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Tag: Bukola Saraki

  • Protest turns sour: Protesters call for Saraki’s resignation

    The Citizens Actions to Take Back Nigeria (CATBAN) that thronged the entrance of the National Assembly (NASS) Complex protesting the adjustments made in the 2018 Appropriation Act by the Legislature has called on Senate President Bukola Saraki to resign.

    TheNewsGuru reports the protesters arrived in about 11 luxurious busses, popularly known as “El-rufai bus”, playing music and chanting songs, calling for the resignation of the President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki after their peaceful protest turned sour.

    The protesters carried placards which read: “Constituency projects is now corruption, it must stop”; “Nigerians are not represented in the sharing of the loot via constituency projects”; and “National Assembly not for armed runners,” among others.

    The security personnel in a bid to maintain law and order, shut the main gate to the complex, preventing the protesters from entering the premises while the group tried to force their way in.

    As a result, visitors and workers who were to resume their daily duties were also prevented from entering, forcing them to use alternative routes.

    The convener of the group, Mr Ibrahim Wala, said that the NASS no longer represents the people of Nigeria.

    He said that the many adjustments and introductions of several projects in to the 2018 Appropriation Act by the legislature necessitated the protest.

    Wala said that constituency projects should be implemented in all constituencies represented by each member of the NASS.

    He alleged that the members connived with contractors to collect the money and do not execute the projects that would have benefited citizens.

    According to him, since 2004 to date, constituency projects have been appropriated for but nothing has changed.

    “The worst of it is what we are seeing in the 2018 budget, these people inserted thousands of interns.

    “We are here representing the entire citizens of this country; the crowd you see here represents the voices of Nigerians.

    “Nigerians want a situation whereby when we vote individuals into office they should work with the people and not represent their own interests,” he said.

    He urged the security personnel at the gate not to deprive the people of their right to access the premises in peaceful protest.

    According to Wala, the group is made up of young women and men that are concerned with the cause of the nation.

    No member of the NASS was available to address the protesters who had been denied access into the premises.

    The NASS resumed on Tuesday, July 3, after a three-week recess.

     

  • Omo-Agege: Taiga urges Senate to discontinue appeal

    Omo-Agege: Taiga urges Senate to discontinue appeal

    The President General of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), Olorogun Moses Taiga, has urged the Nigerian Senate to discontinue its appeal against the victory of the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege.

    This is coming even as Olorogun Taiga congratulated Senator Omo-Agege on his victory, saying it was not only a victory for the Senator alone, but the entire Urhobo nation.

    TheNewsGuru reports the Senate filed a notice of appeal and a stay of execution on a High Court judgement nullifying the suspension of Senator Omo-Agege at the Abuja division of the Federal High Court.

    The Federal High Court in Abuja had nullified the suspension of the Delta Central Senator by the Senate describing the action as unconstitutional, after the Senator instituted a suit challenging his suspension.

    Taiga, while speaking with newsmen at the weekend, said the Urhobo nation was being denied representation at the red chambers and that there is an urgent need for the leadership of the Senate, especially Senate President Bukola Saraki to see to it that Senator Omo-Agege is immediately recalled to take his rightful place in the upper chambers.

    Omo-Agege was suspended for 90 days by the Senate after he accused his colleagues of working against President Muhammadu Buhari by amending the electoral act.

    The Senate said the suspension was not because of Omo-Agege’s comments on the election re-oreder but for his move of approaching the court over the matter.

    Nullifying the suspension of the Delta Central Senator, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba held that while the National Assembly had the power to discipline its erring members, the premise on which Omo-Agege’s suspension was anchored was illegal.

     

  • Constitutional provisions for impeachment of Buhari

    Addressing an executive communication at Thursday’s plenary session of the Nigerian Senate, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Matthew Urhoghide moved for immediate impeachment of President Muhammadu Buhari for voiding constitutional provisions.

    The Buhari’s impeachment motion by Urhoghide which was seconded by the Senator representing Enugu North constituency, Chukwuka Utazi, has it that the President abused executive powers, thereby flouting provisions of the 1999 Constitution by approving the sum of $496 million for the purchase of super Tucano fighter jets without consent of the National Assembly.

    In a letter defending his approval of the money withdrawn from the excess crude account (ECA), Buhari said he had anticipated the lawmakers would approve the withdrawal.

    “There is nowhere in our law that talked about anticipatory approval. We cannot sit down and allow this to take place. It is an impeachable offence.

    “There is no infraction that is worse than this. Let us not continue to sleep. I propose that we commence the impeachment of Mr President,” House of Representative member, Kingsley Chinda said citing sections 80 and 81 of the 1999 constitution.

    Senator Urhoghide, who moved for the impeachment in the Senate, moved the motion for the invocation of Section 143 of the 1999 Constitution, which deals with impeachment of the President for voiding due process.

    Section 143 of the 1999 constitution (as amended) deals with the removal of the president and vice-president from office.

    143. (1) The President or Vice-President may be removed from office in accordance with the provisions of this section.

    (2) Whenever a notice of any allegation in writing signed by not less than one-third of the members of the National Assembly:-

    (a) is presented to the President of the Senate;

    (b) stating that the holder of the office of President or Vice-President is guilty of gross misconduct in the performance of the functions of his office, detailed particulars of which shall be specified, the President of the Senate shall within seven days of the receipt of the notice cause a copy thereof to be served on the holder of the office and on each member of the National Assembly, and shall also cause any statement made in reply to the allegation by the holder of the office to be served on each member of the National Assembly.

    (3) Within fourteen days of the presentation of the notice to the President of the Senate (whether or not any statement was made by the holder of the office in reply to the allegation contained in the notice) each House of the National Assembly shall resolve by motion without any debate whether or not the allegation shall be investigated.

    (4) A motion of the National Assembly that the allegation be investigated shall not be declared as having been passed, unless it is supported by the votes of not less than two-thirds majority of all the members of each House of the National Assembly.

    (5) Within seven days of the passing of a motion under the foregoing provisions, the Chief Justice of Nigeria shall at the request of the President of the Senate appoint a Panel of seven persons who in his opinion are of unquestionable integrity, not being members of any public service, legislative house or political party, to investigate the allegation as provide in this section.

    (6) The holder of an office whose conduct is being investigated under this section shall have the right to defend himself in person and be represented before the Panel by legal practitioners of his own choice.

    (7) A Panel appointed under this section shall –

    (a) have such powers and exercise its functions in accordance with such procedure as may be prescribed by the National Assembly; and

    (b) within three months of its appointment report its findings to each House of the National Assembly.

    (8) Where the Panel reports to each House of the National Assembly that the allegation has not been proved, no further proceedings shall be taken in respect of the matter.

    (9) Where the report of the Panel is that the allegation against the holder of the office has been proved, then within fourteen days of the receipt of the report at the House the National Assembly shall consider the report, and if by a resolution of each House of the National Assembly supported by not less than two-thirds majority of all its members, the report of the Panel is adopted, then the holder of the office shall stand removed from office as from the date of the adoption of the report.

    (10) No proceedings or determination of the Panel or of the National Assembly or any matter relating thereto shall be entertained or questioned in any court.

    (11) In this section – “gross misconduct” means a grave violation or breach of the provisions of this Constitution or a misconduct of such nature as amounts in the opinion of the National Assembly to gross misconduct.”

    Meanwhile, after hearing contributions from his colleagues at Thursday’s plenary, Senate President Bukola Saraki submitted the matter be referred to the Senate’s judiciary committee to make clear the terms for the impeachment of the President.

    “Distinguished Colleagues, I think we have taken contributions from everyone. I also think that the contribution of the Leader addresses two issues and we must take note of them:

    “One, the concerns we have, as Senator Shehu Sani said, all of us agree that there is definitely security concerns in our country.

    “At the same time, we all agree that from what has been presented to us definitely there is a breach of Constitution.

    “The question is what are the circumstances surrounding the breach of Constitution and whether those circumstances justify the breach of Constitution.

    “I am sure you will all remember that in August 2017, when I got the message from the U.S. Ambassador, that the Senate Committee at the Congress of the United States wanted to visit us because they had received a request from President Trump to approve for payment of the Tucano but they needed Congress approval. Congress wanted to come to Nigeria to speak with their counterparts.

    “I led the team with members of the House of Representatives and members here in the Senate and we met with the members of Congress on this issue. We were aware at that time of the issues.

    “Between September and February with all due respect, there was ample time for the Executive to have carried us along on this issue. There are arguments for and against and those arguments are valid.

    “The suggestion of the Leader, that we should send it to the Judiciary Committee to: 1. Advise whether truly the constitution has been breached; 2. Whether the circumstances justify the breach in any way.

    “What do we do going forward in trying to appropriate because the funds have already been spent. Do we go under what the Leader has come under or we start the whole process of appropriating.

    “It was after we agreed in September that the US Congress went back to give approval to the Executive to go ahead to sell the Tucano to Nigeria.

    “If you will all agree, we should refer the matter to the Judiciary Committee and give them a short period of time.

    “By Wednesday next week they should present their report to us,” Saraki surmised.

     

  • BREAKING: Senate summons IGP, condenms ill-treatment of Senator Dino Melaye [Video]

    * Shuts down plenary for all Senators to visit Sen. Dino

    Apparently troubled by the ill-treatment of senator representing Kogi-West, Dino Melaye by police operatives in Abuja, the Nigerian senate on Wednesday shuts down plenary session, summons the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to appear at plenary on Thursday to brief lawmakers on Melaye arrest as well as the continuous killings of Nigerians across the country.

    Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, will be leading the Senators to visit Melaye at the National Hospital in Abuja to ascertain his condition.

    The visit comes after the Senator landed the hospital after he reportedly jumped out of a moving police vehicle.

    The lawmaker was rushed to Zankli hospital in Mabushi district of Abuja after jumping off the police vehicle around Area One.

    The police vehicle was conveying him to Lokoja, Kogi State where he is expected to be interrogated by the police in connection with the allegation that he armed some thugs and in relation to other criminal activities.

    Speaking at today’s plenary session Saraki described police handling of Melaye is a threat to every member of the Nigerian Senate.

    He words, “It affects all of us, not only us, but this institution and this democracy and these actions are a threat. The excesses must be contained in the interest of all of us.”

    “We are about to start elections and if these are the kind of excesses of those who are meant to be responsible for providing law and order, this is a great concern in this country. And those who are directly responsible need to take up that responsibility.”

    This is not what we should be spending our energy on. It is important for the IGP to come & brief us. I have tried so many times to find out what the situation is, & this kind of attitude must stop if we truly want to sustain & create an enabling environment.”

    “So, one thing is to ascertain his state of mind concerning the situation and also to find out and also to find a way out quickly, to find a solution to this problem so we can restore sanity.

    “We are not talking about the menace, but there is a procedure and a way to handle these things.

    Other Senators condemned manhandling of Melaye by police

    Here are the views of some of the senators as regards the drama between the Nigerian Police and Senator Dino Melaye.

    Sen Shehu Sani

    Senator states his concern about systematic factors in the country and that all should remember there is no permanence in power. “What happened to Senator is an abuse of power”.

    Sen Remi Tinubu

    “The people look to the Senate for protection. “The average man needs protection just as we do.”- Senator

    Senator states that she is not in support of what happened to Senator . “If Senators and can be taken away by the police, it destroys the sanctity of this chamber.”

    Sen Joshua Lidani

    “Senator is a very vocal person, he is being intimidated and targeted. It is clear that Dino Melaye is subject to inhumane treatment, let us all rise and condemn this act.”- Senator Joshua Lidani

    Sen Ubali Shittu

    We did not vote this Government to abuse democracy. I condemn shameful act totally invite all those involved to speak to us and this case openly to the public.”- Senator Ubali Shitu

    Sen. Isah Misau

    “It was only an allegation against Senator and since the matter is still in court, he should not be forced to go to Kogi.”- Senator

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Senate invasion: Saraki visits wounded female Sergeant-at-Arms Officer [Video]

    Senate President Bukola Saraki on Sunday visited Mrs. Sandra Davou, Sergeant-at-Arms Officer who was wounded when thugs reportedly sponsored by Senator Ovie Omo-Agege invaded the Senate on Wednesday.

    TheNewsGuru reports Mrs. Davou suffered various injuries after she was assaulted when the thugs invaded the Senate chambers of the National Assembly.

    The Senate President, who was away in Washington when the incident happened, had condemned the invasion of the Senate and said the red chambers will stop at nothing to bringing those responsible to book.

    He also commended the leadership and all members of the Senate for standing up firmly in defense of democracy and the rule of law with their decision to defy those who machinated the attack on the red chambers of the National Assembly.

    “I am delighted that the Senate stood up to them by disregarding their unreasonable and shameful action and went on with the day’s proceedings as slated in the Order Paper.

    “My commendation goes to my deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, other members of the leadership, my colleagues, the leadership and members of the House of Representives for standing in defence of democracy, parliamentary sanctity and constitutionalism.

    “With the way the Senate has defied those seeking to undermine it, we have sent out a strong signal that we are always ready to defend our constitutional mandate and nothing will deter us from this.

    “I associate myself with the comments of the Deputy Senate President that we are ready to get to the roots of this assault on democracy and ensure that those who are responsible, no matter how remote, will be brought to justice,” Saraki said.

    https://www.facebook.com/bukola.saraki/videos/10156365678829962/

     

  • Senate working to grow digital financial technology in Nigeria – Saraki

    President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, on Thursday said that the Senate is working to ensure the growth of digital financial technology (FinTech) popularly known as digital financing in Nigeria.

    Saraki, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sanni Onogu, in Abuja, stated this in his address before the Africa Finance Forum, organized by the Corporate Council on Africa, at this year’s Spring Meeting of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) holding in Washington D.C.

    He said that the Senate is desirous to see Nigerian banks expand with capacities to create opportunities for financial services penetration and support for enterprises.

    He further averred that the Red Chamber, through its Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions is engaged in legislative interventions to ensure financial inclusion for all, “especially in the rural areas where a large percentage still remains unbanked by bridging services between the banking and telecommunications sectors.”

    While commending the Corporate Council on Africa for convening the event and its inspired focus on the FinTech environment on the African continent, Saraki emphasized that the Senate will continue to encourage innovation in the Financial Technology (FinTech) space in Nigeria.

    He also noted that Financial Technology has enjoyed a tremendous upsurge in the global economy and is currently creating a lot of excitement in Africa in general, and Nigeria in particular, as the next frontier in the industry.

    Saraki said: “The net impact of our legislative interventions; through the relevant Committee’s oversight and engagement will be to expand the ability of our banking sector to facilitate digital financing, expand the opportunity for financial services penetration and reach with the SMEs, and for enterprise support.

    “We believe that these will give a fillip to the development of innovation and private sector capacity across the country. You will agree with me that innovation is the engine that powers financial inclusion. We are therefore working assiduously to encourage innovation in the FinTech space in Nigeria, and we shall continue to do so,” he stated.

    He noted that challenges militating against the growth of FinTech in Nigeria include but not limited to issues about consumer protection, intellectual property, concerns about money laundering and fraudulent activity.

    He said: “FinTech growth requires us to pay attention to all of these, and to come up with regulatory frameworks that will safeguard our people.

    “Therefore, as we seek to improve the business environment for SMEs and tech entrepreneurs in Nigeria, we are also committed to passing legislation that strikes a balance between facilitating the sector and maintaining a secure financial system.

    “We are continuously working to reframe our payment systems, strengthen mechanisms for electronic commerce, reduce non-performing loans and strengthen the credit market for SMEs through a broad range of legislative interventions,” he said.

    He said the Senate has continued its legislative interventions by passing the Electronic Transactions Act; the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill; the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission Act.

    He said while the Consumer Protection Commission Act creates a Consumer Protection Commission to safeguard consumers from fraud and price manipulation; the Consumer Credit Agency Act allows lenders to better assess the credit worthiness of loan applicants.

    He stated that the Credit Reporting Act, which has been signed into law, will enable the market reduce credit delinquencies, serve as a behaviour change and institutional framework that brings sanity into the credit community which will inspire confidence in the Nigerian market by drawing in more participants.

    “The Secure Transactions in Movable Assets is the signature bill in our support of SMEs,” Saraki stated. “It frees up capital and creates opportunity for the funding of SME ventures as never seen before in Nigeria.”

    “With this law, we have created a new stream of opportunity for SMEs to access capital by using movable goods including small machinery, cell phones and even household items as collateral. The implication of this is enormous in terms of dealing with capital formation and poverty eradication.

    “Our work is not exhaustive and will continue to adapt to changes that innovation in technology brings.

    “We are confident in the signals we are sending to the world, that Nigeria fully intends to key into the astronomical growth of the FinTech industry – and to harness its full potential for the benefit of the largest economy in Africa; and we welcome any partnerships that ensure that this happens.

     

  • NASS invasion: We’ll get to the roots of this – Senate President

    Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki has condemned the invasion of the National Assembly in which the symbol of authority of the Senate was carted away by suspected Senator Ovie Omo-Agege sponsored thugs.

    TheNewsGuru reports Senator Omo-Agege allegedly sponsored five thugs to invade the red chamber of the National Assembly on Wednesday and forcefully carted away the mace of the Senate.

    In his reaction to the developments, Saraki, who has been away in Washington where he is attending the Spring Meeting of the World Bank/International Monetary Fund (IMF), said the National Assembly will get to the root of the matter.

    He commended the leadership and all members of the Senate for standing up firmly in defense of democracy and the rule of law with their decision to defy those who machinated the attack on the red chambers of the National Assembly.

    Saraki also lauded the swift reaction by the leadership and members of the House of Representives in demonstrating their solidarity with the red chamber and thereby sending a strong signal that enemies of democracy and those who want to undermine the legislature will be resisted by all parliamentarians.

    “I have just been informed that some hoodlums invaded the Senate chambers, forcefully taken away the mace and assaulted some of our Sergeant-at-arms on chamber duties. I am delighted that the Senate stood up to them by disregarding their unreasonable and shameful action and went on with the day’s proceedings as slated in the Order Paper.

    “My commendation goes to my deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, other members of the leadership, my colleagues, the leadership and members of the House of Representives for standing in defence of democracy, parliamentary sanctity and constitutionalism.

    “With the way the Senate has defied those seeking to undermine it, we have sent out a strong signal that we are always ready to defend our constitutional mandate and nothing will deter us from this.

    “I associate myself with the comments of the Deputy Senate President that we are ready to get to the roots of this assault on democracy and ensure that those who are responsible, no matter how remote, will be brought to justice,” Saraki stated.

     

  • JUST IN: Omo-Agege reacts to suspension by Senate

    The office of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has responded to the suspension of the Delta Central Senator by the red chamber, saying the Senator remains unfazed and remains an ardent supporter of President Muhammadu Buhari’s agenda.

    TheNewsGuru reports the Nigerian Senate during plenary on Thursday suspended Omo-Agege for 90 days over the remarks he made at a press conference that the amendment of the 2010 Electoral Act which changes the sequence of elections set by INEC is targeted at President Buhari.

    “The issues acted upon today by the Senate are pending before a court of competent jurisdiction and therefore subjudice.

    “It is the Senate’s view that the issues be withdrawn from court for an amicable resolution to hold. Until a resolution is reached, it is better to respect the court processes by not commenting on them,” a statement signed by Senior Legislative Aide to the Senator, Prince Efe Duku, and made available to TheNewsGuru read.

    Although the Senator on February 21, 2018, apologized to the Senate over his comments about electoral act Amendment, the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges had recommended in its report that Senator Omo-Agege be suspended for 181 legislative days.

    “We note that as part of the resolution of the issues, the Senate President, Distinguished Senator Bukola Saraki ruled that the Parliamentary Support Group, PSG, (Senate) for President Muhammadu Buhari should be disbanded.

    “This should be a matter for the over 50 members of PSG to decide, possibly with President Buhari on whose behalf they openly work as Distinguished Senators of the Federal Republic.

    “In the circumstance, we appeal for calm and assure that as a fervent believer in the rule of law, our Senator is in positive spirit.

    “He deeply respects the institution of the Senate and his good friends in the Senate. He will never undermine them.

    “He remains an ardent supporter of Mr. President’s agenda for a better nation for all and will continue to work assiduously for his re-election,” the Senator’s aide further stated.

     

  • Saraki mourns as Senator Bukar is buried, former Reps member passes on

    Saraki mourns as Senator Bukar is buried, former Reps member passes on

    Senate President Bukola Saraki has expressed sadness at the death of Senator Mustapha Bukar (APC, Katsina), who was Chairman of the Senate Committee on Capital market.

    TheNewsGuru reports Senator Bukar who was Madawakin Daura died around 10.am today following an illness.

    Born on December 31, 1954 in Daura, Bukar was a first timer at the Senate. A source close to the Senate President confirmed the death of the lawmaker via phone. The source said the deceased would be buried in Daura today in line with Islamic injunction.

    Bukar died less than a month after Senator Malam Ali Wakili passed on at 58. Wakili died on March 17 at his Abuja residence.

    Independence Ogunewe passes on

    Meanwhile Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has confirmed the passing away of a former member of the House of Representatives, Independence Ogunewe.

    Speaker Dogara made this known in a statement today.

    “Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara, has received with sadness, the news of the death of a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon Independence Ogunewe,” the statement read.

    The Speaker, describing the late Ogunewe, who was a member of the 5th and 6th assemblies, as a man of courage who stood for the truth always, said he was deeply saddened by the loss.

    He prayed that the Lord grant his immediate family, friends and associates the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

     

  • Saraki, wife stun in Easter IG photo

    Senate President Bukola Saraki on Sunday in the spirit of Easter celebration with “Christian brothers and sisters across the nation” shared a stunning photograph of himself and his wife, Toyin Saraki on Instagram.

    TheNewsGuru reports Saraki had in an Easter message urged Christians and Nigerians across the nation to emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ as epitomised by his passion, persecution, death and resurrection during Easter.

    ALSO READ: 2019: Saraki’ll run for president with Ekweremadu as his running mate – Dele Momodu

    In the message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Yusuph Olaniyonu in Abuja, Saraki also urged Nigerians to constantly work toward promoting unity across all lines.

    He said it was imperative for Nigerians to come together to build a country that both present and future generations would take pride in “just like the work of Christ which endured for over 2000 years and continued to inspire generations.

    “This weekend, we join our Christian brothers and sisters across the world to celebrate Easter.

    “This commemoration is a time for deep reflection as it marks the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and his victory over death. It is a time to reach out to our brothers and sisters in need.

    “It is also a time for all of us, regardless of faith or ethnicity, to come together and pray for peace in our nation. We must all remain constant in efforts to promote unity across all lines because our nation will remain stronger when united.”

    Saraki also stressed the need for Nigerians to all play their part in the development of the country.

    The Sunday photo shared by the Senate President carries the message: “Happy Easter to our Christian brothers and sisters across the nation”.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BhBzuZLgJhZ/?taken-by=bukolasaraki

    Recent reports have it that the Senate President is to contest the post of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the forthcoming 2019 General Elections.