News
Senator Dickson admonishes Govs to take a cue from Bayelsa’s Transparency on State/LGs Joint Account
***As Coalition of CSOs honours him with Award
Former Governor of Bayelsa State and Senator representing Bayelsa West in the Senate, Senator Seriake Dickson has asked Governors of the 36 States of the federation to a cue from Bayelsa on transparency in the handling of States and Local Government Councils Joint Accounts
Dickson who made the call at the National Assembly in Abuja Friday after he was confered with Transparency in Leadership Merit Award by Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, said Transparency Law put in place by his administration in Bayelsa State, brought about probity and accountability in the handling of the account.
He expressed surprise at the award and urged all other civil society organizations to ensure that those who have done well are encouraged with due recognition rather than the traditional focus on criticism alone.
According to him, from February 14, 2012 to February 14, 2020 when he held sway as Executive Governor of the State, not a dime was taken from monies meant for the eight local government councils in the state that came from Federation Account.
“Instrumentality of law used to drive transparency on the joint account, was Transparency Law enacted in 2012 upon assumption of office which was strictly adhered to by all parties concerned as far as the account was concerned.
“The transparency law was a template set in Bayelsa State for exercising financial autonomy of the local government councils.
“Apart from not taking a dime from federally allocated monies to any of the local government councils in Bayelsa State under my leadership as Governor, 15% of internally generated revenue by the State, was on monthly basis , given to the LGs for grassroots development.
“Having ensured transparency in governance in Bayelsa State within the last ten years, I urge the governments of the remaining 35 States in the country, to put in place transparency law as required mechanism for handling the States/LGs joint accounts” he said.
He dedicated the award conferred on him to all the key players of restoration government he led in Bayelsa State from 2012 to 2020 .
“On behalf of my family, on behalf of the Restoration Government, the good people of Bayelsa, i thank the DG, and the organizers.
“I dedicate the award to the members of the restoration team, the deputy Governor, Gboribiogha John Jonah, and all the top government operatives. I also appreciate those who put me on my toes, criticizing us for eight years.
“I thanked you even as I urge the NGOs not only to criticize but to also appreciate those who have done well.
“Public servants are not all devils. This country has a reservoir of great minds in the various sectors doing very well.
Nation building cannot be done by one good person alone. It takes all to make concerted efforts, the total aggregate of every profession that determines whether a nation is great or not.
“I thanked the DG for the recognition of the modest efforts and contributions in advancing the frontiers of promoting public accountability and development in Bayelsa.
“The Transparency Law is still effective in Bayelsa and I want to recommend it to other states.
‘”The law is also being adhered to by the present government in the State, making one to say that Bayelsa State is not one of any state where the joint account is being abused.”
The People have a right to know the financial decisions: income and expenditure in their state.
Bayelsa still operates the law, and the government of the day continued with it. Also, the councils in Bayelsa enjoy financial autonomy.”
A coalition of over 90 civil society organization under the aegis of the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness led by the Director General of CCLCA Dr Gabriel Gabriel Nwambu honoured Dickson with the award in recognition of his sterling antecedents in the pursuit of transparency as Governor of Bayelsa State.
Seriake Dickson as governor, had won the 2018 Transparency Award organised by the management of the Africa Independent Television (AIT).
While presenting the award to the former Governor at the Press Centre of the Senate on Friday Nwanbu indicated that it was given to him in appreciation of his “unique dimension of governance, conceived and implemented, especially in the area of transparency, accountability, probity and integrity.”
The Director General explained further that his organization was particularly impressed with the Governor for the bold step to initiate and the implement the Bayelsa State Transparency Law.
According to him, Dickson acted in an unusual and unique manner by initiating a law that makes it mandatory for the Governor and council chairmen to declare monthly incomes and expenditures of the state.
He stated that his Organisation found it fascinating to discover the Dickson made it an impeachable act of gross misconduct for non disclosure of state income and expenditure for three months in the then executive Bill.
He said, “Senator Henry Seriake Dickson was sworn-in as Governor of Bayelsa State on the 14th of February, 2012 and left office after eight years of meritorious service in February 2020
“On resumption, he, among other novel initiatives, sent an Executive Bill to the state House of Assembly called “Transparency Initiative Bill”.
“This Bill makes it mandatory for whoever is the Governor, or his representative, to make public, on monthly basis, the financial standing of the state. In other words, the bill requires a mandatory full disclosure of the total income and expenditure of the state for the preceding month.
“This law literally makes it mandatory for Governors and Local Government Chairmen to declare to the people, the income that comes into their coffers, and the expenditures thereof.
“Within the context of the BayelsaState Innovative Law, the bill established and enshrined the right of the people to know how their money is received and spent. Failure to align with the legislation for 3 consecutive months would compel the state House of Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings on the Governor or Local Government Chairman as the case may be.
“Political leaders and several other interest groups at the time, were shocked when, in the draft bill, Senator Dickson insisted that non-conformity with the provision of monthly briefing should amount to gross misconduct in the law, for which the governor could be impeached. Even the lawmakers felt it was too harsh, but Dickson insisted.
Ladies and gentlemen, this is first of its kind in Nigeria and it is now 10 years since the enactment of this law, no other state in Nigeria has enacted any law similar to this.”
Nwambu stated further that the Senator continued with the monthly implementation of the law for eight years thereby propelling the confidence and trust by the electorate in the government.
He said Senator Dickson’s uncompromising stance on transparency made the Association of former LGA Chairmen who served under him to unanimously affirmed to his integrity in public service and declared that as Governor for 8 years, he never tampered with Local Government Council funds.
He noted that it is indeed encouraging for the ex-Chairmen to affirm that “not only did Dickson not tamper with Local Government funds, he also added 15% of the state IGR to the local governments, to assist them with payment of primary school teachers salaries etc.”
He observed that “With this clear focus on transparency and openness and the introduction of higher standards in the administration of the State, little wonder that even in a recessed economy, the new standards brought in ensured that available funds were duly channeled to the actualization of massive developmental strides in Education, Healthcare delivery, massive road network construction, Human Capital Development, Agriculture and general infrastructural Development, including the BAYELSA State International Airport, the N10 billion Bayelsa cassava processing plant, the Aqua culture village, the gulf course, Universities among others which were initiated, completed and commissioned under him. Many other projects cutting across several sectors were either built and completed under him or conceived initiated and started by him as part of his brought vision for a modernized Bayelsa State.”
He stated further the Dickson period signaled departure from the previous practice where public office holders tampered with state resources with impunity.
He indicated that while it is the practice in Nigeria to honour those who have distinguished themselves in various areas, the organization finds it necessary to break from the practice by honouring those deserving of such honour while they are alive.
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.
News
Ogun Council Polls: Ex-Rep Amusan hails APC’s Landslide Victory
***Lauds Governor Abiodun’s Leadership
***Tasks New Local Government helmsmen on Grassroots Development
Former House of Representatives member, Hon. Jelili Kayode Amusan, has commended the All Progressives Congress (APC) for its sweeping victory in the recently concluded local government elections in Ogun State.
He described the outcome as a clear affirmation of the party’s growing acceptance and connection with the people.
In a statement released by his media office, Hon. Amusan attributed the victory to the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun, whose administration has prioritized the development of critical sectors, including security, healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
“This victory did not come as a surprise. It is a reflection of Governor Abiodun’s commitment to delivering good governance to the people of Ogun State. His numerous initiatives, including improved road networks, strengthened security, and better healthcare services, have earned the APC the confidence of the people across all local government areas,” Amusan noted.
The former lawmaker, who previously vied for the governorship, said the APC’s success in all local government areas highlights the effectiveness of the Governor’s grassroots-oriented policies and his ability to inspire trust and unity within the party.
While congratulating the newly elected local government chairmen, Hon. Amusan urged them to emulate Governor Abiodun’s leadership style by focusing on service delivery and fulfilling their campaign promises.
“Local governments are the closest tier of government to the people. Their effectiveness in governance plays a crucial role in the overall success of any political system. The new chairmen must prioritize grassroots development and ensure they deliver the dividends of democracy to their communities,” he advised.
He also expressed gratitude to the people of Ogun State for their overwhelming support for the APC, encouraging them to continue backing the party as it works to fulfill its promises.
“Our people have shown unwavering support for the APC, and I am confident that with their continued trust, the party will further enhance governance and bring more prosperity to Ogun State,” Amusan concluded.
END
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