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Tag: Ahmed Lawan

  • Senate President reveals salaries, running costs of lawmakers; says NASS grossly underfunded in last four years

    Senate President reveals salaries, running costs of lawmakers; says NASS grossly underfunded in last four years

    The President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, says the National Assembly will pass the proposed 2022 budget before the end of the legislative week.

    He disclosed this on Monday in Abuja while giving a lecture at the maiden Distinguished Parliamentarians Lecture Series organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).

    Lawan said the current National Assembly has made it a practice for the budget to be presented and passed before the end of December yearly, to ensure that its implementation commences in January.

    Delivering a lecture titled ‘The Legislature, Legislative Mandate and the Public – The Reality and The Public Perception’, he used the opportunity to clear the air around what he described as misconceptions about the allowances of members of the National Assembly.

    According to the lawmaker, the percentage of the National Assembly budget in the federal budget ranged between 1.44 per cent in 2019 to 0.82 per cent in 2021.

    For him, the National Assembly has been grossly underfunded in the last four years. He revealed that the total salary of a member of the Senate was about N1.5 million and that of the House of Representatives was about N1.3 million.

    The lawmaker added that the average office running cost for a senator was about N13 million while that of a member of the House of Representatives was N8 million.

    Other areas where he gave clarifications included perception of corruption, constituency projects, purchase of operational vehicles for lawmakers, and the insinuations that the legislature was a rubber stamp.

  • Group slams leadership of NASS over corruption in NDDC

    Group slams leadership of NASS over corruption in NDDC

    …urges Lawan, Gbajabiamila to ‘save Niger Delta region now’

    Act For Positive Transformation Initiative, a civil society organization has again berated the leadership of the National Assembly (NASS) over its failure to curb alleged ongoing looting of public funds to the tune of several billions of Naira by the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    The Group in separate letters addressed to both the Senate President and the House of Representatives Speaker on Monday called on the legislature to as a matter of urgent public importance take necessary steps toward saving the Niger Delta region from going into developmental oblivion, occassioned by alleged unmitigated looting of funds meant to develop it.

    The letters dated 28 September, 2020, and which were signed by the Head, Directorate of Research, Strategy and Planning, Mr. Kolawole Johnson, was titled: ‘Save The Niger Delta Region Now’.

    The group noted that several billions of Naira have been siphoned from the coffers of the Commission despite efforts by the National Assembly to investigate pending allegations of corruption by the IMC.

    “Your Excellency, barely one month after the alarm was raised, new records show that over N27 billion was looted between June 29th and July 29th, 2020. This fact can be confirmed ofdicially from relevant agencies of government.

    “After the Commissions many diatribes against the institution you lead and an open walk-out on your investigative committee, Mr. Speaker, came out openly to tactically sheild the acting MD of the Commission, Prof. Pondei, from interrogation after a poorly orchestrated fainting drama. While the hearing was goin on, the management of the Commission has the effrontery to continue the looting of the peoples resources through extra-budgetary expenditures. Yet the National Assemly has looked away as though it is acting in connivance with the looters”, the letter said.

    It alleged further that “over N8 billion has left the coffers of the NDDC the very day the Senate Ad-hoc Committee began its hearing on the ellegations of malfeasance and financial recklessness in the Commission. Durimg the hearing, a member of the Committee berated the officials of the Commission for halting payment on desilting. Later that day, over N6 billion was moved out of the NDDC account in the name of desilting”.

    “This sudden movement for an item that has not veen paid for more than 10 months prior to that day deserves a second look. Close to N20 billion has been looted via desilting sonce then. In summary, extra budgetary expenditures in the three months is in excess of N35 billion as at today.

    “July 29, while the country was on holiday, the management looted N5.8 billion via fraudulent emergenxy desilting. Note tjat the so-called desilting paid for were for non-existing water ways. The Olu of Igbakoda. Oba Afolabi Oladimeji Odidiomo, has confirmed in a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari that the river NDDC claimed to have desilted with billions of Naira in his domain does not exist. Similar stories abound across the region”, the letters alleged.

    The group also wondered why despite the mudslinging against members of the National Assembly by the managent of the Commission, the attitude and body language of the leadership is “awe-inspiring”, adding that “the standard of the institution has taken a north-ward dive, ot may never recover again if nothing is done now”.

    The group therefore urged the leadership.of the National Assembly to bring sanity back to the NDDC and halt the alleged free pillaging of the peoples resources.

  • Photo News: Senate President, Ahmed Lawan leads senators to Orji Kalu’s house

    Photo News: Senate President, Ahmed Lawan leads senators to Orji Kalu’s house

    Sequel to his release from Kuje Prison on Wednesday night, Senator President Ahmad Lawan led other senators on a solidarity visit to the Chief Whip of the senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu on Thursday.

    Kalu, former governor of Abia, was jailed alongside Ude Jones Udeogu, a former director of finance and account of Abia state.

    They were arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on 36 counts of money laundering to the tune of N7.1 billion.

    They were found guilty and jailed in December. But Udeogu appealed the verdict of the court.

    Following his appeal, the Supreme Court on May 8, 2020, ordered that Udeogu should be released and the retrial of his case.

    However, Kalu who was not part of this appeal contended that no legal basis existed for his continued incarceration following the Supreme Court’s judgment which declared the whole trial a nullity and freed Udeogu.

    However, at Kalu’s residence on Thursday, all the senators wore face masks but did not observe social distancing when they posed for photographs.

    See more photos below:

  • What Osinbajo, Lawan, Okowa said about Omo-Agege in Warri

    What Osinbajo, Lawan, Okowa said about Omo-Agege in Warri

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President, Senator Ahmed Lawan and Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State on Sunday spoke glowingly of Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.

    The trio was among notable Nigerians that attended the Thanksgiving Mass for Senator Omo-Agege at Mother of the Redeemer Catholic Church, Effurun, Delta State.

    Osinbajo, in a remark, said that Omo-Agege was a well educated and distinguished lawyer, who had practiced at home and abroad.

    According to the Vice President, it is not just Omo-Agege’s brilliance that is propelling him, but that his courage, loyalty and reliability moved him first as a politician and then to the exalted position of Deputy Senate President.

    “I think that both Omo-Agege and Senator Lawan were the unanimous choice of most of us in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the leadership of the APC.

    “There was very little doubt that these two individuals were the ones that we wanted and everybody worked very hard indeed to make sure that came to be.

    “And the reasons are very simple: Lawan has always proved to be very reliable and always a party person and so is Omo-Agege.

    “In most of the things people were shy or afraid to do, Omo-Agege stood up and was ready to be counted at the right time.

    “I think that for his courage and for his steadfastness and for his reliability, not only was he rewarded by his constituents who he loves very much but also by our great party, and by the 9th Senate by his election to the position of Deputy Senate President,’’ he said.

    He said that with the qualities Omo-Agege possessed, he would still achieve more politically in Nigeria.

    The Vice President prayed God to continue to bless the Deputy Senate President.

    On his part, Lawan said he was in the church to thank God for his blessings on his Deputy.

    Lawan said that the more God is appreciated for his blessings, the more blessings he would bestow.

    He said that the Senate would continue to work hand in hand with the Executive in solving the security concerns in the nation.

    On his part, Okowa congratulated Omo-Agege who he described as his brother for attaining such a political height.

    He said that the feat was not just for the Omo-Agege’s constituents in Delta Central but for the entire state.

    “We rejoice with you as a State; your position is a call to service not just to your nation but to Deltans,’’ he said.

    In his comment, Omo-Agege said he was immensely grateful to God for what he had achieved as it would not have been possible without God.

    He expressed his appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari, Osinbajo, APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, APC governors and all party faithful, who were instrumental to his emergence as Deputy Senate President.

    He said he would continue to strive to promote national unity and attract the dividends of democracy to his constituency.

    Earlier in a sermon, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Ozele, President, Warri Diocesan Priests Association, said that it was wise to appreciate God for His goodness.

    He said that the celebration was not just for Omo-Agege and his family but for the entire Urhobo nation.

    Ozele said that the rate of killings, kidnapping, cultism, immorality and other crimes in Nigeria was worrisome.

    He said most crimes were brewed by hatred and called on Nigerians to love one another.

    According to the priest, Nigeria has a bright and prosperous future as God has plans for the nation.

    “Nigeria will rise; there is hope; I charge each and every one of us, let stand up for Nigeria.

    “Let us stand up for hope; all foes and enemies of Nigeria will be vanquished; Nigeria will survive,’’ he said.

    Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, Senate Minority Leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe and other principal officers of the Senate also attended the event.

    The Thanksgiving also attracted some serving governors, APC National Chairman, members of the National Assembly, political class, traditional rulers and the clergy.

  • Senate Presidency: Forum drums support for Sen. Lawan

    The National Interest Progressive Forum (NIPF) has called on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to support the candidacy of Sen. Ahmed Lawan as President of the 9th Senate.

    The forum made the appeal in Abuja on Sunday in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Taura, and Secretary, Mr Clement Ojima.

    It said the call became imperative as the APC needs to ensure a stable 9th National Assembly (NASS) to achieve the objectives contained in the partys ‘Next Level’ agenda.

    The forum also advised ‘the leadership of APC not to allow another four years of disagreement in NASS now that it has comfortable majority.

    It said the emergence of Sen. Lawal (APC-Yobe North) as President of Senate would ensure that the legislature works harmoniously with other arms of government.

    The forum noted that it was necessary for APC to put its house together by allowing only its loyal members emerge as leaders of the two chambers of NASS.

    The forum said the loyalty of Lawal was not in doubt because he always respects the position of the party on all issues.

    “Sen. Lawal is a thorough bred politician and an excellent lawmaker.

    “We call on the leadership of APC to encourage senators-elect to support Lawan as the next Senate President,” it urged.

    The leadership of the forum also appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari as leader of the party to ensure that competence, experience and absolute party loyalty are considered in the process of choosing the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives.

    “The President cannot afford to remain neutral as the case with 2015, when some members of the APC went against the party’s decision.

    “We advise the Adams Oshiomhole-led leadership of the APC not to relent in its effort at ensuring party discipline at all levels,” the forum said.

     

  • Electoral Act: Buhari’s refusal to sign the bill was no big deal – Lawan

    The Majority Leader of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, on Saturday said there was nothing to worry about in President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to withhold assent on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2018.

    Lawan told the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) in Abuja that the Electoral Act (2010) was good enough for the conduct of the 2019 general elections.

    He said the President’s decision should not be misinterpreted, adding that it was done in the interest of the country.

    “That the President declined assent to the bill was no big deal.

    “We can still use the Electoral Act, 2010, that was used in 2015 general elections.

    “This is to allay the fears of the citizens, who might think that the 2019 elections would not be well conducted without the amendment.

    “What we need to do is to look at the few lapses, especially in terms of administration which does not need any legal backing.

    “INEC conducted a very good election in 2015 with the existing act.

    “So, I believe that we can use that and nobody should start thinking that the elections will not be free and fair.

    “The 2015 elections were free, fair and transparent. All over the world, we were commended for conducting such a credible election.

    “It is not like the current act is so defective that we cannot use it, ” he said.

    The leader said the bill could be worked on, to be used in elections beyond 2019.

    He pointed out that: “If we cannot use the current amendments in 2019, who says we cannot use it in the 2023 elections and elections in between 2019 and 2023.

    “So, national interest is of utmost importance and not the noise being made by some people. So, there is no reason for worry or agitation.”

    Lawan said the president, as an elderstatesman, had the interst of the country at heart and his action should not be misconstrued to mean selfishness.

    According to him, the President cares for the masses, the progress, stability and development of the country and would not take any decision that would impact on the nation negatively.

    “The President believes in due process and as such he will do anything possible to ensure that our election processes are transparent.

    “For me, Mr President took his time with his advisers to study the bill before coming up with the decision.

    “We are all working in the interest of the nation and as such nobody should claim to be more patriotic than the President.

    “The president has his track records. This is a president that his whole life has been devoted to public good.

    “He has never shown selfishness or done anything to enhance his personal status.

    “All he does is for Nigeria to be better. So, I want to say that he cannot be forced to sign something as important as the electoral bill,” Lawan said.

  • JUST IN: Senate suspends plenary, moves order paper items

    JUST IN: Senate suspends plenary, moves order paper items

    The Nigerian Senate suspended today’s plenary session over the death late Senator Ali Wakili, who won the Bauchi South Senatorial seat in the 2015 election on the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

    This is after the Senator Representing Lagos East Constituency, Gbenga Ashafa, had moved, seconded by Senator Emmanuel Paulker, for the approval of votes and proceedings of Thursday’s.

    Senate Leader, Ahmed Lawan, citing order 43 of the Senate’s standing order, moved Senate suspends plenary to honour late Senator Wakili.

    “On the 17th March, 2018 we woke up to the sad news of the demise of our friend, brother and colleague Senator Ali Wakili.

    “It is our culture in the Senate and National Assembly in general that when this kind of thing happens either in the Senate or House of Representatives, we observe a minute silence and adjourn plenary in honour of our late brother and friend,” he moved, and seconded by Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

    The Senate Leader also moved that all other items on the order paper be stood down to another Legislative day, which was also seconded by the Senate Minority Leader.

    In a short comment, Senate President Bukola Saraki reminded his colleagues of a valedictory service in honour of the deceased slated for Wednesday.

    “It is only proper that we pay our respects to him, his family, his constituents that he contributed to and the country.

    “The Upper Chamber would hold a valedictory session for late Senator Ali Wakili tomorrow. Please ensure that we are all dressed appropriately for that session tomorrow. I hereby adjourn the Senate till Wednesday the 21st of March 2018, 10am prompt,” he said.

    The plenary was adjourned at 11:08 a.m.

    TheNewsGuru reports late Senator Wakili was born in 1960 and attended the Lere Primary School in 1979.

    He attended the Government Secondary School Damaturu where he obtained his Secondary School leaving certificate.

    He attended the Bauchi College for Arts and Science in 1979, and obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Arts in 1982 from Bayero University Kano.

    He was enlisted in the Nigeria Customs Service after which he attended the customs training school Lagos in 1984 and the infantry training school Jaji in 1991.

    The late lawmaker retired from the service as a Comptroller of Customs.

    Senator Wakili was an active member of the APC caucus in the Nigerian Senate.

    He was the Chairman Senate Committee on Poverty Alleviation.

    https://www.facebook.com/NgrSenate/videos/1645738572148145/

     

  • Lawan’s emergence as Senate leader settles old rifts in our party – APC

     

    The All Progressives Congress, APC has said it welcomed Senate’s decision on the change of its leadership saying the removal of Ali Ndume and subsequent emergence of Ahmed Lawan has put to rest several issues surrounding the senate leadership in 2015.

    APC national publicity secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, in a statement, called the development a concrete expression of faith by the APC Senate Caucus in efforts to resolve the lingering issues that trailed the election of Senate leadership.

    “We believe this is a major step forward in our efforts to reunite the various interest groups in that Senate election, thereby presenting a common legislative front for our great party,” he said.

    “We are particularly delighted that the consultations that were initiated towards the end of 2015 between the party caucuses in the National Assembly and the party executives as well as other leading stakeholders of our party has yielded these results and the Senate has demonstrated its willingness to finally submit to the will of the party in this regard.

    “With this development therefore, we are confident that the issues arising from the elections in the Senate in 2015 have been put to rest”, he added.

    APC recalled that the party leadership had resolved that Senator Lawan be compensated with the position of the Senate Leader soon after the issue of election in the Senate occurred.

    He said the directive was not fully complied with at the time, but expressed happiness to see the change effected, stressing that it represents a significant progress in efforts to build a strong and united party.

    APC congratulated Senator Lawan on his election and expresses hope that he would use his vast experience and knowledge to enhance legislative works and its agenda of change.

    APC also assured Nigerians that it would continue to work under the leadership and guidance of President Muhammadu Buhari to resolve any other pending issues that might have affected the party at different levels.

    The ruling party also thanked Senator Ndume for his service and sacrifice to the party, which, it added, would not be forgotten.