Chief Imam Thanks Saraki for Saving His Life

The Chief Imam of Ilorin, Imam Mohammed Soliu Bashir, today thanked the President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, for saving his life.

The Chief Imam said this while receiving the Senate President on a courtesy visit to his home at Princess Road, Agaka Area, Ilorin.

“If you revive a sick person, you have served God and humanity,” Imam Bashir said, “The interpretation of it, from the Islamic perspective is if you help a soul, you have served a generation.”

It will be recalled that recently, the Chief Imam was sponsored for a medical treatment following a medical diagnosis that required immediate attention.

The President of the Senate expressed his joy for the quick recovery of the Imam, stating that within the few days of his return, he has shown that the procedure was successful.

Saraki also thanked Almighty Allah for the speedy recovery of Imam Bashir.

In his response, the Chief Imam, prayed to Almighty Allah for the success of the procedure.

“Alhamdulilahi, Alhmadulilahi, Alhamdulilahi for the success of my operation,” he said.

The Imam asked the Almighty to give Saraki greater potential to serve a greater number of Nigerians. He also thanked God for Dr. Saraki’s life, saying that the God that has been with him at each point of his journey in life will continue to bless, guide and propel him further.

Imam Mohammed Bashir Soliu (CON) also offered prayers for the nation, the State, and the Ilorin Emirate.


END

Signed:

New Media Office of the Senate President

The Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has just arrived at Mandate House, the Kwara Central Constituency Office”, Ilorin.

He has undergone a preliminary inspection of the office facilities.

From #SarakiAt55; to the Senate President's Thoughts on #Budget2018; to the #SenateTacklesDrugAbuse Roundtable in Kano, these are your highlights from the Office of the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

Read here: https:///9mhtFA

#SenateTacklesDrugAbuse: 7 Things Saraki Said About Ending #DrugAbuse in Nigeria

Today, members of the Nigerian Senate were in Kano where they hosted a Roundtable on the Drug Use Crisis in Nigeria (#SenateTacklesDrugAbuse).

These are highlights from the President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki’s speech:

1. WE ARE HERE TO WAKE THE NATION
“We are here to wake the nation to the insidious threat of drug abuse, which has, for too long, been the unacknowledged enemy within for us as Nigerians. The time has come to look that enemy in the face and say – Enough. And by your standing up to be counted at this Roundtable, it is clear that you share the sense of alarm over this issue and recognise the urgent need to do something about it.”

2. FUTURE GENERATIONS ARE ALREADY ENDANGERED
“Of late, my distinguished colleagues and I in the 8th Senate have become increasingly alarmed at the drug abuse epidemic sweeping through Nigerian communities, posing an existential threat to the very fabric of society. The scourge has been of a particularly virulent nature, touching all social strata and afflicting families and young lives. Women and girls are particularly susceptible, married or not. Not even nursing mothers are spared; and future generations are already endangered by the spectre of drug abuse, even while unborn.”

3. THE GOAL IS TO OPEN A DISCUSSION
“The goal of this Roundtable is to open a discussion involving: key policy makers, the legislature, enforcement and regulatory agencies, community leaders, civil society organisations, professional groups, care givers as well as victims – people who are involved on a daily basis in dealing with the challenge.”

4. THE TOLL ON LIVES IS DIFFICULT
“Clearly, something is seriously wrong in our society if so many people can become so desperately at the mercy of rampant substance abuse that shows no sign of abating, in spite of a whole roster of agencies with the responsibility to regulate the production and use of dangerous drugs – and to stop their illegal distribution. The toll on lives and livelihoods alone is difficult to estimate; and it is manifested daily in the wrecked lives of individuals, damaged families and distorted economies. The stark reality is that so many Nigerians are but shadows of their former selves. This is intolerable – as is the very dangerous interplay between dirty money and drug importation, distribution and abuse. This must stop.”

5. WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT POLICY AND IMPLEMENTATION
“To kick-start the process of bringing this epidemic under some control, we need to inquire into the strengths and weaknesses of the current policy and its implementation – as well as to understand the ways in which legislation and advocacy might improve. Similarly, we need to take a frank and comprehensive look at our agencies in charge of fighting the epidemic, to better understand where their strengths and weaknesses lie, in order to be able to take remedial measures to strengthen them.”

6. WE CAN TRIGGER A MOMENTUM
“This Roundtable is intended to allow all stakeholders access into discussions on the nature of the problem, as well as solutions that need to be put in place. It must be emphasised that the key objective of the Roundtable is not the Roundtable itself. Rather, the Roundtable is expected to trigger a momentum that should resonate in individual lives, families and communities, that the drug abuse culture represents a very serious threat to lives, the economy and national security.”

7. WE CAN SEND A CRUCIAL MESSAGE
“I feel sure that by the end of this first Roundtable, we would have sent that crucial message to every corner of Nigeria - that drug abuse represents everything that is against our values as a decent society. We will no longer stand for this scourge which is destroying the social structures of our beloved country. It is time to say: Enough. Let us wake the nation.”

#SarakiConstituencyProjects: Things You Should Know

At last, the execution of the 2017 Constituency projects of the President of the Senate has commenced. The first of the MDAs that have started execution of the projects is the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority (LNRBDA), a federal government parastatal with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources. The projects are Road Construction to control Erosion in some selected locations within the Kwara Central Senatorial District. Site clearing, Excavation for and construction of drainage system are parts of the executable items that are going on in the construction sites at the moment. The projects locations include:
1. Ajere - Abata Asunkere - Ode Okubiyi road, Ajikobi ward.
2. Sanni Okin - Ode Alalupupu road, Magajin Geri ward.
3. Surulere clinic (Balogun Hospital) road, Badari ward.
4. Isale Asa (Sabo Line) - Opo Malu road, balogun Fulani ward.
5. Baba Soja (Akerebiata) - Soibul Bayan - Okelele road, Ibagun ward.

Community committees have been constituted at different projects locations to do the usual execution monitoring and relate with the artisans from the communities who could be engaged by the contractors to be part of the execution processes.

Press Release
December 16, 2017

#SenateTacklesDrugAbuse: Senate Moves to Tackle Drug, Substance Abuse



Following the Senate’s resolution in October on the state of drug and substance abuse around the nation, the Upper Chamber has moved to address the widespread use of drugs and other illegal substances through a stakeholder roundtable with state governments, local governments, traditional rulers, the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria and NGOs.

The objective of the Roundtable which will hold in Kano on Monday and Tuesday, is to bring together relevant stakeholders to discuss the drivers of drug abuse in Nigeria, identify the psycho-social and medical impact of the phenomenon, assess current responses, legislative gaps and opportunities for action.

The expected outcomes of the Roundtable include: gaining a better understanding of drug use, prevalence, trends and patterns in Nigeria; understanding the current government and Civil Society capacity and efforts towards addressing drug abuse and related issues; gain insight into legislative, policy gaps and develop an Action Plan for interventions by the National Assembly and other stakeholders.

Recall that earlier this year, the President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, expressed his concern about the widespread abuse of drugs by youths in the country.

In a series of tweets on his Twitter account (@bukolasaraki) on Friday, September 29, the Senate President posted, "I am particularly worried about the drug menace in the country. It is time that we recognize this problem and address it in a sensible manner.

"I will be pushing for the National Assembly to review all relevant laws on drug abuse. This will help to curb the widespread misuse of illegal and unsanitary substances. The Senate will engage with all relevant stakeholders as we initiate this process,” the President of the Senate said.

Until recently, the Government of Nigeria (GoN) has pursued a law enforcement approach in response to the challenge of drug trafficking, production and use.

Nigeria has ratified all United Nation's drug and crime conventions and is supporting and participating in all major international and regional anti-drug initiatives, strategies and programmes.

The country has also enacted comprehensive anti-drug legislation and established several specialised national agencies to enhance the effectiveness and coordination of drug control policies.

The Roundtable will allow the Senate to effectively analyze Nigeria’s response to the menace and come up with appropriate strategies on the way forward.

END

Media Office of the President of the Senate

From the #SenateOnJobCreation Special Public Hearing; to the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki's thoughts on Restructuring (#MyOwnRestructuring); these are your highlights from @SPNigeria this week!

Read here, read now: https:///S9ju8z

BREAKING NEWS: Saraki Victorious as 15 charges dropped at Court of Appeal, to appeal 3 other charges to Supreme Court

The President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, was successful today as the Court of Appeal dismissed 15 out of the 18 count charges that were filed against him.

Recall that in a unanimous decision, the two-man panel tribunal headed by Justice Danladi Umar, held that Federal Government failed to prove essential elements of all the allegations it leveled against Saraki.

Also recall that the tribunal held that oral and documentary evidence that the federal government adduced before it were discredited during cross-examination, saying that the proof of evidence was so ‘manifestly unreliable that no reasonable court or tribunal could rely on it to make any conviction.

More to come…

#MyOwnRestructuring: 8 Things the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, said to Northern Senators in Katsina

1. ON APPROACHING ‘RESTRUCTURING’ WITH OPEN MINDS
“It is perhaps understandable if some in this gathering find the clamourous debate about restructuring a little irksome. We are, after all, meeting in a region that is, for want of a better word, beleaguered. In this region of ours - hurt and wounded by the cataclysm of insurgency and other problems - talk of restructuring can seem a bit fanciful. Nonetheless, we must face all issues with open minds, giving each the attention it deserves. I am confident that the Northern Senators Forum is up to the task.”


2. ON THE NORTH EAST
“As we sit here today, we know that a number of challenges confront our region, one being the situation in the North East, on which a lot still needs to be done. I am hopeful that the new North East Development Commission will go a long way in alleviating the difficulties being experienced in the zone. We all have a role to play in improving conditions on the ground in the North East, so that those affected can move towards rebuilding their lives and communities – and look to a future beyond insurgency.”


3. ON EDUCATION IN THE NORTH
“It is with that eye on the future that I call our attention, once again, to the estimated 12 to 15 million children not currently in the education system – the highest number of out-of-school kids in the world… It is a stain on our collective conscience that such a huge demographic is without education in the 21st century… We simply cannot abandon millions of Nigerian children to the trap of ignorance and poverty. It behoves us, therefore, to come up with policies that will lead to a significant decrease in the out-of-school population, and improve on the numbers as we go along. The crisis in education also manifests itself at tertiary level. When it comes to private universities in this country, the statistics tell the story: the North has the least number. However we look at it, access to education is a serious challenge in the North. We need to change the game, to empower our people to compete on equal terms with the rest of the country, and the world.”


4. ON CREATING A VIBRANT ECONOMY IN THE NORTH
“We have to create an enabling environment for economic activities, and mitigate those factors that discourage investment. It is clear that, as things stand now, there is little or no incentive for an investor to pursue economic activity in locations blighted by insecurity. We need peace and stability, therefore, for our economic objectives to have the chance to come to fruition. Beyond the headlines, the over-arching issues of the North have not gone away… Economic diversification is not just a buzzword; it is a real-life transition that must be made, if we are to deliver the dividends of democracy to our people.”


5. ON FOOD PRODUCTION AND SELF-SUFFICIENCY
“In this period of economic recovery, it is imperative that we continue to focus priority attention on diversification, with greater emphasis on the need to boost the North’s agriculture and mineral resources sectors, especially food production. We must be the food basket of the nation – and we must do so in reality, not by some oft-repeated cliché. We must be the source of substitution for the food importation that currently amounts to an annual bill of 4 to 5 billion dollars for the country. That self-sufficiency that is central to the economic diversification ethos, must come from the North, must be guaranteed by us, because we have what it takes to make it a reality.”


6. ON HOW TO FRAME THE CONVERSATION AROUND RESTRUCTURING
Restructuring, for good or for ill, is the front burner issue in the polity at the present time. I have intimated elsewhere that one problem with all the talk about restructuring is that the discussion is not being framed properly – and certain precepts are missing. I have said, and it is my firm conviction, that we must give precedence to the unity of Nigeria at all times, and put the interests of the country first. We must not be afraid to think outside the box. We must not be afraid of reform.


7. ON WHY THE NORTH NEEDS TO DEVELOP ITS ASSETS
“The question as to what the North brings to the table is bound to resurface in this debate about restructuring. As I see it, the profitable development of the North’s assets proffers its own powerful response to the question. A North led by visionary leadership knows, surely, that it has leverage; and that it ought to renegotiate from a position of strength rather than weakness. Few will disagree with me when I say, therefore, that a North that is economically strong and vibrant is better placed to negotiate on restructuring or whatever else.”



8. HIS (BUKOLA SARAKI’S) OWN VIEWS ABOUT ‘RESTRUCTURING’
“My own restructuring is when we work towards economic development in every part of the country, so we can all take pride of place in the Nigerian project, and no region is seen as a weak link. My own restructuring is when we oversee the budget process to ensure equitable spread of critical infrastructure in every corner of the country, so that no region is left out of the gains of economic recovery. My own restructuring is when we create jobs and enhance food production so our people do not go hungry. My own restructuring is when we educate our children so that they can realise their full potential and partake in the promise of the future. My own restructuring is when we place a premium on delivering good governance, fight against corruption, valourise honesty and live to serve the people – without betraying the trust reposed in us.”

*#SenateOnJobCreation*

*Special Youth Public Hearing on Job Creation And Entrepreneurship*

Today, 11th December, 2017 the Nigerian Senate held a special youth public hearing on job creation and entrepreneurship.

Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Senators Gershom Bassey, Binta Masi Garba, Jibrin Barau and the Chief of Staff to the Senate President, Dr. Hakeem Baba Ahmed were present at the event.
Representatives from Youth Initiative for Advocacy growth and Advancement (YIAGA), Mind the gap Nigeria (Mindthe_GapNg), Connected Development (Connected_Dev), African Youth Initiative on population, health and development (AfrYPoD) and members of the public.
President/ CEO of High Tech Centre for women and youths, Dr. Wunmi Hassan (Ph.D) took the podium to make her presentation. She harps on the need for a database for unemployed youth in Nigeria. She also stated that Youth development has serious political, economic and social implication for Nigerian society.

Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki delivered his welcome address and said the event is a continuation of the Youth Development Roundtable discussion that I and my Distinguished Senate colleagues sponsored on 9 October 2017. #SenateOnJobCreation. It is imperative that the National Assembly, the Federal Government, the private sector and civil society focus immediate attention to the youth unemployment and developmental crisis facing our Country.
Senate President, Bukola Saraki in his welcome address said the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) estimates Nigeria has a youth labour force of 38.2 million people, of this number 15.2 million people are out of work or seeking work. Available statistics also shows a majority of unemployed youth are female. He said the primary factors contributing to high youth unemployment are:
1.High population growth outpacing economic growth,
2. School curricula have not equipped students with appropriate skills for employment,
3.Lack of vibrant industries to absorb competent graduates. Therefore, it is intended for our discussions to inform our budgetary and social policy decisions. For that matter I am happy that this process has benefitted from the contributions of many civil society organizations (CSOs) that focus on youth development and empowerment.
Senate President, Bukola Saraki stated further that the participation of CSOs is important because their grassroots networks and ideas serves to strengthen the legitimacy of the policy making and democratic process. We look forward to hearing your feedback about today’s session and to working with you on behalf of Nigeria’s youth.
Mrs. Maryam Uwais, Special Adviser to Mr. President, Muhammadu Buhari for social protection plan mentioned the conditional cash transfer programme and the NPower scheme as some of the Federal government initiatives that youths benefit from. She also stated that the NPower is for graduates and non graduates and also states that a technological hub is presently in Lagos and Yola on real energy (climate change) for youths between the ages of 18 to 35.
'We have set up training on agriculture to boost job creation and on ease of doing business we hope to break into the 1st hundred Countries within 12 months.'- DG research and policy from the ministry of trade and investment.
'Through the Young Business Owners in Nigeria, Small and medium size enterprise (SMEDAN) sensitizes and engages young entrepreneurs on various forms of businesses and pay for work spaces for these entrepreneurs for one year. Banks do not accede to the loan request of small businesses because they consider them risky.'- Mr. Monday Ewans of SMEDAN.
Celestine Okeke, Lead Partner at Sustainable Economic Entrepreneurship and Development Initiative (SEED) speaks on funding for micro, small and medium-size enterprises.
'Are these youth development programs designed with targets? The impression that we are getting is that some of these programs are designed to keep the people working there working, and not create new jobs for our youth.'Senate President, Bukola Saraki’s question to MDAs.
'By the time that we finish talking today, we have to redefine how we spend the funds for these programs and how to make them more effective for better service delivery.' - Senate President, Bukola Saraki.
'We do have targets of 5000 youths, enterprises of 1.6million and school feeding of 5.5 million'. - Mrs. Maryam Uwais's response to Senate President, Bukola Saraki’s question.

'What gets measured gets done. All we have heard today are programs. We need to hear about outcomes. It is these outcomes that will impact the performance of your programs. This will give us a better perspective.' -Senator Gershom Bassey.
'The APC government made a commitment to employ 500,000 youths this is done through the N-Power project. It is expected that after 2 years, beneficiaries develop themselves and take ownership of their lives.' -Mrs. Maryam Uwais.
'The N-Power currently has 177,000 beneficiaries out of the 500,000 expected target youths who are paid monthly.'- Mr. Afolabi, SSA to Mr. President, Muhammadu Buhari on job creation.
There is no sustainability for social intervention programs, from PAP, now N-Power. What happens to beneficiaries of N-Power after two years? - Senator Binta Garba.
"As at November, there are a thousand beneficiaries of N-Power who are on payment hold due to absence from work amongst other things." - Mr. Afolabi SSA to the President on Job Creation.
“We want to make our Corps Members self-employed. The challenge is funding. NYSC is not empowered to fund Corps Members businesses, so we go into partnerships.” -Representative from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
"There used to be a grant that we received directly from government. This grant was to fund the war against poverty. It was targeted at Agro-Enterprises for Corps Members. Out of this fund, 5000 Corps Members were actively engaged. The issue of funding being so key to the issue of youth development should be taken up at the level of Federal legislation.” -Representative from National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Senate President, Bukola Saraki in his closing remark said the Public Hearing provided us with an opportunity to see how agencies of the Federal Government are dealing with the issue of youth unemployment and development. There is clearly a lot of work that needs to be done. There is clearly poor monitoring in most cases. There is also a lot of overlap between agencies and departments of the Federal Government, however, there is not enough inter-agency collaboration.
Senate President, Bukola Saraki also said for as long as we continue to spend money on training young people, with no plan on what we should do after training our young people, there is need for a central point in the Federal Government where the coordination of some of these youth job creation activities is to be done. He went further to say my own recommendation to my colleagues when we start the budget defence will be to put a hold on some of these programs until we know what we are doing. This is because some of these programs are clearly not taking us anywhere. We are just spending the money, yet, some of these agencies cannot tell us how many young people they are really going to employ from these programs.
‘An organization like the Bank of Industry (BOI) needs to reach out to other agencies that are doing different types of trainings to see how they can pick them up from that point. As some of my colleagues have pointed out, we must focus on the outcomes and targets of these intervention programs. As such, we really need to review all the budgets of these MDAs to ensure that they are effectively delivering on their mandate.’- Senate President, Bukola Saraki.
Senate President, Bukola Saraki in his closing remarks to bring the public hearing to an end stated that for the youths and the NGOs, we all need to have a holistic approach and review of what is going on with d creation across the country.

Signed:
New Media Department,
Office of the Senate President.
Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Press Release
December 9, 2017

Senate Holds Public Hearing on Job Creation Monday

As part of its efforts to stimulate economic growth and create abundant employment opportunities in the country, the Senate will on Monday hold a Special Public Hearing on Youth Job Creation and Entrepreneurship.

The purpose of the hearing, according to a statement, from the Media Office of the President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, is to among others, provide briefings about the ongoing Federal Government's programmes designed to address issues related to job creation and entrepreneurship.

The statement added that the "Youth Job Creation and Entrepreneurship Public Hearing serves as a follow up to the 9th October 2017, Senate Youth Development Roundtable, where several MDAs provided valuable reports and recommendations into government youth intervention programmes.

"The Special Public Hearing will be held on Monday, 11th December, 2017 from 11am to 2pm in Room ​231​ of the Senate New Building.

"The Senate has been working with a coalition of civil society advocacy (CSO) organizations dedicated to the upliftment and advancement of the nation's youth. The overall project is designed to encourage the participation of citizens in the decision-making process of the National Assembly," it stated.

Besides, the statement added that provision has been made to enable members of the public and all other critical stakeholders, who may not be able to attend the session, to follow the conversation online using the hashtag #SenateOnJobs.

END

Signed:

Media Office of the President of the Senate

From the passage of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF); to the Senate President inaugurating the National Coalition Against AIDS (NASSCOA) to curb HIV/AIDS by 2030; to the Senate President's warning to Heads of MDAs to adhere to the #Budget2018 defense schedule, here's your weekly recap from the Office of the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (CON).

Read here now: https:///f8U1PH

“We know the time table is tight. This is not the time for excuses!”

Yesterday, the Senate President (@SPNigeria), Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (@BukolaSaraki), called for adherence to the budget timetable by heads of MDAS.

Click here to see the full story: /oXS8Yx

#Budget2018 Passes 2nd Reading
....“Timetable Must be Followed” Says Senate President

The 8th Senate has passed the Second Reading of the 2018 Appropriation Bill. The Bill has been forwarded to the Committee on Appropriations and its various sub-committees for further consideration and budget defence by the various ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government.

Speaking on the passage of the Second Reading of the Budget, the President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki said: “We know that the timetable is very tight. We will be suspending plenary for us to be able to start the defense of this budget. Committee Chairmen and Members should please ensure that we keep to this timetable.

“Let me respond with a general note of warning to all Heads of MDAs to ensure that they strictly respect the letters of invitation and the timetable. This is not time for excuses for Ministers or Heads of parastatals to be traveling and not be able to attend their budget defense.

“We do not have the time. This is a very short timeframe, therefore, I expect all MDAs to be able to respect our invitation and be there on time so that the Committees can wrap up and be able to present their reports by the time we come back on Tuesday, the 19th of December,” he said.

The President of the Senate also announced that the Senate will be having a public hearing on the budget.

“Distinguished Colleagues, let me also thank you for what you have contributed to this process. I know that we have a lot of work ahead of us.

“There will be a Public hearing on the Budget. We are looking at Monday, the 11th of December, however, in the next few days, an announcement will be made – we expect attendance by all Senators.”



END

Signed
Media Office of the President of the Senate

https://twitter.com/SPNigeria/status/938009261740843008

SARS: Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on Security Reform to Investigate Human Rights Abuses

The 8th Senate has directed its Ad-hoc Committee, which was inaugurated to holistically review Nigeria’s security infrastructure for better performance, to investigate the issue of human rights abuses by officers of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigerian Police.

The Committee has been mandated to look into allegation of the human rights abuses raised by the general public, make relevant recommendations, and include it in its final report.

Speaking on the Point of Order raised by Senator Isa Hamman Misau, the President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki said: “We have already set up a Ad-hoc committee to look at the security infrastructure in the country and I think its appropriate that we send these recommendations to them for further consideration.

“The Inspector General himself is reviewing the structure and I think it is clear that there is something wrong going on that needs urgent attention.I advice the Committee on security to take action to quickly find a solution to this problem because it is happening all around our constituencies and we must respond to the needs of our people,” he said.

A six-year old Boko Haram victim, Ali Ahmadu is back on his feet again after being flown to Dubai for corrective surgery on his spinal cord.
SIGNAL first broke the news of Amadu who was on a wheelchair for nearly four years, after being run over by Boko Haram terrorists in 2014. The story immediately generated public sympathy and attention. With the contributions by the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, and his colleagues in the Senate, like Senator Dino Melaye, the funds for his surgery were raised through the Dickens Sanomi Foundation.

Speaking on this development, Mr. Igho Sanomi, stated that “Miracles do happen. For those of you who don’t believe in God, better believe in God now.
“This is Ali Ahmadu who was run over by Boko Haram terrorists in 2014. The boy and his pregnant mother were left under a tree for three days. The boy was bleeding from mouth and nose throughout the agonising days.
“Ali’s spinal cord was damaged and he couldn’t walk. For three years, help was needed. God made it possible after five to six hours of surgery and 48 hours in intensive care. Little Ali could walk again. This happened today to everyone’s surprise.
“It seemed unachievable but thanks to all our efforts. We have cause to rejoice. This is to say a big thank you from Ali’s family and GIPLC. Most especially our best regards goes to the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki and his colleagues who set the ball rolling towards raising funds and awareness for the surgery,” Mr. Sanomi said.
Ali is currently back in Nigeria.

The President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has weighed in again on the Kwara State Polytechnic tuition increase.



In a statement on his Facebook page, Dr. Saraki describes the claims made by the institution as a “deliberate attempt to confuse and mislead the state government and the general public”, saying that “With the present economic situation, this increment is unacceptable.”



Read more here: https://www.facebook.com/bukola.saraki/posts/10155967792199962

SRARAKI WINS SENATOR

OF THE YEAR AWARD

Without further ado, the awards presentation started immediately after the publisher’s welcome address. And the first award of the evening which was for Senator of the Year was presented by Dr. Seye Kehinde and it went to Dr. Bukola Saraki, Nigeria Senate President! And it was said to be in recognition of his outstanding performance at the Senate.

To pick the award for Dr. Bukola Saraki, Senator Lanre Tejuosho was on hand, and in responding to the honour done the Senate President with the award, Senator Tejuosho asserted that it was the “first time the senators would have our independent President in Nigeria.” And added that, there was no way that would have happened without it being turbulent, but happily, they were still on 2 years after. He concluded by thanking the management of City People Magazine on behalf of the Senate President for the recognition.



http://www.citypeopleonline.com/city-people-holds-3rd-political-awards/

Yesterday, the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (@BukolaSaraki) was conferred with the traditional title of ‘Enyioma Ikeduru’ (Good Friend of Ikeduru) by HRH Eze Festus Oguwuike Osuji, the Coordinator of Ndi-Eze Ikeduru.

Debate on the 2018 budget took centre stage at the red chamber this week as Senators picked holes in the N8.6 trillion 2018 budget appropriation.
The lawmakers also deliberated on different aspects of the budget proposal while the chief whip, Olusola Adeyeye, called for a reduction in the allowances of politicians.
Below are major events that transpired at the Senate this week:
Tuesday
– The Senate opened debate on the 2018 budget presented by President Muhammadu Buhari.
– The Senate was thrown into a noisy session when Eyinnaya Abaribe (PDP, Abia South) said the 2018 budget was “fictitious” and “dead on arrival.”
– At an event marking the 2017 World AIDS Day, chairman senate committee on primary healthcare and infectious diseases, Mao Ohuabunwa, said the senate has resolved to implement 2014 National Health Act which stipulates that one per cent of the consolidated revenue fund be set aside for healthcare provision.
Wednesday
– The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, said some recovered stolen funds cannot be accounted for by the agencies that investigated and recovered them. “In related matters, Nigeria is finding it difficult to convince other nations to return funds looted from our treasury. This is because of the other nations’ exasperation over the management of returned assets,” he said.

If we are all going to complain, let’s face it,” he said. “I don’t want deficit budget. If we don’t want it and we want to slash the budget of N8 trillion to N4 trillion, some things must give way including the allowances of all politicians,” a lawmaker, Olusola Adeyeye, said on 2018 budget.
– President Muhammadu Buhari wrote the Senate to seek confirmation of 10 nominees as members of the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB.
– “As a nation, however, we have to tell ourselves the hard truth. Nigeria, as currently constituted, is certainly not working well. Nigerians are not only dangerously split along ethnic, religious, and sectional lines, the gap is widening on a daily basis,” Mr. Ekweremadu said on Nigeria.
Thursday
– The consideration of the 2018 budget suffered a setback as the lawmakers failed to pass the 2018-2020 Medium Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF, and Fiscal Strategy Paper, FSP. The Senate suspended the consideration of the report of its joint committee on Finance, Appropriations and National Planning and Economic Affairs due to the absence of John Enoh, Cross River-PDP, who was to present the report.
– The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, said he believes ex-President Goodluck Jonathan let corruption thrive during his administration, but was not a power hungry individual.
– The Senate failed to confirm the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, nominee, Bello Mahmud, from Zamfara State. The issue was referred back to the Senate committee on INEC and report back in one week.

The President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (@BukolaSaraki), has stated that @NGRSenate will implement the 2014 National Health Act, especially the one per cent consolidated fund to enhance funding of Nigeria’s health system in 2018. #WorldAIDSDay

http://www.nan.ng/health/new-dawn-senate-set-implement-national-health-act/?mc_cid=5a3099bddc&mc_eid=b7812c2e64

From the 8th Senate's intervention in the #LibyanSlaveTrade; to the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, inaugurating the ad-hoc Committee to review Nigeria's national #security infrastructure; to the 8th Senate's debate on #Budget2018, here's your recap from the Office of the Senate President.

Week of Monday, November 27th to Friday, December 1st, 2017.

Read here, read now: https:///qoWihh

Read the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki's thoughts on the Inauguration of the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee to Review Nigeria’s Security Infrastructure.

Link: https:///x2vLGt

CC: @bukolasaraki @SPNigeria @NGRSenate

http://www.pulse.ng/news/local/saraki-libya-slave-auction-is-a-slap-on-us-id7663900.html


Libya slave auction is a slap on us - Bukola Saraki (@BukolaSaraki)

We must protect our citizens from slavery – Bukola Saraki

https://www.informationng.com/2017/11/must-protect-citizens-slavery-saraki.html Cc @bukolasaraki

Bukola Saraki Tasks Presidency to Repatriate 'Enslaved' Nigerians in Libya - @BukolaSaraki

https://olisa.tv/2017/11/saraki-blasts-presidency-over-failure-to-repatriate-enslaved-nigerians-in-libya/

UPDATE from the @NGRSenate Floor:

The @NGRSenate passes an amendment to update the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Act.

"Education must be affordable for all Nigerians.

The tuition hike in Kwara Poly does not reflect this affordability.

I have made my views known to Governor Ahmed, and I am trusting that he will look into it."- Bukola Saraki

*#TodayInSenatePlenary*

*PROCEEDINGS OF THE NIGERIAN SENATE OF TUESDAY, 28TH NOVEMBER, 2017.*

Welcome to a new Legislative Day in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu took the official Prayer and led the Chambers into today’s proceedings at 10.50am.

Senator Kabir Marafa moved for the approval of votes and proceedings of Thursday, 23rd November, 2017, Senator Matthew Urhoghide seconded.

*PETITIONS*
Senator Joshua Lidani and Senator Akpan Bassey laid Petitions and Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu referred the petitions laid to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions to report back in 2 weeks.

*POINT OF ORDER*
Senator Ali Ndume cited order 42 and spoke on the state of security in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe State and sought the leave of the Senate to bring it as a motion on another Legislative day.

Senator Tayo Alasoadura cited orders 42 and 52 and spoke in respect of a motion on the need to enforce the terms of the 1993 product sharing contract (PSC) agreement between international oil companies (IOC) and Federal Government. He sought the leave of the Senate to bring it as a motion on another Legislative day.

Senator Kabir Marafa cited orders 42 and 53(6) and spoke in respect of the confirmation of the Resident Electoral Commissioners that took place on Thursday and sought the leave of the Senate to revisit the issue of the nominee from Zamfara state who was not confirmed having ascertained that he was born and schooled in Zamfara State.

*CONSIDERATION OF BILLS- Second Reading*
1. A Bill for an Act to amend the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Act 2000 and for other matters connected therewith, 2017 (SB. 578) by Senator Peter Nwaoboshi.

‘Since the establishment of this Bill 17 years ago, the Gas processing companies has refused to pay anything to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) which is deteriorating the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Act in the Southern region.’- Senator Peter Nwaoboshi.

Senator Foster Ogola seconded and supported the Bill and said the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Act was put in place to make sure we have enough revenue in that sector. He went further to say that the focus should not only be on the oil companies but the gas companies as well.

‘I support this Bill, we need more resources in the Niger Delta region.’- Senate Leader.

‘It is our obligation to notch up the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) because it adds up to the revenue net of our Nation.’- Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.

The Bill for an Act to amend the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Act 2000 and for other matters connected therewith, 2017 (SB. 578) was read the *SECOND* time.

Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu referred the Bill to the Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to report back in a week.

2. A bill for an act to authorize the issue from consolidated revenue fund of the Federation the total sum of N8,612,236,953,214 (eight trillion, six hundred and twelve billion, two hundred and thirty six million, nine hundred and fifty three thousand, two hundred and fourteen naira) only, of which N456,458,654,074 (four hundred and fifty six billion, four hundred and fifty eight million, six hundred and fifty four thousand, seventy four naira) only is for statutory transfers, N2,233,835,365,699 (two trillion, two hundred and thirty three billion, eight hundred and thirty five million, three hundred and sixty five thousand, six hundred and ninety nine naira) only is for debt service, N3,494,277,820,219 (three trillion, four hundred ninety four billion, two hundred and seventy seven million, eight hundred and twenty thousand, two hundred and nineteen naira) only is for recurrent (non debt) expenditure while the sum of N2,427,665,113,222 (two trillion, four hundred and twenty seven billion, six hundred and sixty five million, one hundred and thirteen thousand, two hundred and twenty two naira) is for contribution to the development fund for capital expenditure for the year ‪ending 31st December, 2018‬ second reading 1st Allotted day)

‘The 2018 budget document is imaginary.’- Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.

‘Performance of the 2017 budget is very abysmal, we end up having budget that is below expectation and we are already doing same with the 2018 budget.’- Senator Joshua Lidani.

‘The global economy is unstable, we are still dependent on oil. The necessary institutions are not performing to their optimum in line with the budget. I wonder if the President, Muhammadu Buhari is having a second look at the budget presented by civil servants.’-Senator Yusuf A. Yusuf.

‘I am more concerned about the implementation, the last 2 years has not been successful. We are at 1.9million barrel per day, oil prices are rising, I don’t think we should have excuses on non performance. We need a stronger database to capture more revenue.’- Senator Adesoji Akanbi.

‘We cannot discuss 2018 budget without going back to the previous 2years, what impact are we going to see in road maintenance? On the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC)2017 budget, only N500million has been released from a budget of N11.4billion and these are key parastatals expected to perform magic.’- Senator Gbenga Ashafa.

‘This Government has demonstrated with the 2018 budget estimate that they are sensitive to people’s plight.’- Senator Gbenga Ashafa.

‘The 2018 budget is a budget of active imagination, some Government agencies are bloated,we spend millions of naira on National Orientation Agency (NOA), what is their use?, the only way out is to reduce the cost of governance.’- Senator Ben Murray Bruce.

‘The budget in some area is very encouraging in the sense that non oil expectation is high on the budget estimate, we need to build a more robust income base that is not focused on oil.’- Senator Tayo Alasoadura.

‘In the 2018 budget we are given N8.6trillion, how do we know what the execution level will be based on low execution of previous budget.’-Senator Francis Alimikhena.

‘I thank everyone for the contribution, I commend my colleagues for keeping their language clean and speaking their mind on the 2018 budget debate. We need to look at how we can reduce deficit.’- Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.

‘Some research agencies are not researching anything and are still being funded, we need to point them out so we don’t spend money on them.’-Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.

ADJOURNMENT*
Senate Leader moved that all other items on the order paper be stood down to another Legislative day. Minority Leader Seconded.

Plenary is adjourned to Wednesday, 29th November, 2017.

#GavelBangs.

*Signed:*
Digital Communications Department,
Office of the President of the Senate,
Federal Republic of Nigeria.

MUST WATCH: The Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, speaks about his father.

He mentions three things that everyone should know about the late Oloye, Abubakar Olusola Saraki.

Follow this thread to watch the videos.

https://twitter.com/bukolasaraki/status/935148375082782720

Watch: The Unity Of Nigeria Is A Prerequisite For Development - @SPNIgeria @BukolaSaraki

https:///RKdpUBzR5s

This week, the Senate President spoke about Security, Smuggling and Unity. In case you missed anything, check out this video.
https://twitter.com/spnigeria/status/934343015883247616

SENATE PRESIDENT READS EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATION FROM PRESIDENT

The President of the Senate, on Tuesday, read five Executive Communications from President Muhammadu Buhari, asking the Senate to pass the following Bills:

1. The Raw Materials Research and Development Council(Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill;
2. The Nigerian Natural Medicine Development Agency Bill;
3. The Chartered Institute of Treasury Management Establishment Bill;
4. The Federal Institute for Industrial Research Bill; and
5. The Federal University of Wukari, Taraba State.

UPDATE: SENATE PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES UPDATE TO #BUDGET 2018 SCHEDULE

The President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has just announced an update to the 2018 Budget schedule.

The President of the Senate said that Tuesday November 28th and Wednesday, November 29th will be for the main budget debate, while Thursday, November 30th will be specifically dedicated to the debate on the revenue of enterprises and agencies of the Federal Government.

“The reason for this is that we have to pass the MTEF, which will be laid by tomorrow,” the President of the Senate said, “However, It will be passed this week.”

The President of the Senate also explained why Thursday next week will be dedicated to the expenditures of agencies and enterprises.

“Distinguished Colleagues, as you will remember, when we were conducting the exercise on the revenues of MDAs earlier this year, we recognized the importance of proper oversight of the revenues of these enterprises,” he said, “We think that in order to give this the attention and focus that it deserves, we will set a date to debate the revenues of these agencies and enterprises.”

UPDATE: Senate President Reiterates Senate’s Resolve to See Launch of HYPPADEC

The President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Tuesday, reiterated the Senate’s resolve the see the launch of the Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC).

Speaking after the Senate’s passage of a Motion on the funds that have been accruing to HYPPADEC, the Senate President stated that:

“We must must definitely ensure that we see to the the take-off of HYPPADEC, in line with its establishment Act, in order to ensure that all MDAs comply with the Act and ensure that they meet up to their commitments.

“The Ministry of Power and the regulatory bodies must urgently review the account of all the funds that are due to HYPPADEC and ensure that they're in the appropriate account.

“Once again, we are committed in this Senate to see to the take-off of this Commission and that all their funds are duly remitted to them to ensure their smooth operation,” he said.

The Motion, raised by Senator David Umaru (Niger East), emphasized that around N150 million in funds, which was earmarked for the take-off of HYPPADEC, is now reportedly in the custody of various government agencies. The Motion also noted that N18million of these funds have been released to the Ministry of Power.

#KwaraLGElections: Security Alert Issued As PDP Thugs go on Rampage

Ahead of the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission’s announcement of yesterday’s LGA Election results at 4pm today, gangs of thugs mobilized by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), have been going around urban areas in Kwara to threaten key APC stakeholders and their families with machetes and other locally-made weapons if the results of the LGA elections do not favour them.

Unofficial polling results show that so far, the APC leads in all 16 Local Government Areas of the State.