Politics

National Assembly Committed to Reforming Electoral Legal Framework –Alli

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By Iyabo Adebisi

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, Senator Sarafadeen Alli, says the National Assembly is committed to reforming electoral legal framework for positive, effective and efficient leadership recruitment process.

He said this  in Ibadan at the 2-day South-West Zonal Legislative Interactive Session, organised by the National Assembly Joint Committee on Electoral Matters.

Senator Alli, who represents Oyo South Senatorial District, said the interactive session is a deliberate step into the future of elections in Nigeria on what it should be and how the process should run seamlessly.

He explained that the inputs at the forum are required for the future of elections and the electoral process in Nigeria.

Senator Alli noted that the committee is scheduled to carry out the interactive session with different stakeholders and interest groups across the country.

In a goodwill message, the chairman, House Committee on Electoral Matters, Prince Adebayo Balogun, representing Ibeju/Lekki Federal Constituency, noted that young people participation in general elections or the electoral process are defined by many factors.

These factors according to Prince Balogun are economic, political awareness, education, political culture, access to information and technology, youth representation and social networks.

“As we strive to amend our Electoral Act 2022, we must seek to accommodate very useful and insightful legislative framework to make the participation of our young people more visible nnd audible,” he said.

In his address, the chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu said elections were among the most effective ways of promoting participation in governance.

Professor Yakubu who was represented by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Oyo State, Dr Adeniran Tella, stated that the 2023 general election witnessed quite a number of youths’ participation in the electoral process.

He noted that legislative leadership requires an investment to sustain capacity building for young legislators, who are primarily first-time lawmakers, to improve their knowledge of legislative practice and procedure.

The INEC boss urged the legislative houses to assign leadership roles to young legislators to maximise their intellect, energy, and creativity in improving legislative governance. 

He equally called on media organisations to take deliberate steps to spotlight the contributions of young legislators to legislative governance and ensure media visibility for young legislators at the national and state assemblies. 

Two of the participants, Emmanuel Kilaso and Miss Deborah Adewale canvassed for independence of INEC and stressed the need to curb electoral fraud and manipulation through electoral reform. 

They also called for review of the accreditation system of voters to enhance transparency and accountability.

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Economy

N30tn CBN Loans: Senate to Probe Buhari Govt, Emefiele

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The Senate on Tuesday resolved to probe how the N30tn Ways and Means loans of the Central Bank of Nigeria were obtained and spent by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Ways and Means is a loan facility through which the CBN finances the government’s budget shortfalls.

The senate stated that the reckless spending of the overdraft collected from the CBN under Godwin Emefiele largely accounted for the food and security crises the country was currently facing.

The red chamber then resolved to set up an ad hoc committee to investigate what the N30tn overdraft was spent on by the immediate past government, noting that the details of the spending were deliberately not made available to the National Assembly.

The ad-hoc committee which will be constituted on Wednesday (today) will also probe the N10tn expended on the Anchor Borrowers Scheme, the $2.4bn forex transaction out of the $7bn obligation made for that purpose as well as other intervention programmes.

The development came as a biting food crisis, rising inflation, naira depreciation and worsening insecurity continue to take toll on Nigerians.

President Bola Tinubu and his economic team have come under intense criticism after last year’s fuel subsidy removal and exchange unification policy unleashed harsh economic conditions on citizens.

Tinubu’s cabinet members have continued to argue that the current crises were exacerbated by the gross mismanagement of the Buhari regime, arguing the current reforms were meant to right the wrongs of the past administration.

The latest move by the Senate is expected to unravel the ways the country and its resources were allegedly mismanaged by the Buhari administration.

Buhari had in a letter to the National Assembly in January 2023 requested that the N22.7trn Ways and Means loan should be converted to a 40-year bond with a moratorium of three years.

He also requested approval to borrow an additional N1trn to fund the N819.5 billion 2022 supplementary budget which the lawmakers approved last December.

Following the request, the House of Representatives on May 4, 2023, approved the conversion of the N23.7trn loan to a long-term bond for 40 years at the rate of nine per cent per annum.

The bond has a moratorium of three years.

The lower chamber approved the consideration of the report presented by the House Committees on Finance, Banking and Currency and Aids, Loans and Debt Management.

The Committee of Supply, chaired by the then Deputy Speaker Idris Wase, considered the recommendation in the report and approved it.

But the 9th Senate was thrown into a chaotic session after some lawmakers opposed Buhari’s request to approve the CBN loan as they demanded the details of his proposal.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Adeola Olamilekan, attempted to present the report of the president’s request when Rivers senator, Betty Apiafi, raised a Point of Order and said the president’s request was not constitutional.

She was, however, ruled out of order by the then Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, who asked that Olamilekan present the report before contributions were made.

Citing relevant laws from the Constitution, the CBN Act and the Senate Standing Rules, Rivers senator, George Sekibo, argued that the request was not in line with the Constitution.

‘’It will be a disservice that we have spent that money on behalf of Nigerians. It will be an abuse of our personal sense and against our privileges if we approve this request without details of the expenditure,’’ he insisted.

Many lawmakers who opposed the president’s request either said it was against the laws or wondered why the National Assembly was not notified when the amount was taken from the Central Bank.

Senate’s new probe

However, the Senate’s resolutions on Tuesday followed the consideration of the report of its Joint Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, Finance, National Planning, Agriculture and Appropriation on State of the Economy after interactive sessions held with the Federal  Government economic management team.

However the consideration of the report during the plenary was stormy with accusations and counter-accusations by Senators on how the N22.7tn Ways and Means was passed by the 9th Senate in May 2023.

The lawmakers were also miffed by the passage of N7.2tn on December 30, 2023, by the 10th Senate.

Specifically, the Whip of the Senate, Senator Ali Ndume (APC Borno South), in his contribution blamed the Senate for approving the request without details from former President  Buhari.

Ndume said, “When the N22.7trn Ways and Means approval request was brought before the 9th Senate, I insisted that details of spending made with it should be provided before approval but the Senate then went ahead and approved it.”

However, the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, countered that the decision taken then was a collective one with the caveat that the executive should provide details later, which was however not provided.

In his defence, the former Senate President, Lawan, claimed that the Ways and Means was in the past and urged the Senate to focus on the present.

Lawan said, “All of that is in the past, we must focus on the present which is the fact that people are hungry and they are crying. That’s what we should focus on.”

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, said as recommended by the committee and supported by most of the Senators, a thorough probe must be carried out on the N22.7tn Ways and Means approved in May 2023 by the 9th Senate which later increased to N30trn, with the passage of the N7.2trn accrued interest forwarded to the senate for passage last December.

Akpabio said, “The food and security crises confronting the nation now are traceable to the way and manner the said Ways and Means were given collected and spent. Details of such spending must be submitted for required scrutiny and possible remedies because what Nigerians want is food on their table which must be given.”

He added, “Other recommendations made by the committee on the need for a thorough investigation of the N10trillion Anchor borrowers program, and other intervention programs running into billions of dollars must be investigated.

“But as rightly recommended by the joint committee, security agencies should, as a matter of national urgency, combat all forms of insecurity across the country for farmers to access their farms for required food production highly needed in the country now.”

According to the executive summary of the report by the Senate’s joint committee, a copy of which was obtained by one of our correspondents on Tuesday, the Nigerian economy is currently facing challenging times “largely caused by distortions resulting from major fiscal and monetary policy actions of previous governments notably the huge direct lending to the Federal Government by the Central Bank of Nigeria to the tune of about N30 trillion, the operation of an opaque fuel subsidy regime and a raft of interventions by the Central Bank which seemed not well targeted.”

The report stated that this had led to rising inflation especially food, and persistent naira depreciation.

In reaction to the current economic hardships being faced by Nigerians, the Joint Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other financial Institutions, Finance, National Planning, Agriculture and Appropriation held an interactive session with the key members of the Federal Government’s economic management team.

The aim was to ascertain the true state of affairs of the country’s economy, the nature of the challenges and measures being put in place to address them within the shortest possible time.

According to the report, what has emerged from the interaction is the urgent need to bring down inflation, boost food production and stabilize the economy through proper coordination of fiscal and monetary policies.

The report further read, “The current state of the country’s economy is very challenging and has resulted in widespread suffering for the average Nigerian across the country. At the forefront of Nigeria’s economic challenges is the alarming surge in inflation rates, with headline inflation soaring to a staggering 28.92 per cent as of December 2023. This inflationary pressure is more evident in the essential sector of food, with food inflation now as high as 33.93 per cent leading to a cost-of-living crisis and rendering necessities increasingly unaffordable for many Nigerians. The inflationary spiral not only erodes the purchasing power of households but also exacerbates poverty and inequality across the nation.

“One of the main drivers of inflation in Nigeria today is the volume of money in circulation. As of December 2023, the country recorded an unprecedented money supply of N78.74tn, and a 51 per cent year-on-year increase when compared to the money supply as of December 2022. One of the driving forces of this significant increase in money supply was the N30tn Ways and Means or the direct financing extended by the CBN to the Federal Government which has only weakened the balance sheet of the central bank. In addition to the inflationary pressures, the country is also battling with acute shortages of food items.”

The report noted that the naira has continued to weaken against the dollar over time, adding that “In January 2024, the naira depreciated against the dollar by 37.6 per cent which has contributed to the inflationary pressures in the country, increased the cost of goods and services and also led to increased foreign exchange speculation.”

The Senate probe panel is expected to begin to summon some key members of the previous administration’s cabinet members.

PDP welcomes probe

The People’s Democratic Party has urged the National Assembly to follow through with the proposed probe and investigate Buhari’s administration

The PDP Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, said the current hardships facing Nigerians were a result of both “the actions and inactions” of the former President Buhari.

Abdullahi stated, “You know, that’s what we have always clamoured for. If there is any modicum of integrity in this government, then Buhari needs to be probed. It is not just about probing his government; Buhari himself should be probed. I am sure he does not enjoy any immunity now.

“Nigeria cannot continue like this. Fifty years after independence, we are still stuck in the same place. Any Tom, Dick, and Harry will take over leadership for years, and after inflicting untoward hardship on the citizenry like Buhari did in his eight years, then the individual will go free, and nothing will happen.

“The PDP is supportive of the Senate’s proposed probe of Buhari’s government, despite our lack of belief in it. However, it signifies a development aimed at restoring the faith of Nigerians in the system. Buhari should be subjected to a tribunal or panel to account for everything he did during the last eight years.

“Already, Buhari’s actions have been a form of self-investigation. We’ve been witnessing revelations, and some of us have been vocal about it even during his tenure. He was steering Nigeria backwards due to a lack of ideas and offered nothing to Nigerians, yet some forces imposed him on us. We endured a harrowing experience during his eight years in office.

“They claimed he had Nigeria’s best interests at heart. How? The Senate should investigate him, and we support them wholeheartedly, hoping it won’t be another futile arrangement as we’ve seen in the past. Let them match words with action.

“Nigerians are receiving it the hard way now. Everybody is surviving miraculously, insecurity has taken a toll on this country. What we are going through these days, the upheavals in the country and the hardships are the fallout of what Buhari has done with this country within eight years.”

LP speaks

Also, the Labour Party described the Senate’s plan to probe Buhari’s administration as a welcome development, doubting however whether the Senate would follow through.

LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, expressed this view in an interview with one of our correspondents on Tuesday, likening the Senate to an appendage of Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government.

He stated “If they actually want to walk the talk, then it is a welcome development. But also know that Nigerians do not have trust in this present Senate, because they are like an apron to President Bola Tinubu’s government. They have virtually approved any request by Tinubu’s government. So they don’t trust them

“The question is, do they have the political will to investigate APC? This government is a continuation of Buhari’s government and the APC is known for condoning corruption. So it is not likely they will carry out that threat. Because we know they are birds of the same feather and they flock together.

“So in summary the Labour Party thinks it is a good thing, but whether they will carry out that probe, is something else. Because the current Senate leadership does not have the political Will to investigate anybody, not to talk of the past government.”

Meanwhile, attempts to get comments from the former Minister of Information and Culture, Mr Lai Mohammed, were unsuccessful even as the counsel to Mr Emefiele, Mr Matthew Bukka, did not take calls to his mobile line at press time.

Punch/ Immaculata Justin

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Governance

Tinubu Seeks Senate’s Confirmation of 19 NPC Commissioners Nominee

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In a letter to the Senate on Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu requested the confirmation of 19 candidates for National Population Commission (NPC) commissioners.

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, read out the letter on the floor during plenary in Abuja.

The nominees:

The President also asked the red chamber to confirm the nomination of Bashir Indabawa (North-West), Enorense Amadasu (South-South) and Babajide Fasina (South-West) as NPC commissioners.

The Senate led by Senator Godswill Akpabio referred the nomination to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to report back in two weeks.

Hadiza Abdulrahman

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Legislature

Senate to Pass N2.18trn 2023 Supplementary Budget

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The Senate will on Thursday, pass the N2.18 trillion 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Bill forwarded to it for consideration by President Bola Tinubu.

As requested by Tinubu in the letter read in the Senate during plenary on Tuesday, the request was given expeditious consideration.

The budgetary proposals made in the bill were debated, passed for a second reading, and the Committee on Appropriations mandated to interface with heads of affected agencies for defence on proposals made.

The committee chaired by Senator Solomon Adeola, representing the All Progressives Congress, Ogun West, met with heads of the seven affected agencies till the late hours of Wednesday and told journalists that the reports on the supplementary budgetary proposals will be submitted to the Senate for final consideration and passage on Thursday.

Adeola said, “As mandated by the Senate on the strength of the request made by President Bola Tinubu, the Appropriations Committee has met with heads of the affected seven agencies supplementary budget proposals were provided for.

“Heads of each of the agencies have defended proposals made for them by the President and convinced the committee on the need for the Senate and by extension, the National Assembly to approve the N2.17tn 2023 supplementary budget.

The committee has carried out the assignment given in line with the urgency required on the basis which reports for final consideration and passage of the bill, will be submitted to the Senate today (Thursday).”

At the interface the committee held with heads of the affected agencies, the Minister of Housing, Ahmed Dangiwa, defended the N100 billion budgeted for the Federal Ministry of Housing in the supplementary budget which according to him, would be spent on construction of housing estates across the country.

In his presentation, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, defended N100 billion provided in the supplementary budget for the Federal Capital Territory out of which N22 billion was earmarked for the completion of metro rail.

For security and safety in FCT, Wike told the committee members that all abandoned structures would be brought down so as not to serve as hideouts for criminals from neighbouring states.

Other ministers who made presentations before the committee were the Minister of Works, David Umahi, who defended his almost N400 billion appropriation; the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawale, as well as service chiefs.

Punch/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko
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Environment

Senate Calls for Implementation of Recommendations on Flooding

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The Senate on Thursday urged President Bola Tinubu to implement the recommendations of the Presidential Committee for the Development of a Comprehensive Plan of Action against Flooding.

The committee had recommended the establishment of a National Flood Management Council in Nigeria.

The agency is expected to serve as a central body responsible for coordinating flood management activities nationwide.

The Senate resolution followed the adoption of a motion by Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru (Lagos East).

The red chamber commiserated with victims of the flood and commended the governments of Lagos and Ogun states for their handling of the crisis occasioned by the flood.

The Senate also directed the National Emergency Management Agency to send relief materials to the victims of the flood in the affected communities in the two states.

It urged the Federal Government to convene a stakeholders’ meeting to x-ray the recurring situation of floods across the country to proffer a lasting solution

It also directed the relevant committees of the Senate to provide adequate funding for NIMET, the Hydrological Agency of Nigeria, and the River Basin Development Authorities to effectively carry out their responsibilities in line with their mandates,

In his motion, Abiru noted that several communities close to the coastlines in Ikosi-Isheri and Agboyi-Ketu in Lagos State and other communities in Ogun State have always experienced flooding whenever the Oyan River Dams are opened.

Part of the motion reads, “The recent release of water from the dam caused unimaginable havoc  to residents’ property and livelihoods, particularly on Tuesday,  October 24,  2023;

“The dam which crosses the Oyan River, a tributary of the Ogun River was commissioned on March 29, 1983, by Late President Shehu Shagari, and is operated by the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, a parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Water Resources;

“The residents of the areas have fled their homes and businesses, schools and religious centres have all shut down in the affected communities while in the Maidan area of Ikosi-Isheri, the water reportedly reached the neck region of an adult;

“The sad story is not different from the reports gathered at Caterpillar, Harmony Estates, and some parts of Channels TV road in Ikosi Isheri.”

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Religion

Eid-el-Moulud: Senator Alli Calls for Supplication

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By Wale Asake

Sen. Sharafadeen Alli(APC-Oyo South) has called on Muslims to pray fervently for Nigerians and its leaders as the celebrate Eid-el-Moulud.

This is contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Akeem Abas and made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Ibadan.

Eid-el-Moulud marks the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), a man whose exemplary life embodies peace, love, and kindness towards all, and serves as an enduring guide for all believers.

Alli, the Senate Committee Chairman on INEC and Maye-Balogun of Ibadanland, 

felicitated Muslim faithful across the nation on the occasion of Eid-el-Moulud.

The lawmaker urged them to use the occasion to pray fervently for the nation as well as leaders toward peace, unity and economic prosperity. 

“It is also important for us to use this opportunity to pray for our country and our leaders, that they may be guided aright and take actions that will promote the peace, unity, and progress of our dear nation,” he said.

He urged them to reflect on the teachings of the Holy Prophet and imbibe his exemplary qualities of compassion as well as selflessness towards one another.

The lawmaker said that such was very important as the country navigates challenging times, including insecurity, economic challenges and social unrest.

Alli pledged to continue championing initiatives as well as policies that would enhance the welfare and development of the people, irrespective of their religion or tribe as the move towards the path of greatness.

He wished all Muslims a happy Eid-el-Moulud celebration, praying that Almighty Allah bless and crown their  efforts with success.

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Politics

CBN Gov Cardoso, Deputies for Senate Screening Today

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The Senate will today (Tuesday) screen the acting Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria,  Dr Olayemi Cardoso, for confirmation into a substantive capacity alongside four nominees for the positions of CBN Deputy Governors,  to steer affairs of the apex bank in the next five years.

The Red Chamber, which is returning from its two-month annual vacation, has also scheduled the screening of two additional ministerial nominees by  President Bola Tinubu for Tuesday, October 3, 2023.

The Media Office of the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, disclosed this in a statement on Monday evening.

While the National Assembly was on break, the President appointed the duo of Dr. Jamila Ibrahim and Ayodele Olawande as Minister of Youths and Minister of State for Youths respectively.

Tinubu also approved the nomination of  Cardoso as the new Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria pending his confirmation by the Senate.

Last week, Cardoso resumed as the CBN governor in an acting capacity pending his screening and expected confirmation by the Senate.

The statement by the Senate Leader office said, “Dr. Cardoso will be screened alongside four deputy governors: namely Mrs. Emem Nnana Usoro, Mr. Muhammad Sani Abdullahi Dattijo, Mr. Philip Ikeazor, and Dr. Bala M. Bello.

“Besides, the Senate has scheduled to screen the ministerial nominees – Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim and Mr. Ayodele Olawande, respectively designated as Minister of Youth and Minister of State for Youth on October 3.”

Meanwhile, the Senate also pledged not to disappoint Nigerians as regards the appropriation of the 2024 budget.

Speaking on the agenda of the Red Chamber ahead of its resumption, the Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu,  emphasised that the revitalisation of the economy was top of its priorities.

Adaramodu said, “Soon after the resumption, the appropriation process will commence.

“The 10th Senate will not disappoint Nigerians; we’d ensure that we do what is expected of us because we are in a peculiar time when all hands must be on deck and Nigerians are eagerly waiting to see us do the needful to save Nigeria from the economic troubles we are currently experiencing and that permanent solutions are proffered.

“We’d ensure that appropriations are targeted at deliverables that can enhance a good life and good living of Nigerians and we are going to ensure that those that are approved are delivered to the latter and that quality services are given to Nigerians so that we can realise the goals of the Nigerian project so that we can ensure that life is more abundant to everyone to Nigerians.”

Adaramodu said the Senate expected the President to send the budget soon.

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Politics

Ministers: El-Rufai, Okotete, Danladi Yet to Scale Through Senate

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After seven days of screening, the Senate has confirmed 45 of the 48 ministerial nominees presented by President Bola Tinubu.

Those who were denied confirmation, yesterday, over security report or pending security checks are immediate past governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir el-Rufai; former Deputy Governor of Taraba State, Senator Abubakar Danladi; and Stella Okotete, from Delta State. The trio had petitions against their nominations.

Specifically, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, said the Senate did not clear them because of security reports that must be cleared.

However, the senators confirmed immediate past governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike; Deputy Majority Senate Leader and former Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi; former Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo SAN; Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; Mr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Simon Bako Lalong and Mr. Dele Alake as Ministers-designate.

Also confirmed were Abubakar Momoh; Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Arch. Ahmed Dangiwa, Mr. Hannatu Musawa, Chief Uche Nnaji, Dr. Betta Edu, Dr. Dorris Aniche Uzoka, Alhaji Badaru Abubakar, Ekperipe Ekpo, and Nkiru Onyejeocha.

The lawmakers also cleared Uju Kennedy Ohaneye, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, Muhammad Idris, Olawale Edun, Waheed Adebayo Adelabu, Mrs Iman Suleiman Ibrahim, Professor Ali Pate, Professor Joseph Utsev, Senator Abubakar Kyari, and Senator John Enoh.

The rest are Lola Ade- John, Bosun Tijani, Dr. Isiaka Salako, Professor Tahir Mamman, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud Mairiga, Adegboyega Oyetola, Ibrahim Geidam, Senator Sabi Abdullahi, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Senator Alkali Ahmed Said, Senator Atiku Bagudu, Bello Matawalle, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, and Honourable Zephaniah Jisalo, and Tunji Alausa.

With the development, the North-West and South-West have nine ministers-designate each; the North-Central has eight, South-South and North-East seven each, and South-East has five.

When El-Rufai appeared before the Senate for screening, the Chairman, Senate Services Committee, Senator Sunday Karimi ( APC, Kogi West), said he had a heavy petition against the former Kaduna governor.

Senator Karimi, who disclosed that the petition which he had in a brown envelope, bordered on the issue of insecurity, said: “Mr President, I have a petition written against the nominee over the issue of insecurity in Southern Kaduna when he was governor. If I am permitted, I will like to read the petition.”

However, Senate President Akpabio, who refused to take the petition, said a number of petitions were submitted against some of the ministerial nominees, adding that it was not time to entertain petitions against any nominee.
He said: “This is not the place to consider petitions, we will sit with the petitions later and refer them to relevant authorities. Please, take a bow and go, my brother,” he told el-Rufai

Speaking with journalists after the confirmation yesterday, Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South), said of the 48 ministerial nominees sent to the Senate for screening, the legislators confirmed 45 whose names would be forwarded to the President for other necessary action.

Prior to the confirmation, the Senate threw its weight behind Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, the nominee from Ondo State and a serving member of the National Assembly following claims last week that he allegedly forged his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate.

Some senators, who spoke to journalists, described Tunji-Ojo as one of the young people screened by the Senate to join the National Executive Council of President Tinubu.

Tunji-Ojo was among the first set of nominees to appear before the Senate.

Asked to speak on the controversy surrounding the nominee, a ranking senator, who pleaded to be anonymous, dismissed media reports against Tunji-Ojo, describing them as mere political intrigues emanating from other interests within his home state.

Vanguard/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Politics

Niger: Senate Tells President Tinubu’s to Tread Softly  

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The Senate has asked the Chairman of the Economic  Community of  West  African  States,  ECOWAS and other leaders of the region to tread softly in addressing the political quagmire in Niger Republic.

Rising from a closed-door session that lasted close to two hours to discuss the letter written to the Senate on Friday by President  Bola  Tinubu on the decisions taken by the regional body, the Senate asked ECOWAS to strengthen political and diplomatic options and other means to resolve the political compass in Niger Republic.

The Senate while condemning the Niger coup in totality, commended the chairman, President Bola Tinubu and other Heads of State of the other States of ECOWAS for their prompt response and the positions taken on the unfortunate development in Niger Republic. 

Reading the resolutions of the senators after the meeting, the President of the Senate, Godswill  Akpabio, said that “the Senate recognises that President Tinubu via his correspondence has not asked for the approval of the parliament of this Senate to go to war as erroneously suggested in some quarters.

“Rather Mr President has expressed a wish to respectfully solicit the support of the National Assembly in the successful implementation of the resolutions of the ECOWAS as outlined in the said communication. 

“The Senate calls on the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as the chairman of ECOWAS to further encourage other leaders of ECOWAS to strengthen political and diplomatic options and other means intending to resolve the political compass in Niger Republic.

“The National Assembly to the ECOWAS under the leadership of President Tinubu in resolving the political situation in Niger and returning the country to democratic governance in the nearest future. 

“The leadership of the Senate is mandated to further engage with the president and commander in chief with on behalf of the Senate and the entire National Assembly on how best to resolve the issue given the hitherto existing cordial relationship between Nigerieans and Nigerians. 

“Finally, the Senate calls on the ECOWAS parliament to rise to the occasion by equally condemning this coup and also positing solutions to resolving this compass as soon as possible.”

Vanguard/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Security

War Prospect as Tinubu Seeks Senate’s Support for Military ‘Action’ in Niger

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President Bola Tinubu has written to the Senate seeking its support for military intervention against the military junta in the Niger Republic.

He also sought the backing of the legislature on the cutting off of electricity to the country.

This comes on the heels of the toppling of Niger’s democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, by his guards and the seven days ultimatum given to the junta by ECOWAS.

Tinubu, Nigeria’s president and the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States, had on Sunday met with some fellow ECOWAS leaders to discuss appropriate ways to restore democracy in Niger.

The leaders of the West African regional bloc met to discuss sanctions to be placed against the military personnel who toppled Bazoum on July 26, 2023.

The President’s letter read, “Political situation in Niger. Following the unfortunate political situation in Niger Republic culminating in the overthrow of its President, ECOWAS under my leadership condemned the coup in its entirety and resolved to seek the return of the democratically elected govt in a bid to restore peace, ECOWAS convened a meeting and came out with a communique.”

The president further sought support for, “Military buildup and deployment of personnel for military intervention to enforce compliance of the military junta in Niger should they remain recalcitrant.

“Closure and monitoring of all land borders with the Niger Republic and reactivating of the border drilling exercise.

“Cutting off Electricity supply to the Niger Republic, mobilising international support for the implementation of the provisions of the ECOWAS communique.”

“Preventing the operation of commercial and special flights into and from Niger Republic; Blockade of goods in transit to Niger especially from Lagos and eastern seaports,” he added.

Tinubu also told the Senate that the country was embarking on sensitisation of Nigerians and Nigeriens on the imperative of these actions, particularly via social media.

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Culture

Sen. Alli Congratulates Olubadan on First Coronation Anniversary 

By Web News 502 0

By Oluwakayode Banjo

Sen. Sharafadeen Alli(APC-Oyo South) has congratulated the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Olalekan Balogun on the occasion of his first anniversary on the throne of his forefathers.

The lawmaker in a statement signed by his Media Aide, Mr Akeem Abas and made available to newsmen on Friday, described the royal father as a blessing to the ancient town.

Alli, who is also the Maye Balogun of Ibadanland, said that Oba Balogun’s ascension to the throne in 2022 has further confirmed Allah’s favour and blessings on him.

The lawmaker appreciated Oba Balogun’s contributions to the development of Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria at all times.

The Ibadan Senior Chief commended the Monarch’s contributions to the various interactions and discourse of national interest.

He said that Kabiyesi has brought his wealth of experience laced with humility as well as compassion to bear on Ibadanland and its environs.

“I am happy to be alive today to congratulate you as you mark one year on the stool of your forefathers. May Almighty Allah keep and protect the throne to the best of your wishes, grant you long life and more successful service to our fatherland.

“Kabiesi, I join millions of Ibadan descendants home and abroad, friends, associates and other well wishers to wish you happy first anniversary on the throne of your forefathers as the Olubadan of Ibadanland,” Alli said.

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Politics

Constitutional Window: Senate Receives List of Ministerial Nominees

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With five days to the end of the 60-day constitutional window, the Senate is expected to receive the list of the President’s ministerial nominees this week.

The President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Tope Ajayi, in an interview with newsmen said,

“Ministers’ List will be out this week. Let’s wait till the names are out.”

The 1999 Constitution stipulates that the President and governors must submit the names of persons nominated as ministers or commissioners within 60 days of taking the oath of office for confirmation by the Senate or the respective state Houses of Assembly.

Tinubu, who was sworn in as President on May 29, has to submit his ministerial list to the Senate before July 29 as mandated by law.

The silence over the ministerial list has generated concerns amongst Nigerians.

But speaking to newsmen in Abuja on Sunday, the spokesperson for the Senate, Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South), said the upper chamber has enough time to screen the ministerial nominees within the stipulated time.

He said, “I have reiterated severally and for the umpteenth time that there is still enough time to receive and screen the ministerial nominees. We know that Nigerians are eager to behold the executive team that will breathe oxygen into our economy and make life more abundant for us all. We are unarguably within the constitutional cover. The Senate shall surely do the needful and won’t disappoint Nigerians.”

It was earlier reported that the names of the ministerial nominees will likely be unveiled by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, at the plenary this week.

Punch / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Politics

Akpabio Sworn in as 10th Senate President

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Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, Tuesday took the oath of office after defeating his rival Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari.

Akpabio who pulled 63 votes, to defeat Yari who garnered 46 votes, pledged to work and perform his duty in accordance with the provisions of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Akpabio who is a lawyer and politician has served as minister for Niger Delta Affairs from 2019 to 2022. He resigned on 11 May 2022 on the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari to contest in the presidential primaries of the All Progressives Congress.

He served as governor of Akwa Ibom State from 2007 to 2015, while Yari was elected the Governor of Zamfara State on 26 April 2011.

Watch video

Vanguard/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Politics

Senate Convenes Emergency Session

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The Senate has convened for an emergency session.
The lawmakers are to deliberate on the Supplementary budget and a Bill seeking to Amend the CBN Act.

This is the second time in the 9th Senate that an emergency session is convened. The first was during the Covid-19 pandemic to approve funds for the pandemic.

Amaka Ene

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Politics

MUSWEN Lends Weight to South-south Christian Senate Presidency

By Web News 360 0

By Nafiu Busari

The Muslim Ummah of Southwest Nigeria () has expressed support for the South-south Christian Senate presidency agenda.

MUSWEN in a statement by its Executive Secretary Professor Muslih Yahya, stated that it would go a long way to correct the erroneous interpretation of the Muslim-Muslim presidency

The Southwest Muslims umbrella body stated that “this reassuring move is most laudable. This bold move has the propensity of further uniting Nigeria across both tribal and religious lines. It is a very laudable and progressive move that is capable of engendering peace and national cohesion”, it said. 

MUSWEN added, “The Muslim Ummah of Southwest Nigeria (MUSWEN), the umbrella body for all Muslim organisations and Muslim interests in the Southwest of Nigeria, hereby lends its support to this Christian South-south Senate presidency agenda.

“We use this opportunity to call on well-meaning Nigerians to support the president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and vice president-elect, Sen. Kashim Shettima, in their onerous task of taking Nigeria to greater heights.”

The body stated that “Elections are over; this is the time for national reconciliation. In the spirit of our greater tomorrow, let us all join hands to usher in a new dawn in Nigeria as we inaugurate the new administration of our president-elect and vice president-elect on Monday 29th May 2023.”

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Economy

Senate Passes 2022 Supplementary Budget

By Web News 364 0

The Senate on Wednesday passed the 2022 Supplementary Budget of N819.5 billion.

President Muhammadu Buhari requested the passage of a supplementary budget that would be funded by additional domestic borrowing.

The supplementary budget is intended to address food security in the aftermath of the country’s devastating floods, as well as damage to road infrastructure and the water sector.

The Senate Finance Committee recommended that the Senate approve the supplemental budget. The additional budget is for the ministries of Agriculture, Water Resources, FCT, and Works.

A breakdown of the supplementary budget indicates that FCT is to get N30 billion, the Ministry of Works and Housing N704 billion, Ministry of Agriculture is to get N69 billion and the Ministry of Water Resources N15.5 billion.

Adeniyi Bakare

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Security

Grey Areas in Peace Corps Bill Addressed – National Commandant

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The National Commandant of the Peace Corps of Nigeria, Professor Dickson Akoh says the grey areas in the Peace Corps Bill, which prevented it from being signed into law by the President, have been addressed.

Professor Akoh was addressing newsmen in Abuja on the bill recently passed by the National Assembly.

He said the bill was sponsored by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Nigerian Army, Senator Ali Ndume and the House Chief Whip, Alhaji Mohammed Monguno.

According to the commandant, the Bill seeks to establish the Nigerian Peace Corps with the responsibility to “develop, empower and provide gainful employment” to youths, facilitate peace, volunteerism, community service, neighbourhood watch and nation-building.

He said the Bill, when assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari, would give statutory backing to the existing Peace Corps of Nigeria.

The Peace Corps of Nigeria was established over 24 years ago and Incorporated in Nigeria under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) and accorded Federal Government recognition through the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.

Reps pass Bill

Meanwhile, The House of Representatives has passed the Peace Corps Bill for the third reading.

The Deputy Chief Whip of the House, Nkiruka Onyejeocha moved the motion for the third reading during plenary.

She said the Corps would facilitate peace, volunteerism, community services, neighbourhood watch and nation building and related matters.

Sandra Udeike and Ibrahim Shehu

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Politics

Senate Pledges Credible Election in 2023

By Web News 368 0

The Senate Committee on Electoral Matters has reiterated that the Electoral Act 2022 would ensure free, fair and credible elections in 2023 in Nigeria.

The vice chairman of the committee, Olalekan Mustapha said this when he led other members of the committee on a courtesy visit to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.

Senator Mustapha stated that the committee was in the state on a zonal sensitization exercise on the electoral act 2022, adding that, there would be no deviation from what happened in the Ekiti and Osun Governorship elections, where the new electoral act was adhered to.

Responding, Governor Seyi Makinde, who was represented by his deputy, Chief Bayo Lawal declared absolute support for the Electoral Act, 2022 as it would bring sanity to the electoral process in the country for the forthcoming 2023 general election.

Governor Makinde while lauding the committee for the sensitization exercise, enjoined political parties, politicians and other stakeholders to embark on a series of enlightenment for the people on the importance of the new Electoral Act.

Iyabo Adebisi

Politics

Senate Confirms 7 Ministerial Nominees

By Web News 422 0

The Senate has confirmed seven persons nominated as ministers by President Muhammadu Buhari Presided over by the Senate President, Ahmed Lawal, the nominees were confirmed on Wednesday following screening by the upper chamber.

The development came days after President Buhari appointed the ministers and wrote to the Senate, seeking their confirmation.

Four of the newly-confirmed ministers are from four south-east states; with one appointee each from the north-west, south-west, and south-south regions.

The new appointees include Henry Ikechukwu – Abia State, Umana Okon Umana – Akwa-Ibom State, Ekuma Joseph – Ebonyi State, Goodluck Nana Obia – Imo State, Umar Ibrahim Yakub – Kano State, Ademola Adewole Adegorioye – Ondo State, and Odo Udi – Rivers State.

They were named following the resignation of some cabinet members who quit their positions to seek elective posts in the just-concluded primary elections of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

A former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi; ex-Akwa Ibom governor, Godswill Akpabio; Ogbonnaya Onu and Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba were among ministers who resigned to contest for the APC presidential ticket – which none of them won.

Their resignation was in line with the provisions of Section 84(12) of the Electoral Act which mandates that “no political appointee at any level shall be a voting delegate or be voted for at the convention or congress of any political party for the purpose of the nomination of candidates for any election”.

FRCN Abuja

Politics

Senate Begins Screening of Ministerial Nominees

By Web News 443 0

The Senate has commenced the screening of the seven ministerial nominees transmitted to it by President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday last week.

The nominees currently appearing before the Senate Committee are: Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh – Abia State; Umana Okon Umana (Akwa Ibom), Ekumankama Joseph Nkama (Ebonyi); and Goodluck Nnana Opiah (Imo)

Others are Umar Ibrahim El-Yakub (Kano), Ademola Adewole Adegoroye (Ondo) and Odum Odi (Rivers).

The Nation/Adetutu Adetule

Politics

Senate Amends Electoral Act To Allow President, Govs, Lawmakers Vote At Party Congresses, Primaries

By Web News 461 0

The Senate on Tuesday amended the Electoral Act, 2022, to allow ‘statutory delegates’ – all those elected – to participate and vote in the conventions, congresses, or meetings of political parties.

This followed the expeditious consideration of a bill during plenary which scaled first, second and third readings, respectively, and was passed by the lawmakers after consideration by the Committee of the Whole.

Those identified as ‘statutory delegates’ include the President, Vice President, members of the National Assembly, governors and their deputies, members of the State Houses of Assembly, chairmen of councils, councillors, and national working committee of political parties, amongst others.

In his presentation, the Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, who sponsored the ‘Bill to amend the 2022 Electoral Act No. 13,’ said it seeks to amend the provision of Section 84(8) of the law.

According to him, the provision of the section “does not provide for the participation of what is generally known as ‘statutory delegates’ in the conventions, congresses or meetings of political parties.”

“The extant section only clearly provides for the participation of elected delegates in the conventions, congresses, or meetings of political parties held to nominate candidates of political parties.“This is an unintended error, and we can only correct it with this amendment now before us”, the Deputy Senate President said.

In his remarks after the bill was passed, the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, said the amendment became imperative in view of the deficiency created by the provision of section 84(8) of the extant Act.“The amended Electoral Act of 2022 that we passed this year had a deficiency that was never intended, and that deficiency will deny all statutory delegates in all political parties from participation in congresses and conventions.“And, therefore, such a major and unintended clause has to be amended before the party primaries start in the next eight days.

This is emergency legislation, so to speak. Our expectation is that the National Assembly – the two chambers – would finish with the processing of this amendment of this bill, between today (in the Senate) and tomorrow (in the House of Representatives), and then the Executive will do the assent.”

The Senate President added, “That is so important to enable every statutory delegate to participate in the party primaries right from the beginning that will start on the 18th of May, 2022.

So, this is an emergency effort to ensure that nobody is denied his or her rightful opportunity as a delegate, especially the statutory delegates, and these are those who are elected.

“These are the President, Vice President, members of the National Assembly, governors, members of the State Houses of Assembly, chairmen of councils and their councillors, national working committee members of all the political parties, and so on.“This is a fundamental effort to ensure that we address this within the week, so that by next week, the Electoral Act, 2022 (amended version), will be very salutary for us to start our party primaries.”

Channels/Olaolu Fawole

News

Senate Approves Bill To Ease Retirees’ Access To Pension Funds

By Web News 873 0

The Senate has passed for second reading, the Pension Reform Act 2014 (Amendment) Bill, 2022, which seeks to make funds in the Retirement Savings Account under the Contributory Pension Scheme more easily accessible to retirees.

The bill was sponsored by Senator Aliyu Wamakko, APC/Sokoto-North.

Leading the debate on the general principles of the bill, Wamakko said the proposed amendments to the Pension Reform Act 2014 were to provide for a definite and reasonable percentage a retiree can withdraw from their retirement savings accounts.

According to him, the proposals of the bill seek to also provide succour to retirees in the delay and other difficulties they stumble upon in withdrawing their savings from their RSA.

The lawmaker, a former governor of Sokoto State, decried the inability of pensioners to access their benefits after service, which he said had resulted in their suffering and, in most cases, led to eventual and untimely deaths.

He said, “None of us can claim ignorance of the long-drawn-out anguish of retirees from the civil service, Nigerian Prison Service, universities and parastatals, among other federal agencies in this country.

“These retirees, rather than enjoy retirement after selflessly serving their fatherland, have continued to live in misery and pain, leading to diseases and even death, as they cannot easily access their benefits.”

The lawmaker explained that the Pension Reform Act 2004, amended as Pension Reform Act 2014, provides for a departure from the old pension scheme of ‘Defined Benefits’ to the new Contributory Pension Scheme that established the National Pension Commission.

Wamakko also noted that despite the amendments to the Pension Act, the legislation had failed to achieve its objective of solving the intractable pension crisis in the country.

The lawmaker added, “Suffice to say that the issue of pension Nigeria has more or less turned into a monster that has defied all efforts by successive governments to contain it.

“In view of the retirees’ protracted sufferings and pains, who are equally Nigerians, continued search for a lasting panacea is a duty-bound upon us and all others concerned.”

Wamakko explained that the Act in Section 7(1)(a) was amended in the bill to allow retirees to withdraw 75 per cent of their benefits.

He bemoaned the situation where pension administrators in the country benefit at the expense of Nigerian pensioners who continue to suffer neglect.

The lawmaker said, “These Nigerians who have retired from service after several years serving the nation are finding it extremely difficult to be the owners of their pension savings in this new arrangement.

“So, unless that law is made categorically clear that they can withdraw the 75 per cent, which we are proposing in this amendment, then they can definitely have some relief as retirees.”

President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, referred the bill to the Committee on Establishment and Public Service Matters after scaling the second reading.

The committee was given four weeks to report back to the Senate.

Adewumi Faniran /Punch

Security

Senate, Service Chiefs in Closed-Door Meeting

By Web News 730 0

Members of the Senate and the Security Chiefs are presently holding a closed-door meeting.

Security chiefs present include the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lucky Eluoye Onyenucheya Irabor, Chief of Army Staff, Ibrahim Attahiru, Chief of Air Staff, Isiaka Oladayo Amao, Chief of Naval Staff, Awwal Zubairu Agambi and the Inspector General of Police, Alkali Baba Usman.

Others are the Directors-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) Maj-Gen S.A. Adebayo, and Directorate of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Magaji Bichi.

FRCN Abuja

Yoruba

Ile Igbimo Asofin Pe Fun Atunto Lori Iwe Ase Fun Awon Ebu Ifopo

By Web News 505 0

Ile igbimo asofin nbere fun atunto lori iwe ase to wa fun ebu ifopo, eyi ti won nfun awon ilese ifopo to wa labele nile Naijiria.

Nigba ti won ntewo gba aba kan lasiko ti agbenuso ile ogbeni femi gbajabiamila nlewaju ijoko ile, ni won ti ro ilese ton mojuto epo robi nile yi NNPC lati se atungbe ye wo okankan iwe eri, ti won situn le gba pada lowo ilese ti ko malo fun omin to jafafa.

Awon asofin tun ro ilese NNPC lati se atileyin to gbopan fun awon ilese to ti berre ise, lati le je ki won dogba pelu ori ti awon eyan nile naijirai nfe.

Bakana nile asofin tun pe ni dandan fun awon ile se epo roobi lati ri daju pe won fejo ase mule. Ololade Afonja/Net

Ile Igbimo Asofin Pe Fun Atunto Lori Iwe Ase Fun Awon Ebu Ifopo

Ile igbimo asofin nbere fun atunto lori iwe ase to wa fun ebu ifopo, eyi ti won nfun awon ilese ifopo to wa labele nile Naijiria.

Nigba ti won ntewo gba aba kan lasiko ti agbenuso ile ogbeni femi gbajabiamila nlewaju ijoko ile, ni won ti ro ilese ton mojuto epo robi nile yi NNPC lati se atungbe ye wo okankan iwe eri, ti won situn le gba pada lowo ilese ti ko malo fun omin to jafafa.

Awon asofin tun ro ilese NNPC lati se atileyin to gbopan fun awon ilese to ti berre ise, lati le je ki won dogba pelu ori ti awon eyan nile naijirai nfe.

Bakana nile asofin tun pe ni dandan fun awon ile se epo roobi lati ri daju pe won fejo ase mule.

Ololade Afonja/Net