The Man with the slogan just trying to make common sense.

Ben Murray-Bruce, common sense or hypocrisy?

Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, representing Bayelsa East senatorial district is always in the news trying to make common sense.

However the social media savvy senator did not make much of what he preaches as the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) on Thursday, June 23, took over three companies belonging to him and his family.

Senator Bruce said it is possible to fight corruption and grow the economy at the same time

The assets are being seized following the failure of Bruce and his brothers to settle an N11bn loan owed Union Bank and acquired by AMCON. Bruce and his brothers used the companies as collateral in 2005 and 2007 to borrow various sums of money from the Union Bank of Nigeria Plc and failed to pay back as promised which is long overdue. AMCON purchased the loan in 2011 to save the bank from collapsing. 

AMCON takes over Silverbird properties 

The companies affected by the takeover are Silverbird Galleria Limited, Silverbird Promotions Limited, and Silverbird Showtime Limited.

AMCON had, by notice of appointment dated April 18 appointed Muiz Banire as Receiver/Manager over the sprawling assets of the three companies located at 133 Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos, Plot No 1161 (Silverbird Galleria); Central Area Cadastral Zone AOO, Abuja; and Abonnema Wharf Road and Abali Park in Port Harcourt City of Rivers State. 

The takeover followed the interim orders granted by Justice Cecilia Olatoregun-Ishola of the Federal High Court, Lagos, on June 17 which allowed the receiver/manager to take possession of the said properties. 

The properties were seen locked up by the agents of the receiver/manager in an exercise carried out under the supervision of men of the Nigerian police as directed by the Court order.

 When AMCON realized Bruce was not ready to pay back the money,  a receiver/manager was appointed the to recover the loan.

Commonsense or hypocrisy

As a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Nigerians would question the commonsense in owing so much money when the senator receives huge allowance as wardrobe perks.

 This is even more so when he comes on social media to preach commonsense revolution and act holier than thou. 

One would have thought he use part of the his allowance to pay up his debt. So much for commonsense indeed!

 A senator in Nigeria reportedly earns N12,939,549 million in salaries and allowances per annum.

 Bruce had called for reduction in allowances of members of the National Assembly which received widespread commendation.

A number of lawmakers followed suit, giving support to Bruce’s proposal. But no such reduction in emoluments have so far been effected. 

Ben Bruce reacts to AMCON attack 

The common sense advocate in a swift reaction to the incident said the situation is being resolved and things will be back to normal. 

Senator Bruce said in 36 years, Silverbird has grown and it will face challenges like anybody, adding that it is possible to fight corruption and grow the economy at the same time. 

Bruce, who is not happy with the poor state of the Nigerian economy, said President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration was more concerned about fighting corruption and is not paying attention to what’s going on with the nation’s economy. 

Some of the Bayelsa state senator’s followers in reaction said he was right. Others even asked him to hide because they will soon come for him like they have done with other people criticising the government.