Senate confirms Prof. Stephen Ocheni and Suleman Hassan as Ministers

The Senate today confirmed the nomination of Professor Stephen Okani Ocheni and Suleiman Zarma Hassan from Kogi and Gombe States respectively as Ministers. President Buhari had in March forwarded their names for screening and confimation.
While Hassan is expected to take over the ministerial slot of former Minister of the Environment, Amina Mohammed who is now the new UN Deputy Secretary-General, Ocheni will be taking over the slot of late James Ocholi, former Minister of state for Labor, who died in a fatal accident in March 2016.

President Buhari absent from FEC meeting again,VP Osinbajo presides

President Buhari is absent from the Federal Executive Council meeting currently holding at the cuncil chambers in Aso Rock Abuja. This would be the third week Presidnet Buhari has not attended the meeting. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo who is prsiding over the meeting, started off proceedings with the call for the recitation of the National anthem at exactly 11am.

President Buhari might however attend the meeting before it closes.

Last week, Lai Mohammed informed Nigerians that Presidnet Buhari needed some time to rest and would be working from home. He is yet to address state house correspondents on why President Buhari failed to attend the meeting again today.

Daughter of Nigerian Vice President, Like Osinbajo was spotted at an event in Abuja

Daughter of the Vice President, Kiki Osinbajo attended the official flag off of youth Training in Tailoring and Designs held in Abuja.

Federal Executive Council approves seaport for Badagry, Lagos state

The Federal Executive Council at its meeting today approved the establishment of a seaport in Badagry, Lagos to bring in big vessels into the country. Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, disclosed this to State House correspondents after the meeting presided by President Buhari.

According to Fashola, the new port would cost $2.58 billion and would be completed in five years.

Dogara, others to appear before police investigative panel on Friday 5th August

The Nigeria Police Force have invited Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara, his deputy Yusuff Lasun, Chief Whip Alhassan Ado Doguwa and Minority Leader Leo Ogor to appear before a Special investigative panel set up by the acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris, to probe the allegations of padding the 2016 budget leveled against them by sacked chairman of the House committee on Appropriation, Abdulmumin Jibrin.

They are to appear before the panel on Friday August 5th. The invitation comes following a petition submitted to the police against the Speaker and the three other principal officers by Jibrin.

The 5-man investigative panel is to be led by Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Amodu Ali. A police source who spoke to the Nation said

"We have commenced full investigation into the N284billion budget padding in the House of Representatives based on a petition from Hon. Jibrin. A Special Investigative Panel (SIP), with a crack detective, AIG Amodu Ali as the chairman, is the one saddled with the responsibility of looking into the allegations in the petition. The same Ali uncovered the lid on the $620,000 bribery scam in the House for which a former Chairman of the House Committee on Fuel Subsidy Management, Mallam Farouk Lawan, and the Clerk of the committee, Mr. Boniface Emenalo were indicted. The case is in court. You will recall that Ali was deeply involved in the investigation of the $180million Halliburton scam. So, the SIP is led by an officer who is tested. As I am talking to you (4pm yesterday), a letter of invitation has been addressed and sent to the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker, the Chief Whip and the Minority Leader. They will be interrogated by the SIP on Friday. As a prelude to the invitation of the principal officers, the SIP chairman and members had a session with Jibrin on Tuesday. It was not a grilling session. But Jibrin furnished the team with vital information and a heap of documents to back up the petition he submitted on Monday. We are going into the merit or otherwise of the petition on Friday by inviting Dogara and three others. It is going to be a gradual thing but we will crack the padding controversy.” Meanwhile security has been beefed up around Jibrin by the Department of State Security DSS.

IGP meets the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria

The Inspector-General of Police AG. IGP Ibrahim K. Idris, NPM, mni, in company of the Force management team on 2nd August, 2016, paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of the Central bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele at the CBN Headquarters, Abuja.
The IGP appreciated the warm reception accorded him and his team during the visit. In his remarks, he emphasized the determination of the Nigeria Police Force to continue to partner with the CBN. He also affirmed the commitment of the Force to providing adequate security for the CBN, its staff and Customers across the Nation. The IGP solicited the support and cooperation of the Central Bank of Nigeria for the Force in the discharge of its statutory duties.

In his response, the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele congratulated the IGP on his well deserved appointment. He thanked the Inspector-General of Police for providing security for the CBN and Deposit money Banks across the country. He appreciated the gesture of the visit and assured him of continuous cooperation and supportive collaboration between the two agencies. He stated further that he would resuscitate the Inter-Agency committee between the CBN and Deposit Money Banks to come up with a proposal on providing logistics and other supports for the Force.

Amaechi inspects Abuja-Kaduna railway, says it's ready for commissioning on July 26th

Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi accompanied by the chairman of APC John Odigie-Oyegun, yesterday carried out final inspection on the Abuja - Kaduna railway, declaring that the project is ready for commissioning by President Buhari on July 26th. Speaking at the Idu station of the rail line in Abuja, Amaechi said “We are ready to go. From the things we have seen, we are set to go. This test run exercise has been on for over a month. We said it was going to run for two weeks but we allowed it for six weeks so that everybody can use it.” According to him, the trains will be open for business immediately after the commissioning. “We are targeting that from Tuesday after the president must have flagged off the Abuja-Kaduna rail, we will then begin to charge passengers.” Amaechi who sought the opinion of the passengers before fixing the fare said, “They suggested 500 on economy and I will do that".

Federal High Court in Abuja dismisses bail application filed by Iyiola Omisore

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday dismissed the bail application filed by former Osun state deputy governor, Iyiola Omisore. EFCC operatives arrested him in Abuja on July 3rd and he has been in their custody since then. Omisore who is being prosecuted over N1.3billion he allegedly got from the office of the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, had filed an application for bail but it was dismissed by a Federal High Court Judge for lack of competence.

Senate President Bukola Saraki condoles with France over recent terror attack

Senate President Bukola Saraki has condemned the terror attack in France, which left over 80 dead, 18 people in intensive care units and several hundreds injured.

Senators loyal to Bukola Saraki allegedly threaten to impeach President Buhari

Senators said to be loyal to Senate President Bukola Saraki and his deputy Ike Ekweremadu, have reportedly threatened to impeach President Buhari over their trial for alleged forgery of the Senate Standing Rules 2015.  According to a report by The Nation, the Pro-Saraki senators at the senate's plenary yesterday made their position known after the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, David Umar, gave a feedback on the last meeting they were supposed to have with the Attorney General of the Federation and Chief Justice of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, who failed to honor their invitation. The Pro-Saraki senators felt it was a slap on their faces.   Senators Isa Misau, Dino Melaye, Jibrin Barau and Monsurat Sunmonu condemned the attitude of the AGF, stating that his action shows that “the Presidency is fighting the Senate with the disrespect for the chamber by the AGF”.  A source quoted Senator Misau as saying: “The Executive should toe the path of dialogue or else the Senate will go for the jugular.”   A member of the Unity Forum which is a group of Senators against Saraki's leadership,  asked: “What is the meaning of the jugular? Tell us; we don’t know what you mean.”  An enraged Misau said: “Impeachment, of course.” Another source said, Senator Melaye, after raining abuses on perceived enemies of Saraki, demanded that the senators behind a petition against Saraki that led to the trial should stand up and disown the petition or risk suspension. Melaye, it was said, insisted that Senator Kabiru Marafa and Senator Sulaiman Hunkuyi should be suspended if they failed to disown the petition and apologize to the Senate. Senator Oluremi Tinubu was allowed to speak and she reminded her colleagues that they all represent their various Senatorial Districts and that there was no reason for anybody to be threatened.  At this point, Melaye was said to have said unprintable words to Senator Tinubu. He reportedly sprang up from his seat and was charging towards Senator Tinubu until he was blocked by some Senators. It was gathered that attempts to calm Melaye failed as he continued to call Senator Tinubu names. Another source at the senate said: “Apparently, some senators held a meeting on Monday and planned to suspend those who went to court on the emergence of Saraki and Ekweremadu. The mood at the Executive Session made them to stay action because they knew it would not work at all. To get the number was a bit difficult for them.” An intervention by Sen. Barnabas Gemade, restored peace to the house. Making his plea, Gemade said "Instead of the Senate going for the jugular, we should look for ways of dialoguing on all the issues at hand. We had earlier set up a committee on reconciliation in this chamber and I am aware the committee got to an appreciable level. Why can’t we resolve all other outstanding differences?” Based on Gemade’s “emotional” appeal, the Senate resolved to:dismiss the impeachment advisory against Buhari and other drastic measures;stay action on  suspension of some senators;stop the planned issuance of a warrant of arrest against the AGF;give the AGF another chance by re-inviting him to appear before the Senate Committee; and toset up a committee headed by Sen. David Mark to resolve all outstanding differences among senatorsA senator said: “We were all happy that a former President of the Senate, Chief David Mark, will now head a committee to iron out all outstanding differences among senators. Before we left the session, Senators also reconciled Sen. Tinubu and Dino Melaye. We said there was no basis for losing our cool when we have all worked together as a team.”

Olori Wuraola Ogunwunsi visits IDP camp in Abuja

Wife of Ooni of Ife, Olori Wuraola Zainab Ogunwunsi was at the Internally Displaced Peoples Camp in Abuja today.

Ihejirika was never arrested by DSS, he is at his home in Abuja - close associate to ex Army Chief says

A close associate to the Former Chief Of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Azubuike Ihejirika, has denied media reports that the former Army Chief has been arrested by officials of the Department of State Security DSS. The Nation had reported that the former Army Chief was arrested on Tuesday June 21st over claims he was sponsoring the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB. Speaking with Thisday, Ihejirika's associate who preferred to be anonymous said "I am really amazed at the length people are determined to go to tarnish the image of the former army chief. As I am speaking to you, the chief who just returned from his village is in his house. What I don’t understand is how and why they orchestrated these fables and for what purpose. I think the intention of these people is to draw the attention of the federal government to the fact that Ihejirika has not been arrested. What people don’t know is that this government would not have wasted time in arresting Ihejirika from the word go if he was guilty all this while.”he said

Airforce chief being tried for fraud arrives court in his full military regalia

Air Vice Marshal Ojuawo, a serving officer of the Nigerian Airforce, who is being prosecuted by the EFCC at the FCT High Court, Apo Abuja for fraud, arrived the court this morning in his full Airforce regalia.

Full text of retired IGP, Solomon Arase's speech at the formal handing ceremony to Ibrahim Kpotun Idris at the force HQ today

Valedictory Remarks by former IGP Solomon E. Arase, at the formal handing ceremony held at the Force Headquarters, today June 22nd. It reads, It is with a feeling of deep appreciation of the Almighty God that I address you on this occasion marking my formal exit from the Nigeria Police Force and transition of leadership to a new Inspector General of Police. 2. Ladies and Gentlemen, exactly fourteen months ago, destiny reposed on me the fortune of being appointed the 18th indigenous Inspector General of Police. Today, natural sequence of history has not only occasioned the successful completion of my tenure, but has also beckoned on Ag. IGP Ibrahim Idris to step into the leadership space as the 19th Indigenous Inspector General of Police. 3. You would recall that during my inaugural address, I noted that - The task of blending our acclaimed quality human assets with quality leadership is the main challenge ahead of us, but it is one I am convinced we can surmount’. I also affirmed that - ‘on my part, I can assure you that I will provide the highest possible level of professional and responsible leadership, while trusting that you shall march hand-in-hand with me as dependable professional colleagues, to advance the fortunes of the Force’. 4. One year, two months away from this assertion and clarion call, I can proudly note two significant developments. First is that I feel professionally satisfied that I enjoyed very high level of diligence, loyalty, sacrifice and professionalism from all cadres of the Force. This manifested in the great strides we collectively attained in our common march towards restoring the lost primacy of the Nigeria Police and bequeathing a Police Force of citizens’ expectations to Nigerians. 5. Secondly, I am fulfilled that a widely experienced, knowledgeable and passionate officer of the calibre of Ag. IGP Ibrahim Idris has been appointed by the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federation to march the Force forward. I am convinced of the capacity of Ag. IGP Idris to provide the requisite leadership for the Force at this crucial time in the history of not just the Nigeria Police Force, but of our nation. In this regard, I can assure him of my support, even in retirement, as well as my constant prayers. 6. Let me at this juncture, encourage the Nigeria Police Family to extend the trademark loyalty, diligence, and professionalism which I enjoyed from them, to the new Force leadership. This, ladies and gentlemen, is the only path to follow in our journey towards enhancing the fortunes of our beloved Police Force as well as sustaining our relevance within the national security architecture of our country. Above all, this is the only path that will guide us towards achieving the Policing Vision of Mr. President within the Change Mantra conceptualized by the Federal Government. 7. In driving this valedictory speech to a close, permit me to deeply appreciate the support of all personnel of the Nigeria Police. The journey might have been tortuous, but looking back, we should all be proud that today, through an inclusive leadership strategy which I adopted, the Nigeria Police has acquired very strong intelligence, investigative and operational capability which can and have of late been deployed to crack any crime at any location within our national geographical space. The dignity of an average Nigeria Police officer has been restored. Public confidence in our competency has been enlivened.
 8. Ladies and Gentlemen, it is not that crimes will not occur. No nation is immune from criminal activities. Today, however, like other Police Forces across the world, we in the Nigeria Police can beat our chests and make a clear and bold statement to criminal elements threatening our national value that if you commit any crime, we now have the capacity not only to arrest you, but to bring you to deserved justice in the most prompt, professional, and rule of law-compliant manner. This is the profile of the Nigeria Police Force you, my colleagues and all Nigerians have aided me to bequeath to our beloved nation. This is a legacy I can assure the nation that Ag. IGP Idris will not only sustain, but will advance.
 9. I, therefore, wish to heartily congratulate Ag. IGP Ibrahim Idris for his well deserved appointment and to pray for God’s wisdom as he settles into his schedules. I also wish to immensely appreciate Mr. president for the trust reposed in me and the firm support extended to me, even at most difficult times in my leadership.
 10. Indeed, the unique Presidential support acted as the motivation that drove me through my tenure as Inspector-General of Police. I can assure Mr. President, that I shall remain eternally grateful and will sustain my commitment to his vision and values even in retirement.
 11. To members of the Press, my friends, and indeed all Nigerians, as I bow out, I must put on record my deep appreciation of your constructive criticisms, pieces of informed advice, encouragement and unalloyed support for me. I call on you to extend similar favour to my successor even as I assure you all that the network we have built over the years will remain valued and sustained as I walk into retirement life.
 12. I thank you all and pray for God’s spiritual protection over Ag. IGP Ibrahim Idris and our beloved country.

Federal Ministry of Finance addresses the salary protest at it's Abuja Secretariat

Workers at the Federal Ministry of Finance today called for the sack of Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun. They staged a protest and shut down the Federal Secretariat in Abuja, over the non payment of their allowances and entitlements. However, In a statement released by Director of Information, Salisu Na’inna Dambatta, he said the protest has been addressed & deemed unjustified. It reads, A joint protest by some staff of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Budget Office of the Ministry of Budget and National Planning, to back a demand for the payment of an unofficial allowance totaling N1.2 billion has been brought to the attention of the Management of the Federal Ministry of Finance. The Management wishes to state as follows:i. The payment of what the protesting staff called a Special Overtime (SOT), was stopped by the last administration in 2014 on the ground that it was not listed in any extant government Circular, Financial Regulations or the Public Service Rules;ii. The sum of N1.2 billion computed by the staff union for payment could not have been budgeted for in 2016 in the first place, not only because of the paucity of funds, but also the fact that the SOT allowance was not part of the remuneration in the Federal Public Service; andiii. The Federal Ministry of Finance, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Budget Office of the Ministry of Budget and National Planning, do not individually or collectively, owe any of their personnel their salaries.In view of the foregone, the Management of the Federal Ministry of Finance wishes to categorically state that the protests have no justifiable grounds.