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Workers at the National Assembly Service Commission have called on President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and others to swiftly address the crisis in the commission and revoke all alleged illegal politically influenced appointments.
The workers in a press release in Abuja on Wednesday noted that the appointments of the Secretary and others contravened the provisions of the National Assembly Service Commission Act 2014 and its amendments, adding that if nothing was done within seven days, they would go to court for reparation.
SaharaReporters had reported that the position of acting secretary of the National Assembly was given to Sani Magaji Tambuwal, the former Secretary of Finance and Accounts of the National Assembly.
It will be recalled that Tambuwal, along with Mr. Ogunlana Kamoru, Secretary for Legal Services, was elevated to the position of Acting Deputy Secretary of the National Assembly (DCNA), Ms. Henrietta Aimua-Ehikioya (former Secretary for Special Duties) was redeployed as Secretary for Legal Services, Mr. Birma Shuaibu Maina, the Director of the Senate (Legislative), the new Acting Secretary of the Directorate of Human Resources and Personnel Development, were appointed by the Service Commission of the National Assembly on 18 November 2022.
The commission had claimed that the appointments followed the approval of a Memorandum submitted by the Commission's Establishment, Records and Training Committee on the need to fill existing vacancies in the management team of the National Assembly.
But those concerned in their Wednesday press release said: “For more than six months, our organization has written several letters and addressed press conferences, including an open letter to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House. of Representatives on the matter. , but as it stands, nothing proactive has been done.
“As we have emphasized, Tambuwal's appointment was influenced by a sitting Governor of the North West, who doled out the sum of N50 million to each member of the commission, to carry out the said act. We have reliable information that a bounty of N700 million was earmarked for the job.
“Apart from the political aspect of the issue, Tambuwal's appointment is at odds with the National Assembly Act, which regulates the appointment and promotion of top career officials/senior management personnel.
“Those who were against his elevation cited the fact that Tambuwal was not from the legislative cadre, which is constitutionally provided for, for whoever is elevated to such a position.
“We have also recommended measures that we believe could prevent this corruption-ridden process from tarnishing the image of the National Assembly with various references to history against the relevant provisions of the Constitution, to interested parties, to establish why the current process should be reviewed and addressed as appropriate.
“At this critical point in our nation and our nascent democracy, the lawlessness and ongoing grand corruption in the National Assembly Service Commission sends the wrong signal to the bewilderment of Nigerians and the international community that Nigerian legislators are not they can defend the Law approved by the National Assembly. Assembly and rule of law.
“Since the appointments were made illegally, we urge President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osibanjo, Senate President Dr. Ahmad Lawan and House Speaker the Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, to rush in and save the legislature and its bureaucracy.
“We will not rest until the illegality is resolved, as we are ready to proceed to the courts in the next seven days if this illegality and affront to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by the very institution that is supposed to protect it. it is not corrected.”
Credit: https://saharareporters.com/2022/12/14/national-assembly-commission-workers-ask-buhari-wade-crisis-reverse-controversialPresident Muhammadu Buhari has urged leaders in the private and public sectors to be more mindful of their positions as “trustees of the people”, urging them to always work toward leaving a legacy that will be long remembered.
The president made the call when he conferred Nigeria Excellence Award in Public Service (NEAPS) on former President Goodluck Jonathan and 43 other prominent Nigerians on Friday in Abuja.
“I wish that leaders will arise and stand up to be counted among leaders who have distinguished themselves to do the right thing and leave their footprints on the sands of time,” he said.
The president, specifically, saluted former president Jonathan, saying since he left office, he had deployed his rich experience to ensure peace in many parts of Africa and had led mediation talks in several parts of the globe.
“Today, I am happy to have the opportunity to recognise 44 persons and organisations who have distinguished themselves across many sectors of the government and indeed, the economy.
“I am particularly happy to recognise His Excellency, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR, my predecessor, for his contribution to peace building from the Niger-Delta region, which has snowballed into peace in the region and now, around the world.
”Since leaving office, he has deployed his rich experience to ensure peace in many parts of Africa and has led mediation talks in several parts of the globe.
“I want to also specially recognise Abdul Samad Rabiu, the Chairman of BUA International Limited for his interventions in Education through the BUA Foundation, the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa), and his personal philanthropic initiative.
”This initiative funds tertiary education institutions in Nigeria from its yearly $100 million ASR Africa Fund for Social Development and Renewal.
I am happy that five universities have so far benefited with many more to come,’’ he said.
The president urged public servants to make accountability and integrity their watchwords.
“I am equally elated to have some state governors and my ministers receive this award.
This is to put on record that this award is born out of empirical evidence of performance and not politics.
”This award is a recognition of the giant strides you all have made towards the transformation of Nigeria and you have consistently put hard work and dedication at the center of your initiatives.
“Let me use this opportunity to say ‘Thank You’ for your contributions to the transformation of our country.
”This award is a validation of your approach, but much more as a motivation for you and other upcoming leaders to continue doing more towards the attainment of a better Nigeria in all sectors of the economy,’’ he added.
He thanked organisers of the event, The Best Strategic Media (TBS), led by Ms Mariam Mohammed, a publisher and public relations expert, for the continuous support of his administration,
Buhari said the initiative was commendable, “for deploying one of the best indices to determine the level of performance of public officers.
’’
“I know that public officers will be challenged to perform above board, now that they know they are being monitored by the people,’’ the president noted.
Buhari said he was delighted that the maiden edition of the Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS) was a private-sector initiative, organised by TBS in collaboration with the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to recognise excellent service delivery.
According to him, public service is a public trust where officers and employees must be accountable to the people whom they should serve at all times with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency.
He said: ”They are expected to act with patriotism and think out of the box in order to solve the many problems facing the people they lead.
“At present, issues of corruption continue to affect the civil services in many countries, around the world.
“Several reasons for these issues still exist because of deeply rooted problems like nepotism, cronyism, political patronage as well as lack of transparency and accountability.
”These vices distract them from delivering on their mandate and aspirations.
“The unsystematic enforcement of law and institutional mechanisms for holding civil servants and public officials accountable for their actions will always lead to a negative impression to the citizens.
”
In his remarks, Jonathan, who received an Award for Peace Building, thanked the President for always making out time to encourage initiatives that recognise the contributions of individuals and institutions to nation-building.
“On behalf of all those that have received awards, I wish to say a very big thank you to the president and organisers,’’ he said.
While describing the event as unique, the former president assured that the awards would serve as an impetus for more service to the nation and humanity.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, said the entire event was “purely a private sector driven initiative’’ that would be encouraged to become an annual event, based on acceptance.
The SGF said the award was a scorecard of the administration of President Buhari, and other leaders in the country, as it reflected different interests and political persuasions.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that NEAPS was set up to recognise distinguished public service to Nigeria, either contributions to individuals, state or local community, or the public through excellence in leadership, service, or humanitarianism.
To be eligible, the recipient must be a living public official or a private a citizen excelling consistently in a given sphere of influence, in good character standing and must also be at the forefront of service and innovation.
The individual must show an act of public service beyond the acts of their given mandate in endowing their society positively.
NAN reports that Senate President Ahmad Lawan; Speaker House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila and service chiefs were among those honoured with various awards for their services.
Other awardees were 16 state governors including Nyesom Wike (Rivers); Yahaya Bello (Kogi); Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi); Dapo Abiodun (Ogun); Dave Umahi (Ebonyi); Babagana Zulum (Borno)and Bala Mohammed (Bauchi).
Some cabinet ministers; the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPC, Mele Kyari and Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Mohammed Nami were also honoured at the event.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
President Muhammadu Buhari has conferred Nigeria Excellence Award in Public Service (NEAPS) on former President Goodluck Jonathan and 43 other prominent Nigerians.
NEAPS was set up to recognize distinguished public service to Nigeria, either contributions to individuals, state or local community, or the public through excellence in leadership, service, or humanitarianism.
To be eligible, the recipient must be a living public official or a private a citizen excelling consistently in a given sphere of influence, in good character standing and must also be at the forefront of service and innovation.
The individual must show an act of public service beyond the acts of their given mandate in endowing their society positively.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Senate President Ahmad Lawan; Speaker House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila and service chiefs were among those honoured with various awards for their services.
NAN reports that 16 state governors including Nyesom Wike (Rivers); Yahaya Bello (Kogi); Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi); Dapo Abiodun (Ogun); Dave Umahi (Ebonyi); Babagana Zulum (Borno)and Bala Mohammed (Bauchi).
Some cabinet Ministers; the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPC, Mele Kyari and Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Mohammed Nami were also honoured at the event.
Details later…
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
The President of the Senate, Dr Ahmad Lawan, has felicitated former Head of State, retired Gen. Yakubu Gowon on his 88th birthday.
Lawan said this in a statement by his Special Adviser of Media Mr Ola Awoniyi in Abuja on Wednesday.
“I heartily felicitate our elder statesman, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, as he turns 88-year old today.
“I join the Nigerian people in rejoicing with the great General for marking this occasion in good health, surrounded by many generations of his family.
“At a young age, Gowon played the leadership role destiny bestowed on him at a critical juncture in the history of our nation with equanimity, honesty and humility.
“His legacy of keeping Nigeria united and indivisible will forever be appreciated by generations of his compatriots and lovers of our great country,” he said.
“The general has kept faith in the Nigerian project, heartily deploying the power of prayers to back the efforts of his successors in nation-building through his ‘Nigeria Prays’ mission.
“I wish His Excellency a happy birthday, happy returns of the day and many more years in good health.
”
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NewsSourceCredit: NAN
President Muhammadu Buhari is currently presiding over the 3rd Ministerial Performance Review Retreat with the Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, former President of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, Senate President Ahmad Lawan and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila in attendance.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that others in attendance of the retreat are the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari and cabinet Ministers.
Service and security chiefs, Permanent Secretaries and top government functionaries are also attending the retreat.
NAN reports the candidate of the All Progressives Congress ((APC), Bola Tinubu and other presidential aides also attended the opening ceremony of the event.
Kenyatta, is expected to present a keynote address as participants are expected to deliberate on the overview of the third year scorecard and summary of performance during the retreat.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
The President of the Senate, Alhaji Ahmad Lawan, says the National Assembly will pass the 2023 Appropriation Bill of N20.5 trillion before the end of December.
He made this known on Tuesday in Abuja at a reception organised to celebrate the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON) bestowed on him by President Muhamadu Buhari.
The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that Buhari on Friday presented the 2023 budget before a joint session of the National Assembly.
The budget is tagged “Budget of Fiscal Sustainability and Transition”.
Lawan, in a speech at the reception, said that the Senate would begin debate on the bill on Wednesday.
“Tomorrow, we will start the debate on the 2023 appropriation bill.
Like we did for the three previous sessions, we are going to pass it before the end of December.
“We are purposeful and we are focused.
It’s not for nothing that the presidency decided to honour 12 of us.
“They know our contribution to not only the administration of good governance, but also stability of the polity.
“I strongly believe that the national assembly of today has provided so much inputs into political stability in Nigeria.
The records are there.
“People can look at what we have done and also those things that we didn’t do.
I believe that our colleagues in the 9th senate worked so hard.
”
On the number of female senators, the senate president said: “We don’t know why the number is small but they have capacity.
These are very experienced legislators.
“We wish to see more female legislators.
That’s only logical,” he said.
On the national honour, Lawan said that it was a special day for the National Assembly.
“The number of recipients from the Senate this time is the highest.
Every senator deserves the award.
”
He said that his fellow colleagues were his good friends who ensured that the productivity in the senate rose.
“We judiciously agreed that anything that will be good for Nigerians must be done.
“By the time we are leaving in 2023, we will leave with our heads high.
”
In a goodwill message, the Senate Leader, Ibrahim Gobir, hailed the senate president on the receipt of the award.
He said that Lawan had proven that he was a role model to many.
“You have done quite a lot.
The Senate will continue to remember you forever for what you have done.
”
On his part, Sen. George Sekibo (PDP-Rivers), while showering praises on Lawan declared: “If there is anything higher than this, you merit it.
“Since 1999, you have worked tirelessly.
You are one of my mentors who is committed to service and loyalty.
“If anyone will claim success in this administration, it is you.
The honour fits you.
There are many opportunities, keep up the good work,” Sekibo said.
Sen. Sani Musa, Chairman, Senate Committee on Services, who was honoured with the Commander of Order of Niger (CON), said that the honour came at the right time under the tutelage of the senate president.
“The senate president has taught us to be dedicated to the job.
I owe this award to him.
“The award will spur us to do more,” Musa said.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
President Muhammadu Buhari will on Friday present the 2023 budget estimates to the joint session of the National Assembly by 10 am.
This is contained in a letter Buhari write to the President of Senate, Dr Ahmad Lawan and read at plenary on Tuesday.
Lawan said the venue for presentation of the 2023 budget estimates by Buhari would be at the temporary chamber of the House of Representatives.
According to him, arrangements would be made to accommodate all the senators, adding that senators would proceed to the venue in procession .
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed said the federal government was proposing an aggregate expenditure of N19.76 trillion for the 2023 fiscal year.
The minister who made this known at the 2023-2025 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper interaction with the House of Representatives Committee on Finance, however said she may not be able to make provision for treasury funded capital projects in the 2023 fiscal year.
NAN reports that Ahmed also said the budget deficit for the 2023 fiscal year may be between N11.30 trillion and N12.41 trillion, depending on the choice that would be made by the federal government on the issue of fuel subsidy payment.
She stated that the federal government was projecting total revenue of N8.46 trillion, out of which N1.9 trillion was expected to come from oil-related sources while the balance would come from non-oil sources.
Ahmed explained that the benchmark crude oil price was pegged at 70 dollars per barrel and at an exchange rate of N435.57 to a dollar, oil production was put at 1.69 million barrel per day, real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth was projected at 3.7 per cent while inflation was put at 17.16 per cent in the MTEF.
She said petrol subsidy would remain up to mid-2023, based on the 18-month extension announced early 2021, in which case only N3.36 trillion would be provided for it in next financial year.
The minister also pointed out that Nigeria has been able to consistently without defaulting, service her debt, adding that the country does not have any projections even in the near future, to fail in its debt obligation.
Speaking further, Ahmed said although the amount currently used to service the country’s debt had overshot what was appropriated for in the budget, measures have been put in place to manage the situation.
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NewsSourceCredit: NAN
Prominent Nigerians, including Islamic scholars, on Saturday gathered at the Ansar-Ud-Deen Central Mosque, Abuja, for Fidau (third-day) prayers for late Zainab Ali, mother of the FCT Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that some of the dignitaries and Islamic scholars that attended the Fidau included the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, represented by Galadiman Sokoto, Alhaji Aliyu Attahiru; the Ohinoyi of Ebira Land, His Royal Majesty, Alhaji AbdulRahman Ibrahim; and the Sarkin Moza Kogi, Alhaji Khalid Bukar.
Others were Dr Usman Obaje, Ejeh Dekina, Kogi; Alhaji Ali Salihu, who represented Ohi of Adavi.
The Chief Imam of the Mosque, Dr Musa Olaofe, who stressed that the deceased had played her part as a true Muslim while on earth, called on the living to pray for her.
Earlier, ahead of the third day prayers, the President of the Senate, Sen. Ahmad Lawan, extolled the moral values the deceased has bequeathed upon her children.
While describing the FCT minister of state as a steadfast and committed politician who has contributed to the development of the downtrodden, Lawan noted that all the good qualities exhibited by the minister are inherent.
“We share in the grief over the loss of your mother who is also our mother.
We have been working together even before you became the FCT Minister of State.
“And we have always found you to be steadfast, to be committed, to be truthful, to be transparent, to be considerate and responsible.
“We cherish this kind of attitude.
In everything, you are so good.
Therefore, we hold you in very high esteem, and your family.
“We felt we should come here and deliver our condolences on behalf of all of us, 109 senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and indeed I can say even the entire House of Assembly, including the House of Representatives.
May the soul of mama rest in perfect peace”.
Other dignitaries that attended the prayers included Alhaji Suleiman Muhammad, the Ogah Attah Igala Kingdom, Dr Abdulkareem Ibrahim, Chief of Ebira in FCT, Alhaji Ahmed Talib and Alhaji Isa Mamman, the Ohi of Okene.
Also present at the prayer were Alhaji Usman Ngakupi, Sarkin Garki, and Alhaji Ibrahim Adebayo Yusuf, Deputy President Ansar-UD-Deen Society.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has released a 422-member Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) ahead of the commencement of the party’s 2023 presidential campaign to be headed by President Muhammadu Buhari.
According to the list of members of the council released in Abuja on Saturday,
Sen. Bola Tinubu, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate and Abdullahi Adamu, its National chairman, are to serve as deputy chairmen of the council .
Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau is the Director General with James Faleke as secretary of the council.
Sen. Kashim Shettima, the party’s Vice-Presidential candidate is the vice chairman of the council and Adams Oshiomhole, former APC National Chairman is the deputy director-general (Operations) while Hadiza usman is the deputy director-general (Admin).
The 422-man campaign council has Gov. Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi and Chairman Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), as Vce Chairman and state Coordinator.
Godswill Akpabio, former Akwa-Ibom Governor, is vice chairmen (South-South and Uju Kennedy, the former female APC presidential aspirant is vice chairman South-East.
Gov. Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa is the Regional Co-ordinator and Chairman for North and his state, Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi, regional co-ordinator South and Ebonyi; Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River is regional director South-south and Ebonyi.
Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu is zonal co-ordinator for South-West and Ondo State; Gov. Abubakar Sani Bello is the zonal co-ordinator for North-central and his state.
Gov. Muhammed Yahaha is zonal co-ordinator for the North-East and Gombe and Gov. Bello Matawalle is the zonal co-ordinator for the North-West and Zamfara.
The list showed that all APC governors are co-ordinators of the presidential council in their respective states and where there was no sitting governors of the party, its governorship candidates were the co-ordinators.
Others appointed were Gov. Yahaha Bello of Kogi as National Youth Co-ordinator, Felix Nicholas, Deputy National Youth Co-ordinator; Festus Keyamo, spokesperson, Chris Tarka, deputy secretary, Gov. Kayode Fayemi is the Co-ordinator for Ekiti State and Adviser Foreign Affairs.
Senate President Ahmad Lawan is made Senior Adviser on strategic planning, Femi Gbajabiamila, Adviser on Legal Matters, Aliyu Wamako, former Sokoto State Governor, Adviser on Special Duties.
Rotimi Amaechi, is adviser on infrastructure; Ibikunle Amosun, adviser on contacts and mobilisation; Dele Alake, Adviser on Media, Communications and Public Affairs.
Others are Abdullahi Ganduje, adviser politcal affairs and Kano coordinator; Nasir El-rufai, coordinator, Kaduna State and senior adviser, policy, strategy and enforcement and Abdulrahaman Danbazzau adviser, strategic engagement.
Faleke, Secretary to the council, advised all nominees to pick their appointment letters on Monday at the APC presidential campaign office.
The PCC with its many directorates would be inaugurated on Sept. 26 at the Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Office in Abuja
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
The Senate will screen the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN),Justice Olukayode Ariwoola on Sept 21.
President of Senate,Dr Ahmad Lawan made the disclosure, while delivering his opening remark at the resumption of plenary on Wednesday.
Lawan also said Senate would receive the 2023 budget estimates from President Muhammadu Bihari in Oct.
“Distinguished Colleagues in the next three months our focus will largely be on the confirmation of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, work on Medium Term Expenditure Framework Fiscal Strategic Paper 2023 – 2025, Budget 2023, working to support our defense and security forces, amongst others.
” The Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria will be screened on Wednesday.
“Also, we are expecting Mr President Commander – in – Chief of the Armed Forces to present the Budget estimates in the first week of October.
”
He commended the sense of duty and patriotism of lawmakers for engaging with MDAs,while the senate was on recess.
” In the last three years, we are prepared to make the remaining period very productive and successful.
“No doubt that, the Ninth Senate has performed creditably and will end very well.
“We scored so many feats and broke many jinxes through various legislative interventions,i must commend all of us for the commitment, dedication and patriotism and sense of duty.
”
He said the engagement of Senate on the security situation before the recess had resulted in an improvements in the security situation in the country.
“Distinguished colleagues, just before we embarked on our recess the Senate showed serious concerns on the Security situation in the country.
” We had intimate discussions on the security challenges across the country.
Consequently, the Leadership of the senate had two engagements with the Office of the National Security Adviser, Chief of Defense Staff, Service Chiefs, Inspector General of Police.
” The Director-General of Department of State Services, Director General of Nigerian Intelligence Agency and other heads of other security agencies to ensure that our defense and Security Agencies improve on their operational strategies to secure citizens and indeed our country.
“From the assessment of the prevailing situation our security agencies are recording more successes and the situation seems to be improving.
”
He said Senate would continue to engage with the defence and security agencies through its appropriate committees, to ensure that the engagements are sustained.
” I commend our defence and security agencies for stepping up their operations.
“The Senate and indeed the National Assembly have always been supportive and will remain so.
”
Lawan said the Senate, indeed the National Assembly would work with Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a successful, transparent and credible elections.
“We are ready to support INEC in all possible ways as a Legislature.
” Already the timely amendment of the Electoral Act 2022 has provided very important innovations in ensuring better electoral climate.
” The Economy of our country is still challenged, Senate working with the House of Representatives, Executive needs to continually seek for better responses to the economic situation.
”
He also said efforts must be intensified to ensure that everything was done to curtail crude oil theft in the oil and gas sector,s.
According to him, the next nine months, attention should be to bring improvement to the current situations in the country.
“This Senate is a senate that will continue to work for all Nigerians at all times,”Lawan said.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Ariwoola was sworn in as the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) on June 27 after the sudden resignation of Justice Ibrahim Muhammad as the head of the nation’s judiciary.
Justice Muhammad was said to have resigned his appointment as the head of the nation’s judiciary on health grounds.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
