Biafra: FG Slams Fresh Charges Of Treasonable Felony Against Nnamdi Kanu

AS members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) jubilated last week over the news of the release of their leader, Mr Nnamdi Kanu, by the Federal High Court in Abuja, the Federal Government has slammed a fresh charge of treasonable felony on the Radio Biafra Founder, who had been detained since three months ago.

The Federal Government had gone to a Federal High Court in Abuja last Friday to prefer six charges against Kanu, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi.

In the charge-sheet signed by the Director, Public Prosecution (DPP), Mohammed Saidu Diri, for the Attorney-General of the Federation and exclusively obtained by Daily Sun, Kanu and the two others were charged with treasonable felony which is punishable under Section 41(C) of theCriminal Code Act, CAP C38 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.

Giving details, the charge-sheet read in part: “That you, Nnamdi Kanu and other unknown per- sons, now at large, at Lon- don, United Kingdom, between 2014 and September, 2015 with intention to levy war against Nigeria in order to force the President to change his measures of being the President of the Federation, Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federation as defined in Section 3 of the Consti- tution of the Federal Re- public of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) by doing an act to wit: Broadcast on Radio Biafra your preparations for the states in the South- East geo-political zone, South-South geo-political zone, the Igala Community of Kogi State and the Idoma/Igede Community of Benue State to secede from the Federal Republic of Nigeria and form them- selves into a Republic of Biafra, and thereby committed an offence punish- able under Section 41(C) of the Criminal Code Act, CAP C38 Laws of the Fed- eration of Nigeria 2004.”

On count two of the charges, the federal authorities also accused the trio of managing an unlawful society.

Giving the particulars of the offence, the Attorney- General said: “That you, Nnamdi Kanu and others, now at large, between 2012 and September, 2015 at South-East geo-political zone and the South-South geo-political zone of Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this honourable court manage an unlawful society with more than 10 members to wit: unregistered with the Corporate AffairsCommission or any other registration au- thority to wit. The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) thereby committed an offence which is punishable under Section 63 of the Criminal Code Act, CAP C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.”

Kanu and the two others were also accused of concealing goods in a container that was holding goods of different descriptions, punishable under Section 47 (2)(a) of the Customs and Excise Management Act, CAP 45 Laws of the Federation.

The particulars read: “That you, Nnamdi Kanu between the months of March and April, 2015 imported into Nigeria and kept in Ubulusiuzor town in Ihiala local Government Area of Anambra State within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, a radio transmitter known as TRAM 5OL concealed in a container which you described as containing household items, which you so declared and that, you thereby committed an offence punishable under section 47(2) (a) of the Customs and Excise Management Act.”

They were also accused on counts four and five of assisting in the management of unlawful society and unlawful possession of firearms respectively

National Assembly Shut Down As Buhari Presents 2016 Budget Today

Ahead of today’s planned presentation of the 2016 budget by President Muhammadu Buhari to a joint session of the National Assembly, all staff of the legislative complex and organizations running private businesses within the premises have been directed to stay away from the area.

According to a circular issued to that effect yesterday from the office of the Clerk to the National Assembly, Alhaji Salisu Maikasuwa, ‘the stay away’ directive is to prevent any form of rowdy atmosphere during the budget presentation by the President.

The circular signed by the Director, Personnel Management, Mamud A. Abubakar, on behalf of the Clerk, however, exempted staffers of the National Assembly working in any of the two chambers and security personnel. It further warned that appropriate punishment would be meted out to any staff found flouting the order.

Business organizations affected by the stay away order include all operators of banks, eateries, airlines, insurance outfits, telecommunication centres and the National Open University Office ( NOUN).

The statement entitled: ‘Presentation of 2016 Budget to National Assembly by President Muhamnadu Buhari” reads, “The President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari , is presenting the 2016 Budget to the National Assembly on Tuesday , December 22, 2015.

“In view of the above, all staff of the National Assembly as well as the operators of business outfits in the National Assembly Complex, with exception of those on essential duties, e.g, Chamber, Security and Medical Staff, are directed to stay away from the NASS Complex on 22nd December, 2015.

“Any staff found to have violated this instruction will face appropriate disciplinary action”

Meanwhile, security operatives have taken over the premises of the National Assembly as at yesterday evening just as last minutes preparations for the event were seen being carried out by staffers of the National Assembly, like laying of the red carpet from the main entrance into the White House to the House of Representatives Chamber where the joint session would hold for the presentation.

President Buhari had, in a Medium Term Expenditure Framework ( MTEF) forwarded to the National Assembly and approved by both chambers last week, disclosed that the total expenditureframework of the budget to be presented today would be N6.07trillion as against N5.03trillion in the outgoing year.

Full Text Of Buhari’s 2016 Budget Address At National Assembly

2016 Budget Speech: “The Budget of Change”
Delivered By:
His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari
President, Federal Republic of Nigeria
To
A Joint Session of the National Assembly (on December 22, 2016)

PROTOCOLS

I am honoured and privileged to present the 2016 Budget proposal. This is my first address before this joint session of the National Assembly. I have come here today, not only to address members of the National Assembly, but also to speak directly to the men and women who placed us here.

2. I know the state of our economy is a source of concern for many. This has been further worsened by the unbridled corruption and security challenges we have faced in the last few years. From those who have lost their jobs, to those young people who have never had a job, to the people in the North East whose families and businesses were destroyed by insurgents, this has been a difficult period in our nation’s history, lessons that we must not forget or ignore, as we plan for the future.

3. By June 2014, oil prices averaged $112 per barrel. But as at today, the price is under $39 per barrel. This huge decline is having a painful effect on our economy. Consumption has declined at all levels. In both the private and public sectors, employers have struggled to meet their salary and other employee related obligations. The small business owners and traders have been particularly hard hit by this state of affairs.

4. Fellow Nigerians, the confidence of many might be shaken. However, I stand before you today promising that we will secure our country, rebuild our economy, and make the Federal Republic of Nigeria stronger than it has ever been.

5. The answers to our problems are not beyond us. They exist on our farmlands; our corporations; in the universities in the hearts and minds of our entrepreneurs; through the gallantry of our Armed Forces; and the resolute spirit of Nigerians, especially the youth, who have refused to give up despite all the obstacles confronting them.

6. This Budget proposal, the first by our Government, seeks to stimulate the economy, making it more competitive by focusing on infrastructural development; delivering inclusive growth; and prioritizing the welfare of Nigerians. We believe that this budget, while helping industry, commerce and investment to pick up, will as a matter of urgency, address the immediate problems of youth unemployment and the terrible living conditions of the extremely poor and vulnerable Nigerians.

7. In the medium to longer term, we remain committed to economic diversification through import substitution and export promotion. This will build resilience in our economy. It will guarantee that the problems we have today, will not confront our children and their children. This shall be our legacy for generations to come.

8. Today, it is widely acknowledged that the global economy has slowed down. This is particularly the case with emerging markets such as Nigeria. However, despite the weak emerging market growth rates, our domestic security challenges, declining oil prices, and the attendant difficulties in providing foreign exchange to meet market demands, the Nigerian economy grew by 2.84% in the third quarter of 2015.

9. We have, and will continue to implement strategies that will maintain macroeconomic stability and manage the oil price shocks we are experiencing.

10. Upon the inauguration of this administration on 29th May 2015, we engaged key stakeholders from various sectors of our economy and interfaced with the heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in order to understand the true state of our nation. What we found prompted us to take certain strategic decisions.

11. On the economy, we injected new leadership at the helm of our revenue generating agencies including the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS). We implemented the Treasury Single Account (TSA) which, so far, has provided greater visibility of Government revenues and cash flows. We intervened to support States to navigate their fiscal challenges by restructuring their commercial bank loans and by providing facilities to enable them to pay salary arrears.

12. We have demonstrated a strong will to fight corruption. I am sure you will agree that the sheer scale of corruption and impunity of the past explains in part, the economic challenges we now face. On these initiatives, and the many more to come, we shall not be deterred. We will pursue the recovery of everything that belongs to the people of Nigeria. No matter where it is hidden. No matter how long it will take.

13. Distinguished and honourable members of the National Assembly, I now present a review of the 2015 Budget. That Budget was based on a benchmark oil price of $53 per barrel, oil production of 2.28 million barrels per day and an exchange rate of N190 to the US$.

14. The projected revenue was N3.45 trillion, with an outlay of N4.49 trillion, implying a deficit of N1.04 trillion. Due largely to under-provisioning by the previous administration for fuel subsidy and the costs required to support the military operations in the North East, the Government had to obtain National Assembly’s approval for a supplementary budget of N575.5 billion. I take this opportunity to thank all members of the National Assembly for the prompt passage of that Bill.

15. After reviewing the trends in the global oil industry, we have set a benchmark price of $38 per barrel and a production estimate of 2.2 million barrels per day for 2016. We have focused on non-oil revenues by broadening our tax base and improving the effectiveness of our revenue collecting agencies.

16. Also, with the full implementation of the Treasury Single Account, we expect significant improvements in the collection and remittance of independent revenues. To further support the drive for increased remittances, we will ensure that all MDAs present their budgets in advance, and remit their operating surpluses as required by section 22 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act.

17. We are determined to ensure that our resources are managed prudently and utilized solely for the public good. To set the proper tone, one of our early decisions was the adoption of a zero based budgeting approach, which ensures that resources are aligned with Government’s priorities and allocated efficiently. This budgeting method, a clear departure from previous budgeting activities, will optimize the impact of public expenditure.

18. In addition to the proper linkage of budgeting to strategic planning, we are enhancing the utilization of the Government Integrated Financial Management Information Systems (GIFMIS) to improve financial management. The recently established Efficiency Unit is working across MDAs to identify and eliminate wasteful spending, duplication and other inefficiencies. We engaged costing experts to scrutinize the 2016 budget proposals. They have already identified certain cost areas that can be centralized for economies to be made.

19. We have directed the extension of the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS) to all MDAs to reap its full benefits. We will also strengthen the controls over our personnel and pension costs with the imminent introduction of the Continuous Audit Process (CAP). These initiatives will ensure personnel costs are reduced. Our commitment to a lean and cost effective government remains a priority, and the initiatives we are introducing will signal a fundamental change in how Government spends public revenue.

2016: Laying the Foundation for Sustainable Growth

20. The 2016 budget, as outlined, is designed to ensure that we revive our economy, deliver inclusive growth to Nigerians and create a significant number of jobs.

21. We aim to ensure macroeconomic stability by achieving a real GDP growth rate of 4.37% and managing inflation. To achieve this, we will ensure the aligning of fiscal, monetary, trade and industrial policies.

22. As we focus on inclusive growth, we are conscious of the current rate of unemployment and underemployment. This is a challenge we are determined to meet; and this budget is the platform for putting more Nigerians to work. I can assure you that this administration will have a job creation focus in every aspect of the execution of this budget. Nigeria’s job creation drive will be private sector led. We will encourage this by a reduction in tax rates for smaller businesses as well as subsidized funding for priority sectors such as agriculture and solid minerals.

23. As an emergency measure, to address the chronic shortage of teachers in public schools across the country, we also will partner with State and Local Governments to recruit, train and deploy 500,000 unemployed graduates and NCE holders. These graduate teachers will be deployed to primary schools, thereby, enhancing the provision of basic education especially in our rural areas.

24. We also intend to partner with State and Local Governments to provide financial training and loans to market women, traders and artisans, through their cooperative societies. We believe that this segment of our society is not only critical to our plan for growing small businesses, but it is also an important platform to create jobs and provide opportunities for entrepreneurs.

25. Furthermore, through the office of the Vice President, we are working with various development partners to design an implementable and transparent conditional cash transfer program for the poorest and most vulnerable. This program will be implemented in phases. Already, the compilation of registers of the poorest persons is ongoing. In the coming weeks, we will present the full programme, which will include our home-grown public primary school feeding and free education for science, technology and education students in our tertiary institutions. Indeed, this will mark a historic milestone for us as a nation.
The 2016 Budget

FG Declares Dec. 24, 25, 28 As Public Holidays

The Federal Government has declared Dec. 24, Dec.25 and Dec. 28 public holidays to mark Maulud Nabiy, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, respectively.

The Minister of the Interior, Retired Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, made the declaration on Thursday in Abuja in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Bassey Akpanyung.

“The Federal Government has declared Thursday, 24th December, 2015 aspublic holiday to mark Eid-El-Maulud celebration.

“Friday, 25th and Monday 28th December, 2015 have also been declared as public holidays to mark Christmas and Boxing Day celebration,” the statement said.

The minister enjoined Muslim and Christian faithful to use the unique occasion to‎ pray for the peaceand unity of Nigeria.

He also advised Nigerians to cooperate and join hands with President Muhammadu Buhari in his efforts to build a peaceful, united and virile nation.

Dambazau wishes Nigerians, home and abroad, happy celebrations.

Eid-Maulud is the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammed in Islam, while Christmas is celebrated by Christians to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.

FG Declares Dec. 24, 25, 28 As Public Holidays

The Federal Government has declared Dec. 24, Dec.25 and Dec. 28 public holidays to mark Maulud Nabiy, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, respectively.

The Minister of the Interior, Retired Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, made the declaration on Thursday in Abuja in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Bassey Akpanyung.

“The Federal Government has declared Thursday, 24th December, 2015 aspublic holiday to mark Eid-El-Maulud celebration.

“Friday, 25th and Monday 28th December, 2015 have also been declared as public holidays to mark Christmas and Boxing Day celebration,” the statement said.

The minister enjoined Muslim and Christian faithful to use the unique occasion to‎ pray for the peaceand unity of Nigeria.

He also advised Nigerians to cooperate and join hands with President Muhammadu Buhari in his efforts to build a peaceful, united and virile nation.

Dambazau wishes Nigerians, home and abroad, happy celebrations.

Eid-Maulud is the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammed in Islam, while Christmas is celebrated by Christians to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.

FG Declares Dec. 24, 25, 28 As Public Holidays

The Federal Government has declared Dec. 24, Dec.25 and Dec. 28 public holidays to mark Maulud Nabiy, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, respectively.

The Minister of the Interior, Retired Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, made the declaration on Thursday in Abuja in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Bassey Akpanyung.

“The Federal Government has declared Thursday, 24th December, 2015 aspublic holiday to mark Eid-El-Maulud celebration.

“Friday, 25th and Monday 28th December, 2015 have also been declared as public holidays to mark Christmas and Boxing Day celebration,” the statement said.

The minister enjoined Muslim and Christian faithful to use the unique occasion to‎ pray for the peaceand unity of Nigeria.

He also advised Nigerians to cooperate and join hands with President Muhammadu Buhari in his efforts to build a peaceful, united and virile nation.

Dambazau wishes Nigerians, home and abroad, happy celebrations.

Eid-Maulud is the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammed in Islam, while Christmas is celebrated by Christians to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.

6 Nigerian Banks To Merge From January 2016

6 Nigerian banks will be forming a merger in January, 2016.
The merger is as a result of the shock created in their assets and balance sheet sizes in the face of declining oil prices.

Managing Director, Sterling Bank Plc, Yemi Adeola, who disclosed this yesterday said he envisaged possible shrinking in the number of local banks in the New Year. He however, did not list the banks involved in the merger