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Truth Of Budget Padding Scam …Hon. Jubrin, Patriot Or Bloody Liar?
When the Code of Conduct Bureau early this year, ambushed Senate President Bukola Saraki over undeclared assets while Governor of Kwara State, a section of the Nigerian public cried wolf. They believed that Saraki was being hounded by powerful forces within the Federal Government and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Their conclusions were that the nation’s number three citizen was simply marked for punishment, for his audacity in flouting the ruling party’s office sharing formula and for conniving with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to hijack key offices of the upper chamber of the Nigerian National Assembly (NASS).
After protracted litigations, name calling and even (now denied) threats to probe President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President Saraki took the sensible decision, reshuffled membership of juicy Senate committees, and posted men of the Leader of APC, Ahmed Tinubu and other influential politicians into lucrative offices. That is a kind of change.
In those thorny moments, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara was tucked away comfortably in an illusion of grandeur and even tried to intercede on Saraki’s behalf. Apparently in the good books of the Commander-in-Chief, when the Senate raised alarm over budget padding and secret exchange of the official copy of the 2016 Budget proposal with a strange one, the House quickly said, its official copy, as handed to it by the President; was intact.
Of course, no Nigerian thought something could be wrong with such secure copy, not to talk of padding or in the layman’s language, sneaking-in spurious projects with cost implications running to billions of Naira. All that became public recently following the removal of the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, Abdulmumin Jibrin.
Last week, Jubrin slammed Speaker Dogara, Deputy Speaker Yusuff Lasun, Chief Whip, Alhassan Ado Doguwa and Minority Leader Leo Ogor for compelling him to divert N40 billion of N100 billion Constituency Projects budget allocation for their private uses. Describing the Speaker and the House leadership as corrupt, Jubrin said he would make further revelations until the leadership is removed, if only to ensure that only righteous people lead the House in 2019.
Speaker Dogara denied the allegations and threatened to sue Jubrin if he refused to withdraw the allegation within a week, as it amounted to libel. This, to Jubrin, was a tall order and threatened to furnish the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with even more damaging information on the lingering scandal.
Last Saturday, Jubrin revealed that his lawyers have already approached the EFCC in his effort to unravel how Speaker Dogara and others padded the 2016 budget. In a tweet, Jubrin said, “I will not and never apologise to a shameless fraud in high office who has glaringly abused public trust, like Speaker Dogara and others.”
Jubrin, like Dogara is a member of the APC. He represents Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives. This is why his accusations against a fellow party member, and in fact, the Speaker of the House, is strange. Jubrin, it was earlier gathered was removed as chairman of the Appropriations Committee for opposing immunity for presiding officers of the Assembly.
But a week ago, Dogara had denied the suggestion, describing it as baseless. In a statement by the Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Abdulrazak Namdas, Dogara said, ‘our attention has been drawn to media statements made by the former Chairman of the House’ Appropriation Committee… wherein he made wild allegations against the House leaders.
“We wish to say that it is the prerogative of the Selection Committee of the House to appoint and remove committee chairmen.
“That power has been so exercised in the case of Hon. Abdulmumin, as chairman of Appropriations Committee.
“Most of the allegations on the 2016 Budget process and his opposition to immunity of presiding officers are non-issues and mere after-thought manufactured simply because the House relieved him of his position.
“If he had all these facts before, why didn’t he make them public? Why is he doing that now? The statement queried and finally described Jubrin’s allegation as a cheap blackmail on the part of Hon. Jubrin especially, to even insinuate that he was removed because he opposed the immunity bill.
But in what seemed a fury of defiance, the lawmaker Wednesday, last week said, ‘he stood by his allegations and described Speaker Dogara’s threat of legal action as ‘quite predictable.’
“He failed to realise that the law is not intended to protect corrupt people. It is such a shame.” Jubrin replied.
He went further to say: “I am happy to announce that my lawyers have officially approached the EFCC and ICPC towards working out a date for me to personally submit my petition against Speaker Dogara, Deputy Speaker Lasun, Whip Doguwa and Minority Leader Ogor.
“I believe, once a date is agreed with the anti-corruption agencies, we would have begun the process of making these characters pay for abusing their offices,” Jubrin further threatened.
While Nigerians crossed their fingers to see where the corruption saga would end, lawyers of Jubrin, Friday, July 22nd, raised the alarm that there were attempts to blackmail and harass their client, Jubrin, with a view to obstruct justice.
The lawyers, Messrs Hammart & Co., Law Bond Solicitors and Doka Chambers, in a statement said, ‘you will recall that our client is in dispute with the quartet (Speaker Dogara and the three other House Officers) over his (Jubrin’s) refusal and inability to admit into the National Budget of 2016, the sum of N30 billion at the behest of these quartet and also his refusal to cover up the decision of Speaker Dogara and others’ unilateral decision to distribute to themselves N40 billion out of the N100 billion allocated to the entire National Assembly in addition to what our client considers as wasteful projects of over N20 billion to their (quartet) various constituencies.
“We want to state unequivocally that our client stands by the above assertion and will at the appropriate time prove same.”
This indeed is how dirty the House’s budget padding scandal has gone. And there is no telling how messier it can get. Amidst all these, House members are divided, with a part considering impeachment of the affected officers, while the other simply wants to save the Speaker.
But what is the truth behind the saga? Is Jubrin merely a frustrated member determined to take his pound of flesh in relation for his removal as Appropriations Committee chairman or a patriotic whistle blower? Or is Dogara an example of a ‘pretender doing the worse’ and is merely using House Information machinery to drown the shrill voice of the whistle blower?
If Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose were to ask these questions, he would describe both accused and accuser as saints, because they both are members of the ruling party. Last week, he raised the alarm that while he was being hounded over house built for him; nothing has been said about an Ekiti State citizen donating N1.5 billion towards the election of President Buhari, the anti-corruption war’s Commander-in-Chief.
The scandal rocking the House leadership should not follow that path, if the anti-corruption campaign of the Buhari government is to make any meaning to Nigerians. For now, most Nigerians do not consider it a true battle against corruption. They see it as war of vengeance against opposition politicians. If not, they wonder, what did the Federal Government do about the budget padding saga, even long before Jubrin roped in Speaker Dogara and others? What happened to the insider who exchanged copies of the budget, in the first place?
My Agony is that it normally takes the EFCC longer hours to travel from its office in Abuja to the National Assembly, also in Abuja than to any bank keeping Gov. Fayose’s earnings in Ekiti State. This is if the allegation is not against an opposition politician. Hope this doesn’t end that way.
Soye Wilson Jamabo
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), has charged the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Ibibia Lucky Worika to bring his wealth of experience to bear in governance of the State.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) gave the charge shortly after swearing in the new SSG at the executive chambers of Government House on Wednesday night.
The Administrator who congratulated Prof Worika on his appointment said the choice was not merely an administrative decision but a statement of intent.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) explained that the new SSG has an unparallel expertise in law, policy and international governance, which align perfectly with the mission to restore law, order, integrity and public trust in Rivers State.
He said: “To our new SSG, the task ahead is onerous, but your track record leaves no doubt in our minds that you will prove your mettle. Rivers State needs your intellect, grit and unweaving dedication. Together, we will write a new chapter of progress for this great state.
“Prof Worika’s role will be critical in driving this vision, ensuring that every policy, every decision and every action is in consonance with this administration’s mandate to restore law and order, stabilize the polity and to create the necessary conditions for the restoration of democratic institutions and representations.”
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) pointed to his maiden address to Rivers people wherein he emphasised that his administration will be committed to delivering an effective governance that is anchored on transparency, accountability and service.
He therefore, enjoined the new SSG to brace up to the demands of his office, and offer his best service as required while also working cooperatively with civil servants.
Vice Admiral Ibas (rtd) said: “You have no time to settle down. You must roll up your sleeves and get to work with the team.
“Our civil servants with whom we will work closely to run this administration are critical stakeholders and we must work with them to ensure that the state continues to function effectively during this administration.
“To the Permanent Secretaries and civil servants as a whole, once more I will ask your kind cooperation and support as we work to achieve our objectives at this time,” he added.
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I Am One Of You, Sole Administrator Tells Rivers People …Warns Against Violence, Crude Oil Sabotage
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), has assured residents that he is not in the State as a partisan actor or political competitor but as a stabilising force to restore governance and order.
In a state broadcast yesterday, Ibas, who assumed duty at Government House, Port Harcourt, emphasised his commitment to protecting civil liberties and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
However, he issued a stern warning against crude oil sabotage and violence, urging residents to resist any temptation to return to past hostilities.
“For decades, I have dedicated my life to the service of our great nation—first as the 20th indigenous Chief of Naval Staff and later as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Ghana. I answered this call out of the need for peace in Nigeria, and most importantly, in Rivers State,” Ibas stated.
Describing the prolonged political impasse as a major setback to governance and democracy, he acknowledged the hardships faced by families and businesses due to the prevailing uncertainty.
“As a son of the Niger Delta, I am one of you. I feel the weight of this crisis on families, businesses, and the future of our people,” he said.
Ibas commended President Bola Tinubu’s decisive action in declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State, stressing that it was a necessary move to restore stability and revive economic activities.
“My mandate is clear: restore law and order, ensure stability, and create an enabling environment for economic growth. But this mission requires collective support from all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation or ethnicity,” he stated.
He discouraged attacks on oil infrastructure, reminding residents of the devastating environmental and economic consequences of such actions.
“The Niger Delta has moved beyond the destruction of oil facilities. We must resist the temptation to return to those ugly days,” he cautioned.
While pledging to uphold civil liberties and the rule of law, the Sole Administrator warned that lawlessness and violence would not be tolerated.
“We will not act arbitrarily, but we will not hesitate to deal decisively with anyone who threatens the peace and stability of Rivers State,” he declared.
Ibas revealed that he had concluded a State Security Council meeting where strategic measures were outlined to de-escalate tensions and prevent further conflict.
Expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting him with the responsibility, he also acknowledged the National Assembly for approving the emergency declaration.
“I will work closely with the national leadership under the guidance of the President. I am optimistic that Rivers State will emerge stronger and greater,” he concluded.
The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department has confirmed that 10 persons have died in the truck explosion that occurred near Karu bridge, along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway, on Wednesday.
The FEMD’s Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the numbers in a statement, yesterday.
The Acting Director General of the Emergency Department, Abdulrahman Mohammed, had earlier confirmed that eight persons had died as of yesterday morning, with five confirmed dead on the scene, and four others burnt beyond recognition.
““Five people were taken dead from the scene yesterday (Wednesday). Out of the people that were injured, one died, making six. Then this morning (yesterday), when I asked my people to go round, they discovered that two had already died again, making eight. Four of them from yesterday were burnt beyond recognition.”, he explained.
However, in her statement, Isa said the Head, Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam, said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.
He added that some victims had been referred to the Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care.
Part of the statement reads, “The FCT Emergency Management Department FEMD can confirm that 10 persons lost their lives to the truck explosion that occurred at Karu bridge along Abuja / Keffi expressway.
“The Head Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one body at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.”
He informed that over 30 persons suffered various degrees of burns.
“Some of the victims have been referred to Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre,Keffi and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care,” he said.
Isa also stated that no fewer than 10 vehicles were burnt during the incident, adding that the FEMD boss after a visit to the incident scene, appealed to motorists to observe traffic rules and regulations.
He also cautioned against reckless driving, dangerous overtaking and poor maintenance of vehicles, while urging FCT residents to always use the 112 emergency toll free number in the event of an emergency.
Meanwhile, barely 24 hours after the incident, another fertiliser-laden truck has collapsed on the same spot.
The Tide learnt that the incidence occurred at about 3:54pm yesterday.
The Head of Public Affairs of the FCT Emergency Management Department, Nkechi Isa, confirmed the accident in a statement, stating that the truck collided with a Hijet and a dump truck, adding that no life was lost.
She cautioned road users to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps was making efforts to tow away the affected vehicles, to avoid traffic built up.
“Another accident has occurred under Karu bridge along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway. Thankfully, no life was lost to the incident. Our Search and Rescue say the accident occurred when a truck laden with fertilizer ran into a Hijet and a dump truck also known as tipper.
“Motorists are advised to drive with caution as the Federal Road Safety Corps is taking steps to tow away the affected vehicles in order to avoid traffic built up,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, several videos showed some persons trying to clear the fertiliser bags from the fallen truck to ease traffic.