Foreigners earning more from mining than Nigerians, says Akpabio
Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday, May 7, lamented that foreigners are earning more from mining the nation’s solid minerals than Nigerians. Akpabio made this assertion in his speech before declaring open a three day investigative hearing on: “The need to comprehensively review the input and output values of the Nigeria mining industry in the light of its general role to economic diversification, foreign exchange earnings and social inclusion” in Abuja. The public hearing was organised by the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development chaired by Senator Sampson Ekong (PDP – Akwa Ibom South. Akpabio further said that the foreigners after exploitating the solid minerals and benefiting from them maximally, often leave behind a tale of woes including insecurity. He said time has come for the country to benefit from the mining sector while challenging stakeholders at the event to discuss the challenges that have hindered the growth of the mining sector and come up with a way forward.
Akpabio Gets 14 Days Ultimatum to Reverse Ningi’s Suspension
Constituents of the Bauchi Central Senatorial district in the state have given Senate president Godswill Akpabio a 2-week ultimatum to reverse the suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi. Ningi, a former majority leader in the upper chambers, was suspended for three months for expressing sincere concern about irregularities in the 2024 national budget. The constituents, under the umbrella of the Youth Coalition of Bauchi Central Senatorial district, said the Senate should instead investigate the irregularities with a view to addressing them in the best interest of the country. The coalition at a press conference addressed by its Chairman, Nazeef Abdullahi Rio in Bauchi, said, “We demand that the Senate should immediately reverse its decision of suspending our Senator. Recall him back to his seat so that he will continue representing our dear Constituency and the Country at large. “To our total dismay, instead of the Senate to commend Senator Ningi for his patriotic discovery investigate the irregularities with a view to addressing them for the best interest of the Country, it ended up unjustifiably suspending him thereby denying his rights as Senator and a Nigerian. “This is the highest level of injustice meted on any Senator and any Senatorial district in the history of our dear country. “As people of Bauchi Central, we declare our total support and solidarity to Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi. We equally strongly commend him for standing firm to represent our views and fight for our rights and that of the entire Nigerians. “We also demand that the Senate should fully investigate all the alleged irregularities in the 2024 budget so that nobody will take Nigerians for granted and so that the image of the Senate will not be painted black in the eyes of Nigerians. “If the Senate fails to meet our demands within two weeks, as constituents of Bauchi Central Senatorial District, we will be left with no option than to take legal action so that our constitutional rights would be upheld.”j
Senate Suspends Senator Ningi Over Allegations of N3.7 Trillion Budget Padding
In a startling development, the Nigerian Senate has suspended Senator Abdul Ningi, who serves as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Population and represents Bauchi Central under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party. The suspension, effective immediately, will last for three months. This decision follows allegations of budget padding amounting to a staggering N3.7 trillion in the 2024 budget, leveled against Ningi. The controversy surrounding Senator Ningi’s actions ignited a fierce debate within the Senate, with demands for a thorough investigation into the accusations. However, several northern senators swiftly distanced themselves from Ningi’s claims, asserting that his statements did not reflect their position on the matter. Despite facing opposition, Ningi stood firm in his assertion that the astronomical figure could not be accounted for within the budgetary framework. During a contentious plenary session, Senator Olamilekan Adeola, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, introduced a motion to address what he perceived as baseless accusations made by Ningi. This prompted a meticulous scrutiny of Ningi’s statements, including a review of the transcript from his interview with Hausa BBC. Senator Jimoh Ibrahim proposed a 12-month suspension for Ningi, along with a cautionary warning for Senator Sumaila Kawu, while Senator Chris Ekpeyong countered with an amendment suggesting a reduced suspension period of six months. Amidst the deliberations, another senator advocated for a three-month suspension, further fueling the debate within the Senate chambers. As the Senate grapples with this contentious issue, Nigerians eagerly await further developments and the eventual resolution of this matter.
Former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Demands N25 Billion in Damages from Senate President Akpabio
Godwin Emefiele, the immediate-past governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has taken legal action against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Emefiele is seeking N25 billion in damages over an alleged defamatory remark made by Akpabio. Akpabio, on Sunday, claimed that there are numerous allegations against Emefiele, making it challenging for the federal government to specify charges against him. Additionally, Akpabio attributed the economic hardship in the country to the policies implemented during Emefiele’s tenure as the CBN governor. The demand for damages and an apology is outlined in a letter dated February 19, sent by Matthew Burkaa, counsel to Emefiele. The letter warned that failure to comply with these demands will result in the former CBN governor seeking “appropriate redress” through legal means.
Akpabio Seeks Saudi Arabia, Nigeria Collaboration On Security, Through Intelligence Sharing
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has called on the Government of Saudi Arabia to assist Nigeria in the fight against insurgency and trans-border terrorism, through sharing of intelligence, assuring that Nigeria intelligence community is ever ready to cooperate with them. Akpabio made the call while receiving in courtesy, members of the Saudi Arabia/ Nigeria Parliamentary Friendship Group, led by Dr Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Salamah, in his office on Thursday. A release by the Special Assistant On Media to the Senate President, Mr Jackson Udom, quoted him as saying, ” let me welcome you to the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We are very delighted to receive you here. Nigeria as a country, has a very strong diplomatic relationship with Saudi Arabia since 1961.” “Nigeria as a country needs a lot of assistance from the Saudi Arabian Government in the area of security. We can only overcome insecurity and trans-border terrorism through sharing of intelligence and I can assure you that the Nigerian security acrhitecture is also ready to cooperate with you.” Akpabio noted that “if you provide intelligence that would aid the fight against insurgency, you would have succeeded in making the world a safe and peaceful place for all of us to live in, because insecurity in any part of the world is insecurity everywhere in the world.” Speaking further, Akpabio stated that “our relationship today, has gone beyond pilgrimages and oil because Nigerians are now studying and working in Saudi Arabia in various spheres of human endeavours. The mutual economic ties and benefits are worth commending, especially in the aviation sector. I congratulate you and the government of Saudi Arabia on the stability of your economic policies that has brought about prosperity in Saudi Arabia.” Akpabio specifically appreciated the Saudi Arabian Government on its Vision 3030 on women’s rights and a major economic transformation in the entertainment and tourism sectors. “Strategically, you are very important to the world in the Gulf of Guinea and if Saudi Arabia is not stable, the entire area of the Gulf of Guinea will not be stable. Anything you do for Nigeria, is not for Nigeria alone, it is for the entire black race and that is why our bilateral relationship must be encouraged. “In your search for economic partners, I want you to take Nigeria as a major partner. We solicit for more investments from you in the area of Oil, Gas and ICT. We would be happy for your collaboration of relationship with OPEC because if you assist OPEC, you are helping Nigeria and the black race to secure and prevent influx of immigrants,” he stated. Earlier in his speech, the leader of the delegation, Dr Al- Salamah stated that their visit to Nigeria and particularly, the Senate was aimed at further strengthening its age-long bilateral relationship with Nigeria and to look for more ways of collaboration and assistance in the overall interest of the two countries. “We are here today to find out areas of future collaborations in terms of bilateral agreements. Nigeria is one of our very strategic partners. Nigeria is very important to Saudi Arabia. We are very proud of its people, government and culture. We are looking forward to seeing Nigeria become a very prosperous country in the area of commerce, economy and political relationship,” he declared.
Senate Summons Service Chiefs Amidst Security Concerns; Economic Meeting Postponed
In response to the escalating security challenges gripping the nation, the Senate has called for a crucial meeting with the Service Chiefs, scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday. This decision has prompted the postponement of another significant meeting – a session with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Yemi Cardoso, and the economic team, initially slated for Tuesday, February 6, 2024. Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and other Financial Institutions, Senator Tokumbo Abiru, clarified the rationale behind the rescheduling. He elucidated that the delay stemmed from the House of Representatives’ consultations with the CBN Governor concerning the country’s economic status. Senator Abiru emphasized the importance of understanding and cooperation among legislative counterparts, underscoring the need for patience. Consequently, the meeting with the economic team has been deferred to Friday, February 9, 2024, at 9 am. This adjustment aims to allow ample time for discussions with both the Service Chiefs and the economic experts. Postponing the meeting, the Chairman Banking Committee, Senator Tokumbo Abiru said “our plan today is to have a session with the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN and the essence of the meeting is well known to all of us, which has to do with the economic situation in the country. But some how, the CBN governor has been held back in the House of Representatives as the House tries to do consultations with him regarding the situation of the economy as well. He said that was why the meeting was initially delayed, adding that their part “we should be rational in trying to see reasons with our brothers and sisters in the House of Representatives and the CBN governor. “To that extent, on our part we have to adjourn our own to Friday February 9, 2024. Another reason according to Senator Abiru, which he deemed proper to explain, was the meeting of the Senate with the Service Chiefs. “Tomorrow, we have a session with the Service Chiefs and that may extend to Thursday because they are issues of very serious concern to us. In order to play safe, to have enough time to interact properly with the economic team, which means we will extend the invitation beyond the governor to also include the economic team”, he added.
Senate President Dispels False Narratives, Emphasizes Time Management and Colleague Respect
In a swift response to a recent information circulating on some media platforms about Senator Godswill Akpabio being a habitual late-comer, his Special Adviser, Media & Publicity Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, has countered the narative, saying it was not correct. According to him, contrary to media speculations, Akpabio places a premium on time, aligning with Benjamin Franklin’s philosophy that “Time is money.” He stated that Sen. Akpabio’s “accomplishments in both private and public life are attributable to his commitment to effective time management.” “As Senate President, Akpabio holds profound respect for his colleagues and the Nigerian public. Recognizing his role as one among equals, he avoids undermining the status of distinguished senators by ensuring punctuality in Plenary sessions”. The release clarifies that the disruptions or lateness to schedules are prioritized but not compromised. Emergency issues and motions of national importance often require urgent attention before Plenary, a responsibility Akpabio diligently fulfills, contributing to occasional delays. On the claims of habitual lateness dating back to his tenure as Akwa Ibom State governor, the release emphasizes Akpabio’s unwavering commitment to punctuality and dispels any suggestion that lateness impacts the Senate’s efficiency. The release finally urged the mischief makers to refrain from perpetuating falsehoods about Akpabio’s punctuality and allow him to focus on his dedication to serving the nation and humanity without unwarranted distractions.