OSUN POLITICAL PARROT

*PROCEEDINGS OF THE NIGERIAN SENATE OF THURSDAY 23RD MARCH 2017*

Welcome to a new Legislative day in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Senate President Bukola Saraki took the official prayer and led the chamber into today's proceedings.
Senator Andy Uba moved for the approval of votes and proceedings for Wednesday 22nd March,2017. Senator Philip Gyunka seconded.

*EXECUTIVE SESSION*
Senate now moves into an Executive Session.
Senate resumes from its Executive Session and Senate President Bukola Saraki reports progress thatbthe Senate at the Executive Session deliberated on issues bothering on the workings of the Senate and the National Assembly in general.

*EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATION*
Senate President Bukola Saraki read a letter dated 27th February 2017 on the request of Acting President for the Confirmation of Nominees for Appointment as Resident Electoral Commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

*POINT OF ORDER*
1. Senator Shehu Sani cited order 43 and read a letter submitted by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal on the court process and his inability to honour its invitation. He said the Committee was to hold a public hearing today and decided to invite the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to give him an opportunity to defend himself.
Senate President Bukola Saraki put the Secretary Government of the Federation issue to rest and stated that a new date has been communicated to the Committee for his appearance.

2. Senate Leader, Senator Ahmad Lawan raised a point of order on the Terriorist Attack near the UK Parliament yesterday. Senator George Sekibo said any Terriosm Activity in any part of the World requires urgent attention. Senator Bala Ibn Na'Allah said in recognition of Westminster in promoting democracy, we should share in their grief and convey our sympathy.
Senate President Bukola Saraki said there shall be no debate on this, said it can come under a motion and as part of respect observed a Minute silence in honour of the victims. He adds that "any attack on any Parliament in the world is an attack on all Parliaments. Our hearts and prayers are with them"

Senate in its prayers resolved to:
1. Condemn in totality the attack in the United Kingdom yesterday.
2. Stand together and sympathise with Westminster.
3. Call on all Houses of Parliament around the globe to stand together against all forms of Terrorism.
4. Call on the United Nations to develop a more Effective Counter-Terrorism Act.
5. National Asswmbly should send a condolence letter to the UK Government and Parliament.

Senate now observed a minute silence in honour of the departed souls.

*PETITIONS*
1. Senator Godswill Akpabio raised a Petition about the stoppage of the payment of the salary of one of his constituent in the Federal Civil Service Commission.
2. Senator Barnabas Gemade also raised a petition on the incessant killings in his senatorial district and requests for a permanent military base.
3. Senators Tayo Alasoadura and Matthew Urhoghide also raised different personal petitions from their respective districts.

The Petitions laid were referred to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions

*CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS*
1. Report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs on the Screening of 47 Non-Career Ambassadorial Nominees. By Senator Monsurat Sunmonu.
The Senate do consider the Report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs on the Screening of the following persons as Non-Career Ambassadors of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

1.Dr. Mrs. Uzoma E. Emenike -Abia
2.Aminu Iyawa -Adamawa
3.Maj. Gen. Godwin G. Umo Rtd -Akwa Ibom
4.Christopher J.N. Okeke -Anambra
5.Yusuf Maitama Tuggar -Bauchi
6.Baba Madugu -Bauchi
7.Brig. Gen. Stanley Diriyai -Bayelsa
8.Prof. Stephen Ugba -Benue
9.Baba Ahmad Jidda -Borno
10.Dr. Etubom N.E. Asuquo -Cross River
11.Engr. Frank Ofeduma -Delta
12.Mr. Jonah M. Odo -Ebonyi
13.Uyagwe Igbe -Edo
14.Dr. Eniola Ajayi -Ekiti
15.Maj. Gen. Chris Eze -Enugu
16.Alh. Sulieman Hassan -Gombe
17.Justice Sylvanus Adiewere Nsofor -Imo
18.Amin Muhanmmad Dalhatu -Jigawa
19.Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli -Kaduna
20.Deborah S. Iliya -Kaduna
21.Prof. D. Abdul Kadir -Kano
22.Alh. Haruna Ungogo -Kano
23.Justice Isa Dodo -Katsina
24.Mohammad Rimi Barade -Katsina
25.Prof. Tijani Bande -Kebbi
26.Prof. Y. O. Aliu -Kogi
27.Nurudeen Mohamed -Kwara
28.Prof. Mohamed G. Yisa -Kwara
29.Justice George Adesola Oguntade -Lagos
30.Mrs. Modupe Irele -Lagos
31.Musa Ilu Mohammed -Nasarawa
32.Ahmed Ibeto -Niger
33.Susanne Aderonke Folarin -Ogun
34.Jacob Igebekele Daodu -Ondo
35.Afolahan Adeyemi A. -Osun
36.Maj. Gen. Ashimiyu A. Olaniyi Rtd. -Oyo
37.James G. Dimka -Plateau
38.Dr. Haruna Bawa Abdullahi -Plateau
39.Orji Ngofa -Rivers
40.Sahabi Isa Gada -Sokoto
41.Hon. Kabir Umar -Sokoto
42.Alh. Hassan Jika Ardo -Taraba
43.Goni Modu Zanna Bura -Yobe
44.Alh. Garba Gajam -Zamfara
45.Cpt. Bala Mohammad Mairiga -Zamfara
46.Habiss Ibrahim Ugbada -FCT
47.Mr. Adeyinka Olatokunbo Asekun -Ogun.

Senator Monsurat Sunmonu noted that when the Imo state Nominee was asked if he could perform his duty at that age, his response was "Ask Mugabe if age affects his job". She also noted the DSS report on the Ondo State nominee were negative. He is said to be deceitful and indulged in corrupt practice.

*COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE*
Senate dissolved to the Committee of the Whole to Consider the Screening of 47 Non-Career Ambassadorial Nominees.
The nominees from Imo (Sylvanus Nsofor) and Ondo State (Jacob Daodu) were rejected by the Senate based on the Foreign Affairs' Committee report.
The Senate Reverted to Plenary and Reported Progress on the Confirmation of 45 out of 47 Non-Career Ambbassadorial Nominees.
Senate President Bukola Saraki thanked the Foreign affairs Committee for the screening and congratulates the newly confirmed Ambassadors. He also stated that "The non-career diplomat must be good example to our country and I hope the Executive ensure outstanding payments are treated".

2. Report of the Committee on INEC on the INEC Act No.6 2010 (Amendment) Bill, 2017. (SB.231 and SB.234). By Senator Abubakar Kyari.

*COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE*
Senate dissolved to the Committee of the Whole to Consider the Report of the Committee on INEC on the INEC Act (Amendment) Bill 2017.
Senators took turn to contribute to the different clauses for amendment in the INEC Act (Amendment) Bill 2017.
The Senate Reverted to Plenary and Senate President Bukola Saraki Reported Progress from the Committee of the Whole where Senate Considered the Report of the Committee on INEC on the INEC Act (Amendment) Bill 2017. Senate President Bukola Saraki thanked his Colleagues for their Co-operation.

*ADJOURNMENT*
Senate Leader Ahmed Lawan moved for other items on the order paper be stood down to another Legislative day, Minority Leader seconded.
Plenary is now adjourned to Tuesday 28th March, 2017.

A deadly armed robbery suspect has been arrested by the Oyo State Police Command on his wedding day. 42-year-old Olumide Asiyanbi told newsmen that nemesis caught up with him when he was at the registry to sign the dotted lines with his new wife. According to police, Olumide was a member of a six-man-robbery gang who had terrorised residents of the popular Challenge area of Ibadan. Olumide confessed that he had been involved in 10 different robbery attacks before he was arrested. He said, “I was arrested on my wedding day. I met the gang leader, James Agba, last year. He told me he knew how we could be getting regular money. He then initiated me into the gang. I have taken part in at least 10 operations since I joined them. “We used gun but I don’t know where James was buying them. Sulaimon and Alhaji, who are also in the gang, knew how the guns were bought for our operations. I have fired shots at our targets but nobody was killed.” State Commissioner of Police, Muhammed Katsina, said the suspects included a 62-year-old Ghanaian.

Inaugural Speech By his Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari

Inaugural Speech By His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari Following His Swearing-in As President of The Federal Republic of Nigeria on 29th May, 2015
I am immensely grateful to God Who Has preserved us to witness this day and this occasion. Today marks a triumph for Nigeria and an occasion to celebrate her freedom and cherish her democracy. Nigerians have shown their commitment to democracy and are determined to entrench its culture. Our journey has not been easy but thanks to the determination of our people and strong support from friends abroad we have today a truly democratically elected government in place.

I would like to thank President Goodluck Jonathan for his display of statesmanship in setting a precedent for us that has now made our people proud to be Nigerians wherever they are. With the support and cooperation he has given to the transition process, he has made it possible for us to show the world that despite the perceived tension in the land we can be a united people capable of doing what is right for our nation. Together we co-operated to surprise the world that had come to expect only the worst from Nigeria. I hope this act of graciously accepting defeat by the outgoing President will become the standard of political conduct in the country.

I would like to thank the millions of our supporters who believed in us even when the cause seemed hopeless. I salute their resolve in waiting long hours in rain and hot sunshine to register and cast their votes and stay all night if necessary to protect and ensure their votes count and were counted. I thank those who tirelessly carried the campaign on the social media. At the same time, I thank our other countrymen and women who did not vote for us but contributed to make our democratic culture truly competitive, strong and definitive.

I thank all of you.

Having just a few minutes ago sworn on the Holy Book, I intend to keep my oath and serve as President to all Nigerians.

I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody.

A few people have privately voiced fears that on coming back to office I shall go after them. These fears are groundless. There will be no paying off old scores. The past is prologue.

Our neighbours in the Sub-region and our African brethenen should rest assured that Nigeria under our administration will be ready to play any leadership role that Africa expects of it. Here I would like to thank the governments and people of Cameroon, Chad and Niger for committing their armed forces to fight Boko Haram in Nigeria.

I also wish to assure the wider international community of our readiness to cooperate and help to combat threats of cross-border terrorism, sea piracy, refugees and boat people, financial crime, cyber crime, climate change, the spread of communicable diseases and other challenges of the 21st century.

At home we face enormous challenges. Insecurity, pervasive corruption, the hitherto unending and seemingly impossible fuel and power shortages are the immediate concerns. We are going to tackle them head on. Nigerians will not regret that they have entrusted national responsibility to us. We must not succumb to hopelessness and defeatism. We can fix our problems.

In recent times Nigerian leaders appear to have misread our mission. Our founding fathers, Mr Herbert Macauley, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Malam Aminu Kano, Chief J.S. Tarka, Mr Eyo Ita, Chief Denis Osadeby, Chief Ladoke Akintola and their colleagues worked to establish certain standards of governance. They might have differed in their methods or tactics or details, but they were united in establishing a viable and progressive country. Some of their successors behaved like spoilt children breaking everything and bringing disorder to the house.

Furthermore, we as Nigerians must remind ourselves that we are heirs to great civilizations: Shehu Othman Dan fodio’s caliphate, the Kanem Borno Empire, the Oyo Empire, the Benin Empire and King Jaja’s formidable domain. The blood of those great ancestors flow in our veins. What is now required is to build on these legacies, to modernize and uplift Nigeria.

Daunting as the task may be it is by no means insurmountable. There is now a national consensus that our chosen route to national development is democracy. To achieve our objectives we must consciously work the democratic system. The Federal Executive under my watch will not seek to encroach on the duties and functions of the Legislative and Judicial arms of government. The law enforcing authorities will be charged to operate within the Constitution. We shall rebuild and reform the public service to become more effective and more serviceable. We shall charge them to apply themselves with integrity to stabilize the system.

For their part the legislative arm must keep to their brief of making laws, carrying out over-sight functions and doing so expeditiously. The judicial system needs reform to cleanse itself from its immediate past. The country now expects the judiciary to act with dispatch on all cases especially on corruption, serious financial crimes or abuse of office. It is only when the three arms act constitutionally that government will be enabled to serve the country optimally and avoid the confusion all too often bedeviling governance today.

Elsewhere relations between Abuja and the States have to beool clarified if we are to serve the country better. Constitutionally there are limits to powers of each of the three tiers of government but that should not mean the Federal Government should fold its arms and close its eyes to what is going on in the states and local governments. Not least the operations of the Local Government Joint Account. While the Federal Government can not interfere in the details of its operations it will ensure that the gross corruption at the local level is checked. As far as the constitution allows me I will try to ensure that there is responsible and accountable governance at all levels of government in the country. For I will not have kept my own trust with the Nigerian people if I allow others abuse theirs under my watch.

However, no matter how well organized the governments of the federation are they can not succeed without the support, understanding and cooperation of labour unions, organized private sector, the press and civil society organizations. I appeal to employers and workers alike to unite in raising productivity so that everybody will have the opportunity to share in increased prosperity. The Nigerian press is the most vibrant in Africa. My appeal to the media today – and this includes the social media – is to exercise its considerable powers with responsibility and patriotism.

My appeal for unity is predicated on the seriousness of the legacy we are getting into. With depleted foreign reserves, falling oil prices, leakages and debts the Nigerian economy is in deep trouble and will require careful management to bring it round and to tackle the immediate challenges confronting us, namely; Boko Haram, the Niger Delta situation, the power shortages and unemployment especially among young people. For the longer term we have to improve the standards of our education. We have to look at the whole field of medicare. We have to upgrade our dilapidated physical infrastructure.

The most immediate is Boko Haram’s insurgency. Progress has been made in recent weeks by our security forces but victory can not be achieved by basing the Command and Control Centre in Abuja. The command centre will be relocated to Maiduguri and remain until Boko Haram is completely subdued. But we can not claim to have defeated Boko Haram without rescuing the Chibok girls and all other innocent persons held hostage by insurgents.

This government will do all it can to rescue them alive. Boko Haram is a typical example of small fires causing large fires. An eccentric and unorthodox preacher with a tiny following was given posthumous fame and following by his extra judicial murder at the hands of the police. Since then through official bungling, negligence, complacency or collusion Boko Haram became a terrifying force taking tens of thousands of lives and capturing several towns and villages covering swathes of Nigerian sovereign territory.

Boko Haram is a mindless, godless group who are as far away from Islam as one can think of. At the end of the hostilities when the group is subdued the Government intends to commission a sociological study to determine its origins, remote and immediate causes of the movement, its sponsors, the international connexions to ensure that measures are taken to prevent a reccurrence of this evil. For now the Armed Forces will be fully charged with prosecuting the fight against Boko haram. We shall overhaul the rules of engagement to avoid human rights violations in operations. We shall improve operational and legal mechanisms so that disciplinary steps are taken against proven human right violations by the Armed Forces.

Boko Haram is not only the security issue bedeviling our country. The spate of kidnappings, armed robberies, herdsmen/farmers clashes, cattle rustlings all help to add to the general air of insecurity in our land. We are going to erect and maintain an efficient, disciplined people – friendly and well – compensated security forces within an over – all security architecture.

The amnesty programme in the Niger Delta is due to end in December, but the Government intends to invest heavily in the projects, and programmes currently in place. I call on the leadership and people in these areas to cooperate with the State and Federal Government in the rehabilitation programmes which will be streamlined and made more effective. As ever, I am ready to listen to grievances of my fellow Nigerians. I extend my hand of fellowship to them so that we can bring peace and build prosperity for our people.

No single cause can be identified to explain Nigerian’s poor economic performance over the years than the power situation. It is a national shame that an economy of 180 million generates only 4,000MW, and distributes even less. Continuous tinkering with the structures of power supply and distribution and close on $20b expanded since 1999 have only brought darkness, frustration, misery, and resignation among Nigerians. We will not allow this to go on. Careful studies are under way during this transition to identify the quickest, safest and most cost-effective way to bring light and relief to Nigerians.

Unemployment, notably youth un-employment features strongly in our Party’s Manifesto. We intend to attack the problem frontally through revival of agriculture, solid minerals mining as well as credits to small and medium size businesses to kick – start these enterprises. We shall quickly examine the best way to revive major industries and accelerate the revival and development of our railways, roads and general infrastructure.

Your Excellencies, My fellow Nigerians I can not recall when Nigeria enjoyed so much goodwill abroad as now. The messages I received from East and West, from powerful and small countries are indicative of international expectations on us. At home the newly elected government is basking in a reservoir of goodwill and high expectations. Nigeria therefore has a window of opportunity to fulfill our long – standing potential of pulling ourselves together and realizing our mission as a great nation.

Our situation somehow reminds one of a passage in Shakespeare’s Julius Ceasar
There is a tide in the affairs of men which,
taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;
Omitted, all the voyage of their life,o
Is bound in shallows and miseries.

We have an opportunity. Let us take it.

Thank you

Muhammadu Buhari
President Federal Republic of NIGERIA
and Commander in-chief-of the Armed forces...
Check dis http://www.oteshbaba.blogspot.com

OBASANJO IS A FATHER TO ME AND I AM HIS FIRST POLITICAL SON – GOODLUCK JONATHAN

President Jonathan says despite former Pres. Obasanjo’s recent verbal attacks on his administration, he still sees him as his father and his first Political son. GEJ said God used people, including the former president to make him become the President of Nigeria. President Jonathan said this in an interview with Tribune in Lagos

“First and foremost, Obasanjo is a father to me. By divine providence and the grace of God, I am the President of Nigeria today. It is not by my strength. But God uses human beings to actualise His own blessings on human beings. And He used so many Nigerians, including former President Obasanjo, to play one role or the other for me. I became the deputy governor of a state, became the governor, the vice president and president. I have no issues with him, and I really don’t want to join issues with President Obasanjo.

I think it is not necessary. But I will use this opportunity, because you asked, to just plead with my father that he is a leader, a former president of the country. He has led the country more than anybody, eight years of democratic governance and almost four years of military governance. No other person has that kind of record. The stability of this country is critical in terms of the economy of this country. Rating agencies downgrade countries that are going into elections because the feeling is that there would be crisis. When you paint the colour of instability for your own nation, you are doing so much injustice to the country because it affects the economy of the country, not just affecting the country in terms of security and social issues alone. It affects the economy directly. So, I plead with very senior citizens that Nigeria is dear to us; we don’t have any other country than Nigeria. So, actions and inactions, or utterances, should be guarded so that we don’t expose our country to the international community as if it is a country in danger, a country that is about to collapse. You are frightening investors, especially those who invest hot cash, to pull out their money from the country and that would affect the stock market and it would affect the economy. For one reason or the other, Obasanjo may disagree with me as his first political son. You can even disagree with your own biological children, as a human being, not to talk of disagreeing with your political children. So, he can agree or disagree with me, but the utterances have to be managed in a way that it does not affect the economy and security of this country”he said.

On how he felt watching Chief Obasanjo destroy his PDP membership card on the television, Jonathan said the incident had no effect on him because the attacks had been consistent.

Jim Iyke suspends acting for business, plans going back to school

Jim was not willing to speak on anything about his relationship but rather , gushed more about his business ventures and others.

He said that , he is more focused on his business ventures than anything else and he has not abandoned Nollywood, rather it’s the other businesses that is hindering him from accepting more scripts in Nigeria, He also noted that he will be off the line in Nollywood for long…

Jim added that he felt after over 10 years of being in the movie industry , he wants to concentrate more on his businesses and establish properly before going back to school.

We hope to see you soon on Tv cus we missed you rough moves a lot….

Governor Fashola Condemns Nigerian Army Rampage

Speaking with Channels TV yesterday, Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola described yesterday’s action by the Nigerian Army as very disappointing, stating that they are public servants paid with tax payers money, so shouldn’t behave in such a manner. He however said he’s waiting for a formal report to know what really transpired.

“I spoke with the Brigadier General who said he was managing and controlling the situation. Nothing I have yet is verified. I am waiting for a formal report before we then can ventilate a position.

There is allegation that somebody who was not supposed to be on the BRT route was on the BRT route. As far as I know if something happens to you while you are conducting an unlawful act, it’s a criminal offense in its own sense.

Its really disappointing to put it mildly that public servants, and that is what soldiers are, paid with tax payers money will act in a manner that is being suggested here, and I say this being suggested because I am waiting for official report to let me know really who played what role, what happened, whether or not even the brigade commander has been able to identify the people who were involved…but if it turns out to be true, it would be a very very irresponsible conduct to put it very mildly” he said.

Governor Fashola Condemns Nigerian Army Rampage

Speaking with Channels TV yesterday, Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola described today’s action by the Nigerian Army as very disappointing, stating that they are public servants paid with tax payers money, so shouldn’t behave in such a manner. He however said he’s waiting for a formal report to know what really transpired.

“I spoke with the Brigadier General who said he was managing and controlling the situation. Nothing I have yet is verified. I am waiting for a formal report before we then can ventilate a position.

There is allegation that somebody who was not supposed to be on the BRT route was on the BRT route. As far as I know if something happens to you while you are conducting an unlawful act, it’s a criminal offense in its own sense.

Its really disappointing to put it mildly that public servants, and that is what soldiers are, paid with tax payers money will act in a manner that is being suggested here, and I say this being suggested because I am waiting for official report to let me know really who played what role, what happened, whether or not even the brigade commander has been able to identify the people who were involved…but if it turns out to be true, it would be a very very irresponsible conduct to put it very mildly” he said.