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KWASU Dissociates Self From Its Local ASUU’s Views During NLC Solidarity Rally
KWASU Dissociates Self From Its Local ASUU’s Views During NLC Solidarity Rally
The Management of the Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete has dissociated itself from the banner displayed by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), KWASU Branch during the solidarity rally by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) held Ilorin on Tuesday, (July 26, 2022).
In a statement signed by the Registrar of the institution, Dr (Mrs) Wasilat Sallee and made available to newsmen in Ilorin, the KWASU management called on the public to disregard the views expressed in the banner, saying in a vehement term that the views do not represent the views of the Management.
“The views expressed in the banner do not represent the views of KWASU Management and should be disregarded.
“The University, since inception, has enjoyed the support and goodwill of its proprietor, the Kwara State Government. The University has many capital projects undertaken by the Government. Recently, the Government under the able leadership of Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq committed huge funds to the completion of the Osi and Ilesa Baruba campuses of the University. The University has also been assured of intervention funds once the dwindling finances of the Government improve.
“The University appreciates all these gestures of the Kwara State Government and will continue to support the efforts of the Government in positioning the University for local and international competitiveness” the statement added.
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Kwara Gov visits Alanamu over burnt market, commiserates with Balogun, victims
Kwara Gov visits Alanamu over burnt market, commiserates with Balogun, victims
•State Fire Service responded in good time: Balogun
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Monday visited the palace of Balogun Alanamu of Ilorin Dr Usman Abubakar Jos to commiserate with the community over the fire incident that affected parts of the Alanamu market late last night.
AbdulRazaq said the government will offer some support to the victims within its resources.
The Governor, meanwhile, has also sympathised with the Balogun Alanamu over the demise on Sunday night of two of his subjects — Alhaji Sa’adudeen Alagola (Malimu) and his wife Hajia Saadah Iyabo (Iya Koko).
AbdulRazaq said he was also proud of the swift response of the State Fire Service to bring the inferno under control, adding that the State Emergency Management Agency has also visited the area to ascertain the level of damage.
“We have come to sympathise with the Balogun Alanamu and victims of the fire disaster. We also commiserate with the Balogun on the death of two of his people, both of which occurred last night,” he said.
The inferno was said to have occured at midnight, destroying many shops and properties worth million of naira.
“It was a great loss of property and livelihood, though we thank God that no life was lost to the inferno. We were able to respond quickly. Officials of the State Fire Service were here on time to control it, though we regret what had been destroyed before they came. The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has also come for enumeration. We will ensure that the government provides relief packages for victims to bounce back,” the Governor said.
Balogun Alanamu, who conducted the Governor round the 15 shops that were razed, appreciated AbdulRazaq for his swift response to the unfortunate incident.
He commended the passion of the administration for the welfare of the people of Alanamu and its environs.
The Balogun also applauded the government for adequately providing for the operational needs of the State Fire Service, without which he said the fire could have wreaked greater damage.
“We thank Your Excellency for your prompt response to our plight. It shows that our community has capable representatives in your team,” he said.
“The market is made of about 90 shops and as we all know fire travels fast. It could have gutted more than the 15 shops that were affected. We were lucky to see the officials of the State Fire Service who quickly brought it under control.”
He also prayed to Allah to grant the Governor a successful tenure and a successful re-election bid next year.
Rafiu Ajakaye
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
July 25, 2022
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Birds of the same feather flucks together – Comrade Abdulazeez
PDP refused to honour the demise of Sen. Ibrahim Rafiu. – Comrade Abdulazeez
Instead of given the respect and peacefully mourning the demise of Sen. Rafiu Ibrahim who serves as one of the key stakeholders in Kwara State, the members of the relegated party so to say chooses lame politics over emotions by chasing the shadow of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq having comparing him to Yahaya Bello. It’s laughable.
Less than a week that the entire State is mourning the demise of Sen. Rafiu Ibrahim, Kwara PDP kick starts their usual devilish politics game and this means nothing rather than lack of emotions, human feelings and sympathy.
PDP behaviours makes me remember of the popular Yoruba adage which says “Ti ao ba Rio mon ao pe elo Miran”
Their devilish politics is very disheartening and uncalled for. May the Soul of Sen. Rafiu Ibrahim Adebayo Continue to rest In peace and I pray Almighty Allah blesses all that he left behind… Aamin.
Birds of the same feather flucks together as they do say and this makes it make sense having to bond together the scenario of Yahaya Bello of Kogi State following the footsteps of Dr. Bukola Saraki which is the former Senate President of Nigeria.
As far back as 2012, immediately after Dr. Bukola Saraki finished his Tenure and handover to Alhaji. Abdulfatai Maigida same as how Yahaya handover to Usman Ododo, Dr. Saraki was invited by the EFCC but refused to show up on several occasions which left the body no other choice than to declare him “wanted” by the Police for the misappropriation and mismanagement of Kwara State Funds.
Till today Saraki is still facing countless of corruption cases.
As at May, 2019. after the “O To Ge” struggle in Kwara State, EFCC reinvited Saraki to show up for the corruption cases which the body tagged “Don’t be afraid if you have nothing hide” . This resulted to the reason Saraki started running helter Skelter in other to jump the EFCC invitation and carpet all the allegations he was been invited for.
Fastforward to 2021, EFCC got the grip and grilled Saraki for embezzlement and money laundering before he got released on bail. And till today, Saraki corruption cases is still pending and definitely it will be reviewed.
So, mocking Yahaya Bello or Usman Ododo by PDP is like mocking Saraki who serves as the ” GCFR in terms of embezzlement “.
The best comparison with Yahaya Bello in Kwara State here is Saraki due to his antecedents on facing series of corruption cases.
Even while Saraki still serving as Senate President of Nigeria, He was accused of corruption…” Old habits never dies”.
Democracy is the government of the people, by the people and for the people. You can relay this to the above paragraphs.
Comrade AbdulAbdulazeez write from Ilorin West
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Gov AbdulRazaq receives report on establishment of Kwara University of Education
Gov AbdulRazaq receives report on establishment of Kwara University of Education
- Gov’s zeal for Kwara education truly commendable: Prof Oba AbdulRaheem
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has received a three-pronged report from the Prof. Shuaib Oba Abdulraheem-led Planning and Implementation Committee for the Establishment of Kwara State University of Education.
The report included an academic brief; a draft (establishment) bill; and the proposed masterplan for the university.
Receiving the documents at the Government House Ilorin, AbdulRazaq said the government will take prompt action on the report for quick takeoff of the university, including forwarding the bill to the House within reasonable time.
“We will look at the academic brief and the masterplan for the proposed university of education as well,” he said.
The Governor said the government will weigh all the factors stated in the report for the location of the varsity for efficiency and overall success of the project for the maximum benefits of all.
“I must say that no part of Kwara State is undeserving of the location of the university,” he added.
“I was in the TETFUND office in Abuja last month, and they assured me of support for the smooth take-off of the university of education. So, we will move quickly to ensure that this is done.”
AbdulRazaq said the administration has not increased tuition fees across its tertiary institutions since it came in 2019 despite the rate of inflation in the country.
He added: “On the issues of fees and so on, we shall cross the bridge when we get there because the issues of fees are challenging. If you look at what private and some public universities are charging against what we charge for tuition, you will see that there is a huge gap there. Since this administration came into being, we have not increased tuition fees. If you look at the rate of inflation, you will realise that we are actually discounting fees while that of private institutions is rising. It is part of our responsibility to make sure that we keep the space open for qualified students to seek fairly competitive paths to a great future.
“Once again, let me thank you for the yeoman job you have done by bringing your experience in the academia to bear.”
Other members of the committee are Deacon Pastor Afolayan J. Babatunde (Secretary); Professor (Mrs) Medinat Salman; Professor Sidikat Adeyemi; Professor Umar Gunu; Engineer Sa’ad Belgore; Mrs. Mulikat Lawal; Femi Aina; former Special Adviser on Special Duties Alhaji Abubakar Abdul-Razaq Jiddah; and a representative each of the Ministries of Housing and Urban Development and Justice.
Prof Abdulraheem, for his part, acknowledged the commitment and understanding that Governor AbdulRazaq attaches to Kwara education as displayed in the course of carrying out the committee’s assignment.
“I am pleased to report that the journey has been tough but very exciting indeed and productive. Your Excellency, the establishment of the University of Education is a favourite pet project in your mind for quite some time, and I know your commitment and the worth you attached to education in Kwara State,” he said.
“It is with that zeal and understanding that I and my colleagues worked to produce this status report before you today.
“Your Excellency, the task you assigned to us has very many exciting angles to it — human and material. I must thank you very much and appreciate your very prompt attention to the issue of logistics for the committee, without which we couldn’t have moved as fast as we did.”
The former Vice Chancellor of University of Ilorin said the three documents presented would hasten the establishment of the university of education.
“We had the tasks of producing three key documents — academic brief, which is going to be the intellectual instrument on which the functioning of the proposed university will be defined. There is also a draft bill for the establishment of the Kwara State University of Education, and the third is the Masterplan.
“I am pleased to report to Your Excellency that the academic brief is second to none, and it is very ready. The draft bill is also ready and to be processed to the House of Assembly. The third is the Masterplan. That, we have not been able to conclude, but we have been able to scratch the ground. This is because when you are on the field, you can do nothing but scratch the ground. That will only be made possible when a decision has been taken about the location of the university.
“We have taken our time to visit potential candidates in terms of location for the university project. We visited the facilities and staff of the Colleges of Education Ilorin, Lafiagi, and Oro. We have also taken time to consult stakeholders, apart from advertising in national newspapers and social media. We also invited input from members of the public to harness and harvest their opinions about the prospects of the university.
“The preponderance of the result which we got are more political than academic. Everybody wants the university to be located within their own environment. That doesn’t excite me because that is a burden on the government, not mine.
“I was expecting to be assisted on the academic and intellectual content on what the university is going to be. But I was assisted by a very hardworking team, and we have produced an academic brief.”
The top academic said he was optimistic that the university would be established and run seamlessly with the documents presented and abundance of human resources across the state.
“The three documents to be presented to the NUC are here, and I must say you have been wonderful in your support. I had the opportunity in the past to lead the establishment of the Kwara State University, Malete, and that took me two years. This one is likely to take us less than one year,” he said.
“Your Excellency, once we present to you our final report, you can apply for recognition from the NUC because once the law is passed, you already established the Kwara State University of Education; you are not seeking a permission to do it. You are only asking NUC for recognition, which is different from what is done to private universities.
“The only other decision to be taken is to determine the location of the university. There are many factors to determine the location of the university, and those factors are better considered by Your Excellency. You will consider factors of the economy as it is today whether it is economical to open a university in a virgin land with all the costs. If Kwara State has the resources, that will be wonderful. It also depends on the issue of security in the country. You can also consider the cost of municipal services such as light, water, road infrastructure, etc. These are things that would contribute to the easy start-up of the university for the foundational students. They must not be exposed to any hardship.
“We must as a government assist by deciding the location of the university where life will be really conducive for excellent intellectual growth.”
Rafiu Ajakaye,
Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor,
April 19, 2024 -
World School Debate: Fruits of Governor AbdulRazaq’s Huge Investment In Education Doing The Talk – Fafoluyi Olayinka M. Solace
World School Debate: Fruits of Governor AbdulRazaq’s Huge Investment In Education Doing The Talk
By: Olayinka Fafoluyi
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s huge investments in education are bearing fruits, as seen in the performance of Kwara State students’ recent representation at the prestigious World School Debate in Singapore. This is the second time Kwara students have participated in this international event, the first being in 2022.
In addition to their achievements on the global stage, Kwara students have demonstrated excellence closer to home, securing victories at the 61st and 63rd editions of the national presidential debate in 2021 and 2023, respectively. These accomplishments, under the governance of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, highlight his administration’s commitment to education—a stark contrast to previous governments, which mismanaged funds intended for improvement of education in the state.
While the opposition party, the PDP, remains noticeably silent on this achievement, it’s clear that the Governor’s initiatives are transforming education in Kwara. Historically, the PDP has been criticised for mismanaging funds intended for educational development, particularly the UBEC (Universal Basic Education Commission) intervention funds. This mismanagement had previously resulted in Kwara being blacklisted by UBEC, hindering educational progress.
Since taking office, Governor AbdulRazaq has redirected these funds to effectively improve the quality of education in the state. His administration has rehabilitated over 600 schools that were in disrepair and hired over 5,000 qualified teachers, focusing on merit rather than political affiliations.
The education initiative, KwaraLearn, which provides teachers with tablets loaded with standardized curriculums, is another example of how technology is being leveraged to enhance learning across the state.
Governor AbdulRazaq’s commitment to education has improved schooling and prepared Kwara students to compete and succeed on international stages, such as the World School Debate. His efforts were acknowledged in a 2022 report by Vanguard, which cited both the House of Representatives and the Universal Basic Education Commission praising Kwara’s effective use of UBEC funds.
The impact of these educational reforms in Kwara is a promising sign for the state’s future. They set a standard for governance that focuses on genuine development rather than political gain. His proactive approach in paying off the billions of UBEC funds diverted by the previous administration, investing in schools rehabilitation, merit based teachers recruitment, introduction of KwaraLEARN, retraining of teachers and prompt payment of salaries is a turnaround from past practices. These steps have restored faith in the state’s education system and set a new standard for academic achievement and governance in Kwara State.
Olayinka Fafoluyi is the Senior Special Assistant, New Media to the Kwara State Governor.
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Another Setback for Kwara PDP as the serving Ward Chairman and others member dumped the party for APC, a week after leads the ward meeting.
Another Setback for Kwara PDP as the current Ward Chairman and others member dumped the party for APC, a week after leads the ward meeting.
Adewole APC Executives receives Adewole Ward PDP Chair as he joins All Progressive Congress, APC.
The Ward Chairman of APC Adewole, Mallam Sulyman Nuhu Alfa Amunutuka has received the PDP chairman in Adewole into the progressive party, APC.
The PDP Chairman, Hon. Dahud Lawal Olushola made the declaration during the meeting with the Adewole APC Executives, stakeholders, party’s elders and members of the All Progressive Party, APC on Sunday, having convinced with the numerous achievements of the Executive Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq so far in the state. Ranging from the settlement of the workers arrears owed by the past PDP government in the state, the bringing back to life of the state pensioners, Health and Educational sector and many more.
He further stressed that, politics is not a religion that one should take as do or die matter as he received so many untrue publications following his decision to leave their party, PDP.
He maintained that, his decision to join the progressive fold is neither under duress or undue influence and fully ready to work for the progress of the party and success of our illustrious son, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
Ultimately, the defector was warmly welcomed and received by the Adewole APC executives, stakeholders, elders and all members in attendance. Speakers in this joyous meeting were the APC stalwart Alh. Amuda Olugbon (Stakeholder), Comr. AbdulMajeed Wahab Temidire (Aburo Gomina), Mallam Ibrahim Idowu Abdulrasaq (S.A to Minister), Mallam Asimi (Elders chairman), women leader, Mrs. Muibat Gadafi, Youth leader, Mallam Mashood Salman and others while Hon. Dahud Lawal (defector) gave final thanksgiving and beseeched Almighty Allah to continue his maximum guidance and protection upon our illustrious and exceptional leader Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
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20,065 Hectares SmartCity Project: Governor AbdulRazaq Walking The Talk – Hon. Fafoluyi Olayinka M. Solace
20,065 Hectares SmartCity Project: Governor AbdulRazaq Walking The Talk
Olayinka Fafoluyi
During the 2024 Budget presentation to the Kwara State House of Assembly, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq CON announced the SmartCity project, an offshoot of the Ilorin City Master Plan modelled after Sustainable Development Goal 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
Building such cities requires foresight and long-term planning. Developing a master plan is crucial to sustainable development as it dictates the pattern of Infrastructural development, policymaking, and resource distribution.
This is only the second comprehensive urban planning blueprint to be developed since the inception of Kwara State in 1967. The 2022 Ilorin City Master Plan, serving as the foundation for the SmartCity project, is a strategic approach to urban development. The vision is to build a cityscape that harmonises infrastructural advancement with sustainable living.
The blueprint outlines essential services like transportation, utilities, waste management, and water and drainage systems. It also covers education, healthcare, climate change adaptation, and green spaces. All these are essential to balanced and equitable development.
The scale of this project is monumental. Spanning over 20,065 hectares, the SmartCity project will be a microcosm of a modern Kwara, featuring housing estates, state-of-the-art schools, advanced healthcare facilities, bustling markets, and robust public safety infrastructure, including police stations and fire services, among others. It also includes leisure and sports facilities like stadium and Phase II of the industrial park to bolster economic growth.
Governor AbdulRazaq’s vision for the SmartCity goes beyond physical infrastructure. It’s about building a resilient, adaptable, and vibrant future. It’s about creating a city that grows and evolves, not only houses its residents but enriches their lives.
In his endorsement, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of Kwara State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, commended the Governor for his visionary initiatives to build a modern Kwara.
The birth of the SmartCity project under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration is a bold step towards actualising a modern Kwara. This initiative will address current urban challenges and provide a resilient framework for the future, ensuring that the city of Ilorin and Kwara State at large continue thriving.
Indeed, Ijoba Mekunu is not ready to back down on initiatives reechoing the #IseNlo mantra.
Olayinka Fafoluyi ANIPR is Senior Special Assistant, New Media to the Kwara State Governor
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Gov AbdulRazaq not involved in trial of any cleric: CPS
Gov AbdulRazaq not involved in trial of any cleric: CPS
Members of the public are urged to disregard a fake story that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq is involved in the prosecution of a Muslim cleric Sheikh Abdulrazaq Solihudeen who had launched verbal attacks on Senator Suleiman Ajadi in a viral video.
The cleric, as seen in the video he made to condemn the Senator Ajadi committee, was opposed to the state government seeking accountability in how public properties were sold without proper remittances to the treasury or due process.
Neither the Governor nor the state government was aware of the video until it was shared on some online platforms on Sunday afternoon.
The Governor could not have sued on an issue he was not aware of, so the claims that he is behind the trial of the cleric are a piece of fake news. Those behind the story are the usual agents of disinformation who just wanted to cause disharmony in the state for political gains.
The Governor understands the burden of public office and the possibility of his being misunderstood, including the right of every citizen to hold or express contrary views within lawful boundaries. He remains focused in the discharge of his duties, and is confident that posterity will judge him fairly.
Similarly, the Governor concedes the right of any aggrieved citizen(s) to seek redress in lawful ways as no one is allowed to unfairly incite hatred against another person or resort to self-help under whatever guise.
Rafiu Ajakaye
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
April 8, 2024 -
Governor AbdulRazaq moves to facilitate more Multi-billion Naira road projects to Kwara
Governor AbdulRazaq moves to facilitate more multi-billion naira road projects to Kwara
Following an earlier discussion I had with Mr. President, today, in company of His Excellency the Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, I visited the Honourable Minister of Works H.E. Engr. David Umahi to make a strong pitch on behalf of our people for the dualisation of the Ilorin-Lokoja expressway via Omu Aran and Kabba.
I also appealed to the Honourable Minister for the immediate construction of two flyovers at Oko-Olowo Junction and Shao Junction, both on the Ilorin Jebba Expressway. This appeal became necessary to save lives at these important axes of the road. It is instructive that Hon. Ahmad Yinka Esho (Ilorin East/South Federal Constituency), who also joined our delegation, had raised a motion in the House of Representatives on these two critical junctions and a need for the Federal Government to urgently address the issue.
The Ohan Bridge in Moro; Share to Patigi Road; and Wawa, Kaiama, to Kishi Road also featured in our discussion with the Honourable Minister, and we truly appreciate the warm reception that His Excellency Umahi accorded us.
We look forward to beautiful outcomes from this important engagement, while commending the President for his commitments to equitable infrastructural and socioeconomic development in every part of our country.
AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq CON
Governor, Kwara State/Chairman Nigeria Governors’ Forum -
Senate suspends Ningi over ‘false budget padding claim’
Senate suspends Ningi over ‘false budget padding claim’
• Bauchi Central senator axed for three months
• Appropriation committee chair clears air on N3.7trMarch 13, 2024
The Senate yesterday wielded the big stick against Senator Abdul Ningi for making false budget padding claims.
At a stormy session, aired live on national television channels, Ningi (PDP – Bauchi Central), former chairman of the Northern Senators’ Forum (NSF), was suspended for three months by his angry colleagues through a voice vote.
Also, Senator Sumaila Kawu (NNPP – Kano South) was warned to desist from spreading false information capable of destabilising the Senate.
The “suspension” and “warning” followed the adoption of a motion on urgent national importance.
The motion was titled: “Urgent need to address the false allegations against the Senate and the Presidency on the 2024 Appropriation Act by Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central).”
It was sponsored by the Chairman of the Committee on Appropriation, Solomon Adeola (APC – Ogun West), and seconded by Joel Onowakpo Thomas (PDP – Delta South).
Ningi had alleged in his interview with the BBC Hausa Service that projects worth N3.7 trillion in the 2024 Budget were not traceable, to the consternation of the majority of senators.
Adeola said the padding claim was unfounded, stressing that the sectoral budgetary allocations were accompanied by projects.
Ningi, who immediately left the chamber following his suspension, also resigned his position as the NSF chairman in a letter to the secretary of the forum, Senator Sadiq Suleiman (APC – Kwara North).
“I would like to resign my position as the Chairman of the Northern Senators’ Forum.
“This is, of course, necessitated by unfolding events in the National Assembly, the North and the nation at large,” he wrote.
After the drama at the plenary, Senate President Godswill Akpabio was sighted at Aso Villa.
Also during the debate, Senator Jarigbe Jarigbe (PDP – Cross River North) made an allegation that some senators got N500 million as palliative.
He said: “All of us are culpable. Some so-called senior senators here got N500 million each from the 2024 Budget. I am a ranking senator. I didn’t get anything. No senator has a right to accuse Senator Ningi.”
But, the Chairman of the Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu (APC – Ekiti South), dismissed the claim as false.
He added, however, that Jarigbe later recanted, saying that he acted on hearsay.
Nothing like padding, says Adeola
Adeola, in his lead debate, said there was no N3.7 trillion provision in the budget without projects.
He said the amount being referred to by Ningi was meant for statutory transfers to organs of the Federal Government on first-line charge.
Adeola said: “There are some unfounded, ignorant and patently false statements credited to Distinguished Senator Abdul Ningi in some sections of the media that the 2024 Budget was padded to the tune of N3trillion and that the executive was implementing a different budget from what was passed by the National Assembly.
“While I do not want to believe that any senator that witnessed the rigorous scrutiny in limited time of the 2024 Appropriation Bill would make such unfounded and false statement of budget padding to the press without seeking necessary clarifications from relevant committees and authorities of the parliament, it is pertinent for me as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations to present the facts and dispel the spurious allegations and blatant misinformation contrived to distract and derail the effective implementation of the 2024 Appropriation Act for the good of Nigerians.
“For the records, the 2024 Appropriation Bill presented to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was N27.55trillion and the National Assembly eventually passed an Appropriation Bill of N28.77trillion, an increase of N1.2trillion.
“The increase, which was assented to by the President came from the upward adjustment of benchmark of exchange rate from N750 -$1 to N800-$1 and increase in the GOE’s (Government Owned Enterprises) revenue.
“This increase was allocated to some critical sectors based on requests from the executive and the judiciary.
“There was no way the 2024 Budget could have been padded by the phantom N3trillion of Senator Ningi and his consultants.
“The Northern Senators represented by Senator Ningi apparently gave wrong and incomplete information to their ‘consultants’ for them to arrive at a national budget of N25 trillion instead of the passed N28.77 trillion budget.
“If there were no ulterior motives by Senator Ningi and some aggrieved senators targeted at derailing the APC administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and creating bickering between the Executive and the Legislature, he would have sought for clarifications on the discrepancies noted by their consultants for more enlightenment on budgeting and parliamentary processes before rushing to the press with misinformation.
“It is now apparent that a ranking senator of Senator Ningi’s standing who should be conversant with the budgetary processes and nuances of the National Assembly, having served in both the House of Representatives and the Senate as a parliamentarian is completely ignorant of the process or is only being mischievously partisan against the administration of President Tinubu and the existing cordial and harmonious relationship between the executive and the legislature.
“For the records, the N25 trillion Senator Ningi and his ‘consultants’ presented as the budget (N25.45trillion approximately) being implemented by the Executive are the details of the budgets of all MDAs.
“It is unfortunate and regrettable that Senator Ningi and his consultants did not take into account that the budgets of some bodies are not captured in the details but in the summary of the Appropriation Act as passed.
“All appropriations for Statutory Transfers, GOEs and TETFUND are only in the summary of the Act and not in the details.
“The total sums of these appropriations captured in the summary and not in details as it is constitutional and in line with our budgetary process is N3.32 trillion.”
Adeola explained the breakdown of the N3.32trillion as follows: National Judicial Council – N341.6bn, National Assembly – N344.8bn, Public Complaints Commission – N14bn, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) – N40bn, Government-Owned Enterprises (Recurrent) – N1.059trn, Tetfund (Recurrent) – N35bn, Government-Owned Enterprises (Capital) N820.9bn and Tetfund (Capital) – N665bn.
He added: “A simple arithmetic by Senator Ningi and his ‘consultants’ of the MDAs’ details and the figures of Statutory Transfers, GOEs and TETFUND in the summary, would amount to exactly the figures of the 2024 Appropriation of N28.77 trillion.
“So, the Executive is implementing the 2024 Appropriation Act as passed by the National Assembly and not the ‘dual’ budgets that Senator Ningi is leading the Nigerian public to believe.
“From this false figure of the 2024 Budget as N25 trillion, it is not surprising that a false claim of ‘the Senate President inserting projects worth N4 trillion in the 2024 budget’ without location ‘was discreetly inserted’.
“This is false and the Northern Senators are challenged to name such projects worth N4trillion without location if any of such exist.
“It is also ridiculous for the Northern Senators to allege that the 2024 Budget was lopsided ‘against the North and some parts of the South’ in the story.
“It would have been helpful if evidence of such lopsidedness against the run of passing a national budget is provided.
“The National Assembly passed a national budget targeted at national development in tandem with the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework that was earlier passed by the parliament.
Read Also: Tinubu approves appointment of FCTA Head of Service, Perm Sec, others
“The budget as passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives, including the Northern Senators, is being implemented as passed and any claim to the contrary is in the imagination of those who want to create national division for some ulterior motives yet to be ascertained.”The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, moved the motion that Adeola’s motion be referred to the Committee of the Whole for deliberation.
The motion, which was seconded by the Minority Leader, Abba Moro, was approved by the Senate when the request was put to voice vote by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Other senators who contributed to the motion vented their anger.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC – Edo North) said: “We have been stripped naked in the market. The minimum requirement is for Ningi to remedy what he has done.
“Ningi has a duty even to his own children, not to be in front of television cameras saying what is wrong. Northern senators deserve to be told the truth.
“If all of these have taken place and we are now suspect, it is for both of them to recant and say it was a mistake. Each time we try to destroy one of us, we destroy all of us.”
Senator Sunday Karimi (APC – Kogi West) said: “What has been established here is that N3 trillion padding allegation is a lie. All information being passed around is from Senator Kawu and Ningi. That has been established.”
Senator Godiya Akwashiki (SDP – Nasarawa North) said: “I think, to some extent, we don’t need to waste time on this issue. Ningi is the chief actor.”
Akpabio said: “I think it is a straightforward matter. We have a role to be stabilisers of the Senate.”
On the core allegation of budget padding, he said: “Everybody is saying Akpabio, Akpabio, Akpabio. I don’t think anybody ever called Tajudeen Abass, Tajudeen Abass, Tajudeen Abass!”
The Minority Leader of the Senate, Abba Moro (PDP – Benue South), and his deputy, Senator Olalere Kamarudeen Oyewunmi (Osun West), dismissed Ningi’s claims that the leadership of the minority parties was imposed by the leadership of the Senate.
Moro and Oyewunmi said they were duly elected by their colleagues, who signed their signatures to make them leaders.
Senator Adamu Aliero (PDP – Kebbi Central), raising a constitutional order, pleaded that Ningi be given a fair hearing by allowing him to defend himself.
Ningi, in his defence, said 80 per cent of the translation of his interview with the BBC Hausa Service as read out on the floor was correct.
He also said that at no time did he say that the Senate passed N25 trillion as the 2024 budget or that the Executive is implementing two sets of budgets.
Ningi said the findings of the consultants were only known to him, adding that he did not share them with members of the NSF.
He, however, insisted that projects worth N3.7 trillion in the 2024 budget were not traceable according to findings by consultants he commissioned to scrutinise the budget.
He also alleged that he has five statutory aides like other senators, but cannot say how many aides the Senate President and his deputy, Barau Jibrin, had.
He also claimed that some senatorial districts were allocated over N100bn while his district has only N2 billion.
Akpabio said when Ningi met with him on the issue, he had demanded a copy of the report but was never given.
At this point, there was rowdiness in the chamber. Many senators were on their feet while others besieged the seat of the Senate President.
The Senate President stood up and invoked relevant rules of the Senate, which provide that all senators must take their seats and remain quiet when the Presiding Officer is on his feet to address the chamber.
He warned that he was also empowered to direct the Sergeant-At-Arms to walk out any unruly Senator.
At this point, the chamber became calm and the lawmakers resumed the debate.
I never criticised budget, says Kawu
Kawu said he did not author the message credited to him on the alleged operation of two budgets by the Executive and N3.7trillion padding.
He said he only posted it on the platform of the NSF for their information.
Kawu said after posting the message, Senator Aminu Tambawal and Deputy Senate President Barau called him and said he should not grant media interview on the matter. He said he kept to the advice.
Bamidele: It was a failed coup
Senate Leader Bamidele said for the first time, he intended to speak as senator representing Ekiti Central, and not as a principal officer.
He said the padding allegation against the Senate was a continuation of the Senate leadership struggle that started in June last year.
Bamidele said while Senators Ahmad Lawan and Tambuwal had declared that they have put the past behind them, some northern senators are bent on removing Akpabio before the 10th Senate attains one year in office in June.
He added that what Ningi planned to do was tantamount to a civilian coup, which has failed, using the platform of the NSF.
Bamidele said: “We must never accept any apology from Senator Ningi. It is ridiculous to do so. He lied deliberately against the Senate President. You’re occupying that seat 40 years after a Southsouth person occupied it.
“The last time a Southerner was there was during Obasanjo and they were changed every time. It was only stable when it returned to the North. David Mark spent eight years, Saraki completed his four years, and Lawan spent his four years.
“Don’t be deceived, the losers of the June 2023 Senate presidential election are still angry. Some have accepted, but a few haven’t. They have plotted to remove you before June 2024.
“That is why you must not allow this deliberate mischief by Ningi to go away. He did it on purpose. He knew he was lying. He set the public against you. He will do it again. We must apply our rules.”
Bamidele called for punitive measures against Ningi to serve as a deterrent to others.
Akpabio put the following prayers in Adeola’s motion to voice vote.
They are: “Pursuant to Order 1(b) of the Senate Standing Order 2023 (as Amended) allow immediate deliberation of this matter and take appropriate action deemed fit in the overriding public interest and as a matter of urgent public importance to prevent a break down of law and order;
“Take further necessary steps to correct the wrong impression in the public domain about the 2024 budget created by the BBC interview and other national media houses and social media platforms by Senator Abdul Ningi and amplified by Senator Suleiman Abdulrahman Kawu through his Facebook account and other social media platforms;
“Take any further decision as the Senate deems fit and proper to safeguard the integrity of the 2024 budget which is pivotal to the revamping of our economy.”
The prayers were approved by the Senate.
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (APC – Ondo South), moved that Ningi be suspended for 12 months, without benefits and entitlement and that the Senate should send a warning letter to Kawu to stop spreading fake news.
Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta South) supported the motion.
Senator Mohammed Monguno said the prayer should be amended so that the matter be referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics and Petitions for further deliberation in line with relevant rules of the Senate.
Akpabio said it was not possible since Ningi’s infraction did not take place inside the Senate.
Senator Asuquo Ekpenyoung said the suspension should be reduced to six months.
The suggestion was supported by Senator Mpigi Barinada (Rivers South East).
Senator Abdulfatai Buhari proposed a three-month suspension, with an opportunity for an apology.
Senator Garba Musa Maidoki (Kebbi South) proposed three months with a clause of recall the very next day after the written apology. It was backed by Senator Sani Musa.
Senators approved that Ningi be suspended for three months when the motion was put to a voice vote by the Senate President.
Implication of suspension, by Sani
In a tweet, former Kaduna South Senator Shehu Sani, explained the consequences of the three-month suspension slammed on Ningi.
Sani said: “Suspension in the Senate means a senator will not be allowed to attend the plenary and will be prohibited from attending committee meetings and participating in oversight functions.
“His salaries, allowances and all entitlements will be blocked; he will not have access to his office and he is expected not to be seen within the premises of the National Assembly until the suspension is lifted.”
According to him, he would have been suspended for making public the salaries and running costs of lawmakers, but the then Senate President (Dr. Bukola Saraki), who intervened.
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Gov. AbdulRazaq approves payment of Bursary, Scholarship Award for Kwara State Indigene Students in Tertiary Institutions
Gov. AbdulRazaq approves payment of Bursary, Scholarship Award for Kwara State Indigene Students in Tertiary Institutions
•Application portal opens on Monday
His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kwara State Malam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq CON has given approval for the payment of 2023/2024 Bursary and 2022/2023 Schorlaship Award to Kwara State indigenes in Tertiary Institutions owned by State and Federal Government.
REGISTRATION PROCEDURE:
- Kindly log on to https://scholarship.kw.gov.ng/
- Register your bio-data on the platform to obtain login details
- Use your login details with your password to fill the application form online
- Scan and upload the following documents online (mandatory).
•Passport photograph.
•Local Government Citizenship Certificate.
•Your last session results stamped and signed by the appropriate authority.
•Your Admission Letter.
•Your Institutional Valid I.D Card.
•Evidence of NAKSS due payment.REGISTRATION GUIDELINES:
- Click on Apply now, fill the form correctly
- Click the Verification Mail that would be sent to the provided Email for account Activation
- Use the Login page to login with your Email and Password
- Click on Complete Bursary Form link after successful Login to complete your registration
- Use the Uploads link to upload all necessary document
- Use the Bursary Record link to view Completed form and print out
ELIGIBILITY:
Only final year Students of Kwara State indigenes in Governments (State and Federal) owned Tertiary Institutions are eligible.
PERIOD OF APPLICATION:
All interested applicants are given Two (2) weeks from Monday, 11th March, 2024 to apply for this year’s Bursary and Scholarship Award.
Registration for this Bursary and Scholarship Award closes on Sunday, 24th March, 2024.
Signed:
Dr. Mary Ronke Arinde
Honourable Commissioner,
Kwara State Ministry of Tertiary Education. -
Kwara Gov felicitates Muslims at Ramadan
Kwara Gov felicitates Muslims at Ramadan
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq joins the Muslim community to welcome Ramadan, the ninth lunar month throughout which fast is prescribed for every healthy, adult Muslim.
The Governor thanks Allah and rejoices with the leader of the faithful in the state Emir of Ilorin Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari and the whole community on the dawn of the month.
He urges the faithful to make the best use of the special month to earn multiple rewards by extending good wishes to all, give more alms to the poor, increase support for one another in good deeds, and observe all the ethics of fasting, including more recitation of the Qur’an which was revealed in the same month.
The Governor appeals to the faithful to pray for the country and the human community for guidance, peace, ease, abundant and lawful provisions, and improved security of life and property.
He beseeches Allaah to accept the fast and grant every believer the rewards that come with the observance of Ramadan.
Rafiu Ajakaye
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
March 10, 2024
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KWARA NEWS UPDATE 