Open Letter To Mr President: [It Is Time To Don The Toga Of The C-in-C]

247ureports
-
1

Dear Mr President,

 

Writing to you is the only way I can assuage the feelings of anger I have had to put up with since receiving news of the death of Enenche Akogwu of Channels TV, who sadly has become a statistic in the head count of victims of the Boko Haram insurgency. Much as I commiserate with you and all other Nigerians on the unfortunate incident that occured in Kano yesterday, I would also like to state unequivocally, that I will not attempt to absolve you of “blame” in the seeming reluctance on your part to thoroughly deal with ENEMIES OF STATE and especially the PERCIEVED ENEMIES WITHIN. Sir, you have a responsibility to the Nigerian people in the wake of the state of insecurity in the Country. You are our Chief Security Officer and for good or bad, the buck ends with you. I want to remind you of the oath you took back in May, to amongst other things protect us from every conceivable threat to our Nation’s security albeit external or internal. Sir, excuses or defence even by someone like me that supports you, will no longer be acceptable. Excuses would not bring closure to the grief of the many families whose loved ones were victims of these beasts in the past few months.

 

I recall shortly after you became President in 2010 following the demise of your predecessor, you requested that you should not be addressed by the C-in-C tag but rather just simple Mr President would suffice. Today I urge you to don the toga of the COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF and assume the stance that comes with it. By reason of that title and position, the Service Chiefs are in the spirit of espirit de corp under obligation to be at your flank and I refuse to believe that the BH can muster the Manpower or Arsenal to match that of the combined Nigerian Armed Forces and Intelligence Services if it comes to that.  However it seems that what they may be lacking in hardware and personnel they have a quantum of  in “WILL”.  And sadly it’s a WILL that unites them to follow through on an agenda of the annihilation of the Nigerian State under your watch.

 

Sir, I wouldn’t want to believe that you haven’t noticed what seems to have become a worrisome trend, or perhaps for lack of a better term, an emerging pattern in the “ways and means” these acts of terror occur. I can’t help but wonder if it isn’t an “Insider” collaborating with an “outsider”. No longer can I vouch for the integrity of our intelligence service- yes, call me a conspiracy theorist- but I am quite sure their ranks have been compromised and there are “MOLES” in the crevices of the ROCK. With the benefit of hindsight, I now wonder why the first major BH suspect who would have proven a useful asset in nipping this “Wahala” in the bud was so hurriedly executed and extra judiciously for that matter?; Imagine, the ‘’Madalla Bomb Mastermind” was supposedly arrested in the company of no less a government official in a State government owned guest house for that matter (what effrontery), did it come as any surprise then when he “escaped?; How and from where did the news that he had been rearrested emanate from?, and how come barely 18 hours after, the police was offering a 50 Million Naira bounty for information leading to his arrest?; how come the blasts of yesterday occurred within the timeline window when you were on the verge of chopping some ‘BIG’ heads if the ‘Abaji Escapee’ wasn’t apprehended?, most importantly, have you wondered why there were no bomb blasts during the fuel subsidy removal face off? Is it that the master minds felt that the unfolding events back then where themselves capable of leading to an IMPLOSION and the end of your administration? The questions in my mind are endless.

 

The issues are all so muddled up that with hindsight, I have now concluded that your victory at the Polls last May is akin to what Dr Adebimpe Onifade referred to as an “invitation to anarchy” in his article (see the link below); that was published on May 27 2003, just two days shy  of the beginning of OBJ’s second term. Reading it kind of put things in  perspective for me and I think you should find time to read it too  http://nigeriaworld.com/feature/publication/onifade/052703.html  I mean, considering the various threats and counter threats of how the Country will become ungovernable if you succeed; I would have thought that you would have embarked on a thorough house cleaning once things began to mount up at the beginning. I want to remind you of a Yoruba adage that says “the witch cries at night and the child dies in the morning”. Like many other Nigerians, I am growing weary and troubled.

 

Suffice it to say Sir; much as I am sure you are on top of the situation, we would be better served if the majority don’t see you as playing  “Possum” any longer.  I therefore urge you to confront this issue with the expediency and thoroughness it deserves that we , the people will see the results we so desperately need. At this point it doesn’t matter whose ox is gored, all I know is that this is the time for you like I earlier mentioned to don the toga of the COMMANDER –IN- CHIEF, this is the time for you to step up to the plate. When it comes to the safety and peace of mind of all Nigerians, no act against this people in my opinion will be “illegal” as far as it guarantees our safety; we have the US situation Room incident as an antecedent. It’s time to pull out all the stops.

 

This is a defining moment that will determine the content of the chronicles of your administration for posterity. Whatever steps you take from hereon will determine whether Nigeria as we know it SINKs or FLOATs under your watch.

Remain assured of the sincerity of my highest regards.

God Bless You,

God Bless Us All.

God Bless Nigeria.

—-

Ohunene Scott-Ananaba

Akwa Ibom: Election Fraud Tribunal Sits on Wednesday‏

247ureports
-
0

By Thompson Essien, Portland, Oregon

Umana Okon Umana has never been known to be a businessman. At least since 1999, when the military handed over the running of the country to civilians, Umana Okon Umana has served as a bureaucrat in different levels in two different administrations. And as a bureaucrat, Umana Okon Umana has always been on a fixed income. But, today, Umana Okon Umana is the richest man in Akwa Ibom State. Those close to Umana say it is very likely that the man is even richer than Godswill Obot Akpabio.
With his command of the intricacies of governmental maneuverings, Umana Okon Umana knows exactly how to use his positions in government to enrich himself. He has served in different capacities, including being the Director of Budget, Commissioner for Finance, and presently, Secretary to the Government. Serving in these high-level positions may explain why and how Umana Okon Umana could become the richest man in a State of nearly or a little over five million (5,000,000) inhabitants.
Now, Umana Okon Umana wants to invest at least some of his ill-gotten money to contest for the governorship of Akwa Ibom State. With backing from Akpabio, whose support for Umana is with the hope that if Umana wins, he (Akpabio) would be shielded from prosecution for his crimes committed against Akwa Ibom people, Umana is walking around and thumbing his chest, with a strongly held believe that the Hilltop Mansion is all his, come 2015.
But while Umana has already flooded Akwa Ibom State with hundreds of vehicles geared towards his campaign, and distributing millions of naira to those he is seeking support from for 2015, the 2011 gubernatorial election is still an unfinished matter, yet to be decided in the court of law. On Wednesday, January 25, 2012, the Election and Fraud Tribunal sitting in Uyo will begin hearing evidence that would help to determine who actually won the 2011 governorship election.
And it appears that no one, except Umana Okon Umana, knows what would be the final decision of the court. Experts say the court may rule that the 2011 election was a charade, which must be cancelled for a fresh election. Others say the court may decide that it was ACN which won the election, which means the Tribunal can declare Senator Akpan Udoedehe as the winner of the 2011 Gubernatorial Election. If the Tribunal takes such a decision, it would mean that Godswill Akpabio would have to vacate the Hilltop Mansion for Senator Akpan Udoedehe. However, Umana is not perturbed by any of these scenarios; the man just wants to be a governor, period.
It could be recalled that in July 2011, when Godswill Akpabio and Umana Okon Umana bribed the Tribunal judges to dismiss the dispute of the election on a simple technical reasons, both of them and all their supporters triumphed in victory. Akpabio even remarked; “It is all over. I have won—case closed! Any protest is nothing but noise-making. I am calling on the opposition to come join hands to build Akwa Ibom.”
In spite of Akpabio’s bluffs, the ACN and Senator Akpan Udoedehe appealed the case all the way to the Supreme Court. On November 14, 2011, just a day before the dateline for the Supreme Court to act on the case, Akpabio was dinning and winning with President Jonathan in an event, in which another one of those flattering awards was bestowed upon Akpabio. When the ceremony finally ended, aids slipped a note into Akpabio’s palm; “Your Excellency, the Supreme Court has returned the case to the Tribunal in Uyo.”
Akpabio was dazed. He was confused an uncertain of how to react. When reporters pointed several microphones on his face, Akpabio belched; “Even if the election is held 10 times, I will win 10 times.” But, no one told Akpabio about contesting any election—Akpabio was lost, because the unexpected—the possibility of being driven out of office through the judicial process, instead of through corrupt practices—-was starring on his face.
In a few days (January 25, 2012), that judicial process will begin. Both sides (ACN and PDP) will present all available evidence and the learned men will decide who really won the election of 2011. Will Akpabio bribe the judges again? Knowing Akpabio, it is very likely that he will do that, or attempt to do that. But, just as it was during the first instance, when he bribed the Tribunal judges in Uyo and the Court of Appeal judges in Calabar, the matter will also end up where he was not able to bribe and where he will never be able to bribe—the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

“Why We Did Not Kill Obasanjo” – Boko Haram Leader

247ureports
-
166
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo

Information recently made available to 247ureports.com through a high ranking contact within the organizational structure of the terrorist Islamic group, Boko Haram reveals unnerving revelations regarding the recent attacks on Kano, Bauchi State – and the aborted attack of September 15, 2011 visit by former President of the federal republic of Nigeria, General Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo to the home of the in-law of the slain leader of the Boko Haram, Babakura Fuggu in Borno State.

It was gathered that the leader of Boko Haram, Imam Abubakar Shekau who is currently hiding away in Qoundere, Cameroun following the recent and ongoing attacks on Kano and Bauchi State – had deliberated seriously on the assassination of the former president of Nigeria, General Obasanjo on September 15, 2011 while on a visit to Borno State to the home of the in-law to the slain leader of Boko Haram [Ustaz Mohammed Yusuf].

According to the Boko Haram source, former President Obasanjo had made first contact with Yusuf’s in-lawal, Babakura Fuggu [eldest son of Yusuf’s in-law] in early September 2012 concerning opening a channel of dialogue with the terrorist group. The leadership of the group took it uneasy with the choice of Babakura – [since the line of leadership did not automatically follow  family lineage as in traditional settings. As a ‘religious’ group they did not see Babakura as the rightful person to take over from Yusuf.] – For this reason, the leadership of the group ‘silently’ objected to the meeting between Babakura and Obasanjo.

As Obasanjo concluded his secret meeting the previous day at the Green House with three other religious group [Jamatu Nasir Islam, JNI and CAN] in Jos, the capital of Plateau State on the Wednesday of September 14, 2011, and took off the following day to Borno State, the terrorist group, according to the source, marked the former President within their ‘firing range’ from the moment he landed in Borno State at minutes after 11am till he departed the State in the late afternoon of the same day. According to the source, “we were not sure of him”.

“He was going to be a big catch” said the source who explained that the leadership halted the operation as Obasanjo went inside the residence of Babakura.

“Obasanjo was good to us. We had no problem with Obasanjo. We had him. We could have taken him out”, as he recalled that the sharia movement took off during the period when Obasanjo was president. “The problem started during the late President Yar’Adua regime. Goodluck only inherited the problem. We have no problem with Goodluck. But his Ijaw people around him are deceiving him”.

Interestingly, the Boko Haram source who spoke in fluent English with a slight American accent explained the decision to ‘finish’ Babakura Fuggu came due to what transpired between Obasanjo and Babakura. “We learnt he asked for money”. Babakura requested on behalf of Boko Haram monies to enable the group defray litigation costs and other minor financial requests which the leadership of Boko Haram considered menial and demeaning. The wife, Yakolo, was said to have received money from the former president to the tuned of N500,000. Babakura Fuggu was gundown on September 17, 2012 as he existed his home by his younger brother in the company of other young men dressed in reddish-orange babarigas each armed with AK47s – just barely forty eight [48] hours following the visit of former President Obasanjo.

Meanwhile, information available to 247ureports.com reveals the reason Kano and Bauchi State were attacked a few days ago as having to do with failed promises by the State governors of the two states. The entire northern governors, according to the Boko Haram source, have ongoing relationships with the group. “Most of them pay us monthly to leave their states alone”.

In Kano State, the former state governor, Malam Shekarau reached an agreement with the terrorist group in late 2004 for an initial monthly disbursement of N5million which was later bumped up to N10million in 2009. The agreement, according to the source, included provision of institutional infrastructural support through the Hisbah [Islam police] project which received yearly budgetary allocation of N1.01billion. The gubernatorial election of April 2011 which introduced Rabiu Kwankwaso as the new governor changed the agreement. The Kwankwaso administration was quick to dismantle the Hisbah set up – and the said agreement to disburse N10million monthly. The governor proceeded to make arrests of known Boko Haram members. Boko Haram leadership who had found comfort in Kano did not appreciate the Kwankwaso administration’s policy on Boko Haram. According to the source, “we warned the Governor of the consequences”.

“We concluded on Kano in December 2011”. The abrupt end to the oil subsidy strike and protests served an opportunity for the group to strike. The preparatory work for the attack and the selection of targets had already been completed. According to the source, an estimated number of casualties was calculated to net 300 minimum. “The go ahead order” was given on Wednesday [January 18, 2012] evening before the leader of the group left the country to Cameroon on the early morning of Thursday, the following day.

In Bauchi State, the Governor, Malam Yuguda reached similar agreement with the leadership of the group. A monthly disbursement of N10million was agreed upon along with provision of training grounds on the many mountain scattered in Bauchi State. The governor also promised to give them security against arrests by the federal government.  The agreement was reached in June 2008 but mid 2011, the governor stopped the disbursement of the N1omillion regularly. Boko Haram were not happy but remained loyal to the agreement because of the unfettered access to the mountains of Bauchi as training camps.

However the arrest and detention of their number 3 man by the State Security Services [SSS] fractured the relationship between the governor and the terrorist group. According to the source, the State was attacked to free the number 3 leader of Boko Haram and to “teach them a lesson”. The detained leader schooled at the prestigious Lincoln University located in the State of Connecticut, USA and owns a block industry in Bauchi State near the home of the former governor of Bauchi State – an area densely populated by Boko Haram operatives.

According to the source, “the northern governors are overwhelmed”. They are aware of the capabilities of the Boko Haram operatives operating in their respective states. Some of the State government officials visit the terrorist groups in their training camps to watch the training exercises. “We train harder than the Nigerian military and they see it” said the source while ‘lamenting’ that the governor continue to tell the President that the menace of Boko Haram is under control.

The Boko Haram source made it emphatic that “we [they] have the weapons and are in control. We are not asking for Islamic Nigeria. We want our men free”.

Nigeria President Visits Kano After Attacks; Red Cross Record Shows 150 killed

247ureports
-
2

KANO, GOODLUCK SIGNING REGISTER WITH ADO BAYERO


By  Associated Press

 

KANO, Nigeria — More than 150 people were killed in a series of coordinated attacks by a radical Islamist sect in north Nigeria’s largest city, according to an internal Red Cross document seen Sunday by an Associated Press reporter.Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan also arrived in Kano on Sunday afternoon to pay his condolences, as military helicopters flew overhead.
A spokesman at Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital in Kano, the city’s largest hospital, declined to immediately comment Sunday on the latest count. But the toll of the attacks could be seen all around.Armed police drove by the hospital in a pickup truck with a corpse wrapped in a white burial shroud. Children outside the hospital sold surgical masks. Once used only for the heavy dust in this sprawling city, the masks are now being used by responders going into the hospital’s overflowing mortuary.Soldiers in bulletproof vests carrying assault rifles with bayonets stood guard at roundabouts in areas where the sect had attacked. At the regional police headquarters in Kano, which sustained particularly heavy damage, soldiers refused access to AP reporters.
KANO, GOODLUCK, RABIU MUSA KWANKWASO AND PETIRIN
Friday’s attacks by Boko Haram hit police stations, immigration offices and the local headquarters of Nigeria’s secret police in Kano, a city of more than 9 million people that remains an important political and religious center in the country’s Muslim north.

The coordinated attacks represent the extremist group’s deadliest assault since beginning its campaign of terror in Africa’s most populous nation.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned the multiple attacks, according to a statement.

“The Secretary-General is appalled at the frequency and intensity of recent attacks in Nigeria, which demonstrate a wanton and unacceptable disregard for human life,” the statement said.

Ban also expressed “his hope for swift and transparent investigations into these incidents that lead to bringing the perpetrators to justice,” according to the statement.

A Boko Haram spokesman using the nom de guerre Abul-Qaqa claimed responsibility for the attacks in a message to journalists Friday. He said the attack came because the state government refused to release Boko Haram members held by the police.

President Goodluck Jonathan also condemned the attacks. But Jonathan’s government has repeatedly been unable to stop attacks by Boko Haram, whose name means “Western education is sacrilege” in the Hausa language of Nigeria’s north. The group has carried out increasingly sophisticated and bloody attacks in its campaign to implement strict Shariah law and avenge the deaths of Muslims in communal violence across Nigeria, a multiethnic nation of more than 160 million people.

Authorities blamed Boko Haram for at least 510 killings last year alone, according to an AP count, including an August suicide bombing on the U.N. headquarters in the country’s capital Abuja. So far this year, the group has been blamed for at least 219 killings, according to an AP count.

KANO, GOODLUCK, KWANKWASO AND AIG
Boko Haram recently said it specifically would target Christians living in Nigeria’s north, but Friday’s attack saw its gunmen kill many Muslims. In a recent video posted to the Internet, Imam Abubakar Shekau, a Boko Harm leader, warned it would kill anyone who “betrays the religion” by being part of or sympathizing with Nigeria’s government.

Also Sunday, police say 11 people were killed in an attack in Nigeria’s north state of Bauchi.

Bauchi state police commissioner Ikechukwu Aduba said the attack happened overnight. He said the 11 dead included civilians, police and army personnel who were running a checkpoint. Aduba said at least two churches were also attacked in a separate incident in the state.

He did not immediately name who was responsible for the attacks. Bauchi is also a region where Boko Haram has staged attacks before. It is nearly 200 miles (320 kilometers) from Kano.

—

Source: Washington Post

ACN raises alarm over plan to hand Nigeria’s maritime security to private firm

247ureports
-
4

The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has raised an alarm over the plan
by the federal government to
hand over the nation’s maritime security to a private firm owned by an
ex-militant warlord, wondering whether
this is part of the agenda being pursued in recent times by a group
that has been championing parochial
nationalism in the wake of the fuel subsidy debate.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Sunday by its National Publicity
Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the
party queried the rationale behind the memo that was presented to the
Federal Executive Council this month,
seeking the council’s approval for a so-called strategic concessioning
partnership between NIMASA and
Global West Vessel Specialist Agency (GWVSL) ”to enforce regulatory
compliance and surveillance of the
entire Nigerian Maritime Domain”.

The action raises more serious concern when viewed against the
background of the government’s decision to withdraw
a bill before the National Assembly, that would have created a
Maritime Security Agency (MASECA) to carry
out the same functions now being outsourced to a private firm under a
suspicious concessioning plan.

”Let us say here that while there is nothing wrong in the use of
concessions to provide and maintain infrastructure,
it is totally unacceptable – even unprecedented especially in a
fragile federation as ours – for any government to
hand over the security of its entire maritime domain to a private
firm. It is unconscionable that a decision that will
have far-reaching implications for trade, security, ports and shipping
will be taken so lightly, without a rigorous
national debate.

”It is particular dangerous for a country like Nigeria, where 70% of
all her resources – including oil – are on water.
The security implications are so grave that no nation seeking to
remain one, indivisible entity will try it. It takes the
provision of maritime security out of government’s direct control, and
encroaches on the role of the military (the navy
in this case) to protect the territorial integrity of the nation.

”We are particularly worried about the web of intrigue involved, and
will like to pose the following questions: What informed
the withdrawal of the bill to create MASECA as a government agency
that would have handled maritime security?
Is it by coincidence that the memo on this ‘strategic partnership’ was
pre-approved by the President?
Why would a government so willingly abdicate its responsibility of
ensuring the security of its maritime domain? What
were the ministers thinking when they approved this dangerous memo?
What is the agenda of the President in allowing
this to happen?”

The party said several recent developments have made it more urgent to
call the partnership between NIMASA and Global
West to question.

”In the wake of the fuel subsidy debate, parochial nationalist groups
from a certain part of the country have threatened everything
from taking full control of their resources to secession. They have
even warned that President Goodluck Jonathan could be the last
President of a united Nigeria. Against this background, it should jolt
all right-thinking people that the nation’s maritime security
is being taken over by a private entity. It does not help matters that
that entity belongs to someone who has openly aligned with
one of these parochial groups. That is why we asked what the
President’s agenda is concerning this ‘partnership’,” it said.

ACN dismissed as self-serving the argument proffered for going into
the partnership, including that the government is unable to
raise the 103 million US dollars needed to be invested over a 10-year
period for the provision of the requisite operational platforms;
that the concession will create 1,375 direct job opportunities and
1,620 indirect jobs, and that the amount accruable to the government
over the concession period will be around 124 billion naira.

More worrisome, the party said, is the fact that the concession will
last for an initial period of 10 years, renewable for two terms of
5 years each (which is another 10 years).

”We are compelled to ask: If an investment of 103 million US dollars
will fetch the government 124 billion naira and create so many jobs,
why can’t the government raise – or even borrow if necessary – the
amount to invest? Is anyone really convinced that this federal
government that is awash in cash – going by the profligate 2012 budget
– cannot raise 103 million US dollars for a project that bothers on
national security?

”While seeking answers to these and other questions, we call on the
National Assembly to immediately step into the matter, in view of
its national security implication. We also call on all Nigerians to
show interest in this issue, which has far-reaching implications for
the
country’s continued existence as one entity. We note that it is in
consideration of the national security implication of maritime
security that made the drafters of the MESECA bill to put the agency
directly under the presidency,” ACN said.

Alhaji Lai Mohammed
National Publicity Secretary
Action Congress of Nigeria
Lagos, Jan. 22nd 2012

We’ve Shed Enough Blood – Orji Uzor Kalu

247ureports
-
2

Shell shocked former Abia state governor Dr.Orji Uzor Kalu Weekend called for an end to the cocktail of violence following the Kano bomb blasts which claimed over 200 lives including journalist Enenche Akogwu of Channels Television.

Kalu frowned at the wanton destruction of lives and property which can only lead to more bloodshed if not nipped in the bud by well meaning Nigerians.

According to him,”We cannot stand this new culture of bloodletting anymore.This country means more than blood and fire.The world is moving forward while violence relegates us to the dustbin of crisis.Things are happening so fast that we also need a supersonic solution.This is not the Nigeria of our dream.”

The former governor called on well meaning Nigerians to rally round the government in the bid to find a way round the orgy of violence.

“In a time like this, silence can no more be golden.Our elders must talk to our children,they need to secure their future.When we spill all the blood,there may be no tomorrow.Violence does not offer solutions.Enough is enough.Gradually,this crisis will drive investors and the effect on the economy would be devastating,”he said.

Kalu also sent his condolences to Channels Television whose reporter Enenche Akogwu was consumed by the Kano blasts.

“Journalists do not take sides.They are professionals who help pass the message.When they get killed in the course of duty,we all lose.Akogwu died for us all,may God be with Channels TV and his family,”Kalu added.

Remembering Haiti Disaster

247ureports
-
0

TWO years have passed but for the people of Haiti the nightmare of the destructive earthquake still continues.

Half the rubble remains to be cleared and many bodies still lie underneath says retired Methodist minister, Rev Edward Holmes.

Haiti – the poorest country in the western hemisphere – was torn apart by the largest earthquake to hit the country for 200 years. Teams of rescue workers and volunteers worked around the clock to help victims after it struck on January 12, 2010.

Mr Holmes said that 500,000 people were still living in makeshift accommodation. “Cholera brought in by Nepalese UIN Forces is now endemic in Haiti as it is in Nepal. They have been free of the disease for many generations, now many will continue to die every year from this scourge.

“Construction is going ahead, new settlements being built, hospitals and schools being restored but endemic corruption hinders many worthwhile schemes.

“Churches and charities continue to give much needed support to local communities as they have always done. After the initial response two years ago there have been many other disasters worldwide yet Haiti is not forgotten.

“I continue to receive generous support and my garden party in the summer was the usual success as I expect will be the secondhand sale, coffee morning and lunch I will be holding on Saturday at Central Methodist Church, Brighouse.”

Perjury: Oni Gives AGF 72 Hours Ultimatum To Try Justice Salami

247ureports
-
3

Former Governor of Ekiti State has requested the Attorney General of
the Federation (AGF), Mr. Mohammed Adoke (SAN) to commence criminal
prosecution of the suspended  President of the Court of Appeal (PCA),
Justice Isa Ayo Salami for the offence of Perjury.

Oni, who was one of the key figures that exposed the alleged underhand
dealings by the suspended Justice Salami on the Ekiti and Osun
Elections Appeal cases gave the AGF 72 hours ultimatum to commence the
trial.

 

Media Aide to the former governor, Mr. Lere Olayinka, who made this
known in a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti today said; in a letter to
the Attorney General dated January 19, 2012, Oni stated that
“following the conclusion of the Justice Umaru Abdullahi Panel, which
found that Justice Salami lied on oath, the AGF should exercise his
constitutional duty to commence prosecution of the suspended PCA
forthwith.”

Section (117) of the Criminal Code Act states that; “Any person who,
in any judicial
proceeding, or for the purpose of instituting any judicial proceeding,
knowingly gives false
testimony touching any matter which is material to any question then
depending in that
proceeding, or intended to be raised in that proceeding, is guilty of
an offence, which is called
perjury. Section (118) prescribes fourteen years imprisonment as punishment for
perjury.

Oni’s letter stated inter alia; ”Hon minister will kindly recall that
the Justice Umaru Abdullahi  panel  investigated the  allegations  by
Justice Ayo Salami  contained   in his affidavit sworn to before the
court to the effect that the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) then
(Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu) invited him to a meeting and asked him
to interfere in the Tribunal  in respect of the Governorship case of
Sokoto State  then before the Court of Appeal Panel.

“This is  contained among others in Para graph4( v) of the  sworn
affidavit which stated ‘the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria
actually instructed me to direct the panel of justices hearing the
Sokoto state gubernatorial Appeal Panel to dismiss the Appeal which I
told him I could not do.’

“Based on evidence before the panel by the former CJN and Hon Justice
Dahiru Mustapha, the current Chief Justice of Nigeria, who was present
during the said meeting between  the then CJN and the Suspended  PCA,
the panel found that the allegations of interference  by the CJN was
not true ,contrary to the sworn affidavit deposed to by the President
of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Salami on 31/3/11.
“The Panel stated on page 96 ‘From all the circumstances there is
available evidence that the CJN did not give instructions to the PCA
to direct the panel to dismiss the appeal’’…. ‘’ the Panel finds that
the allegation that the CJN had taken over the running of the Court of
Appeal   in an unprecedented manner as unfounded.’
“It is trite therefore that having lied on oath,   a crime of perjury
has been committed by  Justice  Salami, one of the persons who sits at
the top echelon of the bench, a situation which has  no doubt put the
judiciary in public odium.
“It is the duty of the Attorney General to initiate prosecution of
anyone who has committed a criminal offence in our country or give a
fiat for such prosecution, and  it is a well known legal maxim that
all persons are equal before the law.
“It is in pursuing our patriotic duty to the nation that I  wish to
request the Hon Attorney General to initiate the prosecution of
Justice Salami for the offence of Perjury  within  a reasonable time
not later than 72 hours of the receipt of this petition or course a
fiat to be given to our lawyers for this prosecution.”
It would be recalled that sometimes in October, 2011 a similar letter
was written to the AGF by lawyers of the Peoples Democratic Party
(PDP) in Ekiti and Osun states, but the letter has not been acted
upon.
This notwithstanding, moves are allegedly being made to return Salami
to his position based  on pressures allegedly being mounted on the
Presidency and the CJN, Justice Dahiru Musdapher by some opposition
party chieftains working in concert with   some leading figures in the
Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in what has been termed ”political
solution.”

 

Need For Reforms In The Downstream Sector Of The Petroleum Industry

247ureports
-
0

By: Charles Ikedikwa Soeze, fhnr, fcida, fcai, cpae, son, emba

 

            It is a truism to say that the petroleum industry world over is a fast changing one including the downstream sector and as a result, needs to be reformed for accountability and service delivery to the people, which in the final analysis will bring progress and development to our nation, the giant of Africa.   Every opportunity occasioned by delays, should be used to re-evaluate and re-examine plans and programmes and their contents.  There should be no embarrassment for making meaningful changes or modifications, especially if they are influenced by new economic or technological realities which will  also lead to economic transformation of the economy for the betterment of all Nigerians whether from oil producing states, communities or not.

 

The responsibility for propelling economic development is clearly that of government.  However, the necessary capital inputs cannot be government alone.  In this regard therefore, only the right economic climate will encourage foreign and indigenous private capital to offer to participate.  On the issue of propelling economic development, the government must clearly articulate and disseminate new directives it is mapping out.  In the petroleum industry sector, people have lived for so long with certain situations that they assume it can not be altered.  There is therefore the need for changes in policies and strategies in the sector which must be widely disseminated using relevant media, print and broadcast inclusive as well as making use of community leaders, opinion leaders and moulders. In order to make meaningful impact, emphasis must change from merely satisfying domestic consumption to using part of such efforts in pursuing export.  One can boldly and proudly say that the government is already doing a lot.  It must do more if the economy is to truly turn around and begin to really grow in the right direction.  It is abundantly clear that the downstream sector of the petroleum industry has the potential to make meaningful impact on that effort.  Furthermore, any meaningful development of any kind usually takes place within an environment which is conducive to it.  This is so in the case of economic development and particularly in high risk sectors requiring intensive capital inputs.  It is for this reason that any talk of meaningful development in the downstream sector of the petroleum industry inNigeriamust first address the issue of the climate in which it has attempted to thrive so that appropriate measures may be taken to enhance or correct it.

 

For the benefits of the mass audience including talakawas, deregulation simply put is the liberalization of logistics and pricing of goods and services.  It has to do with the removal of the monopolistic control which should lead to the creation of a regime of level playing ground giving rise to competition which ultimately should lead to better, efficient and effective services to customers at most beneficial rates.  It is crystal clear that any mention of deregulation in the petroleum industry often attracts so much apprehension and emotions.  This is so, as it becomes the tradition to associate deregulation with upward movements of the prices of petroleum products without corresponding improvement in the services to the consumers.  Deregulation will lead to massive investment and expansion of product reception and storage facilities.

A cursory look at the refineries will reveal at a glance that the first oil refinery built in the country is located outsidePort   Harcourtin the southern part of the country known today as the south-south region, and it started operations in 1965 with a capacity of 38,000 barrels per day (bpd).  In addition, three other refineries were built to take care of the expanding domestic needs for the last thirty years.  In the 1990’s based on population explosion, there were more demand for gas outweighing supply.  In view of massive corruption, smuggling, mismanagement, wrong appointments and postings, the refineries operated at less than optimal levels.  Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) was executed on the refineries by non technocrats or professionals, based on the unjust lay-off of professionals within the refineries in an attempt to talk of the federal character principle that is, equal representation of states without taking into consideration ones level of training and professionalism.  As a result, we have what should be termed ‘killed the refineries and go into shady deal in the importation of petroleum products’.  What a dangerous dichotomy indeed!  This has made the desired result not to be achieved.  Consequently, the NNPC had to import heavily from abroad in this connection cutting actual revenue derived from oil exports.

 

Whatever the case may be, the deregulation of the downstream sector will encourage the following among others, maintaining self-sufficiency in refining, ensuring regular and uninterrupted domestic supply of petroleum products at reasonable prices, establishing facilities and infrastructure for the production of refined product at the export market and support the domestic petrochemicals, creating value added from these activities and finally gainful employment and enabling Nigerians to acquire technical know-how in refining and distribution business.

 

It is flabbergasting that despite all the TAM on the refineries, it yielded no meaningful result.  In the Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company (WRPC), the full rehabilitation of the Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) unit as well as the overhaul of Gas Turbine Generator and procurement of TAM materials never made it to perform optimally.  In the Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical Company (KRPC), the projects include rehabilitation works on demin plant raw water intake, electric bubstation, air compressors, fuels plant and instrumentation.

 

Price liberalization is central to the various reforms to be carried out in the nation’s downstream sector.  Generally speaking, price liberalization would afford the system sectoral efficiency and effectiveness and institute a regime of sustainable development.  In other words, price liberalization will among other things include, induce competition and efficiency that will drive prices downwards; permit entry of new participants thus providing access to state of the art technique in business practice, management, technical know-how and modernization.  It is appropriate to state that separation of functions based on Business Units will ensure that economic cost of service is established and there is transparency regarding profit/loss.

 

A liberalized downstream has the merits of price liberalization.  If this is fully implemented inNigeria(the giant ofAfrica) a number of benefits will accrue toNigerialike guaranteeing products availability as fuel could also be brought in through importation, just as it is capable of ensuring rapid disruption in supply chain.  A liberalized downstream would makeNigeriathe hub in the west coast ofAfrica. Nigeriahas export capability with a refining capacity of 445, 000 bpd and a lesser apparent demand.  That is to say with a liberalized downstream,Nigeriawould also ensure relevant pricing of natural gas, thus buoying the buddingNigerianatural gas sector.

 

For sometime now, the NNPC has been importing fuel.  The importation, I think and believe, is because of the sub-optimal performance of refineries.  The truth of the matter is that with the importation, the corporation is unable to recover cost of imported products.  For example in 2001 and 2002, the shortfall in cost to NNPC and the nation was N91,583 million and N68.81 million respectively.  What about the years ahead?  This, therefore, shows at a glance that the scenario leaves us to the fact that price is absolutely necessary to create competition in the sector.

 

Furthermore, it will lead Nigerians to the fact that price liberalization is necessary to lift barriers and create competition in the sector.  It is appropriate to acquaint Nigerians with some of the important features of an efficient and effective price mechanism under a liberalized downstream environment.  It will result in fair petroleum product prices to end users consistent with economic and social policies.  It responds promptly to changing circumstances without political intervention.  It includes fair margins to all participants as a basis for on-going investments and operating to international safety and environment standards.  It is transparent and easy to administer.  It is also accompanied by a related regulatory framework to replicate, to the extent possible, the workings of a free market.  In the words of Engineer Funsho Kupolokun, one-time Special Assistant to President Olusegun Obasanjo on petroleum matters, “Liberalization, after all is capable of generating additional fiscal revenue, which will be properly allocated and can be more effective in addressing special needs than price subsidy”.  Refer to the Sunday Times ofJune 22, 2003 p.7.

 

Writing on the downstream reforms, Anayo Korie made it categorically clear that with a total of 6,000 items that could be got from crude oil coupled with establishment of private refineries in Nigeria; the deregulation of the oil sector would enhance creation of 60 million jobs in the next ten years.  He specifically made reference to the data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), the official energy information statistics of the United   States.  He went further to say that deregulation will lead to industrial revolution and economic boom of countries in areas of power, steel, and petrochemicals.  Refer to The Moment newspaper ofJanuary 18, 2012 p.25.  Finally, defective regulation of the sector has made it impossible for the nation to maximally tap from the benefits inherent in its joint venture operations with multinational oil companies.

 

 

Charles Ikedikwa Soeze, fhnr, fcida, fcai, cpae, son, emba is a

Communications Researcher/Public Affairs Analyst and Head,

Academic and Physical Planning (A&PP) of the Petroleum

Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Delta State (08036724193)

charlessoeze@yahoo.ca

Chad shuts refinery in dispute with Chinese partner

247ureports
-
0

N’DJAMENA, Jan 20 (Reuters) – Chad’s government said it has shut down the country’s only oil refinery and will expel the plant’s director after joint-venture partner China National Petroleum Corp. refused to produce fuel at the government-set price.

The closure of the 20,000 barrel-per-day plant could exacerbate fuel shortages in the central African state’s capital N’Djamena, where petrol stations owners said they had not received new supplies in several days.

“We sent a joint team from the ministries of oil, trade, defence and security to notify of the closure of the refinery, because it has not produced any fuel since Dec. 23, 2011 and has thus not fulfilled its commitments,” Chad Commerce Minister Mahamat Allahou Taher told Reuters by telephone on Friday.

“We will also declare the director of the refinery, a Chinese national, persona non grata (in Chad) because he is the cause of all the difficulties we are facing at the moment.”

The 20,000 barrel per day plant, 60 percent owned by CNPC, has been idled intermittently since it was inaugurated in June as its leadership sought an increase in fuel prices to help it cover costs for crude oil feedstock.

“The pricing of petroleum products is deemed unreasonable, the refinery has suffered heavy losses and it is not able to continue normal operations,” CNPC said in a statement published in local newspapers on Friday.

The 588-million-euro ($758.07 million) refinery, which is 40 percent owned by state firm SHT, has lost $4.77 million since it opened, CNPC said. ($1 = 0.7757 euros) (Reporting by Madjiasra Nako; Writing by Bate Felix; Editing by Richard Valdmanis and Anthony Barker)

1...5,3765,3775,378...5,440Page 5,377 of 5,440