Author: Our Correspondent

…says Nigeria Police need further reform
…assures of Reps’ readiness to keep contract with Nigerians

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has said that the House would not hesitate to take action against government agencies that fail to implement the budget as is expected of them.

Gbajabiamila bemoaned a situation where Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government would fail to implement aspects of budget for which funds have been allocated and released.

Addressing his colleagues in a welcome speech at the resumption of plenary after the lawmakers’ annual recess, the Speaker also said members of the House would ensure that they keep their contract with Nigerians.

“Early in the life of the 9th House of Representatives, we promised that we would return to a regular budget cycle, running from January through to December. We kept that promise in our first year and set a standard from which we must not deviate.

“However, there is an ongoing problem of Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government failing to implement projects and programmes for which funds have been provided in the Budget.

“It bears restating that the Appropriation Act is not merely a policy document or a statement of intent. It is the law of the land that binds us all. Any expenditure of public funds outside of the Appropriation Act is a crime, as is a failure to implement programmes and projects for which funds have been allocated and provided.

“But more than that, it is a betrayal of the public trust that undermines faith in the government and frustrates good faith efforts at national development. The House will take action against those who fail in their responsibilities in this regard. I sincerely hope it doesn’t come to that.”

The Speaker commended President Muhammadu Buhari for assenting to the Police Bill, noting, however, that more reforms are needed in the Nigeria Police through additional legislation.

“Two weeks ago, His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR signed the Police Reform Act into law. The Act is the first significant reform effort in a generation. It is the beginning and not the end of such measures. The Nigeria Police Force, as it currently operates, has too long and too often failed to meet the expectations of the Nigerian people.

“In many parts of our country, people are more afraid of encounters with the police than they are of criminals. That’s not right, and we can no longer stand for it.

“There will be, in this 9th House of Representatives, further legislation to improve police performance across the board and to introduce mechanisms for individual and collective accountability in the Nigeria Police Force. Our objective is nothing short of a total overhaul of the culture and practice of policing in Nigeria.”

Gbajabiamila also disclosed that the House has commenced work on the Armed Forces Trust Fund Bill so that in the shortest possible time, we can finalise and pass legislation that ensures once and for all that the resources we need to protect the homeland are never at the mercy of politics or changes in policy or personnel.”

On the Petroleum Industry Bill transmitted to the National Assembly by the president, the Speaker assured that this time around, the House would succeed in passing the Bill for it to get the president’s assent.

“This is not the first time that we have initiated the Petroleum Industry Bill or similar efforts at broad oil and gas sector reform in the National Assembly. I assure all Nigerians that we in the 9th House of Representatives fully intend to succeed this time around.

“However, I must appeal to stakeholders in the public and private sector, to the media, to the host communities and all who wish our country well to support this process. Let us reject cynicism and resist all attempts to frustrate this reform effort in service of the narrow interests of any particular group. Let us put Nigeria first so that history may judge us kindly.”

To ensure that the House passes Bills and motions that are in line with its contract with Nigerians, the Speaker announced the setting up of an ad-hoc committee headed by Rep. Henry Nwawuba to guide the implementation of its Legislative Agenda across the Committees and other institutions of the House.

Gbajabiamila reminded his colleagues that the success or failure of the House would not be the result of any single individual but a collective one, calling on them to rededicate themselves to their duties and responsibilities.

…As Senate confirms receipt of PIB

President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has said that President Muhammadu Buhari would next week present the 2021 budget estimates to a joint sitting of the National Assembly.

Lawan made this known on Tuesday during plenary in a speech delivered to welcome lawmakers back from the Senate’s annual recess.

The Senate President while commending the Joint Committee on Finance and National Planning for carrying out comprehensive legislative work on the 2020-2022 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper, stated that consideration of its report by the upper chamber would precede presentation of the 2021 budget estimates next week by the President.

“The Joint committee will present it’s report to the Senate today for consideration. This is a precursor to the presentation of the 2021 Budget Estimates by the Executive Arm of Government soon. I am aware that the Executive will be presenting the 2021 Budget Estimates by next week,” Lawan said.

The Senate President also announced that the upper chamber will provide a one month window for Budget defense by Ministries, Departments and Agencies morning of government.

“Like last year, the month of October, 2020 will be dedicated for this exercise. Subsequent months of November and December will be dedicated to the internal processing of the Budget by NASS.

“The various MDAs are therefore advised to ensure that they avail themselves the opportunity of the Budget defense window to appear with all the relevant and necessary information to defend their Budget Estimates,” Lawan added.

On the Petroleum Industry Bill, the Senate President said that the Joint Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Petroleum Resources (Upstream) and Gas had preliminary engagements with the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and other Stakeholders in the Oil and Gas industry, to discuss the critical piece of legislation.

According to him, “the PIB has been conveyed to the Senate for consideration.”

Speaking on the revised 2020 Budget, Lawan who emphasized the need for both chambers to carry out oversights to ensure its proper implementation, stressed that same must be “targeted at addressing the specific challenges occasioned by COVID-19 Pandemic.”

He added that, “the Senate needs to pay particular attention to the implementation of the Federal Government Economic Sustainability Plan.

“The strategic Plan is an essential means of revamping our economy, as it provides interventions in the Mass Agricultural Programme, Infrastructure, Mass Housing Programme, Investments in Healthcare Infrastructure, amongst others.”

Lawan while speaking on the ongoing Constitution Review exercise, said same will be expeditiously carried out by the upper chamber “to improve the quality of governance and ensure stability in our polity.”

He added that amendments to the Electoral Reform Amendment Bills will enhance free, fair, transparent and credible elections in our country.

Lamenting the security situation in parts of the country, the Senate President who underscored the need to continously seek enduring measures to arrest the situation, pledged the support of the Senate to provide the necessary legislative intervention at all times to improve the situation.

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed delight over the bond of friendship between Nigeria and The People’s Republic of China as both nations celebrates their national day

The President, in a letter of felicitation with President Xi Jinping on the occasion of the 71st Anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of China, and the country’s National Day, said though COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruptions in the economies of the world, “it, however, gladdens my heart that despite this, our two countries have remained steadfast, and supported each other.”

President Buhari appreciated the government of China for being supportive of the infrastructural revolution of Nigeria.

“On the occasion of the 71st Anniversary of the proclamation of the People’s Republic of China, I send warm greetings to you on behalf of myself, the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“I rejoice with the Chinese people both at home and abroad on this happy occasion. Since the formal establishment of bilateral relations over 40 years ago, the bond of friendship between our two nations has continued to strengthen.

“Under the purposeful leadership of the Communist Party which you now head, China has been able to pull over 700 million people out of poverty in the last four decades. The Chinese experience on poverty reduction and positive economic growth will be instructive in our commitment to pull over 100 million out of poverty before 2030 as we implement our Agenda 2050 and the Medium-Term National Development Plan 2021–2025.

“The outbreak of COVID-19 has caused disruptions in the socio-economic plans of every country of the world. It, however, gladdens my heart that despite this, our two countries have remained steadfast and supported each other.

“Mr President, the Chinese government has been very helpful in the realisation of the developmental agenda of Africa, evident through the outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation which is in its 20th year. You have also been supportive towards Nigeria’s infrastructural revolution for which I am grateful.

“As you celebrate on October 1st, which fortuitously is the same National Day as ours, the Government and People of China are invited to participate in the year-long activities that will mark the 60th Anniversary of the Independence of Nigeria.

“Once again, I wish you happy celebrations.”

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Accepts deregulation of oil industry.

Pressured by stakeholders in oil industry

FG may reverse increment in electricity tariffs.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have reportedly accepted deregulation as a policy according to a report in the Guardian

The report said the NLC reluctantly accepted this after it was pressured by other unions..

The news outlet added that the decision was influenced by petrol marketers, tanker owners and other stakeholders. Going further, the report added that the federal government also accepted to reverse the increment in the electricity tariffs.

The meeting started at 8.37pm on Sunday, September 27, at the banquet hall of Aso Rock. Meanwhile, the report added that both labour unions will only take a final decision on the matter when it reached concrete agreement with government.

NLC repudiates Gbajabiamila”s intervention commences strike over fuel electricity increases

Aviation, banks and others expected to join strike action

Urges Nigerians to resist increases and join the protest

Organised labour has repudiated the intervention of the House of Representatives on Sunday insisting on its strike action over increases in fuel and electricity prices.

The NLC and the Trade Union Congress had jointly declared their readiness to embark on a nationwide strike to force the Federal Government to reverse the hikes in fuel and electricity prices.

The workers, action which commences on Monday will continue until their demands are met.

Speaking to the media on Sunday, the Deputy Vice President, Nigeria Labour Congress, Mr Amaechi Asogwuni, said, “No airport will be in operation in Nigeria; banks are not expected to function, so no business owners should risk himself for Nigerian,workers have taken that decision.”

speaking further he said the workers are withdrawing akl services;” we have the right to do so because protests are our constitutional right. I believe we will enforce it; schools shall remain closed until this action ends, ” he said.

The labour leader called on Nigerians Nigerians to join the protest. “We must ensure that all sectors remained shut as a voice to the government to respond to the cry of Nigerians.

“On the issue of PMS, what was expected of government was to engage its socio-partners which include labour as a stakeholder.

The government did not do that at a time it ought to; it failed in its duty to engage labour before time.

On the issue of electricity, government had earlier had an interaction with labour in Kano and we discouraged it from proceeding.

It was a big shock that it still went ahead to dare Nigerians; people depend on power and you cannot wake up over night and strengthen suffering.

We resist it and call on Nigrians to join, because in democracy it is our voice that makes the difference,” he said.

A non governmental organization, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given President Muhammadu Buhari government a 14-day ultimatum to commence prosecution in 103 longstanding high-profile corruption cases and another 15 sensitive cases which casefiles are allegedly missing or face court action.

According to the organization, the high-profile corruption cases include 103 cases reportedly sent by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission [EFCC] in 2017 to the Office of the Federation Attorney-General and the 15 allegedly missing case files sent by the now defunct Special Presidential Investigation Panel on the Recovery of Public Property, [SPIP] in 2019 to Mr Malami.

Some of the alleged missing cases relate to charges of fraud involving some former governors and senators, as well as non-declaration of assets and possession of foreign accounts cases.”

In an open letter dated September 26, 2020, signed by SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare and sent to President Buhari, the organisation is also demanding that Malami should be made to publish details of the whereabouts of allegedly missing case files, as well as the status of prosecution of all the cases being handled by his office.

The organization argued: “The authorities’ failure to diligently and expeditiously prosecute high profile corruption cases amounts to a fundamental breach of constitutional and international obligations. Continuing failure to prosecute these cases may create the perception of a deliberate effort to protect those considered to be very influential and powerful.

“The fact that these cases have been pending for several years suggests that your government has not carried out its public, constitutional and international obligations, including the obligations to show that no one is above the law as far as the fight against corruption is concerned.

“Public interest demands that high-profile corruption cases are concluded within a reasonable time so that those guilty are punished and the innocent are set free. The rule of law and the preservation of democracy also require that the authorities duly proceed in accordance with the law against every high-profile person suspected of grand corruption, irrespective of where he/she is placed in the political hierarchy.”

The letter which was copied to Malami, reads in part: “SERAP is seriously concerned about the apparent inertia by the authorities to diligently and expeditiously prosecute high-profile corruption cases. While many of these cases have been dragging before your assumption of office in May 2015, several of the cases have not satisfactorily progressed, contrary to Nigerians’ expectations.

“Speedily, diligently, effectively and fairly prosecuting high-profile corruption cases would demonstrate your government’s commitment to enhance probity in public life and willingness to enforce accountability in public life. The basic postulate of the concept of equality: ‘Be you ever so high, the law is above you’, should be your government’s approach to high profile corruption cases.

“Our requests are brought in the public interest, and in keeping with the requirements of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] particularly section 15[5], and Nigeria’s international obligations, including under the UN Convention against Corruption and the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption, as well as the rule of law.

“We hope that the aspects highlighted will help guide your actions in acting to ensure the diligent, expeditious and effective prosecution of longstanding high-profile corruption cases, including the 103 cases and the allegedly missing 15 case files of high-profile corruption suspects.

“We would be grateful if your government begins to implement the recommended action and measures within 14 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter.

“People get frustrated in the system if the process of justice is not allowed to take its normal course, more so, when apparently deliberate attempts are made to subvert and delay the process.

“There is a nexus between corruption at high places in public life and threats to the integrity, welfare, security and economy of the country, as well as the rule of law. There is therefore a clear need for an expeditious, diligent and effective prosecution of these cases, which have already been delayed for several years.

“Expeditious prosecution of those suspected of grand corruption irrespective of the position and status of that person is imperative to retain public confidence in the ability and willingness of authorities to prevent and combat corruption.

“According to our source, details of about 103 high-profile corruption cases being handled by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission [EFCC] were reportedly made available in 2017 to the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice upon request.

“Further, the case files of 15 high-profile corruption suspects are allegedly missing. The missing files are among the 23 cases reportedly sent by the now defunct Special Presidential Investigation Panel on the Recovery of Public Property, [SPIP] in 2019 to Mr Malami, and include some charges of fraud involving some former governors and senators, as well as non-declaration of assets and possession of foreign accounts cases.”

From Abba Kabara,  Gusau. 

Zamfara state government has announced a major correction in its earlier claim of alleged N37.4 billion naira cash against the administration of former governor Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar. 

It would be recalled that the state government,  through its commissioner of finance Alhaji Rabi’u Garba,  had last week hosted a world press conference accusing governor Yari’s past administration for alleged fraudulent mismanagement of a sum of over N37 billion naira,  being a refund paid for the executed Federal roads projects in the state. 

This information was widely reported by the media as actual cash payment to the state through the federal debt recovery office. 
The finance commissioner Hon.  Garba has announced a correction which he said “there is a difference between actual cash payment and promissory payment” explaining that the said amount was collected in “promissory notes”,  nor cash,  he stressed. 
“Promissory notes,  not money or cash was collected on behalf of the previous government of Zamfara State by the then Director General of the Nigerian Governor’s forum”, . Garba who was reacting to some newspaper publications that use “money” or “cash” was collected by the Governor Abdul Azizz Yari administration in the state,  further explains that the two financial terms were wrongly used as all the transactions were done through promissory notes. 

While explaining how the notes were collected, the finance commissioner  gave the breakdown of the promissory notes collected by a lady staff of the then Nigerian Governors’ Forum who was the first to collect the promissory notes of over 14.9 billion Naira.

The second promissory notes amounting to 22 billion Naira was later collected by the then DG of the Nigerian Governors Forum. 

He lamented that the collection of the notes were without proper documentation left to the government of the incumbent Governor Bello Muhammad matawalle maradun
Letters seeking for payment or explanation on the N37bn written to both the federal ministry of works and housing and the Debt Management Office have according to Garba,   revealed that the said amount was fully reimbursed to the state government.

He alleged that the immediate past administration might have misappropriated the sum of over N10.8 billion which was transferred in two tranches, N5 billion each to the accounts of the State University.

“N850 million was transferred to same account on 9th May 2019” adding that the total sum was diverted to issues that have nothing to do with the university project.
Garba said that the total sum was diverted to issues that have nothing to do with the State University projects,  assuring that the Matawalle-led administration will do everything possible to recover the money “so that we can use it in the development of the state University