NNPC’s responsibility to pay revenues into Federation Account is not a discretion– PDP governors

Abuja-  The PDP Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF) said the duty and responsibility of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to pay revenues into the Federation Account is an imposition of law, not a matter of discretion by the corporation.

The Direction General of the Forum, Hon C.I.D. Maduabum, made the observation in a statement he issued on Thursday in Abuja.

Maduabum said that the constitutional provisions on Public Revenue was clear as stated in Section 162. (1) of the Constitution.

He said that the section states that the Federation shall maintain a special account to be called “the Federation Account” into which shall be paid all revenues collected by the Government of the Federation.

He added that this was in exception of the proceeds from the personal income tax of the personnel of the Armed Forces of the Federation, the Nigeria Police Force, the Ministry or Department of Government charged with responsibility for Foreign Affairs and the residents of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

“S.162(1), defines Revenue thus: “For the purpose of subsection (1) of this section, “revenue” means any income or return accruing to or derived by the Government of the Federation from any source and includes:

“(a) any receipt, however described, arising from the operation of any law;

“(b) any return, however described, arising from or in respect of any property held by the Government of the Federation;

“© any return by way of interest on loans and dividends in respect of shares or interest held by the Government of the Federation in any company or statutory body.”

Maduabum said it was a demonstration of impunity and abuse of law for NNPC to continue to disregard the mandatory constitutional provisions above.

He added that the NNPC and other revenue generating agencies of the Federal Government have the mandatory obligations to pay into the Federation Account all its revenue after deducting legitimate cost of operations.

“ Fuel subsidy or other profligate expenditures are not part of the cost of production.

“When NNPC makes its contributions to the Federation Account, the Federal Governments share in the Federation Account can be spent by it in a manner it desires.

“NNPC cannot spend money belonging to the other tiers of government for them.

“This is the way the Constitution is designed by its authors,” adding that it cannot be changed at pleasure.

Maduabum said that the states and local governments in Nigeria bear the brunt of education, health care, water, food production, infrastructure such as roads, and increasingly the security of lives and property among others.

He said that states and local governments share of the Federation Account did not belong to governors, certainly not to PDP governors.

He added that the case made by the PDP governors communique concerns all the states and local governments in Nigeria, not only PDP.

He also explained why the PDP governors called on the CBN to strengthen the value of Niara.

He said that the implication of the fall of the Naira for cost of goods and services, including the price of food and basic needs of Nigerians is becoming unbearable for the average Nigerian.

Maduabum added that it had affected value of the recent minimum wage increases.

On the issue of mining, he said that the PDP Governors were merely asking for better coordination with state governments who administer the land under the Land Use Act.

Maduabum said the forum was surprised on the statement  by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to President, Alhaji Garba Shehu on the patriotic issues of state raised by the PDP-GF in its Communique after Monday meeting in Uyo, Akwa-lbom State.

“The PDP Governors’ forum communique in Uyo was patriotic, well thought out and offered solutions to the miriad of problems facing the nation,” advising the Federal Government to accept it

Hon. Duro Meseko sets to bury mother in grandstyle, constitutes burial planning committee.

Friends, political associates, kinsmen and colleagues of former member representing Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu Federal constituency in the 5th National Assembly, Hon Durosinmi Meseko have announced a 30 man burial planning committee to give the matriarch of the Mesekos, Mama Felicia Meseko a befitting and heroic farewell celebration. This was contained in a list made available to the press by the Secretary of the Central Planning Committee, Omoluabi Bode Adeyemi.

Omoluabi says the people of Okun and friends of Hon Durosinmi Meseko are united to celebrate one of theirs as he gives his late mother a befitting occasion, saying that Mama Felicia Meseko deserves all the efforts given her motherly role to many whose paths crossed hers, as a Nurse, Church leader and community leader of note. He says mama represented a rare specie of her generation, an epitome of motherhood and quintessential community leader.

Omoluabi says apart from what mama Meseko represent, he says Hon Durosinmi Meseko is one politician and media guru who has paid his dues to friends and associates who deserves all the support, encouragement and love, hence the reason why all young people in Kogi have united to support the proud son of the deseaced.

The list of the committee members are as following:

1. Publicity Committee 

1. Hon Kingsley Fanwo- Chairman 

2. Omoluabi Bode Adeyemi- Member 

3. Chief Femi Olugbemi- Member 

4. Hon Segun Abereoran- Member 

5. Engr. Mosele Joe Member

6. Hon Mathew Ajigi- Member 

7. Comrade Obanibi Michael- Member 

8. Comrade Kehinde Alamoh- Member 

9. Mr. Ralph Omololu Agbana- Member 

10. Hon Austin Alaba Medaiyedu- Member 

11. Hon Towoenifini Mosiko- Secretary

12. Chairman, Kogi West Forum of LGA Cordinators, National Youth Council of Nigeria

2. Entertainment Committee.

1. Yeye Omoleye Aiyelabowo- Chairperson

2. Hon Juwon Olorunnipa- Secretary 

3. Hon Adesoye Ismaila- Member 

4. Hon Emmanuel Orebiyi- Member 

5. Hon Segun Abereoran- Member 

6. Hon Sunday Paul- Member 

7. Hon Rowland Theophilus- Member 

8. Mr Tunde Akanmidu- Member 

9. National President, National Association of Okun Students- Member

3. EVENT

1. Otunba Kingsley Mokikan Chairman 

2. Comrade Joe Mesele

3. Ajayi Tolufashe

4. Hon Ariyo Kemuno

5. Jubal Dati

6. Hon Friday Nayo

7. Hon Gbenga Olorunnipa 

8. Hon Jambrite Sumonu

9. Hon Toyin Afusat Yinusa Secretary 

4. ACCOMMODATION 

1. Mr. Kayode Alabi- Chairman 

2. Bldr Braithwaite Segun Olorunpomi- Member 

3. Mr. Wale Aledare- Member 

4. Comrade Inumotole Babatunde- Member 

5. Mr. Tosin Oluyoko- Member 

6. Mr Segun Olorunnipa- Member 

7. Chief Fred Aiyenale- Member 

8. Miss Okun, 2021

9. Miss Tope Olusanmi- Secretary

2023: Tinubu’s ambition easier to sell to Nigerians ― Ewi of Ado-Ekiti

By ‘Yomi Ayeleso | Ado-EkitiO

The Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe has said the reported 2023 presidential ambition of former Lagos State governor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu would be easier to sell to Nigerians considering his lofty antecedents.

The traditional ruler who spoke on Tuesday while playing host to members of the South West Agenda (SWAGA 2023) led by Senator Dayo Adeyeye, who were in the state to launch the group, said the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has paid his dues in the political circle in the country, describing him as a “good person, tested and seasoned administrator.”

Oba Adejugbe while revealing that Tinubu is a nationalist individual who is generally accepted across the country, advised members of the group to go about the project with a sense of responsibility in a bid to ensure that the Southwest does not miss out in 2023.

He said, “Let me welcome you to my palace and I want to say that the product you have brought here today is a good one that will easier to see to Nigerians. Tinubu is a well-known Yoruba son and respected across the country. He is a tested and seasoned administrator.

“I want to say that we want peace in Yoruba land and you should know that others we want to contest in 2023 but the most important thing I will tell you is that, Yoruba must not miss the opportunity in 2023. Members of the group should endeavor to plan well ahead of this project.”

Speaking, Adeyeye, a former minister of works and chairman of SWAGA, said Tinubu remained the best and the right man to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023 based on his experience and political networks in the country.

He added that the APC leaders must respect the zoning of presidency to the South in 2023, as a mark of respect for the silent agreement within the party at inception in 2014.

According to him, the former Lagos State governor has contributed in no small measure to the development of the country and Ekiti State, saying, “Tinubu has helped a lot of people in this country, including Ekiti State and if the present government of Dr Kayode Fayemi is sincere and grateful, they will know Tinubu contributed to how they got to the office.”

Adeyeye who launched the group at the event in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital said, “If the ticket comes to the South, the fact that the Southwest had produced the president before won’t prevent the Yoruba race from getting the APC ticket.

“You could all remember that the late President Umaru Yar’Adua was from Katsina State and when the ticket went back to the North in 2015, they picked President Muhammadu Buhari from Katsina, they didn’t say his state has produced president before.

“What we need in Nigeria is someone like Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who knows everybody. Someone who has planted and nurtured people across all the zones. Someone, who believes in making stars to unite Nigeria.”

Also, a former Senator representing Ekiti South Senatorial District and chairman of the group in the state, Senator Tony Adeniyi, alleged that members of SWAGA in Ekiti were being harassed and intimidated by APC members loyal to Governor Fayemi , saying the embarrassment must stop in the interest of APC.

“Before SWAGA was formed, we had ‘Tokan Tokan’ and original ‘JKF’, which are outfits loyal to Governor Fayemi. 

“Is it an offence to associate with one of the foremost Nigerians like Tinubu? We are being treated here in Ekiti like orphans in the Sahara desert. We are being intimated and harassed by people who had contributed nothing to APC.” 

On his part, a former senator that represented Oyo South, Senator Adesoji Akanbi commended residents of the state for identifying with the project, noting that everything possible would be done to ensure the success of Tinubu in 2023

HON. LEKE ABEJIDE'S TWO YEARS IN OFFICE; A PERFORMANCE THAT EQUATES TO EXCELLENCE.

 

The two years of stewardship of Honourable Leke Abejide as Member House of Representatives Yagba Federal Constituency and Chairman Custom and Excise have been glaringly very impactful with his Excellent achievements in the last two years that have brought about unique service to humanity and the good people he represents. 

With his achievements so far, increasing the bar of Representation and setting a record of his constant preached, practised and promoted the ideology of what he calls "Politics of Progressive Mind". A major reason that makes him accepted by all within and across the Federal Constituency irrespective of sectional and political interests. 

FEW OF HIS IMPACTFUL ACTIVITIES. 

Hon. Leke Abejide during his first year was the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Customs & Excise Duties and was later confirmed, as the Chairman of the Committee. Due to his excellent relationship with other progressive minds and great contributions to issues at the National Assembly despite been a first-timer.

He is an active speaker on the floor of the House who has brought about several Motions and currently amending the Customs and Excise Management Act, an act that would promote, improve and enhance the critical importance of that sector of the economy in line with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 

Through his leadership, the committee has achieved so much for the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), oversight functions, Public hearing and other Legislative engagements that demand a check and balance between the executive and legislature. Helping to promote, develop and grow the critical sector for the benefit of the Nigerian Masses. 

Hon. Leke in the last two years has invested greatly in promoting agriculture in his constituency, through the provision of sesame seeds to farmers, with his love for agriculture also prompting him to provide maize seed in large quantities to farmers to boost food and quench scarcity during the previous planting seasons. Aside from the continuous upgrade of rural roads leading to our local communities that allow for easy transport of Farm products to our farms to ease the process of Farming.

The lawmaker revitalized education in Yagba Federal Constituency, through payment of WAEC fees before his emergence as a member House of Representatives continuing in the limelight of shoving responsibilities from parents by paying WAAC fees for all students in SS3 across Yagba for both private and public schools with administrative charges. This is one out of many projects he has embarked on in the last two years and will last throughout his tenure of office (Truth be told only a serious-minded Politician can think of this and keep to the promise) 

Going further to launch modern school tables and chairs for school children across Yagba, the school tables and chairs were provided to 22 Primary and Secondary school in Yagba to provide a conducive learning environment for students. With School renovation projects and building of new classrooms for schools in Yagba and continued distributions of Educational materials, Notebooks, Textbook, through his strategy to inspire Back to School Policy for students.

In two years of Hon. Leke Abejide's Politics of Progressive mind have touched many communities across Yagba. With them receiving the swift attention of Hon. Leke through the provision of transformers, (step up and step down) with improved Electricity, Power projects, Installation of street lights, Provision of motorized boreholes across the three local governments and ensuring that many other places will benefit from the rural development projects. 

The Honourable member also launched an initiative in the health sector before his election and continued in the good limelight he believes health is wealth and the continuous provision of drugs for pregnant women and children under the ages of five years(5). Promising that all will benefit from his representation irrespective of political party or affiliations they belong.

Hon. Leke Abejide as well launched a Multi-Million Naira intervention through the provision of facilities to Five General Hospitals across the constituency.  The facilities were aimed at making better the health sector and provision of standard health care for the people with several hospital bills paid for from his private purse for some constituents.

While he continued with his impacting activities on the road network in Yagba has gained extra attention and has continued to gain more momentum fulfilled his promises of not forgetting rural roads during the campaign. The rural road palliative was embarked on and many other roads featured in the 2021 budget, Omu-wó-Igbagun road is 80% completed and many others have passed the assessment stage. Thanks to the selfless and proactive representative. 

Hon. Leke launched the distribution Grinding machines, Sewing machine, Motorcycles and Keke-nappies.  Over 6,500 widows were given food items and clothing materials to make them feel loved and enjoy the dividends of democracy with a special program for widows to take care of their well being. Women from the three local government also received support to strengthen their businesses facilitated through the office of Hon. Leke Abejide. 

He has so far appointed aides across the local governments to help him function well and reach out to people at the grassroots, he has empowered more than 120 men and women within two years by paying them monthly from his allowances to allow his people to enjoy his representation more. 

He is not just making his constituent comfortable he is concerned about the security and welfare of the people but a top priority to him. He often visits the Nigeria Police Force offices across Yagba and has severally visited the IGP to tighten up the security architecture of Yagba. Through his office, men of the NPF were deployed to improve the security of lives and properties across Yagba. 

HON. ABEJIDE'S PRIMARY FUNCTIONS AS A REPRESENTATIVE.

Hon. Leke Abejide has so far been able to restore dignity and development to the people bringing politics of advancement to the doorstep of everyone in Yagba and also letting them know that we can all shine through the better route to development. He has actively performed his primary duty as a legislator without any distraction, by sponsoring people-oriented motions and being more impactful by contributing to many national related issues in the best interest of the people. Indeed Hon. Leke is the best among the rest. 

WHAT TO EXPECT MORE FROM HON. LEKE ABEJIDE

 Massive youth and women empowerment programs.

 Construction of many boreholes, donation of transformers and installation of solar street lights around many areas of Yagba. 

 Facilitated Construction and Completion of Federal roads, palliative of roads linking to communities. 

 Building of skill acquisition Center’s in Yagba for empowerment and acquisition of skills. 

 Building and renovation of School structures with Continuous intervention in Education and standardization of schools and learning centres. 

 Hon. Leke has facilitated many employments and will do a lot more to see youths getting employed gainfully in Agricultural, Health and other critical sectors of Nigeria's

 Federal sectors. 

 There will be massive empowerment this year that will as usual cut across the local governments that will encompass Men, Women and Youths. 

 More women empowerment programs and money for small scale businesses to thrive and entrepreneurs’ ideas for youths to succeed in business. In addition to Academic, Moral and Financial support through his Leke Abejide Foundation. 

 Hon. Leke Abejide is always dedicated to the overall development agenda that uplifts the interest of the people.

THOSE WHO WANT TO DESTROY THIS COUNTRY HAVE SHOCK COMING THEIR WAY, SAYS PRESIDENT BUHARI

President Muhammadu Buhari  Tuesday issued a stern warning to those bent on destroying the country through promoting insurrection, and burning down critical national assets: a rude shock awaits them, and very soon too.

The President spoke after he received briefing from Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu, on series of attacks on facilities of the electoral body round the country.

“I receive daily security reports on the attacks, and it is very clear that those behind them want this administration to fail,” President Buhari said. “Insecurity in Nigeria is now mentioned all over the world. All the people who want power, whoever they are, you wonder what they really want. Whoever wants the destruction of the system will soon have the shock of their lives. We’ve given them enough time.”

President Buhari recalled that he visited all the 36 states of the country before the 2019 election, “and majority of the people believed me, and the election proved it.” He promised to continue leading the country in accordance with Constitutional provisions.

He said those misbehaving in certain parts of the country were obviously too young to know the travails and loss of lives that attended the Nigerian Civil War. “Those of us in the fields for 30 months, who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand. We are going to be very hard sooner than later.”

 The President said the Service Chiefs and the Inspector General of Police have been changed, “and we will demand security from them.”

On the dangers posed to future elections by the burning of INEC facilities, President Buhari said he would give the electoral commission all it needed to operate, “so that no one would say we don’t want to go, or that we want a third term. There will be no excuse for failure. We’ll meet all INEC’s demands.”

In his briefing, Prof Yakubu said that so far, there have been 42 cases of attacks on INEC offices nationwide, since the last General Election.

“The 42 incidents so far occurred in 14 states of the Federation for a variety of reasons….Most of the attacks happened in the last seven months, and they are unrelated to protest against previous elections. From the pattern and frequency of the most recent attacks, they appear to be targeted at future elections. The intention is to incapacitate the Commission, undermine the nation’s democracy and precipitate a national crisis,” Prof Yakubu said.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media and Publicity)

June 1, 2021