BudgIt attacks Sen. Ben Bruce over NASS salary budget

Ben Murray-Bruce, senator senator representing Bayelsa State on Monday engaged in war of words with BudgIT, a Nigerian civil society organization over the National Assembly salary.

The argument began after Sen. Bruce queried Nigerian leaders who exploit citizens with exorbitant budgets for their personal use.

Bruce tweeted “For too long, Nigeria’s leader have thought about the next election instead of the next generation. That is why our recurrent expenditure is huge and our capital expenditure is small and why their budgets build their cronies wallets instead of building infrastructure for masses.

“I told my constituents what I earn and publicly shared my FULL allowance with widows. Google it. You are Nigerians. You have Senators representing you. Ask them what they earn. They have a responsibility to you. I have a responsibility to my constituents.”

Reacting to Bruce’s tweet, BudgIt asked the senator to disclose his salary publicly as change in NASS budget should start with him.

“We can support you. Our #OpenNASS campaign is geared towards this. NASS Budget shows huge overhead costs paid to lawmakers. However, please do us a little favour. How much have you earned since your period in NASS?

Ben Murray-Bruce, senator senator representing Bayelsa State on Monday engaged in war of words with BudgIT, a Nigerian civil society organization over the National Assembly salary.

The argument began after Sen. Bruce queried Nigerian leaders who exploit citizens with exorbitant budgets for their personal use.

Bruce tweeted “For too long, Nigeria’s leader have thought about the next election instead of the next generation. That is why our recurrent expenditure is huge and our capital expenditure is small and why their budgets build their cronies wallets instead of building infrastructure for masses.

“I told my constituents what I earn and publicly shared my FULL allowance with widows. Google it. You are Nigerians. You have Senators representing you. Ask them what they earn. They have a responsibility to you. I have a responsibility to my constituents.”

Reacting to Bruce’s tweet, BudgIt asked the senator to disclose his salary publicly as change in NASS budget should start with him.

“We can support you. Our #OpenNASS campaign is geared towards this. NASS Budget shows huge overhead costs paid to lawmakers. However, please do us a little favour. How much have you earned since your period in NASS?

“Please note that N125bn is mainly part of RECURRENT EXPENDITURE.He is a public officer. We have a right to ask him questions. Change can start from him as his salaries and overheads are also part of recurrent expenditure.

“Please start by fully disclosing how much you earn. The National Assembly’s budget is 10 times that of an average Nigerian University.”

Bruce further responding said he had once campaigned on floor of the senate against salary of NASS members but was not supported, hence reason for the outcry.

“Was I the only one who set that salary? When I was fresh at the Senate, I publicly championed a crusade to ask for our wages to be reduced. It would have been good if I had your support then instead of this quip,” Bruce replied BudgIt.

Ekweremadu reveals real cause of Boko Haram, herdsmen attacks

The Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, has revealed the real cause of Boko Haram insurgency and herdsmen/farmers’ clashes in the country.

The lawmaker attributed the menace to the depletion of natural resource, disrespect for human rights and the rule of law.

He said the factors were major setbacks to prosperity, peace, security and sustainable development in the Commonwealth.

The lawmaker said these in London on Monday in his speech at the opening session of the inaugural Commonwealth Parliamentarians’ Forum, ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of State and Government Meeting scheduled to hold in the British capital in April.

According to him, the protracted Boko Haram insurgency and herdsmen/ farmers’ crisis were “practical examples of how natural resource depletion and inequality adversely affect security and prosperity.”

A statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Uche Anichukwu, quoted him as also linking the rising insecurity to global warming.

He said, “Lake Chad, which is a major source of livelihood for parts of Niger Republic, Chad, Nigeria and Cameroon, has shrunk from 25,000 square kilometres in the 1960 s to just 2 ,500 square kilometres today.

“This has seriously aided the rise, spread and monumental consequences of Boko Haram terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria and its North – East border countries.

“With millions displaced and thousands killed, drought, disease and chronic poverty have had the world grappling with the worst humanitarian crisis today.

“Militant nomadic herdsmen displaced by both insurgency and depleted resources have engaged in resource scramble with indigenous communities in Nigeria and some other parts of West Africa, leaving widespread killings and destruction in their trails.

“According to the Global Terrorism Index, militant herdsmen killed more people in Nigeria than Boko Haram in 2016 and over 2 ,500 people between 2012 and 2016.”

The DSP also welcomed Britain’s move to exit “the European Union marriage, which may have limited its ability to foster stronger ties, especially for economic prosperity, with Commonwealth nations.”

He added, “Many conflicts and crises witnessed in many Commonwealth member states arise from a few individuals in power and those they consider as their people taking more than their fair shares.

“But, I believe the resurgent influence of the Commonwealth would help to keep leaders in check and promote human rights, rule of law and ‘inclusivity.’”

Herdsmen killings: Southern, middle belt leaders warn Buhari against state of emergency in Benue State

The southern and middle belt leader’s forum has warned the presidency against declaring state of emergency in Benue State.

The Forum also called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for killings in the state and other parts of the country.

The southern and middle belt leader’s forum has warned the presidency against declaring state of emergency in Benue State.

The Forum also called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for killings in the state and other parts of the country.

The leaders revealed this to newsmen after a meeting of southern and middle beltleaders in Abuja.

They said: “President Muhammadu Buhari has not lived up to the expectations of his office by keeping mute on the killings, visiting neighbouring Nasarawa and Adamawa states, while ignoring Benue.”

“Soldiers drafted to Benue state under Operation Cat Dance, were allegedly circulating leaflets, calling Tiv cattle rustlers, which clearly suggests that the operation is ostensibly meant to turn victims into villains and decimate their capacity for self-defence.”

“President Buhari to stop the killings in Benue and other parts of the country by disarming herdsmen and fishing out culprits for prosecution.”

“Any plot to declare a state of emergency in Benue State, as being canvassed by some sponsored group, as such a move in the Western Region had dire consequences in the past.”

The meeting had in attendance Chief Clark, who led the south-south delegation; Chief Ayo Adebanjo, at the head of southwest delegation; Chief John Nwodo, southeast, and Bala Takaya.

#BBNaija: Tobi reclaims Head of House.

Tobi Bakre has emerged the new Head of House on the ongoing Big Brother Naija ‘Double Wahala’, winning the title for the third time.

The housemate beat fellow contenders Miracle, Anto and Cee-C to win the title.In addition to his win, Tobi also gets to enjoy the luxury room with his strategic partner, Alex.

Tobi won the title in the first and second week while he was still paired with Cee-C.However, there were no evictions during his previous reign, so he did not get to use his power, which allows him to save a nominated pair and replace with another.

During his previous tenures as the HoH, the housemates lost their wager.Tobi had come under fire for his relationship with former strategic partner Cee-C.

Cee-C’s hold on Tobi triggered negative reactions from viewers who called for prayers to free him form Cee-C’s alleged manipulation.The hastag #PrayforTobi became the trending topic on various social media.It seems viewers prayers’ were answered when `Biggie’, changed the pair during the reshuffling in the house, leaving Cee-C to be paired with Lolu while Tobi was paired with Alex.Tobi’s win comes after Miracle’s successful reign as the Head of House.

This season tagged ‘Double Wahala’, housemates are competing for prizes worth 45 million naira.

Chinese girl rides bicycle from Morocco to Lagos in 5 months

A Chinese female cyclist, Huang Shuang, who rode from Morocco to Lagos, Nigeria, within five months, says she is convinced that one can achieve anything one determines to do.

Huang, also known as CICI, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lagos on Monday that she was inspired to embark on “cycling around the world’’ after riding around her country.

The cyclist said that her experience in China motivated her to begin global cycling in America where she covered about 5,500 km in two months.

“I am glad that I have also been able to ride from Morocco to Lagos, Nigeria. This is an indication that irrespective of our sex, we can achieve anything we set out to do.

“The whole idea about my cycling started when, one day, I decided to embark on a cycling trip around my country, China.

“After the trip around China, I was motivated to take my first cycling around the world to America, where I covered about 5,500km in two months.

“Now, I am in Lagos from Morocco, after I flew from America to France, where I cycled around Europe for four months, before taking a ferry from Spain to Morocco,’’ she said.

Huang said that she always travels with money, noodles, tent, sleeping bag, clothes and bicycle repair accessories.

The cyclist, who left Morocco for Lagos on September 6, 2017, said her trip was fascinating though she experienced tiredness, robbery, accidents and had had to sleep under bridges and in gas stations.

Huang told the news agency that she crossed the desert within six days and was well received by many African villages.

The cyclist said sometimes, she happily ate local meals made by the villagers.

“I have happily sung and danced with children in different African villages and communities where I passed the nights or stopped to cook.

“I have seen the most beautiful sunset, the most stunning mountain views, breath-taking lakes and virgin forests across Africa.

“My trip has also exposed me to many African children still living in poverty, hunger, without education and basic amenities,’’ she said.

The Chinese said she would be cycling to about 33 countries in the next three years, adding that she would continue her cycling from Lagos to Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, Angola, Namibia, South Africa, East Africa and some other countries.

Huang said her cycling was also informed by her desire to interact with children in African communities before inaugurating a free lunch for them in 2018.

She said she hoped to raise some money for the benefit of about 2,000 children.

Nollywood Can Boost The Export, Economic, GDP Of Nigeria With Foreign Technical Support-Paul Adefarasin

House On The Rock pastor, Paul Adefarasin after watching the movie Black Panther, has declared the need for the Nigerian film industry to plan for the future.

Adefarasin spoke on the strength of the Nigeria film industry at a special screening of Black Panther movie, organized by the US Consular Mission.
In his words :

“The Nigeria film industry is recognised in the global economy as the third largest movie industry in the world. But it is very important that we seek more technical support and more integration with movie industries in America, Europe and in India. I think we can continue to improve our acting skill and make the movie industry grow and continue to hit the silver screen, not just at home but also abroad in foreign markets, and thereby continue to boost the export, economic growth and the GDP of our nation.

We need more film houses in the country, significant infrastructure and national planning. This is a big market; the Nigeria population will be over 400 million in the next 20-25 years (3rd biggest national population in the world) that the global film industry will be most interested in. so, I’m excited for it. The movie industry in the cultural space is also an important space. Culture drives our value system and is a space I am interested in. we want to see the cultural space beginning to drive the value judgement of freedom, justice, righteousness and industrialization.

I am scared about our growth! It’s going to take a lot of planning on the part of the government and increase in the GDP so that we ensure a stronger economy that can facilitate the amenities and infrastructure to cope with such a large population. It’s actually an emergency. So, we need to urgently plan for the future.”

On his review of the movie, in a post he put on his Instagram page, Pastor Adefarasin wrote:

“The plot, effect, contrivance and even the comic relief were all thoroughly engaging and intelligently executed. The depiction of our strength and capabilities as a race was awe inspiring, as was the representation of the African culture, beauty and talent. We enthusiastically celebrate our Nigerian, African and African American brothers and sisters for their groundbreaking accomplishments with this project.

If you have not seen this movie, I think you should go and see it … do so with pride. Take your kids along (if they are within the permitted age) because it is experiences like this that empower us and expand our consciousness, showing how successful, powerful and influential that we as African States, and people of African descent can be”.

Ambode finally signs N1.046Trn budget appropriation bill 2018 into law.

Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has signed the N1,046,121,181,680, 2018 appropriation bill into law.

The governor, appended his signature to the budget,termed, Progress and Development”, this morning, at a brief ceremony, held at the Lagos House, Ikeja.
Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode


Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly had barely a month ago passed the appropriation bill after consideration for Governor’s assent. The governor had initially presented the appropriation before the state house of assembly last year December for consideration and subsequent approval.

Nigerians Dying Of Poverty, Suffering – Fayose

Ekiti State Governor, Chief Ayodele Fayose, has expressed concern over the suffering and hardship facing the Nigerian masses and called for well-meaning leaders to salvage their precarious condition.

He also lamented that the corporate existence of Nigeria was being threatened by selective administration of justice, marginalisation, and vendetta against perceived political opponents of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

This is just as he decried the level of poverty in the country, adding that many Nigerians are dying in silence with nobody standing up for them.

Fayose, therefore, called on people of good conscience not to allow their voices to be silenced because of possible political antagonism or persecution.

He spoke in Lagos on Friday night while being conferred with the award of Man of the Year by the Silverbird Group. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi, the governor was quoted as saying that the major step to take to solve the problem was in going back to the basics and restructuring the country.

Fayose, who fielded questions from newsmen after the event, said he would not allow anybody to drown his voice or silence him no matter what it would cost. “A lot of people we know to be vocal have lost their voices. Some have taken cover under the beds of their wives. We are in a perilous time and I appreciate those who are still standing for the people at this time. For me, I will remain a man. Some people have kept quiet because they fear that they may be persecuted,” he said.

“But should we all keep quiet when people are oppressed and suppressed and blatantly marginalised? Look at the level of poverty in the country, it is sickening. The standard of living has gone down. And how do we explain a situation where some people are treated as slaves and others as princes. This country belongs to all of us. It is in serious need now and we must salvage the situation,” he added.

On the call for restructuring, Fayose said he aligned with the call made many years ago by the late Dim Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu that the country must be restructured. He noted that the issues that led to the civil war were yet to be resolved many decades after.

“I was moved by what the late Chief Ojukwu said many years ago and never knew his wife would be the one to present this award to me. We should go back to the basics or we are going nowhere. We are one and the same and no section must be marginalized,” Fayose posited.

While charging leaders to make laws for the good of the people, adding that the law prohibiting open grazing in Ekiti State had come to stay. He said anybody who crosses the line would be dealt with.

While presenting the award to Fayose, former Nigerian Ambassador to Spain, Mrs Bianca Ojukwu, described Fayose as an irrepressible governor of the people.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Silverbird Group, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, said all the award winners were men and women who deserved to be so recognised.

Baruten Local Government in Kwara State have silently denounced to the Republic of Benin.

Residents of Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State have denounced their Nigerian citizenship.

They said they now to belong to the Republic of Benin.

The residents attributed their decision to long neglect of the local government in terms of basic infrastructure by the Kwara State government.

In a statement made available to journalists, Abdulrazaq O. Hamzat of Kwara Must Change accused Kwara politicians of deceiving residents of the local government with promises during electioneering campaign.

He said since the creation of Kwara state over 51 years ago, no single meaningful project has been done in the local government by either state or federal government.

Hamzat said some members of Kwara Must Change residing in the local government confided in the group that they have since lost hope in the Kwara State government and have silently denounced their Kwara State citizenship due to absolute neglect.

”I am from Baruten local government, in Gwanara district specifically. We call ourselves citizens of Benin Republic because we are not sure if we are part of Kwara state. From Gwanara, we travel to Saki in Oyo state for medical treatments and some even die on the road while going’’. ‘’Others go to Benin Republic for medical treatments too, because we really lack everything at Baruten especially Gwanara district’’.

Read Hamzat’s full story below:

Kwara Must Change wishes to bring to public attention, the unfortunate situation in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State that has made the people denounce their beloved Kwara State.

Baruten is a Local Government in Kwara State sharing border with Benin Republic, but unfortunately, there is no road leading to the Local Government from Kwara State.

When going to Baruten, one has to travel a long distance to neighbouring Oyo State before connecting back to Baruten Local Government. However, apart from Oyo State, one can as well travel to Benin Republic and come in through the other axis.

Although, Nigeria’s border road to Benin Republic located in Gwanara district of Baruten Local Government is stinkingly terrible, notwithstanding, one can still use it at grave discomfort.

According to the people living in the local government, since the creation of Kwara state over 51 years ago, no single meaningful project has been done in the local government by either state or federal government.

A few days ago, some members of Kwara Must Change residing in the local government confided in us that they have since lost hope in the Kwara State government and have silently denounce their Kwara State citizenship due to absolute neglect.

‘’I am from Baruten local government, in Gwanara district specifically. We call ourselves citizens of Benin Republic because we are not sure if we are part of Kwara state. From Gwanara, we travel to Saki in Oyo state for medical treatments and some even die on the road while going’’. ‘’Others go to Benin Republic for medical treatments too, because we really lack everything at Baruten especially Gwanara district’’.

This is why Kwara Must Change is forced to ask the Kwara State government if Baruten Local Government is no longer part of Kwara State. If they are part of the State, why is Kwara State government not responsible for those living in Baruten and why are they completely abandoned over the years?

It is important to note that, the Kwara State governor, Senator representing Kwara North and other office holders often go to Baruten during electioneering campaigns. When they go there, they make all sorts of promises, but after getting into office, they forget the people.

We contend that, If government cannot build ordinary road into Baruten local government, how would they provide schools, medical facilities and other infrastructural developments?

Kwara Must Change is hereby calling on the Kwara State government to tell the people of Baruten their fate, whether or not they remain part of Kwara State and Nigeria in extension.