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Truth Of Budget Padding Scam …Hon. Jubrin, Patriot Or Bloody Liar?
When the Code of Conduct Bureau early this year, ambushed Senate President Bukola Saraki over undeclared assets while Governor of Kwara State, a section of the Nigerian public cried wolf. They believed that Saraki was being hounded by powerful forces within the Federal Government and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Their conclusions were that the nation’s number three citizen was simply marked for punishment, for his audacity in flouting the ruling party’s office sharing formula and for conniving with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to hijack key offices of the upper chamber of the Nigerian National Assembly (NASS).
After protracted litigations, name calling and even (now denied) threats to probe President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President Saraki took the sensible decision, reshuffled membership of juicy Senate committees, and posted men of the Leader of APC, Ahmed Tinubu and other influential politicians into lucrative offices. That is a kind of change.
In those thorny moments, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara was tucked away comfortably in an illusion of grandeur and even tried to intercede on Saraki’s behalf. Apparently in the good books of the Commander-in-Chief, when the Senate raised alarm over budget padding and secret exchange of the official copy of the 2016 Budget proposal with a strange one, the House quickly said, its official copy, as handed to it by the President; was intact.
Of course, no Nigerian thought something could be wrong with such secure copy, not to talk of padding or in the layman’s language, sneaking-in spurious projects with cost implications running to billions of Naira. All that became public recently following the removal of the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, Abdulmumin Jibrin.
Last week, Jubrin slammed Speaker Dogara, Deputy Speaker Yusuff Lasun, Chief Whip, Alhassan Ado Doguwa and Minority Leader Leo Ogor for compelling him to divert N40 billion of N100 billion Constituency Projects budget allocation for their private uses. Describing the Speaker and the House leadership as corrupt, Jubrin said he would make further revelations until the leadership is removed, if only to ensure that only righteous people lead the House in 2019.
Speaker Dogara denied the allegations and threatened to sue Jubrin if he refused to withdraw the allegation within a week, as it amounted to libel. This, to Jubrin, was a tall order and threatened to furnish the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with even more damaging information on the lingering scandal.
Last Saturday, Jubrin revealed that his lawyers have already approached the EFCC in his effort to unravel how Speaker Dogara and others padded the 2016 budget. In a tweet, Jubrin said, “I will not and never apologise to a shameless fraud in high office who has glaringly abused public trust, like Speaker Dogara and others.”
Jubrin, like Dogara is a member of the APC. He represents Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives. This is why his accusations against a fellow party member, and in fact, the Speaker of the House, is strange. Jubrin, it was earlier gathered was removed as chairman of the Appropriations Committee for opposing immunity for presiding officers of the Assembly.
But a week ago, Dogara had denied the suggestion, describing it as baseless. In a statement by the Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Abdulrazak Namdas, Dogara said, ‘our attention has been drawn to media statements made by the former Chairman of the House’ Appropriation Committee… wherein he made wild allegations against the House leaders.
“We wish to say that it is the prerogative of the Selection Committee of the House to appoint and remove committee chairmen.
“That power has been so exercised in the case of Hon. Abdulmumin, as chairman of Appropriations Committee.
“Most of the allegations on the 2016 Budget process and his opposition to immunity of presiding officers are non-issues and mere after-thought manufactured simply because the House relieved him of his position.
“If he had all these facts before, why didn’t he make them public? Why is he doing that now? The statement queried and finally described Jubrin’s allegation as a cheap blackmail on the part of Hon. Jubrin especially, to even insinuate that he was removed because he opposed the immunity bill.
But in what seemed a fury of defiance, the lawmaker Wednesday, last week said, ‘he stood by his allegations and described Speaker Dogara’s threat of legal action as ‘quite predictable.’
“He failed to realise that the law is not intended to protect corrupt people. It is such a shame.” Jubrin replied.
He went further to say: “I am happy to announce that my lawyers have officially approached the EFCC and ICPC towards working out a date for me to personally submit my petition against Speaker Dogara, Deputy Speaker Lasun, Whip Doguwa and Minority Leader Ogor.
“I believe, once a date is agreed with the anti-corruption agencies, we would have begun the process of making these characters pay for abusing their offices,” Jubrin further threatened.
While Nigerians crossed their fingers to see where the corruption saga would end, lawyers of Jubrin, Friday, July 22nd, raised the alarm that there were attempts to blackmail and harass their client, Jubrin, with a view to obstruct justice.
The lawyers, Messrs Hammart & Co., Law Bond Solicitors and Doka Chambers, in a statement said, ‘you will recall that our client is in dispute with the quartet (Speaker Dogara and the three other House Officers) over his (Jubrin’s) refusal and inability to admit into the National Budget of 2016, the sum of N30 billion at the behest of these quartet and also his refusal to cover up the decision of Speaker Dogara and others’ unilateral decision to distribute to themselves N40 billion out of the N100 billion allocated to the entire National Assembly in addition to what our client considers as wasteful projects of over N20 billion to their (quartet) various constituencies.
“We want to state unequivocally that our client stands by the above assertion and will at the appropriate time prove same.”
This indeed is how dirty the House’s budget padding scandal has gone. And there is no telling how messier it can get. Amidst all these, House members are divided, with a part considering impeachment of the affected officers, while the other simply wants to save the Speaker.
But what is the truth behind the saga? Is Jubrin merely a frustrated member determined to take his pound of flesh in relation for his removal as Appropriations Committee chairman or a patriotic whistle blower? Or is Dogara an example of a ‘pretender doing the worse’ and is merely using House Information machinery to drown the shrill voice of the whistle blower?
If Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose were to ask these questions, he would describe both accused and accuser as saints, because they both are members of the ruling party. Last week, he raised the alarm that while he was being hounded over house built for him; nothing has been said about an Ekiti State citizen donating N1.5 billion towards the election of President Buhari, the anti-corruption war’s Commander-in-Chief.
The scandal rocking the House leadership should not follow that path, if the anti-corruption campaign of the Buhari government is to make any meaning to Nigerians. For now, most Nigerians do not consider it a true battle against corruption. They see it as war of vengeance against opposition politicians. If not, they wonder, what did the Federal Government do about the budget padding saga, even long before Jubrin roped in Speaker Dogara and others? What happened to the insider who exchanged copies of the budget, in the first place?
My Agony is that it normally takes the EFCC longer hours to travel from its office in Abuja to the National Assembly, also in Abuja than to any bank keeping Gov. Fayose’s earnings in Ekiti State. This is if the allegation is not against an opposition politician. Hope this doesn’t end that way.
Soye Wilson Jamabo
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that his administration will ensure the delivery of developmental projects and the prevalence of peace in all parts of Rivers State.
The Governor emphasized that the achievement of these lofty ideals can only occur through the unwavering contributions of all Rivers stakeholders.
Speaking during the commissioning of the 10.7-kilometre Egbeda–Omerelu Road constructed by his administration, the governor said Rivers State can only move forward when its people choose unity over division.
He assured Rivers people that development projects would reach every part of the State but cautioned that progress cannot thrive where conflict persists.
Reflecting on the project, Governor Fubara recalled that the road was a promise he made during the inauguration of the first phase about a year ago.
“We made a promise that we were going to do this project, and today I am happy that the government has fulfilled that promise made to Emohua people, Egbeda community and Omerelu people,” he said.
He noted that the essence of governance is service to the people, adding that responding to their needs is a core responsibility of any administration.
“We decided to do this because you know where we are coming from, and if we don’t tell our story, many won’t know what we are doing. Even in the face of tribulations, we have remained focused on delivering the dividends of democracy. We will continue to serve our people with respect and honour,” he affirmed.
Governor Fubara also reiterated his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging to back all groups working towards securing the President’s victory in 2027.
Giving technical details of the project, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, explained that the contract was awarded on October 27, 2024, to Messrs Johnson Roadworks Limited.
He said the road links communities in Emohua and Ikwerre LGAs and shortens travel time for motorists commuting from Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Omoku through Egbeda to Owerri in Imo State.
He added that the infrastructure features a 12-metre clearing width and an 8-metre asphalt surface, comprising a 50mm binder course and a 40mm wearing course. It is complemented by 24 kilometres of drainage channels with a 1.05m² cross-sectional capacity to ensure durability and efficient water flow.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, described the road as a crucial link for surrounding communities, significantly easing movement for residents.
He praised the governor for demonstrating continuity and consolidation and prayed for God’s strength to enable him to achieve even more for the people.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara says Rivers State remains the best investment destination for investors in the oil and gas sector.
Governor Fubara stated that since the economic development of Rivers State is closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry, his administration has continued to collaborate with the Federal Government and host communities to protect natural assets in the sector.
The Governor stated this during the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation Oil and Gas Roundtable in Port Harcourt.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, he pointed out that since the economy of Nigeria relies substantially on the oil and gas sector, his administration will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ramp up production.
“The Nigerian oil and gas sector is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, contributing over 90% of Federal Government’s foreign exchange earnings. Similarly, Rivers State, home to numerous national and multinational oil and gas companies, is the centre of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry, with the State’s oil and gas resources generating over 40% of the country’s revenue.
“?Considering this, the survival and economic development of Rivers State are closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry. That is why, since the beginning of this administration, we have focused on safeguarding the national oil and gas assets in collaboration with the Federal Government, security agencies, communities and other stakeholders, and we will maintain this commitment for as long as it is necessary.
“Furthermore, we have established and maintained a conducive, peaceful, and secure environment for companies to open and flourish in the State as part of a strategic plan to stimulate our economy, generate jobs, and enhance the well-being of our citizens.
“We therefore recognise and applaud the vital role that indigenous companies are currently playing in bridging gaps and advancing the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” he stressed.?
Governor Fubara affirmed that Nigerian-funded companies can only succeed and make meaningful contributions to the nation’s economic prosperity when challenges that limit the nation are effectively tackled, and expressed his administration’s stand to support indigenous organisations such as the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation.
Declaring the roundtable open, the Governor assured the Nigerian-Owned companies in the oil and gas sector, that “we are ready and willing to respond positively to any administrative, policy, or legislative recommendations within our jurisdiction as a subnational State.”
The Founder of the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation, Mr Emeka ugwu-Ozu, disclosed that the summit, held only in an oil and gas producing place, is a forum for all in the industry to brainstorm and suggest best practices for local players.
“This roundtable discussion takes place in only oil and gas producing states, and it is intentional. And that is to make sure that sooner, it becomes like what we say is the equivalent of Houston in the United States of America.
“I would say that from what I have seen so far, Rivers State is back and open, safe and good for business. The oil and gas players should come and see what we have seen,” he said.
Wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Fubara, has lauded the commitment, solidarity and pivotal role of women in promoting peace and enterprise development in Rivers State.
Lady Fubara spoke at the second edition of ‘Women Converge,’ a special programme organized by Rivers Women Unite for Sim, an NGO, at the main bowl of the Alfred Diete-Spiff Sports Complex in Port Harcourt, last Thursday.
She said women in the state had tremendously impacted the state positively through their prayers, careers, contributions to the home fronts, and expressed appreciation to Rivers women, for their unwavering support to her husband, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State, while urging them to continue to pray for the state.
“Once again, let me use this occasion to thank Rivers women for their support both in prayers and solidarity with me and my family. You have been wonderful. I can’t reward all that you do, but God in heaven who sees in secret will surely reward you openly.
“Truly today, marks another milestone in our effort to shape the society for good and lending our support for the sustenance of peace and development of Rivers State in particular and Nigeria at large. Without doubt, the prayers of our women avails much in every situation.
“Let me enjoin our women to remain prayerful because God is ever ready to answer our prayers. In all that we do, we must not forget the hand of God and often seek Him for direction and help. You have always been steadfast and I urge you not to relent, and together we will move our society forward. Whatever you do, putting your trust in God will certainly succeed”.
The Rivers State first Lady described the theme of the event, “Women in An Evolving World” as apt and, deeply reflective of the very essence of actions and strategies that women adopt to navigate the new world order.
She noted that despite the complexities of managing the home front and the constraints of economic realities, women had demonstrated formidable strength and resilience to confront the odds of life.
“This Converge underscores the resilience of our women to succeed no matter the odds, especially with absolute faith in God and determination for greater accomplishments.”
“Whether in the industry, business, agriculture, public service or even in politics, they have always shown strong determination to adapt and to accomplish like others.
“Our natural state notwithstanding our focus has always been to reach for the sky like every other person and as Rivers women we have always been pacesetters.
The Keynote Speaker, Pastor Eno Jerry Eze, described women as the foundation of every society, noting that the development of every society depends on the strength of womanhood.
In their good will messages, notable Rivers women who attended the event expressed optimism over the prospects of sustainable peace and development in Rivers State, and reiterated their support for the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Some dignitaries that attended the event include former Commissioner for Environment in Rivers State, Prof Roseline Konya; foremost activist, Ann Kio Briggs; wife of the former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr Mrs Christie Toby; President of the Port Harcourt Chambers of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture, PHACCIMA, Dr Chinyere Nwoga; Pastor Ene Secondus, among others.
Highlights of the event were ministrations, cutting of cake and special prayers for Rivers State.
