News
Presidential Transition Bill‘ll Address Chaotic, Hostile Hand Over After Election-Dogara
By Aaron Ossai
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has said that the Presidential Transition Bill under consideration will help in solving the problems of a chaotic handing over and hostile taking over of power after any general election.
Dogara stated this while declaring open a Public Hearing on A Bill for An Act to Provide for the Smooth and Orderly transfer of Power from One Government to another held at the National Assembly.
He said the bill, when passed into law will ensure accountability and transparency in the system, and help minimize or avoid disruptions that might be occasioned by the transition.
“This Bill institutionalises the transition process and takes it out of the whims and caprices of the actors in the political arena”.
“This Bill seeks to make provision for the smooth and orderly transfer of power from one government to another. It provides that where at any general election for the Office of the President of the Federal Republic Of Nigeria, the incumbent President is not re-elected, the President shall within 2 weeks of the declaration of the President-Elect as the winner of the election, provide space for not more than ten (10) persons designated by the President-elect to begin a review and analysis of the budgetary expenditures during the tenor of the current president, review all other necessary documents as may be requested by the President-elect transition team and to acquire a working knowledge of the various offices, departments, commissions, boards and other agencies of the executive arm of the Federal Government with a view to promoting the orderly transition of executive power when government changes hands”, he said.
The speaker who harped on the need to achieve peace and harmony during transition process saying, “the purpose of the Bill is to promote the orderly transfer of executive power in connection with the expiration of the term of office of a president and the inauguration of a new president. The national interest requires that such transitions in the office of the President be accomplished smoothly so as to assure continuity in the faithful execution of the laws and in the conduct of the affairs of the Federal government, both domestic and foreign. Any disruption occasioned by the transfer of the executive power could produce results detrimental to the safety and well-being of Nigeria”.
While making reference to the practice in other climes, the Speaker further said, “In the United States of America, ‘The Presidential Transition Act (PTA) of 1963, as amended, established formal mechanisms to facilitate presidential transitions and authorizes the Administrator of General Services to provide facilities and services to eligible presidential candidates and the President- elect. A presidential transition facilitates the establishment of a new Administration and prepares it to govern additionally, as noted by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs in a report on S.1172 (114th Congress, Presidential Transitions Improvements Act of 2015), planning for a presidential transition helps to ensure the nation’s security’.
He called on members of the Committee to improve the Bill and be guided by best practices in other presidential democracies worldwide.
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
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