*Omo-Agege: Emulate Senate, release El-Zakzaky, Dasuki, Falana tells FG*

Published
May 15, 2018
Ade Adesomoju, Abuja


Human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), on Tuesday asked the Federal Government to emulate the culture of obedience to court’s order exhibited by the Senate’s compliance with the court judgment which nullified the 90-day suspension imposed by the upper legislative chamber on the Delta Central Senator, Ovie Omo-Agege.

“By complying with the judgment without any conditions whatsoever the Senate has demonstrated leadership by example,” Falana said in a statement which he issued shortly after the news of the Senate’s decision to welcome Omo-Agege back to his legislative duties on Tuesday.

Falana had secured the yet-to-be-obeyed December 2, 2016 judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja which ordered the release of the leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (also known as Shi’ite), Sheik Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, and the cleric’s wife, Zeinab, from the custody of the Department of State Service.

El-Zakzaky and his wife have been detained by the DSS since December 2015.


Also, a former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki, has been in the detention of the same agency since December 2015 despite a later judgment of the Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States, ordering his release.

Falana, on Tuesday, renewed his call for the release El-Zakzaky, the cleric’s wife, and Dasuki from the custody of the DSS in obedience to court orders, urging the government to emulate the Senate.

Contrasting the attitudes of both the Federal Government and the Senate to court orders, Falana said the Red Chamber’s decision on Tuesday “is highly commendable in a country where official impunity has since been institutionalised”.

He noted that notwithstanding that “the motion for stay of execution of the judgment of the Honourable Justice Nnamdi Dimgba (of the Federal High Court in Abuja) delivered last week in the case of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege v The Senate has not been heard and determined by the Federal High Court, the Senate resolved yesterday to comply with the terms of the judgment”.

He said, “However, the Executive branch of the Federal Government is called upon to emulate the good example of the Senate by complying with all valid and subsisting judgments of all courts in Nigeria.

“In particular, the Executive should, as a matter of urgency, purge itself of contempt of court by complying with the judgment of the Federal High Court delivered on December 2, 2016 which directed that Sheik Ibraheem Elzakzaky and his wife, Hajia Zeinab Elzakzaky be released from the illegal custody of the State Security Service


News Source:
http://punchng.com/omo-agege-emulate-senate-release-el-zakzaky-dasuki-falana-tells-fg/

Press Release 

May 14, 2018


*Our Position on the Omo-Agege Suspension Issue, By Senate*

The Senate leadership has been briefed by our lawyers on last Thursday's judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on whether the Senate has the legal authority to suspend a member for certain misconduct or not.

We have equally filed an appeal against the judgement of the court  and a motion for stay of execution of the judgement at the Court of Appeal.

 As an institution that obeys the law and court orders, the Senate has decided that it will comply with the judgement of the Federal High Court and do nothing to stop Senator Ovie Omo-Agege from resuming in his office and at plenary from tomorrow May 15, 2018, pending the determination of the application for stay of execution.

The Senate has been advised that since the motion for stay of execution of the Thursday (May 10, 2018) judgement shall be heard and possibly determined on Wednesday, May 16, 2018, we shall therefore respect the subsisting High Court judgement and await the appellate court's decision on the pending motion.

Signed 


Sen. Sabi Aliyu Abdullahi

*Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Publicity*

Press Releases

*Kwara APC elects LG officials as party hails members over peaceful conducts*

Members of All Progressives Congress in Kwara State have elected chairmen and other executive members for the administration of the party in the 16 local government areas of Kwara State.

The party chairmen and other executive members were elected during the party congresses that held in the 16 local government areas of Kwara State on Saturday. The party congresses were peaceful party members conducted themselves in orderly manners.

The list of elected party chairmen and their respective local government areas: Alh. Aminulahi Akota (Ilorin West), Alh. Dare Garuba (Ilorin East), Alh. Adamu Olarewaju Oloyin ( Ilorin South), Alh. Busari Folorunsho (Asa LG), Hon. Bisi Owolabi (Irepodun LG), Alh. AbdulRasaq Kareem Ariwoola (Ifelodun LG), Alh. Raji AbdulGaniyu Adeshina (Ekiti LG), Hon. Owolabi James Rotimi (Oke Ero LG), Hon. Kabir Mustapha (Oyun LG), Alh Sanusi .A. Oladimeji (Moro LG), Alh. Umar Muhammed Haruna (Patigi LG), Alh. Ibraheem G Musa (Baruten LG), Hon. Usman Tori Isa. (kaiama LG).

As at the time of filing this report, collation of results are ongoing in the remaining 3 local government areas.

Meanwhile, the party, through its publicity secretary, Alhaji Sulyman Buhari, has congratulated all the elected chairmen and other executive members of the party at the local government levels.

The APC also hailed party members for conducting themselves in peaceful manner before, during and after the local government congresses.

SIGNED:
Alhaji Sulyman Buhari,
Publicity Secretary,
APC, Kwara State.

1. Earlier today, I tweeted about how the IGP is disobeying the laws that he is meant to protect.

Take a look at this court judgement issued by Justice Abba-Bello Muhammad of the FCT High Court, Abuja on Tuesday, April 10th, 2018 dismissed the suit filed by the IGP. #Thread https:///ATRYg9bGL8

2. On Page 37 the Court held that the IGP could not establish a likely breach of fair hearing in the case filed against the Nigerian Senate. https:///BNJTPg0wwx

3. On page 38, the Federal High Court ruled that the law specifies that “a mere invitation to appear before an investigative body” like the Senate does not amount to an infringement of the rights of the IGP. https:///pEtHBmcOYX

4. On Page 40, the Federal High Court CLEARLY specifies that Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution entitles the Senate to conduct investigations. https:///tDUgSeGslk

5. On Page 41, the Federal High Court also ruled that the IGP’s application to stop a Senate investigation is an outright contradiction of himself. https:///hEMTKiku9w

6. Finally, the Federal High Court ruled that: THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY HAS THE SAME INVESTIGATIVE POWERS AS THE NIGERIAN POLICE as established in Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution.

Hence, the IGP needs to follow the law and appear before the Senate for a security briefing. https:///PqZ4zAQD1c

THE IGP OF POLICE IS DISOBEYING THE LAWS THAT HE IS MEANT TO ENFORCE

Justice Abba-Bello Muhammad of the FCT High Court, Abuja on Tuesday, April 10th, 2018 dismissed the suit filed by the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, alleging violation of his fundamental human rights by the Senate.

Justice Abba-Bello Muhammad said that the suit lacked merit as Section 88 and 89 of the Nigeria’s Constitution empowers the lawmakers to carry out investigations on issues of public interest.

Justice Abba-Bello Muhammad said that the IGP failed to establish the element that constituted infringement on his fundamental human rights as he alleged against the Senate.

“His right has not been infringed to require the court’s intervention, inviting the applicant is a mere invitation to shed more light on the allegations leveled against him.” -Justice Abba-Bello Muhammad

“More so, the Police Act also empowers the Police to carry out investigation about itself which the Police was already doing as at the time the allegations were raised.” Justice Abba-Bello Muhammad

NOTE: The Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris had approached the court seeking a declaration that the investigative activities of the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee breached his rights as the Head of the Police Force.

The Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris also sought for a declaration that his invitation to appear before the ad-hoc committee based on Mr Misau’s petition was also a violation of his rights.

COMMENT: In essence, the FCT High Court is saying that the Senate has a right to summon the Inspector General of Police and he must honour the invitation.

But lawyers who want to turn the law on its head, are simply seeking to re-write the laws of a court of competent jurisdiction for their own aims.

Press Release
May 8, 2018

Saraki Speaks on Visit To New EFCC Headquarters
...Says I am here to Support Building of Institutions

President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Tuesday inspected the new headquarters building of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and said he will continue to support efforts to build and strengthen the nation's institutions irrespective of any differences.

Saraki who spoke to journalists after a tour of the edifice, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sanni Onogu, in Abuja, said he was particularly impressed by the quality of work done and the fact the the building was designed by a Nigerian architect.

He said he is duty bound to visit the completed project as part of his oversight functions in view of the contributions of the National Assembly to its realization.

He said that the nation must continue to build institutions as well as strengthen existing ones to realize its dream of becoming a great democratic country.

On the import of his visit to the project site, Saraki said: "I think the most important thing as far as we are concerned is that I have always said that we must always continue to build institutions and that is what is important and we must continue to support in building these institutions.

"If we are going to build a better society in our country, one of the main things we must tackle is the issue of corruption and how we can do that is by strengthening these institutions.

"My presence here is to say that whatever we do in our job, the most important thing is that we all represent institutions and we must work and see that it is in the interest of the country.

“So my presence here is, after a building like this where the National Assembly has played a great role, it must be my responsibility to see how the money was spent and I can see that that has been done properly and we should continue to work together to see that that goes well for the entire country.

"If you look at most projects in Abuja, I don't think any project like this has been well-funded and that shows that despite all the noise you will hear, the National Assembly has supported where it matters because this is where it matters and I think we have done that.

“If you look at what has been achieved in the last two and half years in putting this building up and bringing it to completion, I think it is a remarkable achievement," he said.

He added: "I have a responsibility and a role as the head of the legislature. I have responsibility and my responsibility is beyond whatever issues. You see, you guys in the media like to hype things. The most important thing is that we must always do the right thing.

“We might disagree on what those right things are but at the end of the, we must ensure that we build institutions, we support institutions and do what is right and we must continue to do that.

"Unfortunately, I will not be here on Tuesday because I will be sitting and that is why I said I must come and see it. A project as huge as this that the National Assembly has supported is worth seeing."

Saraki said that the fight against corruption must continue in order to bequeath a better future to both present and up coming generations.

"I think we have all said it. Corruption is something we must fight," he said. "There is no way you can build a society without fighting corruption."

"I have always said that my own strong will is that as we fight it, we must fight it in ensuring that we strengthen the institutions and what you see here is part of the process of strengthening that institutions so that whoever comes here will know that this is what we must fight if we want to build institutions."

He described the building as impressive and commendable especially the fact that it was designed by an indigenous architect.

He said: "I must say that I am very impressed. Very commendable structure, I like the fact that the architect is local; Nigerian and the quality of work done by Julius Berger is very impressive and it is a building that we should be proud of.

"I think it goes to show the importance of institutional building, making institutions stronger and it makes institutions stronger. So, it is very impressive.

"The details and planning is very commendable. I would commend all those who have worked towards the actualization of the structure.

"From those who started it to the builder. Let me also commend members of the National Assembly that provided the funding to make it a reality. I am very impressed. It is well kept secret but it is very good.

On what what the completion of the building means for continuity in governance for the country, he said: "That is why I keep saying it is not about individuals, it is about institutions and this is what we have shown here.

“I think the project has gone through about three Executive Chairmen and one did not come in to say this is not my project and I must not continue. Each one has taken it as his own project.

"I think that is good and that is the whole point that is important and this is something we will be proud of for many years.

“In many years to come, I hope that we don't have corruption in an environment like this but for now, I think there are many good aspects of this.

"Having a Nigerian that designed this, the details are very impressive - the clinic and all the facilities - and the fact that it has gone through three different administrations; and the fact that the National Assembly has played its role and brought it to completion, I think that it is a lot of plus," he stated.

END.

Sanni Onogu
Chief Press Secretary to the President of the Senate

Ward Congress: Kwara APC hails members for peaceful conducts

The All Progressives Congress in Kwara State has congratulated the newly-elected party executive members in the 193 wards of the State.

In a press statement issued by its publicity secretary, Alhaji Sulyman Buhari, the party urged the new party officials to immediate settle down and face the onerous task of mobilising voters for the 2019 general elections.

Today, democracy was celebrated across the 193 wards of Kwara State. The leadership of APC in Kwara State is satisfied with the fact that Kwara APC remains a benchmark for inclusive and participatory democracy in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, before the ward congress, we assured party members of level playing ground. We strictly adhered to the assurance and also ensured the entire process was fair and credible.

The party commends all party members for the impressive turn out and their peaceful conducts before, during and after the ward congress.

Furthermore, the party acknowledges the commendable roles played by all security agencies in Kwara State to maintain peace and orderliness before, during and after the ward congress.

Kwara APC remains united and formidable under the leadership and guidance of the Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, CON. The contributions of our leader towards the success of the ward congresses cannot be quantified. We shall continue to stand by our leader through thick and thin.

SIGNED:
Alhaji Sulyman Buhari,
Publicity Secretary,
APC, Kwara State.
5th of May, 2018.

What Nigerian Youths can learn from Dino Melaye

Dear Nigerian Youth,

Dino Melaye graduated from ABU in 1999 or 2000 which ever one Sowore tells you it's true. Going by his year of graduation , Dino cannot be more than 47 years of age, at most.

If at 47 years a man is a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a position hitherto meant for old recycled millitary men, and ex governors, then from my own estimation, that man should be respected.

Irrespective of political affiliation, Dino Melaye has been the most consistent whistle Blower and anti corruption Campaigner in the National Assembly since the advent of Democracy .

In 2010, the 2nd Abuja Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Runway Contract awarded at the sum of N64 billion to Julius Berger was cancelled after Dino Melaye revealed the fraud that characterized the contract.

In the same year, the same Melaye and other members of the House of Reps revealed to Nigerians how the then Speaker, Dimeji Bankole embezzled and misappropriated over $59 million between 2008 and 2009. He was beaten , his clothes torn and almost stripped on the floor of the House in the full glare of cameras. He was later suspended from the House. Some of us still remember what became of Dimeji Bankole. All these while, Dino was a member of the ruling party PDP.

Now as a member of the APC, Senator Dino Melaye has been a better and most vibrant opposition to his own party and the Presidency, more than all the PDP Senators put together. It was through Dino Melaye that Nigerians got to know about the "grasscutters" awarding contracts to themselves and embezzling the money in the Presidency while Buhari is busy writing memos and defending the stench of corruption and the deaths it has brought to the IDP Camps.

In all these , I cannot recall any corruption charge or allegation against Dino Melaye that we know of since he should naturally be a target because of his activism and brand of politics. Don't get me wrong Dino Melaye is not a saint .

My fellow Nigerian Youth, instead for you to take a deep breath and find out how this young man has been able to survive the treacherous murky waters of Nigerian Politics, you join the band wagon of detractors and waste your internet bundle on Dino's Certificates when you have a President who doesn't have the minimum requirement and yet leading the most populous black Nation into peril.

Our Youth aspiring into politics should ask Dino Melaye how he was able to defeat the smartest Senator in the last Senate in the 2015 elections, talking about Senator Smart Adeyemi.

For me, I have since resolved never to be swayed by the partisan affiliation of political Parties but I will rather look at the substance and character of our political gladiators.

Look beyond what they want you to see. They have stolen the future of the Nigerian Youth, now they are going for the future of our Children.

Hate him or like him, Senator Dino Melaye is a bold Nigerian Youth and we all have a lot to learn from him.

I stand with Dino Melaye!


#copied

Following my conversation with Senator George Akume, a former Governor of Benue State, over the recent gruesome killings in the state, today, we resolved to invite the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to brief the Senate in the Committee of the whole over the recent killings.

Additionally, we have resolved that during this briefing, the Inspector General of Police should brief us on the treatment of Senator Dino Melaye that we have observed over the past 48hours.

At this time, it is important that all excesses must be curtailed in the interest of our democracy. We must always put law and order and the protection of the rights and properties of the Nigerian people first. Hence, those who are in charge of enforcing our laws must always keep this in mind.

*Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki*
*President of the Senate*

*Watch here now:* https:///eYfuYH

Senate Summons IGP Over Benue Killings, Arrest of Senator

Today, the Senate resolved to invite the IGP of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to brief the plenary in the Committee of the Whole, over the recent killings in Benue, and the arrest of Senator Dino Melaye.

Speaking after the Senate Resolution on the matter, the President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, said:

“I know that it is at times like these that it is very difficult to speak the truth. Because these violations and security challenges affects all of us. This affects us, not only in this institution, but in this democracy — these actions are a threat.

“These excesses must be contained in the interest of all of us. We are about to start elections and if these excesses of those who are meant to be responsible for providing law and order are not contained, it will be a great concern in this country. Therefore, those who are directly responsible need to take up that responsibility.

“Today, I was talking to Senator Akume about what happened in Benue State and he will be here tomorrow to take the issue. Therefore, it is important for the IGP to come and brief us about the security challenges in Benue and the arrest so that we can restore sanity once and for all,” he said.

What You Need To Know About Yesterday (24-04-2018)

1. The Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, yesterday commenced inspected on the 35 Mosques in Kwara he is renovating in Ilorin. As it is less than a month to the commencement of this year's Ramadan fasting, Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has sponsored the renovation of 35 Mosques in Kwara Central Senatorial District to give them a befitting outlook. 

The renovation project, spearheaded by Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Mandate Office, would give the affected mosques modern architecture and new outlook when completed.

The ABS Mandate office has chosen to execute the renovation work in phases, starting with five  of the selected 35 mosques across Ilorin West, Ilorin East, Ilorin South and Asa Local Government Areas.

The beneficiary worship centers are  Omoda mosque (Ilorin West), Jagun mosque (Ilorin East), Afanta mosque (Ilorin South), Isalekoto mosque, (Ilorin South) and Eleran mosque, Akalambi (Ilorin East).

Saraki is representing Kwara Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly.

Briefing Journalists in Ilorin yesterday, the Director General, ABS Mandate Office, Alhaji Musa Abdullahi, said Saraki undertook the project as part of efforts to support the faithful, particularly as they prepare for the holy month of Ramadan.

He said the Senate President decided to shoulder the responsibility following requests from Muslim faithful in Kwara Central.

"The renovation of the mosques is long overdue and the the people sought the intervention of the Senate President. The first phase which comprises of five mosques has begun",  Abdullahi disclosed.

He said he was impressed by the level of work done so far on the five mosques inspected by his team.

According to a statement signed by the Director of Media and Publicity of the constituency office, Alhaji Abdullahi Oganija, the ABS Director of Project and Empowerment, Engineer Yinka Otukoko, said the renovation would cover all the needed infrastructure in the beneficiary mosques.

He added that toilet facilities would also be provided in the mosques, aside plastering, flooring, tiling, roofing and painting.

Otukoko said the project would be completed before the commencement of the Muslims fast( Ramadan).

2. Last night, President Muhammadu Buhari met with met with the APC Governors Forum at the state Villa. The meeting which was described to be for his second term presidential bid was trailed by counter views among Nigerians who felt the security of the country and declined economic activities ought to have been given a top priority not politics as many Nigerians are killed day by day by terrorists and thieves and many are assaulted and dehumanized by law enforcement agents of the Federal government.

3. Yesterday, Ilorin Emirate Youths applauded the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki on Community Development and Arabic examination fees over the payment of the examinations fees of 500 Arabic students through the Kwara State Arabic Education Board.

The Ilorin Emirate Youth Development Association (IEYDA) made the commendation in a statement issued in Ilorin on 24th April, 2018 by the National President of the Association, Alhaji Abdullahi Babatunde Salaudeen and the Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Jagunmo Muhammad Uthman which was made available to the News men.

The Association also appreciated the Senate President on the ongoing Medical Centre at Itamo Area, Ubandawaki Ilorin and comprehensive renovation of 35 mosques in four local government areas in the state.

The community association also appreciated Saraki's efforts on making the dividend of democracy reach the nooks and crannies of the state.

The statement therefore called on individuals and corporate organizations in the state to join hands and contribute their quota to accelerate more developments in the state.

4. On EDUCATION REFORMS, the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki met with education stakeholders led by Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi.

According to the Senate President, through his facebook page yesterday,

"As part of our legislative agenda, we have always said that we would address education and healthcare reform.

"We are now making significant progress on healthcare, through the appropriations process.

"This is why, today, we turned our focus to the education sector to discuss necessary reforms with stakeholders, led by former Minister of Youth and Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi."

Also during the meeting, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi said as quoted below.

"Public education in Nigeria has collapsed for at least 20 years. Nigeria is a country where parents got better education than their children. Tragic."

5. Yesterday, the Senator Representing Kogi West Senatorial District was assaulted by the men of Nigeria Police Force through his arrested without an warrant. The Senator was earlier detained by Immigration officers at the Abuja Airport on his way to Morocco for an official assignment, on the basis on being on INTETPOL watch list but later cleared not to be. However, the police, which was rumoured to be working for the Governor of Kogi state, who is the senator's number one political adversary, later went for him without a warrant of arrested and wanted to take him to Kogi state by force. During the process, the Senator was brutally wounded, taken to the hospital and later arrested alongside his aide and his doctor.


@GreatKay

Saraki’s ‘boys’ set for big charity match to raise money for victims of Offa robbery.

– ABS FC will face Offa United on Tuesday, April 24, in a charity match

– The match will be used to honor the victims of the Offa robbery

– Money will also be raised for the family members of the victims

Abubakar Bukola Saraki FC who are campaigners in the Nigeria National League (NNL) will on Tuesday, April 24, face Offa United in a charity match for the victims of the Offa robbery.

The primary target of this match according to the management of ABS FC is to raise money for the family members of the victims that were affected in the Offa robbery on April 5.

ABS FC’s director of football Alloy Chukwuemeka told newsmen in Ilorin on Monday, April 23, that gate taking fees from the match and other free donations will go to the family of the affected victims of the Offa robbery.

Chukwuemeka said the match will also be used in bringing Offa people together again after the robbery incident, which has not seen the ancient city come back to life since then.

“Football is one of the most unifying sport in the world today and we want to use this friendly to bring Offa town and people together again, that’s why we are playing in Offa.

“We urge Offa residents to come out en mass to watch this game and pay for it because the gate takings and other donations will go to the victims.

“We at ABS commiserate with the people of Offa who lost their loved ones in the incident and we pray for quick recovery for those recuperating at the hospital.

“We have a lot of fans in Offa and this is the time to show that we care about them.

“If we had started the Nigeria National League (NNL) beforeOn April 5, 2018, people of Offa which is a town in Kwara state were thrown into serious mourning following an armed robbery attack which claimed lives of many.

The robbers started operation at around 4.50pm, and it took them close to two hours to rob five banks in which there was no attempt from anyone to stop them.

The robbers also attacked the Offa police station even before they started their operation and killed arguably all the policemen that were on duty that evening. now, we would have taken one of our games there to raise money for the victims.

“But since we have not started, we will do that with a friendly match” Chukwuemeka said.

On April 5, 2018, people of Offa which is a town in Kwara state were thrown into serious mourning following an armed robbery attack which claimed lives of many.

The robbers started operation at around 4.50pm, and it took them close to two hours to rob five banks in which there was no attempt from anyone to stop them.

The robbers also attacked the Offa police station even before they started their operation and killed arguably all the policemen that were on duty that evening.

Some of the Offa residents were also attacked in this robbery by the robbers who were merciless in their operation.

*Saraki Empowers Kwara APC Women Leaders With N10.4 M*

By Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin

The Senate President ,Dr .Bukola Saraki has disbursed the sum of N10.4 milion to 52 women leaders of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Kwara central.

Each of the 52 women leaders went home with a cash of N200, 000 to assist them boost their trades.

The Kwara central senatorial districts which Saraki represents at the Senate comprises four local government namely; Asa, Ilorin-South, Ilorin West and Ilorin East.

This was coming few days after the senate president offset 20 months’ salary areas owed 22O traditional chiefs by three local government areas in Kwara central.

Presenting the largesse to the beneficiaries at the Abubakar Bukola Saraki’s( ABS) Mandate constituency office, Ilorin, the ABS Director General, Alhaji Musa Abdullahi said Saraki doled out the funds to assist the women boost their business and trades.

He said the senate president held women in high esteem because of their positive contributions to the economy for which he said they deserved to be encouraged.

Abdullahi advised the beneficiaries to use the money for the intended purpose to enhance their standard of living.

Also speaking at the brief ceremony, a chieftain of the party, Hajia Muslimat Ibrahim urged the women leaders to reciprocate the gesture by continue to be loyal to the senate president and the party.

She told the exited beneficiaries to be weary of the antics of some politicians who would only come around during election period to seek their votes.

END

*Premium Times Should Have Known Better: Response to False Publication from Online Platform*

Again, our attention has been drawn to a publication by Premium Times which unethically alleges without any proof, reference, attribution or justification that the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, was involved in receiving or sharing any unauthorized funds.

The article, entitled “EXCLUSIVE: Minister Adeosun, Saraki, Dogara, Accountant General in N10 billion fraud scandal”, in both its style, substance, and deliberate spin struggles to connect the Senate President to the receipt and apportioning of funds which the publication describes as “illegal.”

In the absence of any doubt, the Senate President has nothing to do with any payment, receipt or disbursement of any extra-budgetary funds.

It is also important to state for the record that the Premium Times article in question is pure and unmitigated false news. A simple check by Premium Times would have revealed that all funds in the National Assembly are in the custody of the National Assembly Management, which is headed by the Clerk, and not its presiding officers.

Additionally, all contract awards are equally overseen by the National Assembly management, not the presiding officers.

We are aware that for some weeks now, Premium Times has had this story. However, they only contacted us on Wednesday, and the Clerk of the National Assembly, after a phone call from the Special Adviser on Media & Publicity to the Senate President, promised to give them all necessary explanation and documents on this issue.

However, it is obvious that in the bid to rope in Senator Saraki, the reporters of Premium Times could not wait to see the Clerk and rushed to publish the story with outright falsehood
​s ​less than 24 hours after the clerk made the aforementioned promise.

We are surprised that without any proof whatsoever, Premium Times was using expressions like: “Senate President Bukola Saraki and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, have just illegally received and shared”; “Saraki and Dogara submitted”; and “Investigations by PREMIUM TIMES showed that at least 44 of the 82 contractors Messrs Saraki and Dogara…” These are highly defamatory and careless expressions.

It is expected, that the Editors of Premium Times will not be ignorant of the internal procurement and payment process in an organization like the National Assembly that they have covered and “investigated” for as long as they (Premium Times) has been in existence.

We consider this as part of the orchestrated campaign of calumny being waged against Dr. Saraki by some political elements using media platforms in which they have interests.

In this regard, for this careless and unwarranted assault on the person of the Senate President — after several previous warnings — the lawyers of the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, will be initiating legal action on this particular matter.

Finally, we ask the public to disregard the Premium Times piece, and take it for what it is, and will continue to be: “Fake News.”

END

Signed:

*Yusuph Olaniyonu*
*Special Adviser on Media & Publicity to the President of the Senate*

*MONTHLY RUNNING COSTS OF MINISTERS AND HEADS OF GOVERNMENT PARASTATALS*

*A monthly running cost (or operations budget) is the provision in the budget for office expenditures and equipment, travel and utilities. Find below the monthly running costs of the President, Ministers and Heads of Government parastatals.*

1. PRESIDENT - N194,718,021

2. PRESIDENT’S CHIEF OF STAFF - N22,257,682

3. VICE PRESIDENT - N22,430,904.70

4. MINISTER OF DEFENCE - N64,756,891.41

5. MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS - N38,796,036.55

6. MINISTER OF INFORMATION & CULTURE - N70,174,857

7. MINISTER OF INTERIOR - N43,048,172.41

8. HEAD OF THE CIVIL SERVICE OF THE FEDERATION — N23,506,572

9. AUDITOR GENERAL FOR THE FEDERATION — N16,403,846.58

10. MINISTER OF COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY — N26,697,456.10

11. NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER — N20,748,321.53

12. SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION —N68,457,734.80

13. MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE — N31,227,749.45

14. MINISTER OF FINANCE — N37,287,276,015.75

15. MINISTER OF INDUSTRY, TRADE AND INVESTMENT —N34,416,743.32

16. MINISTER OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT — N34,416,743.32

17. MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY —N22,614,499.02

18. MINISTER OF TRANSPORTATION — N44,890,929.68

19. MINISTER OF POWER, WORKS & HOUSING —N24,166,666.72

20. MINISTER OF STATE FOR PETROLEUM RESOURCES — N56,499,466.60
21. MINISTER OF MINES AND STEEL DEVELOPMENT — N33,206,847.95

22. MINISTER OF BUDGET AND NATIONAL PLANNING — N12,302,700,834

23. CHAIRMAN, NATIONAL SALARIES, INCOMES AND WAGES COMMISSION — N1,566,354.57

24. CHAIRMAN, FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY COMMISSION —N3,029,460.25

25. MINISTER OF WATER RESOURCES — N15,854,343.40

26. MINISTER OF JUSTICE, ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE FEDERATION - N56,666,666.73

27. CHAIRMAN, INDEPENDENT CORRUPT PRACTICES AND RELATED OFFENCES COMMISSION (ICPC) - N21,881,433.55

28. MINISTER OF NIGER DELTA — N14,618,152.07

29. MINISTER OF YOUTH & SPORTS DEVELOPMENT — N14,155,885.63

30. MINISTER OF WOMEN AFFAIRS — N8,333,333.35

31. MINISTER OF EDUCATION — N46,138,810.26

32. MINISTER OF HEALTH — N36,353,957.13

33. MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT — N30,954,296.83

34. CHAIRMAN, NATIONAL POPULATION COMMISSION —N6,917,899.20

35. MANAGING DIRECTOR, NATIONAL INLAND WATERWAYS AUTHORITY — N990,000

36. CONTROLLER-GENERAL, NIGERIAN PRISON SERVICE —N33,058,664.2

37. COMPTROLLER-GENERAL, NIGERIA IMMIGRATION SERVICE - N33,614,346.83

38. COMMANDANT GENERAL, NIGERIA SECURITY AND CIVIL DEFENCE CORPS (NSCDC) — N19,340,826.13

39. INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE — N55,176,088.43

40. CHAIRMAN, FEDERAL ROAD SAFETY COMMISSION — N26,011,329.68

41. DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF PETROLEUM RESOURCES — N22,405,308.35

42. NATIONAL BUREAU OF STATISTICS — N7,200,213.23

43. DIRECTOR GENERAL, BUDGET OFFICE OF THE FEDERATION — N14,329,422.43

44. NIGERIAN INVESTMENT PROMOTION COUNCIL HQTRS — N8,854,541.90

45. CHAIRMAN, CODE OF CONDUCT TRIBUNAL — N15,061,463.37

46. CHAIRMAN, CODE OF CONDUCT BUREAU — N10,890,415.00

47. CHAIRMAN, FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION — N14,328,685.48

48. CHAIRMAN, FEDERAL CHARACTER COMMISSION — N9,315,888.48

59. CHAIRMAN, POLICE SERVICE COMMISSION — N5,284,232.95

50. CHAIRMAN, REVENUE MOBILISATION, ALLOCATION AND FISCAL COMMISSION — N11,492,076.23

https:///6qaxjdqjmccfp.md

_BREAKING NEWS:_

*DOCTOR BUKOLA SARAKI SUPPORTS TRADITIONAL RULERS WITH 50M NAIRA CASH*

The Abubakar Bukola Saraki Mandate Constituency Office today settle the twenty month arrears of Magaji/Alagua Traditional rulers with a sum of fifty million naira.
Presenting the cash to the beneficiaries, the Director General, ABS Mandate Office, Alhaji Musa Abdullahi said Doctor Bukala Saraki had earlier set up a committee to address issue, saying the economy downtown from the federal government affecting the state government in paying the salary.
He charged the royal fathers in the state to educate members of their communities on the current economic situation in the country and the measures the state government had put in place to remedy the situation.
Alhaji Musa Abdullahi also urged the traditional rulers as custodians of tradition and culture to continue to support the state government in order to ensure the prosperity of Kwara State residents.
In his remark, the Chairman ABS Elders Council, Alhaji Musa Abdulraheem Olesin, while regretting the non payment of their salaries, promised that the delay in the payment of salaries of certain categories of workers in the state would soon be a thing of the past in the shortest possible time.
According to him, the Senate President decide to intervene due to the shortfall in allocation of the local and state governments from the federal level.
Also contributing, the Director Publicity, ABS Office, Alhaji Abdullahi Oganija noted that the state government would continue to pay more attention to the welfare of traditional rulers to ensure better society.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Bale Apado, T. S Ajibola and Daudu Ile-Apa, Alhaji Yusuf Saliu appreciating the effort of the Senate President and promised their total support to Doctor Saraki dynasty.


*Alh. Musa Abdulahi*
*Director General Constituency office of the Senate President*

Ahman-Patigi condoles etsu patigi over staff death.

The house of representatives member representing Edu,Patigi and Moro Federal constituency at the national Assembly Hon Aliyu Ahman-Pategi has sympathised with etsu patigi Alhaji Ibrahim Chatta Umar over the death of his Secretary Alhaji Salihu Ndaman who passed away this morning.

Ahman-Pategi expressed shock over the sudden demise of the well respected late Alhaji Ndaman who has contributed immensely to patigi emirate as a whole.

Honourable Ahman pategi described the deceased as a pious and dedicated muslim adding that his death would leave a vaccum in the emirate council and patigi land as a whole.

The lawmaker prayed Almighty Allah to forgive the deceased and grant him aljannah fridous and also grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Signed
SA Media
Fatimah Jiyah.

Electoral Act Amendment: The Baby and the bath water

The controversy over whether the National Assembly has the right to amend Section 25 of the Electoral Act 2010 seems to have dwarfed the other good provisions contained in the Electoral Act 2010 Amendment Bill to which President Muhammadu Buhari recently withheld assent.

The controversial amended section seeks to specify the order of elections to be adopted in the 2019 polls and beyond. The issue seems to have set the National Assembly against the Presidency as the former has concluded plans to override the refusal of assent by the President.

What is baffling is the way public commentators have been carrying on as if the Electoral Law 2010 Amendment Bill 2018 is all about its Section 25 or the order of elections. Another confusion on the debate is whether the order of elections is the same as dates of elections. In simple language, order of elections is about which of the elections for the various positions come first and which ones follow. Simply put, order of elections is about whether the Presidential election should be conducted before or after the gubernatorial, the Federal and state legislature elections. However, the dates of elections deal with calendar dates on which each of these elections will take place.
However, with the debate about whether the National Assembly can fix the order of elections or whether what the legislators did in the current Amendment to the 2010 Electoral Act amounted to fixing dates of elections, this country is once again about to throw away the baby with the dirty bath water.
The Electoral Act 2010 Amendment Bill which President Muhammadu Buhari just denied assent contains fundamental provisions which should not be allowed to die on the altar of disagreement about whether one election should come first before the other. And these provisions include:

Instant Electronic (no more manual) Transmission of Results: The overarching objective of this new Electoral Act is to reduce human interference in the electoral process and minimize rigging, electoral fraud and corruption. In this regard, the Electoral Act amendment mandates the immediate transmission of voting results from polling units to collation centers. This will help to give real-time results and updates, reduce the opportunity for manipulation of results significantly and entrench transparency in the electoral process.
Also, Section 15 mandates the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to load the voters’ register online as well as paste the hard-copies at the designated centers 30 days before the polls day. This provision democratizes access to the voters’ register and makes for easy identification of impostors on voting day. This is part of the regime of transparency, free and fair polling that the new Electoral Act seeks to enthrone. This amendment further provides a fair and more level playing ground for all contestants. This will end the manipulation of voter registers. In the case of missing names on the voter register, voters have 30 days to complain to INEC.

Again, a new Section 49 of the Amended Electoral Act provides for full bio-metric accreditation of voters. The Electoral Act amendment gives INEC powers to utilize full biometric accreditation of voters with smart card readers and/or other technological devices, as INEC may introduce for elections from time to time. This provision legalizes the use of card readers and remove the mischief created by the Supreme Court judgement in cases like that of Amaechi Vs Wike where the card reader was declared illegal and unknown to law.
It will be recalled that the introduction of the card reader into the electoral system created the transparent atmosphere which enabled this country to witness the defeat of an incumbent president and the transition from party to party. So, if President Buhari benefited from this card reader on his way to becoming president, how will his presidency now oppose or reject the innovation that made his victory possible? Or is there some other considerations that are not known to the public?

The new Electoral Act amendment ensures that political parties can no longer impose arbitrary qualification criteria on aspirants to various offices. This will encourage younger aspirants to contest, promote competition in the process, and make elections more free and fair. The arbitrariness of party apparatchiks who simply set some hard criteria in order to promote the candidacy of some choice aspirants and knock out some others has now been tamed. This will eliminate a lot of the pre-election matters which clog the political process, even after elections.

The new Electoral Act amendment also sets out a more rigorous process for the determination of candidates, as well as creates dispute resolution mechanisms that will allow those who are aggrieved to petition quickly.
In this new bill exists a Section 87(3) which sets out the maximum expenses that can be incurred by every aspirant who is seeking election, as well as designates the fees that aspirants will be charged by political parties to purchase nomination forms. This means that our elections will no longer be about money and politics, but about competence.

Sections 33 to 38 of the new Electoral Act deals with the issue of substitution, resignation and replacement of candidates for an election. The Electoral Act amendment ensures that the names of candidates must be submitted by political parties not earlier than 90 days before the election, and not later than 60 days before the election. Additionally, names of candidates can only be substituted not later than 30 days before the election. In the case of resignations, the person who is resigning must do so physically (in-person) - and his/her resignation letter will be transmitted to INEC.
The new Sections 33 and 34 of the amended Electoral Act address the issue of death of a candidate while the election results are being expected as it happened in Kogi State in 2016. The Electoral Act amendment specifies that in the case of a death occurring before an election, such election will be suspended for 21 days and a replacement will be done within 14 days (after new primaries) - the remaining seven days will be used for campaigning.

Section 87 of the new amendments to the 2010 Electoral Act Bill will see to the death of imposition of candidates by parties. Under this new section, the procedures imposed for nomination and holding of primaries will ensure that whoever emerges will only do so as a result of the decision of the members of the party not that of a few party chieftains.

All these and other numerous benefits of the amended Electoral Act are what the presidential veto are putting on the line and threatening to throw into the waste basket on account of self preservation and ego. That is why the analysis in the media should focus more on other benefits of the Bill and stop straight-jacketing and profiling the Bill as if all that is in it is the issue of which elections comes first in 2019.

Perhaps, this new Electoral Act is the most ambitious and innovative law aimed at deepening democracy, opening up the political process, making the electoral process transparent and curing the defects that have manifested in the last eight years of the operation of the old law it seeks to replace.

That is why all patriotic Nigerians should appeal to President Buhari and the lawmakers to avoid a situation where the country loses this golden opportunity to reform the electoral process and further put our democracy on a sure, sound footing.

Odigs can be reached at ayoolajoy4@gmail.com

*Senate Passes 201 Bills in 33 Months*

*UPDATE: With 15months left to go, the Nigerian Senate today passed its 200th and 201st Bill.*

Recall that the 7th Senate passed 128 Bills in 48 months; the 6th Senate passed 72 Bills in 48 months; and the 5th Senate passed 129 Bills in 48 months.

*See the full list here*: https:///KRE9rb

*NOW WE KNOW: MINISTERS GET USD$800,000 IN RUNNING COSTS*

Thanks to Victor Oluwadamilare, the former Special Assistant to the current Minister of Communication, Adebay Shittu, now we know that Buhari’s Ministers receive more than $800,000 (N288,000,000) in running costs.

Now we also know that the N288million that they receive in running costs as estacode, travel allowances and other orishirishi arrangements is spent only on their friends, their concubines, and on lavish foreign trips abroad.

If you do not believe me, read it here for yourself: https:///2G1VeMo

Thank Victor Oluwadamilare for exposing these guys! You are a true hero of this democracy!

Comrade Ibitoye Ikumapayi

*APP Chairman Has Nothing to Do With “Saraki”*

Our attention has been drawn to reports by some news platforms that described Mr. Ikenga Ugochinyere, the Chairman of a political party known as “APP” as an aide to the President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

Please note, that in a letter of resignation addressed to President of the Senate, and dated October 3, 2017, Ugochinyere, who was then President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, said he had formed a political party and would be resigning his position as Special Assistant on Youth Affairs.

In this regard, we ask that all platforms be guided in their reporting of the activities of Mr. Ugochinyere and his party, and refrain from including “Dr. Saraki’s” name in any such related stories.

Yusuph OLANIYONU
Special Adviser on Media to the President of the Senate

*Nigeria-Ghana: The imperative of unity, by Bukola Saraki*


It is 59 years since Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s historic visit to Nigeria – in 1959 – in those heady days after the first All African People’s Conference, which Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe hailed as the beginning of a Federation of Independent West African States. Noting that Ghana and Nigeria’s struggles were identical in many respects, Dr. Azikiwe had declared that, “The very diversity of our peoples, and customs and languages, means that we have much to contribute to each other.” He looked forward to our two countries becoming “models of honest and democratic government” capable of giving hope to all of Africa.

Typically, when we hear of a ‘special relationship’ between nations, it is with regard to Britain and America; and as the Reagan and Thatcher era showed forth, these are relationships that outlive governments. Ours, too, is a special relationship, which should outlive us and be a reference point in Africa. The onus and leadership rest on us. What we do now, lays the basis for the continent’s future.

Here then is the imperative of unity between our two nations and in the region. With unity and democracy as standard, we can lay the groundwork for good governance and development. We are thus presented with the opportunity to work for democracy, using the instrumentality of parliament.

If Africa is to be fully integrated into the global economy, its constituent nations must be governed by the rule of law, and we have to commit to making the required adjustment now. The strength of democracy starts with the strength of parliament. It is our responsibility to instil in the body politic the time-honoured principles of participation, transparency and accountability, and to fight corruption, always making the space for stakeholder participation. This is the modern model of governance.

Parliaments are a stabilising force in democracy, especially with regard to oversight responsibility. We must be courageous; even when some of our initiatives fly in the face of special interest, ours is to do what is right for our people. To do this, we must defend democracy. We have seen for ourselves the beauty of democracy in its infancy. That should give us the inspiration to steer it to a level where it can compete favourably with older democracies in the developed world.

As a community of democratic West African States, ECOWAS makes it that much easier to build consensus; and the organisation can serve this purpose very effectively on security and the economy. As many regional challenges indicate, our people suffer when the needed policies are not in place. In Nigeria, Boko Haram insurgency and Herdsmen-and-Farmers conflicts come with regional dimensions – further aggravated by porous borders that advertise the weakness in trans-national security, while facilitating irregular migration and human trafficking. There is a need to strengthen our security apparatus so that together, we can fight terrorism. It is a threat to government, education and economic development.

We have much to build upon. Trading relations between Nigeria and Ghana have begun to peak. Collaboration between the Nigerian film industry – Nollywood – and Ghanaian actors, directors and producers, remind us that age-old competition in football and even music – for who can forget the glory days of E.T. Mensah and his co-travellers in Highlife? – all of that, can be channelled in truly great and creative directions.

We are the richest continent in resources and yet we are the poorest, because we have allowed ourselves to be pigeon-holed as the supplier of raw materials to the world. The leaders of our two countries are clear in their stance on the raw materials pivot of our economies. President Muhammadu Buhari has said that, “Our vision is for a Nigeria in which we grow what we eat.” And President Akufo-Addo is unequivocal: “We must add value to [our] resources, we must industrialise and we must enhance agricultural productivity.”

The two leaders have identified this flaw in our economies, and we in parliament must support them with appropriate legislation in order to realise their vision. African parliaments have to come together to cross-pollinate ideas about how to move the continent forward.

It is unacceptable that Africa’s trade with Europe far outstrips that between African nations. British foreign investment in Africa totalled $54.1 billion in 2014. China had an estimated 2,650 projects ongoing on our continent in 2015. Meanwhile, Africa’s share of the global trade stands at 3 per cent, inter-Africa trade is 11 per cent. We must devise an economic model that produces and manufactures primarily for the African market, and then use that as a basis upon which to engage with the wider world.

I strongly believe that our people’s talent for innovation and enterprise makes them our most valuable resources – it is our role therefore, to give them opportunities to translate these into going concerns. This will create wealth and enable us to compete globally. Africa cannot afford to lag behind. We must work to make the sub-region a place of investment. We must generate wealth for the people of Africa.

It is incumbent on us to make clear promises and to deliver on them. Our two nations can forge ahead by sharing experiences, building upon valued discourses about the way the world works, and how to make our people beneficiaries as well as contributors to the great leaps of this century.

We must invest in primary, secondary and tertiary education – up to the 26 percent of the national budget recommended by the United Nations. It must be mandatory for every child to go to school; we should ensure that there are incentives for those that send their children to school, and penalties for those that do not. We have to pull every one of our citizens out of the cycle of poverty and ignorance, and education is the means by which to do so.

My vision for Africa is an optimistic one. I am very upbeat about the continent, I am very upbeat about the future. Greater educational, scientific and technological interaction can lay a basis for our part of the world to match the rest of the world. Democracy is not just about elections; it is about putting knowledge at the disposal of a people determined to take their future into their own hands.

If the African continent is to be a success story – or even the African Union (AU) for that matter, ECOWAS must play a key role. And for ECOWAS to lead the charge, Ghana and Nigeria must step up to the plate, and fulfil their leadership role on the continent.

•••Excerpt of speech delivered by the President of the Senate Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki to the Parliament of Ghana on March 5, 2018.

*UPDATE: Positive Developments from Senate Roundtable on #HumanTrafficking Convened by Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki*



There are two positive developments that have come up, following the Nigerian Senate’s Roundtable on #HumanTrafficking.

The first is that due to the lack of prosecutions and action from law enforcement agencies, at the Senate Roundtable on Migration and Human Trafficking, the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, challenged the Nigerian Police and the Nigerian Immigration Service to step up their operations and prosecute any law enforcement officers and civilians that are involved in the practice of human trafficking.

At the Roundtable, the CG of Immigration, Muhammed Babandede, stated that they would ramp up their efforts in the aforementioned regard.

Today, we just received news that the NIS has suspended two officers, Araoyinbo Oluwadare and Gabriel Awosanmi, for allegedly aiding and abetting human trafficking.

You can read more here: https://www.naija.ng/1156672-nigerian-immigration-suspends-2-officers-alleged-human-trafficking.html#1156672

Secondly, the Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare II (who was represented at both days of the Roundtable by the Obasogie of Benin Kingdom, Chief Eduwu Ekhator) has ordered the native doctors in Edo state to revoke the curses and oaths placed on the trafficked victims of human trafficking in the state.

Read about this here: http://dailypost.ng/2018/03/09/edo-native-doctors-revoke-curses-placed-trafficked-victims/

Both of these developments are commendable steps in the fight against #HumanTrafficking and illegal migration in Nigeria. We cannot stop here. As the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki said at the Roundtable: "This situation requires all hands on deck.”

Read more here: https://twitter.com/OnemolaOlu/status/972219204928724992

Report of the Senate Public Accounts Committee (SPAC) on the ‘Status of Compliance of Parastatals Submission of Audited Accounts and Auditor’s Report.'

Read here now: https:///ExEPsD

*THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION: MONKEY DEY WORK, BABOON DEY TALK*

The National Assembly is working hard to fight corruption. Though, if you read those broadcasts that are full of bulls**t — some paid Whatsapp pundits have been lying and saying that the legislators are the real reason why Buhari’s governments fictional war against corruption is highly *selective*, totally *political*, extremely *ineffective* and of course, ENTIRELY *non-existent.*

Blame is easy. Taking charge and fixing your f***ups is the hard part. Yes, Nigeria has a corruption problem. And yes, this administration, pledged, swore, pleaded and begged us to vote them into power. They said that they would fix corruption — now, they are blaming the National Assembly? Total BULLS**T!

*Let’s analyze this critically. You be the judge of who is really fighting corruption:*

Q: The Presidency’s pundits say that the National Assembly is yet to pass the *Whistleblower Protection Bill*. Is this true?

A: No. On July 19th, 2017, the Senate passed the *Whistleblower Protection* Bill sponsored by Senator Biodun Olujimi. This Bill will encourage the disclosure of bad conduct by public officers, by protecting Whistleblowers from injury, death, economic sabotage, job termination, etc.


Q: What about the *Anti-Money Laundering Act?*

A: The Buhari government withdrew the Bill with their own hand o! After an intensive examination of the *Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill (2016)*, the EFCC, yes, Magu’s EFCC, asked the National Assembly to dump the bill. If you do not believe it, read it here: http:///2FpLY7z.

Q: Okay, now, what happened to the Witness Protection Bill that will provide more safety for people that testify in corruption cases? Has the National Assembly done anything about it?

A: Yes o! The Senate has passed the *Witness Protection Bill* sponsored by the late Senator Isiaka Adeleke, which creates a programme in Nigeria that protects witnesses who provide vital information, evidence or render assistance to law enforcement agencies during investigations, enquiries or prosecutions.

Q: How about the other anti-corruption Bill they call *Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Bill*? Where is it now?

A: Okay, the *Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Bill* is the only Executive Bill on Anti-Corruption that is currently in the pipeline. It was passed by the Senate on May 30th 2017. This Bill will enhancing the collaboration between Nigeria and other foreign countries on cases that have to do with corruption.

Q: What else is left? Are there any other anti-corruption bills that Buhari has sent to the National Assembly?

A: No! In fact, the Senate has already gone ahead and passed two other Bills that will help Nigeria fight this corruption nonsense.

Q: 2 Bills? What are they?

A: The first is the *Nigerian Financial Intelligence Agency (NFIA) Bill*, sponsored by Senator Chukwuka Utazi. This law will establish an independent financial intelligence unit in Nigeria, that will liaise with other nations on financial investigations like: money laundering, terrorism financing, proliferation of arms, corruption, financial crimes and economic crimes.

The other is the *Federal Audit Services Bill* that will give the Auditor-General of the Federation more independence to investigate and probe all the money that the Federal Government spends. Under this new law,*every single kobo* that is spent in Nigeria can and will be open for investigation. So there will be no place to hide for looters and their friends.

Q: Then why are people believing all this nonsense about the National Assembly not helping in the fight against corruption?

A: Because people do not read or research, and it is easy to blame the people that are working, instead of focusing on the work that is in front of you.

*DON’T LET THEM DECEIVE US. SHARE THIS WIDELY*

*Saraki salutes Nigeria-Ghana Collaboration on Parliamentary Democracy, Good governance*

***Meets Akufo Addo

President of the Senate reviewed the history of Nigeria-Ghana diplomatic relationship submitting that it has improved democracy and good governance for the people of both countries.

In a remark at a courtesy call to the Ghanaian President, the Senate President appreciated the relationship of the countries pointing out that the invitation of President Mohammadu Buhari and himself to witness the celebration of Ghana's 25 years of parliamentary democracy is a sign of the growing good relationship between the two nations.

According to Saraki, Nigeria's Senate and the National Assembly in general is committed to improving the quality of governance in favour of the people, a resolve which he said had resulted in the enactment of several laws and approved of serious resolutions.

In his remark, Ghana's President, Akufo Addo, noted that because of the key roles played by parliaments in good governance, the two countries are paying much attention to boosting parliamentary relationship.

Noting that parliaments in both countries had become very robust and rich in the quality of legislations, Akufo Addo said that it was in the best interest of the people that support must be accorded the legislature to continue its work.

He stated that the collaboration between Nigeria and Ghana in good governance and democracy  has been of great benefits to Africa and its people.

The highlight of the visit was the presentation of a painted and lacquered Ostrich Egg to the Ghanaian President by Saraki.

End

Young people are often excluded or overlooked as political candidates. In Kwara state, politics is typically regarded as a space for politically experienced men, but now a sumptuos future has been widened due to the newly passage of #NotTooYoungToRun bill that has risen the hope of the youth in governance system. 


Young people are systematically marginalized because of their young age, limited opportunities, and projected lack of experience. As the increased political participation of youth benefits society as a whole, the presence of young people in decision-making positions benefits all citizens and not just youth.


The time is now!!!

#NotTooYoungToRun

Signed:
AbdulGafar Ayinla Ayilara

On Monday, @NGRSenate was in Benin City, Edo State to discuss solutions to the ongoing #HumanTrafficking menace in the country. Over there, we listened to the poignant account of one trafficking victim.

This is her story.
cc: @bukolasaraki @EUinNigeria

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlIRBKveK2Y

#FakeNews: Again, New Holes Found in Sahara Reporters Story*

Several questions have come up regarding Sahara Reporters recent story entitled “Buhari Writes UK's Serious Fraud Office Asking Them To Probe How Saraki, Ekweremadu Acquired £15million, And £4m London Homes.”

The article in question falsely alleges that “The United Kingdom's Serious Fraud Office (SFO) […] is on the verge on launching an investigation under the Unexplained Wealth Order into how the Messrs after receiving a letter from the government of President Muhammadu Buhari. Bukola Saraki and Ike Ekweremadu, President and Deputy President of the Senate respectively, acquired pricey landed properties in the United Kingdom.”

However, due to the penchant of the New York-based platform to publish Fake News, investigations have revealed that there are multiple holes in Sahara Reporters story.

*Hole Number 1:*

The story cites two UK properties “valued at about £15million” and claims that unnamed “Sources at the SFO told SaharaReporters” that these properties, namely No. 7 and 8 Whittaker Street, Belgravia, London are to be investigated.

However, it is public knowledge that in the Senate President's ongoing case at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), the source of the funding has been revealed as a loan from GT Bank.

*Hole Number 2:*

Saraki’s code of conduct form confirms that these properties were not bought for £15 million as claimed by the online gossip tabloid, but for £4million in 2002 through a mortgage.

*Hole Number 3:*

Is the fact that it is the current value of the property that is pegged at £15million. From the ongoing CCT case, it is clear that the Senate President took a loan in 2011/12 to pay off the balance.

*Hole Number 4:*

Sahara Reporters further alleges that “The SFO source said they have received encouraging cooperation from the Buhari regime explaining that the aforementioned politicians couldn't have afforded the properties through lawful means,” however, based on it mode of operations, if Sahara Reporters did in fact have any source who spoke about a letter, it would have published the letter in question. Finally, it is a well-known fact that unlike in Nigeria, it is against the practice of law enforcement agencies to comment on ongoing cases.

BREAKING: YIAGA, the originators of the #NotTooYoungToRun Bill have congratulated SP @BukolaSaraki, Speaker @YakubDogara and the 8th National Assembly for the #ConstitutionalAmendments.

Fight Against Corruption: Senate Passes Federal Audit Services Bill


Today, the 8th Senate passed another landmark Bill in the fight against corruption. The Bill, known as the Federal Audit Service Commission Bill, 2018 ( HB. 107), which was passed for concurrence, is aimed at: establishing the office of the Auditor-General for the Federation and provide additional powers and functions to the office; establishing the Federal Audit Service Commission; repealing the Audit Act 1956, the Public Accounts Committees Act; and enacting the Federal Audit Service Bill, 2015.

Speaking on this development, President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki said: “Today is a landmark achievement in the fight against corruption. This is will bring accountability and probity in the finances of the government and the fight against corruption.

“I must commend all the members of the National Assembly, both the Senate and the House of Representatives. This will go a long way in ensuring the independence of the office of the Auditor-General and will ensure that the Auditor-General has access to different parastatal agencies.

“We truly have to block all the various leakages. We have to ensure that we get this to Mr. President to get his assent. We have gone a long way in this administration in our fight against corruption, and it is commendable that the National Assembly are the sponsors and movers of this very important Bill, which we can see has been outdated for many years. We will continue to play our part in this fight against corruption for the sake our country,” he said.