Budget Padding Justifies My Criticism of National Assembly, Says Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Monday said the ongoing revelation by a former Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Appropriation, Abdulmumin Jibrin, on budget padding in the National Assembly, had proved him right.

The former President spoke with State House correspondents shortly after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari behind closed doors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Obasanjo, who had earlier described the lawmakers as “armed robbers and rogues,” said the best way out of the current mess was to ensure that only men of integrity were elected into the National Assembly.

Decked in a blue agbada and cap to match, the former President arrived at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, for the meeting at about 12.54pm.

He was driven to the forecourt of the President’s office in a black Sports Utility Vehicle marked ABJ 425 PY, accompanied by one of his daughters.

FG Should Stop Payment of Salaries and Allowances to Former Governors in the Senate - Femi Falana

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, in a lecture he delivered at the investiture of Mr. Dele Ojogbede as President of Rotary Club, Ikoyi in Lagos, said, it is illegal for former governors, who have been placed on life pension in their states, to also earn salaries in the National Assembly. 

He also said that lawmakers should not be paid their full salaries and allowances if they don't sit for the mandatory 181 days before going on a seven-month recess.

Falana counselled the Federal Government on what to do with those undermining the anti-corruption war. 

In regards to former governors in the Senate, Falana said:

“It is high time the Federal Government stopped the payment of salaries and allowances to former governors who are in the senate. Since they are on pension for life, it is illegal to continue to pay them salaries and allowances at the same time.”

Senate President, Saraki Says He Was Richer Than Kwara State Before Becoming Governor

Senate President Bukola Saraki yesterday told the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) that he had no reason to steal or embezzle public money as he was already richer than Kwara State before he became governor in 2003.

According to him, as at September 2003, he was worth $22 million, £12 million, €2.6 million and N4 billion in cash, and owned movable and landed assets before he became governor of Kwara State in
2003 as was contained in his asset declaration form of 2003.

Paul Erokoro, one of his counsel made the revelation while cross-examining Michael Wetkas, a detective of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The Senate, CCT & The Politics of Saraki’s Trial By Reuben Abati

The present Senate serving the Nigerian people runs the risk of being remembered as the worst since 1999.  Public Relations Consultants and media officials of this particular Senate have done their part flooding both the print and the online media with details of how productive the Bukola Saraki-led Senate has been, and they have been quite aggressive in telling us about 30 important Bills which when passed, will change the face of Nigeria and deliver change.

The Senate according to one report has considered over 125 bills, debated over 48 motions, and passed three bills. But nobody is apparently impressed. During the Jonathan administration, the Senate was the better regarded of the two legislative chambers. While members of the House of Representatives in the Seventh Assembly behaved as if they were a band of students’ unionists, the then Red Chamber projected an image of maturity and temperance, even if it was also self-serving! With the 8^th Assembly, the House of Representatives, apart from the shameful resort to physical combat over the distribution of “juicy” committees in November 2015, has shown itself to be better organized than the present Senate. The critical difference is that of leadership. It is one of management. It is a matter of weight and politics. 

Senators Reject Proposed Loan To Buy Their Vehicles

The Nigerian Senate yesterday, revealed, that senators unanimously rejected the proposed loan to buy their vehicles, adding that none of the 108 lawmakers wanted any part in it.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Senate Services, Senator Ibrahim Gobir, who spoke with journalists said the upper chamber never spent over N4 billion to purchase 108 cars for lawmakers, adding that only 36 SUVs were bought at the cost of N36.5 million each.

Witness Confesses In Court How Saraki's Aide Deposited Money 50 Times A Day Into Saraki's Account

Detective Michael Wetkas has made startling revelation of how the Senate President allegedly used personal aides to launder billions of naira.

One of such Saraki’s personal assistants is Abdul Adama, who deposited money into Saraki’s account 50 times in just one day,.

The first Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecution witness, against Saraki, who is being accused of false declaration of assets and laundering offences, said Saraki’s aide made a total of N600, 000 and N900, 000 deposit each that added up to 50 times in one day.

According to him: “When the defendant was governor of Kwara state between 2003 and 2011.The commission received several petitions from various groups. One of the petitioners was Kwara Freedom Network.

The Misogynists in the Nigerian Senate By Reuben Abati

What Senator Biodun Olujimi (PDP, Ekiti South) did with her presentation of a bill on gender and equal opportunities on March 15, is the equivalent of trying one’s luck. But she deserves praise for her courage and progressive views, and for forcing the issue so well.

The subject has generated useful debate and the Senate President has been forced to reassure the public that the bill will be re-presented, after it has been re-drafted “to address some of the reservations that were expressed on the floor of the Senate.”

This is the third time that the Senate will throw out this same bill.  Senate President Bukola Saraki knows too well that to address the expressed reservations is to kill the bill completely. There may be no hope of a misogynistic Senate passing a Bill that seeks to empower women and the girl-child, protect them from discrimination and violence, rescue them from being treated like chattel, and ensure that women play more prominent roles in public and private decision-making processes.  The Bill further seeks to protect the rights of women in marriages.

Nigerian Senate Rejects Bill Seeking Gender Equality in Marriage

The Nigeria Senate on Tuesday blocked a bill seeking equal marital rights for women.

The bill, titled “Gender Parity and Prohibition of Violence against Women”, was presented by Abiodun Olujimi, representing Ekiti south, during the senate’s plenary session.

According to Mrs. Olujimi, the bill would seek equal rights for women in marriage, education and job.

She said if the bill was passed, a widow in Nigeria would automatically become the custodian of her children in the event of the death of her husband, and would also inherit his property.

The deputy senate president, Ike Ekeremadu, supported the bill. He said Nigeria would develop if women were given the same rights men have.

The Made in Nigeria Campaign By Reuben Abati

There has been renewed talk lately about the need for Nigerians to patronize locally made goods, (someone should have added… and services!).

Championed by Senator Ben Murray Bruce, and supported by the Senate President Bukola Saraki, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Hajia Aisha Abubakar and a large crowd of online campaigners, so much ink, saliva, and emotions have been invested in this old, and perhaps boring story. 

Senator Bruce, who goes by the moniker “the Commonsense Senator” even introduced a hashtag #BuyNaijaToGrowtheNaira. He hasn’t quite explained the connection, but with the exchange rate melting down and the Naira yo-yoing, everyone including our neighbourhood electrician, and his friend, the battery charger, have both become experts on the fortunes of the national currency.

Nigerian Senate Orders Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to Suspend Tariff Hike

Nigeria's Senate President Bukola Saraki in a Facebook post says the senate's resolution during their plenary today February 16th was for the Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to Suspend Tariff Hike......

Pres. Goodluck Jonathan Sends Names of 12 Ministerial Nominees To Senate For Clearance

President Jonathan today Tuesday Jan. 12th officially presented the names of 12 ministerial nominees to the Senate for screening and approval. Senate president, David Mark, announced the names on the floor of the Senate at the resumed plenary session for the year 2014.

The nominees are:

1. Mr. Boni Haruna from Adamawa State

2. Mrs Akon Etim Eyakenyi from Akwa Ibom State

3. Hon Mohammed Wakil from Borno State

4. Lawrencia Labaran Mallam from Kaduna State

5. Ambassador Aminu Wali from Kano State

6. Hadjia Jamilia Salik from Kano State

7. Senator Musiliu Obanikoro from Lagos State

8. Asabe Asmau Ahmed from Niger State

9. Alh Abduljelili Oyewale Adesiyan from Osun State

10. Dr T. W. Danagogo from Rivers State

 11. Dr. Khaliru Alhassan from Sokoto State

12. General Aliu Gusau Mohammed (rtd.) from Zamfara State.

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LEADERSHIP BECKONS ON EVANGELIST MYKE IKOKU

AS LEADERSHIP BECKONS ON EVANGELIST MYKE IKOKU

It is said that when one is sent on an errand and he fails to achieve the purpose of that errand for his people and community, then the community will begin the search for a replacement.

The above assertion is a statement of fact because when you fail to achieve the purpose for an errand, you will still fail to achieve the purpose even when you are sent on the same errand for the second time. !!!!. The question now is; who shall we send on this errand in question and he comes back with results that will be people oriented? It is an acknowledged fact that since the return of democracy in 1999, the people of NJABA, ISU, NWANGELE and NKWERRE Federal Constituency have never had it so good and rosy as far as sending a worthy and goal getter representative to the National Assembly is concerned.

Nigerian Senate Bans Same Sex Marriage in Nigeria

The Nigerian Senate has officially banned same sex marriage in Nigeria. Man + Man = Not allowed. Woman + Woman = Go to prison. Only a union between a man and a woman in a recognized worship center is allowed.

The new bill states;

1. A marriage contract or civil union entered into between persons of same sex by virtue a certificate issued by a foreign country shall be void in Nigeria.2. Marriage or civil union entered into between persons of same sex shall not be solemnized in any place of worship either Church or Mosque or any other place whatsoever called in Nigeria.3. Only marriage contracted between a man and a woman either under Islamic Law, Customary Law or the Marriage Act is recognized as valid in Nigeria.4. Persons that entered into a same sex marriage or civil union contract commit an offense and are jointly liable on conviction to a term of 14 years imprisonment each.5. Any persons or group of persons that administers, witnesses, screens, abet and aids the solemnization of a same sex marriage contract or civil union or supports the registration, operation of gay clubs, societies and organizations, processions or meetings in Nigeria commits an offense and liable on conviction to a term of 10 years imprisonment.

The bill awaits the approval of President Goodluck Jonathan.

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Outrage as Senate makes U-turn on Stella Oduah

THERE was outrage on Thursday as the Senate rescinded its resolution to have the Minister of Aviation, Ms. Stella Oduah, appear before its members over the October 3 Associated Airlines’ plane crash in Lagos.

Oduah is now to appear before the Senate Committee on Aviation alongside the Chief Executive Officers of the aviation agencies under her ministry.

The Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba, who moved a motion for the lawmakers to have a rethink on the invitation of the minister, had argued that the action was based on the Senate Standing Order 53 (6) which empowers it to reverse its decisions.

[Video] Child Marriage Law: Nigerians Speak....

What is the right age for a girl child to be given in marriage? This debate rocked the senate constitutional review committee, but what has the average Nigerian on the street have to say about this? Video after the jump:

Nollywood Actress Monalisa Chinda Speaks Out Against Child Marriage Bill In Nigeria

Meanwhile these people are supposed to be LEADERS meant to see ahead of their followers, meant to uphold peace and unity
— Monalisa Chinda (@Monalisacode) July 23, 2013

MY COUNTRY and its ignorance induced sentiments. Unfortunately, no individual or nation ever gets anywhere with this kind of mindset!
— Monalisa Chinda (@Monalisacode) July 23, 2013

Why should the laws of the northern Moslems, or Moslems from anywhere, be imposed on the whole country?
— Monalisa Chinda (@Monalisacode) July 23, 2013

More after the jump: 

Nigerian Senate Did Not Approve Child Marriage, We're Misinterpreted - Senator Ike Ekweremadu

Responding to the nation-wide outrage expressed on the said passage of a Bill legalising child marriage, the Senate said its decision last Wednesday was “wildly misinterpreted, misreported and totally taken out of context”.

It denied any wrongdoing.

The chairman, of the Nigerian Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has insisted that the Senate will never approve any legislation in support of early marriage. Ekweremadu made the clarification on Tuesday in Abuja while speaking with newsmen on the recent vote by the Senate on the recommendations of the Constitution Review Committee.

We can never support child marriage. Let Nigerians understand with us that these issues have nothing to do with early marriage or Islam. It is purely about renunciation of citizenship. 

House of Rep Member - Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa Shares Her Thoughts On The Child Marriage Bill

Mrs Abike Dabiri is a former broadcaster and now a member of the Nigeria Federal House of Reps representing Ikorodu Constituency in Lagos State.

I certainly will oppose such& hopefully majority of my colleagues in the House of Representatives when we vote on constitutional amendment.
— Abike Dabiri-Erewa (@abikedabiri) July 21, 2013

Why then would we make a law that will destroy our girls rather than build and educate them?
— Abike Dabiri-Erewa (@abikedabiri) July 21, 2013

I have covered first hand many cases of VVF,a terrible medical condition that affects underaged children forced into marriage and early sex
— Abike Dabiri-Erewa (@abikedabiri) July 21, 2013

IMAGINE SENATOR AHMED SANI YARIMAN BAKURA's Reply To His Critics.... WTF?

''Nigeria has many uncountable problems and none of them is early marriage. As a matter of fact early marriage the solution to about half of our problems. For those who wonder if I can give my daughter(s) out in marriage at the age of 9 or 13, I tell you most honestly, I can give her out at the age of 6 if I want to and its not your business. This is because I am a Muslim and I follow the example of the best of mankind, Muhammad ﺻَﻠَّﻰ ﺍﻟﻠَّﻪُ ﻋَﻠَﻴْﻪِ ﻭَﺳَﻠَّﻢَ .

In Islam, marriage is not only about sex, it is about family and helping one another in achieving their goals, which is the attainment of Paradise.

In Islam, a girl can be given out in marriage as early as 6 years old, but consummation of the marriage can only be done when the girl becomes physically mature and she gives her consent to it because unlike English law, it is not permissible for a man to rape his wife in Shari'ah Law.

Senator's salaries released. Each earns N30m/month.... Imagine That!!

If you didn’t want to have anything to do with Nigerian politics, you probably will after reading this.

The following is the breakdown of a Nigerian senator’s monthly salary.
Basic Salary (BS) = N2,484,245.50. (read breakdown - below after cut:)