Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Politics. Show all posts

Bukola Saraki Goes To The Cinema With His Kids In Ilorin (Photos)

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Bukola Saraki and his kids were spotted at the cinema in Ilorin yesterday.

Source said:

“Saraki greeted a few people, bought his popcorn, and went straight to his movie hall with his kids. I think they ended up seeing ‘The Transporter.’ lol.

I like the fact that despite all the politicking he still seems to have time for his kids.”

President Buhari Arrives New York For UN 70th Assembly (Photos)

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President Muhammadu Buhari arrived New York Thursday night in time for the 70th assembly of the United Nations. He arrived at the JFK international airport in NewYork aboard the presidential jet.

Some Members of President Muhammadu Buhari’s delegation include SSA Household & Domestic Sarki Abba, SSA Media & Publicity Femi Adesina, Senator Hadi Sirika, Former Governor of Ekiti state Dr. Kayode Fayemi and Former Governor of Rivers state Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi.

He was welcomed by the Nigerian Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Prof Joy Ogwu, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Paul Bulus Lolo and National Security Adviser Rtd Maj. Gen. Monguno Babagana.

We Can’t Overlook Certain Actions – Tinubu Replies Saraki

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Apparently reacting to the ongoing trial of the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki by the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, national leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has said that the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari cannot overlook certain things in its fight against corruption.

Dismissing Saraki’s cries of witchhunting, Tinubu said: “It is part of nation’s development. We cannot overlook a lot of things. And we cannot personalise a lot of things as if it was vendetta. We have to endure and be patient as we look for justice, equity and a balanced society.”

Meantime, he called on Nigerians to often put God and the nation first in their daily activities, saying “What is missing in Nigeria is lack of patriotism, dedication to God and to our people.

Tinubu, speaking after activities for the Eid-il-Kabir celebration at Dodan Barracks praying ground, said that the ongoing anti-corruption war embarked upon by President Buhari will further strengthen the country’s institutions and fast track development.

The APC leader said: “Government officials are no longer believed by the citizens. When one has a public responsibility, the citizens look at it as if the source of wealth to steal and mismanage public funds and do things not included in the democratic norms and values.

“We have to live by example and by our words. We can’t be talking about it alone. We have to work it without any iota of blackmail.”

Asiwaju Tinubu recalled how he went through the same trial that Saraki is going through now and was later discharged and acquainted.

He said if Saraki’s hands are clean, he should not be afraid.

President Buhari Delivers First Eid-El-Kabir Message

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President Muhammadu Buhari has addressed Nigerians in his first ever Eid-el-Kabir message to facilitate with Muslims celebrating the Sallah holidays.

According to The Nation, president in his Eid-el-Kabir message to Muslims reiterated his government’s commitment to eliminating Boko Haram insurgency and added that the sect’s days are numbered.

An extract from the document delivered through the presidential spokesman Femi Adesina reads:

“Boko Haram’s reign of terror in parts of the country will be finally over very soon as the ongoing military onslaught against the terrorist sect will continue relentlessly until total victory is achieved.”
Buhari also ordered the army forces to ensure maximum protection during the celebrations.

Referring to the Nigerian Muslims who are currently in Saudi Arabia on Hajj, Buhari said:

“As they join the global Islamic community in celebrating Eid-El-Kabir, President Buhari urges Muslims and other Nigerians to rededicate themselves to a greater acceptance and internalisation of its lessons of piety, faithfulness, dedication, fortitude, obedience, sacrifice and selfless service which are for the benefit of all mankind.

“The President calls for more patience, fortitude, tolerance, endurance, patriotism and a greater willingness to make personal sacrifices for the good of all as his administration strives to lead the nation towards rapidly overcoming its current security, economic and developmental challenges.

“President Buhari assures all Nigerians that their safety, well-being and progress remain uppermost in his thoughts and actions, and that he will continue to work with all his might to deliver the positive changes in national life which they expect after his election and inauguration as Head of the Government of the Federation.

“The President seizes this opportunity to extend heartfelt commiserations to families in Maiduguri and North-Eastern Nigeria who have sadly lost beloved relatives in recent terrorist attacks.

“President Buhari’s thoughts and prayers for Divine solace are with all those who have been callously plunged into mourning by mindless terrorists, when others are celebrating this year’s Eid-El-Kabir.”
Recall that the federal government declared Thursday and Friday public holidays for Nigerian Muslims to commemorateEid-El-Kabir.

APC Blames Mimiko For Olu Falae’s Kidnap

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The All Progressives Congress in Ondo State has blamed Governor Olusegun Mimiko, for the abduction of the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, Chief Olu Falae.

The APC said this in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Abayomi Adesanya, on Wednesday.

The party also berated the governor for the high rate of kidnapping, rape, robbery, extrajudicial killing and other social vices in the state.

The APC noted that Falae was kidnapped in his farm in the Akure area of the state. The party said other people had been kidnapped around the farm about two weeks ago and a security report was given to the governor but Mimiko and the police authorities failed to act.

The statement read in part, “About three weeks ago, specifically on September 2, 2015, around Chief Olu Falae’s farm in Ala village, Akure- North Local Government area of the state, a farmer, Mr. Adediran Adejo, was kidnapped from his farm. Adejo was in captivity for several days and was not released until a ransom was paid to his abductors.

“Governor Olusegun Mimiko, being the Chief Security Officer of the state, the Ondo State Police Command and other security agencies had adequate information and notice about the kidnapping and other criminal activities in this area and across the state, but they were lackadaisical about these developments.

“The kidnapping of Chief Falae, being the second within a period of three weeks in this particular area, Ala village, is totally unacceptable and it is an indictment on Governor Mimiko, the police and other security agencies for their lackadaisical attitude and dereliction of duty.”

The APC wondered how the security vote was being spent in the light of the surge in crime in the state

It said the ‘fire brigade’ approach on the current manhunt of Falae’s kidnappers is because a prominent and famous Nigerian is the latest victim.

It added, “The APC’s investigation revealed that a whooping sum of N1.5bn is being deducted as security vote from the state’s treasury on a monthly basis. If this amount is committed to securing lives and properties, these dastardly acts would have abated. “We don’t want to believe that the security vote is going into private pockets as it is being speculated.”

The APC also berated a former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, for blaming the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government for Falae’s kidnap. It added that the Federal Government could not be held liable for such a crime.

However, the Ono State Commissioner for Information, Kayode Akinmade, slammed the APC for trivialising Falae’s kidnap.

The commissioner wondered how the APC could blame the governor for a surge in crimes such as rape and kidnapping. Akinmade wondered if the kidnapping of the wife of the Managing Director of The SUN, Doyin Nwosu, in Lagos last week was also the fault of Mimiko.

He urged the party to be constructive in its criticisms of the state government instead of peddling lies.

He said, “It is unfortunate that the APC can trivialise the kidnap of an elder statesman. Even in Lagos, which is an APC state, there are also kidnappings.”

Akinmade slammed the APC for saying that N1.5bn was deducted by the state government monthly as security vote.

He said, “Everyone knows the state of the economy today and many states are struggling to pay salaries. Does it make sense for us to deduct N1.5bn as security vote?”

I Had Planned To “Hide” For 12 Months – GEJ

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The immediate former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan yesterday during his visit to Ikenna, where himself and his wife had gone to pay the Awolowos a condolence visit on the passing away of their mother, grandmother and great grandmother, said if not for the death of the aged woman and how important she was to the nation, himself and his wife wouldn’t have been seen publicly like this. He said they had planned to “Hide” for 12 months shortly after leaving office, but mama’s death was one which they couldn’t over look. His words below.

“Within this period, myself and my wife have been hiding; we don’t even go out. We thought we’ll be hiding for at least 12 months. But in this particular case, we cannot hide. So, we’ve come for the condolence and to encourage our brothers and sisters that we are together,” he said.

On the passing of Mrs. Awolowo, Jonathan said it was a great loss, but that he took solace in the fact that death is an inevitable end that would come when it would come.

“So, we know it would come for all of us one day and here we are today,” he said.

“We have been coming here because the former secretary to the government did mention that the last time I came here it was associated with the last presidential electioneering campaign. But before, I’ve been here severally to see mama in one way or the other,” the former president said.

“We are mourning her today; me and my wife, we are not mourning because mama has passed on. For me, we believe that it’s a rare privilege to add extra 29 years to the Biblical two scores and ten; it’s not easy.

“Ordinarily, we wouldn’t have been mourning but mama was a rare mother. She was a woman of virtue described in the Bible and she was a mother to all of us; a mother that her milk of kindness we still need, her milk of encouragement we still need, her milk of advice we still need and today she’s no more with us.

“But for me and my wife and members of our delegation, some of them include the former leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Mulikat Adeola. Of course, Gbenga Daniel has been here severally but he was the one who led us into this hall. My good friend, Jide Adeniji, the former chairman of FERMA and others. Mrs. Kuku from Bayelsa State and others that joined us; we have come to pay our last respect,” he stated.

Saraki’s Trial: PDP Plots To Pick Senate President

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Barely 24 hours after the arraignment of Senate President Bukola Saraki, some of his loyalists and Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) senators are planning to fight back, The Nation has learnt.

They are said to be working on a plan which will lead to the election of a new Senate President from the opposition party, should Saraki be convicted by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) – the “worst case scenario”.

Security agencies already know about the plot, it was learnt.

Besides, there were signs yesterday that pro-Saraki senators may have “laid an ambush” for President Muhammadu Buhari’s ministerial list, which is being expected at the Senate “any moment from now”.

They may reject the list and all appointments made so far by the President in protest against Saraki’s trial, a source said.

But the Presidency is unruffled.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said last night: “Some loyalists of Saraki and PDP senators have been meeting on the options available and how to tackle President Muhammadu Buhari.

“At the meeting in Abuja, they resolved to stand by Saraki but if he is convicted, they will make sure that the next president of the Senate is from the PDP.

“They are really aggrieved and have vowed to stop the candidate of the Unity Forum, Sen. Ahmed Lawan, from emerging as Saraki’s successor.

“From the way PDP and its senators are rallying around Saraki, no one needs a soothsayer to know that a bigger conspiracy is in the offing.

“The PDP has not come to terms with the fact that it lost the last general elections.”

Part of the plot is to reject Buhari’s ministerial list and all appointments so far made by the President, it was learnt.

These appointments include those of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Nigerian Customs Service(NCS) and Assets Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON), among others.

The source went on: “They know that the President will not present imposed candidates as ministerial nominees and they are out for a pound of flesh as from September 29 because the Code of Conduct Bureau( CCB) dragged the President of the Senate to the Code of Conduct Tribunal(CCT)”

It was gathered that security agencies have smashed the plot.

A government source said: “The whole plot is aimed at frustrating the President and cause a political crisis in the country.

“They have this feeling that they must pull down the house due to the arraignment of Saraki by CCT. In spite of denial, they are pointing accusing fingers at the Presidency for Saraki’s travails.”

Attempts to make loyalists of tHouse of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara, to pitch their tent with Saraki appear to have suffered a setback.

It was learnt that although Saraki backed Dogara to become the Speaker, the “template has changed”.

Dogara and his loyalists would prefer to “facilitate reconciliation between the Presidency and the Senate leadership than taking sides”.

A Dogara supporter said: “There is pressure on our camp to take a hard line position on the trial of Saraki but we will rather broker peace than compound the situation.

“We are not betraying anyone but we believe the challenge at hand is resolvable. If we compound the situation to team up against the Presidency, we will all fail.

“To take sides is to set the House on fire all over. This will not augur well for the new National Assembly.”

Nigerians Won’t Respect Bills From Saraki’s Senate, He Should Step Down – Ex Minister

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A former Minister of State for Education, Chief
Kenneth Gbagi, has called on the President of the
Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, to step down.

He said the trial of the Senate president by the
Code of Conduct Tribunal has put a question mark
on his integrity to lead the upper legislate
chamber.

Gbagi said with what is going on, there was no way
Nigerians and the international community would
respect motions and bills that would emanate from
the Senate under the leadership of Saraki.
The former minister spoke with some journalists in
Abuja on Wednesday.

He said the trial of Saraki by the CCT was enough
reason for the former governor of Kwara State to
step down and allow another person mount the
saddle of leadership of the Senate.

He said, “We have a problem in Nigeria where we
don’t have people of honor, dignity and integrity as
leaders.

“The mere fact that the Senate President is
undergoing criminal trial is an indication that he
has no business being a Senate president living
with tax payers’ money.

“First, Nigerians will not have faith in anything
that comes out of his Senate that is chaired or
presented by that kind of person.

“Again, the entire international community will not
believe in the passage of any Bill or motion under
his leadership.

“So if you ask me, that is the end of him. He is
gone. And like several other government where you
think you get in and it will be business as usual, it
is not true.”

He regretted that Saraki would not learn from
advanced counties where someone like him, who is
undergoing such trial, would have resigned from
office.

He said this was one of the reasons why countries
like the United State of America is still being
respected.

Senator Godswill Akpabio Back From London (Photo)

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The Senator representing Ikot Ekpene senatorial seat in the house of senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio had an accident a few weeks ago and was flown abroad for treatment.

While he was there, some top politicians and also the President visited to know how he was faring. Gladly he is back home. He was Pictured at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport this Evening.

Sir we’ve been praying for you and we are happy to know you’re healthy and hearty and that your smile hasn’t been stolen by the resent rumors and blackmails.

Welcome Back!

Goodluck Jonathan Congratulates Okonjo Iweala On Appointments

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Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, yesterday, congratulated Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala over her recent appointment to two key international positions, stating that her performance as Finance Minister during his tenure as president was a major determinant in her clinching the new appointments.

Jonathan, in a statement in Abuja, also congratulated Mrs. Omobola Johnson, the immediate past Minister of Communication Technology who was recently appointed the Honorary Chairperson of the Alliance for Affordable Internet (A4AI), a United States based global coalition, committed to driving down the cost of internet access in less developed countries.

According to Jonathan, the appointment underscores his belief that women have key roles to play in national and global development.

The statement noted that Okonjo-Iweala’s emergence as the chair of the Board of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation, GAVI, as well as, appointment as senior advisor to Lazard, the 167-year-old global investment firm, makes her the third woman from Jonathan’s Government to be honoured with key international jobs and the fourth so far.

The others, according to the statement are Mrs. Johnson, Ms Arunma Oteh, former Director General of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) who became the Treasurer and Vice President of the World Bank as well as Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, who was elected President of the African Development Bank (AfDB).

In his congratulatory letter to Okonjo-Iweala, Jonathan described her appointment as a great honour to the nation, especially coming soon after she served Nigeria as Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance in his administration.”

He further described her as an achiever whose leadership as the head of his economic management team, brought about the successful implementation of far-reaching reforms in many sectors including power, telecoms, agriculture, financial services and infrastructural development.

On his preference and quota for women participation in Government during his time, Jonathan said: “It further underscores my belief that women of high integrity and proven abilities should be given the opportunity to directly contribute to national and international development.

This is consistent with the global thinking that women who excel in their various professions should be encouraged to participate in governance.”

Giving more details of Okonjo-Iweala’s achievements, the former President wrote:

“Through your vision, the nation was able to implement some rewarding reforms in public financial management including the launch of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) to boost dwindling revenue, as well as the introduction of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), which eliminated thousands of ghost workers from the public service system.

“I believe that this record of high performance in my Government weighed heavily in your favour and helped put you on top of the list, during the man-hunt and competitive international search process to fill these positions.”

“I am encouraged by the fact that your responsibilities in the new positions fall within your familiar career purview of strengthening institutions, building systems and advising countries on structuring their finances and dealing with debt issues.

“I have no doubt in my mind that you would excel in the two assignments, given your past record of excellent service both in Nigeria and internationally.”

List Of Jonathan’s Cabinet Members And Their Latest International Appointments

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Months after leaving office, some members of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s cabinet have clinched different international appointments.

*.Mrs. Omobola Johnson, the immediate past Minister of Communication Technology has been appointed Honorary Chairperson of the Alliance for Affordable Internet (A4AI), a United States based global coalition.

*.Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala , former Finance Minister has been appointed chair of the Board of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation, GAVI, as well as, as senior advisor to Lazard, the 167-year-old global investment firm.

*.Ms Arunma Oteh, former Director General of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has been appointed Treasurer and Vice President of the World Bank

*.Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, has been elected President of the African Development Bank (AfDB).

I Am Being Prosecuted Because I Am Senate President, Says Saraki

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SENATE President Bukola Saraki who appeared before the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT following a 13-count charge against him by the Code of Conduct Bureau, over alleged falsification of assets he admitted, said Tuesday that if he was not the Senate President, he would not be going through the present trial.

In a statement tilted, “As I Appear Before The Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT)” he personally signed Tuesday night, Senate President Bukola Saraki who noted that his appearance before the CCT was a demonstration of his believe in rule of law and respect for the judiciary, said, “Today, I appeared before the Code of Conduct Tribunal for the commencement of my trial in a case concerning the asset declaration form I filled in 2003 after I have explored the opportunity to defend my fundamental human rights in other courts.

“My appearance in court today once again demonstrates my belief in the rule of law and respect for the judiciary of our country.

“As I stated while taking the plea in the case, I reiterate my belief that the only reason while I am going through this trial is because I am Senate President. If I were to be just a Senator, I doubt if anybody will be interested in the asset declaration form I filled over twelve years ago.

“This belief stems from the fact that Section 3 (d) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act provides that If there is a breach or non-compliance with any section of the law, the person involved should be given the opportunity to either admit or deny and that in the case of a written admission, no reference to the Tribunal shall be necessary.

So, If the CCB had followed the guidelines, procedure or the due process provided in its own law, we won’t be having this trial.

“It is my humble opinion that this case is a vivid example that there is still flagrant disregard for due process in our polity.

This trial is not only being observed by Nigerians alone, the international community is watching because Nigeria is a key member of this community.

So, the executive, legislature and judiciary should do the right thing that will truly demonstrate that we have imbibed the spirit of positive change.

“It is however necessary for me to thank my colleagues in the Senate for the solid support and solidarity they demonstrated for me.

I also thank my counsel for the brilliance they have shown in presenting our case and the supporters who were present in the Tribunal in their hundreds.

I want to assure you that I am innocent of all the charges and will clear my name in due course.

“May God continue to bless our country.”

TOO SOON? APC Positions Akume, Tinubu’s Wife To Replace Bukola Saraki

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As Senate President Bukola Saraki appeared before the Code of Conduct Tribunal over alleged false assets declaration, the All Progressives Congress, APC, was said to be considering former sen­ate leader, George Akume and wife of the national leader of the APC, Senator Remi Ti­nubu and two other rank­ing senators from the South West zone as Saraki’s replacement.

Apart from Senator Akume who is from the North Central zone and Remi Tinubu, no other names were mentioned but sources said other two rank­ing senators also from the South West are being con­sidered on APC shop list.

Feelers from Abuja reaching Kaduna, the sec­ond home of President Mu­hammadu Buhari revealed that, barring any last min­ute change of plan, Saraki may be asked to resign
…f he refused, may be im­peached on moral ground to concentrate on his trial.

According to National Mirror, Senator Ahmed Lawan who was anointed by APC as its sole candidate but lost to Saraki would emerge senate leader from the North East, since the Speaker is also from the zone.

One of the credible sources explained that, though Saraki and Dogara jettisoned APC’s ,earlier zoning of National Assem­bly principal officers which favoured the north which has both the Senate Presi­dent and Speaker but that under the new deal, South West zone may produce deputy senate president.

Meanwhile, one of the anti -Saraki’s groups, Northern Ethnic Nation­alities Unity Congress, NENUC, had called on the senate president to re­sign or face impeachment over CCT 13 count charges against him.

Obasanjo Is Now A Children’s Storybook Author

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Former president Olusegun Obasanjo is really on a roll with his writing game. Many are still talking
about his controversial memoir, My Watch. And
now, he has penned another book, a children’s
storybook titled, Peace Story for Children .

Obasanjo launched the book on Monday in Ogun
State, to celebrate the the 2015 International Day of
Peace, Vanguard reports. Students from various
secondary schools in the state attended the event.
The book is described as “14-page booklet
illustrated with various cartoons” with peace
themes.

He is said to have written the book because “it has
become imperative to sow the seeds of peace in the
minds of children whose minds were more
receptive to ideas.”
At the launch, Obasanjo was represented by the
Director of the OOPL Centre for Human Security,

Peter Okebukola .

Police Stops Live Coverage Of Saraki’s Trial

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The Police has stopped the live coverage of the
ongoing trial of the Senate President, Bukola
Saraki, who is facing a 13-count criminal charge
bordering on false declaration of assets
preferred against him.

The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has arrived
the Tribunal by 9:30 to face charges against him by
the Code of Conduct Bureau. The trial judge is
expected as at the time of filing this report.

SECURITY was unusually tight at the Code of
Conduct Tribunal, this morning, as the Senate
President and former governor of Kwara state,
Bukola Saraki, is expected to appear before the
Danladi Umar-led Tribunal.

The Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court,
both sitting in Abuja, yesterday, refused to shield
the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki from being
arraigned at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, on
a 13-count criminal charge bordering on false
declaration of assets preferred against him. The
Senate President had approached both courts to
provide him shelter and save him from being
docked.

’50 Senators’ Accompany Saraki To Tribunal For Corruption Trial

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The President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, has
arrived the courtroom of the Code of Conduct
Tribunal in Abuja to face trial over a 13-count
charge of corruption levelled against him by the
Code of Conduct Bureau.

Mr. Saraki arrived the tribunal premises at 9:32
a.m., accompanied by about 50 senators and some
members of the House of Representatives, his
spokesperson, Yusuph Olaniyonu, told PREMIUM
TIMES.

Mr. Olaniyonu however declined further comments,
saying he was already seated in the courtroom.
Some of the senators in court are Theodore Orji,
Sam Egwu, Ike Ekweremadu, Shaba Lafiaji, Aliyu
Wamakko, Rafiu Ibrahim, Tayo Alasoadura, Hamma
Misau, Samuel Anyanwu, Sabi Aliyu Abdullahi,
among others.
The Chairman of the Tribunal came into the
courtroom at 10.32 a.m, and apologised for the
delay in the commencement of proceeding.

He said
the tribunal was sorting out some matters.
This newspaper learnt that the Senate President
and his supporters first converged on the National
Assembly early on Tuesday morning from where
they took off in a convoy of buses for the tribunal.
One of the senators, who asked not to be named
said he and his colleagues decided to provide cover
for the senate president to prevent him from being
arrested and humiliated by the police.

A supporter of the Senate President, now also
inside the courtroom told PREMIUM TIMES, “We
are already seated. No shaking. The plan is to
humiliate the man, not minding if they break the
law or violate the procedure.

“We have nothing to fear. After Saraki has
exercised his fundamental human rights in relevant
courts, we are here to to show the lies contained in
the charges.”

Mr. Saraki had on Monday released a statement,
saying he was now ready to attend his trial, days
after he battled frantically to use the courts to halt
the trial.
The tribunal had ruled Monday that Mr. Saraki
must appear before it at 10am today.

Mr. Saraki failed to appear before the tribunal
during Monday’s sitting despite an arrest warrant
issued against him by the tribunal last Friday.
He is facing charges bordering on corruption and
false assets declaration.

The tribunal opened the trial last Friday but the
senate president failed to show up. He was
represented by a team of lawyers led by a former
president of the Nigeria Bar Association, Joseph
Daudu.

Consequently, the Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice
Danladi Umar, ordered the Inspector General of
Police, Solomon Arase, to effect the arrest of the
senate president and produce him before the
Tribunal on Monday.

Mr. Saraki’s lawyers immediately filed a suit at the
Court of Appeal for a stay of execution.
Despite the appeal, the Tribunal resumed the trial
on Monday without the senate president
appearing.

At the hearing, Mr. Saraki’s lawyers objected to the
sitting contending that the Tribunal was
incompetently constituted.

They argued that the 1999 Constitution provided
that the Tribunal can only sit with three of its
members, namely the chairman and two members
present as against two – chairman and one member
– which was the case when the trial resumed.
However, Mr. Umar responded by referring to the
Interpretation Act, which says the chairman and
one member could sit during any trial.
The police had said weekend that it did not receive
any order on Friday requesting it to arrest Mr.
Saraki.

Saraki In The Dock At Code Of Conduct Tribunal Court – LIVE

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The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has finally
appeared before the Code of Conduct Tribunal
where he is being charged for alleged false
declaration of assets.

Mr. Saraki failed to appear before the tribunal on
Friday, and again on Monday, despite an arrest
warrant issued against him.
He faces a 13-count charge bordering on corruption
and false assets declaration.

Mr. Saraki said Monday that he would appear
before the tribunal, after the Court of Appeal in
Abuja dismissed his application for a stay of
execution.

He arrived at the tribunal at about 10.20am,
accompanied by deputy Senate President, Ike
Ekweremadu, and other senators.

The tribunal has disallowed live broadcast of its
proceedings. But you can follow highlights of the
session below.
=====================

UPDATE 1: The Chairman of the Tribunal came
into the courtroom at 10.32 a.m, and apologised for
the delay in the commencement of proceeding. He
said the tribunal was sorting out some matters.

I HAVE TAMED OBASANJO – OLOWU OF OWU

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Basking in the euphoria of the 10th anniversary of his coronation, the Olowu of Owu , Abeokuta, Ogun State, Oba Olusanya Adegboyega Dosunmu, has sensationally re­vealed that he had succeeded in taming former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Oba Dosunmu is the ancestral mon­arch of the former president, who is the Balogun, (prime minister) of the Owus in Abeokuta, where they settled in 1834.
The thirteenth Olowu in Abeokuta, Oba Dosunmu, from the Amororo Roy­al House suceeded Oba (Dr) Olawale Adisa Odeleye in July, 2005.
The first class monarch, who spoke during an interview with Saturday Sun, also admitted that he had succeeded in upsetting the system of governance in the kingdom.
Recall that Oba Dosunmu’s selection in 2005, was characterised by contro­versies with many kingmakers being arrested by the police during the selec­tion process.
His words: “I have as my Balogun, the longest serving president of Nige­ria. My Balogun is not an easy going person. Everybody knows Obasanjo. Obasanjo, I mean you can’t just take him on a ride.
“ But permit me to use the word, I have also tamed Obasanjo. What I mean by tame is, here is a man who would say, ‘go’, and anybody in this country must obey. This is a man who would sit over the most turbulent cabi­net meeting, which I don’t think I can cope with.
“He has coped with all that at the national level and at the international realm, and if Obasanjo sneezes, the whole world catches cold. And that is Obasanjo who has volunteered and condescended to be just Balogun to the Olowu in a lowly place like Owu or Abeokuta. Do you understand what I mean by he has been tamed?
In spite of taming Obasanjo, Oba Dosunmu described his Balogun as, “a man with a large heart, a very large heart. A man who has ruled shall we say, the world and now he’s listening to one Olowu in one tiny part of the world.
“Well, we are not tiny, we are all over the places in this country.
“Here is that man saying, okay, ‘Kabiyesi, we hear you but this is my own opinion, and someone else would say I don’t agree with you all, this is what I think. And then another would say I don’t agree with you, this is what I mean. You can say that is democratic if you like”.
While describing his tenure so far as memorable, he also declared that he had stepped on toes with some of his actions particularly with the appoint­ments of coronet monarchs in his ter­ritory.
“I have upset the system of gover­nance here in Owu. I think within two years, I promoted Baales to Obas, 18 of them. They are now about 20 or 24 in the district. That is a positive change but it’s also an embarrassment to some people.
He added: “I think, I embarrassed some people and if they are not as­suaged or persuaded yet, I still apolo­gise. I have given up absolutism, that is, the Olowu is speaking; I have re­moved that.