Senate President wants legislation for budget cycle

…calls for amendment of Public Procurement Act 2007

President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has underscored the need to have a budget reform that will include a law on timeliness in budget passing.

President of the Senate, Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan

“We can reform our budget cycle if there is a law on timeliness for budget passing,” Lawan said late Thursday in Abuja.

He spoke on “Reforming the Budget Cycle: A First Step in Our Journey to the Next Level” at the “Government Meets Business Dinner” of the Institute of Directors Annual Conference.

Lawan said timeliness and deadlines will give leaders focus and make more definite on deliverables.

 Reports, according to the Senate President, have shown that countries like the United States of America, Canada, Austria, Brazil, France and India have more definite budget cycles through legislation. “We have resolved to be reform minded in the ninth National Assembly and improving the budget cycle is one area of focus. “Our attention will be on the areas where enhancements are needed and we are surely not going to look away from them in the interest of national growth, development and wellbeing of our people,” Lawan said. 

The Senate President said it is also important to improve on database showing the social economic conditions of the country. 

He stated that a database would be more helpful for the appreciation of financial projections notwithstanding the current efforts by the National Bureau of Statistics and some multilateral agencies showing the sectoral performances of the economy.

 The Senate President called for the amendment of the Public Procurement Act 2007 adding that “we are of the firm belief that the Act has not provided the intended efficacy it should produce.”

“Related to this is the need to match budget projections with fund release if accountability is to be appreciable. “Proper documentation of financial activities and reduced political Interventions in the budgetary process are additionally important steps to follow. “We should try to reduce frivolous items on the recurrent expenditure list to increase our disposition to produce, ensure judicious expenditure process and to guarantee value-for-money,” Lawan said.

Man Utd vs Arsenal: Solskjaer provides latest team news for EPL clash

Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, has provided the latest update on his team’s plans for their Premier League clash against Arsenal at Old Trafford on Monday night.

Solskjaer’s side head to the game following a 2-0 defeat to West Ham United in their last Premier League encounter.

“Any injuries?” Solskjaer told MUTV on Friday.

“There might be one or two who have not really come back. Paul was really struggling with his ankle as it was really swollen, so let’s see how that repairs. He got 90 minutes but was sore towards the end again.

”Phil will be out until after the international break and, do you know, you have to count these after every game but I think that’s it.

“I don’t think we’ll see Anthony before the international break. No, I don’t think so. Luke is improving so, hopefully, we’ll see him.”

The kick-off time for the match is 8pm.

BBNaija: Organizer reveals one more housemate may be evicted on Friday

Organizers of Big Brother Naija, BBNaija, have announced that there would be another shocking eviction on Friday.

They made this known in a statement sent to DAILY POST on Friday.

This is coming after Cindy was evicted on Friday morning.

Her eviction has left 9 housemates to now battle for the grand prize of N60m.

The statement which quoted a Big Brother source reads, “Our sources have confirmed not one but two surprise evictions will happen in the BBNaija house today. The first this morning and the second, later in the evening.”

Recall that Frodd emerged the Ultimate Veto Power Holder (UVPH), and in a new twist, Biggie tasked him to nominate 5 housemates for possible eviction.

Frodd proceeded to nominate Tacha, Elozonam, Cindy, Ike and Mike who now face possible evictions based on votes.

EPL: Unai Emery finally names Arsenal’s new permanent captain

Arsenal manager, Unai Emery, has finally named the player that will become the club’s new permanent captain this season.

According to BBC Sport, Emery has announced midfielder, Granit Xhaka as the club’s new captain.

Emery made the decision on Friday after consulting with his players.

Xhaka replaced Laurent Koscielny, who left the Gunners for Bordeaux in the summer transfer window.

The Switzerland international has led Arsenal in six of their eight games in all competitions this season.

The 27-year-old will now hope to lead Emery’s side to victory when they take on Manchester United in the Premier League on Monday night at Old Trafford.

I tore Oyedepo’s book because he said anointing oil is God’s life in a bottle – Tunde Bakare

Pastor Bakare

Founder of the Latter Rain Assembly, Pastor Tunde Bakare has explained what led to the standoff between him and General Overseer of Winner’s Chapel, Pastor David Oyedepo, some years back.

In a recently published interview he granted the Punch, Bakare when asked his take on anointing oil, mainly used by Christians for prayer purposes, responded: “People like to create their own Tunde Bakare. I love God, I love people, I love the godly and the ungodly and I try within my God-given ability to teach the truth.

“The reason I fought with my friend, Bishop David Oyedepo, and tore his book, I remember when we resolved this problem in London, we came out of a plane, he took me aside and said he was angry with me because I tore his book. I said I didn’t tear your book, I tore my book. That is fine, you wrote it, I bought it, so it was my book I tore.

“I saw errors in that book because he said the anointing oil is not a symbol of the Holy Spirit, that it is the life of God in a bottle. How can you write that and I would let it pass. No! If the anointing oil is the Holy Spirit, then Jesus is a lamb walking on four legs.

“These are metaphors and when you have the real, you leave the shadow. Besides it is for the sick in the New Testament. So, you can anoint the entire church if they are sick and I would wonder how a sick church can bring healing to a dying world”.

On his description of Nigerian churches as being a theatre where one man performs and the others are just mere spectators, he said “If you quoted me correctly, I said the difference between the cinema and the church in Nigeria is that for the cinema you pay a gate fee before you enter, but in the church, they let you come in before they take from you.

“When the youth pastor was ministering today (day of interview) I said wow, if I am out of here today, these people can continue”.

Explaining why his church has not established its own university like others have done, Bakare said he was not called to do that.

“I do not judge those who are doing it, because they are contributing their quota to the system and they are helping the society in the area of infrastructure.

“But I would have a question mark on the whole thing if part of what is going in there are the offerings of the people and their pastors’ children and members’ children cannot attend that university. Almost all the top universities in the world started from Christian organisations.

“My daughter graduated from Emory University in Georgia, United States, which is owned by the Methodist Church. Oxford and Cambridge were established by churches.

“If their real intention was mission and to educate a crop of leaders that would share the light, I commend their efforts. But if it is money-making and profit-driven, then I don’t know what to say”.

Responding to a question on why Latter Rain has not staged conventions like other big Nigerian churches, the running mate to General Muhammad Buhari in the 2011 presidential election, opined that: “It is not wrong to have an annual convention, it is not wrong to have Shiloh or Holy Ghost Congress.

“I have been invited to the congress about three times but I just didn’t have the time to go. Up till the seventh year of the Latter Rain Assembly, we had what we called Annual Believers’ Convention, but I stopped it after then. Look at the population of people in church today and we have negligible righteousness. So, something is wrong.

“I am not condemning what people are doing. If they are called to do what they are doing, God would reward them. But if it is just a clever ploy to continue to control and manage people, one day they would say ‘to your tent oh Israel'”.

Atiku sends message to Bishop Oyedepo of Living Faith church

Atiku Abubakar, 2019 Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Friday described the commitment of the founder of the Living Faith Church, Bishop David Oyedepo to education as exemplary.

He made the remark while congratulating Oyedepo on his 65th birthday.

The former Vice President also commended Oyedepo on his contribution to deepening faith and upholding moral values in Nigeria.

In a tweet, Atiku wrote: “Bishop David Oyedepo continues to contribute to deepening faith and upping moral values in Nigeria. His passion for and commitment to education is exemplary. I wish him a happy 65th birthday. -AA.”

What Jonathan told me about Sowore’s detention by Buhari govt – Reno Omokri

Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, on Sunday revealed his chat with ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, on the ordeal Omoyele Sowore is facing.

Sowore, the convener of ‘RevolutionNow’ protest and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, has been in Department of State Services (DSS) detention, having been accused of treason.

Making the disclosure on Twitter, Reno said Johnathan was full of pity about Sowore’s situation.

He tweeted: “I just spoke to ex President
@GEJonathan, and urged him to read my column in today’s @THISDAYLIVE
titled ‘Sowore and Buhari: A Bromance Gone Sour!’

“He responded, ‘Reno, pray for the young man. Help him if you can. He didn’t know what he was doing’. Is GEJ a human or an angel?”

Meanwhile, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has written open letter to Mr Abukabar Malami, SAN, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, urging him to enter a nolle prosequi and discontinue the prosecution.

In the letter dated 21 September 2019 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the group said: “Sowore’s case and several similar cases instigated/brought by state governors make a hideous mockery of Nigeria’s criminal justice systems, rule of law, freedom of expression and media freedom.

“These cases are persecution and not prosecution. As guardian of the public interest, you have a role to end this travesty now, and to maintain the sanctity and integrity of Nigeria’s justice system.

“These cases set a dangerous precedent for the misuse and subversion of the justice system, which may lead to the politicization of the judiciary. This will be bad for everyone—ordinary citizens, journalists and even the politicians in power, as they may themselves become targets of these repressive and abusive tactics when they are out of power/in opposition.

“While the Nigerian government has a responsibility to prevent and prosecute criminal offences, it ought to do so lawfully, and in full compliance with human rights and the rule of law. Exercising your constitutional independence and discretion to withdraw these kinds of charges would meet the test of reasonableness, demands of justice, and as noted, serve the public interest.

“Laws against terrorism and money laundering should be properly used, and not to undermine critical voices, activists, and the media. Invoking the charges of treasonable felony to unjustifiably or arbitrarily restrict the right to freedom of opinion and expression would minimise the seriousness with which our laws traditionally treat such offences, and undermine the essence of the criminal justice system and the rule of law.

“If not urgently addressed, the misuse of the criminal justice system and politicization of Nigeria’s judiciary would jeopardise the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law and lower the public estimation of the ability of our justice system to serve as the last hope of justice for desperate victims.

“Unless these bogus charges are immediately withdrawn, there is a danger that the public interest represented by the courts and that represented by your role, might part company.”

Nigeria will shake if I reveal what happened under Jonathan’s administration – Ex-ADC

Col. Ojogbane Adegbe, former aide-de-camp to former president Goodluck Jonathan, has warned that another Dasukigate may be imminent if he is forced to reveal what transpired in that administration.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested Adegbe on Wednesday in Lagos where he went through rigorous interrogation before he was flown to Abuja yesterday.

It was learnt that interrogation proceedings of the former ADC by the EFCC officials could open up a new can of worms, which “could surpass what is now known as Dasukigate.”

In December 2015, Jonathan’s National Security Adviser, Col.Sambo Dasuki was arrested by the Department of State Security (DSS) and handed over to the EFCC over his role in the $2.1 billion arms purchase scandal.

The money, meant to purchase arms for the military fighting insurgency in the North-East, was said to have been diverted through the office of the NSA and used for 2015 campaign for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The EFCC is hopeful the former ADC may soon give details of all he knows with regards to financial transactions and the dramatic personae involved in the last administration, an insider told the Sun.

Preliminary findings, including recovered documents, were said to have suggested a large-scale of questionable expenditure with funds sourced from and outside the arms purchase deals.

Another source told the newspaper that, “most of the funds were reportedly diverted soon after the election was postponed from the originally scheduled date of February 14, 2015 to March 28, 2015.”

Among the active participants in the alleged loot, was a top official of an agency set up to discourage militancy in the South-South, who is currently outside the country.

At the centre of the interrogation of the former ADC, who has been moved to Abuja, Daily Sun reported, was the “mind-boggling spending” during the two weeks’ extension of the general election, “which runs into several trillions of naira, when converted from foreign currency.”

Sources disclosed further that many top Nigerians, “including some very close persons” to the former president, may likely be called to explain and defend their roles in the handling of the funds, a chunk of which was sourced from the agency.

The ADC who was arrested in Lagos a few days ago, was alleged to be attending a senior officers course when he was picked up for interrogation.

Before him, many serving and retired military officers had been quized in connection with the arms purchase deal during the Jonathan administration.

Former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh (retd) and the former Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Amosu (retd) and other top politicians have been under EFCC investigation.

FUOYE crisis: Fayemi takes up victims funeral expenses, clears hospital bills

The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has taken over the medical and funeral expenses of victims of the violent protest which held at the Federal University, Oye Ekiti (FUOYE) in fulfilment of his promise during a statewide broadcast recently.

This was confirmed on Friday by the Chief Security Officer to the Governor, Mr Ajayi Adeyanju, who was directed by the Governor to ensure all victims were taken care of .

Adeyanju said others actions will be taken by the government after receiving the outcome of the panels set up by the Police and the University authorities to investigate the protest that resulted in the death of two undergraduates and left many, including two policemen injured.

The Fayemi’s Chief Security Officer, said two of the injured, who are still being treated at LASUTH Ikeja and FMC Ido Ekiti, are reported to be recuperating well.

“The multiple investigations into the incident are aimed at identifying those responsible for the degeneration of the protest and ensure justice for the dead students.

“The report of the investigations are expected to be presented to the State Government by the end of September.

“We have taken care of the bills of those receiving treatments and those already buried. We are looking at all sides and justice will be done to all sides in this matter”, he said.

The Governor had, in his broadcast, expressed government’s regrets and resolve to get to the bottom of the incident.

Fayemi expressed sadness at the unfortunate incident, reiterating the rights of citizens to protest and the need for the police to explore less fatal prone ways to manage citizens unrest.

The two students who lost their lives, late Kehinde Dada and Joseph Okonofua, have since been buried in Usi Ekiti and Edo State respectively. Ekiti State had earlier paid a condolence visit to the bereaved families and participated in their funeral ceremonies.

Bauchi Assembly tasks government, police on personnel deployment in crime areas

The Bauchi State House of Assembly has charged security agencies in the state to firm up their duties by placing more personnel in crime areas in the State.

Presenting the motion at a plenary, Mr Sabo Sade, representing Sade Constituency, urged security agencies to deploy personnel to protect communities exposed to frequent attacks by unidentified gunmen.

“Of recent, Bauchi metropolis is suffering from gross insecurity. On Tuesday, some unknown gunmen attacked people on Aminu Street, killing one person and carting away about eight million Naira.

“Similarly, there was a gunfight between the police and armed robbers, in which one of the armed robbers was killed at AYM Shafa filling station, along Jos road.

“In fact, the issue is becoming a matter of concern to the people and the law enforcement agencies,” Sade said.

According to the lawmaker, same insecurity is prevailing in Dass, Toro and Ningi Local Government Areas of the state, agitating the locals.

Sade also called on the state government to provide security gadgets to personnel to assist in apprehending criminals.

He added that adequate incentives should similarly be provided to the security agencies and willing members of the public to ward off the criminals.

The resolution was unanimously adopted by the lawmakers.

Speaker, Mr Abubakar Sulaiman, corroborated Sade’s concerns, saying people of Bauchi and environs are living in palpable fear of life and property.

The speaker said the security agencies in the state should take action and station personnel in the nooks and crannies of the crime-prone areas.

Unpaid salaries: Ekiti ASUU lament high mortality rate among lecturers over unpaid salary

Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Ekiti State University (EKSU) chapter, has cried out over increasing rate of deaths and illnesses among members over unpaid salaries spanning over nine months.

The academic body said it would no longer tolerate or cooperate with the university authority over unpaid salaries and wages since it has been affecting the lives of its members.

Addressing a press conference at EKSU in Ado Ekiti on Friday, ASUU chairman, Dr. Kayode Arogundade, explained that the geometric increase in the wage bill of the university from N380 million to N502 million caused the inability of the institution to pay up to date.

“The academic community of the university has become a source of scorn, ridicule and victim of embarrassment from the members of the larger society, owing largely to the inability to live up to their family expectations. We view this with serious concerns, more so that the university has not shown enough commitment to staff welfare.

“ASUU as a matter of urgency and civility impresses it on the management to pay up all the nine months outstanding salary of workers with immediate effect”, he said.

Arogundade said except the university pay up all salaries, that he could no longer guarantee good working relationship between his members and the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Eddy Olanipekun, who is a former ASUU chairman in EKSU and Ilorin zone.

The ASUU boss urged governor Kayode Fayemi to implement the outcome of the Prof Bode Asubiojo-led visitation panel, which vividly addressed the issues of tax, wage bill and other academic issues in the university.

He said the union won’t contemplate suing the state government for implementing the new tax law in the university since members have been paying even above what was stipulated by the personal income tax 2011.

“It surprises us that the university is owing nine months salary when we are being owed four months subvention. We found out that it was because the wage bill has increased to N502 million when the subvention is N260m. The shortfall comes from our IGR, which will be difficult for the university to meet monthly.

“We won’t issue empty threat but when we are ready, we will strike. The VC understands our language. We won’t care to take them to court for interpretation. We are paying higher than what was contained in the tax law. The government must look inwards and increase the IGR rather than saying we should go back to 2018 tax law that will create more burdens.

“If the government found it comfortable to implement new tax law, they should also implement the white paper’s recommendations on increased wage bill”, he stated.

BBNaija (S4): ‘Be yourself’ – Patience Ozokwor tell housemates

Veteran actress, Patience Ozokwor has advised the Big Brother Naija season four housemates to remain true to themselves after the show.

 News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ‘Mama G’ said this during her visit to the house alongside actresses, Kemi Akindoju, Osas Ighadoro and Dakore Egbuson-Akande. 

 The visit, tagged ‘Dinner with the stars’, also included actors John Okafor aka Mr Ibu, Chinedu Ikedieze aka Aki and fashion designer, Mai Atafo.

Speaking to the top ten housemates, Ozokwor said, “Be yourself at all times and watch people. Don’t live in a world of your own

“Watch people as variety is the spice of life.

 The courage you have put into this first step, add more to it for the next step,” she said. In a question and answer session, housemates asked the stars how they could conduct themselves as celebrities when the show is over. In response, Dakore told them to remain humble as it was an attribute lacking in the industry. She also explained the power of positive energy.

 She said, “Humility is something that is lacking in the entertainment industry. Try and hold on to your humanity. Find what you love and do it a lot. “Surround yourself with people who genuinely love you. Surround your self with good energy,” she added. 

Echoing her words, Ikedieze said, “Your creativity will take you far but your attitude will take you farther. Maintain a great attitude.” 

When housemate, Mike asked Mr Ibu how he got his job. Ibu replied, “Jobs get me. I don’t get jobs. Whatever you are doing, do it well. All those things will meet you where you are.” On her part, Osas told the housemates to create respectful boundaries and not let themselves be in situations they don’t want to be in. She said, “You don’t have to be in any situation you don’t want to be in. It comes down to respecting yourself and being comfortable in that situation and flourishing out of it.” 

Meanwhile Kemi Akindoju and Mai Atafo addressed the housemates on the importance of choosing a worthwhile career path after the house instead of going for the hype.

 Akindoju said, “When this is over, it is important to ask yourself what you want to be remembered for.” Also, Atafo told the housemates, “The worst thing is for you to want to do something trendy when you are out. Find something you are passionate about.” (NAN)

Don’t glorify terrorists, Defence Chief warns media

The Chief of Defence Staff , Major General Gabriel Olonishakin, yesterday urged the media not to glorify terrorists or give them undue publicity.

 He spoke at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, during the Defence Correspondence Seminar 2019 themed “Enhancing National Security and Cohesion through Responsible Media Reportage.” He said in times of crisis, the main effort of the press should be geared towards peace-building. 

According to him, military operations demand a cordial working relationship with the media for enlightenment purpose and national security.

China pledges support for Nigeria’s development, ERGP

The People’s Republic of China has pledged support for the nation’s development goals, noting that it would also collaborate with the Federal Government to ensure the success of its Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.

Ambassador of China to Nigeria, Dr. Zhou Pingjian, said that the Chinese government would strengthen its support and collaboration with Nigeria, to drive economic prosperity.

Zhou said this in Abuja on Thursday, during the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

The envoy noted that China and Africa had always been a community with a shared future, “which is why China will work unremittingly to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with African countries.”

He said that China would continue to pursue a mutually beneficial strategy of opening up high-quality belt and road cooperation, so as to share development opportunities with other countries.

Zhou stated, “Both China and Nigeria are major developing countries of great influence in the world. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1971 and strategic partnership in 2005 in particular, the all-round, wide-ranging and high-quality bilateral cooperation between China and Nigeria has been a pacesetter for China-Africa cooperation.

“In recent years, thanks to the strategic guidance and personal commitment of President Xi and President Buhari, China and Nigeria have significantly enhanced political trust and secured fruitful outcomes in practical cooperation.”

The diplomat further pointed out that his country was ready to work with Nigeria to implement the outcomes of the Forum of China-Africa Cooperation summit.

He added, “We firmly support Nigeria in pursuing a development path that suits Nigeria’s national conditions and have confidence that under the able leadership of President Buhari, Nigeria will achieve even greater success in its national development.

“We stand ready to work with Nigeria to enhance mutual trust, jointly pursue belt and road cooperation in greater synergy with Nigeria’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.”

Kidnappers Of 17-Year-Old Boy Arrested, N1-Million Ransom Recovered -Police

Detectives extended the investigation to their hideout at Igangan, where their victim was found tied and blindfolded.




he Oyo State Police Command yesterday arrested kidnappers of a
17-year-old boy, Shakiru Weti, and recovered N1 million ransom
demanded by the suspects.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Shina Olukolu, who paraded
the suspect at the command headquarters in Ibadan, said the kidnappers
engaged the police personnel in a gun duel when they laid siege to
rescue the victim.

Olukolu said, “On September 17, 2019, at about 2200hr, one Alhaji
Abdul Saliu, the Sariki Fulani of Oyo State, resident in Igangan
reported at the Ayete Divisional Police Headquarters that a Fulani man
called Weti reported to him that a gunman kidnapped his son, Shakiru
Weti, aged 17. And on September 22, 2019, at about 1700hrs the
abductors called and demanded a ransom of N1 million.

“In the process, one Yuguda Jayum was arrested with the ransom of N1m
intact while his accomplice escaped. Yuguda Jayum confessed that he is
the leader of the group that carried out the kidnapping. Detectives
extended the investigation to their hideout at Igangan, where their
victim was found tied and blindfolded.

“The victim, Shakiru Weti, was rescued unhurt while one Kehinde
Adeoye, a member of the syndicate who was guarding the victim to
prevent his escape was arrested. But, another cohort, Taiwo Adeoye,
who was armed opened fire on the team and escaped. In the course of
further investigation, Bature Dogo,  Kazeem Sule, and Maanu Garuba
were also arrested in connection with the case.

"Upon interrogation Kehinde Adeoye, Yuguda Jayum, Bature Dogo, Kazeem
Sule, and Maanu Garuba, all confessed to the crime. Four phones were
recovered. An effort is being intensified to arrest other fleeing
members of the gang."