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Mr. Oluwale Oke, one of the contenders, who hails from Oriade in Osun State, broke the news on a surprise visit to the Speaker at her Gwarimpa residence in Abuja.
The leadership of the opposition, All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) insists that the Speaker must resign or be removed given the damning report submitted by the David Idoko committee which investigated the allegations that she breached due process in the award of the contracts.
Newsmen reported that she might be indicted by the House Committee, and consequently be removed. The reports listed the aspirants as Dave Salako (Ogun), Dimeji Bankole (Ogun), Kayode Amosun (Ogun), Alaba Ojomo (Ondo), Oluwale Oke (from the Speaker’s state of Osun), Leo Awoyemi and Festus Adegoke (Oyo).
A member of the House present at the meeting who craved anonymity confirmed that the meeting which started at about 5.00 pm on Sunday lasted hours, and that the discussions were candid and fruitful.
The Speaker was informed that the South-West lawmakers have realised that the Speaker and her deputy were being blackmailed by some over-ambitious people in the House. The issue of contract was just a red herring to achieve their selfish agenda, and the South-West lawmakers will not be dragged into unjust mudslinging and character assassination.
The Majority Leader of the House, Mr Tunde Akogun, in a statement, advised the Speaker’s opponents to show restraint in order not to jeopardise the legislative functions of the House.
He observed that it was shocking that any group of lawmakers could contemplate stalling the most important annual legislation (Appropriation Bill) and hold the entire national economy to ransom without considering the impact of such action on the people they are elected to serve.
However, following reported moves by Mrs. Etteh to mobilise support of members to stave off any attempt to remove her from office, the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) is rallying its over 60 members to impeach her if she fails to resign.
This is coming as the leadership of the House called for restraint on the part of its members bent on seeing the exit of the Speaker.
The ANPP believes that her continued stay in office rubbished the much-touted transparency and anti corruption posture of the Federal Government under President Umaru Yar’Adua.
According the ANPP’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Ekeukwu, our members must abide by what the government is working towards, that is zero tolerance of corruption and it is acceptable to the entire citizenry of Nigeria.
This war is supposed to be fought by the entire Nigerians. It is not supposed to be fought by the president alone. Every Nigerian is supposed to develop the attitude of zero tolerance to corruption and, therefore, the House itself, after the Executive and the Judiciary, is supposed to set the example that others should emulate.
On Monday the ANPP spokesman in an interview with newsmen said since the policy of this government was zero tolerance to corruption, if Mrs. Etteh has been indicted she should either step aside or be impeached as her continued stay in office would harm the government’s fight against corruption.
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Nigeria celebrates 47th independence anniversary
It is the 47th year of Independence in Nigeria; President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua has declared that within just four months in office, his administration has taken some initiatives to build a steady future for Nigerians.
In a broadcast to the nation to mark the 47th Independence anniversary, the President also restated his administration's commitment to justice, equity and the rule of law and pledged to ensure equity in developmental programmes.
Senator David Mark, the Senate President, in his message on the anniversary, pledged that the National Assembly would be committed to enacting legislations that would benefit the Nigerian people.
The President said his administration had begun the process of rebuilding basic infrastructure. "The energy challenge will be met in a holistic manner. We shall be guided by our national consensus for democratic governance and strengthening our democratic institutions, structures and processes. We shall in particular ensure that our electoral process is of the highest quality and meets international best practice.
Today brings another opportunity for us to reflect on our yesterday and ponder over our course for a better tomorrow. We must resolve to work together to reinstate our cherished values of diligence, honesty, decency, transparency, selflessness and accountability in our polity. I made a covenant with you while soliciting for your votes that I will work towards these goals as your servant-leader.
The President also felicitated with his Muslim brothers and sisters who are observing the holy month of Ramadan fast.
This year’s anniversary has auspiciously come during the holy month of Ramadan when millions of our Muslim brothers and sisters are observing the month long fast. I extend to them, fraternal good wishes and solidarity on behalf of all Nigerian irrespective of creed.
Nigeria has successfully transited from one civilian administration to another and everybody applauds, that democracy remains, not just the option but the best form of Government in which everybody is a participant.
“We cannot as a people do less but remain united under a Government that promises unity, peace, progress, equity, justice and prosperity guided by the principle of the rule of law.
The new National Assembly has promised and is determined to be people oriented. We shall do only those things that would have positive impact on the ordinary man. We shall collaborate and co-operate with the Executive arm of Government in the pursuit of economic policies that will bring our nation out of economic doldrums.
Nigeria has come of age and there is no turning back, we can only forge ahead positively as a people. We must realise our dream country. We must rise to fulfill our mission and vision. We must rise to fulfill our dreams.
Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Deputy Senate President, urged Nigerians to use the occasion to rededicate themselves to the course of building a more virile democracy that is based on the rule of law.
In the message issued on his behalf by Mr. Paul Odenyi, his Special Adviser (Media), he said that the eight-year democracy has shown that it was the best for of government.
According to him, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua should be given the support of all Nigerians in his determination to enthrone the rule of law which he said represented the collective will of the people.
To achieve the vision of our forefather who battled to ensure our freedom, may I enjoin you to recommit your self to the next battle of achieving prosperity for our fatherland.
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No plans to interfere in the judicial process says Yar’Adua
Former governors indicted of corruption by the Economic and Financial Crimes Com-mission (EFCC) will have to squarely face the law, as the Presidency has no plans to interfere in the judicial process, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua said.
In an interview with newsmen in New York, United States, where he is attending the United Nations General Assembly meeting for the first time, Yar’Adua restated that he was committed to allow justice run its course in the case of former governors accused of looting the treasury.
On efforts to tackle corruption, Yar’Adua said his administration had strengthened the anti-corruption agencies in addition to emphasising respect for the rule of law. The president said the fiscal responsibility law and the public procurement act were passed into law within his first 100 days in office, in line with his commitment to the anti-corruption war.
Asked to comment on the indictment of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Olubunmi Etteh by a panel set up to investigate corruption allegations against her, the President said he would respect the independence of the legislative arm of government. “One stand I have taken is to respect the absolute independence of the judiciary and legislature.
Since I took office in May, I have never interfered in the judiciary. The House of Representatives will take steps according to the law.”
Yar’Adua painted a positive picture of the Niger Delta, stating that kidnapping of oil workers had drastically reduced owing to measures initiated since he assumed office. “This relative security has seen the rise in oil production to about 400,000 barrels per day.
Yar’Adua said his government’s foreign policy goals would revolve around promoting peace in troubled African countries. “Nigeria will strongly support the African Union (AU) which has our military as the largest contingent. African Heads of State are also making efforts to convince Darfur rebels to return to the negotiating table.
The President restated the need for the expansion of the Security Council to include an African State.
Jendayi Frazer, the United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Department of State, on Thursday pointed out that countries applying to become members of the Council must meet certain criteria such as being fully democratic, responsible and stable. In response to that, Yar’adua said electoral reforms in any country including Nigeria are not magical.
He said Nigeria was undergoing such reforms for the first time in the nation’s history, adding that the pace is “appreciable.” On a lighter mood, the President asked why Nigeria was usually called upon to take up peace-keeping responsibilities but given excuses when it concerns representation at the Council.”
Perhaps, in line with his resolve not to protect corrupt ex-governors, The Federal Government on Thursday seized some identified properties of the former governor of Enugu State, Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani.
Among the properties confiscated were Rainbownet Telecommunications Limited, Cosmo FM Station, Capital Autos and Renaissance Hospital, all located in Enugu. Other investments located in Nnamani’s village, Agbani, included Renaissance University, Mea Mater College and those which could not be identified as at the time of filing this report, according to sources, will soon be confiscated.
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Pressure on Etteh to resign, as House goes on recess
On Thursday Mrs. Patricia Etteh, Speaker of the House of Representatives, contrary to reports, she was not indicted in any way by the report of the House Panel that investigated the N628 million .........
controversial contracts for the renovation of her official residence, her deputy’s and for the purchase of official vehicles.
She has already set in motion a machinery to save her job even as calls mounted for her to throw in the towel.
Mrs. Etteh in her first public reaction to the verdict of “Due Process not followed” handed down by the panel said she remained guiltless until otherwise stated by the House.
However, newsmen gathered that the Speaker had decided to raise a strong lobby team to safe the support of at least 240 members of the 360 in the House to provide her the necessary cushion against impeachment.
The strategy is for her to personally reach out to individual members and through their political leaders to convince them to abandon any plan on impeachment should the issue come up when the House resumes in two weeks.
Her advisers are positive that the alcove would provide enough time for frayed nerves over the report to cool down and enable the Speaker secure the necessary support.
Some members rooting for her resignation includes the former chairman of the House Committee on Media and Publicity, Abike Dabiri; Patrick Obahiagbon and Samson Osagie, both representing Edo State.
Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr. Adeyemi Ikuforiji advised Mrs. Etteh to resign immediately. Ikuforiji told reporters in Ikeja that the Speaker should quit honorably now to save the integrity of the House rather than wait for the members to start debate on the report which may culminate in her impeachment when the House resumes in two weeks time.
The opposition Action Congress (AC) asked Mrs. Etteh to immediately step down from her high office to conserve whatever is left of her integrity and that of the office of the Speaker.
In a statement issued in Abuja, National Publicity Secretary of the AC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said every extra day the Speaker spends in office, following the report that due process was not followed in the award of the huge contracts to unregistered companies, would further dent the image of the House in the eye of the public.
The AC said the technicality of whether or not the nine-member panel mentioned indictment in the report or recommended any sanction against the House leadership was immaterial and should not be used by the Speaker and her supporters to continue to portray Nigeria as an unserious country in the comity of nations.
The House of Representatives adjourned its plenary session till October 16 amidst protests by some members.
Speaker Etteh said the adjournment was to enable the House standing committees liaise with pertinent House committees on preparations for the 2008 budget.
Etteh said suspension of the plenary was not a vacation as being viewed by some members, stressing that committees’ activities would continue.
However, the AC Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila, drew the Speaker’s attention to Section 36 of the constitution that makes it compulsory for the House to sit for a minimum of 181 days in a legislative year.
Gbajabiamila said the two-week adjournment would make it difficult for the House to meet the constitutional requirement.
According to him, the House has only sat for 33 days since its inauguration on June.
She said laws were made for all members and, therefore, directed the House Leader, Tunde Akogun, to move a motion for the adjournment.
In a chat with newsmen after the session, Gbajabiamila said the adjournment was the continuation of desecration of the House Rules and the Constitution by the Speaker. He said he was satisfied that it was on record that attention of the House had been drawn to the imminent breach of the constitution
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National Assembly holds valedictory session for Enwerem
In honour of the former Senate President, Chief Evan Enwerem the National Assembly on Thursday held a valedictory session. The body of late Chief Enwerem laid in state for Members of the National Assembly to pay their last respect to the first President of Senate in the Fourth Republic.
The Senate on Wednesday vacated the impeachment of the late Evans Enwerem .
It also resolved to sit in a joint session with the House of Representatives at a valedictory session in memory of Senator Enwerem during which his body will lie-in-state in the National Assembly complex.
Teslim Folarin, the Senate Majority Leader, who presented the motion, contended that the motion became vital in view of the need for the Senate to not only partake in the burial ceremony of Enwerem but also pay him all due respect.
The Act that provides for the remuneration of former Presidents, Vice Presidents, Senate Presidents and Speakers of House of Representatives bars all impeached officers from benefiting from this entitlement.
But Jubril Aminu, in a counter-motion, asked the Senate to tread with care in vacating the impeachment, pointing out that it could amount to setting a dangerous precedent.
He said it was important that the reasons for the impeachment of Enwerem be determined first before a decision could be taken on reversing it. The procedure of his removal was contentious at that time. And now, we are about to set a precedent today. We are talking about vacating the impeachment of Enwerem, because it was not based on any criminal act, that it was based on internal politics. On Friday, we would have similar agitations to vacate an impeachment of somebody who was removed on grounds of criminal offences. I think it is better to just honour him and forget about this issue of reversing the impeachment. We should just allow sleeping dogs lie.
Kanti Bello, Senate Chief Whip, who seconded the counter-motion, stated that there was no provision in the Constitution to support the idea of vacating an impeachment.
Victor Ndoma Egba (SAN), Senate Deputy Majority Leader, quickly rose in defence of Enwerem explaining that the Senate had all the powers to vacate its resolution, pointing out that a precedent had already been set by the Senate when it reversed the indefinite suspension it earlier placed on Senator Arthur Nzeribe.
According to Ndoma-Egba, there was no dispute about the fact that Enwerem was in the Senate as its president.
Senate President, David Mark, waded into the debate to explain that Enwerem was never impeached on criminal grounds.
In the heat of the controversy, Enwerem's former image-maker and Chief Press Secretary who is now a senator, Osita Izunaso (Imo State), tried to pick holes in the impeachment of his late boss, saying that the Senate had even adjourned for lack of quorum before some senators staged a coup against Enwerem.
This attracted sudden reactions from some ranking senators like Nuhu Aliyu who felt that what was said was not the correct position.
Mark saved the day by cutting short the debate to put the question on whether the impeachment should be set aside. There was an overwhelming positive response and the motion was carried.
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Yar’Adua calls for Attitudinal Change on the part of politicians
On the part of politicians in the country, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua has called for attitudinal change, challenging them to conduct themselves in a manner that depicts a clean break from the past.
Yar’Adua who spoke with newsmen at the “Nigeria Meets the World” summit in New York, United States, practically re-defined the notion of leadership and politics in Nigeria in line with his Servant-Leader mantra.
Dr. Walter Carrington, former US Ambassador to Nigeria, speaking earlier at a breakout session on “Ensuring Electoral and Democratic Reforms,” urged political office holders in Nigeria to let their devotion lie with the electorate rather than their party, as a way of cleaning up the electoral and democratic process in Nigeria.
The President said there was a need for change of attitude by the political class in order to engineer a new political process, build a solid social foundation and reposition Nigeria for leadership in Africa and on the world stage.
He added that central to this attitudinal change is the notion of leadership. If you are elected to a political office, it provides the opportunity to become a leader, you have a clear responsibility and the way you handle it will determine whether or not you are a leader. If you abuse your office in any form, you will not deserve to be called a leader at the end of your tenure.
Yar’Adua told a packed audience comprising international investors, the diplomatic corps, bankers, business men, energy experts and others from all works of life that his government was setting up the legislative framework and the essential regulations to modify a system which hitherto celebrated corrupt and uncommitted public servants and politicians.
The absence of sanctions, he noted, aids and abates a corrupt system coupled with the breakdown of rules and regulations.
To achieve stability without which development would not take place, the President emphasised that public officers would have to “play vital roles and make a serving leadership.
Yar’Adua spoke softly, slowly and made no facial expressions when he observed that Nigeria would have to make hard but necessary steps to reform the system.
These reforms would set Nigeria on the part of economic growth, to be able to meet our needs and that of our future generation and to reposition and provide leadership for the African Continent in general.
The President whose speech was constantly punctuated by rounds of applause assured investors that Nigeria would work at providing a conducive environment for business saying the time had come for them to take hold of opportunities that abound in the nation.
He harped on private sector engagement in the economy; peace and security in the Niger Delta and critical infrastructure needed to enable the country make a quantum leap from an underdeveloped to a developed economy.
Yar’Adua noted that the aid policies of the developed world had been useful to Africa.
He however emphasized that Africans needed to be empowered to fight poverty and diseases by themselves, thereby liberating the continent from the shackles of backwardness.
He commended newsmen for organising the summit and thanked stakeholders for their contributions which he said would plan a road map for his administration.
The President said he was confident that Nigerians had reached a consensus on the way forward in Nigeria.
He added that his administration was taking steps to achieve the above with a vision of making Nigeria one of the top 20 economies by 2020.
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NUJ solicits the support of FRCN
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has solicited the support of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, to ensure the success of the inaugural meeting of the conference of African Journalists Unions in Abuja later in the year.
The National Chairman of the NUJ Mr. Ndagana Akwu, made the plea when he led officials of the Union on a courtesy visit to the FRCN Director General, Mr. Ben Egbuna in Abuja.
Mr Ndagana Akwu thanked the FRCN for the support given to the Union so far in the pursuance of their cause.
Mr. Akwu said the conference offered an opportunity to showcase the good image of the Country.
Responding, the Director General of the FRCN, Mr. Ben Egbuna said the Corporation would partner with the Union for a smooth conduct of the conference.
Mr. Egbuna also said the FRCN would assist in the efforts to establish a secretariat for African Jounrnalists Union in Nigeria.
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Yar’Adua calls for support from international community on climate change
The international community has been called upon to increase financial and technological support to African countries to manage the challenges of climate change.
The call was made by President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua at the interactive debate on climate change at the United Nations (UN) headquarters, New York; Yar'Adua said that the international community needed to treat Africa.
He hinted that next month in Abuja, Nigeria would host the preparatory meeting of the African Group of Negotiations under the United Nations Framework on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocols to ensure the effectual co-ordination and harmonisation of the continent's situations before the Bali Conference on Climate Change.
According to Yar’Adua, Africa contributes the least to global warming but the region is the most susceptible and most unfavorably affected by climate change; and because African countries lack the ability and economic resources to adapt to climate change, the international community needs to treat the continent as a special case.
There is a vital need to intensify monetary support, transfer of suitable and affordable technology and capacity building to help African countries in meeting with the challenges of climate change. As we approach the conference in Bali, we in Africa will like to pressure the need to be operational, as soon as possible, the Special Climate Change and Adaptation Funds to assist developing countries.
Yar'Adua also told the global assembly that with its high inhabitants, Nigeria was very susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change, saying that the combined effects of desertification and soil erosion had an ongoing negative effect on agricultural production and the country's biodiversity.
He added that the trend had also affected the ability of Nigeria and other African countries to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MPGs), and have also been a major causative factor to some variances on the continent.
The President also called for greater global support for the African Union's Green Wall Sahara Initiative, which was launched in Abuja last year to check desert infringement.
He stated Nigeria's full commitment to the implementation of the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) environmental initiative for the control of erosion, flooding and coastal management.
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Etteh: My certificates not fake, detractors on campaign of calumny
Hon. Patricia Etteh, Speaker of the House of Representatives, has suspected that some members of the House have embarked on a campaign of calumny against her over academic qualifications.
She said some members had started peddling rumour that she submitted faked certificates of her educational qualifications.
Every Nigerian knows that I attended Ayedaade Grammar School, Ikire in Osun State and that I am a professional beautician. I have a Diploma in Law and my B.Sc Political Science degree from the University of Abuja.
She said, “My certificates are available for all to see. I have nothing to hide and I seek the communal protection of Nigerians from this group of men and women who would stop at nothing to pull me down, because they think the new members of the House do not deserve committee chairmanship”.
Is it a sin to want to rise above poverty, work hard and be determined to have a first degree at age 54? I have struggled hard to come this far and if I have fake or forged documents, would I have been allowed to contest in Alliance for Democracy? Would I have enjoyed the support of the likes of our respected late leader, Chief Bola Ige?
In a statement issued by her Special Adviser on Media, Mrs. Funke Egbemode, Etteh said it was "pertinent to quickly clear the air before they start another orgy of lies, rumours and character assassination.”
She further said it is obvious that those who started the contract scam stories have run out of ideas and in their desperation, are grabbing at straws like drowning men. Because the committees which they thought belonged to them by right have been inaugurated and commenced work, their loss has finally hit them right in between the eyes.
Following the amazing revelations at the public hearing on the N629 million controversial contract, management of the National Assembly has turned its searchlight on its staff.
In a recent circular, NAS/30/vol1/t, the management accused some of its staff of planting stories to maliciously tarnish the hard earned reputations and images of some public office holders for no discernible cause.
Meanwhile, facts emerged as to how the Speaker opposed the idea of giving advance payment to contractors awarded the controversial N529 million contracts for the renovation of her official residence and that of her deputy, Babangida Nguroje.
State Co Nigeria Limited which was awarded the N238 million contract for the renovation of Etteh’s official residence was paid the sum of N59.7 million, guaranteed by a bond for a value of N181,000 million from Fidelity Bank Plc.
Newsmen learnt that at a meeting of the Body of Principal Officers of the House held on July 12, 2007 on the contract, the Speaker initially opposed the advance payment and sought clarification from the Director of Legal Services of the National Assembly as to the propriety of the procedure.
Etteh sought clarification on the issue after Alhaji Nasir Arab, the Clerk of the National Assembly, told the Body of the Principal Officers that State Co would be paid 25 per cent of the contract sum on commencement of the job while additional payment shall be effected upon certification of stage of execution by the Department of Estate and Works.
According to the minutes of the meeting, at this juncture, the Chairman sought clarification from the Director of Legal Services as to the propriety or otherwise of the procedure being adopted especially in respect of advance payment, etc, to which he answered in the affirmative.
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National Assembly Management responsible for contract says Etteh
Mrs. Patricia Olubunmi Etteh, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, told the nine-man panel set up to probe the renovation of her official residence and that of Hon. Babangida Nguroje, her deputy, that she was misled by the management of the National Assembly.
Her testimony is coming just as Alhaji Mansur Sadauki Jarkasa, the Secretary to the Tenders Board and Deputy Director of Planning and Legislative Budgeting contradicted the Clerk of the National Assembly, Alhaji Nasiru Arab that the tenders for the contracts were never advertised on the notice boards of the National Assembly Complex.
Etteh, who appeared with the other principal officers of the House, said rather than being vilified by those she described as mischief makers, she and the other principal officers of the House should be commended for saving the National Assembly N244m by rejecting the accommodation provided for them at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
She insisted that the procedure adopted for the award of the contracts was not different from the one that had been in place in the National Assembly and challenged anybody to prove the contrary. She also said that she was not the person who convened the meeting of the Body of Principal Officers, where the contracts were awarded, declaring that it was the Secretary of the Tenders Board that served the notice of the meeting.
According to her nobody has challenged me that I put government money in my pocket. Or that I exaggerated the figure given by the clerk for the renovation. To the best of my knowledge, due process was followed as claimed by the management. I have no regret because one day the truth will come out not withstanding what the media has been fed with.
With regard to the vehicles proposed for her office and the principal officers, she explained that the vehicles were neither supplied nor paid for.
Etteh said she had not been issued official car since she was elected Speaker of the House. She said cars used by her predecessor were still packed at the mechanics shop with broken windscreens, causing her to use her private vehicles for official assignments.
In his testimony, Jarkasa explained that the management did not follow due process. The meeting approved the contract and I did not know how they arrived at the figures. The documents came on the 11th of July through the Speaker via the Clerk.
He asked me to arrange for a meeting for the next day. The contract was not advertised by management. There was selective tendering from above. I won’t be surprised if the company’s are not registered or not reputable but it was the Legal Department that was supposed to do the search. Yes some sections of due process were violated.
But when reminded that he may have violated section 58 paragraph 4 of the Public Procurement law which carries a jail term of 5 years for negligence.
Other principal officers who testified before the panel included Minority Leader Mohammed Ali Ndume, Deputy Minority Leader Abdurahman Kawu and Minority Whip Femi Gbajabiamila.
They all stated that they were not invited to the meeting of the Body of Principal Officers where the decision on the contracts was taken.
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FAAC distributes money to the three tiers of government
The Federation Accounts Allocation Committee, FAAC has distributed over three hundred and seven point eight-two billion naira for the month of August to the three tiers of government.
The Federal Government got over seventy three point two-two billion naira while the local; government councils received fifty- six point four-five billion naira.
The total available revenue for distribution form Value Added Tax, VAT is over twenty-two point ten billion naira of this amount; Federal Government got fifteen percent, state governments fifty percent while local government councils received thirty –five percent.
In a keynote address, the Minister of state for Finance, Mr. Remi Babalola called on State Assemblies that are yet to enact their respective fiscal responsibility bills into laws to do so without further delay.
Mr. Babalola also called on state and local governments as well as Financial Institutions not to carry out any lending transactions without approval of the Debt Management office.
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The House falls apart
Some members of the House of Representatives threw decorum to the winds and engaged in a free-for-all fight at the panel investigating misconduct against its Speaker, Mrs. Patricia Olubunmi Etteh and her deputy, Babangida Nguroje. allegations of financial
It all started when the Speaker was asked to take the witness stand to take the oath for her appearance before the panel.
The speaker had arrived the venue of the panel’s sitting at precisely 10 am along with some principal officers of the House including Chief Whip, Hon. Bethel Amadi, his deputy, Alhaji Aminu Bello Tambwal, and others, while the members of the panel came in few minutes later.
Etteh and some of the principal officers sat on the left side of the panel facing the high table while the panel members discussed in quiet tones over how the Speaker would give evidence before them.
But no sooner had the Chairman of the panel, Hon. David Idoko, invited the Speaker to the witness seat, some members of the anti-Etteh group including Hon. Emmanuel Jime, former Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly who were all seated behind the panel, started casting aspersions at the Speaker.
This resulted in a commotion and exchange of blows between Melaye and Jime.
As the two fought each other, another anti-Etteh member, Mercy AlmonaIsei and the Speaker’s ally, Saudatu Sanni, also engaged each other in an exchange of hot words. The whole place erupted into violence with some members pulling chairs and others jumping on top of the panel’s table.
At this stage and as the situation was getting out of hand, a crowd of security personnel including the Speaker’s personal security, State Security Service (SSS) members and mobile policemen, piloted Etteh out of the venue to safety.
The Speaker almost fell down as the security men encircled her and pushed their way through to the front door of the hearing room where they ferried her to safety.
Idoko, who by this time had lost control of the place, announced to everybody on top of his voice that the panel would now sit in camera following the tumult.
The Speaker, moved straight to the chambers where she presided over the plenary session, which started at about 11.05am.
After members had taken their seats, Hon. Leo Ogo raised a motion of Urgent National Importance referring to Order 1 rule 7 of the House Standing Rules.
Ogo said members who were involved in the fisticuff during the panel’s sitting should be referred to the Ethics and Privileges Committee for appropriate disciplinary action.
Let me emphasise here that am not here to defend anybody. But am trying to make sure that the rule of law that we emphasise is followed to the letter. We always talk about due process and we that are singing this due process are the one violating due process.
Olaka Nwogu (PDP) from Rivers State said the chamber needed to exercise caution arguing that the House should work towards seeing how the panel probing the allegations could do a thorough job. Nwogu also noted that the image of the House was at stake and therefore members should wait for the outcome of the panel's exercise before drawing conclusions.
Austin Nwachukwu from Imo State said the chamber was at crossroads, wondering why the venue of the hearing should be turned into a boxing ring. He called on the House to disband the panel, stressing that some members had taken sides.
Tam Brisbe added that the matter should be taken to the Ethics and Privileges Committee for investigation. Mohammed Sani Abdul from Bauchi said the matter was a weighty one, pointing out that the group that chanted "Ole" did so because some people were hailing the Speaker at the panel. He said that there was no way the chamber could make any headway unless the members went into executive session so that they could ventilate their grievances on both sides. This was accepted and they House went into a closed session that lasted for about two hours.
Hon. Ali Ndume, the Minority Leader, of the House stated that it was a trying moment for the House. “We should not allow our sentiments to rule our head. It is unfortunate. I have been thinking. I want to align myself with Olaka. We should invite the chairman of the panel and he should tell us what to do. Let us be careful. We should make suggestions. I beg all of us and we should take this thing easy”.
But as the Speaker asked the chairman of the panel to address the House.
When Hon. Saada Saani from Jibbiya / Kaita Federal Constituency of Katsina State drew attention to what he called media reports on the N98 million body massaging machine request sent to the Speaker, which was turned down explaining that the news media did not reflect the statement by the Acting Clerk, Niyi Ajiboye.
After listening to the different positions, the Speaker asked that the gallery be cleared so that the House could go into an executive session.
Hon. Eziuche Ubani, Chairman House Committee on Media and Publicity, who spoke with newsmen after the executive session. The House noted that the issues were degenerating. We have resolved that the House should grant the panel unfettered enabling environment to work. This will ensure that they be seen to be working to get the truth.
We have therefore resolved that every group should suspend and cease press wars, interviews, and publications, which can jeopardise the sittings of the panel.
All pro and anti-Etteh nocturnal meetings should stop. Only members invited by the panel have business to be there.
Newsmen also gathered that the panel, which has overshot the initial two weeks given it for the assignment, has asked for six days more to enable it round up.
On the two members involved in the altercation at the panel sitting, Ubani said both Dino and Jime had apologised.
They apologised and expressed regrets and understood that they were putting the House in jeopardy. The earlier motion calling for their sanction by the Ethics and Privileges Committee has also been rescinded. The panel sought an extension and it was granted.
Chairman House Committee on Rules and Business, Hon. Ita Enang, confirmed that the House had backed down from taking the unruly members to the Ethics Committee saying “I moved the motion to rescind the move and it was seconded by Leo Ogo.
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Yar’Adua inaugurates National Council of Public Procurement
Finance Minister, Dr. Shamoosdeen Usman is to head the National Council of Public Procurement.
Also in the Council is the Acting Director General of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Mr. Eze, who will serve as the Secretary.
Other members include the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation as well as the Chief Economic Adviser to the President.
Mr. Olatoye Wahab Okunola is to represent the Nigeria Bar Association, while Mrs. Stella Okoli will represent Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce.
Similarly, Mr. Mustapha Bulama represents the Nigeria Society of engineers, Alhaji Auwal Ibrahim-Musa is the representative of the civil society, Mr. Samuel Bauson-Iyoyo will represent the Media, while Nigeria Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management will be Represented by Mr. Job Oyedijo.
The Council will be inaugurated on Thursday by President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. It was established by the Public Procurement Act during the last administration.
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EFCC Boss battles with AGF
The argument between the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) took the centre stage at the National Assembly on Wednesday.
The EFCC Chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has said the commission is answerable to the National Assembly. The EFCC Act 2004 mandates the commission to present its annual report to the National Assembly.
Ribadu spoke who at the inauguration of the Committee on Anti-Corruption, National Ethics and Values of the House of Representatives, said all agencies, not EFCC alone, that are involved in fighting corruption are answerable to the people and the Parliament is the representative of the people.
The AG, Chief Michael Aondoakaa (SAN), had in recent times insisted that the EFCC must take directives from his office in prosecution matters, but Ribadu said on Wednesday that because the National Assembly is the representatives of the people, the commission would obey its instructions.
The Senate placed on record the embarrassment which the face-off had caused the nation in the eye of the international community and urged President Yar’ Adua to intervene with a view to restoring cordiality in the relationship between the two parties.
It also directed two of its standing committees – Judiciary, Legal Matters and Human Rights as well as Drugs, Narcotics, Financial Crimes and Anti-Corruption committees to investigate the remote and immediate causes of the face-off and report to the Senate within two weeks.
Ribadu assured the committee that EFCC and other agencies set up to fight the war against corruption were ready to fight corruption, adding that the nation must be rid of corrupt practices.
The House Speaker, Mrs. Patricia Etteh, who was represented by Deputy Whip, Hon Aminu Tambwal urged the committee to work in consonance with EFCC, ICPC, Code of Conduct Bureau, Public Complaints Commission, the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiatives (NEITI) and the Police to fight corruption in the country in all its ramifications.
The Senate endorsed the call for the speedy prosecution of all persons against whom EFCC had established evidence of corrupt enrichment, no matter how highly placed.
Four prayers were contained in the motion, one of which was rejected by the Senate.
The prayer seeking vote of confidence in the chairman of EFCC "for living up to the expectations of Nigerians in the discharge of its duties" was rejected by the Senate in the light of the absence of relevant facts to justify such an action.
In the build-up to the debate, Senator Isiaka Adeleke (Osun State) had cited order 53 of Senate standing upon which he argued that the Senate was forbidden from debating an issue that was pending before the court.
But the Senate President, Senator David Mark, said he did not think anything should stop the Senate from discussing an issue that was already in the public domain and ruled him out of order, stating that the motion is to discourage corruption and encourage rule of law.”
Senator Joseph Akaageerger (Benue State) said the Senate ought to have invited Aondoakaa and Ribadu to hear from them before throwing up the issue for debate on the floor.
He said the root of the face-off is that the Attorney General was unhappy with the EFCC because it disobeyed a court order with regards the prosecution of the former governor of Abia State, Mr. Orji Kalu.
But Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe (from Abia State) countered Akaageerger, saying Kalu only got an ex-parte order with a short life-span of two weeks, stressing that what the AG should have done was to move to have the court order vacated rather than engage EFCC in open confrontation in the public domain.
Senator Smart Adeyemi said there had been lot of questionable court orders that had ridiculed the judiciary, and the Attorney General has allowed his personal interest to becloud his sense of justice in this case. EFCC should not be ridiculed in the name of fighting for rule of law.
The Attorney-General should be told that his duty is not to attack the EFCC on the pages of newspapers.
But supporting the motion, Senator Sani Yerima (Zamfara) said, “Nigerians are waiting for this administration, to see how it is going to address corruption.
We can say that the EFCC has its own problems. I don’t believe that if the EFCC chairman is having problems, I don’t believe that we should use that to condemn the works of the commission.’’
Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello (Ogun State) supported the motion saying, the credibility of all of us is at stake if we are not seen by the public to be fighting corruption.
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Yar’Adua to address the problems of Economic Growth and development
President Umaru Yar’Adua promises that his government would take necessary steps to deal with the problems of Economic Growth without development in the countrypointing out that economic growth could only be genuine and justifiable if it results in better living conditions of Nigerians.
Yar’Adua who said this while receiving a delegation of the Northern Union led by Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki, in his office, stated that his government is worried with how the Nigerian people live.
He noted that a lot of work had to be done. We must work to ensure that all Nigerians live above the poverty line and all our policies must focus on poverty reduction. We are very worried about how other Nigerians live and we will try very hard to evolve and implement policies and programmes to solve the problems of unemployment, poverty and disease, the President told the delegation.
He thanked the Northern Union for their presentation to him of a blueprint titled: “Growing the Nigerian Economy to Fight Poverty”, saying that his economic team will study the document and factor its salient points into his administration’s economic agenda.
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Bush applauds EFCC on drug war
The President of the United States, George Bush, has applauded the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its role in the war against drug trafficking and money laundering, even though Nigeria is still formally regarded as a major transit country for illicit drugs by the American government.
In the 2008 country certification, Bush’s, report entitled ‘Presidential Determination on Major Drug Transit or Major Illicit Drug Producing Countries for Fiscal Year 2008’ made available to newsmen, said a country’s present inclusion in the list is not necessarily “adverse reflection” of its efforts at combating illicit drugs or level of cooperation with the US.
On the list of 20 major countries that transit or produce illegal drugs Nigeria is the only African country .The other countries are Afghanistan, The Bahamas, Bolivia, Brazil, Burma, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Laos, Mexico, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and Venezuela.
The American President said that Nigeria specifically has made progress on many narcotics control and anti-money laundering benchmarks. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has seized millions in the proceeds of crime, anti-money laundering efforts have been successful, and Nigeria is cooperating with the international community to improve its efforts against money laundering even more.
He pointed out that to many narcotics criminals, no sanction is more effective than the fear they could face a court and jail time in the countries to which they have trafficked narcotics. Nigeria should also re-double its efforts to use its frequent apprehension of street criminals and couriers to identify and prosecute major drug traffickers.
Nigeria remains certified, for the next one year, as a country that is making serious efforts at fighting the drug scourge and the country stands to reap economic and political benefits from the US because of this status.
The EFCC, in concert with other regulatory stakeholders, got Nigeria removed in 2006 from the dreaded Financial Action Task Force (FATF) list of Non-cooperative Countries and Territories (NCCTs).
Enforcement of anti-money laundering regulations by the commission had also recently resulted in the withdrawal of Nigeria from the negative advisory of the American Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and the acceptance of the country into the elite Egmont Group, the global union of international Financial Intelligence Units.
Bush, in the memo, declared Pursuant to section 706(1) of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2003 (Public Law 107-228) (FRAA), I hereby identify the following countries as major drug transit or major illegal drug producing countries: Afghanistan, The Bahamas, Bolivia, Brazil, Burma, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Laos, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and Venezuela.
He explained, consistent with the statutory definition of a major drug transit or drug producing country set forth in section 481(e) (2) and (5) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (FAA), one of the reasons that major drug transit or illegal drug producing countries are placed on the list is the combination of geographical, commercial, and economic factors that allow drugs to transit or be produced despite the concerned government's most assiduous enforcement measures.
Bush said, pursuant to section 706(2)(A) of the FRAA, I hereby designate Burma and Venezuela as countries that have failed demonstrably during the previous 12 months to adhere to their obligations under international counter-narcotics agreements and take the measures set forth in section 489(a)(1) of the FAA… I have also determined, in accordance with the provisions of section 706(3) (A) of the FRAA, that support for programs to aid Venezuela's democratic institutions is vital to the national interests of the United States.
President Karzai has strongly attacked damage narcotic trafficking as the greatest threat to Afghanistan, one third of the Afghan economy remains opium-based, which contributes to widespread public corruption, to elicit economic growth, and the strengthening of the insurgency. Bush noted that, the government at all levels must be held accountable to deter and eradicate poppy cultivation, remove and prosecute corrupt officials, and investigate and prosecute or extradite narcotic traffickers and those financing their activities.
According Bush in Afghanistan, one model for success can be drawn by comparing the marked differences in cultivation between the Northern and Southern provinces. Several Northern provinces contributed to a decline in poppy cultivation resulting from a mixture of political will and incentives and disincentives, such as public information, alternative development, and eradication. Furthermore, several Northern provinces with very low amounts of poppy are well on their way to becoming poppy free.
Despite the significant progress made in Afghanistan since 2001, the country continues to face tremendous challenges. Our struggle to win hearts and minds, while confronting the insurgency, continues to directly hinge on our ability to help the Afghan government produce visible results. We need to encourage a firm belief among the Afghan people that their national government is capable of delivering an alternative to the preceding decades of conflict. Our reconstruction assistance is an essential instrument to achieve that goal.
Meanwhile, Bush pointed out that, “Guinea-Bissau is becoming a warehouse refuge and transit hub for cocaine traffickers from Latin America transporting cocaine to Western Europe.
Narcotics traffic is becoming yet another hurdle for Guinea-Bissau as it emerges from civil conflict. International donors and organizations are working to encourage and assist Guinea-Bissau in its efforts to confront organized cocaine trafficking networks that would use the country for warehousing and transshipment. These efforts are certainly appropriate and should be supported and advanced to deter illegal drug activities in Guinea-Bissau.
He noted that, India has an exemplary record on controlling its licit opium production and distribution process, despite formidable challenges to its efforts. The Government of India can be correctly proud of its diligent law enforcement agencies and the introduction of high-tech methods, including "Smart Cards" for each licensed opium farmer.
According to him, Indian enforcement officials identified and destroyed substantial illegal opium poppy cultivation in areas thought to be free of illegal cultivation in the past. Indian officials will want to investigate the circumstances of this surprisingly large illegal cultivation to identify those behind this disquieting phenomenon and arrest, prosecute, and convict them.
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NDLEA apprehends seven for drug trafficking
The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency Murtala Mohammed International Airport Command has arrested seven drug peddlers in Lagos.
The Public Affairs Officer Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju announced this while briefing newsmen in Lagos.
Mr Ofoyeju said one of the suspects, Innocent Onwusi thirty-nine swallowed one hundred and seven wraps of cocaine weighing one-point-eight-five-four kilograms.
He said the suspects would soon be arraigned.
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Etteh must resign if found guilty says Yar’Adua
President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua called for a downward review of the contract sum for the renovation of official residences of the House of Representatives Speaker, Mrs. Patricia Olubunmi Etteh, and her deputy, Mr. Babangida Nguroje having found the amount involved to be outrageous.
The amount has been N628 million, but different spokespersons for the House leadership have given marginally different figures.
According to reports, President Yar’Adua wants the Speaker to resign honourably if she is indicted in the ongoing probe of the contracts. To him, the alleged N628 million contract sum is "scandalous."
But the Speaker, who accompanied a team of visiting British parliamentarians to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, gave assurances that the controversy would be resolved in the best interest of Nigerians.
Meanwhile, some of the contractors handling the projects have continued their work despite being ordered to suspend activities by the House Panel probing the contract.
The Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and the contractors handling the projects are billed to appear before the probe panel while the Speaker and her deputy will take their turn on Thursday.
The President restated his earlier position on the matter, which he first gave on September 4, a day before the resumption of legislative activities.
He had on September 4 told the National Assembly leadership that even if Etteh and Nguroje received a clean bill of health on the process for the award of the contract, the "scandalous" sum must be reviewed downward.
The leadership of the National Assembly had sought audience with the President, to among other issues, clarify whether he was interested in Mrs. Etteh being retained or removed as Speaker following the controversy.
The President, who made it clear he had no personal interest in whether the embattled Speaker stays or leaves office, counseled the legislators to "strictly adhere to due process in all their conduct on the investigation."
The President told the group he would wish there was no disruption of any kind at the National Assembly because it was too early. But he reiterated the need for thorough investigation.
The President also said that if Mrs. Etteh was indicted by the panel set up by the House, then she must have to resign. The President, at the meeting, admonished that due process be followed in whatever the House would do on this matter.
He also added that since the matter had generated public interest, they must ensure that the issue was resolved publicly.
It was Mrs. Etteh's first formal visit to the Presidential Villa since the controversy broke out.
The Speaker said that in her appearance before the probe committee, she would do all not to undermine the institution of the legislature.
She also stated that she was not bothered by the role of her former principal ally who nominated her for the position of Speaker, Hon.
Farouk Lawan, but is now leading calls for her removal. Members of the House Panel paid an unscheduled visit to the official residence of the Speaker, one of the sites of the controversial contracts.
They expressed displeasure over the refusal of the contractor to comply with the directive of the panel to stay action pending the outcome of the exercise.
Some members of the panel including Habeeb Fashinro, Sale Munbir and Chinedu Eluemunor paid a surprise visit to the residence at Apo Legislators' Quarters at about noon.
They told reporters that they met some employees of one of the major contractors, M/S State Co. Nig. Ltd still working on the site despite the order from the committee.
The members declined comment but said that they would take their findings to the chairman of the panel. A member of the panel who spoke to newsmen on condition of anonymity said they were shocked that despite the order, the contractor was still going ahead with work.
The chairman of the panel, David Idoko, could not be reached for his reaction but sources in the panel said some members had come to lodge a complaint to that effect.
Earlier, the panel had adjourned sitting in honour of a member of the House from Oyo State, Segun Oladimeji, who was murdered in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. According to the chairman, the panel will resume sitting on Wednesday to enable members travel to Oyo State to pay their condolences.
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Etteh ready to defend herself
Mrs. Patricia Etteh, Speaker of the House of Representatives, has finalised her defence in the ongoing ad-hoc committee investigating the circumstances....
surrounding the award of the N628 million contract for the renovation of her official residence, that of Mr. Babangida Nguroje her deputy, and for the purchase of new units of vehicles.
Documents available to Newsmen shows that she would rubbish the evidence of the National Assembly’s management given earlier, which seemed to suggest that due process was not followed in the award of the contract.
Mrs. Etteh particularly, will contradict the evidence given by Mr. Idris Mohammed Mahdi the National Assembly’s Director of Estate and Works, who had claimed that his department had no opportunity to evaluate the project before the contract was awarded even though the evaluation and preparation of the contract documents was within the office’s purview.
The document the Speaker will rely upon when she opens her defense this week is the memorandum with number NASS/MTB/03 (07-2007) 01 prepared by Mr. Niyi Ajiboye the Acting Clerk of the House of Representatives, to the meeting of the Body of Principal Officers’ meeting on the 12th of July where the contract award was approved.
The Clerk of the National Assembly, Alhaji Nasir Arab had also told the investigative committee that quotations for the contract originated from the office of the Speaker but the memo presented at the Body of Principal Officers’ meeting shows that quotations were sought and received.
According to the evidence Mrs. Etteh will present, after members of the body were told to note the scope of the renovation, “quotations were sought and received from some selected construction companies,” who were asked to respond to an advertisement pasted on the Notice Boards of the National Assembly.
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Etteh: Due process not followed - N’Assembly Directors
Two National Assembly Directors, in Abuja, disagreed on whether due process was followed in the renovation of the residences of Speaker Patricia Etteh and her Deputy, Babangida Nguroje.
Etteh has, hired the services of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Alhaji Yusuf Ali, to guide her when she testifies before the nine-man panel on Monday.
Ali was at the House Hearing Room I of the National Assembly, venue of the panel sitting, to monitor the activities of the probe panel.
Testifying before the nine-member investigative panel, Idris Mahdi, Director of Estate and Works, said the conditions of the contract did not meet due process.
Mahdi also explained that the contractor, Messer Stateco Nigeria Limited, was avoiding him when his department wanted the company to provide specifics on the bill but rather than do that went ahead to reduce the cost.
“He initially asked for N190 million and later returned to say he wanted to collect N170 million.”
The director told the panel that Stateco officials later agreed that the contract should be revaluated because his quotation was based on prime cost.
Madhi disclosed that Stateco who had earlier asked that he be paid, instead of replying to the earlier letter, reduced the lump sum, avoiding the letters.
The director said the body of Principal Officers led by the Speaker awarded the contract, adding that “no architectural drawing, no electrical, engineering on it. I just worked on the quotation sent in by the contractor.”
He added that a recent circular by the Federal Government had directed that organisations like the National Assembly should take over the maintenance of the buildings under their custody.
However, when asked if the meeting where the contract was awarded by the Body of Principal Officers was properly constituted, he explained that “we were properly constituted. My Chief Executive was there.”
The panel rose briefly around 5.55 pm and came back 20 minutes later.
After the break, the Acting Director of Legislative Budgeting, Kolawole John Usman, who later testified before the panel, said the contract awarded followed Federal Government’s financial regulations.
When asked why the selective tendering was used to award the contracts, he said it was due to the urgency required to find a befitting accommodation for the two principal officers of the House.
"We had just six weeks to complete the job. There was pressure on us and the Speaker wanted to enter her official residence before the resumption from the six-week recess. Like I said, there was nothing unusual in the manner of awarding the contract. The financial regulations were followed. I think under the circumstances we found ourselves, it was proper,”.
FCDA officials and contractors are scheduled to appear before the panel.
Meanwhile, the Speaker’s decision to hire Ali has become an issue in the assembly.
One of the three lawyers on the panel told newsmen that Ali would not be allowed to lead Etteh in giving evidence before the panel.
The panel member said House Standing Rules forbid any external defence in such matters.
He said the rule would be strictly followed by the panel.
"It is not going to be possible. We have rules that are very clear on that and we are going to follow the rules to the last letter,”.
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Banking Sector: MARK expresses the need for credit cards
One of the tasks facing the Senate Committee on banking, insurance and other financial institutions is the introduction of credit cards into the financial system to check the dangers inherent in caring large amounts in cash.
That’s not all, they are to re-examine the practice where young ladies are exploited as marketing officers in the banking system.
The number one lawmaker, David Mark stated this while inaugurating the Committee in Abuja.
Senator Mark urged the members to immediately being the ground work towards the implementation of that policy.
He expressed the hope that the Banking Sector had become more virile following the recent reforms in that sector.
The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Nkechi Nwofor noted the fear and expectations expressed at the recent financial system strategy two thousand and twenty retreat and said the Committee would ensure that the engine of the national economy did not break down.
# # # # #
Yar'Adua calls for conference on land reforms
President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua has directed stakeholders to hold a conference on land reforms. Mrs. Halima Tayo Alao, the Minister of Environment, Housing and Urban Development conveying the President's directive at a stakeholders' meeting on land reforms organised by the Nigeria Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) in Abuja, said that the low level of land rights in the country had contributed to the existing level of poverty among the citizens.
Mrs. Alao noted that land reform was in President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua's seven-point agenda, since it’s a vital factor in the economic development of every nation. She stated that the proposals from stakeholders on reform Programme were therefore, expected to include recommendations that would bring about improved socio-economic development to the citizenry.
She observed that the stability of every government is a measure of the relationship between the citizens and their rights to land and frowned at the situation in which, despite Nigeria's large land mass, there has been low level of development.
The minister noted that her Ministry had initiated a number of far-reaching reforms to improve land administration in the country. These, included the modernisation and computerisation of land records across the country anchored on the National Technical Development Forum of Land Administration; and Federal Land Information System (FELIS) a collaborative Programme with states to harmonise the various systems and standardise their operations.
She also disclosed that a number of presidential initiatives were ongoing in the ministry with the aim of making land available and affordable for housing development.
The Coordinator, Federal Land Information System in the ministry, Rev. Cannon Andrus Nnaemeka Ukaejiofo, said in a presentation that the Land Use Act in use in the country had generated widespread clamour for its review in order to make the law more relevant to existing needs.
According to him, the real problem with the Act is that the country has not formulated a suitable policy that addresses the nation's peculiar needs, adding that the main challenge in land administration in Nigeria was the prevailing desperate systems among the states, even when the same law was applicable.
"Land reforms may involve the review and complete overhaul of the existing regulatory systems and statues. This is necessary, because through such reforms, land use and development are reappraised to introduce a more functional control mechanism for equitable land allocation. The focus of any reform, therefore, is to offer equity, functionality, effectiveness and efficiency in land management for a balanced national growth and development".
# # # #
FRCN Boss wants staff to brace up to the challenges of modern broadcasting
The Helmsman of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Mr. Ben Egbuna wants staff of the Corporation to brace up to the challenges of modern broadcasting.
Mr. Egbuna made the call at the opening of the FRCN/BBC World Service Trust Workshop in Abuja.
He stressed the need to give the listener the best of broadcast and urged the management of Radio Nigeria to be committed to human resource development.
Mr. Egbuna gave kudos to the BBC World Service Trust for providing resource persons for the workshop and contributions made to the growth of FRCN through training.
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Golden Eaglets receive grand reception from Nigerians
The victorious Nigerian Golden Eaglets were welcomed by thousands of Nigerians from all walks of life at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos on Tuesday.
After beating Spain in the final of the prestigious Under-17 World Cup in Korea they were crowned King of the World.
The Senate rewarded the Eaglets who have made the country proud. The members of the team were led by their handler, Coach Yemi Tella. The Emirates Airlines B777-300 (ER) landed at the airport at about 2:30p.m and Nigerians who had arrived as earlier stayed around to catch a glimpse of the football heroes.
With airport formalities concluded, people surged forward to exchange pleasantries with them as they were hurriedly ushered into Toyota Coaster buses provided by the Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, who came to the airport as early as 1:50p.m to receive the team.
They were driven to the Presidential Wing of the Lagos airport where they were allowed to grant interviews. Dressed in grey suits with the inscriptions of Intercontinental Bank, they were ushered into the inner chamber of the Presidential Lounge for a group photograph.
It was like a carnival scene at the Presidential Wing of the Airport, as the Eaglets entered into an open lorry for a road show from the airport to Maryland and the popular Ikorodu road.
As early as 9p.m. people had gathered at the Presidential Wing of the Lagos Airport, as news filtered out that they would be brought to the area.
The Nigerian Football Supporters' Club came around, and added colour to the event as they beat drums and danced away to a variety of songs.
Two of the players, Rabiu Ibrahim, and Abdulkareem Lukman were ill, as they were taken into a Lagos State Ambulance with registration number LA 124 A08 for medical attention in an undisclosed hospital.
Tella described the victory as the handiwork of God, adding that his players did the country proud.
He said that the victory has shown that Nigerians were capable of performing feats if given the opportunity. Udoh Udoh, father of Kingsley Udoh, a defender with the team was also on hand to receive the team.
Udoh, who was accompanied by two of his children to welcome their brother, was all over the airport bubbling with joy. Skipper Lukeman Haruna said the team was able to succeed because of prayer and determination.
National team sponsor, Globacom Limited, has congratulated the lads. According to Okon Iyanam, the company's Executive Director, Marketing Communications, the victory over Spain was well deserved and confirmed Globacom's earlier rating of Nigeria as a land flowing with football talents.
As a world class telecommunications network provider, Globacom will continue to support and empower talented football players in Nigeria to find expression for their talents as the Eaglets'', Iyanam said. He also congratulated the technical crew led by Coach Yemi Tella.
Professor Seun Omotayo, one of the architects of Damman Miracle said it was great that an all-Nigerian coaching crew led by Coach Yemi Tella prepared the team and managed them to attain such a great height. He said that the NFA should allow the coach and his assistants graduate with the team to the U20 level.
The team is expected to be received by President Umaru Yar'Adua in Abuja.
President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua will on Saturday formally host a grand reception for the team.
The reception, which will kick off at 11a.m. will be held at the Eagle Square, Abuja. Members of the team are scheduled to arrive in the Federal Capital Territory in the morning of that day.
From the airport, the Eaglets will go on a victory parade through the major streets of the city before being received by the President at the Eagle Square. The reception at the square will be open to all members of the public.
It will be followed later in the evening by a gala night in honour of the Eaglets at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa. President Yar'Adua is expected to announce a package of rewards for the Eaglets at the gala night.
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