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Budget Padding: Akpabio Rushes To Aso Rock After Botched Impeachment Plot

By
James Orji
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Bola Tinubu and Godswill Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has met President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Aso villa, Abuja, the nation’s capital.

The meeting between the two top citizens comes amidst a rowdy session in the upper chamber of the National Assembly on Tuesday over the allegation by Senator Abdul Ningi that the Presidency was implementing a different version of the 2024 Budget, an allegation that has been denied by president Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The magazine reports that Senator Ningi had accused the Presidency of padding the budget to the tune of over N3 trillion, for which he has now been suspended for three months over the matter after the Senate met yesterday.

Amidst the controversy, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele had alleged on Tuesday that Akpabio was the target of Ningi’s accusation, saying that some senators were plotting to impeach the former Akwa Ibom state governor.

Speaking during plenary, the senate Leader noted that Akpabio has been a target for impeachment plots from day one and said that those engaged in the plots want him out before the end of his tenure.

He wondered why the impeachment banner against the Senate President was always up each time a Southerner occupied the seat.

He stated that the only time a Southerner (s) occupied it, during the President Olusegun Obasanjo Government, each of them was hounded out of office.

Bamidele explained that the opposite happened when the seat was occupied by Northerners. He cited Senator David Mark who had a smooth eight years in office, Dr Bukola Saraki who served out his tenure even though many arrows were thrown his way, as well as the immediate past Senate President, Dr Ahmad Lawan.

From all indications, those that initially backed Senator Ningi have made a u-turn following the decision of some northern senators to disown him.

Some senators under the aegis of the Northern Senators Forum had while addressing journalists on Monday stated that Senator Ningi, the leader of the forum (before he resigned on Tuesday) was on his own on the matter, describing the allegation as his personal opinion which did not represent the position of the forum.

The senators include Iyal Abbas from Adamawa, Ibrahim Bomoi from Yobe, Abdullahi Yar’ Adua, and four others, who totally dissociated themselves from Ningi.

The senators said, “We, the undersigned on behalf of the Senators from the 19 Northern States and the FCT, under the aegis of Northern Senators Forum (NSF), hereby state that Senator Ahmed Abdul Ningi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP, Bauchi Central), who also happens to be the chairman of our forum, was on his own in the claims he made on the BBC Hausa Service on the 2024 budget.

“As such, the view he expressed was his personal opinion, sentiment and unfortunately skewed, incorrect and misleading.

“There was never a time where we held a meeting and mandated Senator Ningi to address the press on the said matter.

“The budget was presented to the National Assembly during a joint session of the two chambers – Senate and House of Representatives – by President Bola Tinubu on November 29, 2023, in line with the requirement of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Both chambers of the National Assembly diligently and meticulously debated, processed and passed the proposal of the President. And satisfied with it, the President assented to it.

“It is clear that Mr President presented a budget of N27. 5 trillion to the National Assembly and the Assembly passed a budget of N28.7 trillion based on the need to make increases or decreases in the appropriations of the various MDAs, which is in tandem with the legislative powers of the National Assembly in order to address critical projects and services across various sectors.

“Therefore, the statement made by Senator Ningi that the 2024 budget presented to the National Assembly by Mr President was the sum of N25 trillion was not correct and that should not be taken as the position of the Northern Senators Forum.

“To the best of our knowledge, there was no budget padding whatsoever that was done to the 2024 budget.

“The assertion by Senator Ningi that certain things were done to the bill is his personal opinion. It is not the view of the generality of us, the Northern Senators.

“Hence, we strongly and collectively dissociate ourselves from his action which was grossly unparliamentary.

“That, we, the Northern Senators are solidly behind President Bola Tinubu and we will continue to support him to succeed in addressing the challenges facing our country.

“Nigeria, at this particular moment, does not need ethnic sentiments but collaborations of all to bring prosperity to our beloved country, the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We will continue to work with our brothers and sisters from the southern part of the country to move our country forward for the benefit of all and sundry,” the senators added.

NIMASA: Tinubu Appoints His Former Commissioner As DG

By
James Orji
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Dr Dayo Mobereola has been appointed as the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

His appointment is for a renewable term of four years, according to a release by Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu Special Adviser on Media and Communication.

Dr Mobereola’s appointment to the top maritime agency followed the exit of the former Director General, Bashir Jamoh whose tenure expired last week.

Jamoh had earlier handed over to the Executive Director, Finance and Administration of the agency, who acted in that position before President Tinubu appointed Mobereola on Tuesday.

According to the statement, President Tinubu expects the new director general to bring his vast experience to fore to achieve NIMASA’s core mandates of maritime safety on the nation’s waterways, maritime labour regulation, marine pollution prevention and control, search and rescue, cabotage enforcement, shipping development and ship registration.

This will be in line with the renewed hope of the president in transforming the nation’s maritime sector, the statement said.

Mobereola’s Profile

He holds a Ph.D, and an M.Sc in Transport Economics from the University of Wales, United Kingdom. He is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Transport, England, and a fellow of the same institute in Nigeria.

He was the Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, LAMATA, from 2003 to 2015 and was also the Commissioner for Transportation in Lagos State from 2015 to 2016.

KEDCO Blames Inadequate Power Supply From TCN ,Vandalism, For Epileptic Services

By
The Source
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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Management of Kano Electricity Distribution Company KEDCO has blamed its inability in recent time to satisfy the power needs of its consumer base on the short fall in the amount of power in the National Grid .

The Acting Managing Director of KEDCO Alhajj Abubakar Yusuf who disclosed this on Tuesday March 12 2024  at a media briefing in Kano,lamented that the inadequate power supply from the National Grid has forced the power distribution outfit to resort to load shedding.

“In the last three months, we have been receiving an average of 180 MW . This is grossly below the required average of 300 MW to sufficiently Supply our numerous customers in the three states of our operation…….For the purpose of another mention ,we are power distributors and we rely on what is generated and transmitted to us for distribution.

“This regrettable development has forced us  to engage in massive load shedding of our feeders ,in a bid to serve our customers with the  meagre quantum of energy available to us .” Yusuf stated.

According to him , the problem of inadequate power supply from the National Grid is not peculiar to KEDCO ,but a general one which  all the relevant authorities and stakeholders are working hard to fix.

Alhaji Yusuf also lamented the negative impact ,the activities of vandals and other criminal elements are having on the operational capacity of the KEDCO,noting that the establishment experiences no fewer than 3 ( three ) cases of vandalism daily.

” This has severely hampered our operations and abilities to carry out our services effectively. Aside from the huge sums of money involved in replacing vandalized equipment ,the heinous acts throw our customers into darkness before repairs and or replacement takes place.

“We are using this opportunity to appeal to our customers to assist in safeguarding these infrastructures within their communities.

“Regrettably, another major set back we are experiencing is non or underpayment of electricity bills as well as energy theft by some customers .

“This also hinders our abilities to fully pay for the electricity we have been supplied by the Generation and Transmission arms of  the power sector .This is contributing to the liquidity crises in the the power sector ,inhibiting the capacity to generate ,transmit and distribute more power,….

“On a sad note, on Sunday, March 10, 2024 ,there was a fire outbreak at the Dan Agundi Transmission Station  in kano which affected some critical power infrastructure at the transmission end.

While this had temporarily affected supply to some major areas ,we thank God that our TCN counter parts have been able to salvage the situation.”

The KEDCO Chief Executive ,however announced that plans are a foot for its core investor – FEA to   build up to 200MW of incremental capacity through. 100 mini- grids and embedded generation,to augment electricity supply.

Jigawa Assembly Suspends Four Council Chairmen Over Alleged One Billion Naira Mismanagement

By
The Source
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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Jigawa State House Of Assembly has suspended from office four of the State’s 27 Local Council Chairmen  over alleged misappropriation of funds running into  almost one billion Naira.

Alhaji Muhammad Sani (Dutse) ,Bala Usman Chamo ( Gumel), Ahmed Rufai ( Ringim)and Shehu Sule ( Auyo)are to vacate their offices for their various Deputies, pending the conclusion of full investigations in to allegations bordering on unauthorized payments ,illegal transactions and financial irregularities and  mismanagement to the tune of N942, 033,814.

The Suspension of the four Council Chairmen followed the unanimous adoption of the report of  the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during plenary on Wednesday ,March 12 2024 .

The Hon. Aminu Zakari led Committee which had in its  report, recommended the suspension of the affected local council Chairmen noted that it discovered the huge financial management and misconduct in the course of its oversight functions.

Consequently, the committee of the whole House, presided over by the Speaker Rt Hon Haruna Aliyu ,ordered that the affairs of the four councils be handed over to their Vice Chairmen ,while the   Council bosses are to proceed on indefinite suspension, to allow for a full scale investigation.

“I Reaffirm My Unwavering Loyalty To The PDP” – Atiku Abubakar On Rumoured Resignation

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Atiku Abubakar, Presidential Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023  election has again reaffirmed his membership of the party.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday to debunk his alleged resignation from PDP, Atiku maintained that the report was pure mischief, devoid of truth.

According to him, the report was one of the antics of the opposition in their quest for 2027 race.

Atiku called for merger of opposition parties ahead next election stressing that “The urgency of this consolidation cannot be overstated.

He stated that “I have been inundated with calls from our party members, supporters, and concerned Nigerians regarding the fabricated story alleging my departure from the PDP.

“Let me be unequivocal: this is pure mischief, devoid of truth. I reaffirm my unwavering loyalty to the PDP, while advocating the swift merger of opposition parties. The urgency of this consolidation cannot be overstated.

“Tinubu’s relentless pursuit of personal agendas at the expense of national governance is glaring. His myopic focus on 2027 betrays a disregard for the pressing needs of the populace.

“It’s high time he ceased his bumbling escapades and prioritized the welfare of the people.

“Let this be a wake-up call to all: the pursuit of power must not overshadow the imperative of effective governance. Together, let us propel Nigeria forward, leaving behind the antics of political charlatans.” -AA

Crisis In Abuja Over Death Of Trader, Vehicles, Properties Set Ablaze By Irate Youths

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Riot broke out in Wuse, Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, as alleged irate Hausa Youths have engaged the Task Force in a free for all fight which has led to the destruction of properties and Vehicles, some of them set ablaze.

The Task Force, it was gathered, shot sporadically, leading to the killing of a trader who was hit by a stray bullet.

Sources disclosed that this caused retaliatory moves by some traders.

The Task Force Officials came under attack even as some traders and buyers ran helter skelter.

Sources revealed that some vehicles belonging to the task force officers have been burnt and there is currently a fire outbreak that has engulfed several properties in the market.

The Task Force officers called for back-up as soon as it  seemed that the angry youths have overpowered them. They began to  shoot sporadically to gain access for escape.

Plateau Moves To Check Building Collapse, Illegal Structures, Owners To Pay Cost Of Demolition, Forfeit Space

By
Ayodele Oni
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Caleb Mutfwang - Plateau state Governor

By Ayodele Oni

A new executive order in Plateau State has placed cost incurred in the course of demolishing illegal structures on their owners.

Apart from this, those erecting buildings without approval shall be liable to pay 50 per cent of the estimated value of such buildings.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang has just  signed the Executive Order to control the illegal erection of buildings and traffic in the state.

The General Manager of Jos Metropolitan Development Board, Hart Bankat disclosed this at a press conference in Jos on Tuesday.

Bankat said Executive Order No. 003, 2024 became imperative considering the indiscriminate manner in which buildings were being erected and traffic control abysmally degenerated within the Greater Jos Master plan as well the prevalence of building collapse in the state.

The GM said, “The growing population in Plateau State has led to an increase in vehicular traffic and the haphazard construction of buildings, which has resulted in congestion and safety hazards in our cities.

“In order to address these challenges and ensure the sustainable development of our state, Governor Caleb, Mutfwang has issued Executive Order No. 003, 2024.

“This executive order aims to regulate the construction of buildings and the flow of vehicular traffic in Plateau State.

“Under this order, all new building projects must obtain the necessary permits and comply with building codes and regulations. Unauthorized constructions will be demolished in accordance with the law.

“Furthermore, the order also aims to streamline vehicular traffic by implementing traffic management measures, such as designated parking spaces, traffic lights, and road signage. Violators of traffic rules will face strict penalties, including fines and vehicle impoundment.

“We believe that by enforcing this executive order, we can improve the quality of life for all residents of Plateau State and create a safe and organized urban environment”

Bankat urged  residents to cooperate with the authorities and adhere to the provisions of Executive Order No. 003, 2024.

Giving details of the Executive Order, the General Manager who was flanked by the state Commissioner for Information, Musa Ashoms, and other government officials said the rates for processing fees and building plans fees shall henceforth be reviewed annually based on the zones.

He explained erecting a building without first obtaining approval is hereby prohibited, and the violator shall be liable to pay 50 per cent of the estimated value of such building.

According to him, owners of demolished buildings shall be made to bear the cost of such demolitions, while forensics shall be conducted on any building within the Greater Jos Master Plan that collapses due to structural defect and if it is found to be due to the carelessness of the Developer/Owner or boycott of due processes, such a site shall be taken over by the Government.

He added, “owners of buildings without approvals that are condonable within the Greater Jos Master Plan who have not regularized same within the time given shall be liable to a fine not less than 1,000,000.00 (One Million Naira only) for failure to obtain the approval within the stipulated period.

“Traders doing business on sites not designated for such shall cease immediately. Anyone in default shall have their items confiscated and same donated to the

Internally Displaced Persons Camp or the Correctional Centres.

“Pasting of posters on public infrastructure is prohibited forthwith and violators shall be liable to pay the sum of N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira only)

“Indiscriminate parking of trucks, heavy-duty equipment, and other vehicles within the metropolis is prohibited and vehicles so parked shall be impounded and the drivers of same shall be liable to pay a fine of N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira only) as penalty

“Trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles are hereby restricted from coming into the Central Business Area (Jos-Bukuru Metropolis) from the hours of 6 am to 9 pm, vehicles of defaulters shall be impounded and the drivers of same shall be liable to pay a fine of N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira only), areas referred to are as contained in the schedule attached to this order;

“Stray animals within the metropolis are hereby prohibited and such stray animals if found, shall be forfeited to the Government or the owners shall be liable to pay a fine of N250,000.00.”

Bankat further explained that the effective date of the Executive Order shall commence on 10th June and March 19th 2024, for building and traffic controls respectively and “have a life span of 90 days from the date of its commencement in each case, subject to renewal”

“Why Does The Impeachment Bell Ring Only When A Southerner Is Senate President”? – Senator  Bamidele

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Senate Leader, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele on  Tuesday, during Plenary at the Senate, pricked the conscience of his colleagues when he asked a pungent question.

Bamidele, a Lawyer, and Senator, APC,  representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District spoke during a debate on the appropriate punishment to be meted out to Senator Abdul Ningi, PDP, Bauchi  Central, for falsely alleging that the 2024 budget was padded.

Ningi had alleged, without proof, that the National Assembly passed two different budgets, and padded the one being operated by a whopping three trillion Naira.

At Plenary on Tuesday, his colleagues dragged him in the mud and went after him like hungry lions.

When Bamidele was recognized to speak, he warned about treating the serious allegations by Ningi with kid gloves. Before he made his submissions, he said he was not speaking as   the Senate Leader, but as Senator Bamidele representing Ekiti Central District.

Obviously angry, he said that the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, was the target of Ningi’s false allegations. He noted that Akpabio has been a target for impeachment plots from day one and said that those engaged in the plots want him out before the end of his tenure.

He then wondered why the impeachment banner against the Senate President was always up each time a Southerner occupied the seat.

He stated that the only time a Southerner (s) occupied it, during the President Olusegun Obasanjo Government, each of them was hounded out of office. He said that was the opposite when the seat was occupied by Northerners. He cited Senator David Mark who had a smooth eight years in office, Dr Bukola Saraki who served out his tenure even though many arrows were thrown his way, as well as the immediate past Senate President, Dr Ahmad Lawan.

Even though Ningi tried to distance himself from the allegations he made on the BBC Hausa Service, and said he only said that the sum of N3.7tn was yet to be accounted for, he was not spared.

He was slammed with a three-month suspension from the Senate after a heated and stormy session.

Budget Padding : Senate Suspends Abdul Ningi

By
Ayodele Oni
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Senator Ningi

By Ayodele Oni

For raising alarm over an alleged budget padding, the Senate on Tuesday suspended Senator Abdul Ningi.

Ningi had raised an alarm alleging that the 2024 budget was padded with N3.7trn, insisting that the figure passed was different from the one approved by President Bola Tinubu.

Ningi, from Bauchi Central Senatorial District, was suspended for three months after a long stormy session in the red chamber.

A member of the Appropriation Committee in the Senate, Jimoh Ibrahim, first moved the motion for Ningi’s suspension for 12 months over allegations of “criminal misinformation and breach of peace in the National Assembly and the country by extension.

However, other lawmakers like Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong moved for the amendment of the motion by Ibrahim.

Ekpenyong, who is from Cross River South Senatorial District, and Senator Abdulfatai Buhari from Oyo North prayed for the reduction of the suspension to six and three months respectively.

Godswill Akpabio, presiding who described Ningi’s offences as “grievous”, conducted a voice vote during which most of the lawmakers voted in support of Ningi’s suspension for three months.

Adebanjo Dismisses Presidential System Of Government As Corrupt

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

Chief Ayo Adebanjo, a Leader of Afenifere, a Pan Yoruba Socio Political Organization, has dismissed the Presidential System of Government as corrupt and expensive.

Adebanjo threw his weight behind the Parliamentary System of Government, and  stressed that Nigeria should return to it and put behind it the Presidential System of Government.

He said this in an interview on Arise Television, and insisted that the presidential system is corrupt, especially in Nigeria, and makes the President a dictator.

His words: “Those of us who’ve had experience with the parliamentary system in this country see that it’s the only way out. The presidential system is corrupt, especially in Nigeria; it makes the president a dictator.

“To question the supremacy of the president is only in operation before the election; the moment he’s elected, he becomes a dictator where no one can oppose him. His word is the law.

“Particularly in Nigeria, our constitution makes the president the most powerful in the world. The system is too expensive and corrupt. The earlier we revert, the better.

“Under the parliamentary system, the prime minister becomes more responsible; he’s responsible to the parliament. By the name itself, the prime minister falls among equals. If he misbehaves, the parliament will question him because the ministers are elected members of their constituencies.

“The advantages of a parliamentary system are many. It is a welcome development that should be implemented expeditiously, and the constitution should be changed.”

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