Politics
Reps OKay C’ttee’s Report On 2013-2015 Expenditure
The House of Representatives has approved the Conference Committee’s report on the 2013-2015 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP).
It would be recalled that the Senate and the House on October 9 and October 19, respectively, set up a conference committee to reconcile differences in the recommendations from the two chambers.
This approval followed the report presented by the Conference Committee of the House.
Presenting the report, Rep. John Enoh (PDP-Cross River), the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, urged the House to approve the report as the Senate would also approve the same report.
He said that a lot of consultation took place to ensure that an agreement was reached.
Enoh said further that after an extensive deliberation and consultation by the Conference Committee, the benchmark price of $79 per barrel was recommended.
He said that additional funds arising from the $4 increase would be used to reduce domestic borrowing and deficit, as well as funding critical infrastructure.
The lawmaker said that the Conference Committee cautioned government on foreign borrowing after a thorough scrutiny of the two versions of recommendations.
The Committee recommended 30 per cent and five per cent for Corporate Tax and Value Added Tax (VAT) rates for 2013-2015 respectively.
It recommended the transfer of Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) Account to Nigerian Customs Service.
The committee rejected the structures being set-up in states, senatorial zones and local governments in respect of the Federal Government’s Subsidy Re-investment (SURE-P) intervention programmes.
It recommended that the details of SURE-P to be executed under the programme be attached as an addendum to the Annual Appropriation for scrutiny and approval by the National Assembly.
It further recommended that the crude oil production levels should be retained as 2.526 mbpd for 2013, 2.611 mbpd in 2014 and 2.648 mbpd in 2015.
According to the committee, the revenue target of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for 2013 should be increased.
It urged government to take urgent steps to review all laws that allow its agencies to expand their revenue with little or no operating surpluses.
The committee also called for increased funding for frontier exploration services to increase the nation’s crude oil resources, and said that government and its agencies must comply fully with the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007.
It recommended that priority attention and prominence should be given to the sustenance of people in the Niger Delta in order to guarantee production of crude oil.
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.