NYSC, NSCDC decry drowning of corps members in Bayelsa

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Bayelsa State, Wednesday, lamented death of corps members in the state through boat mishaps.

The two agencies raised the concern when the new state Commandant, NYSC, Mrs. Loto Bolade paid a courtesy visit to the state Commandant of the NSCDC, Desmond Agu, in Yenagoa, the state capital.

Corps members serving in some riverine communities in the state have been losing their lives following boat mishaps.

But Agu urged NYSC authorities to impress it upon youths participating in the scheme especially persons posted to the coastal areas to always make use of their life jackets when traveling.

He said: “Bayelsa State has a different terrain. It is 70 per cent water. So, always tell the corps members to carry their life jackets and wear them whenever they are traveling. Even if they can swim, they should not be over-confident.

“NYSC should also ensure that they are constantly in touch with youths posted to remote areas. Always keep in touch with the youths and ensure that their employers are treating them well”.

Agu said his command would always contribute to the success of NYSC programmes in the state by providing the needed security.

He advised that all federal agencies should work together to assist one another in the discharge of their duties adding that agencies should not work in acrimony.

In her response, Bolade said NYSC was working hard to ensure that members of the corps posted to rural areas in the state were given life jackets.

“We will continue to talk to the corps members posted to the riverine areas to always wear their life jackets. We will keep talking to them”, she said.

Bolade, who was redeployed from Niger State, thanked the NSCDC for its cooperation especially in the areas of security.

She appealed to the command for more support and demanded security presence at the Kaiama camp for the forthcoming orientation programme.

Senate admits buying bullet proof SUV for N62m not N298m

Senator Saraki's bulletproof range rover also seized

The Senate on Tuesday admitted that it bought a bullet proof Range Rover Sports Utility Vehicle ( SUV ) as had been reported in the media. Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Publicity Sen. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi told newsmen in Abuja that indeed the senate procured the said vehicle but not at the price that was being reported.

Sabi said that the vehicle cost was procured at $298,000 (N49.1 million) and not N298, million as was being reported in the media. According to the spokesperson of the Senate, the vehicle was procured in 2015 for $298 at an exchange rate of N165 to a dollar.

“Our attention has been drawn to the various false and mischievous reports in the media about the price of the vehicle which the Senate was said to have bought as part of its convoy but was later abandoned when it got impounded by the Customs over controversy surrounding import duty payment. “The correct price of the vehicle when it was imported in 2015 is $298,000 which at the prevailing rate of N165 to a dollar is about N49, 170. “The Senate paid N62.5m for the vehicle in November 2015. This is contrary to the mischief by those who decided to turn the $298,000 to N298 million as the price of the vehicle. “For the avoidance of doubt, the price the Senate paid for that vehicle is N62.5m and not N298 million.

“The Senate will appreciate it if all reports relating to the legislative institution, particularly on this vehicle matter, are reported with accuracy and all facts put in proper perspective. “We urge journalists to avoid sensationalism. The Senate is a responsible institution and those who believe that when they have issues to explain before it, the next thing to do is to resort to falsehood, blackmail, muck-raking and mud-slinging, should know that they are just overheating the polity and undermining our democratic institution. “Finally, the Senate wish to reiterate our total commitment to upholding the rule of law and to work for Nigerians, in accordance with our constitution,” he said.

The Senate had been in the eye of the storm over its probe of the activities of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) with media reports alleging that the upper legislative chamber was on a revenge mission. Media reports alleged that attention of the Senate on the NSC was due to the fact that the service impounded an SUV allegedly procured by the President of the Senate Bukola Saraki. The report said that the service refused to bulge in spite of the intervention of the Senate to release the SUV.

Meanwhile, at an investigative hearing by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, the importer of the vehicle absolved Saraki of any complicity in the importation. The President of the Senate who also appeared before the committee stressed that he did not import any vehicle and does not own the vehicle that was purportedly seized. He urged that the Senate as an institution must be strengthened so as to save the nation’s democracy.

Buhari sends two ministerial nominees to Senate for confirmation

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday forwarded names of two ministerial nominees – Stephen Ikani Ocheni (Kogi) and Suleiman Hassan (Gombe)- to Senate for confirmation.

Ocheni is to replace the late Minister of State for Labour, James Ocholi while Hassan will replace Amina Mohammed who was recently appointed the United Nations Deputy Secretary -General.

Hassan was one of the 47 ambassadorial nominees confirmed by the Senate last week.

Senate President, Bukola Saraki, read the President’s letter on the floor of the Senate on Wednesday.

It will be captured in the Senate Order Paper before it will be referred to the relevant Senate Committee or considered in the committee of the whole.

The President’s letter read: “In accordance with section 147 (2) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended. I have the honour to forward the under listed ministerial nominees for confirmation of the Senate

“Stephen Nkani Ocheni (professor) Kogi State and Suleiman Zarma Hassan (Gombe State.)

“Copies of their curriculum vitae attached herewith.

“It is my hope that this exercise will receive the usual kind of expeditious consideration of the distinguished members of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Dokpesi received N2.1bn from ONSA-Witness

Chief Raymond Dokpesi

A prosecution witness, Mrs Zainab Kokobili, on Wednesday told a Federal High Court, Abuja, that Raymond Dokpesi, received N2.1billion from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).
Kokobili, the third prosecution witness to testify in Dokpesi’s trial, confirmed that the money was paid in four different occasions from the ONSA.
Dokpesi, Chairman of Daar Holdings Investment Company Ltd., was arraigned on a six-count charge of money laundering and procurement-related offences.
Kokobili, a banker with First Bank, was led in evidence by the prosecuting counsel, Olaleke Atoglabe.
She said that as a relationship manager, she manages the account of Daar Holdings Investment Company and other accounts in the bank.
She said on Feb. 6, 2016 she was invited to EFCC office through their Fraud and Investigation Unit to make statements on the case.
Kokobili read from the company’s statement of account, saying that N2.12 billion was paid into the account in four tranches of N500 million, N500 million, N620 million and N500 million between January and March 2015.
She said the balance on the company’s account was N113, 885.28 before the first tranche of N500 million was paid into the account on Jan. 22, 2015.
“On Jan. 22, 2015 – RTGS, being payment by ONSA: N500 million, it was a credit. Before the payment of N500 million the balance on the account was N113,885.28.
“On Feb. 4, 2015 – RTGS, being payment by ONSA: N500 million.
“On Feb. 9, 2015 – RTGS, being payment by ONSA: N620 million only. It was also a credit.
“On March 19, 2015 – the narration is RTGS being payment by ONSA: N500 million,” the witness said.
She also said that N2.12 billion was disbursed from Daar Investments and Holdings Limited after receiving instructions from Dokpesi.
“The customer sent instructions to the bank for payments. Money was paid after getting confirmation from the customer.
“High Chief Raymond Anthony Alegho Dokpesi was the signatory who sent instructions for the payments,” she added.
Justice John Tsoho admitted in evidence the witness statement made at the EFCC’s office and bundles of documents submitted to the chairman of EFCC.
Under cross examination by the defence counsel, Mr Kanu Agabi, the witness said that Daar Investment was a customer of the bank not Raymond Alegho Dokpesi.
The case was adjourned till May 24 and May 25 for continuation of trial.

Senate summons Sagay over ‘disparaging’ comments

The Senate on Wednesday resolved to invite the Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), Prof. Itse Sagay, over his alleged disparaging comments against the upper chamber.
Sagay’s invitation is seen as further escalation of the current face-off between the Senate and Presidency which blew open on Tuesday with the Senate’s suspension of the consideration and confirmation of 27 Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) submitted by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The presidential is expected appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions to explain why he allegedly described senators as “childish and irresponsible” for pushing President Buhari to sack the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, within two weeks.
The PACAC chairman is also expected to explain why he allegedly said the Senate is “filled with people of questionable character who put personal interest ahead of the nation.”
The lawmakers said it is necessary to invite the professor of jurisprudence to name the questionable characters in the Senate.

The resolution followed a motion of privilege by Senate Deputy Leader, Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah (Kebbi South), who told the Senate that Sagay infringed on his integrity, character and privilege as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Senate flexes muscles with Presidency over SGF, Magu

Senate President, Bukola Saraki

‘No confirmation of RECs without Lawal’s, Ag. EFCC chair’s sack’
SENATORS bared their fangs against the Presidency yesterday. They suspended the screening and confirmation of 27 Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) nominees.
The Senate declared its readiness to defend its integrity against attacks by some persons it did not name, signifying a possible showdown between the two arms of government.
The upper chamber unanimously resolved to suspend the consideration and confirmation of RECs nominated by President Buhari to protest what it called disregard for resolutions by the Presidency.
Announcing the resolution after about two hours meeting behind closed doors, Senate President Bukola Saraki said the upper chamber would not succumb to blackmail and intimidation in the discharge of its constitutional duties.

Saraki did not disclose the identity of the “external forces” he said were attacking the Senate as an institution.
His words: “The Senate in a closed session discussed the various attacks on the National Assembly, especially on the Senate, for performing its constitutional duties.
“The Senate resolved to defend the integrity of the Senate against such attacks and will not be intimidated from carrying out our constitutional duties at all times.”
It was learnt that the Red Chamber’s position may not be unconnected to its face-off with some members of the executive, including the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Col. Hameed Ali (retd.), and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. David Babachir Lawal.
The Senate rejected for the second time the nomination of Mr. Ibrahim Magu for Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman on March 15.
A National Assembly source disclosed yesterday: “The Senate is not happy that despite its rejection of Magu, the President still keeps him in office in an acting capacity.”
The resolution to suspend the consideration of the RECs’ nomination followed a motion by Senator Peter Nwaoboshi.

But for Nwaoboshi’s motion, the names of the RECs would have been read the second time and referred to the Senate Committee on Independent National Eelectoral Commission (INEC).
Nwaoboshi prayed the Senate to suspend action on the nominees for two weeks to allow the Senate President convey the feelings of the Senate to President Buhari over alleged disregard of its resolutions.
The senator said: “Mr. President, taking a leave from America which started this presidential election. Recently the National Security Adviser was sent to the Senate of America and because of his belief in Russia he was disqualified.
“What am I saying? Issues like this have to transcend the issue of political parties or where you have lived for the interest of Nigerians and also to protect our constitution and protect our democracy.
“Recently in this Senate, we have dealt with the issue of confirmation and where are we today? The chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Anti-corruption (PACAC), Prof. Itse Sagay went to the press and said that the Senate merely confirms.
“This is not expected of somebody who had lectured Constitutional Law in the university, a professor of Law, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and, of course, a chairman of such a big body to say that the legislature merely confirms, that the legislature has no power.
“Here are we again today, now being given a list to confirm and we merely confirm. Look at the list here, we have eight of them here out of 27, eight of them are for reappointment, which means they are acting already, they are already working and they are still in position.
“Prof. Sagay will cite again Section 171, Subsection (D) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that even if we don’t confirm them, he will say ‘continue to work’.
“You can imagine this kind of advice that these kinds of persons are giving to Mr. President. They are telling Mr. President to disregard and disrespect the institution, the legislature.
“Mr. President, lets us not take such a precedence. We cannot destroy our democracy because certain persons, certain individuals feel that it is only their belief or what they want is what will happen in this country.
“This country does not belong to them; this country belongs to the Nigerian people; the Nigerian people have elected us; they have given us the power to look into those names sent to us for confirmation and to look into their credentials.
“But when you denigrate such an institution that have the power to confirm and use the word merely, we could not ignore it coming from somebody of that status.
“My position on this matter is that since our confirmation is ‘merely’, let us suspend it until we know whether we have the power as given to us by the Constitution to look into confirmation matters or any other status.”
Senator Matthew Urhoghide (Edo South) said: “In addition to what Nwaoboshi said, which is the constitutional requirement that this Senate has to confirm nominations sent by the executive arm of government, the act establishing these agencies of government have specified clearly that these officers of these agencies whose appointments will be made by Mr. President have to be confirmed by the Senate.
”We are only performing our statutory role and, if by chance, Mr. President sends a name to the Senate for confirmation and they are not confirmed, what happens is that the President is at liberty to send another name but it must be that the Senate too must be properly informed of what has happened to the confirmation either the one that has been upheld or the one that has been turned down by the senate. We deserve the right to know.
“We cannot keep confirming names or turning down names of nominees of Mr. President only for them to be put in basket, particularly the one that happened recently; we don’t know what has happened.
“These persons cannot keep acting even when we have turned them down because as it is now they are acting and their names have been sent in for confirmation and we don’t know what has happened in the case of the EFCC.
“Specifically speaking, is he acting today? If the President knew that he was not going to honour our refusal or rejection of his nominee, they shouldn’t have sent him in the first place, which would have meant an outright violation of the law establishing EFCC and of course, the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended.”
But Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central) countered the two senators’ position.
Aliero said: “I rise to oppose what my two colleagues have just said for the reason that there is already an impression that is created, particularly by the media that the INEC is not ready for the conduct of 2019 election. The 2019 election is very crucial to us and the preparation and the conduct of the 2019 election is the submission of resident electoral commissioners to the senate for screening and approval.
“Without that, INEC will never be ready for the 2019 elections, even though what they said is true. I want to ask that we consider the screening of this list and if there is any observation on any nominee, it should be done at the screening stage.
“I will want to respectfully say that some of the nominees that are set to be on reappointment they have already left the office and they have served their term for four years.”
Deputy Whip Francis Alimekhana (Edo North), was more vocal in his support that the confirmation of the RECs should be kept in view.
He said: “I beg to differ from the suggestion of my colleague, Senator Aliero. It is better to do something and do it well. All these nominees reappointed, new appointment, what if we refuse one of them, what will happen? That is the question that the distinguished senators are asking the executive. There is no need to disapprove one and he (President) goes back to say you can continue to act.
“The EFCC chairman that we disqualified in this hall is he acting? Among the report that are agog in the papers, he is behind it. Magu is terrorising us because we disqualified him and we cannot hide it. We disqualified Magu and he is terrorising our people because we disqualified him and he is still acting and they are still bringing in nominees for us to confirm. If they know they can do it alone, let them do it.”
Deputy Senate Leader Bala Ibn Na’Allah urged his colleagues to be cautious.
Na’Allah said: “This is a defining moment in our journey to nationhood. Having had the privilege of being a leader in this Senate, I have always prided myself with the fact that this Senate is imbued with men of intelligence, courage and character, with determination to play a fundamental role in our journey towards nationhood.
“I have always said that it consists of former governors, former ministers, former captains of industries. What that means is that at each point we are being called upon to decide on an issue that affects this nation.
“We must show that we have superiority of thinking and we have more commitment than those anti-democratic forces that survive outside the chambers of the National Assembly. I think this is one situation where that call is relevant and important.
”I share the sentiments of my colleagues on this issue. I am in great difficulty to disagree with more convincing reasons as to why I think the Senate will thread cautiously on the request by my colleagues for us to stand down this. I think this matter is going to be referred to the committee, we still have enough time.”
Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu noted that some of the positions of the RECs had been vacant for more than one year.
He said that any delay should not be blamed on the Senate but on the Executive that failed to submit the nominees on time.
Ekweremadu said Saraki should be allowed to convey Senators’ feelings to President Buhari on his appointments, noting that it was necessary to do so.
He proposed that the consideration of the nominees should be stood down for one week.
Before a vote could be taken on Ekweremadu’s motion, Nwaoboshi moved that the matter should be suspended for two weeks.
Senator Clifford Odia (Edo Central) seconded.
When Saraki put the resolution to vote, it was unanimously endorsed.

Breaking: Senate suspends Ndume for six months

Ndume

Senator Muhammed Ali Ndume was on Wednesday suspended for six months by the Senate over  allegations against Senate President Dr Bukola Saraki and Senator Dino Melaye.

Ali was found guilty of not “making due diligence” before filing a petition against the Saraki and Melaye.

His suspension was based on the recommendation of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions considered by the lawmakers at the Wednesday plenary session.

The Senate had asked its Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions to investigate Ndume’s allegation against  Saraki for alleged importation of bullet-proof car with fake Customs duty certificate and Melaye for certificate forgery.
The resolution to launch the investigation followed a motion of privilege by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South).
Ndume drew the attention of his colleagues to a publication that Saraki sanctioned the invitation of the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) to appear in uniform to throw light on the controversial import duty payment on old vehicles because the Service impounded his (Saraki’s) bullet-proof Range Rover Sport Utility Vehicle on the orders of Ali.
On Melaye, Ndume referred the Senate to a publication by a national newspaper that Melaye did not graduate from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Ndume told the Senate that an online platform claimed Melaye did not obtain a degree in Geography from ABU, Zaria.
The Borno South lawmaker, who prayed the Senate to investigate the issues, noted that there was nothing untoward about investigating the Senate President.
He said a former Speaker of the House of Representatives Salisu Buhari was accused of certificate forgery and investigated to clear his name.
Ndume added that a former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara, was also accused of corruption and investigated.
He noted that Wabara was also given opportunity to clear his name.
Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari, he said, was also accused of certificate forgery and given opportunity to clear his name.
He said another presiding officer of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, was also accused and investigated to clear his name.
Ndume said: “This matter borders on our privileges. One has to do with Senator Bukola Saraki, the Senate President and it was reported in a paper; I have it here. The newspaper said the Senate is on vengeance after Nigeria Customs Service seized Senator Saraki’s bullet-proof Range Rover over fake documents.
“My colleagues that are following events, particularly online, have seen or heard or read the rain of abuses on this Senate and the misconception of the fact that we invited the Customs boss based on a very unpopular policy that affects the people we represent, but now we are faced with this.
“During the 4th Assembly, Salisu Buhari was accused of certificate forgery. He was investigated and determined after that. In the 5th Assembly, Bello Masari was accused of certificate forgery (secondary school). He was investigated and was cleared.
“In the 6th Senate, Dimeji Bankole was accused of not having NYSC certificate, it was investigated and he showed his NYSC certificate.
“Now, that brings me to the second matter in the National Assembly. In the 4th Assembly, Senate President Adolphus Wabara was accused of collecting a bribe and it was investigated and determined. So, a lot of precedence has been set.
“Now, the second matter of privileges affects my colleague Dino Melaye and it is in the paper today? Therefore, accordingly, I will appeal we refer the matter to Ethics and Privileges to investigate so that our colleagues would be cleared and this Senate will stand as it supposed to.”
After the plenary, Melaye described the issue Ndume raised about him as a welcome development.
The Kogi West senator noted that democracy is about investigation, where no senator is above investigation.
He said those bandying the report that he did not graduate from ABU were obsessed with him.
He said Nigerians would not be surprised that one day the same people would say he is not a Nigerian.
Melaye, however, assured he would submit himself to investigation as a law-abiding citizen of the country.
He added that as a member of the committee saddled with the responsibility to investigate him, he would excuse himself from the committee, unless invited.
Melaye, who said he would not be deterred by negative reports about him, noted that he has seven degrees already pursuing the eight one.
He said ABU would not allow him to do higher degrees, if he did not have a degree certificate.
Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over the plenary, asked Ndume to lay the documents he has.
Ndume submitted some newspaper publications.
Ekweremadu referred the two matters to the Senator Samuel Anyanwu-led Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.
He gave the committee four weeks to report back.

Details soon

EFCC acting chairman Magu to sue The Sun Newspaper over report he owns two houses in Maitama

EFCC acting chairman, Ibrahim Magu, has instituted a lawsuit against The Sun Newspaper over claims that he owns a house in the Maitama area of Abuja.

In a story published over the weekend, The newspaper, claimed he is being probed for allegedly owning two mansions in the Maitama Area of Abuja linked to his wife.

The houses which were reportedly bought last year, were said to be located on Danube Street, Maitama and Missouri Street, off Colorado Close, Ministers Hill. Magu in a statement released today, denied the claims.

He stated that he has instructed his lawyers to file a lawsuit against The Sun Newspapers.
“I don’t have any mansion anywhere in Maitama. Would I have two mansions in Abuja yet choose to live in a rented apartment in the same community? The Sun can take over the properties if they have evidence that they belong to me or my wife. This is another calculated attempt to smear my reputation. They may have gotten away with such false reports in the past but I will not let this go unchallenged. I have already briefed my lawyers to institute legal action against The Sun Newspaper”he said

Boko Haram Leader, Shekau is Not Dead – Defence Minister Admits

Claims by the Nigerian Army in September 2016 that it had killed Boko Haram leader, Shekau has been rubbished by the Minister of Defence who said that Shekau is not dead.

The Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali has admitted that leader of Boko Haram, Shekau is not dead.

The Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, on Tuesday, admitted that the leader of the Boko Haram sect, Shekau, has not been killed after the government had earlier claimed he was killed by the army.

Revealing more details, the Minister said it has been difficult arresting the sect leader because the insurgents normally wear masks to conceal their identities and divert attention.

The Minister stated this while responding to questions by from newsmen shortly after briefing President Muhammadu Buhari of his ministry’s activities at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He however stated that Boko Haram has been defeated and stated that a visit to Sambisa forest will convince doubters.

According to him, the nation’s security forces have dominated the sect’s stronghold including Camp Zero that served as their spiritual headquarters and communication base.

The minister said, “I believe it is just a matter of time. It took America about seven to ten years to get Bin Laden. So. we will get Shekau as soon as possible.

“The sect’s spiritual headquarters has been ransacked and vandalised. He (Shekau) is on the run.

“He may be hiding in one of the enclaves of Sambisa Forest which we are dominating.

“We have opened up the place. We are using the place as a training area. The Army engineers will open up roads and we shall be patrolling and be ransacking that forest for the whereabouts of Shekau.”

But asked about the claim by the government in the past that it had killed Shekau, Dan-Ali said, “These insurgents have a way of putting on mask. There could be so many but we are looking for the real one. They have been using mask to portray Shekau in one incidents or the other to give an impression that he has been killed so that we will relax. But we will not relax, we are on him.”

Wife of former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, files lawsuit to stop son’s wedding

One of the wives of former President Obasanjo, Taiwo Obasanjo, has filed a lawsuit at an Ikeja High Court, seeking to stop her son, Olujonwo Obasanjo, from marrying Tope Adebutu, the daughter of Sir Kessington Adebutu, promoter of Premier Lotto known as “Baba Ijebu”on May 11the and 12th.

In the suit filed before the court today, Mrs Obasanjo is asking that the wedding be postponed to a date after June 1st.

She argued that she was excluded from all preparations leading to introduction and proposed wedding.

Mrs Obasanjo also stated that she has been warned by some men of God not to allow her son get married before his birthday which is June 1st when he is expected to turn 34. Olujonwo and Tope had an elaborate introduction on Dec. 17th last year.

Justice Lateefa Okunnu has fixed April 10 for hearing of the suit.

I did not import any vehicle, I did not ask anybody to act on my behalf, the vehicle is not my personal car- Saraki insists

In this post shared on his Facebook page, Senate President, Bukola Saraki, insists he has nothing to do with the imported Range Rover Bulletproof SUV that he has been linked with. He appeared before the Senate’s Committee on Ethics and Privileges to defend himself on allegations that he imported the SUV without paying the necessary Customs duty.