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PDP is plotting to takeover NASS, APC group alleges
APC Alliance for Good Governance has raised concern over the intrigue being orchestrated by the PDP to install its stooges in the National Assembly for deep-seated corruption and looting.
To this end the group had expressed urgent national concern as they called for rectitude.
Assistant National Coordinator, of the group, Dr. Sani Abubakar Liman in a statement said the opposition party is using the tussle for the replacement of the outgoing Clerk of the National Assembly (CNA), Architect Olatunde Amos Ojo.
Speaking further he said the plan by the PDP is to precipitate a crisis that will torpedo age-long tradition of seniority in the appointment of functional officers for the Assembly.
“We are aware that a colossal amount of money running into billions of Naira has been earmarked to fight the battle with the Commissioners of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) being targeted for bribe of N50million each.
Meanwhile, the outgoing Clerk, who is due to embark on mandatory pre-retirement leave on the 14th November 2022 on expiration of his tenure, is angling to remain until February 14, 2023 when he clocks 60 years of age as against the provision of extant rules.
“Reports reaching the APC Alliance for Good Governance has it that the outgoing CNA has as plan A his continued stay in office illegally, while pushing for Sani Tambuwal (Secretary of Finance and Account) as plan B to succeed him and ultimately position him for the ultimate PDP takeover of the Assembly.
According to the statement, Tambuwal is allegedly being sponsored by a current PDP Governor from Northwest, who happened to be a senatorial candidate targeting the office of Senate President, if he secures victory in 2023 election.
“This explains his desperation to buy all the commissioners at any cost to accomplish PDP underground plot to takeover National Assembly come 2023.
“We understand that three senior officers, Bashir Yero, the most senior, Sani Tambuwal, and Akabueze Chinedu, are the candidates screened by the NASC.
In addition to the PDP plot, one Atiku Ibrahim Tambuwal, a cousin to the Northwest Governor and a director in the National Assembly, is being programmed to take over as Secretary of Finance and Administration once Sani Tambuwal is erroneously moved to take over as CAN.
“This would mean that the Northwest Governor who is scheming to become the Senate President will be completely in charge of the National Assembly funds with his relatives in place.”
According to the statement, the APC-led National Assembly and its leadership are not sensitive enough to foil this backdoor power takeover plot by PDP using Ojo and Tambuwal to hatch the coup d’ etat.
It will be recalled that PDP appointed CNA – Maikasuwa was used to install PDP-backed Senator Bukola Saraki as the Senate President in the 8th Assembly, as against Senator Ahmad Lawal – APC’s choice.
“Former Speaker Hon. Yakubu Dogara emerged from same PDP alliance against Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the choice of the APC leadership.
“One wonders why the current leadership of both chambers of National Assembly forget so soon what befell them in 2015, the humiliation of inability of ruling party to produce choice leadership.
“For fairness, posterity and in the best interest of APC, the leadership of National Assembly should insist that Commissioners and the Chairman of NASC do the right thing by following Civil Service due process of Career Path, progression, and seniority, instead of manipulated political appointments of Clerks and Secretaries as was done without due diligence but rather for the sake of Sani Omolori (former CNA) must go solidarity two years ago.
As they say in local adage ”what you sow, you shall reap”, Ojo who was the lead-advocate and beneficiary of Omolori must go then, does not want to retire as age cut-up with him, what an irony.
To further affirm why the commission must ensure fairness and transparency, the recently concluded screening of management and senior staff of National Assembly by the Commission in October 2022 reveals that many of the Secretaries and Clerks, had in the time past skipped promotion processes to become director in their various departments and directorates, which is contrary to the civil service provision.
“Amazingly, some of the top contenders for the office of CNA are products of this questionable promotions skipping.
“For the sake of Commission’s institutional reputation and integrity of Commissioners and the Chairman, statutory processes should be allowed to take its natural course, and history will continue to remember the current commission’s administration for good.
For the avoidance of doubt, the APC Alliance for Good Governance is not interested in taking sides but will always insist on due process and that the most senior and qualified candidate be appointed without further delay.
As the records show, the and the facts and should act accordingly and without further delay.
News
Obidient Movement Denounces Fake Social Media Posts Targeting Senator Datti-Baba Ahmed
The Obidient Movement, led by Dr. Yunusa Tanko, has issued a press statement condemning the circulation of false social media posts attributed to Senator Datti-Baba Ahmed. The fabricated posts, which have gone viral, are described as part of a deliberate smear campaign aimed at damaging the Senator’s reputation.
The movement clarified that Senator Datti-Baba Ahmed does not operate any social media accounts, making all attributed posts entirely baseless. During a recent press conference, the Senator unequivocally dissociated himself from these claims and urged the public to disregard them.
“This is a targeted attempt to tarnish the Senator’s image and credibility,” Dr. Tanko stated.
The Obidient Movement has called on its supporters and the public to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the issue. They urged people to ignore, counter, and report the false posts whenever they appear.
The statement concluded with an appeal for continued support and collaboration in combating misinformation, reinforcing the movement’s commitment to truth and integrity.
News
Senate Approves President Tinubu’s N1.767 Trillion Loan Request
The Senate has granted approval for a $2.09 billion (N1.767 trillion) loan requested by President Bola Tinubu to address the N9.7 trillion deficit in the N28.7 trillion 2024 budget. The decision was made during Thursday’s plenary, just 48 hours after the request was submitted to the National Assembly.
President Tinubu, in letters to both chambers of the legislature earlier this week, highlighted the importance of the loan for financing key projects and programs critical to national development.
Following the request, the Senate assigned its Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, led by Senator Aliyu Wammako (APC, Sokoto North), to review the proposal. Presenting the committee’s report, Senator Wammako described the loan as vital for implementing the Debt Management Strategy, reducing borrowing costs, extending debt maturity, and bolstering Nigeria’s external reserves.
The committee recommended raising the loan through Eurobonds or similar international financing instruments, subject to market conditions. It also suggested that any excess funds from exchange rate adjustments be directed toward capital projects in 2024 to support infrastructure and economic growth.
The Senate approved the loan unanimously, with no objections raised during deliberations. Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session, commended the Wammako-led committee for its swift and thorough handling of the proposal.
This loan approval is part of the government’s broader strategy to bridge fiscal gaps while focusing on developmental priorities and economic stability.
News
Finland Detains Pro-Biafra Agitator Simon Ekpa on Terrorism Charges
Simon Ekpa, a Finland-based pro-Biafra agitator, has been arrested and detained by the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland on charges of inciting public crimes with terrorist intent.
The alleged offence reportedly occurred in Lahti on August 23, 2021. Finnish authorities apprehended Ekpa on Monday, November 19, marking another chapter in his history of legal confrontations.
A source confirmed Ekpa’s arrest, noting, “He was arrested three days ago. But this is not the first time. He will likely be questioned and released soon.” Ekpa was previously detained in 2023 on suspicion of fundraising fraud but was released the same evening.
The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has also requested the detention of four additional suspects in connection with terrorism-related charges.
Ekpa has gained notoriety for his leadership of a Nigerian separatist group advocating for an independent Biafran state in southeastern Nigeria. Finnish authorities allege that he used social media platforms to coordinate actions that resulted in violence against civilians and authorities in Nigeria.
Detective Chief Inspector Otto Hiltunen of the NBI stated that the investigation focuses on a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, born in the 1980s, suspected of public incitement to crimes with terrorist intent.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has continued to engage the Finnish government through the European Union (EU) to extradite Ekpa. In August, Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters emphasized the dual approach of diplomatic engagement and sustained military operations against the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, reiterated the government’s resolve, saying, “The FG would respond appropriately to the Finnish Government through the EU. On the part of the military, troops would sustain operations against IPOB/ESN.”
Ekpa, who has represented Finland’s National Coalition Party (NCP) in local government, currently serves on Lahti’s public transport committee. Finnish authorities continue to investigate his activities, emphasizing the potential connection between his leadership role in the separatist movement and violent actions in Nigeria.
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