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Tag: Femi Gbajabiamila

  • EFCC Boss laments losing corruption cases on technical grounds

    EFCC Boss laments losing corruption cases on technical grounds

    Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa has expressed concerns about corruption cases being lost to technicalities at various levels of court in the country.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Mr Bawa made this known on Monday in Abuja while giving his opening remark at a three-day capacity building workshop, themed; “Judicial Dynamism: A Key Factor in the Fight Against Economic and Financial Crimes”.

    Bawa stressed that such a development may serve as a disincentive to the fight against economic and financial crimes in the country and affect negatively the cherished image of and confidence in the Nigerian judiciary both locally and internationally.

    According to the EFCC Boss, corruption cases being lost on technical grounds have a way of building confidence in corrupt elements and negatively affect the cherished image of the judiciary.

    “As a Commission, we do not expect every judicial decision to go our way, but there are instances the EFCC and many Nigerians have been left at a loss about certain judicial decisions, where defendants who obviously have stolen our commonwealth and those who have aided and abetted them have been allowed to go home to enjoy their proceeds of crime on technical grounds.

    “This has the tendency of affecting negatively the cherished image of and confidence in the Nigerian judiciary both locally and internationally.

    “In the Commission, we hold the view that corruption is a plague that does not select its victims. Those stealing and abusing our common patrimony do not wish us well. Judges are as much victims of corruption as the ordinary man on the streets.

    “It is therefore in our collective interest that the gains of the fight against corruption are not reversed. This is also why we must aggregate fresh opinions and forge deliberate winning tactics and strategies to stem its ugly tide,” Bawa said.

    Meanwhile, reviewing the impact of the EFCC in the fight against economic and financial crimes in its 19 years of existence, the EFCC boss stressed that the Commission has carved a niche for itself with numerous milestones to its name.

    “However, in the little over a year that I have had the privilege to superintend, the Commission secured an unprecedented record of 2220 convictions. It is the highest ever in the history of the Commission and as I address you this morning, we have already secured 1222 convictions, thus far, this year”, he said.

    While commending the judiciary for its role in making the convictions record possible, the EFCC Chairman advocated for an enhanced welfare package for Judges and Justices.

    Other issues raised at the opening ceremony of the workshop are collaboration between the legislative arm of government and the judiciary in drafting and enacting laws, among others.

    TNG reports the capacity building workshop is being organised for judicial officers, corruption investigators and prosecutors.

    Senate President, Ahmad Lawan; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, and other top government officials graced the occasion.

  • Federal lawmakers call on Buhari to end Nigeria’s insecurity

    Federal lawmakers call on Buhari to end Nigeria’s insecurity

    Members of Nigeria’s Federal House of Representatives have again called on President Muhammadu Buhari to end the current security challenges across the country.

    This was part of the development at plenary on Wednesday when a member of the House from Sokoto State, Abdullahi Salame, moved a motion of urgent public importance.
    Salame prayed the House to urge President Buhari to set up a National Task Force on National Security to address prevalent cases of Kidnapping, banditry and insurgency.
    The motion was titled; ‘Need to set up National Task Force to address prevalent insecurity in Nigeria.’
    They charged President Buhari to act like the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and protect lives and property.

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    Salame had noted that the motion was a compilation of previous resolutions of the House as there was “no implementation by the Executive.”
    This is just as the Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Wase, said replacing the former service chiefs yielded no results and as such, proactiveness was needed if the situation could be effectively nipped in the bud.
    Wase noted that while the sponsor of the motion was indirectly asking for the service chiefs’ sacking, he recalled that the National Assembly had made the call and the president implemented the resolution.
    Wase said, “The service chiefs were sacked. Did we get the desired results? Precisely, I will say no. During the appointment of the last Chief of Defence Staff (Gen. Leo Irabor) or Chief of Army Staff (Lt.-Gen. Yusuf Yahaya), I remember (that) about 30 officers were retired – those (whose ranks were) ahead of the person. And these were fine officers. Is that what we are seeking on the floor (of the House) again? I don’t think that is the direction that we should go.”

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    The Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, corroborated Wase by noting that the Constitution does not empower the House to legislate on military operations, especially the proposed creation of a security task force.
    Wase also noted that the Armed Forces already had various special operations and task forces across the country’s geopolitical zones, stating that the parliament could only advise the President on security matters.
    Though Gbajabiamila faulted Okechukwu’s prayer calling on Buhari to “take every measure to save Nigerians from the present precarious security situation,” saying it is vague, the House eventually granted it via voice.

  • Death of Alaafin of Oyo stalls installation of Femi Gbajabiamila as Aare Baasofin of Yorubaland

    Death of Alaafin of Oyo stalls installation of Femi Gbajabiamila as Aare Baasofin of Yorubaland

    Following the death of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, the installation of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, as the Aare Baasofin of Yorubaland (the Supreme Lawmaker of Yorubaland) has been suspended.

    This was announced in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, Lanre Lasisi, on Sunday.

     

    Lasisi said the event, which was planned to take place on Friday, May 27, 2022, was postponed over the death of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III.

     

    It was gathered that Alaafin died 35 days to Gbajabiamila’s chieftaincy conferment ceremony, which was part of activities to mark the lawmaker’s 60th birthday.

     

    Gbajabiamila was conferred with the traditional title of Aare Baasofin of Yorubaland (the Supreme Lawmaker of Yorubaland) by the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, in September 2021.

     

    An invitation card of the event that surfaced online shows that the installation is slated to take place on Friday, May 27, 2022, with the All Progressives Congress’ presidential aspirant, Bola Tinubu, was named as the Chairman of the occasion.

     

    Also, the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, was slated to be the Royal Father of the Day while Chief Commander, Ebenezer Obey and K1 De Ultimate were named as the musicians to entertain guests at the event.

     

    The statement read, “You will recall that his Royal Highness, the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III communicated the conferment of the title of Aare Baasofin of Yoruba Land to Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila through an appointment letter dated September 7, 2021, and presented to the Speaker on Thursday, September 30, 2021, at the National Assembly, Abuja, by members of the Oyomesi Council led by the Bashorun of Oyo Kingdom, High Chief Olayinka Ayoola, who is the traditional Prime Minister of Oyo Kingdom and Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu.

     

    “Upon which the Speaker, in turn, accepted the appointment with gratitude to God. However, due to the tight work schedule of the Speaker, the Chieftaincy ceremony could not hold throughout 2021, until this year when the date of May 27, 2022, was agreed with the palace but as God in his majesty will have it the revered monarch passed on Friday night before the distribution of Invitation cards for the event (May Allah grant him Aljanah Firdaus).

     

    “Naturally, the event can no longer hold as the Speaker, the entire Yoruba race, Nigerians home and abroad mourn the demise of the widely respected Monarch.”

  • Buhari to finance 2022 budget deficit with new borrowing

    Buhari to finance 2022 budget deficit with new borrowing

    President Muhammadu Buhari has written to the House of Representatives seeking an increase in the 2022 budget deficit to be financed through borrowing from the domestic market.

    Buhari said this in a letter read by Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila during plenary on Thursday.

    The President also requested the review of the 2022 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) upon which the budget was hinged.

    “As you are aware Mr Speaker, the new development both in the global economy as well as the domestic economy has necessitated the revision of the 2022 fiscal framework on which the 2022 budget was based.

    “The total budget deficit is projected to increase from N965.42 billion to N7.35 trillion representing 3.99 percent of the GDP.

    “The increment of the deficit will be financed by new borrowings from the domestic market.

    “Given the urgency of the request for revision of the 2022 fiscal framework and 2022 budget amendment, I seek the corporation of the National Assembly for expeditious action on this request,” he said.

    The Speaker thereafter, referred the letter to the House Committee on Finance for further legislative action.

  • Consolidate on Buhari’s achievements, Lawan, Gbajabiamila charge APC

    Consolidate on Buhari’s achievements, Lawan, Gbajabiamila charge APC

    Chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have called on the party members to consolidate on the gains of President Muhammadu Buhari to win the 2023 General Elections.

    They made the call at the APC’s National Convention on Saturday in Abuja.

    President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, said that the party proved that it was united by holding the convention which some people thought would never hold.

    “They said we will never be together as a party, but today we are together and holding the convention, this is a night of unity for us.

    “Our caretaker committee did well and achieved so much, I hope that at the end of the convention everyone will be happy.

    “This is seven years plus that we have been working as APC, President Buhari has done well ,although he may not be on the ballot in 2023, but you will remain the legacy of APC,” he said.

    Lawan commended the president for his effort in building infrastructure in every state especially the Second Niger Bridge.

    The Speaker House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, also congratulated the party for holding the convention, adding that the party had come a long way through many trials and tribulations but stood the test of time.

    “Building is a long term task and we all have a role to play .

    “We at the National Assembly have kept faith in Nigeria through laws and passed some strong laws like the PIB Law ,Police reform Act, among others.

    “All things being equal, we will revisit the issues of the women inclusion bills.”

    Governor of Kebbi ,Atiku Bagudu, said that the party did well in terms of its promises of security, economy, accountability and food security.

    Bagudu said that in spite of the global crisis, the party kept Nigeria stable by supporting the 36 states which could not pay salaries and pensions to restore social contract with the governed.

    “The president directed empowerment of farmers, supported fishing communities among others for food security and development of relevant economy.

    “We were able to survive two recessions in spite of COVID-19, even during this global crisis of the Ukraine and Russian war when other countries are in food crisis we have food security.”

  • APC Convention: Why we are yet to commence proceedings – Gbajabiamila

    APC Convention: Why we are yet to commence proceedings – Gbajabiamila

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila has alluded to reasons why the National Convention of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is yet to officially commence.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports, according to the programme of activities released for the APC national convention, proceedings were supposed to officially commence at 10 am.

    However, at the time of filing this report, the APC national convention was yet to commence, but Gbajabiamila has said a convention of this magnitude needs a lot of organization to do.

    “Something this size; I did not even expected it would be like this; you can see the atmosphere; everywhere is agog; something like this necessarily would need a lot of organization.

    “This is in terms of accreditation, in terms of people agreeing to consensus, and people trying to have dialogue so that everything would go smoothly. We are getting somewhere.

    “We started late though but it better that we get it right,” Gbajabiamila said in an interview with Seun Okinbaloye and Maupe Ogun of Channels TV.

    TNG reports President Muhammadu Buhari and the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo are being awaited at the time of filing this report.

  • Reps investigate excess bank charges on FG’s accounts

    Reps investigate excess bank charges on FG’s accounts

    Speaker of the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila

    The House of Representatives, on Wednesday, mandated its Committee on Banking and Currency to investigate the alleged excessive charges on bank transactions imposed by Deposit Money Banks (DMBs), also known as commercial banks, in Nigeria.

    This directive was based on the motion moved by a member of the House, Sergius Ogun, titled ‘Need to Investigate the Imposition of Excessive Charges on Bank Transactions on Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria.’

    Ogun noted that most of the DMBs in the country impose excessive and non-statutory charges on varying bank transactions carried out by customers.

    “The House is concerned that despite the guide issued by the CBN, some banks still deduct outrageous amounts of money from their customers in the guise of bank charges with different descriptions.

    “The House is worried that in most cases, the deductions are already covered by the CBN approved monthly Account Maintenance Fee (AMF), thus amounting to double deduction,” Ogun said.

    The motion was unanimously adopted by the House which directed its Committee on Banking to liaise with professional financial consultants to investigate and determine the extent of excess charges on government accounts over the last eight years.

    The committee is to report back to the House with recommendations within four weeks for further legislative actions.

  • New bill wants first degree qualifications for elective offices

    New bill wants first degree qualifications for elective offices

    A new bill to raise to first degree the qualification needed for elective offices in NIgeria has scaled the second reading in the House of Representatives.

    The current position of the law is that a person seeking to become the President of Nigeria should possess a minimum of Senior Secondary School Certificate or its equivalent.

    The same applies to persons seeking to be a Governor, Senator or Member of a legislative assembly in Nigeria.

    However, in a move to increase the minimum educational qualification to a university degree, the House on Tuesday passed a bill for second reading to alter the constitution.

    The bill, with the long title, “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Review the Required Educational Qualification for Election into certain Political Offices; and for Related Matters”, was sponsored by Rep. Adewumi Oriyomi Onanuga.

    The provision on educational qualification for elective offices is contained in Section 131(d) of the constitution.

    Recall that the Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, had in January this year, echoed the issue of the low educational requirement for elective offices and how it might affect leadership performance in a fast-changing, technology-driven world.

    Gbajabiamila gave his views at the 52nd Convocation Lecture of the University of Lagos.

    He had delivered a lecture on the topic, “Building Back Better: Creating a New Framework for Tertiary Education in Nigeria in the 21st Century.”

    Gbajabiamila stated, “I also sincerely believe that the National Assembly needs to look into section 131 (d) of the 1999 constitution to increase the minimum educational qualification for persons aspiring to be future Presidents of Nigeria and other top offices including the National Assembly as against the current minimum requirement of a Secondary School Certificate or its equivalent.

    “As we have reduced the age for eligibility to contest those offices, so also, we should increase the minimum educational requirement. It will be another step in reforming our electoral system and providing strong leadership for the country.”

    On Tuesday, the House passed a bill for second reading to give a push to Gbajabiamila’s call.

    Onanuga, while leading the debate on the bill had observed that it was curious that to qualify for employment into senior cadres in Nigerian civil service, an applicant must be a holder of the National Youth Service Corps certificate.

    She noted that the applicant must already be a graduate as only graduates went for NYSC deployment.

    She added that it was strange that a person seeking to lead the whole country, including the graduate, was required to possess only a senior secondary school certificate or its equivalent.

    Tuesday’s plenary was presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Ahmed Idris Wase.

  • Reps move to uncover 45 million bank accounts not linked to BVN

    Reps move to uncover 45 million bank accounts not linked to BVN

    …also to probe N1.2trn unpaid govt funds

    The House of Representatives on Monday started an investigative hearing on unaccounted N1.2 trillion allegedly held by deposits money banks on behalf of ministries departments and agencies of government without remitting same into the consolidated revenue account with the Central Bank.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports the House also disclosed that a total of 45 million bank accounts have been found not to be linked to bank verification numbers otherwise known as BVN, in different commercial banks in the country, funds that have now become trapped due to inability of the account holders to withdraw them.

    The deputy speaker, Ahmed Idris Wase, who declared open the probe on Monday expressed hope that the exercise would throw up positive outcome that can enhance government efforts at closing infrastructure deficit in the country.

    “We hope this assignment would improve our system in terms of value addition. This assignment is line with section 88, 86 of the Nigerian constitution among the powers of the National Assembly to conduct investigative hearing either to improve on the loss or to expose corruption or waste.

    “This I believe from the body of the motion that about N1.2 trillion not paid into consolidated revenue, so that we can improve the infrastructure deficit and other challenges in our nation. I believe it is important, hoping an praying what was mentioned if it is true, it means then we have lot to do. First to expose the corruption aspect of it. Secondly to come out with interventions that would improve and mitigate the situation.

    “I charge my colleagues to do their work with the fear of God, diligent and commitment and above all with the fear of the Almighty. I pray God will give you the determination to carry this important function,” he said.

    Chairman of the Adhoc Committee investigating the status of unclaimed funds in commercial banks and possible infractions by the CBN, Hon. Unyime Idem (PDP, Akwa Ibom), stated that deposit money banks must assist the panel with information about unclaimed funds in their possession.

    “For commercial banks, these resolution stipulates that you submit document that would help us recover unclaimed in about 45 million accounts that are not linked to BVN. About 45 million accounts is what the House has been able to discover through the recent reports. Those accounts are not linked to BVN. So monies in those accounts, we want to know the positions, whether you have refunded the FG or what happened to the funds. You are going to give us documents to back these investigations”, he demanded.

    Director General Budget Office, Ben Akabueze representing minister of finance, Zainab Ahmed, noted that “from the opening remarks of the committee Chairman, it will appear that this is focused on unearthing the federal government’s balances that may still be hanging in any of the commercial banks”.

    “I believe that over the past several years there have been circulars of government seeking to enforce this. Because otherwise when we received this invitation that talked about unclaimed funds in Nigeria commercial banks, basically my initial reading of this is that it’s related to inactive accounts, dormant accounts, because the extant regulation guiding the management of these, issued by the CBN, on October 2015, provides guidelines for the management of inactive accounts, dormant accounts and unclaimed funds.

    “Those guidelines obligate any bank to have notified the Federal government of the existence of any such funds belonging to it, if they had I’m sure that those funds will not be there. I hope that Without prejudice to the work of this committee that the CBN will also do the job of enforcing its own guidelines. As the work of the committee progresses, whatever other specific information required of us as a ministry we will be able to provide,” the minister said.

    A representative of Office of Accountant General of the Federation, Sylva Okorieaboh, as well as Director/ Coordinator Treasury Single Account (TSA) said while they were unable to prepare for the hearing due to lack of details in the invitation letter, they however agreed that government funds are likely still being held by commercial banks.

    “…there’s good likelihood that substantial amount of Federal Government funds might still be lying with commercial banks despite the presidential directive of 7th August 2015, and the circulars and efforts made to compel the commercial banks to comply with those directives.

    “On the 14th of December 2021, the minister of finance inaugurated new TSA implementation structures and she alluded to the fact that there’s a likelihood that substantial amount that federal government fund are still lying with commercial banks and directed the banks to return those funds or they will be reported to anti corruption agencies.

    We believe that there are still federal government funds with commercial banks but we can’t say specifically how much and where, so to that extent we welcome the efforts of this committee”, the TSA office added..

    The Central Bank which is at the centre of the investigation with regard to enforcement of its own guidelines to commercial banks pledged to cooperate with the committee with a view to finding solutions to the issue.

    Other commercial banks are scheduled to appear on the 15th of February when the investigation resumes.

  • Gbajabiamila adjourns plenary over absence of Order Paper, demands removal of those responsible

    Gbajabiamila adjourns plenary over absence of Order Paper, demands removal of those responsible

    Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, the Speaker of the House of Representatives on Thursday adjourned plenary abruptly over absence of the order paper for the day’s proceedings.

    Gbajabiamila, who was disappointed at the situation, chided those responsible for the order paper for failing to carry out their duty.

    “What kind of things is this, we are now being forced to adjourn plenary for failing to produce order paper.

    “The clerk, you were not here, the front roll was empty, none of the deputies is here, whoever is in charge of Rules and Business should be removed.

    “This House sits at 11a.m., everybody knows that, we adjourned yesterday to 11 a.m., when I came in this morning, there was nobody around.

    “We all know that if the order paper is not ready, we cannot function as a House,” he said.

    He summoned the responsible to his office for explanation.

    “Please, everybody should see me in my office; the house adjourns till Tuesday next week.”

    The order paper is the schedule of proceedings on the floor of the House for the day, as it serves as a guide lawmakers for their daily activities.