President Tinubu also swore in eight former directors in the Federal Civil Service as Permanent Secretaries.

Twenty-one members of the RMAFC, along with one new member each for the FCC and the NPC, took their oaths of office at the Council Chamber before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting.

The newly appointed permanent secretaries from eight states passed a rigorous selection process, including a written and oral examination and an ICT competency test.

Among the permanent secretaries was Dr. Onwusoro Ihemelandu, an optometrist from Abia State and a World Bank-certified procurement expert.

Ihemelandu joined the Federal Civil Service in 1997 as a Senior Optometrist with the Federal Ministry of Health and later transitioned into the procurement cadre.

Before he was appointed Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ihemelandu was the Director of Procurement in several ministries, including Environment, Labour and Employment, and Interior.

He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Optometry Association, a Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management member, and an Associate Fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Procurement Engineers.

Also sworn in was Philip Ebiogeh Ndiomu, from Bayelsa State.

He holds a Bachelor’s in Animal Science from Rivers State University of Science and Technology and a Master’s degree in the same field from the University of Ibadan.

Ndiomu joined the Federal Civil Service in 1992 as an Agricultural Officer with the Directorate for Foods, Roads, and Rural Infrastructure, DFRRI.

As Director of Agriculture at the Ministry of Niger Delta Development, he spearheaded initiatives that trained and empowered over 5,500 women, youths, and vulnerable groups.

READ ALSO: Gunmen abduct three family members in Kwara

Other citations:

Dr. Anuma Nlia, a medical doctor from Ebonyi State, is also a healthcare administrator.

Nila holds a Master’s in Medical Microbiology and is a Medical College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Fellow at the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.

At the Federal Ministry of Health, he was, at various times, the Director of the Teaching Hospitals Division and the Head of Regulatory and Professional Schools.

He served on the boards of numerous government agencies and contributed to Nigeria’s tertiary healthcare sector through policy implementation, hospital upgrades, and administrative reforms.

Chinasa Nnam Ogbodo, an accountant from Enugu State, joined the Federal Civil Service in 1993.

He rose to become Director of Finance and Accounts in 2017.

He held various roles in the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission, and the Ministry of Transportation.

Before becoming Permanent Secretary, Ogbodo was Director of Special Duties in the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation.

Dr Kalba Danjuma Usman, a medical doctor from Gombe State, joined the Federal Civil Service in 2008 as an Assistant Director and became a Director in 2017.

A Fellow of the West African College of Surgeons and the first Nigerian Fellow of the World Endourology Society from the United States, Dr Kalba pioneered LASER surgery in Nigeria, performed numerous life-saving surgeries, and trained medical professionals in advanced endourology techniques.

Before he was appointed Permanent Secretary, he served as Chief Consultant Grade 1 Urologist and Director of Urology at the State House Medical Centre.

Dr. Salihu Aminu Usman, from Kebbi State, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, a Master’s in Business Management, and a Ph.D. in Management.

Usman began his career in 1995 with the Kebbi State Local Government Service, where he advanced to the position of Director of Finance and Internal Audit.

In 2011, he transitioned to the Federal Civil Service, joining the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation as a Chief Accountant.

Dr Usman has served in various federal ministries before his appointment as Permanent Secretary, most recently as Director of Finance and Accounts at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.

Patience Nwakuso Oyekunle from River State holds a bachelor’s and master’s in Biochemistry.

She joined the Federal Civil Service in 2013 as an Assistant Director (Administration) and rose to Director in 2022.

She served various ministries, including Agriculture, Aviation, and Humanitarian Affairs.

Before being appointed Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Oyekunle was the Planning, Research, and Statistics Director at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.

Her leadership in policy formulation, research, and strategic planning has contributed to developing key national programmes addressing social welfare and economic empowerment.

Engr. Nadungu Gagare, an agricultural engineer from Kaduna State, began his career in the Federal Civil Service with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and rose to Director in 2022.

Engr. Gagare reputedly executed high-impact agricultural projects, including developing rice parboiling equipment, cassava processing centres, and agro-processing facilities.

His contributions to mechanised agriculture and rural development earned him several accolades, including the Minister of Agriculture’s Award for Excellence in 2022 and the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers’ Merit Award for Excellence in 2023.

The new RMAFC Commissioners are:

Nkechi Oti Linda, Abia State; Barr. Imo Efiong Akpan, Akwa Ibom State; Hon. Ekene Enefe, Anambra State; Prof. Steve Davies Ugbah, Benue State; Ntufam Eyo-Nsa Whiley, Cross River State; Aruviere Egharhevwa, Delta State;  Henry Nduka Awuregu,  Ebonyi State; Victor Otaigbe Eboigbe, Edo State; Hon. Barr. Omowumi Olubunmi Ogunlola, Ekiti State; Hon. Chief Ozo Obumneme Obodougo, Enugu State; and Mohammed Kabeer Usman, Gombe State.

Others are Kabir Muhammad Mashi, Katsina State; Hon. Adamu Abdu Fanda, Kano State; Prof. Olusegun Adekunle Wright,  Lagos State; Aliyu Almakura Abdulkadir, Nasarawa State; Ibrahim Bako Shettima, Niger State; Akeem Akintayo Amosun, Ogun State; Dr. Nathaniel Adojutelegan, Ondo State; Hon. Sa’ad Ibrahim Bello, Plateau State; ESV. Madu-Aji Juluri, Yobe State; and Bello Rabiu Garba, Zamfara State.

Mr Kayode Oladele was sworn in as the FCC’s Federal Commissioner, while Pastor (Mrs) Iyantan Olukemi Victoria took the oath as the NPC’s federal commissioner.

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Nigeria’s second arm of government, the Legislature, is in the eye of the storm again! Tongues keep wagging the National Assembly basically on two issues that keep recurring. The first has to do with its salaries, allowances, emoluments and perquisites, which many believe are out of this world and out of tune with realities. The second is how effectively and diligently it has performed its oversight functions on the Executive arm of government.

Many Nigerians are more concerned with the first than the second. Complaints about the humongous take-home of the National Assembly members have always been a sore point for Nigerians who cannot see what service the legislators are rendering to justify their huge pay. Besides, the country is said to be too poor to pay the lawmakers salaries that are far superior to what the developed countries and advanced democracies pay their own lawmakers.

Hence, various derogatory names have been given to our senators and honourables, one of which is legislooters. With cries of “we are hungry” all over the place, the groundswell of opinion is that it cannot be business as usual for the National Assembly members. But rather than thaw, the coconut leaf of the legislators hardens furthermore. How can our leaders live life to a hilt while preaching to the generality of the people to tighten their belt and accept austerity measures? Why is it that what is good for the goose is not also good for the gander?

The fire of controversy was stoked again by the revelation of a sitting senator that he earns N21m per month – and he is not even a principal officer! Which means that the principal officers must be earning every month something way ahead of that. A news medium reported the squealing senator thus:

“The lawmaker representing Kano South, Senator Sumaila Kawu, has revealed that he earns over N21m monthly as a total take-home package. This revelation is coming barely 24 hours after the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission had said that each of the 109 senators in the upper chamber receives a total of N1.06m in salary and allowances per month. The RMAFC chairman, Mohammed Shehu, said this as a form of clarification in response to recent controversies over the real amount each lawmaker earns per month. Based on Shehu’s disclosure, it would mean each lawmaker earns N12.72m in 12 months and the Federal Government incurs a total expenditure of N1.4bn annually on all senators.

“A breakdown of their monthly earnings revealed that each Senator collects a monthly salary and allowances of N1,063,860, consisting of a basic salary of N168,866:70; motor vehicle fueling and maintenance allowance, N126,650:00; and personal assistant allowance, N42,216:66. Others include domestic staff, N126,650:00; entertainment, N50,660:00; utilities, N50,660:00; newspapers/periodicals, N25,330:00; wardrobe, N42,216,66:00; house maintenance, N8,443.33:00; and constituency allowance, N422,166:66.

“Shehu in the statement had noted, “The commission also wishes to use this opportunity to state that any allegation regarding other allowance(s) being enjoyed by any political (or) public office holder outside those provided in the Remuneration (Amendment) Act, 2008 should be explained by the person who made the allegation. To avoid misinformation and misrepresentation of facts capable of misleading citizens and members of the international community, the commission considers it most appropriate and necessary to request Nigerians and any other interested party to avail themselves of the opportunity to access the actual details of the present remuneration package for political, public and judicial office holders in Nigeria published on its website: www.rmafc.gov.ng.

“However, Senator Kawu… disclosed that although his monthly salary is about N1m, his total take-home was N21m, a wide margin from figures quoted by RMFAC”.

This was how a news medium reported the latest controversy over the recurring issue of the pay of National Assembly members. Who should we believe: The RMFAC purportedly fixing the salaries or the senator taking the salaries home?

Until the National Assembly comes to the open and is transparent in its affairs, it will continue to carry the odious reputation of an insensitive arm of government and a cesspit of corruption. Worse for the Senate is the fact that the cantankerous, even childish, irresponsible and insensitive outbursts of its presiding officer has not helped matters at all!

The scripture says “By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established” (2 Corinthians 13:1). Kawu, who made the disclosure of N21m salary per month is a sitting senator. The second witness we are calling here today is a former senator, Shehu Sani. Another news medium reported Sani thus:

“Amid the controversy over the monthly earnings of federal lawmakers, Senator Shehu Sani has maintained that he received N13 million as a member of the 8th Senate while current members of the 10th Senate receive N21 million monthly. The revelation by the former lawmaker, who represented Kaduna Central in the 8th Senate, followed the stance of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) that Senators earn N1 million each. Sani… insisted that the RMAFC is being economical with the truth.

READ ALSO: Troops repel attack on Kaduna community, neutralise two terrorists

“He said, ‘I was a senator and I believe I had correct knowledge about what actually happened at that time and I believe (it) is what is (still) happening now. Well, RMAFC was just playing with figures, they were (not) specific in saying this is the salary of senators and then they went on to give a breakdown of N20 million, which they said was what every senator earns in four years. But I think they are being economical with the truth and I think I understand their fears in terms of telling the truth when they know what is actually happening…

“’I was going through the papers and I saw a statement credited to one of the Senators from Kano, Distinguished Senator Kawu Ismaila, who confirmed what I said about senators, particularly of this set (10th Senate), receiving up to N21 million monthly. During my time, I was in the Senate and I was pricked by my conscience as an activist who went to the Senate to unveil what has been made secret for over two decades. I believe that taxpayers and Nigerians in general have the right to know how much their legislators are earning and how much they are actually being given. I went on as a serving senator then to disclose what I received monthly, what was credited into my account at that time and it was N13.5 million.’

“The former lawmaker said he does not believe there is any need to deceive Nigerians or cover up anything. He said since legislators receive public funds, it is necessary for those involved to come out and say it as it is”.

It remains now for us to hear from the horse’s mouth, as they say. What is the Senate’s response to these allegations?  It’s spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, was reported by another news medium thus:

“The Nigerian Senate, on Thursday, debunked reports that lawmakers in the upper chamber of the National Assembly receive ₦21 million monthly as salary and allowances. The Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu, made this clarification in a statement in Abuja. According to him, running costs, as mentioned by Senator Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila, is not peculiar to the National Assembly, and neither is the mentioned amount a personal emolument for any senator. The explanation follows the disclosure by Sumaila, who represents Kano South senatorial district of Kano State in the National Assembly, that senators get ₦21 million monthly each as allowances and running costs….

“The disclosure generated fresh controversy over the earnings of Nigerian lawmakers amidst the allegation by former President Olusegun Obasanjo that members of the National Assembly fix bogus salaries and allowances for themselves in contravention of extant laws. However, Adaramodu said that “running cost” was quite different from the salary and personal allowances of the lawmakers. He explained that running cost is not personal to any lawmaker but (is) used for official purposes, such as maintaining lawmakers’ constituency offices and staff, oversight functions and community engagements.

“The Senate spokesperson said the lawmakers do not engage in wasteful spending, explaining that: ‘The Nigerian Senate is an Assembly of accomplished and successful professionals, administrators and captains of industries who are not driven by these often-touted egregious pecuniary bits, rather (by) their patriotic zeal in the nation’s quest to breathe life (into) Nigeria’s political and socioeconomic dry bones’.

“Adaramodu said the Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Allocation Commission (RMAFC) has already clarified and disclosed the monthly salary of lawmakers in the country and all other figures apart from what the commission declared should be ignored. ‘For the umpteenth time, the Senate is compelled to react to the obsolete allegations of a phantom salary and personal emoluments spuriously credited to senators monthly. The Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Allocation Commission, the agency of government that fixes political officials’ salaries and allowances, has duly disclosed the monthly personal take-home of senators. However, all arms of Government and their personnel, Governors, Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Directors-General, State Commissioners, even Boards and parastatals, including local government councils, run their activities with running costs and the National Assembly is not an exemption.

‘Thus, the money referred to by Senator Kawu Sumaila is neither his salary nor personal allowance. It’s for the daily running of offices by senators and other attached statutory officials. It equally provides funds for constituency office staff. It is also for oversight functions and community engagements. This fund is not static and is provided for in the annual budget. Such funds are retired by relevant officers after being used for official purposes and proof of genuine expenditure (provided). It’s not a personal allowance or salary of the legislator.

‘The National Assembly receives about one per cent of the federal budget and has never exceeded this, even when the non-availability of funds (was not) pervasive. The Nigerian Senate is an Assembly of accomplished and successful professionals, administrators and captains of industries who are not driven by these often-touted egregious pecuniary bits; rather, by their patriotic zeal in the nation’s quest to breathe life into Nigeria’s political and socioeconomic dry bones’, he said”.

From the above submissions made by Senator Sumaila Kawu, ex-Senator Shehu Sani and the Senate spokesperson Adeyemi Adaramodu, it can be deduced that the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission is the one that is being economical with the truth. Each senator’s “take-home” of N21 million per month, to adopt Senator Kawu’s terminology, is light years ahead of the measly sum of N1.06 million being put forward by the RMAFC.

Kawu and Shehu Sani’s testimonies corroborate each other. They are eye witnesses and their accounts are authentic eye witness accounts. In fact, whatever we hear from them can be taken as having been heard from the horse’s mouth. They are witnesses of truth because they are beneficiaries of the humongous perquisites in issue and cannot be said to harbour malice or have sinister or ulterior motives to paint the Senate in bad light.

Besides, Adaramodu did not in any way debunk the assertions that the senators of the 10th Senate earn the N21 million or more that Kawu averred to; he only said the amount was not meant as personal salaries and allowances for senators. I have no problem understanding that. I also perfectly understand – and sympathize – with the National Assembly that while all eyes are trained on it, other arms and tiers of government such as agencies, ministries, departments and parastatals engage in similar or even worse corner-cutting and moonlighting with public funds than the legislators do but get away with blue murder in broad daylight. Why scapegoat the National Assembly, then; if you understand what we mean! They have a point there; don’t you think?

But that there are similar or even bigger rogues elsewhere does not vitiate your own bad conduct! What the National Assembly should do to exculpate itself once and for all from its odious public image is to be open and transparent with its members’ salaries and allowances, from the Senate president/Speaker of the House of Representatives to the principal officers and other members. As it is, all the allowances and salaries meant for this or that and funds for constituency activities may be what some senators and honourable members pull together and siphon into their own pocket, which should not be so.

Until the National Assembly comes to the open and is transparent in its affairs, it will continue to carry the odious reputation of an insensitive arm of government and a cesspit of corruption. Worse for the Senate is the fact that the cantankerous, even childish, irresponsible and insensitive outbursts of its presiding officer has not helped matters at all!

*Bolawole (turnpot@gmail.com 0807 552 5533), former Editor of PUNCH newspapers, Chairman of its Editorial Board and Deputy Editor-in-chief, was also the Managing Director/ Editor-in-chief of the Westerner newsmagazine. He writes the “ON THE LORD’S DAY” column in the Sunday Tribune and “TREASURES” column in the New Telegraph newspapers. He is also a public affairs analyst on radio and television.

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The approval was announced on Tuesday in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ajuri Ngelale.

The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Senate.

He said the president expected the new federal commissioners to demonstrate absolute fidelity to the nation in the discharge of their duties.

READ ALSO: President Tinubu’s speech of compassion, unity, leadership and direction

Those appointed are:

(1) Mrs. Linda Nkechi Oti — Abia

(2) Mr. Akpan Imo Effiong — Akwa Ibom

(3) Mr. Enefe Ekene — Anambra

(4) Professor Steve Ugba — Benue

(5) Chief Eyonsa — Cross-River

(6) Aruviere Egharhevwe — Delta

(7) Nduka Henry Awuregu — Ebonyi

(8) Mr. Victor Eboigbe — Edo

(9) Honourable Wumi Ogunlola — Ekiti

(10) Honourable Ozo Obumreme Obodougo — Enugu

(11) Alhaji Kabir Ibrahim Mashi — Katsina

(12) Honourable Adamu Fanda — Kano

(13) Dr. Kunle Wright — Lagos

(14) Mr. Aliyu Almakura Abdulkadir — Nasarawa

(15) Mr. Bako Shetima — Niger

(16) Mr. Samuel Durojaye — Ogun

(17) Mr. Nathaniel Adejutelegan — Ondo

(18) Honourable Saad Bello Ibrahim — Plateau

(19) Mr. Modu-Aji Juluri — Yobe

(20) Alhaji Bello Rabiu Garba — Zamfara

(21) Mr. Mohammed Kabeer Usman — Gombe

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President Bola Tinubu is presiding over the first meeting of the Federal Executive Council, FEC, after the Christmas and New Year holidays.

The meeting taking place at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa has in attendance ministers, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief of Staff to the President and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

The council is to serve as an advisory body to the president, who serves as the FEC’s chairman and takes the final decision.

The council is expected to deliberate on pressing national issues including environment, security and the promotion of the Renewed Hope Agenda implementation as contained in the 2024 budget.

Before the beginning of the FEC meeting, the president swore in Mr Desmond Akawor as Federal Commissioner for  the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC.

Akawor, who was nominated in November 2023, was confirmed by the Senate as member representing Rivers on December 12, 2023.

His confirmation followed the presentation of a report by the Senate Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs, recommending him for the appointment.

The new RMAFC federal commissioner was appointed, following the death of the immediate past RMAFC federal commissioner from Rivers, Mr. Asondu Temple on November 1, 2023.

Source: NAN

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The declaration was made in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, Mr. Dele Alake.

The report, according to him, was apparently contrived to create ill-will for the new administration, slow down the upward momentum and massive goodwill the Tinubu-led administration had been enjoying among Nigerians “as a result of its fast paced, dynamic and progressive policies.”

He said the spread the unfounded report enjoyed on social media and in a section of mainstream media, brought to the fore, the danger fake news posed to the society.

The statement reads in full:

“We have followed with consternation the viral story of the purported 114% increase in the salary of the President, Vice President, elected Federal and State political office holders and judicial officers.

“We state without any equivocation that President Bola Tinubu has not approved any salary increase, and no such proposal has been brought before him for consideration.

“While we recognise that it is within the constitutional remit of Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission to propose and fix salaries and allowances of political office holders and Judicial Officers, such cannot come to effect until it has equally been considered and approved by the President.

“It is important to note that RMAFC, through its Public Relations Manager, has responded to this fake story being circulated and has already set the record straight.

“However, that this unfounded story gained prominence on social media and in a section of mainstream media, again, brings to the fore the danger fake news poses to the society and our national well-being. The misinformation was, obviously, contrived to create ill-will for the new administration, slow down the upward momentum and massive goodwill the Tinubu-led administration is currently enjoying among Nigerians as a result of its fast paced, dynamic and progressive policies.

“It is important to reiterate to  journalists, media managers, and members of the public that  stories on government activities and policy issues that do not emanate from approved official communication channels should be ignored.

“Media practitioners are enjoined to, at all times, cross-check their stories to ensure accurate reportage, which is the hallmark of responsible journalism.”

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The governor said the current revenue sharing formula that allows the federal government to take 52.68 per cent, and the states and local government councils to take 26.72 per cent and 20.60 per cent respectively was unacceptable.

Wike made the assertion when members of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC,  led by its chairman, Elisa N. Mbam paid him a courtesy call at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

The governor observed that despite the changes that the country had been through in the past 29 years, it was regrettable that it had continued to use the 1992 revenue formular prescribed by the military.

Governor Wike faulted the use of 1992 population figure, public school enrolment and public hospital bed spaces, land mass as formular for allocation of revenue.

He argued that a more equitable formular should also take into cognisance current population figure as well enrolment in private schools and number of bed spaces in private hospitals.

“Using the same formular of 1992 as a basis for revenue allocation in this country is so unfortunate. And to worsen the situation under a democratic dispensation, since 1999 till now, our country has not reviewed the revenue allocation formular.”

Governor Wike urged the commission to reduce the revenue accruable to the federal government to 40 per cent because it has abdicated its responsibility of providing security and basic infrastructure to the federating states.

“You people should reduce the percentage of the federal government. Give them 40 per cent. Give the states 40 per cent, give Local Government 20 per cent. In that way, most of the responsibilities that belong to the federal government will now be taken away and given to the states.”

He noted that the current centralised federal system in operation in Nigeria had made it impossible for most states to look inwards and harness their potentials.

According to him, the country’s vast resources, will continue to amount to nothing if the states  were not allowed to use their resources to drive and determine their development.

“We cannot talk about operating a federal system without having a fiscal federalism. It is practically impossible. Let’s cancel that word federalism, we are operating a unitary system. But you cannot be saying we are operating a federal system, at the same time operating a centralised system.”

The governor expressed reservation about the willingness of the present federal government to implement the recommendations of the revenue mobilisation and fiscal commission, which is currently holding public hearing on new revenue sharing formular across the six geopolitical zones.

Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC,  chairman, Elisa N. Mbam explained that one of the major mandate of the commission was to review from time to time the revenue allocation formular to conform with changing realities.

Mbam explained that it had become necessary to review the current formular because the last review was done in 1992.

He observed that there had been a lot of changes in the political and socio-economic situation of the country.

According to him, the data that would be collated from the states would help the commission to arrive at a fair revenue formular.

“We believe that what we will get from states will help us to come up with a revenue formular that will be fair, just and equitable.”

He commended Governor Wike for his developmental stride and urged other states to emulate Rivers State.

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The request which was contained in a letter dated September 28, 2021, was read during plenary by the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan.

President Buhari, in the letter, explained that the confirmation request was in accordance with the provision of Section 3(6) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

The nominees for confirmation as commissioners include: Dr. Mojisola Yaya-Kolade, Ekiti (South-West); Mrs. Anne Otelafu Odey, Cross River (South-South); Alhaji Goni Ali Gujba, Yobe (North-East); Dr. Louis Solomon Mandama, Adamawa (North-East); and Senator Anthony O. Agbo, Ebonyi (South-East).

In a related development, Buhari in a second letter requested the upper chamber to confirm the appointment of Engr. Mohammed Sanni Baba as Federal Commissioner for Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission representing Bauchi State.

According to the president, the request to confirm the nominee was made in accordance with the provision of Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

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The president also swore in six Federal Commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, including Gboyega Oladele, from Osun.

Buhari also administered oath of office on four new Permanent Secretaries and two members of the Civil Service Commission, CSC.

The 36 members of the FCC include Henry Ogbulogo (Abia), Salihu Bello (Adamawa), Dorah Daniel (Akwa-Ibom), Ibeabuchi Uche, (Anambra), Mohammed Tijjani, (Bauchi), Tonye Okio (Bayelsa) and Silas Macikpah (Benue).

Others are Abba Ali Monguno (Borno), Nsor Atamgba (Cross River), Alims Agoda (Delta), Tobias Chukuemeka (Ebonyi), Imuetinyan Festus (Edo), Sesan Fatoba (Ekiti), Ginika Tor (Enugu). Hamza Mohammed (Gombe), Diogu Uche, (Imo) and Lawan Ya’u Roni (Jigawa).

Also sworn-in are Hadiza Muazu (Kaduna), Mohammed Na’iya (Kano), Lawal Garba (Katsina), Abubakar Atiku Bunu (Kebbi), Idris Bello (Kogi), Are Bolaji (Lagos), Nasir Isa Kwarra (Nasarawa), and Suleiman Barau (Niger).

Others sworn in are Abiodun Akinlade (Ogun), Olufemi Omosanya (Ondo), Adeoye Olalekan (Osun) Adeniyi Olowofela (Oyo), Stephen Jings (Plateau), Wokocha Augustine (Rivers),

The rest are Abdullahi Tafida (Sokoto), Alhaji Armaya’u Abubakar (Taraba), Jibril Maigari (Yobe), Sani Garba (Zamfara) and Adamu Sidi-Ali (Federal Capital Territory).

Source: NAN

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The Senate President gave the charge on Wednesday in his remarks after the Upper Chamber confirmed the appointment of Mr. Lamido A. Yuguda (Gombe) as Director-General of the Commission.

Also confirmed are: Reginald C. Karawusa (Imo); Ibrahim D. Boyi (Katsina); and Obisan T. Joseph (Lagos) as Commissioners full-time Commissioners of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The nominees were confirmed after the Senate considered the report of the Committee on Capital Market.

The committee which is chaired by Senator Ibikunle Amosun (APC – Ogun Central), recommended that “the Senate confirms the Four (4) nominees as appointed by Mr. President, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Board of the Securities and Exchange Commission, (SEC).”

Speaking after the nominees were confirmed, the Senate President said, “the Security and Exchange Commission must be efficient and effective in ensuring that we are able to attract and sustain not only domestic investment but foreign direct investment.”

He added:  “People should bring their monies and feel safe with their investments here. This is essential to create the very enabling climate for investors to be attracted and retained here in the country.”

In a related development, the Senate on Wednesday also confirmed the appointment of five out of the six nominees forwarded by President Muhammadu Buhari to the National Assembly for confirmation as Members of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

The confirmation of the nominees followed consideration and adoption of the report of the Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs.

Chairman of the Committee, Senator Olubunmi Adetumbi (APC – Ekiti North), in his presentation on the screening of the nominees, said the committee recommended that the nomination of Barr. Emmanuel D. Nwosu, be suspended pending security investigations on the petition against his nomination as a Commissioner in the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission representing Imo State.

He advised the Executive to investigate the alleged wrongful conduct in the petition against the nominee before furthers action by the Committee can be taken.

The nominees confirmed by the Senate are: Salamatu Mohammed Bala (Adamawa); Alfred Egba (Bayelsa); Adamu Shettima Yuguda Dibal (Borno); Oladele Gboyega (Osun); Bello Abubakar Wamakko (Sokoto); and Ahmed Yusuf (Taraba).

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The Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, Mr Elias Mbam, disclosed this to newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday, shortly after he received an Award of Excellence from the Nigeria Civil Service Union.

He said that with the new sharing formula states and local governments were expected to get more money as the plan was to expand and increase the scope of revenue collection.

According to the current revenue allocation formula, the federal government gets 52.68 per cent, State, 26.72 per cent and local government, 20.60 per cent.

Also, 13 per cent of oil and gas federally collected revenue is returned to the oil producing states as derivation revenue to compensate for ecological disasters arising from oil production.

The formula was designed during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration.

However, the RMAFC in 2013 saw the need to review the formula for balanced development of the country, hence it embarked on a nationwide consultation and met with notable figures on the issue.

In December 2014, the commission came out with a proposed new revenue formula but for some reasons, it never saw the light of day.

Five years on, the RMAFC chairman said the commission planned to constitute a standing committee by next week to review the revenue sharing formula.

Mbam said the commission would also push for the diversification of the nation’s revenue for a more sustainable growth and economic development.

“My agenda is to expand the sources of revenue for the federation. I will like to expand the cake that we are sharing so that people will get reasonable quantity.

“I intend to do this through diversification in areas outside oil and gas, and that includes solid minerals, agriculture and manufacturing.

“So, we will encourage states and let them know what is available outside oil and gas so they can develop those aspects of the economy to their own benefit,’’ he said.

Source: NAN

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