Tambuwal, Saraki, Dogara, Kwankwaso To Return To PDP As It Rebrands *Kwankwaso Grievances With Buhari

247Ureports – Information available to 247ureports.com obtained from competent sources within the Peoples Democratic Party [PDP] indicates that the opposition party maybe prepping for a major rebound judging by the recent political mechanization ongoing behind closed doors.

According to reliable information, many of the ranking political leaders of the All Progressive Congress [APC] who had cross carpeted from the PDP to the APC, are presently said to be in talks the leadership of the PDP concerning pathway to returning back to the PDP. Among the list of possible returnees are the former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, the former Speaker of the House of Representative, Hon. Tambuwal, the present Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Yakubu Dogara, the present President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki, among others.

Particularly, the former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso is reported to have concluded plans to return to the PDP. According to the information, Kwankwaso has formally approached the acting Chairman of the PDP, Secondus for a meeting concerning his intentions to return to the PDP. Our source indicates that the meeting was a fruitful one for both Kwankwaso and the PDP. It was agreed upon in principle that Kwankwaso would be given a suitable return way into the party – and that Kwankwaso would remain in the APC for now – until a later date possibly in 2017 when other APC would-be defectors would defect in large numbers into the PDP.

Kwankwaso, for all intent and purposes, is considered and treated as a PDP member presently, stated our source who also noted that the leadership of the PDP would always brief Kwankwaso on any move the PDP intends to make in Kano State. “He remains the leader of the ‘PDP’ in Kano presently” said the source who also added that Kwankwaso has indicated interest in vying for the office of the Presidency under the PDP.

Kwankwaso’s intention to vie for the office of the presidency was confirmed by a Kano political heavy weight who is familiar with the activities in the Kano political theater. The source who was a one-time commissioner under the Kwankwaso administration confirmed that Kwankwaso had already begun making consultations with his group and wider supporters concerning his pending move to the PDP. The source revealed that Kwankwaso remains bitterly unhappy with President Buhari in the manner he was relegated to the ‘side table’ – after having generated 1.9million votes from Kano – largely from the efforts of the former Kano Governor. “Without the 1.9million votes from Kano where would Buhari be today?”

It was understood that immediately following the electoral victory of President Buhari, he was quick to close the doors on Kwankwaso. Some informed sources claimed that Buhari was not too trusting of Kwankwaso due to some un-desiring clandestine activities on the part of Kwankwaso to undermine Buhari. So, as Buhari got victory at the polls, he recoiled away from Kwankwaso – without including him in the setting up of government or in the discussions at play on the national level. Buhari’s demeanor to Kwankwaso is reported to have angered Kwankwaso bitterly.

But a source close to a political rival of Kwankwaso in Kano [Shekarau’s camp], discounted the cold treatment meted to Kwankwaso by Buhari – as well deserving of a disloyal politician in the person of Kwankwaso. The source reveals that during the 2011 gubernatorial campaign in Kano that Kwankwaso was virtually cashless and ‘broke’. He needed assistance to purchase the party gubernatorial ticket in the PDP. “He had no money and nobody was willing to offer assistance” revealed the source who went on to add that it was the then President Goodluck Jonathan who came to his aid and financed the entire gubernatorial campaign and ensured victory for Kwankwaso – and he became Governor of Kano State in 2011. In the build up to 2015 presidential elections, Kwankwaso dumped the PDP and defected to the APC. While at the APC, he craft-fully generated 1.9million votes in Kano for the APC president candidate to eventually defeat the PDP presidential candidate.

Nonetheless, “we are willing to overlook Kwankwaso’s inabilities and shortcomings”, said a PDP national executive member to 247ureports.com when questioned on the behavior exhibited by Kwankwaso in the past on the area of disloyalty. He was also clear to state that the PDP remains the party for all people and not for a section of the country. “Other members who left for the APC are gradually coming back to us to open talks on how to forge a way forward”.

Tambuwal and Dogara are said to have expressed their willingness to return to the PDP directly to the national executive council officially and unofficially. This is according to reliable information available to 247ureports.com which also indicates that Atiku has already concluded plans to announce his return to the PDP. “Some of his people have already decamped/returned as we speak”, said the national executive member. Saraki had also met with the national executive council of the PDP indicating his willingness to abandon the APC and to return to the PDP. Saraki is reported to have made his intentions clear. He intends to vie for the office of the presidency come 2019 under the PDP. Kwankwaso is reported to have also told members of the national executive behind closed doors of his intentions to vie for the office of the President under the PDP.

Cursory investigation into the reason behind the sudden flurry of northern candidates into the PDP back from APC – show that the leadership of the PDP had agreed in principle to zone the slot of presidency to the north. In the same tone, the party has decided on zoning of the chairmanship to the south south geopolitical zone instead of the south west – which it had contemplated on zoning to – but dropped the idea because the PDP is considered weak in the south west region. The PDP governors are said to be happy with Secondus, the current acting top boss of the PDP. It is likely for Secondus to hold on to the post of Chairman of PDP on a more permanent basis. The other members of the national working committee are not expected to survive the ongoing rebranding by the PDP.

No Plot To Rig Kogi Or Any Election Under My Watch – Angry Buhari Berates PDP

Following allegations by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party that the Presidency in connivance with the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and some security forces have concluded plans to rig Kogi and Bayelsa governorship elections in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress, President Muhammadu Buhari has denied the, stating no election will be rigged under his watch.

The national publicity secretary of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh in a statement yesterday accused the APC of holding clandestine meetings to rig the election.

However, in a statement from the Presidency yesterday, it said “the President called the meeting cited by the PDP to warn in particular, the INEC and the Police to do prepare and give the nation a credible election. He said he expected nothing short of a free, fair and credible election.”

The statement quoted the President Muhammadu Buhari has having “suffered election manipulation in 2003, 2007 and 2011 and will not like to have any Nigerian go through that again.”

He warned against the intimidation of voters in anyway and vowed that he was prepared to move with all the force available to him against anyone who undermines the rights of any citizen.

“The meeting was short and straight to the point. It ended after five minutes,” the statement explained.
The president also asked the VP if he had anything to say and Prof Yemi Osinbajo added nothing.

The statement noted that Nigerians should be wary of the PDP’s fruitless attempts to destroy national institutions President Buhari is determined to rebuild.

“They started with the courts, then the EFCC, then onto the Police and now they are on the one-week-old INEC. When will PDP allow our national institutions to do their job?” the statement noted.

Speaker Dogara seeks senate’s approval for removal of IGP

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara yesterday canvassed for the involvement of the National Assembly in the appointment and removal of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, to ensure operational independence and command integrity.

The Speaker also called for the decentralisation of the Police force for effective crime detection.

Dogara who stated this in Abuja at the opening ceremony of the National Dialogue on economy, security and development facilitated by The National Institute for Legislative Studies, further disclosed that the House of Representatives was contemplating to amend Section 82 of the Constitution from six months in which the President was allowed to spend without appropriation to three months.

Recall that the Fiscal Responsibility Act has recommended that the executive should forward to the National Assembly the Medium Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF, three months before the end of the financial year, but President Muhammadu Buhari was yet to forward the MTEF for the preparation of the 2016 Appropriation to the National Assembly.

But the Speaker in an indirect reference to the delay by the executive to submit the MTEF to the National Assembly, suggested a possible review of the Act, to streamline budgetary processes to achieve strict adherence to timelines for budget presentation and passage.

Expressing optimism that the dialogue would address the burning questions of the day, and proffer workable solutions to guide both the Executive and Legislative arms of government, especially at this early period of President Buhari’s administration, he said the House was committed to reviewing budgetary process in the country.

According to him, “This Roundtable has security as one of its main themes. That the security situation in Nigeria is very bad is common knowledge and needs no repetition here. We should be rather concerned with legislative solutions to the problem. We need to think outside the box.

“It seems to me that the time has come for us to reexamine the legal and constitutional framework for policing in Nigeria. A decentralized police force may be more effective as Nigerians in their communities are better placed to detect criminals in their midst. We look forward for further guidance by experts in this regard and for your recommendations.

“Furthermore, it has become necessary, in my view, for the appointment and removal of the Inspector General of Police to receive the blessing, of at least, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This will also ensure some measure of operational independence and command integrity.

“Policing however, must exist side by side with economic empowerment of the people for it is said that an idle mind is the devils workshop.”

Dogara said the House was committed in its legislative agenda, in the review of the national budgetary process and the revamping of the national economy development in areas like “Legislative measures to tackle non-remittance of internally generated revenue and leakages; Infrastructure development; Legislative Initiative on New Cities and Regional Hubs of Development and Legislative initiative on North-East and Niger-Delta.”

Other areas include, “Legislative initiative on Unemployment; Legislative Initiative on Housing, Urban Development, Mortgages; Legislative initiative on Power; Legislative initiative on Security; Legislative initiative on Economic Diversification.”

He said the House had further committed itself in specific terms to a review of the budgetary process with emphasis on the following the promotion of an inclusive budgetary process that seeks the cooperation of the executive in institutionalising pre-budget interface and consultations and the adoption of an effective Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF)

“Strict compliance with the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) 2007. Insistence on prioritisation of budget expenditure that reflects approved budget lines and zero tolerance for non-implementation of capital projects as approved in annual budgets.

“Effective monitoring and evaluation of expenditure and of outcomes achieved – value for money and the revisiting of the ‘Constitution Amendment passed by the 7thHouse mandating the President to submit his Budget proposals at least 3 months before the end of a fiscal year, instead of “at any time” before the end of a fiscal year currently in the Constitution.”

He also said that there were critical issues to be considered in passing annual Appropriation Bill that include the possibility of conducting public hearings on the budget before legislative approval, explaining that the process exposed the national budget to increased citizen and stake holder participation.

Besides, he said, “The House also committed itself to ensuring ‘proper functioning and operation of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, including a possible review of the Act, to streamline budgetary processes and achieve strict adherence to timelines for budget presentation and passage.

“The House committed itself to a further review of the Finance (Control and Management) Act to expunge all provisions that are inconsistent with the Constitution and Presidential System of Government.

“The House shall also seek to ‘amend Section 82 of the Constitution to reduce the period of 6 months that the President is allowed to spend without appropriation as this provision severely distorts the Appropriation process.

“The 8th House of Representatives will take legislative measures to ensure that the Executive does not choose which aspects of the Appropriation Act it implements. Indeed the House shall seek the cooperation of the Executive to develop and enforce a Needs Based Budgeting System rather than an ‘envelop’ Based Budgeting System.

“The 8th House will also ensure the coming into being of an independent effective, nonpartisan Budget Office (NABRO) by law to aid in economic and budgetary information and planning.

“The House shall enforce strict compliance with the Reporting requirements by various officials and MDAs contained in the annual Appropriation Acts which are currently observed more in breach by the Executive without consequences.

“The House shall insist on timely release of appropriated funds and general implementation of the Budget as the ‘Nigerian people are entitled to feel the impact of governance through the appropriation mechanism and process.”

Dogara said improvement of national economy could not be meaningfully discussed without discussing priority legislation in the field.

“Undoubtedly, one of the most important pieces of legislation is the Petroleum Industry Bill. This is necessary because Oil and Gas still accounts for over 70% of our foreign exchange earnings in spite of the rapid fall in oil prices.

“We therefore cannot afford not to organize the sector in such a manner as to benefit the nation. In this regard, may I call on the President as the Minister of Petroleum to as a matter of urgency transmit a Bill to the National Assembly on how his administration intends to reorganize the Petroleum Sector.

“The PIB has had a checkered history. It was introduced late in the life of the 6th Assembly and was not passed. In the 7th Assembly, a private Members Bill was introduced in the first month of that Assembly, based on the experience of the 6th Assembly.

“However, the last administration informally indicated that it would prefer an Executive Bill on the matter, which took over two years to materialize. It was passed only by the House of Representatives very late in its tenure without the Senate concurring.

“Investment decisions in this field cannot continue to wait. Clarity on the legal framework for Oil and Gas in Nigeria is crucial to our economy. Contrary to the assertion that the size of the Bill is the problem, the fact is that an early introduction will lead to an early passage,” he stated.

The speaker said priority legislation that could help jumpstart the economy included
the Competition and Consumer Protection Laws and other laws that touched on the economic wellbeing of Nigeria.”

On the anti-corruption crusade, he said, “Anti -Corruption Legislation and Over-sight would be the major contribution of parliament to the change that has come to Nigeria.

“As I have said elsewhere, the National Assembly remains the only arm of government specifically charged with responsibility by the Constitution to ‘expose corruption, inefficiency or waste in the execution or administration of laws within its legislative competence and in the disbursement or administration of funds appropriated by it.

“The enduring fight against corruption must be waged through the instrumentality of law and legislation. People can only be accountable when the law is clear and when it is enforced fairly and firmly.

“While we await the decision of Mr. President on whether to merge EFCC and ICPC, the urgent legislative undertaking now, is to strengthen the independence and impartiality of the Heads of these agencies by requiring the consent of the Senate to their appointment and removal from office.

“This will ensure that they are not whimsically removed when they disagree with a sitting President.”

He said issues of development and economy would not be discussed without discussing the budget process in Nigeria.

Dogara said, “Mr. President should follow up the implementation of the TSA with another bold and courageous move to capture all expenditure by all the MDAs in one single National budget.

“No longer should the income and expenditure of some revenue earning agencies be an ‘Attachment’ to the National Budget but should be an integral part of it. It should be part of the aggregate figures that make up the Budget. Such agencies should include the NNPC, NPA, NIMASA, Customs and Excise, NCC, etc.

“This Roundtable should also consider whether it is appropriate to continue to maintain January to December as the Financial year. In the alternative, the National Assembly may prescribe the financial year to be 12months from the date of the signing of the Appropriation Bill.

“This is because the only way a Budget would have any realistic chance of full implementation is if it is operated for 12 calendar months as the spirit of Section 318 of the Constitution seems to suggest.”

Back To Back Champions: Nigeria's Golden Eaglets Wins FIFA U17 World Cup the Fifth Time!

Nigeria became only the second side to retain the FIFA U-17 World Cup with a 2-0 win against Mali in Vina Del Mar. Victor Osimhen stole the show once again thanks to his record-breaking tenth goal of the tournament, with Funsho Bamgboye adding a second moments later. Samuel Diarra had saved an early Osinachi Ebere penalty as the Malians played their part in an entertaining finale to Chile 2015.
The penalty came as both sides were just finding their rhythm in the opening exchanges, Chato the culprit with a handball. Ebere saw his low effort saved brilliantly by Diarra, the No17’s follow up header hit the bar before a third bite of the cherry was blocked by the Malian defence.

Both sides had chances in a tense opening period, with Golden Eaglets skipper Kelechi Nwakali hitting just wide and Boubacar Traore seeing his glancing header tipped over by Akpan Udoh.
The second half saw the game burst into life, with Emmanuel Amuneke’s words clearly working their magic on the Nigerian youngsters. Osimhen shrugged off the challenge of Mamadou Fofana before hitting a wonderful dipping half volley towards goal, which Diarra spectacularly saved. Udochukwu Anumudu then smashed a thunderous effort at goal, which rebounded back off the crossbar and was cleared away.
Mali did not heed those warnings. Good approach play by substitute Chinedu Madueke saw him tee up Osimhen for his record-breaking goal, seeing him surpass the nine goals scored by Florent Sinama Pongolle in 2001 and Souleymane Coulibaly ten years later.
The holders doubled their advantage mere minutes later, with Bamgboye bursting down the Nigerian left before smashing a powerful effort at goal, Diarra standing little chance.
Despite a couple of late chances for Mali, from corner kicks, Nigeria retained possession for large spells and saw the game out to retain their crown. The jubilant scenes on the final whistle in Vina Del Mar will surely live long in the memories of these Nigerian heroes of the present, some of whom may just become the stars of the future.

Mama Taraba Emerges Nigeria's First Female Governor

Aisha Alhassan has been declared the winner of the April 11 governorship election in Taraba state, thus making her Nigeria’s first female governor-elect.

This was after a Taraba state governorship election petition tribunal sitting in Abuja nullified the election of Governor Darius Ishaku of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Aisha Alhassan has been declared the winner of the April 11 governorship election in Taraba state, thus making her Nigeria’s first female governor-elect.

This was after a Taraba state governorship election petition tribunal sitting in Abuja nullified the election of Governor Darius Ishaku of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

APC’s Aisha Jummai Alhassan has emerged as Nigeria’s first female governor
‎According to Vanguard, the tribunal headed by Justice Musa Danladi Abubakar declared Alhassan, popularly referred to as Mama Taraba, as the bonafide winner of the election.

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is also among the ministerial nominees who were screened and confirmed by the Nigerian Senate.
Reliable sources in Taraba have also confirmed the report to Naij.com. This means President Muhammadu Buhari will have to shop for a replacement for the minister-designate in the coming days.

Naij.com’s sources in Abuja disclosed further that the APC and its governorship candidate had challenged the victory and declaration of Ishaku as the winner of the election.

At the hearing, Abiodun Owonikoko (SAN), the counsel to the petitioners, made an adoption in his final written addresses, urging the tribunal to return the first petitioner, Alhassan, as the elected governor of the state.

The counsel to the first, second and third respondents, however, prayed the court to dismiss the petition, saying it lacks merit, while Solomon Akuna (SAN), the counsel to the PDP, also prayed that the petition be dismissed because the petitioners could not prove their case.

This new development further quells reports which made rounds that Alhassan’s nomination by the president may have been a way of compensating her from losing out at the polls earlier this year.

BREAKING: Saraki's Counsel Resigns From CCT Trial

Ahmed Mogaji, the Senate President’s counsel, has resigned from defending Senator Saraki at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

According to Daily Post, Mogaji had urged the tribunal to suspend further hearing on the matter pending the Supreme Court’s decision on the matter, but his argument was opposed by the prosecution, Rotimi Jacobs.

The counsel, in his reaction to the new development, resigned from his post as the defense counsel, leaving the former governor to ‘shop’ for a new legal consultant ahead of the next hearing.
The case has since been adjourned to November 18 and 19 for further hearing.
Earlier in the day, Saraki appeared at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) for his ongoing trial with several senators.
The former governor who pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the 13-count charge against him, was accompanied to the tribunal Thursday morning by several senators.
The case against him was read after the arrival of the chairman of the tribunal, Umar Danladi.
Ladority correspondent at the tribunal reports that the counsel to the federal government, Rotimi Williams (SAN), while reacting to the plea by the defendant’s counsel that the tribunal should postpone the trial to another date, stated that the decision of the court of appeal shall be enforced by relevant bodies including the tribunal.
He said: “The decision of the court of appeal is binding on all parties.”
Meanwhile, it was gathered that photojournalists were not allowed to record or take pictures of proceedings at the tribunal.
It was reported earlier that the Nigerian Senate had shutdown today’s plenary in order for the senators to support their leader.
However, Daily Post reports that Saraki had adjourned sitting to November 10, a situation which Senator Dino Melaye explained was to enable adhoc committees work on their reports.

He said: “The sitting was adjourned to Tuesday to enable four adhoc committees complete their reports and submit next week.”
Senate President, Bukola Saraki is due to appear in court this morning
But, facts have now emerged over the real reason for the action of the upper chamber of the National Assembly, as it was gathered that the senators will be at the CCT trial with their leader, to offer him moral support.

Saraki’s case at the tribunal borders on allegations of foreign accounts ownership when he was the governor of Kwara state and transferred the sum of $73, 223.28 from his GTB domiciliary account to an American Express account.
The senate president was also alleged to have made false assets declaration during his stay as the governor, in respect of some Lagos properties.

Saraki has already pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the 13-count criminal charge preferred against him by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) over alleged false assets declaration, and the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Justice Danladi Umar had adjourned till November 5 and 6.
This was to enable the tribunal await the judgment of the Appeal Court, where Saraki had challenged the jurisdiction of the tribunal to try him, but an appeal court sitting in Abuja last Friday, October 30, dismissed Saraki’s appeal in a split decision of two Justices to one.

And in a rather quick reaction, Saraki had on Tuesday, November 3, pleaded with the Supreme Court to appeal against the court of appeal, which affirmed the jurisdiction of CCT to try him.

Fresh Tension At The Senate As Saraki Sets To Unveil C’ttees Chairmen, Deputies

Ahead of the unveiling of names of chairmen and vice-chairmen of standing committees by Senate President, Bukola Saraki, tension has gripped the lawmakers over who heads the juicy committees.

According to a source, ranking senators across party lines have vowed to resist any move to give them committees that are seen not to be powerful.

At press time last night, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, senators were said to be meeting at the residence of former Senate President, Senator David Mark, over the issue.

It was gathered, yesterday, that those who had been fighting Saraki have vowed to continue with the fight, using the standing committees as a reason.

Meanwhile, the leadership of the Senate were, yesterday night, putting finishing touches to the list.

List to be unveiled tomorrow if…

Barring any last-minute change, the Senate President will unveil the list tomorrow.

Asked in a text message if the list was ready, a principal officer replied: “No, we may finish the final touches tonight (yesterday).

The source said that the composition of the committees will help calm frayed nerves generated by the confirmation of former Rivers State Governor, Mr. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, last Thursday.

PDP senators staged a walk-out from the plenary on Thursday during the confirmation of Amaechi following the All Progressives Congress, APC, senators’ decision to ignore their PDP colleagues.

Committees now 64

According to a source, as part of moves to ensure stability in the Senate, Saraki has increased the standing committees by eight, thereby moving it from 57 to 64.

With this development, the Senate will be toeing the line of the House of Representatives which recently increased the number of its standing committees from 89 to 95.

Vanguard gathered that Saraki’s inner caucus had agreed that for the Senate President to enjoy a stable reign, he must find ways to accommodate more senators as committee chairmen.

A source told Vanguard that the Senate leadership, which had been working on the committee composition since August would round off, yesterday night, having agreed to increase the number of committees to 64.

The source said that the Senate Selection Committee, made up of the Principal Officers, decided to increase the number of the standing committees to ensure stability in the 8th Senate.

It was gathered that ranking senators have said that the 8th Senate might continue to witness turbulence following the emergence of the Senate Unity Forum, SUF, led by Senator Ahmed Lawan and Like Minds, headed by Senate President Saraki.

Regional spread

It was also gathered that the amended Senate Standing Rules 2015 prescribes equal committee chairmanship positions for each of the six geo-political zones of the country.

This provision as contained in Section 3(iv) of the 2015 Senate Standing Orders, does not exist in 2011 edition used during the Seventh Senate.

The implication of this is that the zones controlled by the PDP will chair almost the same number of committees with those controlled by the ruling APC.

The section reads: “The appointment of senators as chairmen and members of committees shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the six geo-political zones of the country and there shall be no predominance of senators from a few geo-political zones.”

This development is a deviation from the hitherto existing tradition in the Senate in which chairmanships of two committees – Public Accounts and Ethics and Privileges – were the only two committees reserved for the opposition.

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Fresh Crisis Looms As Pro-Lawan Senators Regroup Against Saraki

Trouble is not over yet for Senate President Bukola Saraki as forces against his ascendancy to the nation’s number three position within the All Progressives Congress (APC) are regrouping. New Telegraph gathered that the Senate Unity Forum (SUF) will meet today at the Maitama residence of one of the lawmakers.

The SUF is a group of senators that supported Senator Ahmed Lawan for the Senate presidency. Details of the agenda of the planned meeting of the anti-Saraki senators were sketchy and hazy as at yesterday, but a member of the group said the purpose of the parley billed for this evening was to ‘review and re-strategise’.

The source who confirmed the meeting said although the pro-Lawan senators had decided to ‘lie low’ before now, the ‘need to instil integrity is not lost’ on them. “This is politics and some of you had already reported that we have allowed and accepted Saraki; this is not true.

The need to instil integrity is not lost on us and we are not taking anything lightly in this regard. “For now, it is not clear which course our steps will take but we need to meet first to review our earlier resolve and restrategise for our course; there is no going back,” the senator said.

Asked if the smooth clearance given to the president’s ministerial nominees was not enough to give Saraki any reprieve, the source said the president had nothing to do with the issue of the Senate leadership. “The issue is not the president; he is not interested in who is our leader.

He has said it severally; it is our duty to allow what we want as a Senate,” he said. It could not be independently confirmed if the planned re-grouping of the anti-Saraki senators was on the strength of the reported withdrawal of support from the PDP senators. Both Senator Dino Melaye and Alhaji Lai Mohammed, spokespersons for the Senate and the All Progressives Congress (APC) kept mum as calls and text messages to their lines were ignored.

The development is coming at a time senators elected on the platform of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are still pained by what they called ‘Saraki’s betrayal’ on the issue of the screening of former Rivers State governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, as minister. “We are still ruing Saraki’s betrayal over Amaechi; no decision on him yet but one thing is sure; we won’t allow him to use us again,” a South- South senator confided in New Telegraph.
New Telegraph gathered that the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, appears to be caught in a web of intrigues as PDP senators have resolved not to give backing to Saraki anytime the APC leadership goes after him. “We are still ruing Saraki’s betrayal over Amaechi; no decision on him yet but one thing is sure; we won’t allow him to use us again.

“It is painful that after our earlier agreement that the issue of the committee report on Amaechi be debated, the Senate President went his party way and brazenly cleared Amaechi. “We know the Senate President will soon be under pressure from his party leadership to step aside and mark my words, we will not be there to save him; he has to carry his cross alone,” a senator from one of the South- South states confided in our correspondent. But it is yet to be seen how effective the PDP senators can carry their plan as the leadership of the opposition party is said to be concerned that Ekweremadu might be affected in the long run.

National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, in a telephone chat said the party had ‘implicit confidence’ in the senators on its platform. “We made it clear that in the light of the ministerial screening process that was lacking in the rule of law and due process, especially when the issues on the table have to do with alleged corruption, we gave our support that they staged a walk out.

“On whether or not the PDP senators will withdraw support for the Senate President anytime the APC decides to go after him, as a party, we have the firm and implicit confidence in our distinguished senators that they will always do what is right at any given time, we don’t want to pre-empt them at all,” Metuh said.

New Telegraph had on September 28 reported that the Senate President was likely to enjoy a temporary reprieve as a result of the need to have a hitchfree clearance for the ministerial nominees submitted by the president. Shortly before the transmission of the ministerial list to the Senate, a member of the SUF said Saraki’s travails would begin soon after the issue of the ministers was settled. He hinted that Saraki would be allowed to preside over the screening but the battle to unseat him would resume after then.

“Honestly, when we were telling Nigerians that this man cannot be our Senate President, the whole country, especially the media, almost branded us undemocratic elements. “Those of us who did not want him did so on grounds of morality and integrity as well as on political grounds – that such a man cannot lead us in the Senate.

“But here we are; the world has seen the entire scandal that is now ongoing. The most painful aspect of it is that some Nigerians either play politics with it or are even looking for scapegoats; that the man is being persecuted. “Yes we are still resolute and firm in our decision to make him step aside, especially against the backdrop of the ongoing trial; but the issue we are looking at is that of timing.

“The timing of any such move has to be strategic so as not to create problems for us when the ministerial list gets to us. We don’t want to be distracted. “We don’t want a situation whereby our moves in the Senate against a single individual will draw us back or slow us down as regards the federal cabinet.

“If need be, Senator Saraki will preside over the process that will screen the ministerial nominees, but as soon as we are through with that stage, because we do not want Nigerians to say we are the ones stalling the process of having ministers, we will move against him,” he had said.