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Senate Sacks Ndume, Names Lawan Leader …Rejects Abuja Airport’s Closure
The Senate yesterday again witnessed another shocker as the Senate President , Bukola Saraki announced the choice of the Senate majority party ; the All Progressives Congress ( APC) , to change her leadership by removing Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) replacing him with Ahmed Lawan (Yobe North) as the new Senate Leader.
The Senate President, announcing this just before the end of the Senate plenary, ( first sitting of the year 2017) explained that this was a fallout of the caucus meeting which APC senators held on Monday ahead of resumption for the new year to negotiate the need to change the Senate Leader.
Dramatic as it was, the announcement was made just as the former Senate Leader , Senator Ali Ndume stepped out of the chambers to say his prayers as he later explained.
However, a source close to the Senate leadership who craves anonymity told The Tide that the removal of Ndume is not unconnected with the travails of the Senate President Bukola Saraki since his election as the Senate President against the party’s choice of Ahmed Lawan .
Saraki who on refusal to effect the removal of both the Deputy Senate President , Ike Ekweremadu and the announcement of the Ndume’s replacement by Ahmed Lawan had been at war with the Party leadership which exposed him to the ongoing CCT trial and other travails .
The source went on to explain that even at a point when Saraki wanted to succumb to the party’s pressure to enable him regain his ‘ freedom’ , Sen Ndume refused bluntly to step down and that very suggestion of the Senate President had since affected his relationship with Ndume, leading to loss of trust between the two.
According to the source, every move by the former Senate Leader had been monitored to hold him to reasonable errors and consequently, the recent ‘love affairs’ between the former Senate Leader and the Presidency was used as a booby trap that yielded the long expected package.
Importantly , Ndume’s frequent private meetings with President Buhari did not go down well with the Senate President, Ndume’s position on the recent rejection of the EFCC boss, Ibrahim Magu as he told pressmen that the Senate didn’t reject Magu and the Senate’s call for the resignation of the SGF, Babachir Lawal were equally embrassing to his colleagues in the Senate and disappointing to his friends on the same camp of the Senate caucus. To them Ndume only meant that the long Senate resolutions are mere wishes. His open confrontation with Senator Dino Melaye on December 13, 2016, over his stand on the Senate resolutions finally nailed the coffin.
The Tide gathered that even as Ndume chose to dine with the Presidency which earlier stamped the APC’s recommendation for his removal, his colleagues who are not comfortable with the position of the Presidency on Senate issues feel Ndume has become the link man in the Senate to the Presidency against their interest as they assume he informs the Presidency of all the official activities and important decisions of the Senate.
To compound it all , the Senate President, who has been seeking any available opportunity to reconcile with the Presidency and APC leadership, whom he had defied to become the Senate President, through his associates in the Senate initiated reconciliation moves with the party and other aggrieved APC senators, which can only work if he dumps Ndume and swears in see Senator Ahmed Lawan as replacement .
The source also disclosed that the Ndume’s issues were discussed and ratified at a midnight meeting of the APC caucus on Monday with the caucus believing that it will give stability to the office of the Senate President as he bows to the Party Leadership.
However, briefing journalists after the plenary on the change in leadership of the party in the Senate, Ndume said he was shocked by the sudden development.
He said as Senate Leader, he led the business of the Senate from the beginning of the session yesterday before he went to pray at about 12:45pm, only to be confronted with the sudden development by journalists.
His words “Let me say I do not have much to say because actually I was leading the business of the Senate and when it was like quarter to 1 O’clock as usual, I asked my Deputy to sit in for me while I go to pray. On coming back, I discovered that the session is over and one of your colleagues approached me and said leader what happened and I said what happened? and he said there has been announcement in the change of leadership, I said I didn’t know.
“At this point, that is the position. I didn’t know that there was change of leadership because I was not there I went for prayers and I didn’t know what actually happened and I cannot say much now. But there is a process, and I am not aware of any meeting where the decision was taken”, he said.
Spokesperson of the Senate , Aliyu Abdulahi Sabi clarifying issues on this, to journalists, said “I am speaking for the Senate and of course, as you can hear from the announcement it was a letter from the APC caucus. I am not the spokesman of the APC caucus but I am a member of APC and I am here to speak for the Senate so it will be very difficult for me and I don’t want to find myself in saying who sent you.
“For the other one, I am not the spokesperson of the caucus. So the announcement is made and of course, the Senate made the announcement and the announcement is self explanatory. Another leader was announced and as far as I am concerned it is an announcement that somebody is announced as the new leader of the majority because it is the majority leader”.
Meanwhile, following the planned closure of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, the Senate, yesterday, said the diversion of flights to Kaduna Airport as an alternative route would pose a major security risk to the lives and properties of Nigerians.
In a sponsored motion by Senator Hope Uzodinma, representing Imo West Senatorial District, which was co-sponsored by five others, the Senate contended that operations could go on simultaneously with repairs because of insecurity in Kaduna State.
Uzodinma was emphatic that the nation cannot wait to witness the consequences of insecurity, if government makes good its planned shutdown of Abuja for Kaduna Airport.
“We are aware of the logistics and security challenges the diversion of Abuja bound flights to Kaduna will throw up, including endangering of the lives and properties of international and local air travellers who will be forced to travel by land from Kaduna to Abuja,” Uzodinma submitted.
Senator Sam Anyanwu, on his part, observed that kidnapping of high profile citizens has assumed a dangerous dimension in and around Kaduna State, hence, the Federal Government should stop the plan.
He added that the Federal Government cannot finish repairs within three months as envisaged.
Also speaking, Senator Kabiru Gaya suggested that temporary run ways should be created without completely shutting down the airport so as not to create economic challenges for some airlines.
Senator Dino Melaye (Kogi West) described the decision as a national embarrassment, saying that to have an airport shut down because a section of the international wing was being repaired was a huge shame.
But in support of Federal Government’s decision, Senator Shehu Sani maintained that it was unfortunate that Nigerian politicians were afraid of problems they created, saying, Kaduna remains safe for all Nigerians.
In his prayers, Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki asked the minister of aviation and other stakeholders to appear before the Senate Committee on Aviation within two days for its report to be reverted to the Senate in two weeks’ time.
Nneka Amaechi-Nnadi, Abuja
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Arson: Those Behind It’ll Account For Atrocities -Fubara …Swears In Bipi, Three Others As Commissioners
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that his administration will not fold its hands and watch sponsored political thugs run berserk, committing arson in the State.
The Governor, therefore, assured that, working with the Nigerian Police Force and the Directorate of State Services (DSS), measures will be taken to unravel those behind the recent burning of council Secretariats at Ikwerre, Emohua and Eleme Local Government areas, with a view to making them account for their atrocities.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance while swearing in four new commissioners into the Rivers State Executive Council at Government House in Port Harcourt yestersday.
Those sworn in are Hon. Israel Lebura Ngbuelu, PhD; Hon. Evans Bapakaye Bipi; Barrister Otamiri John Ngubo; and Hon. Barrister Benibo Anabraba.
Governor Fubara recalled mentioning when he sworn-in newly elected Local Government Councils’ Chairmen on 6th October, 2024, that there was intelligence on planned mayhem by misguided persons, who had threatened to prevent the elected officers from resuming duties.
True to it, Governor Fubara said, the sponsored political thugs hatched their plans, and burnt valued buildings at some council secretariats.
He said, “I said it before it happened. I knew because they were unhappy, they would go extra miles to create disaffection in the minds and hearts of the good people of Rivers State.
“We want to also let the people know that what has happened (arson) after the election, we are not going to allow it to go uninvestigated.
“A similar event had happened in this manner before, and after some weeks, some of our supporters were declared wanted in order to turn the story around.
“But this time around, I strongly believe, with the support and cooperation of the Nigerian Police and the Directorate of State Services (DSS), we will unravel those behind the assault and make sure that they account for their atrocities.”
Governor Fubara expressed appreciation for the show of patience and calmness by majority of Rivers people despite the fact that they are angry with the reckless acts of the misguided miscreants.
The Governor said he has continued to show leadership, provided the climate that has engendered productive endeavours, and will not mislead those he is leading.
“As your leader; the one steering the ship, I assure you I will not mislead anyone of you. I still stand on the path of peace. We have cases of arson in some local government areas.
“But, I appreciate your calmness. I have always maintained that we are going to be the greatest losers, if we meet them force-for-force. We need to go with peace.
“So, I will encourage everyone of you not to follow them with violence. We are carrying a basket of precious eggs in our hands. So, we need to follow them with carefulness and wisdom.”
Governor Fubara reiterated what he said the previous day on what should matter most for Rivers State, which is a firm support to ensure that the progress of Nigeria is sustained.
He said, if oil theft is not checked, the country’s economy will be badly impacted, and there will not be funds to address critical issues.
“We are in a situation where the fund that is being generated from oil production is not sufficient to tackle the challenges of Nigeria, and every hand has to be on deck to make sure that there is increase in production.
“Our focus here, not minding the distractions, will be how to provide support. You have to work with us to make sure that we curb this issue of oil theft and pipeline vandalisation.
“This is the only way that the allowances (revenue) will increase and more will also come to our State, and more progress will also be achieved in this State.”
Governor Fubara explained that his administration is doing a lot for the good people of the State, that are not being seen because of the political drama that takes their attention away.
He, however, said that his administration is working out modalities, and will soon choose a day, which could probably be before the end of October, 2024, to showcase a few projects and services that have positively impacted lives in the State.
Governor Fubara congratulated the newly sworn-in commissioners for making it into the Rivers State Executive Council.
He explained that more persons whose loyalty are for Rivers people and the administration needed to be admitted into the Rivers State Executive Council to help drive the policy of government because they will not resign their appointment.
Governor Fubara said: “We want to be sure, at this point, who we are adding into the Council, so that we will not wake up one morning and see resignation letter. So, we are taking our time.
“And usually, after a normal political period, there used to be what we call balancing. So, I can also say that the new Commissioners that are coming in are coming from their zones to also balance the political equation.”
Governor Fubara charged them to be dedicated, forthright, diligent and productive while rendering quality services to the State.
The Governor said he believed in their capacity to deliver because of their exposure to the workings of government, and expressed the hope that they will contribute positively to the success of the administration.
He said, “So, let me thank everyone of you. Let me also use this opportunity to thank the good people of Rivers State for their support, and to assure them that we will continue to defend, protect the interest of Rivers people.
“I want to thank everyone of you for your support, more especially before, during and after the elections. I appreciate your doggedness, your belief in our course to salvage this State, to protect the integrity of this State,” he added.
Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, has sought media support to fast-track the implementation of the ongoing reforms in the civil service sector.
Walson-Jack made the request during a cocktail organised by her office for media executives from different organisations in Abuja.
The event, according to her, aimed at interacting with the media men one-on-one, appreciate them and implore them to continue to strengthen the bond with the office.
“I want to start by thanking each and everyone of you for honouring this invitation. I want to say that we purposely designed this grail cocktail so that we can have one-on-one interactions.
“Let me also go ahead to thank you for all the supports you have given to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) in the years past I know that the Fourth Estate of the realm has always supported this office.
“I will also go ahead to thank you for your support, especially at my announcement as the HoCSF and that support has continued, up till date.
“We, therefore, thought it fit that we should organise this event just to interact with you to strengthen the bond that this office has with the media, “ she said.
The HoCSF recalled that her office had continued with programmes she met on ground upon assumption of office, especially the ongoing reforms on Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP- 2022 to 2025).
She, therefore, appealed to the media for continuous reportage on the initiative, so as to give it the necessary publicity for proper dissemination to the citizens.
“You will recall that the office has the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP- 2022 to 2025) and that is the plan that we are still driving.
“We want to request that you collaborate more with us, we are asking that the friendship, the partnership go beyond what it is now to ensure that the reforms which this office is driving get the full publicity it requires,” she said.
Walson-Jack used the medium to announce the preparation to re-introduce the civil service national anthem officially for the entire civil servants to recite at every national programme.
“The anthem has been re-introduced to drive the reforms and it’s expected that the anthem will be sung by all federal civil/public servants and indeed Nigerians.
“And it will be an anthem that will encourage every public servants to be efficient, productive, incorruptible and citizen-centred, “ she added.
Participants at the event congratulated Mrs Walson-Jack for her uplifting to the position of the HoCSF and pledged to continue in the relationship.
In a response, Mr Ephraims Sheyin, Editor-in-Chief, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), pledged the agency’s readiness to give the HoCSF the needed support.
According to him, supporting government policies has always been NAN’ priority as government’s owned media organisation.
“You can take it for granted that we are going to give the Office total support. It is part of our own mandates to support Federal Government policies, so we are going to do that fully for the head of service.
“As she said, she has her policies which are in tandem with the federal government policies, she is asking for the support in implementation of the Federal Government policies.
“She has very lofty ideas, she has lofty things that she believes that we should do. Our job is to make sure that whatever government wants to do, we have to support such policies, “ he said.
Speaking in the same vein, Mrs Halima Musa, Director News, NTA, assured her office’s partnership with the Head of service towards ensuring communicating the needed values on excellence, incorruptibility and new culture of efficiency to the public.
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LG Polls: Rogue Policemen Break RSIEC Gate, Strong Room To Steal Electoral Materials …Fubara Foils Attempt To Cart Away Materials
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has foiled an attempt by the Nigerian Police, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), to take over the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) at 1am on Friday, 4th October, 2024.
The rogue policemen were said to have attempted to scale through the gates and strong room of the Commission to cart away sensitive Electoral materials meant for the conduct of Saturday’s local government election in the State.
The deployment was said to have been ordered by the Inspector-General of Police.
However, the evil plots of the rogue policemen and DC Ops were botched when vigilant security officials alerted principal officers of the Commission and relevant government authorities, who immediately informed the Governor of the development.
The Governor immediately led a team of government officials, lawmakers from the National Assembly and State House of Assembly, top political stakeholders, and other leaders to storm the facility.
Addressing newsmen in front of RSIEC Office on Aba Road in Port Harcourt, after an encounter with the rogue policemen, the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara condemned the conduct of the policemen on illegal duty, saying that the IGP was taking his friendship with some Abuja-based politicians too far.
He restated the position that the attempt to surreptitiously withdraw policemen already deployed to protect the facility, and replace them with a detachment from a neighbouring State was unacceptable.
He reminded the IGP that local government election was the internal affairs of states, and advised him to allow the federation unit conduct its affairs without interference.
At present, the Chief of Staff, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and State and National Assembly members, alongside other stakeholders, are manning the RSIEC office to ensure that the rogur policemen in two trucks and two Hilux vehicles do not return and that elections will go ahead as scheduled on Saturday.