Lawmakers stand firm against ‘consensus speaker’

There appears to be hope for a neutral person to emerge as Speaker of the House of Representatives in the next session.

The House yesterday validated its new election guidelines to the office which defeated a sudden push to reverse Tuesday’s new rule which allows multiple entrants into the race and permits the election to be through the open secret ballot system and not electronic voting. This gives members a needed tool to tackle the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) decision to zone the position to the South West geopolitical zone. It also offers protection to members who may vote against the party’s consensus candidate, believed to be Ajibola Muraina from Oyo State. The lawmaker, one of the only three ranking members elected on the platform of the party from the zone, enjoys wide-ranging support across the party to emerge the next Speaker. Yet he draws scant support from his colleagues, who view him as a stooge of major party backers in the South West. The lawmakers have indicated their readiness to scuttle the party’s arrangement, asking for a liberalised contest that would allow for more candidates, amid agitations by the South East lawmakers who have intensified their campaign for the seat. In its clearest decision yet on the issue, the House on Tuesday overwhelmingly amended its Order 2, Rule 3, suspending electronic voting purportedly due to difficulties in procuring electronic cards for new members. The official explanation has been punctured by members who, speaking unofficially, hinted at a ploy against Mr Muraina’s candidacy.

Mr Bankole does not want any problem

As the House convened Wednesday, it faced fresh calls to undo the policy, a highlight of the unrelenting power play as it draws near to the speakership poll early June. While considering the previous Votes and Proceedings for approval yesterday, Ita Enang, the chairperson of the House committee on Business and Rules, argued that the new amendment breached laid down procedures and remained illegal, calling for its nullification.

According to Mr Enang, “The House failed to suspend the necessary rules in taking that motion and I urge that the decision be reversed,” launching the session into fresh debates on the issue. Ironically, it was Mr Enang who moved the motion suspending the contentious order the previous day — a point he denied when his colleagues later confronted him. The turnaround drew sharp criticism from other members, who insisted the resolution be approved as stated, a call that was complied with by the Speaker, Mr Bankole.

“At this juncture, I don’t want to have any problem with members and the Votes and Proceedings is hereby approved,” the outgoing Speaker said. With the approval, the amendment is now assumed to be law having received the equivalent of the presidential signature for a conventional bill passed by the lawmakers.

The new order, sponsored by Cyril Maduabum, says the traditional electronic voting used for the election of principal officers of the House be replaced with an open secret ballot method to be conducted by the clerk of the house.

Some lawmakers, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed fears over the electronic voting, which they said retained the soft signature of the voter and is readable on a printout easily made available after the poll — something that could come back to haunt them should they act against the choice of the party, Mr Muraina. According to them, the manual open secret option, in which voters identity remains strictly protected, is intended to neutralise that concern.

Former finance minister appointed World Bank director

Former finance minister, Mansur Muhktar, has been appointed alternate executive director of the World Bank. He joins former finance minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and former minister of education, Obi Ezekwesili at the 67-year-old global financial institution.

Muhktar's appointment, which is a full-time position in Washington, follows the recent creation of an additional seat for Africa region on the board of the World Bank Group. This brings to three the number of seats for Africa on the board of the since November 2010.

Nigeria is in the same World Bank Group constituency with South Africa and Angola.

Announcing the latest appointment, current finance minister, Olusegun Aganga, said this is one of the direct fallouts and benefits of Nigeria occupying the chairmanship of the World Bank/International Monetary Fund (IMF) Group since last year.

Aganga, who was the first African to chair the World Bank/IMF Group, said the creation of the third seat for Africa will enhance the voice and presence of the continent at the Bretton Woods institution as well as increase its vote.

Mahktar's duties on the board will include setting of strategic directions and approving of policies and programmes of the World Bank Group in the member states; approval of internal policies, including human resources; oversight matters in relation to the functioning of the Group's duties, among others.

Mahktar's appointment has now given Africa an additional voice at the highest level of management that would be involved in the formulation and implementation of the World Bank Group's programmes on the continent.

The Group plays a very significant role in the economies of virtually all African countries.

Foreign investors, donor and credit institutions often insist on the World Bank approval of national economic policies before dealing with developing nations, within which category virtually all African nations fall.

According to the minister, the federal government was delighted over Mr Muhktar's appointment, pointing out that given his wealth of experience at the African Development Bank, the World Bank and as a former finance minister, a better person could not have been recommended for the high position.

EFCC V. Akingbola & Ors: A chase gone wild

What is the EFCC searching for? A plea bargain or an effective punishment for an alledged crime?

In 2009 when the clamp down on bank executives in Nigeria began with the joint effort of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the objective seemed clear and certain to many Nigerians: that is, to ensure the stability of the banking industry, strengthen the

financial condition of the affected banks and see that depositors and creditors’ funds are well protected. It was good news and was well recieved by the investing public. And even though a handful of others entertained suspicions and doubts as to the real motives, the action was widely applauded globally.

Now almost two years after, the EFCC is still in court seeking justice in its “most available form”, and if the agency’s latest trend is anything to go by, this would be a PLEA BARGAIN. The anti-graft agency seems to be tilting towards this prosecutorial process as it makes its way from one court to another with new and fresh charges against the former chief executives of Intercontinental Bank Plc, Bank PHB, Afribank and Finbank, Erastus Akingbola, Francis Atuche, Sabastine Adigwe and Okey Nwosu respectively, amongst others.

Indeed, there is absolutely nothing wrong with the process of pleading guilty to a lesser charge or getting a lesser sentence in exchange for a guilty plea, however, what seems questionable are the actions of the EFCC that suggest desperation, anxiety and eargeness to “settle”. Is the commission afraid that it might not to establish the charges against these accused persons?

Notwithstanding the fact, that a plea bargain is globally accepted as an integral part of the criminal justice system, it must be noted that such an agreement is significantly based on public policy, and thus must be made only if the circumstances suggest that it is in the best interest of the public. Some readily identifyable drawbacks of the process is the existence of rewards, threats and coercion which in a number of recorded instances, involves the disregard of due process.

Presently, some of the actions of the EFCC are said to point in this direction. This includes, abuse of court processes, evading service, defying court orders , forcing the accused persons to capitulation, etc.

Whether the stories making the rounds about the EFCC becoming desperate for a plea bargain with the bank chiefs are true or not, the commission’s antecedents with the Cecilia Ibru case, and Dick Cheney-Halliburton case, has brought some very vital issues and questions to the fore, such as: What is the EFCC chasing? Is the anti-graft agency confused about its mission and objectives? Why is it multiplying its charges and moving in all directions, seemingly confused? Is it actually looking for another plea bargain? To what end? Is it for public interest? Why is Akingbola and the others not willing to plead guilty to lesser charges or for lighter sentences? And if the stories are unfounded, then on what basis did the former Oceanic bank boss get her plea bargain and its seemingly ridiculous terms.

Rape: Osun traditional ruler arraigned in court

The Alowa of Ilowa-Ijesha in Osun State, Oba Adebukola Alli, on Wednesday appeared before an Osogbo chief magistrates’ court on charge of rape of a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in his domain.

Oba Alli was said to have raped one Miss Helen Okpara, a corps member serving in his domain, on March 25, 2011, at about 6.00 p.m at Rasco Alli Estate, Osogbo.

The traditional ruler, who had earlier been charged at a senior magistrates’ court in March this year, was accompanied to court by one of his wives and was ordered by Senior Magistrate Olalekan Ijiyode to remove his cap, an order he promptly obeyed before the case was eventually transferred to the chief magistrates’ court.

Mr Ijiyode, before transferring the case, had said he had interest in the matter because of the challenges it posed to his position and profession, but stressed that “as a senior magistrate grade 1, I do not have the right to preside over such case.”

The case was eventually transfered to the chief magistrates’ court.

While appearing before Chief Magistrate Akinwumi Makanjuola, where his case was transferred, Oba Alli was accused of committing the offence on March 25, 2011; did unlawfully have canal knowledge of one Helen Okpara, without her consent by means of threat, an offence contrary to and punishable under section 357 and 358 of the Criminal Code Cap 34, Vol 11 laws of Osun State, 2003.

The traditional ruler pleaded not guilty to the alleged offence

NAPEN chairman cautions President Jonathan on govt of national unity

The Executive Chairman, National Association of Peaceful Election in Nigeria (NAPEN), Professor Suleiman Bogoro, has implored President Goodluck Jonathan not to succumb to the pressure on him to embrace the Government of National Unity as being proposed by a cross- section of Nigerians.

Speaking with the Nigerian Tribune in Jos, Plateau State, Professor Bogoro said those proposing the idea among the opposition parties had no plan for the country, but simply wanted to be part of the government to have a share in what they called the ‘national cake.’

“I am not comfortable, because in Nigeria, when you talk of the government of national unity, what you are likely to see is that some of the parties take advantage to nominate ill-prepared and incompetent persons,” he said.

Professor Bogoro, commended the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) for opting out of the arrangement, adding that the party had positioned itself as an opposition party and was ready to play its part of check and balance, for the progress of the country and, as well as demonstrated that it had enlightened electorate.

He said; “I am happy that the ACN officially opted out of the arrangement but, mark it, the people of the South-West, now controlled by the ACN, voted for President Jonathan and then the message was that South-West have educated electorate, they said we don’t want to be part of the government of National Unity, though they voted for the president, the people are largely ACN by ideology, but saw something good in President Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and voted for him.”

NYSC won’t be scrapped -DG •As evacuated corpers from Lagos refuse to return to North

THE Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier-General Maharazu Tsiga, has said that the NYSC scheme will not be scrapped but will remain to unite the people of the country together.

Speaking at the 2011 Annual Management Conference entitled “Reviving and Strengthening Discipline in the NYSC Scheme,” held in Ilorin, Kwara State, on Wednesday, the NYSC boss said some people who were calling for the scrapping of the scheme were the enemies of the country.

According to him, “Soldiers go soldiers come, NYSC remains,” adding that those who were calling for the scrapping of the scheme should rather call for the prosecution of those behind the killing of the corps members during the last general election.

He noted that just as all Nigerians were prepared to celebrate the successful conduct of the elections, they received the sad news of the outbreak of violence and unwarranted attacks on some corps members.

“We commiserate with the families, Federal Government and the entire people of Nigeria on the demise of these patriotic and gallant youths who have done the nation proud,” he said.

Brigadier- General Tsiga, who expressed his gratitude to President Goodluck Jonathan for his show of concern and directive that befitting burial be given to the deceased corps members by their respective state governors said that the NYSC had paid the sum of N5 million naira each as directed by the president to the bereaved families and offer of automatic employment to direct siblings of the deceased corps members.

“We have paid the money to the families of those corps members that lost their lives as directed by Mr President and we have also called on their parents to forward the names of those that will be given automatic employment by the president,” he said.

He mentioned that the importance of the call for discipline and dedication to duty cannot be overemphasised as the scheme’s mandate includes raising disciplined youths for tomorrow’s leadership, saying there was the need for the managers of the scheme at all levels to brace up to meet up with these challenges “and rededicate ourselves to the service of our fatherland.”

He stressed that in the last one year, there had been an increase in the NYSC’s collaborative efforts with governmental and non-governmental organisations, saying the most recent being with INEC which culminated in the level of success recorded at the just concluded 2011 general election.

He added that the conference provides a platform for key managers to reflect and review activities and achievements in the last one year as he hopes that exhaustive deliberations, syndicate discussions and communiqué would pave way for the repositioning of the workforce of the scheme in the years ahead.

Meanwhile, over 200 youth corps members that were evacuated by the Lagos State government from the northern part of the country due to election violence have refused to return to their places of primary assignment.

EFCC to summon Bankole over alleged N21.3bn scam

Speaker Dimeji Bankole of the House of Representatives is to be invited for questioning by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over an alleged N21.3billion scam bordering on money laundering and gross abuse of office, sources in the commission have revealed.

The invitation followed another petition submitted to the commission yesterday by a group, Youth Anti-corruption League, demanding that the speaker be made to account for his stewardship in office.

Bankole dismisses petition against him

The petition and invitation was immediately dismissed by the speaker who, speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Idowu Bakare, described as “one of those political shenanigans that everybody is tired of.” Mr Bakare claimed ignorance of the petition.

A source in the anti–graft agency told Vanguard that “considering the plethora of petitions submitted to us, we may have no other choice than to invite him formally to answer questions on his alleged role in the whole scam.”

The group in the petition by its President, Jumoke Ilyasu, and Secretary, Bello Saleh, said: “We are aware that your commission has received several petitions against the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, about the N2.3billion car scam arising from the purchase of 407 Peogeot cars for the House of Representatives sometime in 2008.

“We are further aware that certain members of the progressives group of legislators submitted a petition against him on abuse of due process and corrupt practices associated with N9billion capital budget of the House for 2008/2009sessions and to the best of our knowledge, no visible action had been taken against him upon any of the petition.

“Only recently, allegations that the Speaker approved a loan of about N10 billion for the House without any resolution of the House supporting the alleged loan.

“Consequently, it is public knowledge that members have not received their remunerations due to the inability of the House to pay its members, following the impoundment of their statutory allocation by an old generation bank.”

“We are, therefore, calling on the EFCC to enforce the anti-corruption policy of this government by arresting and prosecuting the speaker , who should be made to account for his excesses. If this is not done, it would make Nigerians believe that certain category of people are above the law.”

Mimiko calls for review of revenue allocation formula

Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko has called for a review of the revenue allocation formula.

He said the current formula cannot facilitate meaningful development.

Mimiko urged in-coming members of the National Assembly to enact legislation on forced compliance with the principles of true federalism.

He spoke yesterday while declaring open an Induction Workshop for members-elect of the National Assembly in Akure, the state capital.

Mimiko said: "A situation where a disproportionate percentage of national revenue goes to the Federal Government is crippling of development, subversive of the federal arrangement and oppressive to the constituting states."

On the solution to the rising rate of unemployment in the country, Mimiko said: "We need to concentrate on revamping the energy sector and resuscitating our moribund industries. This would create new jobs and possibly mop-up the army of unemployed youths."

He urged the legislators-elect to facilitate bitumen exploitation in the state to serve as a viable alternative to petroleum as the mainstay of the nation’s economy.

Mimiko said: "Nigeria is a federation of states. You must make laws that will enable states to harness their national resources and develop at their own pace.

"Ondo State is naturally blessed with the largest bitumen deposit in West Africa and it is crying for exploitation, which falls within the exclusive list of the Federal Government."

He urged them to be true representatives of the people and to deliver on the dividends of democracy.

SGF: ‘S’East Govs Not against Nwodo’

South east governors Tuesday described as false, misleading and mischievous reports in some national dailies which insinuated that they were opposed to the possible appointment of the immediate past National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo, as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) allocated to the zone.
The leadership of the PDP had allocated the position of the SGF and the Deputy Senate President to the South-East in the latest power sharing arrangement.

But the governors of the zone who were said to have vehemently opposed the speculation that Nwodo might be appointed as the Chief Scribe of the Federal Government in their last weekend’s meeting in Enugu denied ever discussing the issue, stressing “there was no mention or discussion regarding the former PDP Chairman”.

The chairman of the Governors’ Forum and Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, represented by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Mike Udah, said the issue of Nwodo or any other person for that position did not come up at all.
“I can confidently tell you that nothing of such came up during the governors’ meeting let alone opposing it,” he noted.
Meanwhile, the Igbo Youth Movement (IYM) said the bickering and disharmony of demands emanating from Igbo land over sharing of political offices could get out of hand if not checked forthwith.

The group in a statement by its leader in Enugu, Elliot Uko, said there is no doubt that the Igbos deserved justice and equity and should be treated fairly. It noted however that caution should be applied over comments regarding the clamour.
“The clamour for senate presidency or speakership of the House of Representatives by the South East is justified. The demand for chairmanship of the PDP and the allotment of the office of the SGF are all welcome by Ndigbo. In fact, we deserve more than all these, having been marginalised for 41 years,” it said.

Niger Delta - Armed Struggle, Last Resort, Says Dokubo-Asari

Head of the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force (NDPVF), Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, Tuesday warned that his group may be forced back into the trenches and that armed struggle would be a last resort for his group if President Goodluck Jonathan did not take action to address the issue of impoverishment of the people of the Niger Delta within one year.

"We are on sabbatical," Dokubo-Asari said during a march he led in Port Harcourt, the River State capital, Tuesday to commemorate the life of Niger Delta activist, Isaac Boro, who died in 1968 , stressing "We are giving Goodluck (Jonathan) a chance to make a difference to bring about change ... Goodluck does not have four years. He has one year."

He also called for a conference to look at whether communities in the Niger Delta should be given some type of sovereignty.

Dokubo-Asari's call is however coming as the Security Joint Task Force (JTF), otherwise known as "Operation Restore Hope" in the Niger-Delta rejected the reported decision of the backslidden self-styled 'General' John Togo-led militia to give up its armed struggle against military forces in the oil-rich region.

A statement by the security agency's spokesman, Lt-Col Timothy Antigha, Tuesday said that neither Togo, who was allegedly killed in a bloody encounter with JTF troops at the weekend, nor his Niger Delta Liberation Force (NDLF) could determine the mode of their surrender.

He noted the JTF regard members of the Togo group that abandoned the ride with the federal amnesty mid-stream to return to the creeks last year as outlaws who merely attempted to hold the country's authorities to ransom with the arms they illegally possessed.