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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
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We’re Working To Improve Quality Of Life Of Rivers People -Fubara …As Taraba Gov Inaugurates 6.55km Okania-Ogbogoro-Mgbaraja Roads Project
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated the commitment of his administration to render quality service that will improve the quality of life of residents, and strengthen the platform to promote unity.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance at the Okania-Ogbogoro Road junction, venue of the inauguration of the 6.55km Okania-Ogbogoro-Mgbaraja (and Mgbuoba) Roads project in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, yesterday.
The road cuts across Okania community through Ogbogoro, and connects Port Harcourt Ring Road project under construction, and was inaugurated by the Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas.
Governor Fubara said that during the campaigns, he saw the roads in terrible condition, made a promise to fix them, and noted that that promise has been kept.
He emphasised that his administration will never be reckoned with abandoning of projects that it started, which is why he is particularly excited that the road has been fixed to ease the inconveniences suffered by the people.
The Governor said, “What we are doing here today is very simple: Promise made, promise fulfilled. I told you that whatever we are going to start, we are not going to leave it halfway. So, we have come here this afternoon to fulfill that promise.
“I am so excited, and I am so happy. I am leaving here with so much joy that we have done something that has so much impact, and importance in the lives of our people. So, I feel very fulfilled. Government is about the people. Government is knowing, understanding and seeing what you can do to make life easy for your people.
“We understand the situation of this road. Fortunately, I have a few friends who also live around here. So, there is nothing you will say that I don’t know. As a government, we will continue to do those things we know will make life easy for you.”
The Governor thanked members of the communities in the area for their support to his administration, and also for cooperating with the contractor to ensure completion of the project.
He assured the people that their request for the rehabilitation of the Community Secondary School and Health Centre, will be looked at and addressed immediately, saying, “Our government is a government that takes the interest of our people very seriously.
“There is no government without the people. It is only the people that keep the government going. So, what we will continue to do is to make sure that the problems and interest of our people are top on our list,” he assured.
Performing the inauguration, Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, said roads are not just physical infrastructure but represent a commitment to facilitate ease of transportation, boost local commercial activities and improve quality of lives for the people of Rivers State.
Dr Kefas noted that Governor Fubara has provided the people good roads, and like other good roads, it will serve as an artery of development, further connecting communities, enhancing access to essential services while unlocking economic potentials.
He said, “By completing this project, Your Excellency has, once again, demonstrated the transformative impact of visionary leadership. When I was coming in with the Governor on a ride, I saw the joy, the happiness of the voiceless people who were abandoned and neglected in this area, coming out to wave and welcome us.
“It wasn’t a hired crowd. Everybody, those who couldn’t make it to this place, in front of their homes, they were waving at us, and I was telling the Governor: this is all about good governance. He listened to the people, and solved their problems. So, it shows that he is doing the right thing, and I want to thank you, my brother, for what you are doing for the good people, especially the poor people even in difficult times.”
Governor Kefas further said: “As we celebrate this milestone, I am reminded of the importance of collaboration and shared vision among us as Governors. Together, we can inspire our people, improve their lives, and create lasting legacies in our respective states.”
Providing the project description, the State Commissioner for Works, Barrister Elloka Tasie-Amadi, recalled that when it was flagged-off in May, 2024, the project was for a 5km stretch but was extended in October, to include Mgbaraja axis, increasing the length to 6.55km, explaining that the 10.3 meter wide, and 5km of drains road, has now linked Apara Kingdom to Nkpor Kingdom.
In his address, Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Amb Chijioke Ihunwo, described the road as a very significant route that was abandoned for years until Governor Fubara intervened and fixed it, promising that Obio/Akpor people will not take the gestures of the State Government under Governor Fubara for granted.
Speaking on behalf of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the firm that handled the project, Eric Shen, said they are happy to be part of the infrastructure development strides of Governor Fubara, stating that though the rains posed significant challenge, they have delivered quality road network to serve the connectivity needs of the people.
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We’ll Implement Judicial Commission’s Report On Arson, Killings -Fubara …Says Such Violence Must Stop In Rivers
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured of implementing the recommendations of the report submitted to him by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Arson, Killings, and Wanton Destruction of Property at some local government council headquarters on or around Monday, October 7, 2024.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance when the seven-member commission, led by the Chairman, Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri, submitted four volumes of reports of their investigation and recommendations to him at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
The Governor declared that his administration will neither tolerate nor allow such level of violence in the State anymore because it is not profitable or productive.
He said, “We are not going to be part of any system that would encourage any destruction in this State. And for that reason, we had to inaugurate this commission, so that this commission should look into the remote and immediate causes of this problem.
“And I believe that the recommendations of this commission, with the help of God and the support of everyone, we will make sure that we implement the recommendations.”
Governor Fubara said: “We are going to take it to the next stage. The report will be presented to the Executive Council, and there, we will surely come out with the White Paper and with the White Paper. I can assure you, we are going to follow it to the end.
“Nobody is above the law, including me. So, provided what we are doing is within the confines of the law, we will do it with the help of every one.”
Governor Fubara recalled how, before 2014, a group of persons had ran wide recklessly in the State, burning down court buildings.
He noted that it is such persons, who had recently surfaced with their destructive tendencies, and have extended the violence to local government councils, killing people and destroying government property.
Governor Fubara wondered why somebody will spend so much money to build a structure intended to last as legacy of the administration but would eventually be part of its destruction in the name of politics.
Governor Fubara clarified that he has never been part of such destructive politics that continue to set the State backwards and frustrate progressive development strides.
Governor Fubara said: “I make bold to say it, I have never been and will never be a party to anything that will bring shame, disgrace, destruction to our dear State.
“It is our State. If it is well with us, it will be well with everybody. As a matter of fact, why should I encourage destruction, when I know that when you finish spoiling things, you still need money to rebuild them.
“I am an accountant, I know the importance of how we can manage money. Rather than spoil, you should use that money to do a new thing for the State.”
Governor Fubara vowed: “So, I am going to ensure that we put a stop to that level of violence or such unreasonable violence. I call it unreasonable violence because it doesn’t mean anything in politics.
“Politics is a business of interest. There is no permanent friend, no permanent enemy. Some persons who were not even in our support, today, they are here following us because their interest is the most important thing.
“Likewise tomorrow, if the interest changes, they will also go their different ways. So, why burn down the house?”
Governor Fubara thanked members of the commission for being bold, focused, and accomplishing their task with determination in the face of physical and legal threats.
In her presentation, Chairman of the seven-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry, Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri, said they had put their findings into four volumes, including the recommendations.
Justice Minakiri explained: “We have here four volumes of the report. We have the memoranda, which is the memoranda we got after we made our publications.
“We also have the exhibits that came with the memoranda. We have the proceedings and the records. At the end of the day, we came up with the main report.”
Justice Minakiri advised that the recommendations of the report should be studied and implemented so that people can be deterred from such callous acts and the sought-after peace secured for the State.
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We Are Eager To Showcase The Best Of Rivers State -Fubara …Declares Federation Of Public Service Games Open
The Rivers State Government says it is committed to providing a memorable experience for all delegates participating in the Federation of Public Service Games(FEPSGA) hosted by the State Government.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara stated this during the opening Ceremony of the 43rd Edition, Public Service Games, titled ”Simplified Rivers 2024″, at Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt, last Sunday.
Speaking through his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, Governor Fubara said “Our hospitality is renowned and we are eager to showcase the best of Rivers State. From top-notch facilities to a secure environment, we have everything in place to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all participants.”
Governor Fubara said to ensure the success of the games his Administration has put in place comprehensive plans and preparations with four venues approved for the events which include the Sharks Stadium, Alfred Diette -Spiff Civic Centre, Port Harcourt Club and the University of Port Harcourt.
The State Chief Executive urged participants to remember that the true spirit of FEPSGA goes beyond winning medals, stressing that it is about building bridges of friendship, fostering a sense of community and celebrating our diversity.
According to him, we envision a public service that is more productive, more efficient and more effective, a future where public servants are empowered to deliver exceptional results driven by a culture of excellence, innovation and teamwork.
The Governor reiterated that while a healthy mind and body are essential for high productivity, regular physical activity boosts our mood, increases energy levels and enhances our cognitive function. We are eager to showcase the best of Rivers State. From top-notch facilities to a secure environment.
In her address Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who spoke through Dr.(Mrs) Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Interior Commended Governor Fubara for hosting this year’s event, and for his dedication to promoting sports and fostering unity in the country.
She noted that the event which serves as a platform for furthering unity, camaraderie and sportsmanship amongst public servants, was a celebration of their shared commitment to excellence, resilience and service to the nation.
Also speaking the National President of the Federation of Public Service Games (FEPSGA), Comrade Amaebi Aloku, said Rivers State got the nod to host the annual event because the Federation was pleased with the vision of Governor Fubara in identifying with the needs of the Civil Servants in the State, in terms of their welfare and being one of the first State to implement the new minimum wage and even taking it above what was approved by the national.
Earlier the Head of Service Rivers State, Dr George Nwaeke had welcomed all participants to the State and expressed gratitude to the Governor for approving and making available the resources to host the games, noting that it was an opportunity to interact with all Civil Servants across the nation.
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