President Buhari met with Yakubu Dogara and Aminu Tambuwal at the Presidential Villa – The meeting went on behind closed doors and they refused to comment on what was discussed Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Buhar meets Dogara. File Photo President Muhammadu Buhari today, September 27 met with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara and the Sokoto state governor, Aminu Tambuwal at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The meeting with Tambuwal and Dogara was held behind closed doors. The speaker and the Sokoto state governor arrived together in a vehicle to the forecourt of the presidential villa and spent over 45 minutes in the President’s office. RE – Paper Review According to The Nation, after the meeting, they declined to speak directly on the purpose of the meeting with the waiting state house correspondents, when they came out from the President’s office. When asked if the meeting had anything to do with the House of Representatives, Tambuwal said: “Not at all.” Also when journalists asked if it had to do with recession and sale of assets, he replied: “I have already aired my views on the sales of assets.” The journalists pressed further and asked if the meeting had to do with the clash between the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and the party’s National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun, he responded with: “I don’t know about that. We are here to meet Mr. President and greet him and to show our support.” Dogara on the other hand refused to speak at all. Meanwhile, five days ago, on September 22, the vice president, Yemi Osinbajo met with state governors and other council members in Abuja in a National Economic Council (NEC) meeting. The meeting started at the Council Chamber of the State House at around 11am and the discussions on the agenda no doubt that centered around the current economic challenges and the way forward.
Tuesday, 27 September 2016
NUPENG, TUC, NLC, others set to shut down Nigeria
Organized labour including NLC, TUC, NUPENG, PENGASSAN said they are set for mass revolt, civil unrest worse than the anti-SAP riots of 1989 over the propose sale of nationals assets. – Labour said it is ready to shut Nigeria over the planned sale, which they argued would not profit the nation but a few privileged Nigerians
organized labour including NLC, TUC, NUPENG, PENGASSAN said they are set for mass revolt, civil unrest worse than the anti-SAP riots of 1989. The minister for Budget and Planning Minister, Udoma Udo Udoma however said the Federal Government would not sell critical national assets to shore up its foreign reserves as well as have funds to retool the economy against the current downward plunge. However labour said it is ready to shut Nigeria over the planned sale, which they argued would not profit the nation but a few privileged Nigerians. While reacting, PENGASSAN said; “Any attempt to sell these national assets will be met with stiff resistance from the Association, as PENGASSAN will galvanize every support, including that of our sister union and labour centres, to shut down this country by ensuring that every activity in the oil and gas sector is brought to a complete halt. “Some opportunists in the cloak of businessmen and short-sighted politicians had earlier advocated the sale of public assets such as the NLNG, four state-owned refineries, Nigeria’s stakes in Africa Finance Corporation, AFC, the nation’s airports and reduction of government’s shares in upstream oil joint venture operations and this was approved by the National Economic Council, NEC.” “The proponents of the sale of national assets are those who have been actively involved in the operations of the nation’s economy in the past. They were part of those responsible for the country’s current economic situation. “Moreover, such sales in the past, including the power and steel sectors privatization, were just a shift from public to private monopoly which has further worsened those sectors. “It is, therefore, the candid position of PENGASSAN that such plan should be thrown into the trash bin. Government should continue to seek better ways to address the present economic challenges and reduce areas of wastages.” On its part, NUPENG through its General Secretary, Mr. Joseph Ogbebor, said; “We will resist the sale with all our might. It is not in the best interest of Nigerians. It will only compound the unemployment in the country. It will also compound the restiveness and agitation in the Niger Delta. There is no way we are going to accept it. If the President is really a patriot as claimed, he should not yield to the pressure because enemies of the country are at work. “However, our organs will meet either as NUPENG or jointly with PENGASSAN to deal with it. Certainly, it is unacceptable, unpatriotic, anti-Nigeria and must be rejected and resisted by all. We call on Mr. President to declare a state of emergency on the economy and summon an all-encompassing stakeholders meeting to brainstorm on how the present economic challenges can be quickly addressed. “NUPENG is of the view that Nigeria is a big market and certain measures should be put in place to reflate the economy so that it will be an investors’ destination.” Also reacting, the TUC through its acting secretary general, Simeso Amachree said; “We are not going to accept it and we will resist appropriately. As it was done before, it is an attempt to take over the national assets. “Like we stated earlier, the idea should be dropped or they will incur the wrath of workers. “It is our thinking that if those clamouring for the sales pay their appropriate taxes, there would be enough money to bring the country out of the woods without sacrificing our national assets. “Truly, we appreciate the concern of some sincere people in government, especially President Muhammadu Buhari, who is working tirelessly to fix the economy. But we get worried when people suggest we sell investments like NLNG which provided the money for the bailout of states when they could not pay salaries or concession our airports. On what grounds? “The Congress will mobilise and resist any further sale or concession of our national assets under whatever guise.” Meanwhile, Nigeria’s minister of finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, has revealed that she cannot predict when the country will out of the current economic recession.
organized labour including NLC, TUC, NUPENG, PENGASSAN said they are set for mass revolt, civil unrest worse than the anti-SAP riots of 1989. The minister for Budget and Planning Minister, Udoma Udo Udoma however said the Federal Government would not sell critical national assets to shore up its foreign reserves as well as have funds to retool the economy against the current downward plunge. However labour said it is ready to shut Nigeria over the planned sale, which they argued would not profit the nation but a few privileged Nigerians. While reacting, PENGASSAN said; “Any attempt to sell these national assets will be met with stiff resistance from the Association, as PENGASSAN will galvanize every support, including that of our sister union and labour centres, to shut down this country by ensuring that every activity in the oil and gas sector is brought to a complete halt. “Some opportunists in the cloak of businessmen and short-sighted politicians had earlier advocated the sale of public assets such as the NLNG, four state-owned refineries, Nigeria’s stakes in Africa Finance Corporation, AFC, the nation’s airports and reduction of government’s shares in upstream oil joint venture operations and this was approved by the National Economic Council, NEC.” “The proponents of the sale of national assets are those who have been actively involved in the operations of the nation’s economy in the past. They were part of those responsible for the country’s current economic situation. “Moreover, such sales in the past, including the power and steel sectors privatization, were just a shift from public to private monopoly which has further worsened those sectors. “It is, therefore, the candid position of PENGASSAN that such plan should be thrown into the trash bin. Government should continue to seek better ways to address the present economic challenges and reduce areas of wastages.” On its part, NUPENG through its General Secretary, Mr. Joseph Ogbebor, said; “We will resist the sale with all our might. It is not in the best interest of Nigerians. It will only compound the unemployment in the country. It will also compound the restiveness and agitation in the Niger Delta. There is no way we are going to accept it. If the President is really a patriot as claimed, he should not yield to the pressure because enemies of the country are at work. “However, our organs will meet either as NUPENG or jointly with PENGASSAN to deal with it. Certainly, it is unacceptable, unpatriotic, anti-Nigeria and must be rejected and resisted by all. We call on Mr. President to declare a state of emergency on the economy and summon an all-encompassing stakeholders meeting to brainstorm on how the present economic challenges can be quickly addressed. “NUPENG is of the view that Nigeria is a big market and certain measures should be put in place to reflate the economy so that it will be an investors’ destination.” Also reacting, the TUC through its acting secretary general, Simeso Amachree said; “We are not going to accept it and we will resist appropriately. As it was done before, it is an attempt to take over the national assets. “Like we stated earlier, the idea should be dropped or they will incur the wrath of workers. “It is our thinking that if those clamouring for the sales pay their appropriate taxes, there would be enough money to bring the country out of the woods without sacrificing our national assets. “Truly, we appreciate the concern of some sincere people in government, especially President Muhammadu Buhari, who is working tirelessly to fix the economy. But we get worried when people suggest we sell investments like NLNG which provided the money for the bailout of states when they could not pay salaries or concession our airports. On what grounds? “The Congress will mobilise and resist any further sale or concession of our national assets under whatever guise.” Meanwhile, Nigeria’s minister of finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, has revealed that she cannot predict when the country will out of the current economic recession.
Senate probes minister, 4 banks for fraudulent transfer of MTN’s $13.9bn
A minister under President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government has been accused of aiding MTN to repatriate $13.9 billion to its home country, South Africa.
Senator Dino Melaye had on Tuesday raised a motion on the floor of the Senate accusing the Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Okechukwu Elenemah, of facilitating the illegal repatriation of $13.9 billion by MTN to its home country, South Africa.
The banks allegedly involved are Stanbic IBTC, Standard Chartered Bank, Citi Bank and Diamond Bank, and the offence is said to have been committed through the bankers between 2006 and 2016.
On the matter, the Senate directed its Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, to investigate the alleged illegal repatriation of $13.9 billion by MTN and the four banks alleged to have aided it.
He also said, “The senate notes with serious concern the repatriation of $13.92bn illegally out of Nigeria by Mobile Telecommunication Limited (MTN) through its bankers between 2006 and 2016. Concerned that since inception, MTN had sought the collaboration of influential and unpatriotic Nigerians to assist them in looting our external reserves.
“Pained that these Nigerians, including a serving minister who MTN used in moving $13.92bn out of Nigeria, which is over 50 per cent of our external reserves floated and incorporated offshore SPVs in Cayman Island, Mauritius and British Virgin Island.
“The minister of industry, trade and investment, Dr Okechukwu Enelamah, owner of CELTELCOM Investment Limited with address at No 608, St James, Denis Street Port-Lewis Mauritius purportedly claimed to invest in MTN on February 7, 2008, got certificate of capital importation and filled form A on the same date, closed his investment in Nigeria after receiving dollar payment for repatriation to New York same day”, the Senator said
Friday, 1 July 2016
N750m car scam: Ortom lauds EFCC over arrest of lawmakers
Governor Ortom of Benue state met with President Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential villa
– He said he spoke with the president on the security situation and economic issues in the state
– The governor said his government would never shield anybody found guilty of corruption
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state has applauded the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for arresting and investigating the speaker of the state House of Assembly, Terkimbir Ikyange; the deputy speaker, James Okefe and the majority leader, Benjamin Adanyi.
Speaking on Thursday, June 30, with state house correspondents
shortly after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the
presidential villa, Abuja, Ortom said his government would never shield
anybody found to be corrupt or wanting, The Punch reports.
He added that nobody should be an exception in the ongoing anti-corruption war in the country.
The EFCC invited the principal officers of the assembly to Abuja on Tuesday over alleged misappropriation of N750million meant for the purchase of cars for members.
The governor said: “Yes, it (the arrest of the lawmakers) is a good thing. It is part of the process. They are under investigation by the EFCC.
“From day one, I brought up a slogan that, ‘if you chop money, money will chop you’. We have to be careful and I have sent signals to all that nobody is above the law.
“If you do it wrong, you will go your own way. As far as I am concerned, they are under investigation. Let us see the outcome we would have.
“As far as I am concerned, my government will not shied anybody who is corrupt and who is found wanting. Myself as the governor and every other lieutenant are open to scrutiny; there is Freedom of Information Bill and people are allowed to get information from these sources.”
Ortom noted that the EFCC is an agency that is charged with investigation and they are free to do their job in Benue state.
“I have given them free hand: ICPC, EFCC, and even for me, I am doing independent prosecution of those who are corrupt,” he said.
According to him, his government set up a commission which came up with a report that N107billion should be retrieved from 52 persons, including the former governor, Gabriel Suswam, adding that an unnamed person who was indicted had already offered to refund N355m.
He said the government would not prosecute anybody who returns money.
On his meeting with the president, he said used the opportunity to intimate him of the security situation and economic issues in the state.
Ortom was optimistic that the strategies put in place by his administration would address kidnappings and killings being experienced in the state.
A week ago, report surfaced that the EFCC had beamed its searchlight on Governor Ortom over an alleged transfer of the state’s cash amounting to N4.29 billion from banks to unknown recipients.
– He said he spoke with the president on the security situation and economic issues in the state
– The governor said his government would never shield anybody found guilty of corruption
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state has applauded the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for arresting and investigating the speaker of the state House of Assembly, Terkimbir Ikyange; the deputy speaker, James Okefe and the majority leader, Benjamin Adanyi.
Governor Samuel Ortom
He added that nobody should be an exception in the ongoing anti-corruption war in the country.
The EFCC invited the principal officers of the assembly to Abuja on Tuesday over alleged misappropriation of N750million meant for the purchase of cars for members.
The governor said: “Yes, it (the arrest of the lawmakers) is a good thing. It is part of the process. They are under investigation by the EFCC.
“From day one, I brought up a slogan that, ‘if you chop money, money will chop you’. We have to be careful and I have sent signals to all that nobody is above the law.
“If you do it wrong, you will go your own way. As far as I am concerned, they are under investigation. Let us see the outcome we would have.
“As far as I am concerned, my government will not shied anybody who is corrupt and who is found wanting. Myself as the governor and every other lieutenant are open to scrutiny; there is Freedom of Information Bill and people are allowed to get information from these sources.”
Ortom noted that the EFCC is an agency that is charged with investigation and they are free to do their job in Benue state.
“I have given them free hand: ICPC, EFCC, and even for me, I am doing independent prosecution of those who are corrupt,” he said.
According to him, his government set up a commission which came up with a report that N107billion should be retrieved from 52 persons, including the former governor, Gabriel Suswam, adding that an unnamed person who was indicted had already offered to refund N355m.
He said the government would not prosecute anybody who returns money.
On his meeting with the president, he said used the opportunity to intimate him of the security situation and economic issues in the state.
Ortom was optimistic that the strategies put in place by his administration would address kidnappings and killings being experienced in the state.
A week ago, report surfaced that the EFCC had beamed its searchlight on Governor Ortom over an alleged transfer of the state’s cash amounting to N4.29 billion from banks to unknown recipients.
He however, denied ever transferring such huge amount
from the financial system blaming the report on those he claimed had
looted the state to the tune of N107 billion before he took over.
Niger Delta Avengers: Bayelsa governor cautions JTF
– Bayelsa state governor, Seriake Dickson is known for his bluntness when speaking on national issues
– Governor Dickson recently cautioned the federal government security outfit in the Niger Delta
– The governor made the call while receiving the new commander of the Joint Military Task Force in the Niger Delta
Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa state has advised the new commander of the federal government security outfit in the Niger Delta, Rear Admiral Joseph Okojie, to be neutral in all the affairs of his team.
Governor Seriake Dickson
Rear Admiral Okojie is the new leader of the security outfit code named, “Operation Delta Safe” set up by the federal government to address the security challenges in the region.
In a statement issued by the governor’s spokesman, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, Dickson also commend the federal government for retaining the headquarters of the “Operation Delta Safe” in Bayelsa.
He reiterated that the operations of the security outfit, especially its maritime component, has a crucial role to play, given that Bayelsa state is predominantly riverine in nature.
The governor expressed confidence in the ability of the officers and men of “Operation Delta Safe”, even as he called for non-interference in their activities in the interest of national peace and stability.
He assured Rear Admiral Okojie that his government would continue to support security agencies in the fight against criminality and brigandage in the state and beyond.
Dickson frowned at vices such as kidnapping, piracy and the wilful destruction of the nation’s strategic assets, coupled with the attendant degradation of the environment such attacks cause.
The governor also paid tribute to all the commanders of the now rested Operation Pulo shield for their contributions to the peace in the Niger Delta region.
Earlier in his remarks, Rear Admiral Okojie told the governor that the federal government deemed it important to re-engineer the security outfit in the region as part of efforts to effectively the security situation in the area.
According to Rear Admiral Okojie, the task of achieving enduring peace and stability, remains a joint effort involving the governments, community leaders and other stakeholders.
He assured Governor Dickson that his team would adopt a holistic approach in maintaining law and order rather than use brute force.
Okojie however warned criminal minded individuals to steer clear of the region, adding that they would deal decisively with those who are bent on sabotaging the federal government’s efforts towards promoting economic growth and prosperity.
Earlier this week, Governor Dickson advised the federal government not to engage in combative means as a way of ending the threats posed by the Niger Delta Avengers.
– Governor Dickson recently cautioned the federal government security outfit in the Niger Delta
– The governor made the call while receiving the new commander of the Joint Military Task Force in the Niger Delta
Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa state has advised the new commander of the federal government security outfit in the Niger Delta, Rear Admiral Joseph Okojie, to be neutral in all the affairs of his team.
Governor Seriake DicksonIn a statement issued by the governor’s spokesman, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, Dickson also commend the federal government for retaining the headquarters of the “Operation Delta Safe” in Bayelsa.
He reiterated that the operations of the security outfit, especially its maritime component, has a crucial role to play, given that Bayelsa state is predominantly riverine in nature.
The governor expressed confidence in the ability of the officers and men of “Operation Delta Safe”, even as he called for non-interference in their activities in the interest of national peace and stability.
He assured Rear Admiral Okojie that his government would continue to support security agencies in the fight against criminality and brigandage in the state and beyond.
Dickson frowned at vices such as kidnapping, piracy and the wilful destruction of the nation’s strategic assets, coupled with the attendant degradation of the environment such attacks cause.
The governor also paid tribute to all the commanders of the now rested Operation Pulo shield for their contributions to the peace in the Niger Delta region.
Earlier in his remarks, Rear Admiral Okojie told the governor that the federal government deemed it important to re-engineer the security outfit in the region as part of efforts to effectively the security situation in the area.
According to Rear Admiral Okojie, the task of achieving enduring peace and stability, remains a joint effort involving the governments, community leaders and other stakeholders.
He assured Governor Dickson that his team would adopt a holistic approach in maintaining law and order rather than use brute force.
Okojie however warned criminal minded individuals to steer clear of the region, adding that they would deal decisively with those who are bent on sabotaging the federal government’s efforts towards promoting economic growth and prosperity.
Earlier this week, Governor Dickson advised the federal government not to engage in combative means as a way of ending the threats posed by the Niger Delta Avengers.
Fayose dares Buhari’s wife
– The ultimatum given by the president’s wife to Governor Fayose has expired on June 29
– However, the Ekiti governor didn’t withdraw his accusations against Mrs. Buhari
– Buhari’s wife left the country for lesser hajj in Saudi Arabia
The wife of President Muhammadu Buhari, Aisha Buhari, has given the
Governor of the Ekiti state Ayo Fayose, five days to apologise or face
legal action.
The ultimatum which Mrs. Buhari issued to the governor, demanding to drop his accusations, expired on June 29, Wednesday.
Mr. Fayose didn’t apologise to Buhari’s wife for linking her to American Congressman William Jefferson’s bribery scandal of which the US legislator was convicted in 2009.
The media director in the Office of the Wife of the President, Zakari Nadabo, confirmed that the office had not received any message from the governor as of 7.00pm of Wednesday.
He also revealed that the wife of the president had left Nigeria for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for lesser hajj.
Nigeria’s anti-graft commission has on June 20 frozen bank accounts of Ayo Fayose.
The Ekiti governor reacting to the news issued a statement which contained excerpts of court documents sourced from the United States Department of Justice Website.
He stated that Aisha Buhari was an accomplice in the bribery scandal that landed Jefferson in jail.
In 2009, Jefferson was found guilty of 11 counts of corruption and was sentenced to 13 years’ imprisonment.
Aisha Buhari through her lawyers, Ismaila Alasa and Mary Ekpere, defined Fasoye’s accusation as “very wild and unfounded” as well as threatened to drag the governor to court if the statement was not retracted within five working days.
– However, the Ekiti governor didn’t withdraw his accusations against Mrs. Buhari
– Buhari’s wife left the country for lesser hajj in Saudi Arabia
Fayose and Aisha Buhari
The ultimatum which Mrs. Buhari issued to the governor, demanding to drop his accusations, expired on June 29, Wednesday.
Mr. Fayose didn’t apologise to Buhari’s wife for linking her to American Congressman William Jefferson’s bribery scandal of which the US legislator was convicted in 2009.
The media director in the Office of the Wife of the President, Zakari Nadabo, confirmed that the office had not received any message from the governor as of 7.00pm of Wednesday.
He also revealed that the wife of the president had left Nigeria for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for lesser hajj.
Nigeria’s anti-graft commission has on June 20 frozen bank accounts of Ayo Fayose.
The Ekiti governor reacting to the news issued a statement which contained excerpts of court documents sourced from the United States Department of Justice Website.
He stated that Aisha Buhari was an accomplice in the bribery scandal that landed Jefferson in jail.
In 2009, Jefferson was found guilty of 11 counts of corruption and was sentenced to 13 years’ imprisonment.
Aisha Buhari through her lawyers, Ismaila Alasa and Mary Ekpere, defined Fasoye’s accusation as “very wild and unfounded” as well as threatened to drag the governor to court if the statement was not retracted within five working days.
Buhari hosts members of diplomatic corps
– President Buhari breaks his Ramadan fast with the members of members of diplomatic corps in his presidential villa
– The president addressed issues of Niger Delta militancy, the Boko Haram insurgency, rescue of the Chibok girls
– He reaffirmed the commitment to free all Boko Haram captives and to provide safe return of displaced people to their homes
President Muhammadu Buhari has hosted members of diplomatic corps to
breaking of Ramadan fast in State House on June 30, Thursday.
While addressing his visitors the president restated his determination to rescue the remaining abducted Chibok girls.
He said that the priority was to rescue the girls alive and unharmed.
“We are not letting up our efforts to rescue the Chibok girls, our priority is to rescue them unharmed”, Buhari noted.
President Buhari assured that he would continue to tackle the security challenges, lamenting that the Boko Haram activities had rendered many Nigerians orphaned and homeless.
“Our main focus is to ensure their safe return to their homes and rehabilitation of their communities,” he noted.
Speaking about the increase in attacks in the Niger Delta region, the president gave assurance that the issue was being addressed.
Meanwhile, Buhari noted that “no amount of militancy shall distract us from engaging with the region”.
According to the leader of the nation, his government was committed to addressing the issue of unemployment, poor infrastructure and ecological problems: “Our doors are open for business.”
President Buhari further showed gratitude on the international
cooperation the anti-corruption war had received particularly on the
recovery of looted funds.
On his own part, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, thanked the Buhari, stating that the breaking of fast meeting was an opportunity to interact with the president.
Two years ago the members of the deadly Boko Haram sect has kidnapped
more than 200 schoolgirls from the Chibok town in the Borno state.
In May this year, one of the girls, Amina Ali Nkeki, was found wandering in the Sambisa forest with her baby.
However, the family of the girl lamented that the government is
hiding the rescued girl as she was last seen during the meeting with
President Buhari.
– The president addressed issues of Niger Delta militancy, the Boko Haram insurgency, rescue of the Chibok girls
– He reaffirmed the commitment to free all Boko Haram captives and to provide safe return of displaced people to their homes
While addressing his visitors the president restated his determination to rescue the remaining abducted Chibok girls.
He said that the priority was to rescue the girls alive and unharmed.
President Buhari assured that he would continue to tackle the security challenges, lamenting that the Boko Haram activities had rendered many Nigerians orphaned and homeless.
Speaking about the increase in attacks in the Niger Delta region, the president gave assurance that the issue was being addressed.
According to the leader of the nation, his government was committed to addressing the issue of unemployment, poor infrastructure and ecological problems: “Our doors are open for business.”
On his own part, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, thanked the Buhari, stating that the breaking of fast meeting was an opportunity to interact with the president.
In May this year, one of the girls, Amina Ali Nkeki, was found wandering in the Sambisa forest with her baby.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)