Should Jonathan Resign Over Boko Haram? – By Emmanuel Onwubiko

247ureports
-
1

The Oath of office of President is enshrined in the seventh schedule of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (of 1999 as amended). This Oath of office is solemn and inviolable and ought to guide the holder of the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as the most important commandment of political leadership.

On 29th May 2011 when the current President took this oath of office, he solemnly pledged to Nigerians to strive to preserve the fundamental objectives and Directive principles of state policy contained in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Section 1 (1) of the Constitution provides clearly that this Constitution is supreme and its provisions shall have binding force on all authorities and persons throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

More than a year after he took his Oath of office to assume the high responsibility, the current presidency has all but failed woefully to fulfill the constitutional provisions that importantly obliges him to safeguard the lives and property of Nigerians. Section 14(2) (b) provides specifically that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government”. But since assuming office, President Jonathan has presided over an administration that is largely seen as weak, clueless and ineffective in the area of ensuring security of lives and property of the citizenry.

Non-state actors who are well armed have waged terror-related violence in most parts of the North and have almost made governance in the North Eastern states of Yobe and Borno virtually impossible. The activities of armed Islamic insurgency known as Boko Haram has almost led to the collapse of the economy of the North East. In all of these murderous attacks, the Federal government and specifically, President Jonathan is yet to show effective leadership in ensuring that real sponsors responsible for these dastardly attacks on state institutions, churches and even innocent civilians including government officials are brought to Justice. The best description for the inability of the Presidency to contain these mass killings is to say that the Federal government is in a state of “organized confusion”over the unprecedented rise in terrorism.

In Borno state, the immediate past Governor Senator Ali Modu Sherriff was credited with adopting some measures which were meant to address the threats posed locally then by the members of the banned Islamic sect headed by their leader Sheik Mohammed Yusuf who was later killed through extra-legal means while in detention. The immediate past governor was also said to have set up high powered investigative panel to uncover the remote and immediate causes of the sectarian violence which has now become full blown terrorism that is threatening the corporate existence of Nigeria. Ironically, this same man [Ali Modu Sherrif] is being accused by some politicians of sponsorship of a group he had worked so hard as governor to dismantle. Worst still the Federal government is busy chasing shadows rather than get serious with the work of resolving the unprecedented terrorism that has cosumed thousands of lives.

From our extensive findings, it is logical to arrive at the conclusion that rather than being a sponsor, the immediate past Governor of Borno State, Ali Modu Sherrif is a victim of the ongoing sectarian and terror-related violence and in no way can be logically or rationally linked with it even remotely with the sponsorship of the ongoing violence in parts of North East because we know too well that no sane political leader can unleash terrorism on his political terrain whereby his political party members control the political hierarchy. No sane man can sponsor violence against his own interest. We hereby call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to declare members of the All Nigerian Peoples Party [ANPP] in the North Eastern States of Yobe and Borno as ‘endangered species’ who ought to be accorded special protection under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

There are incontrovertible facts to show that as the then Governor of Borno State, Ali Modu Sherrif set up different high powered investigative panels on the Boko Haram insurgency. These courageous efforts of the immediate past administration in Borno State clearly exonerates the immediate past Governor as remotely connected to the sponsorship of the violent insurgency in Borno State.

The then Governor Ali Modu Sherrif on August 17th 2009 inaugurated the Ambassador Usman Gaji Galtimari-led administrative committee of inquiry into the Boko Haram insurgency to among other salient terms of reference; determine the immediate and remote causes of the disturbance; determine and identify persons or groups responsible for the violence; determine the number of lives lost in the course of the disturbance; determine the extent and cost of property destroyed in the violence and to determine if there is the need for Government to assist persons, groups or bodies affected by the disturbance. S

pecifically, the 14 man panel included such prominent Nigerians as Alhaji Abdulahi Shettima, a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police; Brigadier-General I.H. Ndaliman, the Brigade Commander, 21st Armoured Brigade, the Nigerian Air force Commander- Group Captain I. Maida; the State Police Commissioner, Director of State Security Service in Borno State, the State Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps; representative of the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service and the Borno State Permanent Secretary and the Solicitor General Mr. Yakubu Bukar.

This high caliber panel of investigators clearly are not the type of persons that could be influenced to reach a predetermined conclusions given the fact that they were impartial representatives of several Federal Government agencies and the Nigerian Armed Forces. This probe panel clearly did not identify the then Governor as the sponsor of the Boko Haram. In the same August precisely on 5th of August 2009, a committee was constituted by the then National Security Adviser to probe the Boko Haram insurgency on the directive of the then President. The Presidential panel was headed by the then Chief of Defence Staff- Air Chief Marshal Paul Dike. Other members include Major-General B.M. Monguno, Deputy Inspector General of Police I.O. Ajao; Ambassador Haruna Wando; Brigadier General M. Bala Ali. The committee was set up sequel to the directive of the then President to investigate the sectarian crises in some States in the Northern part of the country.

The crisis as was compiled by the investigative panel was masterminded by the Boko Haram sect which resulted in the loss of lives of the members of the sect; other innocent Nigerians and some security personnel. The leaders of the Sect Sheikh Mohammed Yusuf was also killed in manners suspected to be extra-judicial. The circumstances surrounding his death however generated a lot of controversy as well as criticism of Government largely from the members of the public.

The Presidential Investigative panel was constituted to probe the allegations of high handedness of security operatives which occasioned avoidable death of innocent members of the public and the extra-judicial killing of the sectarian leader by the Police. The then President gave the panel the terms of reference to among other thematic areas of focus to examine the incident in all ramifications before, during and after the crisis and examine the role of individuals and groups in causing the crisis and/or preventing it from being expeditiously resolved. Again, the immediate past Governor of Borno State was completely handed a clean bill of health. Rather than blame the immediate past Governor of Borno State for being the sponsor of the Boko Haram sect, this high powered Presidential panel whose membership were drawn from the highest security quarters in Nigeria including the highest ranking Air Force Officer of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, clearly stated that members of Boko Haram have…”Always been lawless and contemptuous of the state authorities”. The Presidential panel exonerated the immediate past Governor of Borno State in the well considered findings that was submitted to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

On page 23 of the report the Presidential probe panel discovered thus; “The activities of the sect have attracted the attention of the governor of Borno state since he assumed office in 2003. When security report revealed the threat posed by the sect, there was evidence to show that he took steps to check the excesses of the group. The committee noted that at the initial stage of the group’s activities, the governor [Ali Modu Sherriff] convened a meeting of religious leaders and the security agencies to discuss the issue. Similarly, the Borno state security council met on several occasions to address the simmering threats of the sect and measures were taken by the Borno state government to contain the sect. These included banning the sect from preaching in the state as well as the arrest and eventual deportation to Niger republic of one of the sect leaders- Abubakar Kilikam. Besides, the Presidential probe panel also found out that the then Borno State Government indeed committed several hundreds of millions of public fund to fund activities of the security forces from the Nigerian Armed Forces to bring about peace in Borno State.

It is the opinion of right thinking citizens that a central government that has failed woefully to tackle insecurity even with all the federal might available to it has no business being in office in the first place.

* Emmanuel Onwubiko, Head, HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS’ ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA,blogs@www.huriwa.blogspot.com.

 

Obanikoro: PDP Youth Circuit Denounce ACN

247ureports
-
1

PRESS RELEASE

We, the PDP Youth Circuit, youth wing of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) wish to express with disdain our observation of events as it concerns the mandate of Hon. Ibrahim Babajide Obanikoro. We wholeheartedly condemn the desperate antics of the ACN led government of Lagos state.

 

The world is aware of how members of the electorate in Ikoyi-Obalende Development Area were deprived of their right to choose when on the 22nd of October 2011, the mandate they gave Babajide Obanikoro was stolen by the ACN government of Lagos state. The PDP joined Hon. Obanikoro in crying out over the apparent injustice. Our position was vindicated when his mandate was returned by the election tribunal on the 4th of October, 2012.

 

Expectedly, a desperate ACN and its candidate in the election appealed the judgment and then the drama started. The appeal hearing which was earlier adjourned till the 15th of November, 2012 has surprisingly been adjourned indefinitely. Of course, this the ACN made possible by orchestrating frivolous petitions against the eminent judges who were on the election petition tribunal. The floating petitions alleged bribery and corruption.

 

We therefore find it shocking that a political party that has benefited so much from the fairness and uprightness of the judiciary has resorted to petty blackmail having lost a local government council election.

 

The ACN, through court judgments by federal judges now rule in Ekiti, Edo and Osun states despite the fact that they are an opposition party. The immaturity and pettiness of the Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu led Action Congress of Nigeria is unacceptable. In strong terms, we denounce and condemn it.

 

Every attempt by the ACN to delay and deny justice in this matter is not only callous but undemocratic and reminiscent of stone age politics. We understand the plot is to stall the appeal until the PDP candidate can enjoy the spoils of office for a full term. We condemn this wicked frustration of the will of the people and express our solidarity for Hon. Babajide Obanikoro, the Chairman of Ikoyi-Obalende Local Council Development Area.

 

We will explore all democratic avenues of combating the menace of the ACN on this matter. We however wish to sound a note of warning that this is just the first in a series of elections that the ACN will be losing in Lagos state. The PDP and her youth wing PDPYC is prepared to play the politics of issues without bitterness.

 

We hereby call on the judiciary to stand by what is right and ensure that justice is done. We also call on the law enforcement agencies, the State Security Service and the Nigeria Police Force to ensure the safety and security of Hon. Babajide Obanikoro, members of his family and his supporters. He has informed us of the various threats to his life via telephone and unmarked car tailgating. We do not trust the ACN based on the various steps they have taken so far. They have acted with sheer desperation and unbridled lust for power.

 

We are watching.

 

Signed

Sola Oyekanmi

National Publicity Secretary

PDPYC

 

Paschal Metuh

Deputy National Publicity Secretary

PDPYC

19/11/2012

Flood: 360 Anambra Volunteers Takes Over Rehab, Resettlement

247ureports
-
0


*appeals for more donors, assistance

As the flood fast recedes and some of the displaced persons in Anambra
communities start the journey home, a group, Dionysius Nwankpo
Foundation in conjunction with other concerned citizens of Anambra
state have launched a non-governmental volunteer organization, Anambra
Responds, to lead the resettlement and rehabilitation of the about
700,000 victims spread across eight local government areas of the
state.

This was with the view that the government alone cannot do all that
was needed or expected to be done in tackling their needs.

Already, the state’s committee on the relief materials and
resettlement programme for the flood victims through its chairman and
the Secretary to the state Government (SSG), Chief Oseloka Obaze has
confirmed that some of the victims have started leaving for their
respective homes.

In some communities and camps it was noted that most of them were only
going for the end-of-the-year early farming season. That they only go
to farm and return to the camps later in the evening, as their
homes/environment were yet to be certified safe for habitation.

Addressing the 360 volunteers drawn from the affected communities, the
initiator and head of Anambra Responds, at the formal launch at the
weekend in Onitsha, Nze Akachukwu Nwamkpo said they were to assist the
government and the citizens in the resettlement challenges.

The volunteers, he noted were from Awka North, Ihiala, Ayamelum,
Anambra East, Anambra West, Onitsha South, Ogbaru and Ekwusigo Local
Government Areas. And would be trained and fully equipped on what were
expected of them and would stay in the relevant communities within the
next three months, integrate with them and seek out each community’s
needs, transmit and communicate same to the main control post at Nkisi
Palace Hotel, Onitsha on a round-the-clock basis.

Nwamkpo who is the Senior Special Assistant(Technical Matters) to
President Goodluck Jonathan, appealed for more donations from
individuals and corporate organizations from every part of the world,
pointing out that a website has been established for other necessary
details and references about the organization where necessary. That
picking/contact points have also already been set up at Lagos, Abuja
and Onitsha. While some transport and courier organizations partnering
with them were always on stand-bye to pick whatever item that needs
collection from any part of the world. There were also dedicated
telephone lines and attendants to respond to calls at any time of the
day or night. In addition, a committee was already handling all the
donations for proper handling and accountability.
The Presidential aide thanked those who share the vision and have
identified with the project. He urged them to do more and for more
people to join.

Chairman of the event and transport magnate, Chief Godwin Okeke
expressed gratitude to Nwankpo for the vision and efforts of the
group. He admitted that Anambra Responds has through the programme
brought citizens from all walks of life, including the clergy and
professionals together in solidarity with the flood victims

The Anglican Bishop of Ogbaru Diocese, Samuel Ezeofor thanked all
donors for their concern, praying that whatever was donated would be
properly utilized. He hoped that within a few weeks, through the
instrumentality of the government and the group the displaced persons
would start adjusting gradually back into their various communities.

A former Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Imo state, Nze
Elvis Agukwe, who flew in from Abuja in response to the Anambra
Response appeals donated a set of solar-powered light for the victims
to use in resettlement efforts pending when the public power source
would be restored. The device stores energy from the sun and serves
for 16 uninterrupted hours. Whereas Juhel Pharmaceuticals Ltd was
acknowledged for partnering with them on drugs supplies; Mouka Foam,
on supply of mattresses; GUO Motors on haulage; Nkisi palace Hotels on
accommodation, other citizens were appreciated for various other cash
and kinds contributions.

 

Boko Haram Dispatches Snipers to Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi, Abuja

247ureports
-
2
Somalia Training Camp

The Nigerian intelligence community appears unraveled by the latest maneuverings of the Islamic terrorist group in upping the ante against the efforts to curtain its activities in the North Eastern region of the country. Information available to 247ureports.com through sources close to the Nigerian intelligence community reveal that there are strong indications suggesting that agents of Boko Haram recently dispatched snipers to the North East region of Nigeria – with a changed focus towards targeted killings and/or assassinations of persons considered prized targets.

According to the information received the snipers had received extensive training in East Africa – at an Al Quada affiliated training camp. Initially, intelligence reports available to Nigerian operatives suggested that about 1,000 trained snipers were dispatched Borno, Gombe, Yobe axis early this year [2012] to affect what was believed a broad sniper attack on Christians and members of the law enforcement community.

But the mode of attack by Boko Haram remained virtually the same – through suicide bombings and gun attack of police stations and worship centers – discounting the validity of the intelligence report on face value. This was until the leaders of the terrorist group made their intentions open via a video tape released on YouTube threatening to change focus of attack from mass killings to targeted killings of Nigeria’s elected officials and other top officials.

Recent attacks appear to show the terrorist group have made good on their threat. The suspicious assassination of the Nigerian Civilian War criminal, General Shuwa in Borno State recently opened the door to many like killings. In Kano, two federal road safety agents were gun down on broad daylight by agents of Boko Haram who rode on motorbikes. One of the attackers of the road safety agent [A native of Somalia] – was caught by the JTF – and upon interrogation – told the security agents that they attacked the road safety agents because their seized their motorbikes the previous day. One other person [road safety employee] was injured and the fourth escaped.

Two days following the attack [last week], another sniper-like attack hit Kano metropolis again – at Gidan Wappa near Singer – where many merchant engage in local bureau de change business. The attackers pounced on the market – shooting to death one of the leaders of the market – and then carting away monies estimated in the high millions of Naira along with foreign currencies.

On Saturday, November 17, 2012, the gunmen struck Kano State again. This time shooting and killing the state lawmaker representing Garko local government area – Hon. Ibrahim Abba Garko. He was trailed and shot in the head and chest by two unknown gunmen who rode on motorbike.

The latest attack in Kano has led to the refortification of security forces in the various flash points in Kano. The elected official and other government officials are said to have been briefed by the security agents on the risk-level in Kano. Some of the lawmakers have fled Kano for other safe havens.

Yesterday, [Sunday November 18, 2012], in Maiduguri, Borno State, the men of Boko Haram struck in a sniper-like attack and killed a retired Reverend by the name Ilaisha Kabura [Aged 70] of the COCIN Maiduguri, Borno State inside his Maiduguri residence. He was shot and killed as he exited his home to attend Sunday service. He was killed by two men who escaped on motorbike.

Our security source notes that the terrorist group is believed to be organizing a ‘big’ score in the Abuja federal capital territory– in the same manner it did in Kano State. The source – based on intelligence reports – suspects the Islamic group may have generated a death list of federal lawmakers, security agents and Judges – which they intend to target and eliminate. “But we are monitoring them now. They are not as invisible as before. We have some information on them to enable us stop or make things difficult for them”.   What remain unsure are the criteria used by the group [Boko Haram] to place ones name on the death list, said the source who continued to add that it makes it difficult to know who they are after – at a given time.

The new dispatch by Boko Haram – of snipers – is believed to spread across the north eastern states of Nigeria – to include Abuja also. The  Director of Kano State Security Service [SSS] declined to comment officially when contacted by 247ureports.com.

Zimbabwe to relocate capital city to Mugabe’s home town

247ureports
-
0

Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe has come under fire after the government unveiled plans to relocate the capital city from Harare to his rural district, a move his coalition partners say they were not consulted on.

Local Government minister Ignatius Chombo this week revealed that plans were underway to build a new parliament building, government offices, a State House and residential properties in Mt Hampden, about 40 kilometres west of Harare, to serve as the country’s new capital city.

Mr Chombo said the move was meant to decongest the present capital city which has a population of more than 1.6 million people.

The proposed city is in Zvimba district, which is President Mugabe’s home district, and which already receives higher funding from the government despite its relatively smaller population.

Mr Chombo, who hails from the same district as the President, said the new city will be modelled alongside the affluent Johannesburg of Sandton in South Africa.

Chinese companies involved in diamond mining and which have been heavily investing in hotels and shopping malls in Zimbabwe are expected to be given the contracts for the new project.

“Government will make sure that the city has multiple supplies of water by setting up three to four water treatment plants near the city, unlike the situation in Harare where water is pumped from the city.”

Questioned logic

But President Mugabe’s inclusive government partners said they were not aware of the plans and speculated a section of his Zanu-PF party wanted to use money siphoned from diamond mines to build their rich enclave.

“As usual you never know, it could be diamonds funds that they intend to use to build the city,” said Ms Priscilla Musihairabwi-Mushonga from the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party.

Other Zimbabweans questioned the logic of building a new city when most of the country’s urban centres were collapsing due to the economic problems that have persisted for more than a decade.

One of the leading dailies, NewsDay, in an editorial Friday accused Mr Chombo of “seeking (President) Mugabe’s attention and to score Brownie points while at it” by pushing the project.

“This is the same minister who has presided over the decay in Harare and the best solution he can offer is to build an affluent city for the same fat cats who continue to accumulate wealth at the expense of the majority poor,” the paper said.

“Instead of coming up with plans to renew to renew dying cities such as Bulawayo, Gweru, Kwekwe and Kadoma, (Mr) Chombo can only think of bringing luxury to (President) Mugabe’s doorstep.”

Zvimba already boasts of some of the best roads in Zimbabwe and most households are electrified.

President Mugabe has been in power since independence in 1980 and has often been accused of under developing other regions leading to the emergence of a secessionist movement in the southern parts of the country.

His party is also fighting a provision for devolution of power in the new constitutions, which is supported by regions who feel marginalised in the distribution of the national cake.

Boko Haram Kills Elderly Pastor

247ureports
-
0

Information available to 247ureports.com indicates that the activities of the dreaded Islamic terrorist group, the Boko Haram has continued nearly unfettered against the efforts of the Joint Task Force [JTF] stationed in all the hot spots across the nation.

This morning [Sunday November 18, 2012], the men of Boko Haram struck and killed a retired Reverend by the name Ilaisha Kabura [Aged 70] of the COCIN Maiduguri, Borno State inside his Maiduguri residence. Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Gideon Jubrin confirmed the killing.

He was shot and killed as he was about to exit his home to attend Sunday service. Sources say he was killed by two men who escaped on motorbike.

No arrests have been made.

Somalia Militants Behead Christian For ‘Leaving Islam’

247ureports
-
0

 

Al-Shabab militants have beheaded several Christians in Somalia where civilians, including children, are in the crossfire.

Islamic fighters of the militant al-Shabab group have beheaded a devoted Christian for “leaving Islam”, witnesses and other sources said late Saturday, November 17.

Local Christians and Muslims, who were not identified, told reporters that Farhan Haji Mose, 25, was murdered Friday, November 16, in the troubled African nation’s coastal city of Barawa.

The militants reportedly accused the young man of “being a spy and leaving Islam”.

African media quoted witnesses as saying that the Christian’s “body was split into two, then carried away, only to be dumped near the beach.”

MILITANTS SUSPICION

Mose drew suspicion when he returned to Barawa, in Somalia’s Lower Shebelle Region, in December 2011 after spending time in neighboring Kenya, said local Christians who are gathering in underground churches.

This was the fourth Christian known to have been beheaded since September last year, according to a BosNewsLife count.

There was no immediate response from al-Shabab, but the group has vowed to rid Somalia from Christianity.

Earlier this year, al-Shabab militants killed 26-year-old Zakaria Hussein Omar, a Christian relief worker, near the capital Mogadishu.

TEENAGER BEHEADED

The January murder came after the group group beheaded two other Christians in September 2011, including a 17-year-old boy, identified as Guled Jama Muktar, near his home about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from capital Mogadishu.

Militants have also publicly flogged and paraded other Christian converts, according to local Christians.

The latest reported killing came despite claims by Somali and African Union peacekeepers that they have made steady progress ousting al-Shabab militants from key strongholds.

Yet, church leaders have warned that the group remains influential in border areas with Kenya, which supports the battle against al-Shabab.

BORDER ATTACKS

Reverend Wellington Mutiso, head of the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya said this month that the group also “launches border attacks into Kenya with poor youths from Christian backgrounds.

Analysts have also warned of a political battle for control of newly liberated regions in Somalia, which is seen as is posing a challenge for the country’s recently established central government.

Even if Somalia’s United Nations-backed transitional government will eventually rule the nation, concerns remain as it has “embraced a form of Sharia” or Islamic law, that mandates the death penalty for converts from Islam, according to Christian rights activists.

There are said to be fewer than 31,000 Christians in Somalia as many have fled the volatile country, according to advocacy group Release International and other activists.

Fight Corruption and Insecurity Not Fuel Subsidy -HURIWA Tells Jonathan

247ureports
-
0

–

A Democracy inclined Civil Society Organization- HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS’ ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA [HURIWA] has tasked President Goodluck Jonathan to activate effective mechanisms for tackling the unprecedented rise in corrupt practices among high profile Government officials and to put to an end the vicious cycle of terror-related violence in Northern Nigeria and violent crimes of kidnappings and crude oil thefts in the South as these vices are threatening the continuous corporate existence of Nigeria because if the twin social evils of corruption and Insecurity are not tackled successfully then Nigeria will in the coming months slide into total state of anarchy, chaos and implosion.

President Jonathan has also been asked not to proceed with the proposed removal of subsidy from petroleum products sold to millions of impoverished Nigerians because the removal of fuel subsidy and the review upward of the pump prices of petroleum products would spark off unrelenting regime of social mass unrests and organized civil disobedience by Nigerians from across the country irrespective of ethnic, religious or social class or status. President Jonathan has been therefore been told not to remove the fuel subsidy as that would result in his impeachment by Nigerians on the streets and consequently by the National Assembly otherwise full scale mass revolts would set in if the National Assembly fail to unseat the President should he proceed to remove the subsidy on petroleum products sold to poor and highly impoverisd Nigerians.

In a statement made available to newsmen and jointly endorsed by the National Coordinator Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko and the National Director of Media Affairs, Miss. Zainab Yusuf, HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS’ ASSCIATION OF NIGERIA [HURIWA] faulted the statement credited to President Jonathan that removal of fuel subsidy could attract foreign investors but challenged the current Government to first tackle the monumental corruption and total lack of accountability and transparency in the running of the nation’s crude oil and/or Petroleum Sector as these are the discouraging factors that keep away foreign investors and not fuel subsidy which is a constitutionally guaranteed social welfare scheme that Government is obliged to promote and implement to save a majority of the citizenry from absolute poverty and the erosion of their human dignity in compliance with section 34 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria [as amended]. HURIWA also stated that the removal of fuel subsidy would amount to total breach of sections 16 and 17 of the 1999 Constitution which are the basic economic and social objectives of the fundamental objectives and directive principles of Nigerian State policy embodied in the Constitution of Nigeria and also in the Oath of office sworn to by President Jonathan at the inception of office.

According to HURIWA, the Federal Government needs to more meaningfully tackle corruption in the extractive industry and particularly in the administration of the Petroleum industry by effectively prosecuting those already indicted and arrested by the law enforcement agencies for the theft of hundreds of billions tax payers money as claims for subsidy payments for petroleum products they never supplied. The Federal Government should also recover the huge revenue that disappeared from the petroleum sector in the last few years as uncovered by the Special Presidential Task Force headed by Mallam Nuhu Ribadu which recently presented its report to President Goodluck Jonathan.

Government, HURIWA stated, should institutionalize corruption free mechanism for the administration of petroleum subsidy and must not contemplate the wholesale removal of the petroleum subsidy because of the adverse consequences to the lives and wellbeing of millions of Nigerians who are undergoing terrible regime of poverty and high cost of living in the different parts of the country. “It is illogical for Government of President Jonathan to seek to remove subsidy on petroleum products on the pretext and nebulous ground that foreign investors would be attracted when infact the citizens of some of the most advanced societies in the World like the United Kingdom, United States of America and even China enjoy some forms of subsidy payments in the Petroleum, Agricultural sectors including other comprehensive and workable social welfare schemes that are paid to their citizens including the jobless, the aged and the homeless.

HURIWA stated thus; “We oppose any plan by this current Government in Abuja to remove subsidy from petroleum products and therefore increase the pump price of petroleum products. This draconian measure if adopted by this Government will terminate the social contract that this Government has with Nigerians since fuel subsidy is the only social welfare scheme that is operational. The Federal Government should recover the huge amounts of public funds siphoned and stolen from the treasury by some Government officials and paid to criminal petroleum cartel members in the guise of payment of subsidy claims because there are now abundance of evidence to show that petroleum subsidy is not the cause of the high rate of corruption in Government but rather the corrupt and criminal manipulation and misapplication of the petroleum subsidy fund by top Government officials in the relevant Federal ministries and agencies of the Federal Government is the reason for the slow growth of the petroleum sector. Government must seal up these leakages, rebuild the refineries to function optimally, stop importation of finished petroleum products and properly administer petroleum subsidy to ensure that the greatest happiness of the greatest number of the millions of impoverished Nigerians are promoted and actualized. Removal of subsidy from petroleum products would automatically lead to mass revolts of unprecedented dimension and may lead to the eventual impeachment on the streets of Nigeria of President Jonathan and his bunch of bad advisers.”

Russian TV office destroyed in Israeli attack on Gaza

247ureports
-
0
Smoke billows as debris flies from the explosion at the local Al-Aqsa TV station in Gaza City on November 18, 2012, after it was attacked during an Israeli airstrike.

A Russian television network says its office in the Gaza Strip has been destroyed as buildings of press agencies are hit in the latest wave of Israeli aggression against the besieged Palestinian territory.

The Moscow-based Russia Today news station reported that the office on the top floor of the Showa Media Center “was destroyed after (an) Israeli airstrike hit the building” on Sunday, AFP reported.

The attack comes after the office of Iran’s English-language Press TV channel in Gaza was hit twice in the Israeli aerial assaults.

During the bombings, a Press TV cameraman sustained injuries. He is in stable condition at a hospital in Gaza.

“At least six journalists were wounded, with minor and moderate injuries, when Israeli warplanes hit the al-Quds TV office in the Showa and Housari building in the Rimal neighborhood of Gaza City,” Hamas Health Ministry Spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra said.

Most of the reporters evacuated after an initial strike, but they later returned to the site only to come under another assault.

Witnesses said the strikes caused extensive damage to the building.

The latest wave of Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has claimed at least 53 lives since November 14. Ahmed al-Ja’abari, the popular and influential leader of the Hamas military wing, the Ezzedeen al-Qassam Brigades, was assassinated in an Israeli attack on his car on Wednesday.

On November 16, Ahmed Abu Jalal, a field commander of the Ezzedeen al-Qassam Brigades, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on the district of Maghazi in central Gaza.

Israeli aircraft bombed Hamas government buildings in the Palestinian territory on Saturday, after Israel’s cabinet authorized the mobilization of up to 75,000 reservists, preparing for a possible ground invasion.

The Israeli military frequently carries out airstrikes and other attacks on the Gaza Strip, saying the actions are being conducted for defensive purposes. However, in violation of international law, disproportionate force is always used and civilians are often killed or injured.

Gaza has been blockaded by the Israeli regime since 2007, a situation that has caused a decline in the standard of living, unprecedented levels of unemployment, and unrelenting poverty.

Kebbi PHCN Is Robbing Our People Silently – By Auwal Umar Danjega

247ureports
-
0

Auwal U Danjega (auwaldanjega.u mar@yahoo.com)

For the workers of Power Holding Company
of Nigeria (PHCN), it is corruption till very
end; this is because the energy firm’s
activities are characterized by illicit acts of
estimated billings, hidden charges,
inefficiency, non-accountability and lack of
transparency. PHCN
is next in hierarchy of most corrupt
institutions in Nigeria.

Kaduna electricity distribution company
(KDisco) which networks span the
entire Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara State and some
parts of katsina
State. The network which span to Tambuwal
local government area and it environs, ahead
of
introduction of new electricity tariff regime
(MYTO2).
NERC and PHCN had assured electricity
consumers
that service delivery and compliance with
industry regulations and orders will be
major indicators for electricity billing by
distribution companies under the planned
tariff regime which commenced on June
1,2012.
Specifically, NERC/PHCN said “The new tariff
regime will be Distribution Company specific
and will be based on the level of
efficiency, each company is able to achieve
between now and the take-off of the new
tariff later in the year.”
Areas earmarked to determine these
efficiencies are the compliance in the
removal of meter maintenance fee (MMF) and
estimated billing of yet to be metered
consumers. NERC, “We will ensure that
defaulting distribution companies refund any
customer with genuine claims.”
PHCN modus operandi in extorting
consumers in what appears as the award
winning, most organized monopoly of power
scam, the PHCN schemes up different
phases of compulsory electricity tariff which
sets irrational spending traps for all its
consumers. On the impression that there’s no
option to PHCN, electricity consumers pay
outstanding bills for services not rendered
and units not consumed.
To enhance the swindler’s revenue, PHCN
gave a facelift to its scam problem by
introducing the digital consumption-rea ding
meter, called prepaid meter, which will always
fleece unsuspecting consumers of
electricity. No wonder, if a consumer lodges
any complaint at all, the next statement is go
and get a prepaid meter, Which some of our
people doesn’t ever see before.
It is a luxury of fortune to be in the PHCN,
especially if you are a Senior Manager
Marketing (SMM), Service Manager (SM),
Business Manager (BM) or you process and
fix meters. On every new meter fixed, you
get your share; on every threat to
disconnect a customer, there’s unaccounted
‘reconnection fee’; on every disconnection,
you do a settlement before customers
recover their cables; on new meter
procurement, you earn on the processing;
on every job executed, you have a part, it is
a bizarre!
Estimated billing and tariffs
PHCN scamming codes include R1, R2, R3, R4
are for Residents, while C1, to C4 is for
commercial, industrial and special have their
own too. We term this as ‘criminal’ codes for
business users. The
nature of the building determines the tariff
to be billed. If it is a small shop with only a
unit of bulb, it is a commercial place. A shop
owner who only uses two bulbs and a
ceiling fan are billed N5,000 monthly by
‘estimation’ on C2 tariff plan. A three-
bedroom apartment is billed N10000 per
month, while a ‘face-me’ apartment with 10
rooms is billed N7000 per month; both
apartments are on R2 codes.
Eg Abdulkadir Malami Tambuwal was billed
125,110.71 as current charge on R2 in only a
house of four bed room Disconnection/
reconnection fees
Sam Amadi, at different fora, had warned
that it was illegal for distribution companies
to disconnect customers without prior
notice of disconnection.
However, customers who delay
payment of the outrageous bill are
disconnected within these networks
without prior notice. Yet, after
disconnection, bills still roll-in for the periods
without connection. This causes the client to
be forced to pay for reconnection in
addition to the accumulated bills during the
period without connection.
According to
some bills their was no sense of humility on
them.
PHCN marketer has been distributing since
last year, Tambuwal is suppose to have light
for 10hours daily, but must problem associate
with are; to much interruption, low voltage,
load shadding, in accurate or no meter
readind, indiscriminate billing, Disconnection,
Lack of morality among PHCN staff among
others. The grievances of our people over
frustration is high. As single complain will
lead to so many litigation.

–
Auwal Umar Danjega writes from Tambuwal

1...5,4475,4485,449...5,766Page 5,448 of 5,766