ALLEGATION OF 3 TRILLION BUDGET PADDING: RESCUE MOVEMENT SAYS IT’S TERRIBLE, CALLS FOR DETAIL PROBE INSTEAD OF SUSPENDING NINGI!

The Rescue Movement For New Nigeria aka Rescue The Vulnerable Initiative has described as terrible, the allegation by Senator Abdul Ningi that about N3 trillion was padded into the 2024 Appropriation Bill. The group insists that there should be detail probe to unravel the truth and bring to book anyone found culpable instead of rushing to suspend Senator Ningi that raised the issue publicly.

This was disclosed in a statement made available to pressmen in Kaduna by the group’s National Director, Media and Publicity, Rev Emmanuel Olorunmagba, as the group laments the situation where “at this time that our nation is passing through terrible economic downturn, when we are supposed to be hearing of drastic cut down in the cost of governance that have been highly extravagance, and what is saved from such cut down focused on fighting hunger; but unfortunately we are hearing of budget padding to the tune of whooping three trillion naira (N3 trillion) and again that some Lawmakers were allocated whooping five hundred million naira (N500 million). Instead of such weighty allegation to be thoroughly investigated, the Senate rushed to suspend Senator Ningi. Thus, many Nigerians are now seeing the speedy suspension as intimidation to suppress the weighty allegation”.

Senator Ningi was so categorical in his statement as he declared that, ‘… in the course of our perusing the budget, which Onanuga seems to have dwelt on, I said we have established beyond reasonable doubt, about N25 trillion so far has nexus: that means, there is money, and then there is project and then there is location. Money, project, location! But we are yet to ascertain N3 trillions of that budget. We have established the N3 trillions in that budget, but have not establish the project and its location. I am not afraid of anything… anything… I believe there is one God and I believe power is transient. I am not scared of any issue like suspension…’

This allegation is not only very empathetic, but it is so specific and categorical. Thus, “sweeping such under carpet while hunger is ravaging the ordinary Nigerians is the height of insensitivity”.

Nigerians deserve to know the truth and appropriate actions should be taken to adequately address the issue except the power that be want to deliberately taken the masses for fools.”

The group also noted the alarming rate of escalations of insecurity in the northern part of Nigeria resulting in mass abduction in Borno, Niger, Plateau and kidnapping of pupils and staff from schools in the southern part of Kaduna State.

Calling on the governors especially in northern states of Nigeria to be more proactive and beef up security the more in their states, using the huge security votes they are allocated effectively and corporate towards interstate security network. The situation is getting too much and we cannot continue have a nation where bandit are more powerful than the State”, he concluded.

Resign Or Be Disgraced Out Of Office’, Diaspora Group Scheldules Protest Against INEC Chair, Akpabio

The leadership of the United Nigerians in the Diaspora (UND) has said that it will embark on massive street protest to some Nigerian embassies in Washington DC, some other US cities, London and other major cities in Europe and Asia nations, asking for immediate resignation of Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmoud Yakubu and the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

The diaspora group said that the INEC chairman should resign over what they described as “the conduct of a shambolic 2023 general elections” while Senate President Akpabio should step aside over the allegation of budget padding raised against him by some Senators.

In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, signed by its president worldwide, Ambassador Yusuf Adeyinka, and its general secretary worldwide, Comrade Johnson Acheme, the group solicited co-operation of the International Community during the protest periods and also urged foreign nations who practice ideal democracy like the great Britain, United States and other nations of the world to bar the INEC National Chairman and his team members, Senate President, Akpabio and indeed, the top echelon of the Nigerian Judiciary who partook in deciding the 2023 elections petitions tribunal matters from entering their countries.

The diaspora group also commended Senator Ningi for his courage to expose budget padding in the National Assembly.

“We, the leadership of United Nigerians in the Diaspora, UND- an umbrella body of diaspora groups comprising of Nigerians living in the United Kingdom, the United States of America, some European and Asian nations wish to alert Nigerians and the entire international community on our resolve to hit the streets and Nigerian Embassies in Washington DC, some other US cities, London and other major cities in Europe and Asia nations where our members are domiciled to protest the conduct of a shambolic 2023 general elections by the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Mahmoud Yakubu and his rogue team.

“As a body, we have carefully watched the antecedents and actions of the National Chairman vis-a-vis the current happenings and realities in Nigeria and wonder what the hell he is still waiting for to resign from that position. To put the records straight, the 2023 elections where the ineptly corrupt Commission claimed it spent a whooping N300 Billion Naira was not only the most expensive but also the most incredible in our recent history.

“We recall first and foremost, how the National Chairman and his Commissioner in charge of Public Affairs, a certain Dr. Festus Okoye graced every available national and international platforms assuring Nigerians and the rest of the world of a most transparent election using the Biometric Voter Accreditation System, BVAS machines that would automatically transmit elections results and data from the various Polling Units across the country to the Commission’s central server.

“These rather noble technological innovations were applauded as we all believed it would curb the electoral manipulations and malpractices which our electoral system has been known with through the manual accreditation and collation of elections results.”

According to the statement, the most disconcerting is the fact that the said Professor Mahmoud is yet being strategically positioned by the Tinubu administration to possibly perfect another fraudulent charade in the guise of elections for the incumbent government come 2027.

“For emphasis, this global body while commending some of the Northern Senators like Senator Ningi for their courage to speak up on the alleged padding of N3 trillion Naira into the initially approved N25 trillion Naira by the President gives the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio only 48 hours to honourably resign his position and face immediate prosecution. Should he fail to heed, we encourage members of the National Assembly to immediately commence a process of his impeachment as he has manifestly demonstrated incapacity, corruption and collusion with the Executive arm of government he was ordinarily elected to checkmate in line with the principles of checks and balances as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.

“We also knock the Nigerian Judiciary for stamping the fraud and illegality dubbed 2023 elections by Mahmoud and cohorts. That arm of government has since then lost the honour, dignity and respect of many Nigerians who had relied on it as ordinarily the last hope of the common man to remedy the wrongs and defects in the 2023 elections.”

The group, however, resolved to “commence peaceful protests in major cities and Embassies in Washington DC, New York, London, Paris and numerous other cities where our members reside in their numbers. Through messages on our placards, we shall INSIST on the immediate resignation of the INEC National Chairman, Mahmoud Yakubu and respectively, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

“We shall continue our global protests and will not QUIT or STOP until Mahmoud and Akpabio resign their positions as the National Chairman of INEC and as President of Nigeria’s Red Chambers. We also urge the United Nations, the European Union and other world bodies should stop them from making or getting any form of international honour, recognition or participating in it’s activities and engagements.

“Finally, we solicit the usual co-operation of the International Community during these periods and also urge foreign nations who practice ideal democracy like the great Britain, United States and other nations of the world to bar the corrupt INEC National Chairman and his rogue team members, Senate President, Akpabio and indeed, the top echelon of the Nigerian Judiciary who partook in deciding the 2023 Elections petitions tribunal matters from entering their countries. They should confiscate their International passports, those of their wives and families and ensure there is no hiding place for the Nigerian 2023 election robbers, their accomplices or their obviously corrupt enobblers.”

Breaking: Uba Sani harps on empathy for poor, vulnerable in Ramadan message

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has emphasized the transformative potential of Ramadan, declaring it as a crucial time to reach out and touch the lives of the poor and vulnerable.

In a heartfelt message, the Governor underscored the significance of this sacred month, not only as a period of spiritual devotion but also as an opportunity for compassionate action.

“Ramadan is a time to extend our compassion to those in need, especially the poor and vulnerable,” Governor Uba Sani stated, highlighting the importance of collective efforts to make a positive impact on society. He urged citizens to embrace the values of generosity and empathy during this holy month.

The Governor’s message took on a reflective tone as he addressed the economic and security challenges facing the nation. “The Ramadan period provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the issues our country is grappling with,” he remarked, calling for unity in the face of challenges.

Governor Sani expressed optimism about the power of prayers and divine guidance in overcoming obstacles. “With fervent prayers, all things are possible,” he affirmed, encouraging citizens to renew their relationship with Almighty Allah during this auspicious time.

Nasarawa: Zulum commissions 100 housing technology village, Karu

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has commissioned 100 housing units in the first phase of Nasarawa Technology Village Housing Estate, Karu.

The Borno State Governor also performed the groundbreaking ceremony of the Technology Hub and the Second Phase of the Housing Project situated on a 67-hectare parcel of land along Mararaba-Aso Pada axis of Karu LGA.

Zulum was in Karu at the invitation of the Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr Abdullahi A Sule, on Monday and returned to Maiduguri the same day.

Governor Zulum lauded Engr Abdullahi A Sule for the giant strides recorded by his administration in the last five years in Nasarawa State.

Zulum noted that the technology village will help Nasarawa State to exploit its vast mineral resources and create job opportunities for the teeming youth population.

The host Governor, Sule, expressed gratitude to Professor Zulum for accepting his invitation to commission the completed housing project and lay the groundwork for the second phase of the Mararaba-Aso Pada axis.

Governor Abdullahi A Sule unveiled the main road leading to the newly commissioned facility named after Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.

Governor Sule also named the Nasarawa Technology Village Housing Estate, Karu, after Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Don’t distract Akpabio, Dr. Tafida cautions Senator Ningi

An aide of the Senate President, Dr. Jibril Tafida has cautioned Chairman of Northern Senators Forum, Senator Abdul Ningi, not to distract Senate President Godswill Akpabio with bickering over alleged 2024 budget padding.

While answering questions from newsmen, Dr. Tafida argued that “it sounds impossible to say that N3trillion could be padded; it does not make sense to me at all.

“As a respected Senator, he (Ningi) should have checked his records thoroughly before rushing to the press,” he lamented.

Dr. Tafida expressed concern that Senator Ningi and all the members of his Forum as serving lawmakers with direct access to Akpabio “have failed to meet the Senate President one-on-one to interact on whatever issues they want resolved.”

Dr. Tafida explained that Nigeria ” is now at the point where viable solutions are expected to emanate from the Senate Chambers, instead of bickering in the media. The Ningi Forum should be above board, taking internal issues of the Senate to the pages of newspapers, screens, and radio stations, is quite unnecessary.”

He admonished the lawmakers to directly and quietly approach Akpabio by taking advantage of his open door policy instead of rushing to the media.

Dr. Tafida also advised the Ningi Forum not to create the erroneous impression of a regional bickering “because Nigerians are fully aware that Akpabio has no history of regional sentiment.”

Open Letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria

Your Excellency Mr. President.

Today I watched American President as he delivered State of the Union address to the Congress and the American people and I can’t think to conclude that a President even at old age this brilliant would lead a great and prosperous nation.
A president who understands the issues , the problems of not just his citizens but knows how to navigate between his own people and the world at large. A president who speaks directly to the soul of the nation and a president who comes with so many positive policies and even in spite of the opposition he faces, still achieved thus much.

This brings me to write this open letter to Nigerian President President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In as much as I am from the opposition party Labour Party (LP), I still want my country to succeed because no doubt even inspite of Republican Party opposition to President Biden, every American still wants their Leader to succeed.

I study so much American economy and as we strive so much to follow American system of government, one thing we refuse to follow is American law and order system and reward and punishment that makes America one of the greatest, if not the greatest nation on earth.

On the other hand, our nation has been so much bedeviled with corruption in high places, greed, embezzlement and hence the impact we feel on all sides of the economy that nothing seems to be working.

Many times, few of our leaders have good intentions, but when those intentions get to the implementation stage, they get messed up by corruption. This administration may have started on a wrong note of not properly delivering the Fuel Subsidy policy in its areas of implementation so also with the foreign currency unification policy but if we had sincere leaders and true players in these two sectors of oil and banking sectors, the impact of those failed policies wouldn’t have hit us so hard the way it is hitting Nigerians today and to make the matter worst, no one gets punished for failed government policies even when we know they are sabotaged. We apply the full weight of the law to ordinary citizens, but to the political class, they go scot-free when erred. Many politicians operates as if they are above the law. In our nation, this is why our nation is not moving forward.

There are so many bad eggs in leadership, especially in the two most sensitive ministry of Petroleum and banking: they seem to be above the law, they sabotage government effort to succeed and until we are ready to apply law and order to punish offenders when they do wrong, we won’t have a nation and it will keep affecting our progress.

It is only in Nigeria that a minister of Humanitarian services erred and diverted government funds to personal use and after been removed from office we do not hear about it anymore: no punishment and no consequences for her actions has been made public apart from her removal. People steal so much in government, and all that happens at the end of the day is emotional politics at the top, not applying the full weight of the law to punish offenders when they do. Many bank directors sabotaged the money unification policy to accrue wealth for themselves and their banks, knowing fully well that citizens will suffer, but nothing till today is done to any of them.
Only in Nigeria, people think of self and never thought of the nation at large.

In the light of the above, if this government must succeed, the government must cleanse NNPC of bad eggs and bad players. It must tighten its grip to know the exact production capacity we have by computerized the oil sector. This government must also intervene in the banking areas by going after bank MDs and CEOs who keep benefiting and subverting government policies in their personal favor and interest. So if this government must succeed it must uphold the policy of rule of law, law and order etc, to purge itself from bad eggs. This nation cannot succeed if laws are not applied to correct those who sabotage the nation and the economy from time to time.

On insecurity, the level of poverty no doubt is contributory to the high level of insecurity and kidnapping we face in the nation, the war zone Ukraine/Russia, Israel and or Gaza is today safer than our country, especially the northern part of Nigeria. And except the government purge it’s securities agencies from within, we won’t have a head way in the fight against insecurity and kidnapping in our nation. We must upgrade our intelligence unit, we must use modern day tools to collect data and intelligence within our nation to be able to correct and put the nation to flourish again so that farmers can return to farm and traders can freely move from zone to zone.

Finally, this government needs to speak to Nigeria people all the time, not just once in a while, just like the American government speaks to his people almost everyday.

This government must require of its workers, the patriotic mind needed to make a country succeed, and then the citizens can follow suit to do the same.

I pray this government is able to turn things around sooner and I wish Nigerians the patience to see the nation become better in their hands.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

God bless Mr. President

God bless you all, and God bless me.

Signed:
Faduri Oluwadare Joseph,
Former Presidential Aspirant Labour Party (LP)
The Leader
Rescue Movement for New Nigeria.

National Prayer: Muslim Clerics Reverse Curse Against INEC Chair,  Rate 2023 Elections as First Credible , Fair Exercise in Nigeria 

Caution against divisive tendencies by religious leaders

In a counter prayer session against the group that recently organized pray session to curse the INEC Chairman , Professor Mahmood Yakubu,Northern based Muslim Clerics under aegis of  Pray for Nigeria Forum (PNF) today  organised a prayer session to reverse the curse and commended the him for  over fair conduct and credible  general elections 

A group , Nigeria Youths National Prayer Day recently organized a prayer session with titled: “Curse be unto Prof Mahmood Yakubu” .

But in a counter reaction, the Muslim Clerics held that  it will amount to great  disserve to the nation for any group to lay curse on the same election umpire that presided over an relatively rated elections considered as the first successful and credible elections in Nigeria. 

The Clerics during the prayer session held at Tafawa Balewa Guest Inn , Kaduna today prayed  against the curse and  urged God to grant Prof . Yakubu the wisdom and knowledge to conduct more credible and acceptable elections. 

The clerics ,who recited various verses of Quran, also passed  a vote of confidence on the INEC Chairman for his unwavering efforts and invaluable contributions to ensure a United Nigeria, despite threats and predictions of break-up. 

While kicking  against the claim that INEC allegedly sold the 2023 election to the highest bidder, President of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the clerics appealed to Christian Clerics across Nigeria to preach messages of peace and unity always. 

In chat with journalists shortly after the event ,Imam Mohammed Awal Adam, the Coordinator of the Prayer session, said ,”It will be unfair not to acknowledge the record of performance of INEC during the concluded 2023 general elections and subsequent staggered elections across  the country.

He further said ,”For a man that organized an election,where opposition parties won seats and states that were originally  strong holds of the ruling party is enough reasons to commend Prof. Yakubu instead of the subjective condemnations in some quarters.

“Before we arrived this venue for the prayer , we did a review of the 2023 general elections and observed that the electoral process has improved tremendously compared to what was obtainable in past.” He added . 

While noting that no religion permits anyone to curse a leader, but rather pray for leaders always for directions and guidance, he said , “It is the responsibility of religious leaders , irrespective faith and ethic backgrounds to ensure the messages they preach at our various worship places are such that promote love and unity amongst adherents . 

He therefore urged Nigerians to shun the  divisive tendencies  and engage government via constructive criticism that could help to identify gray areas that require adjustments.We are appealing to Nigerians to look beyond 2023 elections and jettison of idea of retrogressive growth and development .

“In our view, Prof Yakubu has conducted  most peaceful election in Nigeria, especially on the account of rancour free process and people not killed during the elections with considerations that opposition parties won some critical states,thus our decision to pray for him . ” Imam Adam stated .  

65 CSOs Pull out of NLC,TUC Planned Strike to Avoid Anarchy

… Wants Labour Unions to do more of Dialogue with FG

Ahead of the commencement of planned nationwide strike by Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC)and the Trade Union Congress, (TUC) ,65 Civil Society Organisations have pulled out with considerations that the strike might stir up anarchy and cause more hardship on citizens.

The Civil Society Organisations under aegis of Coalition of Civil Society Organisations Forum also warned against going the Sudan’s way.

“Any attempt to embark on a nationwide strike during these critical periods of hunger and harsh economy could be hijacked by hoodlums and criminal elements, who have been waiting for the slightest opportunity to unleash terror; disrupt public peace, loot business premises and markets .

On February 16, the NLC had announced a nationwide protest scheduled for February 27 and 28, over the failure to implement the agreements reached on October 2, following the removal of the fuel subsidy.

This decision followed the conclusion of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the federal government regarding the widespread hardship.

The Coalition of the CSOs which disclosed this in a statement jointly signed by Comrade Buba Ibrahim Mohammed and Comrade George Phillips, the Coordinator and Secretary insisted that the strike action will only stir up civil unrest and further worsen the already bad security situation as well as damage the fragile economy.

According the Coalition,the views gathered from some of their members and citizens across the country are that the labour unions are trying to undermine the current Tinubu led administration and create a process for break down of law and order to score cheap political points.

“As Civil Society Organisations,we do understand the depth of economic challenges facing the ordinary citizens, especially the workers, but we cannot fold our arms and support a move that will further damage and threaten our peaceful coexistence.

While stating that it’s not unaware that the labour unions had the constitutional right to make demands and embark on strike to drive home their demands ,it maintained that NLC and TUC should know that Nigeria is already sitting on keg of gun powder that must not be allowed to explode.

“Part of reasons we have refused to join forces with labour unions to create anarchy and cause more hardship for the people . Instead, we are making frantic efforts to meet with federal government to discuss how to amicably resolve the issues at stake.

“We recognise the importance of addressing labour-related concerns and advocating for workers’ rights, we kindly urge the labour unions to explore alternative means of dialogue and negotiation with the relevant authorities.” It further stated .

The group which accused NLC President, Joe Ajaero of pursuing a political agenda, appealed to NLC and TUC members to give the federal government time to implement the minimum wage issue and other demands.

CSOs to Honour INEC Boss, Organize National Prayers for Improved Electoral Process 

Civil Society Organisations under aegis of Coalition for Great Nigeria (CGN)said arrangements have been concluded to organize  National Prayers  in honour of the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) , Professor Mahmood Yakubu. 

According to the group , it will be unfair not to acknowledge the record of performance of the INEC during the 2023 general elections. 

The group,which come out strongly against some persons, who claimed they want to organize prayers to Curse the INEC Chairman for allegedly selling the 2023 election to the highest bidder, President of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said the  prayers would be conducted across 6 geo-political zones . 

The group in a statement signed by the Chairman, Dr. Umar Shehu said the idea of laying a curse on the INEC boss,Prof. Mahmood Yakubu is nothing, but a sponsored and deliberate attempt to ridicule the election umpire for no just reason . 

“We did a review of the whole process of the 2023 general elections and discovered that they were relatively better then previous elections conducted in the country, thus our decision to pray for more improvement ahead of the 2027 general elections.” It Stated . 

It however,urged Nigerians to shun the detractors parading themselves as prayer warriors in the face of  an improved performance electoral process under the able and exemplary leadership of  Prof. Yakubu.

The statement further reads: Instead  of gathering together to lay curse on Professor Yakub , we expect constructive criticism that could help to identify gray areas that require adjustments.We are appealing to Nigerians to look beyond 2023 elections and jettison of idea of retrogressive growth and development .

“In fact, we have concluded arrangements to organize a National Prayer of Gratitude and Appreciation for INEC  Chairman Professor Mahmood.”

” We considered it Apt to pass a vote of confidence on the INEC boss, because he his achievements recorded  during the 2023 polls”.

While praising  him for conducting the most peaceful election in Nigeria, especially on the account of rancour free process and people not killed during the elections with considerations that opposition parties won some critical states, it said there is a need to consolidate on the gains rather pains . 

“For us as members of Civil Society Organisations, it will amount to mere distractions and attention seeking for anyone  to consider laying a curse on INEC boss . What we expect is a kudos  for the painstaking efforts in the conduct of 2023 elections across the country with remarkable achievements.”

Meanwhile the group said, ” It is totally unfortunate and unfounded for those characters “Prayer warriors “to accuse INEC of selling elections to the highest bidder .It is a total falsehood and Should be disregarded.”