as well as their sophistication and discernment in seeing this case for what it was, has been a source of strength to me.

“I am most grateful for the support of my Distinguished Colleagues and the Honourable Members of the 8th National Assembly for their unflinching support and regular attendance at the various proceedings. They were unfairly criticised for accompanying me on court appearances, but it is now clear that they did so because they believed that injustice to one, is injustice to all. They have been the true embodiment of esprit de corps. I thank them for banding together in the face of an unconscionable attack on the institution of the legislature.

“I thank my legal team for their determined and principled stance, and for their knowledge and diligence, which saw this case to its just conclusion. My gratitude to all my friends, political associates, supporters and the good people of Kwara State – all of whom have been solidly behind me.

“I thank my family for enduring this trial with their usual grace and fortitude. My immense gratitude also goes to the international community for their interest in this case. The Nigerian press have kept watch and I appreciate their vigilance in ensuring that all the facts were held up to scrutiny.

“To my supporters, yes, there is a reason to rejoice, but our celebration must be tempered with the sobering lessons of the attempted injustice from Day One of this trial. We all have to canvas for fairness in the fight against corruption. We should see this verdict as an inspiration to champion the rule of law, promote democracy and its institutions as well as tolerance of divergent views.

“The overwhelming support of so many, and the insistence on ensuring that due process and truth prevailed, has made this verdict possible,” he stated.


SIGNED:
Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, CON
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE

“I’m on trial because I’m the Senate President” – Saraki’s FULL SPEECH at Senate

http://www.thescoopng.com/2015/09/29/im-on-trial-because-im-the-senate-president-against-the-will-of-some-powers-sarakis-full-speech-at-senate/

Press Release
July 5, 2018

Senate'll Investigate Alleged Sexual Abuse, Violence at IDP Camps

President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has said that the Senate will continue to do all within its power to ensure that alleged sexual abuse and violence against Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) at camps in the North East and across the country are not covered up.

Saraki according to a statement by his Special Assistant on New Media, Olu Onemola, said this while receiving the Amnesty International (AI) 2017/18 Report on ‘The State of the World’s Human Rights’ and the organization’s report on women who survived Boko Haram but were later maltreated, from its Country Director, Mrs. Osai Ojigho, in Abuja.

He stated that the country being an important part of the comity of nations, it must continue to lead by example by doing the right things.

“By getting it right, we must be able to accept where these issues exist and work with partners like yourselves to be able to establish the facts," Saraki said. "We have already set up a panel on your IDP report. By doing this, we can establish where sanctions need to be meted out."

He added: “You have our assurance that nothing will be covered up. Not just for the purpose of discipling people, but for the purpose of preventing reoccurrence. By doing this, we can help to ensure that people will change in their approach.

“Our people are already going through a lot of hardship in the IDP camps, they do not need this. We must stand and be there for them. In this regard, I am very keen to see the committee work very closely with you to resolve this — so that the administration of justice is achieved and people will get a fair hearing.”

Earlier, the Country Director of AI, Mrs. Ojigho, said that the visit was meant to commend the Senate for setting up a panel to investigate the allegations contained in the report.

“We think it is a good sign of progress and a willingness to find out the truth regarding the incidents that have been happening and we hope that it will bring recourse to the women victims and their families in their quest to seek justice.

*Read more...........*
http://www.abubakarbukolasaraki.com/press-release-senatell-investigate-alleged-sexual-abuse-violence-at-idp-camps/

Press Release
June 27, 2018

Plateau Killings: “Working Towards Peace is Everybody’s Responsibility” says Saraki

The President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has stated that working towards peace in Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole, must remain the primary responsibility of all Nigerians.

Saraki, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media & Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, said this, during a condolence visit to Plateau State, over this weekend’s killings. The Senate President was joined by the Senate Deputy Majority Leader, Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah and Senator Ubali Shittu.

Saraki, who had earlier in the day, met with President Muhammadu Buhari, alongside Speaker Yakubu Dogara, was received by the Plateau State Governor, Rt. Hon. Simon Lalong, at the Plateau State Government House.

“Let me convey my deepest sympathy for the unfortunate and sad incident that occurred in Plateau State this weekend that claimed many innocent lives. This is not only a loss to Plateau State, but to the entire nation.

“Although the National Assembly is currently not in session, when we resume next week, this is one of the prime issues that will be up for discussion. However, we thought it necessary to come here personally to meet with the people of Plateau State to commiserate with the families — because words cannot really describe this kind of pain.

“Our prayer to Almighty God is to grant the affected families the fortitude to bear these losses. At this time as well, I also pray to God to give His Excellency, the Governor, the courage to be able to manage this challenge and bring solace to a lot of people,” Saraki said.

The President of the Senate also stated that this was a very difficult time for Plateau State, however, the entire nation stands with Plateau during this difficult time.

“This is a very difficult time for Plateau State. However, I want to reassure you that the entire country is with you and the entire National Assembly stands with you.

“We were late in coming here because both myself and the Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives sought an appointment with Mr. President on the killings that occurred here — to see how we would come together to see what could be done to forestall and prevent future occurrences like this and provide relief and support for all those that have been affected. This is our paramount responsibility. Whatever that needs to be done, must be done,” he said.

The President of the Senate also called on the nation's security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the killings are quickly apprehended to help bring an end to the killings in Plateau State.

“We must also ensure that all those who are responsible for these killings must account for it. It is part of providing succour and ensuring the peace. You cannot bring back the lives, but finding and prosecuting the perpetrators will go a long way in helping to calm people and ease the pain that they are going through.

“Therefore, yet again, we call on our security agents to ensure that they find the perpetrators that have done this and make them account for their detestable actions.

“Let me use this opportunity to appeal to everyone, to the entire people of Plateau State: Nobody wins from this. Nobody. These killings from today sets the clock back many years, therefore, I want to appeal to the entire people of Plateau State, the elderly, the young, the men and the women, to ensure that we work towards peace. Working towards peace is not only the responsibility of the Governor or the traditional rulers in the state. It is incumbent on everyone. Working towards peace is not Simon Lalong’s problem alone.”

The Governor of the State, Rt. Hon. Simon Lalong, commended the President of the Senate and the Senate delegation saying: “As the leader of the North Central, we welcome you to our state. When this thing started, as the leader of our geopolitical region, you looked for me and you called me, despite your busy schedule to ask me “What can I do to help?”

“On behalf of the good people of Plateau State, I thank you and the Senate delegation for being here. This is because you are not only here representing yourselves, you are here representing the entire National Assembly.”

Signed:

Yusuph Olaniyonu
Special Adviser (Media & Publicity) to the President of the Senate

Press Release
June 24, 2018

Plateau Killings: We Need Quick Response to Tackle Security Crisis

President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has advised President Muhammadu Buhari to direct his security chiefs to immediately produce quick response measures aimed at tackling the spate of killings in the country.

Saraki, while responding to the killings in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area in which scores of people were murdered in attacks by unknown assailants on some villages, said it is important for Nigerians to start having the assurances that the government is decisively responding to the current threat to lives and properties in parts of the country.

"I am very sad to hear the news of the incident in Plateau State. This is very depressing and giving the impression that the country is not safe. The problem of Boko Haram in the North-east is well known to everybody but this killing by unknown band of assailants in Benue, Taraba, Plateau and Kaduna States is now giving another dimension to the crisis. Coming at the time we are getting ready for elections, we need to respond fast.

"If the plan is to develop some long term measures, we also request that the President should mandate the security chiefs to put forward an immediate short term and quick response measure which will restore confidence in the system and demonstrate to the criminals behind this killings the capacity of government to tackle the issue.

"We have to immediately device a plan through which the criminals behind the killings and their sponsors can be nabbed and made to face the wrath of the law. We have to also develop plans to mop up illegal fire arms in the hands of dangerous elements while also stopping the influx of these arms into the country", he stated.

The Senate President however commiserated with the people of Barkin Ladi Local Governement Area and the Government of Plateau State over the weekend attack on some of the communities. He prayed for the repose of the deceased and for Almighty God to grant the injured swift recovery.

Signed
Yusuph Olaniyonu
Special Adviser (Media and Publicity) to the President of the Senate

Offa robbery: NGO queries Whereabouts of the armourer 
-condemns use of political thugs



A Non-Governmental Organisation, Network on Political Reforms in Nigeria (NOPRIN), has expressed fear over the whereabouts of key suspects in the Offa robbery, Michael Adikwe, who was named to have allegedly supplied the ammunition used in the Offa robbery operation and one other Kayode Opadokun, the first and only son of former Secretary of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Ayo Opadokun. 

The NGO in a press conference held at the press centre of the Lagos State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alausa, Lagos on Wednesday, noted that "the suspects so far paraded in the Offa robbery incident did not Include the alleged chief armourer, a dismissed policeman called Adikwu". 

The National Coordinator of the group, Okechukwu Nwanguma, explained that the Gang leader,  Ayoade Akinnibosun a.k.a AY indicted Adikwe when interviewed by newsmen, claiming that the dismissed police officer supplied the weapons used for the operation but was not paraded. 

According to Okechukwu who commended the police for the success recorded so far in its investigation and apprehension of suspects, the whereabouts of Ayo Opadokun’s son, Kayode, who was among those arrested, but was not paraded alongside others by the Police should be made known.

"NOPRIN also hinted of emerging fears about the safety of these suspects who were not paraded and called on the police to ensure the safety of Adikwu and Kayode", he said.

The coalition further appealed to the police to publicly produce the two suspects in order to douse tension that they have been eliminated to cover up and to put fear in the other suspects that they would similarly be eliminated if they don't cooperate by sticking with the police narrative about the incident.

NOPRIN also expressed concerns over the police’s attitude towards court orders and the rule of law, saying that " the Police should heed the court order that the suspects be arraigned or granted bail, as disobedience to court orders offends the notion of rule of law which the IGP often flaunts".

Nwanguma therefore, advised the Nigeria Police Force to avoid anything that might cast a slur on the integrity and professionalism of police investigation and the dispensation of justice to the accused persons, victims and society at large.

"NOPRIN condemns, without reservation, the use of thugs whether by the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki or by any other politician whatsoever to disrupt elections and gain undue advantage", Nwanguma said.

According to NOPRIN, the use of political thugs and brigands often turns election- an otherwise civic exercise- into a warfront in Nigeria. Electoral violence subverts democracy and undermines the democratic rights of Nigerians to freely choose their leaders.

*Senate President Lays Wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Russia*

Today, the President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, laid a wreath at the at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier near the Kremlin Wall. #SarakiInRussia

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, is monumental grave that contains the remains of one soldier who died in December 1941 at Km41 of Leningradskoe sh – the nearest the Nazis came to Moscow. #SarakiInRussia

Many countries now maintain such tombs to serve as memorials to all their war dead. #SarakiInRussia

The inscription on the Tomb in Russia reads: ‘Your name is unknown, your deeds immortal.’ #SarakiInRussia

Every hour on the hour, the guards perform a perfectly synchronised ceremony to change the guards on duty. #SarakiInRussia

There’s an eternal flame, and other inscriptions listing the Soviet 'hero cities' of WWII – those that withstood the heaviest fighting – and honouring ‘those who fell for the motherland’ between 1941 and 1945. #SarakiInRussia

South of the tomb, a row of red urns contains earth from the hero cities. #SarakiInRussia

The Senate President’s wreath had a ribbon with the inscription: “With gratitude for your service to mankind in the pursuit of peace and justice for people everywhere.” Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki. #SarakiInRussia

*#SarakiInRussia*: *Nigerian Youth, Super Eagles, Wizkid and Boko Haram, Here are 10 Things the Senate President said about Nigeria to the Russian Parliament*

*Today, Wednesday, June 20th, the President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, addressed the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation at the invitation of the Chairperson of the Federation Council, Valentina Matviyenko. Here are 10 things that he spoke about.*
 
*1. ON THE WORLD CUP*
“It is wonderful to be back in your beautiful country, especially during the World Cup, and for this, I wish to congratulate the Russian people for the successful hosting of the 2018 World Cup tournament. The burst of colour, spectacle and sportsmanship on display – as well as the smooth running of the event - are a reflection of the level of planning, preparation and capacity on your part as host nation. It is a vibrant symbol of global unity that serves as a most fortuitous backdrop to our visit.”


*2. ON THE INVITATION BY THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE FEDERATION COUNCIL*
“My first visit to Russia was in October last year, to attend the IPU General Assembly where I met Valentina Matviyenko, Chairperson of the Federation Council. She graciously extended an invitation to me to visit the Russian Parliament. We are here today in this hallowed chamber as guests of Madam Speaker and this honourable House, in fulfilment of that promise. I thank you most sincerely, Madam Speaker, for this kind gesture. I have every confidence that this will mark the beginning of a new phase of inter-parliamentary cooperation between our two nations, as well as a springboard for renewed vigour in Nigeria-Russia relations in general.”


*3. ON AFRICA & NIGERIA HAVING STRENGTH IN ITS NUMBERS*
“Africa is looking to the future, and Nigeria is at the forefront of that push. Africa is the future… More than half of the countries with the highest annual growth rate are on our continent, and this has been the case since the Year 2000… Furthermore, a massive demographic dividend is expected to deliver an unprecedented advantage by 2050, when our continent will account for 40 percent of the world’s population — and one in four persons on earth will be African.”


*4. ON THE POWER AND INNOVATION OF NIGERIA’S YOUNG PEOPLE*
“We are the youngest continent, with a population of 1.3 billion Africans whose numbers are set to double by 2050; and more than half of whom are young people. The number of African youth expected to reach working age by 2035 will exceed that of the rest of the entire world combined… Nowhere is the surging power of Africa’s youth more inescapable than in Nigeria. Ours is the most populous country on the youngest continent, with some 68 percent of the Nigerian population between 18 to 35 years of age. This youth demographic is transforming every sphere of life in our country, especially with regard to entrepreneurship, sports, arts and entertainment.”


*5. ON NIGERIA BEING THE ‘GATEWAY’ TO AFRICA*
“Fellow parliamentarians, as leader of the Nigerian delegation to your country, my interest is the interest of the Nigerian people; as yours is the interest of the people of Russia… The recalibration of the world and the various power blocs is happening right before our eyes. In the emerging global order, world powers are looking to Africa, and it is not difficult to see why. Africa is not merely rising; Africa is here. There is a world of opportunities on the continent. The 54 nations of Africa represent a huge geographical bloc with enormous potential for investment and strategic partnerships that will benefit only those that venture.”


*6. ON WHY RUSSIA MUST RECKON WITH NIGERIA*
“Our position, therefore, is simple: those who are serious about expanding their interests in Africa must necessarily see Nigeria – the powerhouse in the region – as the gateway to the continent… Russia should reckon with Nigeria as the central area of focus in Africa, and take a more serious view of its longstanding ties to our end of the world.”


*7. ON THE SIMILARITIES BETWEEN RUSSIA AND NIGERIA*
“…our two countries share certain, striking similarities. Our two nations are among the 10 most populous countries in the world; and are among the Top 10 in gas reserves. With a population of nearly 190 million people, Nigeria is set to surpass the United States of America as the third most populous country in the world by 2050. In terms of diversity, Russia at 190 ethnic groupings is not too far behind Nigeria’s 250… With Russia and Nigeria projected to be the biggest economies in Europe and Africa respectively in just three decades from now, it would be a travesty if we did not strive to strengthen cooperation and partnership to reap the gains in terms of GDP growth."


*8. ON NIGERIAN STARS: DAVIDO, TIMAYA, WIZKID, TIWA SAVAGE, AND THE NIGERIAN ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY*
“Ours is the second largest film industry in the world; and contemporary Nigerian music has gone global. I would not be surprised if Nigerian stars like Timaya, WizKid, Davido or Tiwa Savage are selling out concert halls in Moscow or St. Petersburg very soon, as they have been doing in major cities around the world.”


*9. ON THE NIGERIAN SUPER EAGLES*
“In sports, well, please allow me to say humbly, that it will be difficult to take your eyes off Nigeria during the ongoing World Cup tournament. If anything, we have already won the battle of the football jerseys; the Super Eagles kit is an instant classic, a coveted collector’s item, universally acclaimed as the best national kit in Russia 2018. Naturally, the entire Nigerian nation is behind our team, optimistic for a sterling performance in the rest of the tournament and confident that our boys will now produce the sleek moves to match the sleek looks.”


*10. ON TERRORISM & HUMAN TRAFFICKING*
“Fellow parliamentarians, there are many other issues that call for closer cooperation between our two countries – which contribute to sustainable peace in the larger world – and these include Terrorism and Human Trafficking. For one, Russia is currently one of the destinations where young Nigerians are trafficked for sexual exploitation. This is a worrying phenomenon for both our countries, and we should develop common strategies for tackling the problem… we look to Russia to join us in building stronger collaboration for the fight against this common enemy. Terrorism, most significantly in the shape of the Boko Haram sect, has continued to pose a serious challenge to the internal security of Nigeria. When, at the height of the crisis, we were having difficulty obtaining international support, Russia memorably saved the day by supplying military equipment and assisting us with the training of personnel. We are grateful that you did not abandon us in our hour of need. While Boko Haram is largely decimated now, the threat remains, and new terrorism challenges are arising…”

Press Release
June 18, 2018

Saraki Leads Senate Delegation on Visit to Russian Parliament

President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, will on Tuesday (tomorrow) lead a Senate delegation on a three day parliamentary visit to Russia, aimed at deepening legislative best practices and further strengthening the relationship between both countries.

During the visit, the President of the Senate is expected to address the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation (Senate of Russia) and hold meetings with its Chairperson of the Federation Council, Ms. Valentina Matviyenko, Chairman of the State Duma, Mr. Vyacheslav Volodin and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Mr. Mikhail Bogdanov, to exchange views on issues of Nigerian-Russian cooperation.

Senators will also hold side meetings with corresponding committees of the Federation Council of Russia.

Senators on the delegation include Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Olusola Adeyeye, Chairman Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, Chairman, Senate Committee on Air Force, Senator Duro Faseyi, Chairman, Senate Committee on Sports and Youth, Senator Obinna Ogba and the Vice-Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, Senator Ibrahim A. Danbaba.

Also on the trip is the Chief of Staff to the President of the Senate, Dr. Hakeem Baba Ahmed, Special Assistant on Partnerships & NGOs/CSOs to the President of the Senate, Mr. Innocent Onah and the Special Assistant on Events to the President of the Senate, Ms. Eniola Shitta.

The delegation is expected back in the country on June 22, 2018.

END

Signed:

Bamikole Omishore
Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs & International Relations to the President of the Senate

Nigerians Commend Saraki as he Completes Umrah Rites (Photos)

Nigerians on social media, today, prayed for the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, as he posted a picture of himself performing the Umrah rites in Mecca.

Many of them prayed for Saraki, and also stated that may the Almighty Allah accept his prayers as an act of supplication.

1.The Security Agencies must be given marching orders to contain all the sustained killings of Nigerians and protect the lives and properties of Nigerians — as this is the primary duty for any responsible government.


2.The systemic harassment by the executive of perceived political opponents — people with contrary opinions in the legislature and the judiciary — by the police and other security agencies must stop.

3.There must be strict adherence to the rule of law and protection for all citizens by the President and all his appointees.

4.The President must be held accountable for the actions of his appointees and must be ready to sanction, those that carry out any act, that will ridicule or endanger the country and our democracy.


5.The government should show sincerity in the fight against corruption by not being selective and also prosecute current appointees that have cases pending against them.

6.The sanctity of the National Assembly should be protected and preserved by the federal government… and prosecute those who invaded the Senate to seize the mace.

7.Democratic elections must be competitive and inclusive by removing the current reign of fear and intimidation — particularly as we approach the forthcoming 2019 elections.

8.The National Assembly will liaise with the international community through the IPU, the APU, ECOWAS Parliament, Pan-African Parliament, EU, US Congress and the United Nations to secure our democracy. The National Assembly will also engage with civil society organizations, trade unions and NGOs to further deepen and protect our democracy.

9. The President must take immediate steps to curtail the growing level of poverty and unemployment in Nigeria — especially now that we have an advantage of high oil prices.

10. Both chambers of the National Assembly hereby pass a vote of confidence on the Senate President, the Speaker and the entire leadership of the National Assembly.

11. We also hereby reaffirm our earlier resolution on the vote of no confidence on the Inspector General of Police, who does nothing but preside over innocent Nigerians with an outright disregard for constitutional authority of both the executive and the legislature.

12. The National Assembly will not hesitate to invoke its constitutional powers if nothing is done to address the above resolutions passed today.

Press Release:

SARAKI: OUR RESPONSE TO CLAIMS BY POLICE

June 3, 2018 - The attention of the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has been drawn to a story circulating online and apparently derived from a Press Conference addressed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Moshood Jimoh, linking him (Saraki) to the Offa robbery.

Dr. Saraki will want the entire public to disregard this claim as a baseless allegation and another ploy by the Police to implicate him by all means. 

"Let it be known that there is no way I could have been associated with armed robbery against my people. When the Offa robbery incident happened, I was the first top public official to pay a visit to the place and right there in the palace of the traditional ruler, I put a call through to this same Mr. Ibrahim Idris, the IGP, requesting him to make certain specific security arrangements as demanded by the people.

"Members of the public will remember that on May 16, 2018, I alerted the Senate about the information passed on to me by my State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatai Ahmed, over a plot by the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, to frame me up by getting some suspected cultists arrested in Ilorin to implicate me. It is believed that the timely leakage of the plot in that case aborted the use of the suspected cultists to implicate me. Now, it is the Offa bank robbery suspects that are about to be used.

"This plot is concocted to embarrass me and, in the mind of the IGP, it is his own response after his refusal to honour the invitation by the National Assembly, headed me, for him to come and offer explanations on the rampant killings and violence across the country.

"Like the earlier one, this frame-up will also fail as I hereby state categorically that I have no link with any band of criminals.  

"As a person who has utmost respect for the rule of law and all constitutional institutions, when the invitation from the Police is formally extended to me, I will be ready to honour it without any delay.


"It is however sad that this abuse of the criminal investigation process aimed at intimidating and over-overawing the legislature, thereby obstructing it from doing its work, is a big threat to our democracy ", the Senate President  stated.

END

Signed

Yusuph Olaniyonu 
Special Adviser (Media and Publicity) to Senate President

Press Release
June 3, 2018

Saraki: Justice Akanbi's Death, A Personal Loss

President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has expressed grief over the death of a former President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Mustapha Akanbi, and said the incident was a personal loss to him.

Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, described the late Akanbi as an indefatigable, honest and principled jurist who upheld the fine ethics of the judicial process till he breathed his last.

"I am sad that Baba (Akanbi) has left us. He was fearless, courageous and spoke truth to power during his lifetime," Saraki said. "He was like a father to me. His death is a personal loss. Kwara State will miss him. Nigeria will miss him," he said.

He stated that the late Justice Akanbi would be remembered for his unquenchable zeal to restore the principles of transparency and accountability in the country through his fight against corruption.

Saraki noted: "He was an anti-corruption czar who fought the malaise both when he was in and out of office. He never gave up. His untiring zeal to stamp out corruption from all facet of our national life never dimmed. He lived what he preached and you could see there was no pretense about him at all.

"He was an incorruptible jurist whose judgements could hardly be faulted while on the bench. During his stint as Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), he fought corruption with uncommon passion and courage.

"After leaving office as the ICPC boss, he again joined the board of the Justice and Law Enforcement Reformation Organization - a non-profit organization - to continue his anti-corruption crusade. Besides, he later established the Mustapha Akanbi Foundation, in furtherance of his quest to strengthen the culture of transparency, accountability and good governance in the country," Saraki stated.

He described Akanbi as a true son of Kwara State whose many contributions to the development of his immediate community, state in particular, and the country in general, will remain indelible in the hearts of the people.

The Senate President commiserated with the immediate family of the deceased, the government and people of Kwara State, and urged them to emulate the virtues and values of integrity, selfless service and unparalleled patriotism of the late jurist.

While praying Almighty Allah to grant the soul of the departed a place among the righteous ones in Aljannah Firdaus, Saraki stated that he will continue to draw inspiration from the fact that late Justice Akanbi did not only live a worthy life, but was a great blessing to his generation.

END

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

Saraki: Nigerians Should Not Be Complacent About Democracy

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has advised Nigerians not to take for granted the continued democratic dispensation the country has been enjoying for the past 19 years but guard against actions, statements and moves which can truncate the political process.

While congratulating Nigerians on the 19th anniversary of unbroken elected government in the country, Saraki advised the people to always be vigilant and speak against anti-democratic policies and actions which are capable of subverting rule of law.

He also canvassed strict adherence to the principles of rule of law, separation of powers, sovereignty of parliament, independence of the judiciary, and freedom of the press, adding that "our constitutional institutions must be preserved and protected".

"As we celebrate democracy today, I congratulate our people and express my conviction that this system of government is the best so far invented. However, it goes beyond the conduct of elections to put leaders in office. Democracy involves strict adherence to rule of law as against the rule of men. It is about respect for due process and following laid down procedures. It is about respect for and building of institutions.

"That is why we cannot be celebrating Democracy Day without canvassing for caution on some recent negative developments in our polity, particularly as we prepare for next year's general elections. These include abuse of office in a manner that suggests persecution and oppression of perceived enemies, stifling of free expression, undermining of democratic institutions, and impunity on the part of certain persons who behave as though they are above the laws of the land.

"These developments should be of concern to all democrats. Other political and opinion leaders who decided to veil their sight as if they are not seeing these infractions on democracy and choose to keep quiet, should know that they equally pose danger to the survival of our country.

"History will not be fair to us if we allow our complacency to jeopardize democracy. We all must be able to speak out with strong voice on issues that constitute a danger to democracy. Eternal vigilance, they say, is the price of liberty.

"At this point, let us remember and salute our heroes of democracy, those who toiled and paid different prices for us to have elected government, particularly, those who paid the ultimate price with their lives. Their labour shall definitely not be in vain.

"Also, it is important for us to quickly tackle all issues that can undermine our democracy, particularly insecurity and lack of good governance. We must immediately find solution to the security issues and ensure that we return the regime of peace, safety of lives and property in all parts of our country. In the same way, we must do all that is necessary to deliver good governance to our people and fight corruption at all levels. These challenges must be confronted by all political leaders devoid of party loyalty, ethnicity, religion and personal preferences. We must all set aside our personal interests and work as a collective on these aforementioned issues.

"It is equally necessary to warn that with the 2015 polls, we have set a very high standard in Africa. We cannot afford to perform less in 2019. The next general elections must be freer, fairer and more peaceful than the last one. Those responsible for conducting the polls must raise the bar and work to take Nigeria to a higher level of electoral process.

"It is important for all of us to note that Nigeria will continue to exist after the 2019 polls. Just as the country is still here after the 2015 polls. We must therefore not do anything that will threaten the existence of the country or its peace, unity and tranquility.

"Let me use this occasion to urge our all our people to avoid making and circulating hate speech which can further accentuate our fault lines and set one section of the country against the other. Rather, we should all embrace tolerance and the need to be our brother's keeper. We all have a lot to gain from a united and stronger Nigeria than having a nation embedded in conflict.

"As we celebrate Democracy Day, it is my wish that Nigerians will continue to enjoy good governance, provided by freely elected government and sustained by strong and impartial institutions, all of which will lead to the creation of a developed society with the citizens freely enjoying a high standard of living," Saraki stated.

Press Release
May 27, 2018

Saraki Marks Children's Day with IDPs in Benue
...Reiterates Need for Increased Funding for Security Agencies

President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Sunday celebrated the 2018 Children's Day with children at the Abegena internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Benue state.

Saraki who was accompanied on the visit by the Senators Barnabas Gemade, George Akume, Emmanuel Bwacha and Fatimat Raji-Rasaki, was received by the Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom who led the delegation to the camp.

The President of the Senate while commiserating with the people of Benue over the loss of lives and property occasioned by incessant attacks by bandits, reiterated the call of the Senate for increased funding for security agencies to enable them combat violent crimes across the country.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sanni Onogu, Saraki said that killings in parts of the country must stop because they are an abomination to civilized values that cannot be tolerated.

Saraki said: "I decided to mark the 2018 National Children’s Day here in Benue, with those who, due to no fault of theirs, find themselves in an Internally Displaced Camp on a day set aside for the nation to celebrate her greatest assets, the children.

"In previous years, I have spent Children’s Day in the comfort of my office with children visiting the National Assembly, and that was fine enough. This year, however, I decided to come here, not just to celebrate the day but to let the people of Benue know - especially the children who need us now more than ever - that you are not alone in this ordeal.

"This visit is also emblematic of our deep concern and sympathy for children and other IDPs in many other parts of Nigeria – in places such as Borno, Yobe and Adamawa - who have fallen victim to many conflicts that are destroying entire communities.

"We recognise that there are many other children and adults who do not even have the meagre luxury of IDP camps in many places in Kaduna and Zamfara States – fellow citizens who are daily exposed to bandits, robbers, kidnappers and rapists, as well as the elements.

"We chose to visit Abagena IDP Camp, to spend some time with the children and inspect the facilities, in continuation of the Senate’s search for solutions to multi-faceted crises that are stretching our security and law-and-order assets beyond their limits.

"Just last week, the Senate received detailed briefings from Service Chiefs and other security agencies on the nature of our current security challenges, and the ways in which we can contribute to finding solutions.

"The Senate also received the Report of the Security Summit it organised in February this year, an event that tapped into a very wide spectrum of national assets with knowledge, experience and responsibility in improving citizen, community and national security.

"What is clear is that we must fund our security agencies. We must equip and support them, if we are to bring to the barest minimum those situations that cause people to be internally displaced. The killings going on in many parts of this country must stop. They are anathema to civilised values and cannot be tolerated," he said.

He said the visit was important to tell the people of Benue that they are not alone in their moment of trial.

"Benue State, in particular, has suffered terribly as a result of these senseless and murderous activities," Saraki said. "It was therefore important to come here in solidarity with the people of this state, to say: we stand with you, we are one."

He said that the Senate has been gravely concerned about the situation for several months now the reason it sent an Ad-hoc Committee on Security to Benue immediately after one of the major atrocities, earlier this year.

He said: "Our interventions culminated in the briefing by Service Chiefs last week; and we remain committed to ensuring security in this state in particular. Our efforts towards supporting effective solutions to the deteriorating security of the nation as a whole, shall be unrelenting.

"The condition of children caught in conflicts, many of whom we see here today, is particularly challenging, but the nation must never resign itself to living with this problem. This cannot become the new normal.

"Beyond millions of children in the North East who have missed out on education and vital social support for many years, there are others being deprived daily of parental care, development and security in many parts of the country. The fate of the Nigerian child today should spur all leaders into action, to bring an end to conflicts that make victims of the most vulnerable among us.

"We need to rediscover the vision that emplaces the young as the centre piece of national development and all endeavours. A nation that does not invest in its young by protecting it, investing in its health and education and skills and hope –or building economy that should make it productive - is doomed.

"Conflicts that make women and children prime targets, sap the national energy needed to resolve them. Every adult who is confined to IDP camps represents a waste of productive resource, and resources spent on running the camps are regretfully diverted from vital investments in human capital and infrastructure.

"Internally displaced persons are taken out of productive circles and activities, and they risk becoming permanently dependent. Rebuilding lives and communities become more challenging and costly the longer the conflicts last and occupy more space in our lives.

"I appeal to us all to use this National Children’s Day to intensify efforts at finding lasting solutions to conflicts which give rise to camps such as this one. I strongly believe we can find these solutions; and that military and police presence and activities and IDP camps are not the only solutions we need," he said.

On his part, the Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, thanked Saraki for the visit and the the National Assembly for approving more funding security agencies.

Ortom also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari, for approving a full military operation in the state which has so far brought relative calm and peace to troubled areas.

END

Sanni Onogu
Chief Press Secretary to the President of the Senate

Ilorin Arrests: Why are the Police Misleading the People and Playing Politics?
by Kwara State Caucus in the House of Representatives


1. We, Honourable members of the Kwara State Caucus in the House of Representatives are gravely concerned about the revelation made by the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, CON, at the Senate Plenary yesterday in which he disclosed the plot by the Inspector General of Police to falsely implicate him.

2. We have also reviewed the response from the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, where he tried to present it as a normal routine for police to move suspects arrested from a State Command to the Police Headquarters in Abuja and further said the statement by the Senate President could obstruct investigation.

3. As key stakeholders in Kwara State who are also familiar with the developments in our constituencies, it is necessary for us to let Nigerians know our view on the matter. It seems to us that the IGP is standing facts on the head. We hereby state the facts of the matter and we invite everyone to independently verify them.

4. We are aware that the suspects listed by the IGP, all of whom are now in Abuja, were arrested on 5 May 2018 for the offences of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide. After the completion of investigations, the police addressed a press conference on 10 May 2018. During the press conference, the police emphasized the fact that it was ready to arraign the suspects in court. The suspects were formally arraigned on 15 May 2018. Due to the absence of the prosecutor, the court directed the Police to bring them back to court the following day.

5. On 16 May 2018, rather than bring the suspects to court, the police decided to take them to Abuja without any reference to the court. What is logically deductible from the narrative above is that there is no on-going investigation by the police on the case involving the suspects. Therefore, the claim by the IGP that the statement by the Senate President could jeopardize investigation is totally false.

6. The critical question to be asked is why would the IGP suddenly order suspects who were set to be arraigned in court to be taken to Abuja without deferrence to the court that is seized of the case? Does that not portend an ulterior and sinister motive? It is most curious that the IGP would be so suddenly interested in an investigation that he was prepared to truncate on-going criminal proceedings.

7. We believe the facts of this case as stated above show that the Senate President was right to be concerned about the sudden turn of events, given the information he received from the State Governor who is the State chief security officer.


8. Let us also put it on record that Kwara State under Dr. Saraki's tenure as Governor enacted a strong anti-cultism law under which so many accused persons had been jailed by past and present governments in the State.

9. We agree that the IGP is free to conduct investigations and diligently pursue the prosecution of offenders. We believe those who have committed crimes must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

10. However, the Police should not engage in improper conduct with the aim of falsely incriminating innocent people. We are not unmindful of the recent rift between the Senate and the IGP. Any attempt by the Police to falsely incriminate the Senate President in order to settle scores will be reprehensible conduct which would be resisted by all legal and lawful means.


11. The Inspector General of Police should stop playing politics with law enforcement work. He needs to work with all stakeholders to succeed and therefore should stop encouraging the "We" versus "Them" campaign now going on across the country about police duties and activities.

Signed

Hon. Razak Atunwa
On behalf of the Kwara State Caucus in the House of Representatives

Press Release
May 17, 2018

Ramadan: Saraki Urges Muslims Ummah to Pray For Peace, Unity

President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has felicitated with Muslim faithful in the country for another opportunity afforded by the commencement of the Ramadan which is aimed at strengthening their devotion to the Almighty Allah.

Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, also urged the entire Muslim Ummah to use the period to pray for continuous unity and peaceful coexistence in the country.

He noted that, "the commencement of fasting has yet provided us with rare and unique opportunity to fervently pray over the security situation of the country and call on Allah to help us restore sanity and love among our country men and women.

"Nigerians, Muslims in particular, should make use of this opportunity to pray for the end of insecurity and other violent crimes threatening our existence both as a people and nation."

He noted that Ramadan is a unique and special period for Muslims around the world to renew their faith in the Almighty Allah, deepen their worship and practicalize the injunctions of the Holy Quran in their daily lives.

"May Almighty Allah be praised for another unique opportunity to fast and pray in obedience to the dictates of the Holy Quran, which is to fulfill one of the five pillars of Islam, through family and congregational prayers, sharing of Iftar meals and being generous to the less fortunate around us.

"Apart from being a time to assist the weak, vulnerable and less fortunate among us, let us utilize this period to pray for continuous peace and unity in the country because with Allah's help all our individual and national challenges are surmountable," he said.

He urged all Muslims to strictly observe the injunctions of the Holy Quran as they pertain to their conduct and personal disposition during the holy month in order to benefit maximally from the fasting exercise.

END

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

*Saraki Speaks of Plot to Implicate Him Using Cultists*

The President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, today raised alarm over a plot by security agents to implicate him using coerced cultists.

Speaking during the Senate plenary on Wednesday, May 16th, 2018, the President of the Senate narrated how he learnt of the plot to his colleagues.

“My Distinguished Colleagues, there is an issue I need to bring to your attention urgently. Last night, a group of suspects that had been arrested in Kwara state for cultism and whose investigations had been completed, and were about to go under prosecution under state law under the advice of the DPP and Ministry of Justice.

“All of a sudden they have been ordered to be transferred to Abuja this morning. The information reaching [the Kwara State Governor] as he received from the Inspector General of Police, is that they had been directed by the IGP to bring them to Abuja.

“The information that he has is for them to try to see how they will alter the statement that they already made in Ilorin and try to implicate the State Government and particularly myself.
As we speak now, these suspects are already here in Abuja.

“These acts are of desperation, blackmail and intimidation. All actions to undermine our democracy are a recipe for anarchy because we are doing our work tasking officials to obey the law, due process and subject themselves to constitutional authority.

“I think it is important that I bring these dangerous developments to your attention, and the attention of the entire country.”

Saraki explained that he was bringing the issue to the attention of his colleagues to let them know the gravity of the situation.

“I know the gravity of the issue that is why I am bringing it to your attention and to continue to let our colleagues and the world know presently the danger we are going with and the levels of the rascality that is going on with some of these actions. I have brought it to your attention and we must continue to play our own role in doing what we believe in the course of our duty.

“It is very unfortunate but that it the information I have as of now,” the President of the Senate said.

The Senate resolved that the Senate President should lead a delegation to relay the concerns raised on the floor by Saraki. The delegation would consist of the Senate President, the Senate Leader, Senator Ahmad Lawan; the Chief Whip, Senator Olusola Adeyeye; and the Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

Other members of the delegation would included Senator Danjuma Goje, Senator Sam Anyanwu, Senator Aliyu Wammako, Senator Fatima Raji Rasaki, and Senator Oluremi Tinubu.


END