2015: Jonathan will be the easy for APC to beat

Wednesday, March 26th, 2014

By Duku Joel, Damaturu. On Mar 26th, 2014 at 01:01
Filed under: Featured, News

Yobe State Commissioner for Water Resources Alhaji Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa has said the All Progressives Congress (APC) will defeat President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2015 election.

Karasuwa said: “Actually as far as we are concerned, personally I will prefer Jonathan to contest. Why? Because, he is the one we can easily beat because he has done so many things that he cannot be marketable.

“There are a lot of things under this administration of Jonathan that one can tell Nigerians and it is not something hidden. See the corruption in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and all over the place. Today, hundreds of billions of dollars are gone; tomorrow is the same; next tomorrow is still the same? Look at his Petroleum Minister who is spending over N10billion just for charttering aircraft. What about the tragedy recently at the Immigration recruitment? The list is endless.

“So, politically talking, politics is about presenting the score card of the present administration for you to criticise or support; so, we in APC have so many things now at hand that we can present to Nigerians and tell them that Jonathan is not competent to rule this country.

“I heard some time that PDP wants to make him a consensus candidate and if that happens, we will have an upper hand. As far as APC is concerned, the contest will be a walk-over for us.

Buhari denies link with Boko Haram, may go to court

A former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari has denied either sponsoring or backing Boko Haram as alleged by the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP).

He said the PDP is playing politics with Boko Haram insurgency to cover up for the deluge of public perceptions against the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.

But there were indications last night that Buhari might go to court to clear his name if the PDP does not withdraw its allegation.

Buhari, who made the clarifications through his spokesman, Mr. Rotimi Fashakin, likened the National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh to Joseph Goebbels in the last days of Adolf Hitler’s regime.

He said: “For clarity, Gen. Buhari has never supported or sponsored insurgency. He has no link with Boko Haram; he cannot do any of such things, he would never be involved in insurgency. They are just afraid of this man at the poll

“In all his years, in the service of Nigeria, he has always shown total patriotism for the state. It is total arrant nonsense. It is a ploy by PDP to cover up the deluge of negative perceptions against the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan because the general elections are around the corner. Unlike 2011, they know they have a mountain to climb to convince Nigerians to vote for them.

“PDP has found it convenient to play on the very thin line of religion and ethnicity to remain in power but Nigerians are wiser.

“General Muhammadu Buhari (GMB) has proven his mettle as a patriotic Nigerian leader whose passion for the virility of the Nigerian Nation is untrammeled.

“He is still the reference point in transparent, honest and compassionate leadership. This, obviously, contrasts the present leadership that constantly evinces larcenous disposition in its governance of the nation. Indeed, Nigerians are asking: where is the $20 Billion that NNPC has not remitted to the Federation account?”

Responding to a question, Fashakin, who was a former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) added: “Gen. Buhari might go to court; he has had enough of this nonsense from PDP and the likes of Metuh.”

A follow-up statement condemned the National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh for showing desperation with fabricated lies to gain political advantage.

The statement added: “Metuh is showing as much desperation as Joseph Goebbels in the last days of the Hitler regime.

“It is sad that Mr. Metuh decided to deal in despicable fabrications with a view to gaining political advantage through iniquitous revisionism.

“The former NSA, late Gen Andrew Azazi, was unequivocal in his assertion that the power play in the PDP was the raison d’etre of the Boko Haram insurgency. Apparently, the discomfort caused within the PDP hierarchy was the reason for his sack.

“Furthermore, we knew of the confessional statement to the SSS by one of the PDP stalwarts that the contact with Boko Haram was with the imprimatur of the VP Namadi Sambo!

“It is well understood that after the ruinous Jonathan regime had impoverished the teeming population of Nigerians through its deliberate policy of leadership-centred corruption, there will obviously be a desire to attempt to deflect the pressure put on it by Nigerians.”

The statement asked the PDP and Jonathan administration to address exploitation of jobless youths instead of clinging to any excuse for not providing employment.

It said: “An exploitative and iniquitous regime that specializes in exploiting poor Nigerian youth on the pretence of providing elusive job placements.”

“This is a regime that has shown culpability in the needless deaths of vulnerable Nigerians through the callous lusting for greedy gains by the key honchos of the PDP party, as seen in the botched immigration job recruitment earlier in the month of March.

“This is a regime that is now so desperate as to employ the services of an Olisa Metuh who, without scruples, evinces infernal asininity with his press statements.”

Reps Uncover Another Diezani’s State-sponsored Private Jet

Barely a week after the House of Representatives raised the alarm that the minister of petroleum, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, had spent about N10billion of public funds on the maintenance of a Challenger Jet for her private use, it has been gathered that she also maintains another jet for international trips only which is estimated to gulp about €600,000 per trip.

The House last week, while acting on a motion raised by Hon Samuel Adejare (APC, Lagos), mandated its committee on Public Accounts to investigate whether Diezani actually spent taxpayers’ N10billion on maintaining a private jet which costs €300,000 per trip.

LEADERSHIP however gathered last night that documents obtained by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in the course of its investigation revealed that the minister also allegedly maintains another jet for international flights and it costs as much as €600,000 per trip.

The document, according to a source in the committee who spoke on condition of anonymity since the probe is ongoing, said the panel is in possession of a flight manifest of the chartered jet whose registration number is OF-LGX GLOBAL EXPRESS, the number of trips it has undertaken, complete with dates and destinations.

He added that the lawmakers have decided to summon people whose names are on the manifest to testify in the investigative hearing on the subject.

The Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) yesterday defended the minister on the initial accusation of wasting N10bn on the Challenger jet, saying the corporation reserves the power to maintain such facility in line with its 2004 Act.

While denying operating any private jet for private use of Diezani, NNPC spokesman, Dr Omar Farouq Ibrahim, said no law prohibits it from owning or chartering an aircraft, explaining that the corporation engages third parties for the provision of services outside of its core business.

In a related development, the committee has summoned the accountant-general of the federation, Mr Jonah Otunla, acting governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr Sarah Alade and Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Bright Okogu, to explain why N69.6 billion oil subsidy fund is unaccounted for.

In a bid to exonerate itself from any wrongdoing, NNPC officials had told members of the committee that the money in question was never cash-backed and had made efforts to make the Budget Office and AGF write formally to affirm this position to no avail.

Responding, chairman of the committee, Hon Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (APC, Lagos) gave the NNPC leave to write a formal letter explaining the non-receipt of the said N69.6 billion subsidy fund.

He also summoned the CBN, AGF and Budget office to explain why such sum of money was disbursed without any documentary evidence.

Conference in stormy session over rules, others

 Featured, News

Even before it takes off, the National Conference seems to be living up to its billing as a contentious forum.

Its plenary started yesterday on a stormy note.

The session, which was devoted to the adoption of rules of proceeding, was adjourned without adopting the mode of voting if delegates failed to achieve consensus on an issue.

The sharp disagreement on the mode of voting seemed to be a North-South divide with a preponderance of northerners rooting for 75 per cent vote to decide an issue. Most southerners believed that left with 75 per cent, no decision would be achieved.

Signals that the session might be tempestuous emerged as it started more than one hour behind the stipulated 10 am.

Mike Ozekhome, a chief, who described himself as an “addendum” from a minority ethnic group, fired the first shot on voting procedure.

He requested the Chairman, Justice Idris Kutigi (rtd) to allow him speak on Order 6 (4) and 11(1)(2), which deals with voting.

The section states in part that any issue under discussion shall be determined by consensus and in the absence of consensus, the chairman shall adjourn proceedings to allow for consultation.

It added that where consensus finally failed the issue shall be decided by three quarters of members.

But Ozekhome reasoned that achieving three quarters would be problematic.

He noted that controversial, emotive and sensitive issues were bound to come up.

In such a situation, he noted, it would be difficult to get 75 per cent or three quarters to support an issue.

The lawyer suggested that the conference should go for simple majority or two-third, insisting that three quarters was likely to produce a tyrannical minority.

The tyrannical minority, he said, might shoot down a popular issue because the conference was unable to get three quarters vote.

He prayed that the section should be reviewed to avoid a situation where the delegates would find it difficult to take decision on issues.

Ozekhome said: “369 is 3/4 of this conference, a number that is obviously humongous, elephantine and behemoth. As we go into the serious issues after adopting this rule, a lot of highly emotive, controversial issues and some demanding primordial sentiments would prop up.

“As a Federal Government delegate, I will discuss from the perspective of a nationalist, but there are many delegates here who are from various strata of our society who have their own issues, such as state police, which I vehemently believe in, regionalism or the form of government we are going to take. When such emotive and controversial issues prop up, how do we get 75 per cent or three quarters because it is going to be very difficult if there is no consensus.

“In other words, such issues are dead on arrival if we have to go by this rule.

“If we also have to go by this 75 per cent rule, it means we are going to have a tyrannical minority; if 74 per cent of the delegates vote on an issue and 26 per cent voted against but can’t carry through because we have not the 75 percent mark.

“The result is that the 26 per cent that voted against has actually won. So, my suggestion is that we should tow the line of parliamentary standard across the world by adopting 2/3 majority.”

Perhaps the stage of discord was set when Justice Kutigi told the delegates that the conference was not competent to change three quarters vote to decide an issue.

He said that the letter that appointed them stipulated that determination of an issue where consensus failed shall be three quarters of the delegates.

He said that the letter foreclosed discussion on three quarters vote to decide an issue.

Most delegates shouted that the section should be revisited.

Chief Adeniyi Akintola (Oyo State) wondered why President Jonathan should make up his mind on the issue.

He said: “If Mr. President has made up his mind on voting, why did he bring us here?”

Prof. Awwulu Yadudu reminded the delegates that there were some no-go areas as stated by President Jonathan.

Yadudu noted that Jonathan asked delegates not to discuss any issue that has to do with the continued existence of Nigeria as an entity.

He added that it was his wish that issues would be decided by consensus but where consensus failed three quarters should be adopted.

But Chief Ahmadu Ali said that decisions should be arrived at by two-third because three quarters will be difficult to achieve.

The ding dong went on unresolved.

Attempts by the chairman to shelve debate on the contentious issue were met by a resounding “no!”.

The delegates went on break.

On resumption from break, the Chairman said: “Let us go to page 12”. But the delegates would have none of it as they shouted: “No, were are still on page 11!” that deals with voting.

The chairman noted that some delegates said that the conference should work with consensus.

“We shall come back to it later after we’ve taken more arguments,” he said.

The issue did not come up again for discussion until Justice Kutigi adjourned the session.

Senator Ken Nnamani said there were inconsistencies in the draft rule.

He noted that in some place three quarters was mentioned while in other places “two-third” was used.

He noted even the Constitution allows for two-thirds to decide issues.

The former Senate President wondered why Justice Kutigi did not allow delegates to conclude the matter.

On appointment of chairmen and deputy chairmen of committees,

some delegates were of the opinion that the chairman of the conference and his deputy should not appoint chairmen and deputies of committees, as well as constituting members.

Such appointments, they said, should be subjected to democratic norms whereby members of committees should pick their own presiding officers.

Chief Olu Falae, among others, supported the idea of members choosing their chairman and vice chairman.

The chairman put the question and those against the draft carried the day.

Not convinced, the chairman put the question the second time. Those against the draft rule, which vested the power of appointing chairmen of committees on the conference chairman, outnumbered those in support.

Justice Kutigi ruled and banged the gavel.

Removal of chairman and deputy of committees after review of their performance by the conference chairman was also rejected by the delegates.

On quorum, the delegates decided that 1/3 delegate membership should form quorum for deliberation.

On replacement of conference official, some delegates wanted a time frame of 48 hours to be given to Mr. President to replace any conference official who resigned or became indisposed.

But, others said that Mr. President should not be compelled to announce the replacement of an official.

Chief Segun Osoba suggested that the conference should sit between 10am to 5pm. The break period should be reduced to one hour instead of two hours.

Osoba proposed an amendment to the provision of the rules of proceedings, saying that the conference should not be rigid about it.

The current rule being debated stipulates that plenary begins at 10 am and lasts till 2 pm to give way for a lunch break that lasts till 4 pm when plenary resumes to close at 6 pm.

Some of the delegates canvassed for the plenary to hold between 9 am and 4 pm without break. Others suggested the reduction of the break time to one hour, to enable them to close at 5 pm.

However, the chairman ruled for the retention of the current provision.

Inside Boko Haram camp, by escapees

Two women who escaped from the captivity of Boko Haram insurgents have relived their horrendous experience.

Liatu and Janet told the Hausa Service of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) monitored in Kaduna how they escaped from the insurgents after spending several days with them.

Liatu, 23, who claimed to have spent 12 days with her abductors inside the Sambisa forest, said she was captured by the insurgents on her way to her village. The insurgents, according to her, barricaded the road near the Bama Bridge, killing some people and abducting others.

One of the men who was also abducted, she said, suggested that they should escape. “One man suggested that we run away because one can only die once. We took a golf car and ran away, the Boko Haram people chased us on a motorbike, shooting at us and killed those who sat at the back. When we were approaching Bama, they retreated and went back,” Liatu said.

Liatu, a Christian, claimed that the Boko Haram members had earlier asked her to accept Islam as a religion. She watched while they slaughtered about 50 people.

Also sharing her experience with the BBC, Janet claimed that she spent about three months with the insurgents who tried to conscript her after severally violating her. They took her to Gwoza town in the state where they killed people.

Liatu claimed that the insurgents gave her a knife and instructed her to slaughter one of the five people, a task she said she could not perform, adding that the wife of the Boko Haram leader later carried out the task on her behalf.

Janet said she has continued to live with the nightmare, and the gory details of what transpired when the victims were killed, adding that most of the Boko Haram members were known faces to her because they were neighbours.

She claimed that she escaped from her captors after feigning illness and was allowed to seek medical attention. “I feigned illness for two weeks; they said I had AIDS and should be taken to their hospital for test. I told them it was stomach pain. That was how I escaped.

“The Boko Haram men hide in caves and mountains. They sight jets and other aircraft. I felt happy whenever I saw soldiers, but they could not locate the Boko Haram who were mostly, along the Liman Kara and Gwoza axis.

“They took many of us into the bush. If they searched and found ID card, they will say they had warned that people should not work for the government, and they will kill the person. For those Konduga girls, they will select those who perm their hair and kill them.”

Also yesterday, the Defence Headquarters said government troops at the weekend, killed 18 suspected Boko Haram insurgents in Bama and Ngurosoye in Borno State.

A statement by the Director Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade, said the insurgents were dislodged while attempting to attack some settlements.

According to the DHQ, 16 AK 47 rifles, five pick up vans and seven Gulf cars belonging to the insurgents were destroyed.

The statement however said the attack at Bama market in which about 20 persons were reported killed had not been verified, adding that 75 villagers were screened and released in the course of cordon and search in the adjoining communities.

The statement added: “In a related development, a total of 16 AK47 rifles were recovered in the course of cordon and search of communities, while mop up operations are ongoing on Mandara mountains and Haraza hills.

“Troops eventually overran camps in the outskirts of Gombole, Mele, Kecheri, Dufrfada, Yuwe, and others around Mandara mountains and Sambisa forests after stiff resistance. Many terrorists died in the encounter. A soldier lost his life and five others were wounded.

“The Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) has also stepped up patrols of the banks of Lake Chad as well as surrounding communities in addition to air surveillance and patrols designed to smoke out the remnants of the terrorists.

“The air raids on some camps sited on Islands have also recorded successes in dislodging the terrorists located there.

“Cordon and search for the terrorists have been focused on thorough screening of the villagers in surrounding communities. Many terrorists have been identified and subsequently apprehended by troops in the process.

“Meanwhile, troops morale and fighting spirit have remained noticeably high while some of the terrorists camps falling to the forces in the ongoing counter terrorists campaign have been found deserted.

“Food items earlier seized by the terrorists from the villagers are often found stockpiled along with other items such as electronics and power generators. The camps were swiftly razed by the troops”.

The Nation.

NIGERIA AND THE APC SOLUTIONS

With the centenary celebrations, Nigeria is supposed to be among the best economies of the world or at worst developed. But unfortunately we are not even tackling our basics needs. While insecurity has deteriorated. Therefore, the need for capable hands to restore the already sinking country is paramount. 

The problems encountered while trying to form indigenous government are quite different from current happenings. At that time it was about replacing colonial masters with Nigerians, its true we had infrastructure and education deficits but the button line is about independence.

Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa of Blessed memory, emerged the prime minister with majority support. Northern People Congress (NPC) was very formidable, its leader, the late Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello had the required prerequisites to provide solutions to Nigerian problems, Northern region in particular. There was no leadership vacuum, the peers of the late premier, such as lates Hon. Aliyu CBE, Makaman Bidda, Sir Kashim Ibrahim, Jigatau dan Bayero, Alhaji Mohammadu Sanusi CMG,KBE etc. where equaled to the task, while on the opposition. Lates Aminu Kano, Ibrahim Iman etc where there to even sacrifice their lives for the progress and development of Nigeria.

The problems before the 1979 elections has to do with the need to democratize Nigeria in line with civilized societies, the military regimes were not forthcoming despites enormous resources.

The type of leader required at that time was one that can consolidate our young democracy. Alhaji Shehu Shagari, the Turaki of Sokoto served the purpose. An acceptable personality and a true Nigerian, Danmasanin Kano was just too Northern for a national task, while Dallatun Fika’s radicalism and civil service sophistication where not the immediate requirements. It is all about some one to nourish a young democracy to the next level, foster national integration and economic growth. Nigerians are still grateful to the Turaki of Sokoto it was and still a job well-done.

Situation before the 1999 elections depict a derailing nation. Country of corrupt leaders, decayed infrastructures, shamble economy, powerful military and divided polity. General Olusegun Obasanjo (Rtd) emerged. An acceptable General, bridge builder that caught across the three regions and above all experienced. Others at the primaries, Abubakar Rimi, Alex Ekwueme were miles apart, Baba’s credentials at that time were unmatched.

Late Mallam Umaru Yaradua’s government was an offshoot of Baba’s regime, young intellectual, that served the purpose and lived to divine expectations, world-class in corruptible being, that genuine Nigerians still mourn.

The memories of Yaradua’s demise, happenings after and current situations, oh my God! are not only heart breaking but to say the least breath taking, while writing this piece and at these very point, my heart boils and bleeds in agony, my eyes draw thinner, while the cells of my brain search for possible comfort. Had to lay my pen, Nigeria is in a coma! It is devastating that my metal capacity and average physique can not withstand. The assaults on my father land gigantic.

Many things has been written since President Jonathan assumed office, there is absolutely no need for any repetition, but conclusively, I will thread the part of some notable personalities such as Gen TY Danjuma, Governors of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states who all concurred that Nigeria is in a war. Military is not my discipline, I am and I loved being a bloody civilian, but simple understanding of a war country is very clear and that is exactly the situation we found ourselves courtesy of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. 

The need to salvage Nigeria became an issue which the political class were saddled with. There were series of high level discussions and meetings nationwide in search of possible solutions. This led to the formation of the All Progressives Congress APC, principally to restore the country from this mess.

APC became the hope of Nigerians. Combination of concerned politicians, diverse in ideologies but converged on the need to clean Nigeria of present corruption and move it forward. For this onerous task APC has competent hands tested and trusted, Among them includes Gen. Mohammed Buhari (rtd) Alhaji Atiku Abubakar Turakin Adamawa, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Dr. Danjuma Goje, Alhaji Nuhu Ribadu, Mr Sam Nda Isiah,Alhaji Kashim Ibrahim Iman Matawalle of Bornu etc.

Starting from the later, Matawalle of Borno is presently one of the front contenders, expected at the APC Presidential primaries. A season intellectual, political scientist, international management expert and no doubt the most influential and compelling voice in North East politics. Matawalle’s formation as a strong pillar of Nigerian politics started with his childhood involvement in the activities of Borno Youth Movement BYM, which served as an umbrella of the masses and protector of the oppressed. 

Matawalles promotion of the ideals of Borno State Union, BSU, a cultural organization, designed to accommodate all Borno people of every political persuasions, helped to foster the sprit of Kanuri nationalism. The building of a University in Maiduguri in Maiduguri was one of BSU objectives, a milestone Matawalle followed to actualization years later. Education in his submission has always been primary. The building of a Friday mosque in Maiduguri was top on BYM agenda and achieved during the rein of Sir Kashim Ibrahim, Waziri of Borno, it was also to Waziri’s credit the mosque expansion. Younger Kashims contributions to this project to date is second only to that of Senior Kashim of blessed memories. The political class started noticing the sterling leadership qualities of Matawalle during the formation and activities of the People Front (PF). His contributions, that of late Alhaji Mohammed Buhari, Amb. Babagana Kingebe, Atiku Abubakar with late Gen. Yaradua heading, ensured the success of the Front as the only formidable political formation that metamorphosed into the then Social Democratic Party,SDP. 

Matawalle was great and successful that during the SDP days and as a vibrant member of HOPE 93, he was instrumental to the overwhelming victory of Chief MKO Abiola in North East, where the Basharun made a wonderful outing to the astonishment of their son, Alh Bashir Tofa. 

The G 18 that culminated into G 34 then the PDP had founders such as late Chief Solomon Lar, Mallam Adamu Ciroma, Chief Alex Ekweme, Late Abubakar Rimi, Dr Sule Lamido, Sen. Iyuchia Ayu, Proff. Jerry Gana among and others. Also giving a helping hand and progressive inputs were Alhaji Kashim Ibrahim Iman, Lawal Batagarawa, Adamu Maina Waziri etc, the contributions of the Matawalle of Borno to the overall success of G18 can not be over emphasised.

During the days of Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo (rtd) as president, Matawalle was the presidential Liaison officer to the National Assembly. He played a mediating role as a first class negotiator, matured ambassador and intelligent intermediary. He succeeded in guiding the then National Assembly as to its functions, powers and limits as enshrined in the nation’s constitution. Matawalle has always been an institution of advance political knowledge. 

This presidential hopeful was a two time gubernatorial aspirant in Bornu State. The Bornu people are still grateful to God for giving the chance to vote for their choice, only to be rigged out later; in line with the unfortunate election trends in Nigeria. Gen. Mohd Buhari (Rtd) was thrice a victim of this type of political sociopaths.

The emergence of President Yaradua as presidential candidate in 2007 was an honor done to us. He was a technocrat and had concern for Nigeria’s development. Matawalle led the inner caucus that gave the parties approval for Yaadua’s candidature and forwarded same for presidential assent. That was the final struck that made Malam Umaru to the exalted seat. He continued as a senior Adviser to the government, getting involved and in several instances assenting to major policy decisions. 

The first intended merger between the Congress for Progressive Change CPC and Action Congress of Nigeria ANC suffered a serious setback and failed. Their members were willing, but lacked capable hands to attend to this type of political permutation. The need for the merger continued after the first attempt. With the involvement of Matawalle, the PDP were laughing, that he was going into an impossibility, un known to them he is close to General Buhari, Chief Tinubu and ofcourse major stakeholders of the marging parties.He formally and informally facilitated it with Mal.Nasiru El Rufai, former FCT minister playing a critical role.

If leadership is about being a nationalist like the late Tafawa Balewa or ability to forgive as in the spirit of Gen. Gowon or competency as in Gen Murtala Mohd, then the Matawalle fits the seat. If it is about independence and honesty as in Gen Buhari or accommodation like Gen. IBB, experience as in OBJ or even integrity as in Yaradua it is still the matawalle of Borno. Sometimes referred to as Dogon yaro{

I thank you.

Long Live APC
Long Live Nigeria

Written By Mallam Garba Dankani

Confab, a waste of public funds – Buhari

A former Head of State, Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday described the ongoing national conference as a waste of public funds.

He said   at the opening of the inaugural edition of the PGF Progressive Governors-Legislative-Civil Society Roundtable in Abuja, that the huge amount being spent on the entire process, should have been put to better use.

Buhari, an All Progressives Congress national leader,  argued that  what the conference was trying to  achieve was what the National Assembly was in a better position to do.

He  said, “What I say about the conference is a personal view. What the conference is doing is the duty of the National Assembly.

“The elite should  have call  themselves together and ask the National Assembly to sponsor a bill for some amendments to the constitution.

“I do not think that at this time when government  is  finding it difficult to pay salaries of workers, it can afford about N7bn to waste on a conference.”

Also at the event,  Senator Bukola Saraki    said the current administration needed to be more transparent in the management of  the nation’s funds.

He explained that the lack of transparency was partly responsible for the impunity of the Peoples Democratic Party-led Federal Government.

Saraki said, it was only in Nigeria that a President could afford to commit an impeachable offence by spending huge  public  revenue outside appropriation without consequences.

He argued that the money being spent  on the   national conference was not contained in the 2014 budget.

“I told my colleagues that it might probably be coming from the missing $20bn.” Saraki, a former Kwara State governor and APC leader added.

He also noted that the controversial subsidy regime posed  a great danger to the economy itself.

The lawmaker said,  “Let us not allow anybody to deceive us; the problem is not the subsidy but it’s management.

“The country does not use more 35 million litres of PMS (Premium Motor Spirit) while a look at cost profile shows a huge difference that indicates that we cannot  consume more 35 million litres.”

According to him, an efficient petrol subsidy management can solve most of the problems being experienced in the  country.

The  Director General of the PGF, Salisu Lukeman, said concerns over institutionalised corruption  informed the forum’s   decision to liaise with  APC  members  in  the National Assembly to do something to keep the fight against  graft  in the front burner.

Lukeman explained that the outcome of the interface  would  form the basis of new strategies to fight corruption.

Also,  the  Deputy Minority Leader of  the Senate, Senator Abu Ibrahim, said the round table was the first of its kind in the country.

He said  that APC members in the National Assembly  would  try to push through the resolutions at the round table in the National Assembly.

The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajamila, said the party had once again taken   up topics that are germane to  national development.

He explained that the party, through  roundtable, had made it very clear that good governance was its priority.