Connect with us

Business

Real reasons the Senate suspended Senator Ali Ndume for six months

Published

on

 

The Senate has suspended Ali Ndume, its former leader, who had asked for investigation of allegations of importing a bullet proof range rover with fake documents involving Senate President Bukola Saraki and that of perjury involving Dino Melaye.

The Senate reached the decision, Wednesday, after the resolution to uphold the recommendation of the committee on ethics and privileges chaired by Samuel Anyanwu.

He was suspended for six months, instead of one year originally recommended by the ethics committee.

Mr. Anyanwu, whose committee convened investigative hearing on the two matters on Monday, reported that Mr. Ndume failed to conduct proper investigation before making “the allegations”.

But during the investigative hearing, Mr. Ndume told the committee he did not make allegation or raise a petition against the duo of Mr. Melaye and Mr. Saraki but only raised the issues, having read them in the newspaper.

Last week, Mr. Ndume had said the matters had made the Senate subject of public ridicule, thereby calling for probe.

“When we see anything against another Senator, we must bring it to the floor of the Senate before making hurtful statement,” said Barau Jibrin in his contribution before the vote was taken.

Messrs Saraki and Melaye were cleared of any wrongdoing in the matters.

But the committee absolved Mr. Saraki of any culpability in respect of the car imported with fake documents and seized by the Nigeria Customs Service.

Mr. Anyanwu said the car importer and dealer confirmed Mr. Saraki or the Senate was not involved in the importation of the vehicle in 2015, and that the allegation against Mr. Saraki was made up.

On Mr. Melaye whose claim to an Ahmadu Bello University degree was questioned, Mr. Anyanwu said the Vice-Chancellor of the institution confirmed the Kogi West Senator graduated from ABU in 2000.

Mr. Anyanwu further reported that Mr. Melaye tendered his statement of result and National Youth Service Corps discharge certificate which he obtained in 2001, having started in 2000.

The committee therefore recommended that Mr. Ndume be suspended for one year, that is 181 legislative days.

But two Senators pleaded for a lesser punishment.

Abubakar Yusuf said Mr. Ndume had done “a wrong” to Messrs. Melaye and Saraki; and suggested that the former Senate Leader be suspended from committee activities, not plenaries, and that he should be asked to apologise to the accused who were his allies in the struggle to win the Senate leadership at the expense of Ahmed Lawan, backed by the All Progressives Congress.

Matthew Urhoghide moved for six-month suspension, instead of one year.

Mr. Urhoghide’s position eventually became the resolution of the Senate.

Mr. Saraki, who initially presided over Wednesday’s sitting, yielded the seat to Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu when the proceedings progressed to the consideration of the probe committee’s report.

 

 

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Business

Don’t Return Fuel Subsidy Through Dubious Means, Group Tells NNPCL’s Mele Kyari

Published

on

Don’t Return Fuel Subsidy Through Dubious Means, Group Tells NNPCL’s Mele Kyari

 

The Afenifere Mandate Forum (AMF) has cautioned the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) against re-introducing fuel subsidy through dubious means, citing the regime’s notorious history of corruption.

The group emphasised the need for transparency going forward, urging the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) not to make payments to NNPCL’s foreign partners in the name of subsidy.

In a statement signed by its President, Otunba Davies Folorunsho, the group said the fuel subsidy regime was embroiled in corruption, with allegations of fraudulent payments and inflated subsidies.

Folorunsho said Mele Kyari, the Group CEO of NNPCL, was at the centre of the controversy, with reports of the company importing toxic fuel from Malta.

He noted that this not only perpetuated corruption but also endangered the health and safety of Nigerians.

However, Folorunsho said the he removal of fuel subsidy has been a significant step towards economic recovery, saving the country billions of dollars that were previously spent on subsidizing petrol prices.

“In 2022 alone, subsidies gulped $10 billion, leaving the state oil company NNPC with nothing to remit to the treasury,” he added.

“Fuel subsidy were not only financially ruinous but also largely regressive, benefiting mostly car-owning urbanites and those who could afford petrol-powered generators.

“As a result of the subsidy removal, the financial burden on the government has been significantly reduced, freeing up more funds for critical infrastructure and social programs.

“Additionally, government revenue has increased, smuggling has decreased, and the risk of adulterated fuel has been mitigated. The removal of fuel subsidy has also paved the way for a more sustainable energy ecosystem, encouraging the use of alternative energy sources and reducing Nigeria’s reliance on fossil fuels.

The group urged the NNPCL to maintain transparency in its operations and avoid re-introducing fuel subsidy through the backdoor.

“We believe that the removal of fuel subsidy is a step in the right direction, and we urge the government to continue on this path towards economic recovery,” Folorunsho said.

 

 

Continue Reading

Business

Adron Homes Celebrates Christmas with Customers, Reaffirms Commitment to Bridging Nigeria’s Housing Deficit

Published

on

Adron Homes Celebrates Christmas with Customers, Reaffirms Commitment to Bridging Nigeria’s Housing Deficit

 

As the world embraces the joy and warmth of the Christmas season, Adron Homes and Properties, Nigeria’s foremost real estate company, has extended heartfelt greetings to its esteemed customers while reaffirming its commitment to addressing the nation’s housing challenges.

In a message of gratitude and celebration, Adron Homes expressed deep appreciation to its customers for their trust and loyalty throughout 2024. The company highlighted its unwavering dedication to making incredible housing affordable for all Nigerians, in line with its mission of reducing the country’s housing deficit.

“Christmas is a time to celebrate family, unity, and gratitude,” the statement read. “As we reflect on the year, we are proud to have played a role in making homeownership a reality for thousands of Nigerians. Our vision is clear—to bridge the housing deficit by providing affordable, luxurious, and secure homes for all, regardless of income level.”

Adron Homes has continued to lead the real estate industry by implementing innovative solutions that make homeownership accessible, including flexible payment plans and cost-effective housing models tailored to meet diverse customer needs.

As part of its Christmas and end-of-the-year celebration, the company has launched a special festive promotions ‘Lemon Friday’ aimed at encouraging more Nigerians to join its growing community of homeowners.

“We remain committed to transforming dreams into reality. This is not just about building homes; it’s about building futures and creating opportunities for families to thrive in a space they can call their own,” the statement added.

Adron Homes extended warm wishes to all Nigerians and its global customers, urging them to embrace the season’s spirit of love and hope. “May your homes be filled with peace, joy, and prosperity this Christmas and beyond.”

Continue Reading

Business

NIHOTOUR Calls on Hospitality, Tourism, Travel, Allied Sector Professionals for Mandated Registration

Published

on

NIHOTOUR Calls on Hospitality, Tourism, Travel, Allied Sector Professionals for Mandated Registration

NIHOTOUR Calls on Hospitality, Tourism, Travel, Allied Sector Professionals for Mandated Registration

 

The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), the regulatory and standardization authority in the sector, has invited professionals in the hospitality, tourism,travel and allied sectors to register as mandated by the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (Establishment) Act 2022.

A statement signed by Aare (Dr.) Abisoye Fagade, FIMC, Director-General/CEO
The National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism reads:

“Enjoy FREE registration from December 1, 2024, to January 15, 2025! This is your chance to register as a professional or practitioner at no cost.

“Don’t miss this opportunity to solidify your presence in Nigeria’s thriving tourism industry. Visit www.nihotour.gov.ng now!

“Hurry—free registration closes on January 15, 2025. Take the first step toward advancing your career in tourism today!”

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending