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2019 Polls to Cost N242bn, Buhari Tells National Assembly

Published

6 years ago

July 18, 2018

Eric

President Muhammadu Buhari has presented a supplementary budget to the National Assembly in which he sought the approval of N164bn out of the N242bn budgeted for the 2019 general elections.

Buhari said the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies would need N242bn for the elections, asking the legislature to provide N164bn through virement in the 2018 budget or supplementation, while the balance of N78bn would be covered by the 2019 budget.

Buhari, in his letter to the National Assembly, titled, ‘Request for virement and supplementary 2018 budget,’ specifically asked the legislature to re-allocate part of the N578bn voted to the projects inserted into the 2018 Appropriation Act by the lawmakers to fund the elections and critical infrastructure.

The President specifically asked the legislature not to increase the current size of the 2018 Appropriation Act from N9.21tn but to vire N228bn from the N578bn to the elections as well as the critical projects as earlier proposed by the executive in the 2018 Appropriation Bill.

President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, read the proposal at the plenary on Tuesday.

INEC to spend N189.2bn; NSAO, N4.2bn; DSS, N12bn; NSDC, N3.5bn; Police, N30.5bn; NIS; 2bn

Giving the breakdown of the running costs for the polls, Buhari said INEC needed N143, 512, 529, 445 for 2018 supplementary and N45, 695, 015,438 in 2019 budget, totalling N189, 207, 544, 893.

He said the Office of the National Security Adviser needed N3,855,500,000 for 2018 supplementary and N426,000,000 in 2019 budget, amounting to N4,281,500,000.

The Department of State Services wants N2,903,638,000 as 2018 supplementary and N9,309,644,455 in 2019 budget, totalling N12,213,282,455.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps requires N1,845,597,000 as 2018 supplementary and N1,727,997,500 in the 2019 budget, totalling N3,573,534,500.

Also, the Nigeria Police needs N11,457,417,432 as 2018 supplementary and N19,083,900,000 in 2019 budget, to get a total of N30,541,317,432.

The Nigeria Immigration Service also needs N2,628,143,320, out of which N530, 110,078 would come from 2018 supplementary and N2, 098,033,142 from the 2019 budget.

Buhari said, “As you are aware, the 2019 general election is scheduled to be conducted early in 2019. To ensure that adequate arrangements are made for free and fair elections, it has become necessary to appropriate funds to enable the relevant agencies to commence preparations. INEC and the security agencies have accordingly recently submitted their requests. These have been subjected to the usual budget evaluation. The aggregate cost of the election is estimated at N254,445,322, 600.

“However, in line with the prevailing fiscal constraints, I am proposing that the sum of N164, 104, 792, 065 be provided for through virement or supplementation of the 2018 budget. I propose that the balance of N78, 340, 530, 535, mostly related to personnel allowances, fuelling and other costs not required until election proper, be provided in their 2019 budget.”

The President said the critical projects, whose allocations were cut by the lawmakers, required N64bn, asking that the amount should also be taken out of the allocation to the inserted projects.

The lawmakers had introduced 6,403 projects into the budget amounting to N578bn.

Buhari said, “You will also recall that when I signed the 2018 Appropriation Act, I indicated the need for the reinstatement of certain cuts made to certain critical projects provided in the original executive bill. I am therefore submitting for your consideration the reinstatement of the most critical of such cuts totalling N64,749, 216, 150 which are summarised in Page 1.

“The total amount required to be provided for in the 2018 budget for the 2019 general elections and to restore the identified critical projects to the amount earlier proposed is therefore N228, 854, 800, 215. Implementing a budget of N9.12tn for 2018 is extremely challenging and, therefore, I do not consider it expedient to propose a further increase to the size of the 2018 expenditure framework to fund these very important and critical expenditure items.

“Accordingly, I invite the distinguished Senate to consider, in the national interest, relocating some of the funds appropriated for the new projects which were inserted into the 2018 budget proposal totalling N 578, 319, 951, 904 to cover the sum of N228, 854, 800, 205 required as noted above.

“A schedule setting out a comprehensive list of these inserted projects is attached to this letter for ease of your consideration. Further to the above, kindly find attached a supplementary budget and virement proposal for your consideration.”

The two chambers of the National Assembly had passed the 2018 Appropriation Bill on May 16, 2018. The legislature had increased the budget from N8.612tn as proposed by the executive to N9.12tn.

The lawmakers had said the additional N508bn was based on the agreement between the executive and the legislature based on the increase in prices of crude oil, which led to the raising of the oil benchmark from the proposed $45 to $51.

However, the President had, while assenting to the bill on June 20, complained about the adjustments made to the estimates in the budget by the legislature.

The Punch

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Henry Ukazu: Celebrating a Catalyst of Pathfinding

Published

6 days ago

December 3, 2024

Eric

By Abdulakeem Sodeeq Sulyman

In a world where everyone uses others’ yardsticks to measure their progress, the trailblazers are set apart by the utmost pursuit of their passion to actualise their purpose.” – Abdulakeem Sodeeq SULYMAN

Those who are familiar with Henry Ukazu would have heard about his life’s trajectory and a certain point in his life would prompt them to ask how a potentially-thoroughbred legal practitioner turned to a leadership trainer, self-discovery coach and youth advocate, using his platform to transform lives globally. For those who are still in the wilderness, imagining how Henry Ukazu settled for the path he had chosen, the answer is not far-fetched. The turning points in everyone’s life beckons when we realise what we have to do to carve a niche for ourselves.

The above assertion perfectly depicts the life of Henry Ukazu. Another aspect of Henry Ukazu’s life that can cause one to raise eyebrows is knowing that Taxation Law was his major during his master’s in New York Law School. Those who are familiar with the arithmetical demands of taxation would know that settling for it as a practitioner goes beyond being faint-hearted! Yet, Henry Ukazu overcame all odds by not only graduated in taxation; but also earning a laurel by winning the Dean’s prize.

Knowing that Henry Ukazu won the Dean’s prize in Taxation Law and still chosen another path makes it important to stress that the hallmark of every life’s achievement is the one connected with personnel fulfillment. It was the pursuit of this fulfillment that made Henry Ukazu swerved from legal practice and taxation into the pursuit of enculturing people for their purpose and nurturing them for lifetime impact. To me, Henry Ukazu is a replica of Robin Sharma, a trained lawyer, who abandoned one of the Ivy-league chambers, to pursue the quest of leading people to harness their healthset, heartset, mindset and soulset.

Don’t get me wrong readers. I am not saying that Henry Ukazu wouldn’t have attained greatness if he had chosen to venture into legal practice. I know many legal practitioners who are lightening people’s lives through their works; many of those lawyers I have unalloyed admirations for! What I am trying to say is that how Henry Ukazu abandoned the temptations of the social recognitions and financial rewards that accompanied the revered, learned profession is uncommon.

That reflects Henry Ukazu’s selflessness and dedication to worship God with everything he has. A revered pastor, Rick Warren, states that the human potential begins to manifest when they believe in God and allow Him to take absolute control of the courses of their lives. He cited the likes of Abraham, Joseph and others, who, despite being chosen by the Most High, faced their challenges with positive attitudes. Their beliefs in God slotted them in admirable places in the books of histories.

Henry Ukazu’s personality is one that exudes the aura of companionship and humanity. Any encounters I have with him always prompt me to think about the words of Gary Thomas, in the book, “The Sacred Pathways,” where he outlined nine ways human beings worship God, the supreme being. To me, Henry Ukazu is an enigma, who falls into the realms of Ascetics, Activists, Enthusiasts, Caregivers, Contemplatives and Intellectuals.

Henry Ukazu is an Ascetic because he devoted certain hours of his days to worship God in solitude and simplicity. There are certain hours of the day that he would neither receive calls nor respond to messages all because he is strengthening his ties with his Creator. Henry Ukazu is also an Activist by using his resources to battle evil, fight injustices and strive to make the world a better place. To him, nothing makes the world when its adherents are suffering! This justifies why Henry Ukazu is always ready to spend his last penny on appreciating talents and ingenuities.

Anyone who had witnessed Henry Ukazu’s celebration of successes and landmarks would attest to his Enthusiastic nature. No doubt that as today marks his birthday, it is very certain that his mouth would be full of praise for God’s favours showered upon him! Moreso, I can also say that Henry Ukazu is an Intellectual because he worships and loves God by studying other people’s minds. Anyone meeting Henry Ukazu for the first time without narcisurfing about him would never have a clue of his intellectual mettle. He is an intellectual of yore imbued with sound and robust absorptive capacity.

As the day breaks daily to set people apart for what they would be celebrated for, it is imperative to state that Henry Ukazu is one of the global icons that have deployed their intellectual and spiritual resources to brighten the lives of many. His utmost devotion to the pursuit of God’s purpose for his life has distinguished him, positioned him to stand with the giants and catapulted him to the heights of his ambitions.

Today, I joined other colleagues, acquaintances, protégés, well-wishers, friends, brothers and family members across the world to celebrate Henry Ukazu, thank God for his life; pray to God to continue to perfect his ways and crown his efforts with rewards that will elevate him to the league of change-makers and life-changers.

Many more productive, fulfilling and prosperous years!!!

Abdulakeem Sodeeq SULYMAN is an Author, Librarian and Researcher, who writes from Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. He can be reached via +2348132226994

Featured

Alimosho LG Boss Pledges Support As Glo Opens Outlet in Iyana-Ipaja

Published

6 days ago

December 2, 2024

Eric

As technology company, Globacom, opened another customer service outlet in Iyana Ipaja area of Lagos, on Friday, the Chairman, Alimosho Local Government, Honourable Jelili Suleiman Adewale, has assured the company of quality patronage by the community.

Hon. Adewale, who was the special guest at the commissioning of the Gloworld shop, commended Globacom for bringing its services closer to the people of Alimosho. “Globacom is our company; we are going to patronise you; we will ensure that this shop flourishes. You will never regret that you brought your branch to Iyana Ipaja”, he declared.

Also at the event were Hon. Obadina Ahmed, Speaker, Alimosho LGA House, council officials, Jamin Shotayo Tadeyo, Chief Akeweje of Alimosho General, who stood in for the Baale of Iyana Ipaja, High Chief Rasak Mosaku.

Globacom’s business partner who covers the area, Mr Chukwuma Leonard, Managing Director, Talkpoint Telecommunications, also lauded Glo for siting its outlet in Iyana Ipaja.

Abdulrazaq Ande who represented Globacom at the event said that the new premium experiential center is another in a new generation of iconic contact centers which are aesthetically appealing and equipped for comfort and speedy services.

It added that the commissioning was in line with its desire to bring its services closer to the people, and give them more exciting experience on the network, adding, “Our approach to customer service is that we are consistently seeking innovative channels to make available our array of products and services to them”.

According to the company, the retail shop is equipped with well-trained, polite and customer-friendly customer care staff who will provide first-class services and attend to customers’ complaints and enquiries as well as their service and product needs.

“They will also help you to access services including Glo Berekete 10X, which offers ten times the value of every recharge, double data value, amazing benefits on voice calls, free Instagram and TikTok access and audio and video streaming platforms perks as well as Glo Café, a one-stop app for all digital services and other Glo products and offerings, and also offers a more user-friendly experience, with ample benefits for customers who download it.”.

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Abimboye Fetes Ode Omu Residents with Food, Cash to Celebrate Adeleke’s Second Year in Office

Published

1 week ago

November 30, 2024

Eric

In a heartfelt celebration of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s second anniversary in office, Hon. Babatunde Michael Abimboye, a stalwart of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), extended goodwill to members of the party in Ode Omu, Ayedaade Local Government Area of Osun State. The event, held on Friday, November 29, 2024, brought together party loyalists to commemorate the Governor’s remarkable achievements over the past two years.

The atmosphere in Ode Omu was vibrant, as PDP members gathered to receive food items and cash gifts distributed by Hon. Abimboye. The initiative, which underscored the importance of grassroots engagement, was described as both a celebration of democracy and a recognition of the efforts of party members in supporting the state’s leadership.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Abimboye highlighted the importance of the gesture, framing it as an appreciation for the loyalty and dedication of PDP members in the area. “This celebration goes beyond distributing food and cash gifts; it is a reflection of the Governor’s impact in transforming Osun State and ensuring that no community is left behind. As PDP members, we are proud to stand by him and share the dividends of democracy with our people,” he stated.

He added that Governor Ademola Adeleke’s two years in office have been marked by a focus on transformative governance, with initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities across Osun State. These efforts have not only earned him the admiration of residents but also solidified his reputation as a leader committed to inclusivity and development.
Hon. Abimboye’s event served as a platform to reflect on these accomplishments, with attendees lauding Governor Adeleke’s approach to leadership. Many described the past two years as a period of renewed hope and tangible progress, particularly in rural communities like Ode Omu.

In Ode Omu, Abimboye listed the Governor’s impact has been particularly evident through targeted projects aimed at improving the lives of residents. These include the rehabilitation of two Primary Health Centres in the town as well as the total reconstructuon of the Oke-Eso Road which has facilitated easier movement of goods and people within the community.

Hon. Abimboye’s outreach in Ode Omu is reflective of the Governor’s broader commitment to grassroots engagement. By directly connecting with party members, the event reinforced the importance of unity within the PDP and underscored the administration’s dedication to inclusive governance.

Party members expressed their gratitude for the initiative, describing it as a reaffirmation of the bond between the leadership and the grassroots. One attendee remarked, “This is not just about food or cash; it is about recognizing our contributions and making us feel valued in the governance process.”

As Osun State celebrates Governor Adeleke’s second anniversary in office, events like the one in Ode Omu serve as a reminder of the administration’s achievements and the work that lies ahead. Hon. Abimboye’s gesture highlights the importance of fostering a strong connection between leadership and the people, ensuring that the dividends of democracy are felt across every community.

With ongoing projects and a vision for a brighter future, Governor Adeleke’s administration continues to set a standard for transformational governance in Osun State. As celebrations extend across the state, the focus remains on building a more prosperous, inclusive, and equitable society for all.