Flowerbud News

Author: Ibrahim Abusadiq

  • Labour unions criticise Akpabio over announcement of FERMA board as executive board members

    Labour unions criticise Akpabio over announcement of FERMA board as executive board members

    By Flowerbud News

    Nov. 3, 2023

    Joint unions in Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), have kicked against the announcement by Sen. Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Senate, referring to some members of the agency’s board as executive board members.

    The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) and Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) made their position known in a letter addressed to Akpabio on Thursday and made available to newsmen in Abuja.

    It will be recalled that Akpabio had on Wednesday announced the constitution of a new board for FERMA, but referred to some of the members as executive board members, as against the usual members of the board.

    The letter, jointly signed by Mr Paul Onimisi, ASCSN Chairman and Mr Abdulmumin Idris, AUPCTRE Chairman, described the announcement by the senate president as discouraging and demoralising to the staff of the agency.

    “The appointment of some members as executive board members to eventually take over the running of the departments is contrary to FERMA Act and detrimental to the career progression of the employees of the agency.

    “It will not serve the agency any good in achieving its mandate.

    “The appointment of some persons as executive board members is contrary to the provisions of Section 2(2) of the FERMA Act as amended and career progression within government agencies.

    “It is counter productive and demoralising for career officers as the intention is for the executive board members to take over from career officers who are running departments.

    “We urge you respectfully, distinguished Senate President, to confirm the appointment of members of the board in accordance with the Act that created the board.

    “To do otherwise is to usher in a chain of events that will disrupt the structure of the Agency, derail its mandate and demoralise the workers,” the unions maintained.

    The unions’ executives said the direct consequence of making some members of the board executive members to head departments was to derail the agency because workers would not support it.

    The union leaders emphasised that particular adverse result of the contraption of making some board members executive board members was the creation of a board within a board.

    They added that such would drive the agency in contra-direction in terms or its mandate.

    “The agency and its members of staff are peacefully working towards the achievement of its mandate in their service to the nation.

    “An urgent clarion call is hereby made for the immediate reversal of this illegality to forestall looming anarchy this contraption may cause,” the unions stated in the letter aimed at drawing President Bola Tinubu’s attention to the anomaly.

    “In line with Mr President’s renewed hope agenda, it is our lawful demand that the appointees be confirmed as board members not executive board members.

    ”Any contrary action to the provisions of the FERMA (Establishment Act 2002) as amended will be resisted,” the joint unions threatened.

  • FCTA introduces e-booking, ticketing of vehicles to block revenue leakages

    FCTA introduces e-booking, ticketing of vehicles to block revenue leakages

    By Philip Yatai

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has introduced e-booking and e-ticketing of vehicles in the Federal Capital City, Abuja, to block revenue leakages.

    Dr Abdulateef Bello, Director, Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), FCTA, made this known during a training of operational staff of the directorate on e-booking and e-billing systems in Abuja on Wednesday.

    Bello explained that the move was to curb revenue leakages, promote transparency, accountability, and effectiveness in the FCT traffic management system.

    He said that the implementation of the e-ticketing system would begin in the city centre due to the heavy traffic before it would be extended to the suburbs in days to come.

    The director explained that the system would allow offenders to appeal or protest unsatisfactory bookings to ensure justice and address discrepancies.

    “This evolution will empower DRTS officers to serve the public better by delivering services that are not only seamless but efficient and transparent.

    “The new paperless system exemplifies our commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to serve our community with unparalleled efficiency and integrity.

    “This will equally eliminate the challenges associated with manual systems. It will also help us to manage fines and ticketing systems while minimizing revenue leakages,” he said.

    Bello said that with the e-platforms in place, the directorate would be able to have a comprehensive record of all transactions.

    This, he said, would ensure that every money due to the government goes to the government and accounted for.

    He added that the systems offer seamless payment options for offenders and would enhance their overall experience while interacting with the officials of the directorates.

    “It provides easy access to penalty records from various endpoints, audit trail history and other related data analytics.

    “This will ensure accountability and informed decision-making,” he added.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training was attended by all operational staff from the 22 commands of the directorates.

    NAN

  • Reps to investigate N200bn expenditure on postponed 2023 census

    Reps to investigate N200bn expenditure on postponed 2023 census

    By EricJames Ochigbo

    The House of Representatives, says it will investigate the N200 billion expended on the postponed 2023 census by the National Population Commission (NPC).

    The resolution to investigate the NPC’s expenditure was sequel to a unanimous adoption of a motion co-sponsored by Rep. Dominic Okafor (APGA- Anambra) and Rep. Patrick Umoh (APC-Akwa Ibom) at plenary on Wednesday.

    Okafor, who moved the motion, said “census provides accurate population data crucial for development planning, policy formulation, resource allocation, and government programme implementation.”

    He said that census was most necessary especially at a time when the Federal Government in conjunction with State Governments were working on giving palliatives to vulnerable citizens and also planning other social services.

    The Rep member said that the NPC had the mandate to conduct periodic census surveys, and other methods to enumerate the country’s population and to provide data for national planning and economic development.

    Okafor recalled that a national census was last conducted in Nigeria in 2006 and the 2023 census, but that the was to have held scheduled in May 2023, was postponed by the commission.

    According to him, the data collected in the 2006 census is far from reality today and cannot validly form a solid base for the formation of national economic policies that will aid the federal government in administering viable national planning.

    “The commission has admitted to having spent N200 billion of the N800 billion budgeted for the planning mid-execution of the 2023 population and housing census, which was postponed.

    “The financial investment in 2023 population census planning would have improved economic planning and distribution of palliatives in the country.

    “If the population and housing census fails to take place within 12 months, the information gathered across the country would become stale, a waste of resources and the country would have to increase costs of gathering fresh information,” he said.

    He said that the Chairman of the commission, Alhaji Nasir Kwarra, had expressed readiness to conduct a population and housing census during a visit to President Bola Tinubu on July 6, 2023.

    The green chambers urged President Bola Tinubu to declare a date for the conduction of 2023 population and housing census to facilitate accurate economic planning.

    The house urged the Federal Government to, upon fixing a date for the census, constitute Census Tribunals in designated centres in accordance with Section 28 of the National Population Commission, Act, 2004.

    The lawmakers charged the NPC not to relent in its preparation for the 2023 population and housing census.

    In his ruling, the Speaker of the house,  Tajudeen Abbas, mandated the Committee on Population to investigate the money expended on the postponed 2023 population.

    He asked the committee to  liaise with the NPC to ensure a successful population and housing census when proclaimed.

    NAN

  • Tinubu seeks Senate approval of 2022-2024 external borrowing plan of $7.8bn, €100m

    Tinubu seeks Senate approval of 2022-2024 external borrowing plan of $7.8bn, €100m

    By Kingsley Okoye

    President Bola Tinubu has sought the approval of Senate for the 2022-2024 external borrowing plan of 7.8 billion dollars and 100 million euros.

    Tinubu’s request was contained in a letter addressed to President of Senate, Godswill Akpabio and read at plenary on Wednesday.

    Tinubu in the letter said the past administration had approved the 2022-2024 borrowing plan at the Federal Executive council on May 15 .

    He said:

    “Following the removal of fuel subsidy and its impact on the economy in the country,Africa Development Bank (AFDB)and World Bank Group have indicated interest to assist the country in mitigating the economic shocks, and its recent reforms.

    “While the AFDB will assist the country with the sum of One billion dollars, the world bank will give two billion dollars in addition to the Federal Executive council approved 2023-2024 external borrowing plan.”

    Tinubu said the projects due to be utilised with the fund cut across all sectors with specific emphasis on infrastructure, agriculture, health , education, water supply, security and employment generation and financial management reforms.

    He said that the projects and programmes in the plan were selected based on technical economic evaluation and its expected contribution to the social economic development of the country.

    He listed the areas to include employment generation, skills acquisition , supporting the emergence of more entrepreneurs, poverty reduction and food security to improve the livelihood of an average Nigerian.

    He said the projects and programs would be implemented in all 36 states of the Federation, and the FCT.

    “In view of the economic realities , facing the country, it has become imperative that the country resort to prudent external borrowing, to breach the financing gap which will be applied to key infrastructure projects including power , railway , health amongst others , given the nature of these facilities.

    ” In a quest to bring the country to normalcy, it has become exigent to request the senate consideration and approval of the 2022 -2024 external borrowing plan to enable the government deliver it’s responsibility to Nigerians through expeditious disbursement and efficient project implementation”.

    NAN

  • Absence of witness stalls Mompha’s alleged N6bn money laundering trial

    Absence of witness stalls Mompha’s alleged N6bn money laundering trial

    By Adenike Ayodele

    The trial of the social media celebrity, Ismaila Mustapha (alias Mompha), charged with six billion Naira money laundering, before an Ikeja Special Offences Court,  was stalled due to the absence of prosecution witness.

    When the case was called on Wednesday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Counsel, Mrs Bilikisu Buhari, informed the court that the prosecution’s next witness was not in the country.

    Buhari  also urged the court to allow the witness to give his evidence via virtual hearing.

    “My lord, we are sorry our witness could not make it to court today because he is out of the country for a training.

    “We, however, apply that the witnesses evidence be taken virtually,”she said

    The defence counsel, Mr Kolawole Salami, however objected to the prosecution submission.

    Salami argued that the prosecution had ample time to prepare and brought their witnesses.

    “My lord, the prosecution  had enough time to prepare and bring their witnesses only to make application for virtual hearing this morning without any notification.

    “We ask that their oral application be dismissed,”Salami said.

    Justice Mojisola Dada overruled the submission of the prosecution and adjourned the case until Dec. 19 for continuation of trial.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that EFCC had on Sept. 18 tendered some of documents through an Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent, Mr Ayotunde Solademi against Mompha.

    The documents were reports by the FBI and an investigative report on Mompha’s iPhone which the agency claimed was used for fraudulent activities.

    NAN also reports that Mompha’s trial in absentia started on June 3 when a compliance officer with Access Bank testified against him.

    Prosecution had informed the court on May 15 that it had secured his in collaboration with its international partners.

    The court, on Sept. 21 ordered the commencement of trial of the defendant in absentia after he failed to appear before it.

    The EFCC had, on Jan. 22, arraigned Mustapha alongside his company, Ismalob Global Investment Ltd., on eight counts bordering on six billion Naira laundering.

    The court had, on June 22, issued a bench warrant for his arrest following his absence in court.

    Dada also revoked the bail she granted the defendant.

    The social media celebrity was equally absent in court on June 16.

    On  June 10, EFCC accused him of flouting the court’s order by travelling to Dubai with a new international passport.

    The charges against Mompha include conspiracy to launder money obtained through unlawful activities, and laundering of money obtained through unlawful activities.

    The others are retention of proceeds of criminal conduct, use of property derived from an unlawful act, possession of a document containing false pretences, and failure to disclose assets.

    NAN

  • Rivers Assembly: Jack-Rich appeals for calm

    Rivers Assembly: Jack-Rich appeals for calm

    By Flowerbud News

    Nov. 1, 2023

    Mr Tein Jack-Rich, a former presidential aspirant under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called for calm on the wake of Monday’s attack on the Rivers State House of Assembly.

    Jack-Rich also called on the political gladiators in the state to sheath their swords and ensure that the crisis did not escalate to a stage that it could not be managed.

    The House was set ablaze by suspected political thugs on Monday, following a threat by the lawmakers to commence impeachment proceedings against the Leader of the House, Edison Ehie, and Gov. Siminalayi Fubara.

    ”At the early hours of Oct. 30, 2023, I received multiple calls and reports of an immense attack and the desecration of Rivers State House of Assembly, being the beacon of democracy.

    ”It is important to understand that keeping the temple of our democracy is a sacred oath we all took as political actors, irrespective of class.

    ”Therefore, any tendency to attack the legislature or hijack is not for anyone’s security, rather a display of political weakness,” the CEO of Belema Oil Producing Limited, said.

    According to him, when the legislature comes under attack anywhere in the world, democracy is threatened.

    ”We cannot afford to sacrifice the peace of the democratic journey on the alter of fear of dictatorship or authoritarianism.

    ”My appeal is peace, and for Rivers State to be allowed to key into President Bola Tinubu’s administration at the federal level in order to take advantage of its economic master plan,” he said.

    According to him, this will enable the state to fix its economic policies to attract private capital development, in order to provide jobs for the youths who are currently struggling with massive unemployment.

    ”We cannot afford the crisis brewing to snowball into a more chaotic situation, which is capable of excerzabating huge economic hardship in Rivers State,” Jack-Rich noted.

    The Rivers-born philanthropist therefore, called for calm.

    ”Let all those involved sheath their swords, in the interest of peace and development of our dear Rivers State,” he said.

    According to Jack-Rich, the onus was now on all patriotic sons and daughters of the state to put on the garb or civility and deploy dialogue in order to resolve any differences.

  • Wike working on state of emergency

    Wike working on state of emergency

    WIKE WORKING ON STATE OF EMERGENCY?
    * WANTS CONTROL OF RIVERS STATE FOR 2027.
    * Meets Fubara * Presidency intervenes

    Last week the political space of Rivers State was again shaken by a rash desire underscored by crash emotions and action to impeach the democratically elected Governor of the State – H. E Sir Siminalayi FUBARA (GSSR )

    The fallout led to the burning of the House of Assembly chambers by ardent political supporters. ln the ensuing drama, actions were swiftly taken to arrest the tide.

    The Speaker( Rt. Hon Martins Chike Amaewhule) was impeached and a new Speaker (Rt. Hon Edison Ehie) elected, the COS to the Governor, Mr. Chidi Amadi was equally given the boot!

    Things were moving faster than the speed of light; the chief Judge commissioners and 23 Local Government Area Chairmen may not be spared.

    Though the Commissioner of information and communication, Mr Warisenibo Joseph Johnson has dispelled the further sacking of any government official

    Addressing supporters earlier at the House of Assembly Complex on Monday where he had gone to assess the damage done to the burnt chambers, the governor visibly calm, had said he had not committed any impeachable offence offering to talk to the press at a later time.

    Perhaps Fubara’s perceived offence was the recent appointment of Commissioners which political observers said was without Wike’s input having exhausted his recommendations.

    Others say various monetary demand brought about the love lost

    It is shamefully noteworthy that the Governor, the No1 Chief Security Officer of the state was equally attacked, shot at by the police drafted to the complex to keep law and order.

    The Governor, we are told only escaped by the whiskers as a large following shielded him off teargas cannisters and more.

    In this regard, Lious Edet House has confirmed the incident and vows to deal with anyone found culpable as investigation is underway.

    Having failed in their plan A action, in the coming days may shift to rendering the state ungovernable if Wike is allowed to go full swing with his allies. The idea is to attract President Tinubu whose ears Wike has to imposing a state of emergency on Rivers State in their permutations for 2027  regardless of the President’s surgical intervention.

    it’s left to be seen in the light of the permutations on ground. Meanwhile the two Rivers sons have were said to have met behind closed doors in Abuja. They shook hands upon meeting enroute the Police Council meeting chaired by Mr President The last was in 2021

    It’s not clear if the path to peace and less control of the state affairs will be brokered.

    The path of honour for Wike would have been dialoguing, advising and providing guidance for a Government he painstakingly entrenched. Wike can afford to show fartherly courage and go tete-a-tete with the Governor!

    For making the Riverine region to govern in 24 years of the life span of the state, Wike had already written his name in kandahar. why sacrifice it on the alter of ego ?

    whatever the disagreement is, a disagreement where Impeachment of the Governor is to be secretly executed is no more a mere disagreement.

    From Ada George to Peter Odill, Omeha, Amaechi to Wike, no one made an Impeachment attempt on the other or assassination attempt. lt can’t be recalled that any Impeachment moves in the 8years of Wike’s administration as govervor. You dare not!

    The powers right now rest with the Governor. Let there be father/Son like dialogue . State of emergency as plan B will not work. The price is far more. Let the issues which are more than meets the eye be resolved amicably.

    To pupetize the Governor is not in the best interest of a party who wants to deliver dividends of democracy.

    The coming days will redefine governance as Governor Siminalayi FUBARA is expected to deepen his grip and ensure the bridge to youths and more -people oriented governance is not truncated.

  • #ENDSARS: NHRC receives panel reports from 16 out of 29 states

    #ENDSARS: NHRC receives panel reports from 16 out of 29 states

    By Edith Nwapi

    The National human rights Commission (NHRC) has received reports from 16 states out of 29 on the #ENDSARS panels.

    The Executive Secretary of NHRC Mr Anthony Ojukwu, SAN said this in Abuja at an event to mark three years of #ENDSARS and submission of report on the protest by Enough is Enough (EIE), a non governmental organisation.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the panels were set up to investigate violations of human rights by the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and other police units.

    NAN reports further that the panel was set up by the Federal Government in Nov. 2020 under former vice president, prof Yemi Osinbajo following the “ENDSARS Protest” which was triggered by nationwide allegations of Police brutality.

    NAN reports that 29 states set up panels at the state levels and FCT which was an Independent panel  set up by NHRC.

    Speaking at the event, Ojukwu commended EIE on their efforts at coming up with a review of the #ENDSARS protest and report.

    He recalled that compensation of over N530 million was given to victims or families of the victims as a healing process.

    ” It is a very important step taken by EIE which is to commemorate the 2020 #ENDSARS protest. It is one of the efforts to keep #ENDSARS alive.

    ” About 29 states set up state panels and NHRC automatically was made a member, a panel was also set up in Abuja as an independent Investigation panel by the Commission.

    ” Today, EIE has taken a giant step towards compiling this report. The effort gears towards police reforms and I urge the states who have not submitted their reports to do so.

    ” 16 states have submitted their reports and when the remaining states do same the Commission will do the comprehensive review and report” he said.

    Speaking also, Mr Chino Obiagwu, SAN, the panel counsel during the Abuja sitting, said many lessons are there to take from the #ENDSARS protest.

    ” There are petitions which was over 6,000 mainly from the poor, calling out for justice, who later suppressed or withdraw their petitions for fear of reprisal attacks from the police.

    ” There were no lessons from the #ENDSARS protest, the Nigeria police have been emboldened, because they are not called to order .

    ” It made the citizens to loose the essence of the protest and none of the police indicted was prosecuted” he said.

    He said inquiries should be hold into human rights abuses by the police and all the indicted officers should be punished.

    ” Speaking of judgment debts against the government, the money should be taken from the budget of the department that cause the problem that attracted such debts so that the people involved can feel the liability.

    ” There should be a revamp of the syllabus in police training schools.

    ” The police service Commission, the inspector general of police and NHRC should engage the officers frequently with training on best practices ” he said.

    Similarly, Mr Samson Itodo, Yiaga Africa called for an apology from the states to the victims of police brutality and the people.

    ” States should apologise to the wounded and the offended.

    ” The streets are the platform where people come out to protest but they are afraid to come out because they are not protected.

    ” Justice is not just paying compensation but goes beyond that, ” he said.

    The highlight of the event was the digital presentation of the report covered by Enough is Enough.

    The report was presented by Ms Yemi Adamolekun, executive director of EIE.

    (more…)

  • Tinubu seeks Senate approval for 2024-2026 MTEF,FSP

    Tinubu seeks Senate approval for 2024-2026 MTEF,FSP

    By Kingsley Okoye

    President Bola Tinubu has sought the approval of Senate for the 2024-2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF)and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP).

    Tinubu’s request is contained in a letter addressed to President of Senate, Ahmed Lawan and read at plenary on Tuesday.

    “I am pleased to submit the 2024 – 2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF and Fiscal Strategy Paper, FSP to the National Assembly.

    “Let me use this medium to express my gratitude to the Senate for his enduring commitment to the partnership between the legislative and executive arms of government.

    “Pursuant to the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007 and preparations towards submission of the 2024 budget to the National Assembly is progressing very well.

    “The MTEF and the FSP were prepared against the backdrop of a political transition, as well as global issues such as the Russia and Ukraine war, which continues unabated with severe consequences on global and energy prices,” he said.
    Tinubu added:“We are also faced with challenges in domestic revenue mobilisation and significantly elevated public debts.

    “Additionally, many economies around the world have witnessed increased inflation with in particular adverse effects on capital flows to emerging markets.

    “In order to begin the process of preparing the 2024–2026 budget on schedule.

    “I hereby forward the 2024 – 2026 MTEF and FSP to the National Assembly for their kind expeditious consideration and approval of the Senate in order to bring the 2024 Federal Government of Nigeria’s budget preparations process to timely closure.”

    President of Senate, Godswill Akpabio referred the MTEF and FSP to the Committees on Finance, Appropriations, National Planning and Economic Affairs and Local and Foreign Debt for further legislative input.

    NAN