President Buhari Sends Notice of His Duties Resumption to National Assembly

President Muhammadu Buhari has written the National Assembly, notifying the lawmakers of his return from a 103-day medical vacation in London and his subsequent resumption of duty, an official has said. The president signed the letter of notice for dispatch to Senate President Bukola Saraki and Speaker Yakubu Dogara, hours after his nationwide broadcast to the nation Monday morning.

The presidential spokesperson, Femi Adesina, disclosed the development in a statement on Monday afternoon. “In line with constitutional provision, President Muhammadu Buhari has written the National Assembly, notifying the legislature of his return to office, after returning from medical vacation in London,” disclosed Mr. Adesina.

The Senate's Resolution and Magu's No Retreat, No Surrender! A Contradiction

"We are determined to fight corruption to the finish and nobody can stop us". Ibrahim Magu told National Assembly Correspondents shortly after answering questions from senators during his screening on Wednesday, March 15, 2017.

The Nigerian Senate said Magu seizes to be the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Control (EFCC).

THE MAN: IBRAHIM MAGU.
Ibrahim Mustafa Magu, Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, was on Wednesday, March 15, 2017, screened by the Senate for the position of the Executive Chairman, EFCC.

PRESIDENT BUHARI RESUMES DUTIES; NOTIFIES NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari today resumed duties after his vacation.

In compliance with Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the President has formally transmitted letters to the Senate and the House of Representatives, intimating the National Assembly "that I have resumed my functions as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with effect from Monday, March 13, 2017, after my vacation."

FEMI ADESINA
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 13, 2017

DISLAIMER: FG HAS NOT REOPENED N-POWER PORTAL FOR NEW APPLICATIONS YET

Our attention has been drawn to false and fraudulent reports circulating especially in the Social Media that new N-Power applications are now being received on the N-Power portal. There are also equally false reports and claims about an unauthorised request for vital personal information of beneficiaries on web portals not known to the Presidency or any arm of the Federal Government.

Nigerians, especially beneficiaries and potential beneficiaries of the N-Power Volunteer Corps should ignore such reports emanating from fake sources and outlets and only relate with bonafide presidency and FG sources and web portals. For the avoidance of doubt, legitimate communication about the N-Power is done through selection@npower.gov.ng or the relevant Focal Persons appointed by each of the 36 States and the FCT.

Court Declares Free Basic Education An Enforceable Right

A Federal High Court in Abuja has declared that every Nigerian child has the constitutional right to free and compulsory primary education, and free junior secondary education.

In a suit filed by a non-governmental organisation, Legal Defence and Assistance Project (LEDAP), against the Federal Ministry of Education and the Attorney General of the Federation, Justice John Tsoho also declared that the Federal and State governments have constitutional duties to provide adequate funds for it.

In the suit, LEDAP asked the court to determine whether by the combined effect of Section 18 (3)(a) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 2 (1) of the Compulsory, Free Universal Basic Education Act, (UBE) 2004, the right to free and compulsory primary education and free junior secondary education for all qualified Nigerian citizens are enforceable rights in Nigeria.

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AFTER A MEETING OF STAKEHOLDERS OF THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY ON THE 20TH FEBRUARY 2017

WHEREAS:

A.​ Following the repugnant attempt by Sen. Ali Modu Sherrif and other undemocratic forces to undermine and take over the Peoples Democratic Party, the National Convention of the party held at Port Harcourt on the 21st day of May 2016 dissolved the then National Working Committee and the National Executive Committee and replaced the National Working Committee with a 7-member National Caretaker Committee under the leadership of Sen. Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi as Chairman and Sen. Ben Obi as Secretary with a mandate to run the party and organize an elective National Convention as soon as practicable;

B.​ The Federal High Court in Port Harcourt in FHC/PH/CS/524/2016 PDP & ORS. Vs. SHERRIF & ORS in its judgment endorsed the decisions of the 21st May 2016 National Convention, holding that the Convention did not violate any extant Order of the Courts or any provisions of the Party’s or Country’s Constitution.

INSPECTION TOUR OF SOUTH-SOUTH ZONE : FASHOLA PREACHES PEACE AS ONLY VIABLE MEANS TO ACHIEVE ECONOMIC RECOVERY, PROSPERITY

* “Everybody wins when there is peace and nobody wins when there is conflict”, he says
* Commends National Assembly, South-South Parliamentarians for support on Infrastructure Development
*Underscores role of FG , Federal Controllers of Works as partners in progress not competitors with States

The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN has advocated peace in the country as the only means to achieve the overall development of the country saying in the atmosphere of peace everybody wins while nobody wins in a situation of conflict.

Fashola, who spoke while touring on-going Federal road projects across the five South-South States of the country, said in spite of political and ideological differences, the most important objective of the nation was to develop Nigeria for the benefit of all Nigerians.

PUBLIC HEARING: Nigerian Gas Processing and Marketing Regulatory Board’ and the ‘National Gas Resources Development Agency Dogara's Remarks

REMARKS BY THE SPEAKER, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, RT. HONOURABLE YAKUBU DOGARA AT THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THE BILLS FOR NIGERIAN GAS PROCESSING AND MARKETING REGULATORY BOARD AND THE NATIONAL GAS RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT AGENCY, HELD ON THURSDAY, 16TH FEBRUARY, 2017 AT HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, ABUJA, NIGERIA.

Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara

Protocols:

I am very delighted for the opportunity presented by this Public Hearing on two Bills: ‘Nigerian Gas Processing and Marketing Regulatory Board’ and the ‘National Gas Resources Development Agency’. These Bills seeks to establish the much needed legislative framework to free – up Nigeria’s gas deposits from the overarching concentration on crude oil production at the detriment of gas production. The Bills are expected to propel the country to give gas development, production and marketing its pride of place. If these Bills are eventually enacted into law, they will help create the enabling legislative order in which gas shall no longer be a footnote of crude oil with the attendant overriding benefits to the Nigerian economy.

2. The gas sector of the Nigerian economy has despite several commercial efforts failed to yield its value chain benefits. The laws in place in Nigeria have continued to make crude oil production the corner stone of the country’s petroleum sector development, with inadequate focus on gas production. This misnomer is quite understandable in view of the fact that at the time of developing the Nigerian petroleum sector, global interest in crude oil production and utilisation far outweighed gas utilization. Indeed, gas was treated as waste. It has even still continued to be flared.

National Assembly Leaders, Saraki, Dogara off to London to see Buhari

A Profile Picture of
President Buhari and  National
Assembly Leaders, Saraki, Dogara, 

Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara have reportedly travelled to London to see President Muhammadu Buhari. A very reliable source confirmed that the two principal officers of the National Assembly travelled on Wednesday to meet with Buhari who is on extended vacation for medical reasons.

After the initial ten-day vacation President Buhari earlier requested for which was to end on February 6, he wrote the Senate on the eve of resumption that he will be staying back in London to complete some required tests.

HOW FAKE Naira Notes Flood Nigerian Markets - Ex CBN Chief Reveals

Twenty per cent of the currency in circulation is fake, a former Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Obadiah Mailafia, has disclosed. He made the disclosure yesterday while speaking at the opening session of a three-day public hearing on the 2017 budget appropriation process in the National Assembly on the topic: “Public Finance in the Context of Economic Recession: Innovative Options.”
Mailafia who said investors’ knowledge of the huge economic potential in Nigeria was the reason for the recent oversubscription of the $1 billion Eurobond sale by the federal government, adding that it was saddening that the concerned authorities appear to be oblivious of the gravity of the fake currency in circulation, which he said was highly detrimental to the growth of the economy. According to him, when fake currencies of that magnitude circulate, original currencies become scarce, warning that “bad money chases away good money”.

#2017BUDGET HEARING: House of Reps Speaker Dogara's Remark

Today, the National Assembly began a 3-day public hearing on the 2017 Appropriation Bill, as part of efforts to improve transparency and accountability in the budget process.

House of Reps Speaker  Dogara's address is copied below;

REMARKS BY THE SPEAKER, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, RT. HON. YAKUBU DOGARA ON THE OCCASION OF THE 2017 NATIONAL BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING ORGANISED BY THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ON MONDAY, 13TH FEBRUARY 2017, AT SENATE CONFERENCE ROOM 022.

Protocols:

SARAKI'S REMARKS AT THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY #2017BUDGET HEARING

Protocols,

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to this 3-day National Assembly’s 2017 Budget hearing organized by the Joint Committees of Appropriations. This is the first public hearing on the Budget that brings together all stakeholders involved in the budget process.

Distinguished Guests, 

We are at a crucial stage in our national development. This cannot be overstated! You will agree with me that the current state of the economy is needing of, among others, a credible budget that will stimulate real economic activities, fix our critical infrastructure and provide cushion for the poor and vulnerable.

On President Buhari: We Watch, We Wait!

Without a shred of doubt, President Buhari is VERY ILL. We are humans and our body is programmed to deteriorate and decay. Here is a 74 year old man, who has a lingering health issue. Unfortunately, his incompetent and arrogant media team feeds the frenzy. I read Femi Adesina's puerile statement on the extention notice and I could only exhale.

OFFICIAL: PRESIDENT BUHARI EXTENDS VACATION, WRITES NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

President Muhammadu Buhari has written to the National Assembly today, February 5, 2017, informing of his desire to extend his leave in order to complete and receive the results of a series of tests recommended by his doctors.

The President had planned to return to Abuja this evening, but was advised to complete the test cycle before returning. The notice has since been dispatched to the Senate President, and Speaker, House of Representatives.

"NIGERIA MY EARTHLY COUNTRY CHOSEN FOR ME BY GOD"

This is what John Zibiri has to say about Nigeria, a religious societies.

I worked and lived in Abuja for 18 years. I ran my own private company from 2001 until 2014.

Two million of the likes of Buhari cannot change Nigeria.

Everything is wrong with Nigeria. The Director won't give you contract except you pay up front .

The banks won't give you loan except you concede a certain percentage.

WHY PRESIDENT BUHARI COMMENDS LAGOS AND KEBBI ON LAKE RICE, SAYS THERE'S MORE TO COME

President Muhammadu Buhari commends Lagos and Kebbi States for the successful partnership that gave rise to the local production of LAKE Rice (Lagos-Kebbi Rice).

The President particularly salutes the commitment of Governors Akinwunmi Ambode and Atiku Bagudu in bringing to fruition the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in March 2016 on substantially meeting the country's rice requirement.

He also expresses delight at the relatively cheaper price of LAKE Rice especially at this period of recession.

"It gladdens my heart to get reports of our citizens rushing to purchase this cheaper local rice to enable them and their families enjoy the Christmas and New Year celebrations," the President notes.

Passage of Peace Corps Bill best legislative action in 2016 – Saraki

The President of the Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has spoken further on the reason the Nigerian Peace Corps Bill 2016 was passed into law by both chambers of the National Assembly, this year.

Speaking at the end of the year ceremony/gala night organised by the Peace Corps of Nigeria in Abuja on Wednesday, Saraki said, though there were a lot of other Bills that the National Assembly passed in 2016, the Nigerian Peace Corps Bill was outstanding, saying both chambers of the National Assembly took into cognizance, the socio-economic benefits of the Bill to Nigerians, especially the youths.

“I believe that, after the Appropriation Act that was passed, the next most important Bill that was passed by the National Assembly was the Peace Corps Bill,” he said.

SP Saraki On 2017 Draft Appropriation Bill Presentation By President Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari presented the 2017 Draft Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the National Assembly. Please find below the speech of the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki!

Saraki and President Buhari

Protocol:

1. It is my pleasure on behalf of my Distinguished and Honourable colleagues to warmly welcome you Mr. President and your entourage to this joint session of the National Assembly.

2. Mr. President, while we may have struggled with key aspects of our budget process in the past, I am happy to note that we have made some important progress.

To start with, we are seeing the budget presentation coming slightly earlier this year. Though, we hope tosee an even greater improvement on this in the coming year. But more importantly however, is that so far this year’s budget process has benefitted from greater cooperation and consultations between the National Assembly and the Executive.

SP Saraki Congratulates Hon minister of Environment, Amina J. Mohammed on her appointment as United Nations (UN) Deputy Secretary General

The President of the Nigerian Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki has congratulated the Minister of Environment, Hon. Amina J. Muhammed in her new appointment as the  United Nations (UN) Deputy Secretary General.

Saraki also want the Minister to use her new position to benefit Nigerians most especially the North East, promising that the National Assembly will continue to support all positive development strides of the UN, with the belief that such initiatives will better the lives of Nigerian citizens.

He said: "I congratulate Hon minister of Environment, Amina J. Mohammed (@aminajmohammed) on her appointment as the United Nations (UN) Deputy Secretary General."

RESTRUCTURING THE COUNTRY FROM MAN-MADE MACHIAVELLIAN LEADERSHIP

Prof. Femi Ajayi

When you professionally designed and constructed a home of your dream and the situations at the end of the production are changing, not meeting up with your taste anymore, common sense, if and when applied, dictates that you should do some re-adjustments to the house, or completely abandon the house for a new one. For any human being to say that the way the house was at the time of construction, could not be altered for over the years of staying in the house, could be tagged as being conceptually slothful to meet up with the changes in the family growth. The family size has increased, the taste of the owner of the house and other additional family members have changed, and the community where the structure is situated has changed, whereas the world where they reside, has advanced to the immediate current conditions. For any rational person to say that restructuring the country is a counter move against any group in Nigeria, is not part of the changing world.

Nigeria should wake up for the call to adjust its thinking faculty to something Nigerians need not want, that could accommodate the direction of the world and subscribe to the changes, as the world is becoming a global village.