News
Mark Blames Corruption On Senators
Senate President David Mark says that the inefficiency and corruption in the system could have been reasonably abated if senators carried out their oversight duties exhaustively and effectively.
Mark made the assertion in Abuja yesterday in a speech delivered to the Senate thanking senators for their support while he was away for medical treatment in Israel and the Senate’s resumption from a two- week recess.
He said the inefficiencies which various investigations had revealed could have been avoided if Senators had taken their oversight duties seriously.
“Let me use this opportunity to state unequivocally that we must improve on our oversight functions.
“The inefficiency and corruption in the system, which the various investigation committees have uncovered, could have been reasonably abated if we had carried out our oversight functions exhaustively and effectively. ’’
According to him, in the course of our oversight functions, some of these incidences could have been either stopped or reduced to the barest minimum.
The Senate President directed all standing committees of the Senate to ensure that they submitted their reports for the first two quarters of the year before the Senate proceeded on its summer recess.
“In preparing our committees reports, we should look at the capital appropriation released for the first two quarters of the year and weigh it against the implementation of the capital projects. ’’
On the issue of security, Mark challenged the Federal Government to take decisive action to end the war declared on Nigerians by terrorists and called on security agencies to improve their operational capabilities.
“The current level of insecurity in the country is unacceptable and something must be done to improve on it and very quickly too.
“Clearly, the terrorists have declared war on Nigeria and Nigerians. Escalating acts of terror not only threaten our unity as a nation but challenge the very human values we all believe in.
“Government must therefore explore all avenues to discuss with them and security agencies must intensify their pre-operational responsibilities, roles and actions and improve their operational capabilities. ’’
According to him, their major focus should be on thwarting and preventing the bombings.
Stressing that those unleashing mayhem on Nigerians were their brothers and sisters, he urged Nigerians not to despair or be disillusioned, saying,” we shall overcome through our collective determination’’.
He said the issue deserved to be tackled with all seriousness and advised against any attempt to politicise it.
“This is the time for concerted action by all Nigerians; ethnicity, political affiliation, religious belief notwithstanding.
“Divisive statements or finger pointing are not helpful. Attempts to apportion blame for failures at this time of the burgeoning terror threats will not lead to any practical and long lasting solution. ’’
He gave the assurance that the Senate would work tirelessly to enact laws for the peace, order and good governance of the federation and with the fear of God.
The Senate also received a request from President Goodluck Jonathan on the 2012 budget proposal for the Nigerian Communications Commission.
The proposal was forwarded to the Senate Committee on Communications for further legislative action and is expected to be returned to the Senate within two weeks.
The Renewed Hope Initiative in conjunction with the Rivers State Government has empowered 500 elderly citizens in Rivers State with financial support of N200,000 each.
The empowerment programme was part of activities to celebrate the third anniversary of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme RHIESS, a social investment policy initiated by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Speaking at the event which held at the Government House, Port Harcourt, recently, under the theme, ‘Finding Joy in Old Age,’ Senator Tinubu said the gesture which has become traditional since 2023 was a mark of gratitude in recognition of the invaluable contributions of the senior citizens to nation building.
The First Lady who was represented by the wife of the Rivers State Governor and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Lady Valerie Fubara, said the scheme was to “support two hundred and fifty (250) vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) totalling 9,500 selected beneficiaries across the nation.
She urged the beneficiaries to engage in activities that will make them find joy in old age.
“I encourage you to continue playing your part by staying healthy and active, nurture both your body and mind through regular exercise and meaningful engagement,” Senator Tinubu advised.
On her part, Lady Fubara said the State Government through the magnanimity of the governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has increased the beneficiaries of the programme from 250 to 500.
She restated the commitment of the State Government towards provision of social welfare and improving the standard of living of the elderly in the State.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), Dr Vetty Agala, said the State Government has through the Health4allrivers Initiative, introduced free medical care for senior citizens in the State, in line with the Renewed Hope Initiative.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to expedite the prosecution of the Director of the now distressed MBA Forex Trading, Mr. Maxwell Odum, in the interest of justice.
The Rivers State NUJ made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the EFFC’s Ag. Zonal Director, ACE Hassan Saidu, in Port Harcourt, recently.
The council’s chairman, Comrade Paul Bazia, said the appeal became imperative after it considered the number of Nigerians and others involved in the financial misconduct.
According to him, it has caused hardship among many households in the country and should be given the attention it deserves.
He said that investors cannot come into a country or invest in an economy or nation ridden with fraud.
This, he said, has made it more imperative to arrest, prosecute and convict alleged fraudsters like the MBA Forex Director, who is alleged to have defrauded thousands of unsuspecting Nigerians, to serve as a deterrent to others.
The chairman also requested that while the trial lasts, part of the swindled funds should be given to the victims that suffered loss and trauma as a result of the fraud.
The NUJ reiterated its resolve to change the narrative of reportage from crisis to developmental communication.
According to him, the NUJ’s main focus is blue economy and tourism.
He expressed the readiness of the Council to partner the agency in the area of information dissemination.
“We believe you have a responsibility to fight financial crimes. We also know that you need the Press to publicize your activities and NUJ can provide that,” he said.
Responding, the Zonal EFFC’s boss commended the NUJ’s vision to change the narrative of reporting from crisis to developmental communication.
According to Saidu, the Western world have since imbibed such culture, hence the negative stories about them are carefully sifted to allow only positive ones to be released to the outside world.
As for the trapped funds to be released, the EFCC Zonal Director stated that only the court can authorize such action, stressing that the primary responsibility of the Commission is to arrest and prosecute.
He pledged to partner with the NUJ now that the leadership has visited the Commission.
The Head of the Legal & Prosecution Department, DCE Odiase Stephen, corroborated the Zonal Director’s position and stressed that it was only when the matter has been determined by the court that such funds can be released.
He further stated that once a matter is before a court of competent jurisdiction, it cannot be discussed outside.
By: King Onunwor
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