On Air Now:
Now Playing:Loading...
site loader
October 25, 2023 We Considered Cost And Bad Roads Before Approving Land Cruisers — Senate

We Considered Cost And Bad Roads Before Approving Land Cruisers — Senate

Sunday Karimi, the Chairman of the Senate Services Committee from Kogi West (APC), has addressed the recent public uproar surrounding the acquisition of Prado Landcruiser Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for the 469 federal lawmakers, deeming it misdirected.

During an interview with journalists in Abuja after a Senate plenary session, Karimi expressed his disappointment with the extensive media coverage and scrutiny that followed the revelation of the vehicle purchase deal, which has become a customary occurrence every four years.

Karimi elaborated on the Senate's decision-making process, emphasizing that various factors were considered, including cost-effectiveness, durability, and the challenging condition of many Nigerian roads, before opting for the SUVs. He found it unfair that the attention and criticism focused on lawmakers' utility vehicles, as the situation was far more excessive at the executive level. He pointed out that non-elected ministers frequently travelled in convoys with multiple such vehicles without significant scrutiny from the media or the public.

Karimi stated, "Some ministers possess more than three Land Cruisers, Prados, and other vehicles, and no one questions them. Why focus on us? When I visit my senatorial district, I incur substantial expenses on my vehicles due to our poor road conditions. Do you understand?"

He continued, "Our choice to use the Land Cruiser involved a comprehensive analysis, including price comparison and other factors related to cost and durability. It's not solely the senators' decision; we thoroughly analyzed it before opting for the Land Cruiser. It was based on a comparative analysis of the cost and durability of Nigerian roads. Do you follow me? We want something that can endure for another four years. Purchasing vehicles for the National Assembly is a recurring issue; it arises in every assembly."

He went on to say, "If you look at state houses of assembly today, most of them, even before being inaugurated, have had the governor purchase vehicles awaiting their arrival, as do local government chairmen. I have personally driven the vehicle used by my local government chairman. So, why single out the National Assembly?"

Addressing the cost of the vehicles, he explained, "Let me clarify, as the Chairman of the Service Committee. When I joined the Senate, I inherited a liability of over N16 billion, which included various items, including vehicles from the 7th, 8th, and 9th assemblies."

October 25, 2023 Supreme Court To Deliver Final Verdict In Atiku, Obi’s Petitions Oct 26

Supreme Court To Deliver Final Verdict In Atiku, Obi’s Petitions Oct 26

The Supreme Court has set the date of Thursday, October 26, for the delivery of the ultimate verdicts in the two remaining petitions challenging the legitimacy of President Bola Tinubu's victory in the last presidential election.

These petitions were submitted by the presidential candidate of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, and Peter Gregory Obi from the Labour Party (LP). Dr. Awemeri Festus Akande, the Director of Press and Information for the Supreme Court, confirmed this development on Wednesday.

He assured that comprehensive security measures have been taken to ensure the safety of the court premises and its surroundings.

A seven-member panel of Justices, led by Justice John Inyang Okoro, concluded the final arguments presented by the legal representatives of the parties involved in the petitions on Monday. Following this, the Justices reserved their judgments for the upcoming ruling.

October 25, 2023 Senate Swears In Yohanna As Abbo’s Replacement

Senate Swears In Yohanna As Abbo’s Replacement

On Wednesday, the Senate administered the oath of office to Amos Yohanna, the new Senator representing Adamawa North Senatorial District. Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session, conducted the swearing-in ceremony.

Yohanna, a member of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), assumes the position, succeeding Abbo, who was removed by the Appeal Court the previous week. Abbo was a member of the All-Progressives Congress (APC).

The Court of Appeal in Abuja delivered the judgment, which compelled Abbo's removal. A three-member panel, with Justice C.E. Nwosu-Iheme presiding, directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue a Certificate of Return to Yohanna as the duly elected representative of the Adamawa North Senatorial District in the National Assembly.

READ ALSO: Akpabio Not Behind My Removal, Embattled Senator Abbo Apologised

This ruling overturned the earlier decision by the tribunal, which had upheld Abbo's victory as the senatorial election winner. INEC had initially declared Abbo the winner of the parliamentary election held on February 25, 2023. Discontented with this outcome, the PDP and Yohanna had lodged a petition with the tribunal to challenge the results.

The tribunal, however, had dismissed Yohanna's petition, finding it lacking in merit. Unsatisfied with this verdict, the PDP candidate, represented by his counsel, Johnson Usman, SAN, took the case to the Appeal Court. The Court of Appeal, after hearing arguments from both sides, concurred with Usman's argument, citing Section 137 of the Electoral Act, 2022, to highlight a lack of compliance with the Electoral Act. Consequently, the court deducted the invalid votes from both parties and declared Yohanna and the PDP as the winners based on the majority of lawful votes.

Following this judgment, Senator Abbo expressed his discontent, labelling it a blow to democracy. However, he urged his supporters to remain calm.

October 25, 2023 Why I Defected To APC – Tonto Dikeh

Why I Defected To APC – Tonto Dikeh

Renowned Nollywood actress turned politician Tonto Dikeh has shed light on her decision to switch her political allegiance from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

On Monday, Tonto Dikeh was officially introduced as an APC member by Dr Mary Alile, the National Women Leader, at the party's national secretariat in Abuja. In explaining her move to the APC, Tonto, who served as the running mate for the ADC governorship candidate in Rivers State during the 2023 elections, cited her belief in the betterment of Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu's administration.

READ ALSO: Nollywood Actress Tonto Dikeh Joins APC, Dumps ADC

Taking to her Instagram page on Tuesday, the actress shared her perspective, saying, "Facts supported by evidence often bring disputes to a close, prompting significant decisions and changes for the greater good. Presented with these facts, objectives, and the vision of the current Renewed Hope agenda, I have chosen to set aside emotions and work for the greater good of Nigerian youth, women, and the nation as a whole, as I have consistently done through the Committee of Youth on Mobilization and Sensitization (CYMS) platform in collaboration with the Federal Government."

She added, "Over the years, I've learned that impactful leadership arises from visionary leaders who offer selfless service to humanity. This isn't just a personal victory but a collective achievement for our aspirations, hopes, and efforts to ensure we leave a proud legacy for future generations. As a dedicated Nigerian, I want to emphasize my faith in the prosperity of Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope agenda.

Watch Live

x
PHP Code Snippets Powered By : XYZScripts.com
X