NEWS
Kaduna Assembly Investigates El-Rufai’s Administration
The Kaduna State House of Assembly has appointed a committee to investigate the expenditure of the $350 million World Bank loan obtained during former Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s tenure, as well as other financial allocations and incomplete projects initiated by the previous administration from 2015 to 2023. Speaker Yusuf Liman led the inauguration of the 13-member committee during Tuesday’s plenary session.
The decision to form the committee stemmed from a motion presented by Mugu Yusuf, representing the Kauru constituency on Tuesday, urging the House to scrutinize all loans acquired by the El-Rufai government.
Je said “There have been uncomplimentary comments and assassinations of character on the leadership of the state, which the assembly cannot sit and watch. That is why I came up with this motion that the Speaker constitute a committee to investigate the allegations and negative comments on them.
“This is the only way the state can rekindle its confidence in its development partners, collaborators, and also those who give us loans and grants; failure to do this will push the indicators of the state to a situation whereby nobody will want to do business with us.”
In the midst of the debate, former Speaker Yusuf Zailani, under whose leadership the Kaduna State Government secured the loan, refuted claims that the ninth assembly had sanctioned the loan for the executive branch.
He said “I suffered a lot in order not to give approval for the loan to be collected; even the then deputy Speaker Isaac Auta Zankhai was against me because I disagreed with the loan to be collected. I told the then-governor to look at the number of loans we had on hand, and he didn’t listen to me.”
During their individual remarks, Henry Marah, the representative of the Jaba constituency, and Samuel Kambai, his counterpart from the Zangon Kataf constituency, emphasized the legislative responsibility and constitutional authority to authorize loan acquisitions by the governor.
However, they expressed concern that the situation in Kaduna differed from this norm. Consequently, they called on the committee to summon the speakers of the 8th and 9th assemblies, as well as select members of those assemblies, to provide clarifications on the loan procurement and expenditure.
Speaker Liman urged the ad-hoc committee to invite the aforementioned speakers and all pertinent stakeholders and agencies for the inquiry.
He reassured the House that the matter would be thoroughly investigated, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to share the truth.
The committee, comprising 13 members, saw Aminu Anti appointed as chairman, Yusuf Mugu Kaura as deputy chairman, with Munira Tanimu and Hon. Shehu Yunusa among the members, alongside nine others.
In March, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State revealed inheriting a significant debt burden of $587 million, N85 billion, and 115 contractual liabilities from El-Rufai’s administration. He lamented the adverse effect of this substantial debt on the state’s federal allocation.
The House of Representatives has taken decisive action in response to the widespread shortage of Premium Motor Spirit, commonly referred to as petrol, by summoning the Minister of Petroleum Resources.
This move follows a motion of urgent public importance introduced by Shehu Ajilo, the representative for Makarfi/Kudan Federal Constituency, during Tuesday’s plenary session.
While President Bola Tinubu currently holds the position of Minister of Petroleum Resources, and Heineken Lokpobiri serves as Minister of State (Petroleum Resources), the specific minister summoned was not disclosed by the lawmakers.
Lawmakers anticipate receiving a briefing from the Minister regarding the fuel crisis, along with proposed measures to tackle the issue effectively.
Details later.. . .. . .
A tumultuous scene unfolded during the Senate’s return to plenary on Tuesday, marked by a heated altercation among senators over seating arrangements in the recently refurbished chamber.
Commencing around 11 am, the plenary commenced with the customary procession, followed by Senate President GodsWill Akpabio’s announcements, including recognition of lawmakers whose birthdays occurred during the recess.
Tensions escalated when Senator Sahabi Yau (APC, Zamfara North) engaged in a vocal exchange with Senate leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), with finger-pointing gestures exchanged between the two.
Subsequently, Danjuma Goje (APC, Gombe Central) joined Yau in confronting Bamidele and Senate Services chairman Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi West) regarding the seating arrangements.
Reports indicate that the dispute stemmed from discontent among senior senators regarding their seating positions, particularly those allocated seats in the front row on the far right side of the aisle.
In an attempt to restore order, the Senate President called for senators to address their grievances individually, yet Yau refused to comply, prolonging the tumultuous session for approximately 20 minutes.
Following the Senate President’s address, the Senate leader proposed a resolution to convene a closed-door session, which was subsequently approved.
At approximately 12:05 pm, the Senate transitioned into an executive session.
The Senate had adjourned plenary on March 20 until April 16, with resumption postponed twice to accommodate the completion of renovations on the chamber, which had been ongoing since 2022.
The resumption of Senate proceedings on Tuesday was marked by a heated confrontation as senators engaged in a row over seating arrangements.
The session, which began at 11 am, saw Senate President GodsWill Akpabio kick off with routine announcements, including recognition of birthdays celebrated by lawmakers during the break.
However, the atmosphere turned tense when Senator Sahabi Yau (APC, Zamfara North) raised his voice at Senate leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), sparking a fiery exchange.
Joining Yau, Senator Danjuma Goje (APC, Gombe Central) directed shouts at Bamidele and Senate Services chairman Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi West), who was overseeing seating arrangements.
Ranking Senators reportedly expressed frustration over their seating assignments in the front row on the last right side of the aisle.
Despite Senate President’s suggestion for them to approach the chair individually, Senator Yau declined.
The tumultuous session continued for approximately 20 minutes as senators exchanged heated remarks.
Following the Senate President’s welcome-back address, the Senate leader proposed transitioning to a closed-door session.
Subsequently, at approximately 12:05 pm, the Senate convened for an executive session.
Plenary, which was initially adjourned on March 20 until April 16, was postponed twice to accommodate the ongoing renovations of the chamber since 2022.
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