Uncategorized

When 469 Lawmakers Play The Ostrich Before 200 Million Nigerians

Published

2 years ago

August 19, 2024

By: A G Abubakar

“No matter how long it takes in coming, truth unveils the shame of falsehood, and the garment of shame is often covered by wild reactions.”
Above anecdote aptly depicts the actions of Nigerias National Assembly members.
Obasanjo said it. The mass media shouted it. Shehu Sani, a former senator from Kaduna State, confirmed it, and an incumbent Senator, Kawu Samaila from Kano, corroborated it, that, individual Nigerian legislator costs the nation an average of N19 million (N21 m for Senators and about N17 m for House of Rep members) in monthly perk, made up of around N1 million personal emoluments and the rest constituency office up keep/running costs. This translated into about N2 billion monthly expenditure on the 109 Senators and 360 Representatives in the Nigeria bicameral National Assembly (NASS).

The said monthly is aside the budgtery provisions for constituency / intervention projects which the legislators control “exclusively-indirectly.” Funds that run into hundreds of millions depending on individual legislators bargaining power in the National Assembly. As if that was not enough, others criminally go the extra mile to insert/pad “activities” into the budget, which they eventually access through ” ways and means.” These developments have literally turned legislators into mini parallel governments in their rights with self ascribed what could pass for executive functions.

A development that had turned the National Assembly into torch bearers of corruption and national shame bereft of conscience and sense of proportion, where twisted arguments and semantics are employed to hoodwink society. This is while taking such establishments as the Budget Office and RMAFC on the sordid ride, at the collective expense of a citizenry highly compromised and made vulnerable by years of bad governance.

Listen to the sheepish defence of the legislative heist by RMAFC fooling Nigerians in subtle reaction to Obasanjo, Sani and Kawu, by saying a senator collects “..N1,063,860 a month consisting of a basic salary of N168,866, vehicle fueling and maintenance of N126,650, P.A N42,216, domestic staff N126,650, entertainment N50,660, utilities N50,660, newspapers N25,330, wardrobe N42,216, house maintenance N8,443.33(?), and constituency allowance N422,166.”

Plus, non regular add-on like furniture, vehicle purchase, and severance as of when due. In the informed and naive opinion of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), that was what the nation spends on individual full time senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is simplistic as it is hypothetical. In the same vein, some legislators, while playing on people’s intelligence shamelessly pledged to give up 50% of their basic salary ( about N200k) as a mark of concern for the economic hardships Nigerians are going through!

There is an adage that says every society throws up a leadership it “deserves.” Simply put, the quality of a leader or a representative is a reflection of the larger society.

After four decades of corruptive leadership, precisely from the early 80s to date, the Nigerian citizenry has invariably been corrupted, too. And with it, loss of conscience and sense of proportion. Else, how can one explain the empathy deficits on the part of a typical legislator in Nigeria. Nigerian legislators in awarding themselves a monthly perk of an average of N19 million a month in an environment where the minimum wage was N30,000 until a few weeks ago!

A figure that many state governments are claiming inability to pay. Some actually pay less. Borno, Benue, Kogi, and a host of others are in this league. While the conditions of service of organisations such as the Research Institutes, River Basin Authorities, para military establishments like Correctional Services (Prisons), the VIO, and NCDC are yearning for improvements.

Pensioners have been worse off, as the value of the little pay that they access have been eroded by a phenomenon of galloping inflation at around 30%! Those outside the payroll system (farmers, traders, jobless individuals) could not produce or get hired because of insecurity, dearth of inputs/infrastructure, or opportunities. As a consequence, about 63% (some claim 80%) of Nigerians are estimated to be multidimensionally poor, living on less a dollar (N1,500) a day.

The parliament in Nigeria has become a liability, so observed by some well-meaning Nigerians. To the extent that some are calling for a change from the presidential system to a parliamentary one. Yet others suggest that members of the national assembly should function on a part-time basis, just to underscore their concern regarding the stench in the National Assembly. Surprisingly, successive governments seemed helpless in the face of the developments, as if jinxed.

May be the “moves” made by Obasanjo to fund and turn some elements into political tools sowed the seeds of the mess. Recall his self-serving reproachments with the leadership of the Assembly in the persons of Okadigbo, Enwerem, Salisu Buhari, Ghali Umar etc-“The Third Term debacle.”Add the “deals” that brought about the emergence of Jonathan as the president after the death of ‘Yar Adua, through the “doctrine of necessity.” There was also the politics of Buhari’s ill health at the commencement of his administration.

These and similar developments, like the deep-rooted systemic corruption within the Executive, may have defanged it when it comes to curbing the excesses in the assembly. They, instead, as a duo, now operate in partnership. Many of which are unholy. A case of quid pro quo. And the instances are legendary.

They include
a) series of external loans that total over $42 billion according to the Debt Management Office (DMO) report of 2024, with little impact, while leaving the nation with a debilitating debt overhang
b) government having free hand to ineffectually prosecute its seemingly interminable war against insecurity at mind-boggling costs (human and materials) in trillions of Naira and still count
c)allowing the government not to be accountable when it comes to addressing physical and social infrastructure such as power, health, education, etc, and to accord needed support to the productive sectors.
d) incurring multi-billion naira expenditure on renovations, furnishings of the presidential fleet (customised aircrafts and choice vehicles).

For, its acquiesce the Legislators could have free hands to;
a)fix/manipulate their entitlements which average N19 million per month, have SUVs of choice, and run “mini governments” in the “parlours” and “questional spaces” in the name of Constituency Offices.
b) get away with the brazen arm twisting and/or extortion of Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) to “play ball” under the cover of legislative oversight.
For illustration and to also underscore the scandal regarding a Nigerian senator’s monthly official “package” of N21 million (curtesy Obj, Sani & Kawu), the said amount would in rough magnitudes cover the following: a)over 600 students in boarding school being fed each at N3,000 per day for a month,
b) 140 retired federal directors on the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) for a month at N150,000 (average) after working for 35 years,
c)over 40 university professors,
d)35 medical consultants.
All this at a time when schools, universities, hospitals, etc, and the plight of people are calling for serious attention. The system definitely needs rejig.

With the above baggage, the democratic experiment in Nigeria has a questional future. Something needs to be done to save it. It’s going to be easy as the two legs of the tripod (the executive and the legislature) are in bed fornicating. The Judiary that should “knock the door” has been sent on errands or given money to go buy its own “bread.”

The arguments that sections of the legislature advance to the effect that they talk of “people’s needs including projects” are not tenable. As law makers, they make laws and oversight government activities and related national issues.The principles of separation of powers designates the executive arm of the government as programme implementor while members of the assembly serve as eyes and ears of people they represent. They failed to let their constituents know about this because the claim provides them alibi to promote their self-serving interests. For, they use the public funds to buy and/or sustain loyalty in Nigeria’s largely poverty-striken and ignorant societies.

Legislative activities should not be a substitute for government executive roles and functions. The people should be made aware that such is not in consonance with democratic practices. They should also learn to demand accountability from leaders in the light of their constitional roles. Enough of the confusions and corruptive tendencies. Governance should not be allowed to systematically keep breaking the citizens down. The nation deserves better.
A.G.Abubakar agbarewa@gmail.com

Uncategorized

Alao-Akala’s Widow Urges Full Implementation Of LG Autonomy

Published

1 hour ago

October 7, 2026

Our Reporter

Drums support for Tinubu, APC candidates

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

The Chairperson of the Akala Transformation Movement (ATM) and former First Lady of Oyo State, Chief (Mrs) Oluwakemi Alao-Akala, has called for the full implementation of local government autonomy, saying it will bring governance closer to Nigerians and accelerate development at the grassroots.

Alao-Akala made the call during an ATM outreach held at Equilibrium Resorts, Ojongbodu, Oyo West Local Government Area of Oyo State, where she also urged Nigerians, particularly women, to support the administration of President Bola Tinubu and participate actively in the democratic process.

She said the effective functioning of local governments was crucial because they remained the closest tier of government to the people.

“One important thing I am preaching now is local government autonomy. Obviously, we are going to have our local governments properly elected. They are going to be funded, and they are the closest to the people,” she said.

The former First Lady urged Nigerians to understand and assess the impact of government policies before making political decisions, stressing that the coming years should be devoted to consolidating ongoing reforms and ensuring that their benefits reach ordinary citizens.

She also called on women to remain actively involved in governance and continue supporting leaders through their votes and prayers.

According to her, voting remained a major responsibility of citizens because it determines the quality and direction of leadership at all levels.

Alao-Akala further urged ATM members and supporters to work for the success of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and support its candidates in state and national elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.

She clarified that ATM was a movement and not a political party, adding that its activities were aimed at mobilising support for the APC and its candidates.

Meanwhile, the Director-General of ATM, Mr Demola Alao-Akala, said the movement would continue to preserve and promote the legacy of his late father, former Oyo State Governor, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala.

He said the essence of the movement was not merely to remember the late governor but to sustain the values and principles he stood for, particularly people-oriented governance and the welfare of ordinary citizens.

“The concept of remembrance of our father is about making sure that his legacy survives. When he left, he left us a pattern, and we strongly believe that the legacy he left behind can be used to propagate his ideas and keep his memory alive,” he said.

The ATM DG said members of the movement were determined to build on the ideals of service and good governance associated with the late governor.

“We believe strongly that if we are alive, we are going to go back to our lives and continue in the spirit that he showed. We are moving forward, and I think we are supposed to continue,” he added.

Alao-Akala said the late governor’s political philosophy placed the welfare of the people at the centre of governance, noting that democracy should ultimately be judged by its positive impact on citizens.

He assured ATM members that the movement would remain committed to promoting the late governor’s ideals while mobilising support for programmes and candidates it believes can improve the lives of Nigerians.

“We are going forward,” he declared.

Uncategorized

Bank Cannot Freeze Customer’s Account Without Valid Court Order — Zarewa

Published

9 hours ago

October 7, 2026

Our Reporter

A legal practitioner, Mr M. D. Zarewa, has said that a bank cannot freeze or restrict a customer’s account without a valid court order.
Zarewa said it was prevalent in the society for law enforcement agencies to give directives to banks to freeze customers’ accounts whenever there was a pending case before them, adding that banks often complied with such directives.
He, however, said such practice was alien to Nigeria’s jurisprudence, stressing that banks were enjoined not to interfere with or restrict the activities of any customer’s account without a valid court order.
According to him, it is trite law and settled beyond argument that a bank cannot freeze a customer’s account without a valid court order.
He said the position was entrenched in the case of GTB Plc v. Olachi & Anor (2025) LPELR-81833(CA), where the Court of Appeal held that “whether frozen or restricted, neither can be done without the valid order of a Court of Law.”
Zarewa further cited GTBank v. Adedamola (2019) 5 NWLR (Pt. 1664) 30 at 43, Paras. E-F, where the court held:
“Before freezing customer’s account or placing any form of restraint on any account, the bank must be satisfied that there is an Order of Court.
“By the provisions of Section 34 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act 2004, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has no power to give direct instructions to banks to freeze the account of a customer without an Order of Court. So doing, constitutes a flagrant disregard and violation of the rights of a customer.”
The lawyer said any customer whose account had been frozen or restricted without a valid court order could institute a suit against the bank for grossly violating his or her rights.
He said such a customer could particularly seek redress for the violation of the right to own movable and immovable property and seek compensation from the court.
Furthermore, Zarewa said the law was trite that where there was a wrong, there was a remedy, as captured in the Latin maxim, Ubi jus ibi remedium.

Uncategorized

Gov AbdulRazaq Inaugurates 464-Unit Housing Estate In Kwara

Published

9 hours ago

October 7, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

‌‌‌‍‍‍⁠⁠‍⁠⁠Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has inaugurated the ‘AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq Morire Housing Estate’ in Ijagbo, Oyun Local Government Area of the State.

Speaking at the groundbreaking of the housing estates, which included 210 units of two-bedroom terrace apartments, 200 units of three-bedroom units and 54 units of four-bedroom terrace duplexes, the
Governor, noted that housing should not be seen or regarded as a luxury, but rather as a fundamental human requirement and cornerstone of dignity, security, and family stability, lamenting the daunting challenge of addressing housing deficits across the country.

He said: “Dear Kwarans, housing is not a luxury. Basic housing is a
fundamental human need and a cornerstone of dignity, security,
and family stability. Yet, across Nigeria and indeed in Kwara State,
the challenge of addressing housing deficit is daunting.

“This administration believes that inadequacy of proper shelter
for Nigerians is not merely a problem of not building enough
houses. Indeed, several studies have attributed the housing deficit in Nigeria to a complex mix of causes, key among them being high costs and rising costs of building materials, weak finance, difficult land systems, infrastructure gaps, institutional limitations, among others.

“On behalf of the people of Kwara, I thank the management of ISHI
Homes Limited for this partnership and for choosing Kwara State
as the location for this important development.”

Represented by the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Dr Segun Ogunsola, the Governor applauded the developer for recognising his administration’s contributions to mass housing development in the State.

“The administration has consistently placed housing development high on its agenda. The government recognises access to decent and affordable housing as essential to the wellbeing of the people.

“The State Government has also been in active collaboration with
institutional partners including the Federal Ministry of Housing
with a view to increasing housing stock in the State.

“Recently, we acquired a housing estate with over 130 flats at
Ogbondoroko in Asa LGA of the State. Government has approved
that the estate be onboarded onto the administration’s social
support scheme,” he disclosed.

AbdulRazaq said the commitment was reflected in the development of the Kwara Smart City and other mass housing initiatives across the State.

The Governor disclosed that his reforms in land administration have reduced the processing time for Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) from 180 days to 35 days.

AbdulRazaq said the improved turnaround time demonstrated the administration’s commitment to making land administration more transparent, efficient and investor-friendly.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ISHI Homes, Dr Olayinka Ilufoye, said the project was intended to democratise home ownership and make decent and affordable housing accessible to the people of Kwara South senatorial district.

Ilufoye said the estate was meant for civil servants, traders and other Nigerians who can access it through the National Housing Fund (NHF).

“The name AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq Morire, which translates to ‘I have seen goodness’, is a deliberate expression of our faith, hope and expectation.

“We believe this estate will become a testimony of prosperity, progress and abundance in Kwara South,” he said.

Ilufoye pledged that the company would remain committed to transparency, accountability, quality construction and timely delivery.

The Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Geographic Information Service (KWGIS), Alhaji Sulyman Abdulkareem said the state government has consistently placed housing development high on its development agenda.

He commended the state government for ensuring access to land, facilitating the prompt issuance of titles and certificate of occupancy.

Abdulkareem pointed out that by providing timely approval for mortgage transactions, the Governor is creating the conditions necessary for housing development to thrive in Kwara State.