Questionable expenditure: Kano emirates council under prove

Emir of Kano

The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission has opened an investigation into the accounts of the Kano Emirate Council over allegations of ‘questionable expenditures’ running into billions of naira over a short period of time, Daily Trust on Sunday gathered yesterday.
As part of the probe, the Emirate Council’s secretary and treasurer have been summoned to shed light on how over N4billion was expended and to present legal instruments backing the expenditure, a source at the anti-corruption agency disclosed.
The staff were asked to be at the commission’s office on May 2, 2017, he said.
Get a copy of DAILY TRUST ON SUNDAY for the full story
Tags: Kano emirate

BRITISH AIRWAYS COMMENDED THE NIGERIAN GOVT ON THE TIMELY COMPLETION OF THE REPAIRS OF ABUJA AIRPORT

British Airways has commended the Nigerian government on the timely completion of the repairs on the Abuja airport runway.
Mr Kola Olayinka, the airline’s Regional Commercial Manager for West Africa, lauded the government in a statement on Saturday in Lagos.
Olayinka said that the airline had commenced flights to and from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, after the Airport’s timely runway repairs and re-opening.
He said that aviation services actually resumed a day earlier at the Abuja Airport, rather than on the April 19 date scheduled for the completion of repairs on the runway.
According to him, British Airways is very pleased that the international airport has reopened.
“British Airways BA83, scheduled to depart Terminal 5 at Heathrow, London on April 19, arrived at Abuja at 4:48 a.m. on April 20, as the first BA flight, following the re-opening.
“British Airways BA82 scheduled to depart Abuja Airport to London, left by 7:05 a.m., also on the same day.
“British Airways will like to applaud the Minister of State (Aviation), Sen. Hadi Sirika, and his team, for the brilliant job done on the Abuja runway,’’ he said.
Olayinka recalled that the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja was previously shut for six weeks to enable the contractor to repair its runway.
He said that at this period, British Airways reaffirms its commitment as a trusted airline and aviation partner that will continue to be associated with constructive alliances for the positive growth of the aviation industry in Nigeria.
Olayinka also assured the airline’s customers and the general public of unparalleled services, going forward.

WORKERS DESERVES #96,000 MINIMUM WAGE- ULC

NIGERIAN LABOUR CONGRESS

he Northern Coordinator, United Labour Congress (ULC), John Gimbason on Saturday reiterated the union’s demand for N96,000 minimum wage for workers in the country.
Gimbason, also former Kaduna State NLC chairman spoke while inaugurating a ULC 12-member State Executive Council on Saturday in Kaduna.
He said the proposal was realistic and realisable considering the current inflation in the nation’s economy and in view of workers’ contributions to nation’s building.
He said that the new Labour Centre had opened negotiations with the Federal Government on the proposed N96, 000 minimum wage, assuring members that the proposal would soon yield fruits.
According to him, while workers are over burdened with lots of responsibilities, they receive stipends as monthly salaries, even as some others do not receive their wages for months.
He frowned at the Kaduna State government’s plan to sell off government quarters to the highest bidder, saying that it was unacceptible and called for the reversal of the decision.
He appealed to the 25 unions under the ULC to give their maximum cooperation to ensure that workers in both public and private sectors were treated with human face.
Meanwhile, the State Chairman of the ULC, Ephriam James, in his inaugural speech, said the council would ensure that workers in the state were liberated to earn salaries they deserve.
He said the Union would engage the state government and other employers of labour in dialogue to ensure they arrived at agreements to improve welfare of workers.
James, also State chairman, National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), assured that whatever decision taken at the national level would be replicated in the state, especially with regard to wages.
He called for support from members and 25 affiliated unions that formed the United Labour Congress to seek improved welfare of workers in the state without compromise.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NUPENG, NUBIFIE and NUEE officials were among notable associations that attended the inauguration. (NAN)

PRESIDENTIAL COMMITTEE RELEASES OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES FOR PROVE OF SUSPENDED SGF LAWAL, NIA DG, AYO OKE

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Saturday released details of how the committee raised by President Muhammadu Buhari to probe the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ayo Oke, will operate in carrying out its mandate.
Mr. Osinbajo said through a statement by his spokesperson, Laolu Akande, that the committee would “invite all relevant officials and private individuals who may be connected to both cases.”
He also said the panel would “obtain and scrutinize documents that may throw some light on the issues raised in both cases.”
All proceedings will however be in closed sessions to avoid speculations, allow for full disclosure and enhance the pace of proceedings, the vice president said.
Mr. Osinbajo said the panel “will conduct it’s work with utmost diligence and without fear or favour” and submit its report to the President at the expiration of the 14-day deadline given to it.
Read Mr. Osinbajo’s full statement below.
PRESS STATEMENT ON THE WORK OF THE PRESIDENTIAL INVESTIGATIVE PANEL
The Presidential Committee ordered earlier this week by President Muhammadu Buhari to probe certain allegations against the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Engineer Babachir Lawal, and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, NIA, Mr. Ayo Oke has commenced its work in earnest.
President Buhari on Wednesday established the three-man panel headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, with Attorney-General & Justice Minister, Abubakar Malami and National Security Adviser, Rtd Major General Babagana Munguno as members, to investigate allegations of legal and due process violations made against the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF and the discovery of large amounts of foreign and local currencies by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in a residential apartment in Ikoyi, Lagos.
In the discharge of its work, the panel is expected to invite all relevant officials and private individuals who may be connected to both cases. It will also obtain and scrutinize documents that may throw some light on the issues raised in both cases. All its proceedings will however be in closed sessions to avoid speculations, allow for full disclosure and enhance the pace of proceedings.
The panel which is expected to submit its report to the President at the expiration of the 14-day deadline, will conduct it’s work with utmost diligence and without fear or favour.
Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant on Media & Publicity to the President
Office of the Vice President

EFCC GRAFT ANOTHER LOOT N MONEY IN NIGER STATE

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has traced additional N2 billion to the United Bank for Africa account of Mr. Kantigi Liman, a former Commissioner of Local Government in Niger State.
The suspect, Liman, may be declared wanted by the anti-graft agency.
The discovery brings to N6 billion, the funds traced to accounts held by the politician and companies linked to him.
The Commission had weeks earlier traced N4 billion to two accounts in GTBank, both linked to Liman.
The first account belongs to Sadiq Air Travel Agency Limited and the second to Kantigi.
Sources at the Commission, however, disclosed that the politician who was a governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2015 election has been elusive.
“He is on the run and all efforts to track him down have been futile.
“The next option left for the Commission is to declare him wanted,” the source said.
The source further disclosed that investigations so far points in the direction that the funds were siphoned from the local government joint account of Niger State.
EFCC desperately wants to confront him with the available evidence.
He is believed to rake in a monthly interest of over N33 million on the fixed deposits.

BETWEEN SARKI AND KANAWA BY MUHAMMAD QADDAM SIDQ

Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II

While the ongoing debate generated by Sarkin Kano Muhammadu Sunusi’s social reform proposals is gradually subsiding, one can’t fail to observe how what was supposed to be an intellectually rich debate degenerated into a free-for-all argument replete with disparaging innuendoes and even explicit insults.
Incidentally, though Sarki’s proposed solutions to some negative social practices in the society that triggered the controversy can be described as radical, yet, I, for one, consider the amount of the ensuing controversy too disproportionate. Besides, I believe that, should those proposals be exhaustively and objectively scrutinized under relevant Islamic jurisprudential standards, and in the context of our peculiar socio-cultural circumstances, most of them will certainly turn out to be compliant with the intendment of the relevant Islamic provisions.
Besides, contrary to the wrong assumption that Kanawa are inherently reform-resistant, the reality is that, most of them are open-minded enough to welcome any socio-cultural and even political reforms even if they defy their traditions provided they (i.e. reforms) don’t contradict the unambiguously categorical of Islamic sanctions.
In a nutshell, basically, Sarki’s views and proposals per se aren’t the source of the controversy after all. Instead the source of the controversy is actually the underlying insensitivity he consciously displays or unconsciously betrays towards the sensibilities of the people he supposedly targets in his advocacy of socio-cultural and religious reforms. This explains the apparent underlying narcissistic tendency that seemingly motivates him, as it equally explains his apparent penchant for stirring unnecessary controversy just for the sake it. By the way, this observation may not sound strange to those familiar with his peculiar approach as a public commentator in the past.
Anyway, unsurprisingly and indeed quite understandably, many people rebuke him and indeed feel too offended to take him seriously. They question his claim to moral high ground to be an advocate for these reforms in the first place, citing some alleged inconsistencies between his advocacy and his actual deeds. For instance, they cite the fact that he has never had any philanthropic initiative to support, say, vulnerable children’s education in Kano state or elsewhere. This observation was particularly emphasized following the emergence of a report indicating that Sarkin Gombe Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III is sponsoring the education of three thousand vulnerable children in his domain, through his philanthropic foundation, the Shehu Usman Abubakar Foundation. In fact, many Kanawa and indeed many others elsewhere also question Sarki’s sincerity in his advocacy of prudence and transparency in handling public finances citing his disproportionately expensive lifestyle, as they also cite his other alleged inconsistencies and even some alleged scandals also.
However, inasmuch as no one can deny the fact that Kano and indeed the Muslim North need socio-cultural reforms to address some persistent negative social practices that undermine their ability to leverage their potential in order to improve their socio-economic conditions, one can’t dismiss Sarki Sunusi’s advocacy towards that end, anyway. Yet, one can’t deny the fact his approach in this regard isn’t helping matter, either.
Therefore, instead of this rather confrontational approach, Sarki Sunusi ll should, first of all, engage relevant public figures in the state among the reputable Islamic scholars, sociologists, educationists, thought leaders and other experts, to come up with a collection of balanced and realistically implementable social reform proposals. He should also make use of his obviously unrestricted access to government’s corridors in the state to quietly but determinedly lobby for its adoption as the basis to formulate appropriate legislative provisions that will address the persistent negative social phenomena in the state. By leveraging his enormous influence, he will certainly be able to facilitate the achievement of this objective. After all, he is no longer Sunusi Lamido Sunusi; a mere social commentator and critic, but Sarkin Kano who enjoys huge influence in Kano and indeed in Nigeria at large.
Meanwhile, he should focus on reforming the Masarautar Kano where he alone has all the powers to do and undo as he pleases, hence he can introduce and implement whatever reforms he desires. Because, the Masarautar Kano, which was founded by Shehu Usman Danfodio on the bases of Islamic religion, and which is expected to uphold and represent Islamic values and the good traditions of the Kanawa, does indeed need comprehensive reforms to rid it of the many extremely negative traditions, heretical practices and superstitious beliefs that crept back into it over the decades.

BETWEEN SARKI AND KANAWA BY MUHAMMAD QADDAM SIDQ ISAH

Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II

While the ongoing debate generated by Sarkin Kano Muhammadu Sunusi’s social reform proposals is gradually subsiding, one can’t fail to observe how what was supposed to be an intellectually rich debate degenerated into a free-for-all argument replete with disparaging innuendoes and even explicit insults.
Incidentally, though Sarki’s proposed solutions to some negative social practices in the society that triggered the controversy can be described as radical, yet, I, for one, consider the amount of the ensuing controversy too disproportionate. Besides, I believe that, should those proposals be exhaustively and objectively scrutinized under relevant Islamic jurisprudential standards, and in the context of our peculiar socio-cultural circumstances, most of them will certainly turn out to be compliant with the intendment of the relevant Islamic provisions.
Besides, contrary to the wrong assumption that Kanawa are inherently reform-resistant, the reality is that, most of them are open-minded enough to welcome any socio-cultural and even political reforms even if they defy their traditions provided they (i.e. reforms) don’t contradict the unambiguously categorical of Islamic sanctions.
In a nutshell, basically, Sarki’s views and proposals per se aren’t the source of the controversy after all. Instead the source of the controversy is actually the underlying insensitivity he consciously displays or unconsciously betrays towards the sensibilities of the people he supposedly targets in his advocacy of socio-cultural and religious reforms. This explains the apparent underlying narcissistic tendency that seemingly motivates him, as it equally explains his apparent penchant for stirring unnecessary controversy just for the sake it. By the way, this observation may not sound strange to those familiar with his peculiar approach as a public commentator in the past.
Anyway, unsurprisingly and indeed quite understandably, many people rebuke him and indeed feel too offended to take him seriously. They question his claim to moral high ground to be an advocate for these reforms in the first place, citing some alleged inconsistencies between his advocacy and his actual deeds. For instance, they cite the fact that he has never had any philanthropic initiative to support, say, vulnerable children’s education in Kano state or elsewhere. This observation was particularly emphasized following the emergence of a report indicating that Sarkin Gombe Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III is sponsoring the education of three thousand vulnerable children in his domain, through his philanthropic foundation, the Shehu Usman Abubakar Foundation. In fact, many Kanawa and indeed many others elsewhere also question Sarki’s sincerity in his advocacy of prudence and transparency in handling public finances citing his disproportionately expensive lifestyle, as they also cite his other alleged inconsistencies and even some alleged scandals also.
However, inasmuch as no one can deny the fact that Kano and indeed the Muslim North need socio-cultural reforms to address some persistent negative social practices that undermine their ability to leverage their potential in order to improve their socio-economic conditions, one can’t dismiss Sarki Sunusi’s advocacy towards that end, anyway. Yet, one can’t deny the fact his approach in this regard isn’t helping matter, either.
Therefore, instead of this rather confrontational approach, Sarki Sunusi ll should, first of all, engage relevant public figures in the state among the reputable Islamic scholars, sociologists, educationists, thought leaders and other experts, to come up with a collection of balanced and realistically implementable social reform proposals. He should also make use of his obviously unrestricted access to government’s corridors in the state to quietly but determinedly lobby for its adoption as the basis to formulate appropriate legislative provisions that will address the persistent negative social phenomena in the state. By leveraging his enormous influence, he will certainly be able to facilitate the achievement of this objective. After all, he is no longer Sunusi Lamido Sunusi; a mere social commentator and critic, but Sarkin Kano who enjoys huge influence in Kano and indeed in Nigeria at large.
Meanwhile, he should focus on reforming the Masarautar Kano where he alone has all the powers to do and undo as he pleases, hence he can introduce and implement whatever reforms he desires. Because, the Masarautar Kano, which was founded by Shehu Usman Danfodio on the bases of Islamic religion, and which is expected to uphold and represent Islamic values and the good traditions of the Kanawa, does indeed need comprehensive reforms to rid it of the many extremely negative traditions, heretical practices and superstitious beliefs that crept back into it over the decades.

ANOTHER MOVING SPEECH BY EMIR OF KANO MUHAMMADU SANUSI II

"I was not surprised when Jonathan suspended me. I was not afraid to blow the whistle on the missing $20 billion because I knew I won't be CBN Governor forever. Because I knew power was transient, I chose to speak the truth, no matter the consequences. Some were afraid to speak out against evil because they were afraid of losing their jobs.
All the people that they were afraid of speaking the truth years ago, where are they today? For those who are still in power, remember that it is transient. I would never consult praise singers in my palace who tell me I will rule forever.
If you want to be a true Nigerian, tell the present government where they are going wrong. Those who loot public funds and steal the commonwealth forget that there is a limit to the amount of food they can eat any given time; that they can only ride in one car at at a time even if they have a fleet of cars, and can only sleep in one bed even if they have so many houses.
Recalling his exit from the CBN, he said: At the end of the day, this job, Central Bank, I'd leave it someday. I could die, or my tenure expires, or I'd be sacked. I had no control over it. But I have control over how I live.
I wasn't surprised about my suspension; I knew it would happen, because I had been asked to resign, and I said no. I was not going to make it easy for anyone. My answer was simple. You asked me to resign for telling you money has been stolen. Ask the minister to resign first.
He said fear holds those in government from speaking truth to power. You forget that the person, either the president or the governor, is also occupying a transient position. All the people that people were afraid of two, three years ago, where are they today?
Power is transient. The only thing that's permanent is what you do for people when you were alive. It does not matter how much you have; you will be remembered for service, not the amount of money you have that you cannot even announce."
-Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.
Emir of Kano

Mob Actions

By Aliyu U. Tilde

Mob action is a disgrace to our society just as the looters are. Both are irresponsible. Nobody should promote violence. If supporters of every politician will go violent, what would the end be like?
From experience, those who employ the mob - and violence generally - as a political tool are utterly empty upstairs. They are bereft of the intelligence to operate at the level of conscience.
I remember someone who used the mob to become a governor and he turned out to be the biggest thief that his state ever had. He stole billions through a paragraph on single sheet of A4 paper. When he left office, his AG confessed that the state did not have up to N20million in the treasury, and with months of unpaid salaries.
Another one, who benefited immensely from mobs and violence, also proved to be very empty too.
So many examples can be cited from 1960 to date. If you find yourself supporting political violence, sit down and reason again.
And never think that the mob stones only the wicked. Sardauna used to be stoned by mobs in Jos, for example. Did he steal anybody's money or loot the treasury?
Instigating the masses is the cheapest thing that politicians can do. In fact, the most wicked politicians in history were the most successful in deploying the art of violence. They easily frame up their opponents, disseminate the lies among the masses and, behold, before the victim could explain himself, the mischief is done. Is this what we want to flourish in our land?
If every politician were to use violence, there would be no peace. And let us remember, most politicians will use it when push comes to shove. It's nobody's monopoly.
Solution
Patiently wait for the next elections and prove your support at the polls. That is democracy. With our elections becoming increasingly transparent, anything short of this stands condemned.
If you cannot wait for the elections, head for the courts with your facts. But there too, you'll need to be patient enough to go through the process.
Either way, the impatient has no place in democracy and in the civilized world generally.
To support a saint through violence is as bad to the society as looting the treasury.

Olajide Abiola posted: Our social attitudes breeds corruption

"He was minister for 4 years. What does he have to show for it?"
"She was special adviser to the governor for 5 years and she doesn't even have a house of her own"
"How many people did he even help while he was commissioner?"
These are the type of statements that reflect our attitudinal support and encouragement of corruption. It is out collective expectation that former public office holders must leave office materially richer. If they don't, they're a disappointment to self and community.
We expect public office holders to use their positions to our personal and material advantage because of our relationship with them. Failure to do so makes them failures and rejects.
We actively and passively contribute to and encourage corrupt practices in more ways than we are ready to admit. Majority of Nigerians do not see public officer or service as sacrifice of stewardship but as a ticket to effortless opulence and material enrichment."

SENATOR SHEHU SANI URGES PRESIDENT MUHAMMAD BUHARI TO DISBAND THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON ANTY-CORRUPTION LED BY PROF. SAGAY

BY THE NATION
“President Muhammadu Buhari should as a matter of urgency dissolve his Presidential Advisory Council on Corruption. It is a moribund and irrelevant assemblage.
“A Presidential Advisory Committee headed by a man who defended the SGF is without honour. Professor Itse Sagay attacked me for my report on Presidential Initiative on North East (PINE); now that the President has taken steps in the direction of the committee report, I hope the Prof. will muster the courage to also attack the President.“
The advisory committee was looking for corruption in Sokoto while it is there in shokoto.“
"It is sad that most of the mercenary forces hired to rubbish the integrity of the Senate committee and defend those indicted have suddenly lost their voice.’’
Sani, who is also Chairman, Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, described as reprehensible “the fact thatthe humanitarian situation in the North East was made an industry where government officials and even NGOs profit from the suffering and the hardships of millions of victims.’’
He lamented that while some people saw the millions of orphans and widows produced by the North East crisis as victims, others saw them as cash cows.
Published by THE NATION NEWSPAPER, FRIDAY APRIL 21, 2017, p.4

Opinion: Societal corrupt judgement

"A police officer served for 30 years without scandal. Some people in his village are complaining that he didn't help anyone. What do they want?"--Dr.
Aminu Hassan Gamawa
MY TAKE:
In Nigeria, they even mock you if you left public office without amassing wealth. They don't want to know that you can't amass wealth illegally and be committed to honest service. People don't celebrate you for your integrity or genuine achievements. They don't celebrate you for being the first Dr. or Professor the village has produced. Instead, they may tell you "where were you when small boys were making it?" They compare you unfavourably with a super rich customs officer who goes to the village every weekend to dish out financial favours. They always pray for him tell him "Allah ya qara arziki"(may God multiply your prosperity)." They don't celebrate you for being an honest man from the village. They are not proud to allow you marry their daughters because you don't have posh cars and houses to call your own or money to splurge on them. In fact, people see you as a fool for refusing to line your pocket while in government. They don't want to associate with you because you are not useful to them.

Buhari appoint acting SGF

The acting Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Dr. Habiba Muda Lawal.
(0 Likes) The Permanent Secretary, Ecological Funds Office (EFO) in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Dr. Habiba Muda Lawal, has taken over as the acting Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
This follows Wednesday's suspension of the SGF Babachir David Lawal by President Muhammadu Buhari over allegation of corruption against Babachir in contract awards in the Presidential Initiative on the North East (PINE).
The Director of Press at the OSGF, Bolaji Adebiyi, confirmed the development to Daily Trust on Thursday.
An indigene of and former commissioner in Bauchi State, Lawal holds both the B.Sc and Masters from the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, and PhD from the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University

Opinion: LAMIDO'S BIZARRE LOGIC

Former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido has alleged that President Buhari is corrupt because he served under Abacha. Does that mean the late Group Captain Usman Jibrin was corrupt because he also served briefly at PTF? Does that mean Tai Solarin was corrupt because he served under Babangida? Is Bolaji Akinyemi corrupt because he served Babangida's government? Was Aminu Kano corrupt because he served under General Yakubu Gowon as Federal Commissioner of Health? Is Adamu Ciroma corrupt because he served a military government? It is wrong to assume that, because you can't keep your nose clean, everyone else is a crook.
If guilt by association makes one automatically corrupt, then does that mean the EFCC should arrest every member of the former Jonathan administration and drag them to court for corruption, regardless of who is innocent or guilty? So, Sule Lamido should be acquitted of the current corruption charges against him because everyone in Nigeria is a thief?

Story of the day

He's calm and have the kind of looks like he's missing someone or something.
With an over sized top, tattered trouser and with no shoe, he looks like he hasn't seen water for a week or so. No sign of strength within him, obviously a subject of starvation and malnutrition.
I called him "kai Almajiri zo nan" he looked at me, with eyes filled with hope, was he even crying? I noticed the lesion on his leg
I asked him so many questions and I got the answers right, I hope, of course after giving him something to eat. His name is Abdulrazaq, fifth born among thirteen. Abdulrazaq is evleven. His father, a farmer and a husband to three wives resides in Katsina state. He was brought to Almajiranci three months ago, to Kano state, where he joined his elder brother.
Abdulrazaq was made Almajiri after finishing his primary education back in his home town. Astonished, I asked him to read something and he read all that a graduate of a public primary school in his village should be able to read, stunned I became. I saw the nostalgic looks on his face as he read.
Abdulrazaq told me he wants to go back home, he wants to continue with his western education.
Then I begin to wonder, who is more heartless, is it the parents who give out their children to some Mallam in a far place and eventually subjecting them to all sorts of hardship all in the name of Qur'anic knowledge pursuit, or the Mallam who watch as the boys suffer from sickness, starvation, public harassment and exploitation?
The system use to work, it doesn't anymore. A lot of Islamic scholars have emerged from the Almajiri system. But it's all changed now, from the parents who trash their children to avoid feeding, clothing, sheltering and schooling them (no love) under the guise of schooling them, through the Mallams who exploits the kids by making them work for him and also getting provisions for him while paying little to no minds to their welfare and even their studies (no love), to the kids (the Almajiris) who spend most of their day begging for money and food, being exploited by the public and displaying all form of misguided behaviors. What they grow up to be is usually determined by what the street demands, good or bad. Generally, they know little of love.
The government isn't doing what it suppose to do because democracy nowadays isn't what it should be. The system needs to be scrapped, period. And the populace should realise that the almajiris need more than food, they need shelter, better clothing, education and top of all, love. They should be treated with compassion and sympathy.

BABACHIR BANANA PEELS

The Senate is now vindicatedl! The Babachir's
investigation isn't a political witch hunt by the
Senate after all. The suspended SFG treated the
allegations against him lightly by dismissing
them as balderdash! Now the Chairman of the
Presidential Anti Corruption Committee, Professor
Itse Sagay, has said the suspended SFG is gone
for good because he violated the code of
conduct by awarding a contract to a company in
which he has interest. You can't be part of a
government that is committed to fighting
corruption and be so careless by involving
yourself in conduct that is irreconcilable with the
philosophy of the anti corruption crusade of the
Buhari administration.
“The SGF is a top member of the administration.
He should have known that for him to award a
contract to his own company is absolutely
prohibited by the Code of Conduct and the
Constitution. What he was doing was illegal and
unconstitutional", Professor Sagay was quoted
as saying by Sahara Reporters.
From the beginning, Babachir was dismissive of
the allegations emboldened by the public
hostility towards the Senate. He wanted
Nigerians to forget the issue because the Senate
"has no credibility." But it refused to die largely
because he was perceived as a burden on the
anti corruption crusade of the Buhari
administration. Finally, the President had to
choose between personal loyalty to a close
friend and sustaining public trust, especially a
public that insists there must be no sacred cows
in this anti corruption crusade. By wielding the
bid stick, the President has fired a shot across
the bow of anyone close to him that public
interest comes before anything else. Mr.
President, if you maintain this uncompromising
posture, you may disarm eve

A FITTING TRIBUTE TO THE HUMAN VIRTUES OF LATE CHANCHANGI BY ZAINAB ALI

"I have met parents who said, "my child would not have gone to school, had it not been for Chanchangi".
I have met a graduate, who is an orphan, who told me how it was because of Chanchangi he fulfilled his dream of becoming a graduate.
I have met somebody who told me, at one point in his life, his family would have died of hunger, had it not been for the generosity of Chanchangi. People who wouldn't have owned a land, had shelter over their heads, had it not been for Chanchangi.
I have seen people crying not just because Chanchangi is no more today, but because their benefactor has gone on that final journey of no return.
All these people, came out in their thousands to pay their final respect today.
Ya Allah, forgive Alhaji Ahmadu Chanchangi, and admit him with ease into Jannah."

Sen. Dino Melaye's assassination attempt strange to Kogi, Group says

Senator Dino Melaye has expressed deep shock
over the assassination attempt on his life late on
Friday 14th April 2017 in his constituency
residence in Aiyetoro-Gbede, Kogi West
Senatorial District, He described the situation as
unfortunate, regretable, highly disturbing and very
strange to the socio-political.culture of Kogi
West senatorial district.
The Senator thanked the Almighty God for
sparing his life as he declares that God is his
"Rock and Salvation".
Senator Dino Melaye declared his unrelented
resolution to continue to champion democratic
courses targeted at good governance, masses
empowerment and the Rule of Law. He promised
never to relent in his fight against corruption,
maladministration, impunity and nepotism.
Said the Senator, "No amount of threat,
blackmail, name-callng and/or harassment will
stop me from being the voice of the voiceless
and the mouthpiece of the common man".
He also expressed outrage and disbelief that four
(4) days after the attempt on his life, the Kogi
State governor, the Chief Security Officer ofthe
State, has neither called nor visited to know the
state of affairs with him as a serving Senator
from Kogi State. Said the Senator, "The
Governor's deafening silence speaks volumes".
In the history of Kogi West, various political
gladiators have, at various times, had their
differences but none had ever been escalated to
the level of attempt on life..
Chief Awoniyi and Chief Daniyan (both of blessed
memory) had their strong differences. Senator
Dino Melaye and Prince Olusola Akanmode also
had their differences. Arc. Stephen Olorunfemi
and Prince Olusola Akanmode and Tunde
Ogbeha, also had their differences. Senator Dino
Melaye and Senator.Smart Adeyemi had their
serious political differences.Non of these
differences was ever escalated to the
horrendous level of assassination attempt.
The recent incident is alien to Okun people and
to Kogi West.
The advent of Yahaya Bello as Governor and
Taofiq Isa as Local Government administrator in
the political firmament of Kogi state has brought
this unfortunate socio-political paradigm shift.
Senator Melaye called on Kogi Elders, Traditional
Leaders and Opinion Leaders to call for order and
restraint. 'It may be Dino Melaye today, we don't
know who is next'.
The aggitation for good governance, payment of
worker's salaries and welfare of pensioners
should not be punished with assassination..
Long live Kogi West
Long live Kogi State
SIGNED:
AYODELE GIDEON
S.A Media to Sen. Dino Melaye

Quotes of the day

"Even broke guys also call ladies gold diggers. My brother what gold can she dig from you when you are coal.

BIZARRE THINGS ABOUT NIGERIA

Is keeping huge govt money as incredible as $50 million dollars in private houses part of the imperative of protecting national Security?
Could the U.S CIA Director have kept huge official Security funds in his residence or private houses without breaking the law and offering explanation? If these money were legitimately purposes, why no mention of the money was made to President Buhari when he took over?
Managing a secret in order to keep it secret, especially hidden the presence of money from public knowledge demand a lots of energy and and solid commitment. How long such heavy money can be stashed away in a private house without leaking ultimately?  If two people are in the know of a secret, something could go away one day,  especially if someone begins to feel a burden on their conscience and blow off the lid of the secret.
As Benjamin Franklin said "three people can keep a secret if the two of them are dead" Its not surprising therefore why Whistle blowers with inside Information presence of hidden looted funds, probably in the hope that when the cost is clear, it could be move out of the country in the name of private individuals. That this money was not officially declared in the hand over notes to President Buhari would make many Nigerians less likely to believed the cock and bull stories that it was kept in private house for the purpose of so-called covert operation.

CONTROVERSY OVER RECOVERED LOOT BY EFCC IN LAGOS

Its now beyond any doubt that the money found in Lagos belongs to the NIA, approved by Jonathan more than two years ago as funding for covert operation in line with the  mandate of NIA.
The fact that the money is still unspent more than two years after it was disbursed raises lots of question. Considering that NIA has no jurisdiction to conduct a covert operation within Nigeria. It is possible that it was merely a slush fund being being embezzled under the perverted guise of National security.
The EFCC exposed the poor coordination, unhealthy competition and mutual distrust among our security agencies. This is the second time NIA is being embarrassed by "friendly"  exposes. The first was when the Senate in advertently blew the cover of some of ambassadorial nominees, causing major setback, to Nigeria's intelligence resources abroad.
This tell us  a lots about the office of National security adviser and the role its allowed to play under this govt in its honest attempt to prevent another Dasuki from happening.
 

President fulfilled the promised

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/04/easy-forget-nigeria-administration-began-2-yrs-ago-buhari/

Award inducement again

http://www.environewsnigeria.com/mohammed-jallow-tambajan-ndume-others-win-african-women-awards/

Meningitis is a deadly diseases protect yourself

http://www.environewsnigeria.com/meningitis-kills-six-24-hospitalised-katsina/

Opinion: Whistle blowing policy in Nigeria

In Nigeria today, there is no career more rewarding then Whistle blowing. You get your decent monetary reward, and the added satisfactory that you are helping your country by siding with the good guys EFCC against the bad guys i.e looters. May the Whistle never stop blowing.

Angela Uyi DPA writes:

"The people praising the alleged criminality of sack Ex-NNPC MD are indeed retarded for saying what man can do woman can do better.
Esther is just a shame to womanhood. I will blame ex-president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan who magnified corruption and gave everyone under his govt the audacious impunity to loots public funds"

Emir Sanusi Bombs Gov Yari of Zamfata State

The monarch who posted in his latest opinion in his Instagram page on Tuesday said many Muslims countries like United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia were competing with other developed western countries, lamenting that Muslims-dominated states in northern Nigeria were only using their own knowledge to impoverish their people.
He said Yari had displayed ignorance for saying the meningitis Outbreak, which had claimed over 200 lives in Zamfara state was a punishment from God for the sin of fornication.

Unlike stories of the day

The speaker Federal house of representatives Yakubu Dogara says he collects 346,577 monthly as salary. If, indeed that is his salary, why is politics having such attraction? If an elected public official is collecting three hundred and fourty six thousand as salary monthly, how do you then explain an individual lawmaker who is lower in rank than Dogara being able to buy property worth #500million and maintaining a fleet of cars and Jeeps none of which is less than #15million to #20million.

Opinion: Traditional ruler or a royal activist

The stair holder of Kano state emirate council had blesses the trend and transform the olden ideology of traditional ruling in the famous palace of Kano. Its heeding and obvious to all Nigerians that, the emir is now a critic, commentator and public affairs analyst concerning national issues of his choice and the one that he intend to contribute.
The issue on deck which the Emir criticized and attracts nation wide  eyes is the issue of allegedly linking Islam and poverty, the emir had been quoted to have said "Zamfara state started sharia law but now it is the most poorest state" looking at the above statement made by Sanusi Lamido Sanusi the second, one may say that, the state of poverty bothering Zamfara state has a direct link with the religion of Islam. But the emir means that, despite the implementation of sharia law in Zamfara state and the amount of money received from Federal allocation which if were used appropriately would have transformed Zamfara state to a new America but its now in a squalor state.
The royal activist is right in his except because they claimed Islamicity and emptied the Zamfara state treasury. Is that the kind of Islamic state we are hoping to see?
The Emir is vigorously right.

Quote

A pessimist sees disaster in every opportunity while a an optimist sees opportunity in every disaster
  Wistom Churchil

THE PROBLEM OF THE NORTH by Abdullahi Yalwa

'Professor Ango Abdullahi is against Emir Sanusi because he perceives himself as the sole voice of the North. His criticism against the Emir is therefore selfish'
"The problem of the North is that many who claim to speak for her u often do so for their own personal interest. No one individual in modern Nigerian history has claim to speak for the collective north as Prof. Ango Abdullahi"
  In 1999, on the eve of the Obasanjo's declaration to contest for the presidential ticket of the PDP, Prof. Ango Abdullahi in an interview with a mysterious Magezine called Politicus boasted to the Nation that the north had the power and will give it to whosoever it chooses.

Quotes of the day

"Impartial journalism is laudable. But false balance is dangerous. When the evidence is clear-cut, the assumption that good journalism requires mutually opposed views to be treated as equally valid simply doesn't hold.
  David Robert Grimes
When a man suggest that meningitis is sexually transmitted contrary to valid Scientific evidence or valid fact, should a reporter seeks the opinion of another crank who believes that CMS is caused by sexual contract?
Its absurd seeking to balance a story with falsehoods merely because you project opposing views for its own sake.
You cant be neutral between justice and injustice, and between cruelty and compassion or between humanity and inhumanity. One can never validates absurdity either for the sake of balance.

Buhari declares Mondays, Wednesdays as 'Made-in-Nigeria Dress Day'

President  Muhammad Buhari-led Federal government has approved the adoption of Mondays and Wednesdays as Made-in-Nigeria Dress Day across the country..
The approval was contained in a letter from the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, dated 4th, April, 2017, and addressed to the executive secretary of National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) Barclays Ayakoroma.
Reacting to the approval for Made-in-Nigeria Dress Days, the executive secretary of NICO, Dr. Ayakoroma told NICO news that, for him, its one of the major breakthrough so far recorded by his administration in the Institute.

QUOTES OF THE DAY

"Its an important functions of the prosecuted, to seek to reforms and improves the administration of criminal justice, when inadequacies or injustice in the substantive or procedural law comes to the prosecutor's attention, he or she should stimulate effort for remedial action" American Bar.

POSER OF THE DAY

Why EFFC is losing cases, especially corruption cases frequently? Does it have to do with the alleged corruption of the judges? It is due the  shady spadework, or lack of thought investigation before prosecution? Is it spending more resources on media trial then devoting its energy building rock solid cases because that can stand up before the court?
Is the agency losing cases because of inadequate funding which hampers efficient training and investigation.
Does EFCC need SANs to win its cases?  What exactly is the problem of the agency?

MURIC spits fire, threatening to make life unbearable for Fayose

A right group, Muslims Rights Concern (MURIC) on Friday descended heavily on Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State, threatening to demolish four mosques in the state.
"Ekiti State Governor is waging war against Islam. Fayose has murdered sleep and he shall sleep no more".
"Muslims may be left with no option than to make Ekiti ungovernable if he goes ahead to demolish the mosques"
Freedom of worship is enshrined in Nigeria's constitution and civil disobedience is the inalienable right of a persecuted people. Those who make it impossible for us to worship are guilty of crime.

Breaking! Fire Outbreak at Kundila housing estate

Just in fire outbreak in a house No. 365 Kundila Housing Estate Maiduguri road, the fire is in provocation as all effort has being put in place to put it down but remain in vain. We hereby appeal to the relevant authority to take all necessary measures to help put down the fire and protect lives and properties. An anonymous source  disclose to Media Excel that, the fire outbreak as a result of water heater leaved in a room without removing it. 

Senates, recall Senator Ndume

The Senates recently slammed a six month suspension on Senator Ali Ndume(APC Borno south), for allegedly raising 'false alarm' by asking the Senates to prove social media made against both Senates President Abubakar Bukola Saraki and Senator Dino Melaye(APC Kogi west). Trouble began on Tuesday March 21, when Senates decides to investigate an allegation that Saraki imported a bullet proof Jeep worth $298.000, which was seized by Nigerian Customs Service for non-payment of duty.
  The proved was triggered by a point of order raised by former Senates leader Sen. Ali Ndume, who also called for the prove of certificate scandal of Sen. Dino Melaye.
  An online news medium had alleged in March 18, that the vehicle seizure was the reason why Senates was moving against NCS Comptroller general, retired, Col. Hamid Ali.,
Ndume charge the Senates to do all at its discretion to salvage the image of the red chamber.

Source: Daily Trust

Societal moral decadence

Its no longer a conceal story of the sudden fall of societal moral standard towards money.
In our contemporary society, a pauper is regarded as nothing more than just slave. It pains the credible heart to discern that some of our educational instructors join the money worshippers club.
You may find out that, a well learned Islamic cleric will be preaching and drawing the attention of the general Muslim community on then punishment of subjecting self of seeking money by all means, calling the attention of the politicians to fear Allah but what happened to them when they were appointed to the juicy office?
The worst part of the money worshippers club are their female members, females nowadays listen and hear nothing but the sensation of money, if one is not an average rich, forget about marrying a beautiful wife nowadays. You can reach to the extent you like in seeking a lady hands in marriage but as soon as an affluent arrived at the station everything will be ruined.
A young lady who hails from poor family will be confidently saying she will marry no one except rich.
According to Sortem Kerkagard" When you knoe the truth of something and denied it, you are a gregarious fool" 
A word is enough for wise.