As President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria continues his nationwide tours of some flood affected states, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has so far registered 53, 489 Internally Displaced People (IDPS) in Delta and Anambra States, in South-South and South-Eastern Nigeria respectively.
Early in the morning before the arrival of President Jonathan in one of the camps in Asaba, Delta State, Reliefs and Rehabilitation officials of NEMA confirmed that 28, 764 internally Displaced People were registered in 11 camps of the 14 affected local government councils in the state. At least 11 pregnant women were successfully delivered of their babies in the camps with the help of paramedics.
Also in Anambra State, the NEMA rescue officers confirmed the registration of 24, 721 Internally Displaced People in 21 established camps of the six affected Local Government Councils (two were completely submerged). A pregnant Woman also delivered a set of triplet in one of the camps (three boys).
(CNN) — Vice President Joe Biden and Republican challenger Paul Ryan hit the campaign trail on Friday after a combative debate in which they challenged each other’s facts and claims while offering starkly different visions for the direction the country should follow.
In the lone debate between the vice presidential contenders, Biden achieved his goal of bringing the fight to his GOP foe in battling Ryan to a draw, boosting the spirits of Democrats disheartened by President Barack Obama’s lackluster performance in the first presidential debate last week.
Ryan, meanwhile, made a positive impression with his command of both domestic and foreign policy issues that showed him to be a formidable national candidate after a career of local congressional races in his native Wisconsin.
A snap CNN-ORC International poll showed voters who watched Thursday’s debate narrowly favored Ryan over Biden by 48%-44%, a statistically even result after GOP presidential challenger Mitt Romney scored a clear victory over Obama last week in their first of three debates.
Martha Raddatz of ABC News aggressively moderated the debate, challenging both candidates on some claims and moving on to various topics covering both domestic and foreign policy.
Ryan repeatedly said the Obama administration has taken the nation in the wrong direction, asserting it has hindered economic recovery and weakened U.S. influence around the world.
“The choice is clear: a stagnant economy that promotes more government dependency or a dynamic, growing economy that promotes opportunity and jobs,” Ryan said. “Mitt Romney and I will not duck the tough issues, and we will not blame others for the next four years.”
He also repeated several times, in reference to the recent terrorist attack on a U.S. diplomatic compound in Libya and other anti-American protests, that “what we are watching on our TV screens is the unraveling of the Obama foreign policy.”
Biden called several of Ryan’s remarks “malarkey” and challenged Americans to trust their common sense when judging proposals by the Republican challengers.
The tax and entitlement reforms proposed by Romney and Ryan would harm the middle class and favor the wealthy, Biden said in seeking to depict Republicans as protectors of the privileged.
“You think these guys are going to go out there and cut those loopholes?” Biden asked about unspecified moves promised by Romney and Ryan to balance broad tax cuts they propose.
On the topic of reforming the Medicare program for senior citizens, which Romney and Ryan seek to partially privatize, Biden referred to a Ryan proposal to provide partial government payment for seniors in the future to buy private health care.
“Folks, use your common sense. Who do you trust on this?” Biden asked, saying Ryan’s plan would increase Medicare costs to recipients by $6,000 a year. Ryan disputed the claim, which was based on a proposal that he has since altered.
The lone vice-presidential debate before the November 6 election pitted Biden, 69, and his almost four decades of experience in national politics against the 42-year-old Ryan, a 14-year congressional veteran who rose to the chairmanship of the powerful House Budget Committee.
Privately, senior Democrats told CNN they believed a strong showing by Biden could help the Democratic ticket, but wouldn’t be enough to erase problems created by Obama’s self-admitted bad debate performance against Romney.
Obama and Romney will square off again Tuesday in New York and October 22 in Florida.
Polling after the first presidential debate showed Romney tightening the race nationally and in some of the nine battleground states considered vital to either candidate’s chances of garnering the 270 electoral votes needed to win the White House.
“I do think Joe Biden did his boss a lot of good tonight,” CNN Senior Political Analyst David Gergen said after Thursday’s debate. CNN Chief Political Analyst Gloria Borger said Biden’s job “was to right the ship, and he did it.”
Both analysts criticized Biden for his tendency to smile and roll his eyes in response to some of Ryan’s comments, especially early in the debate, with Gergen saying Ryan won on style but the debate was even with regard to substance.
Biden also was more aggressive in his demeanor, repeatedly cutting off Ryan and sometimes talking at the same time as his rival to challenge specific comments.
At one point, Ryan told Biden that “I know you’re under a lot of duress to make up for lost ground, but I think people would be better served if we don’t keep interrupting each other.”
Biden responded: “Well, don’t take all the four minutes then” in reference to how much time the candidates had to respond to a particular question. Overall, Biden spoke for about a minute more than Ryan during the 90-minute-debate.
Republican strategist Alex Castellanos, a CNN contributor, said Biden “had to buy his boss a week until the next debate, and he did that tonight.”
“He wasn’t charming Joe Biden tonight, that wasn’t his mission,” Castellanos said.
Ryan repeatedly sought to focus the debate on the Obama-Biden record of the last four years, arguing the administration’s policies hindered economic recovery and weakened the nation’s standing and influence in the world.
For his part, Biden tried to frame the election as a choice between differing directions for the country by contending policies of the Romney-Ryan ticket would hurt the middle class and move the nation backward on social issues such as gay rights and abortion.
Unlike Obama last week, Biden made sure to mention Romney’s controversial comments secretly recorded at a May fundraiser in which the former Massachusetts governor spoke dismissively of 47% of Americans who he said depend on government benefits and don’t pay taxes.
In one of his most effective moments, he gave a passionate defense of Americans who participate in the social safety net of entitlement programs and other benefits.
“These people are my mom and dad — the people I grew up with, my neighbors.” Biden said. “They pay more effective tax than Governor Romney pays in his federal income tax. They are elderly people who in fact are living off of Social Security. They are veterans and people fighting in Afghanistan right now who are, quote, ‘not paying any tax.'”
In the biggest laugh line of the night, Ryan conceded Romney didn’t express the thought exactly as he wanted at the fundraiser, then needled the gaffe-prone Biden by saying: “I think the vice president very well knows that sometimes the words don’t come out of your mouth the right way.”
Biden immediately responded “but I always say what I mean.”
Ryan, a staunch conservative congressman, criticized Obama’s administration for its failure to protect four Americans killed in the Libya attack last month, and for mixed messages about what transpired.
“This Benghazi issue would be a tragedy in and of itself. But unfortunately it’s indicative of a larger problem,” Ryan said, adding that illustrated an unraveling of the administration’s foreign policy.
Biden smiled and shook his head as Ryan delivered his criticism, then responded that “not a single thing he said was accurate.”
However, Biden then claimed that the administration received no requests to increase security at the Benghazi compound, which contradicted testimony from State Department officials at a congressional hearing this week.
The Romney campaign hammered Biden for the remark after the debate, releasing a statement listing a string of media reports pointing out Biden’s mistake.
On Iran, widely backed international sanctions pushed by Obama have devastated that country’s economy, Biden said. He rejected assertions that Obama failed to work closely with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and that the United States lacked commitment to a possible military strike to prevent Iran from becoming capable of developing a nuclear weapon.
“This president doesn’t bluff,” Biden said.
Ryan, however, insisted that Iran was closer now to having a nuclear weapon than it was four years ago, blaming the administration for allowing that to happen. He bluntly said that Tehran must not be allowed to become a nuclear power.
“This is the world’s largest sponsor of terrorism,” he said. “And if they get nuclear weapons, other people in the neighborhood will pursue nuclear weapons as well. We can’t live with that.”
Last week, Obama was chided for being passive, and polls conducted after the debate indicate the White House race is now extremely tight ahead of the election.
Key surveys indicate that Obama and Romney are knotted up in the battleground states of Virginia, Florida, Ohio, Wisconsin and Colorado. Most experts believe that nine swing states will determine the next president.
On Friday, Ryan joins Romney at a campaign event in Ohio after Romney attends an earlier event in Virginia. Biden will campaign in Wisconsin while Obama spends the day at the White House.
Regan Ufomba was Special Assistant on Integrated Rural Development to former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu. Part of his brief was to strategically develop a workable formula that would checkmate rural – urban drift, which at the time depleted human resources necessary for the development of rural communities. He was the Government’s Chief Advisor on issues bothering on the improvement of farming, the preoccupation of most rural communities in Abia.
He denied ever being in charge of fertilizer distribution to rural farmers. When the Special Assistant on Rural Integration denies being in charge of distribution of agricultural inputs, he would need to tell us who was. He seems to be good with dates and records. Let him also tell us if he is familiar with the document on this wall.
Reagan, “Mr. Value Chain” would do well to tell us on this thread what Value Chain policies he was able to cause the government to impact on rural dwellers. He should also tell us as the Special Assistant on Rural Integration which Governor’s Assistant at the time was in charge of agricultural inputs, especially fertilizer in rural communities. I want to give him another opportunity to lie.
The letter attached to this piece specifies in simple terms that REAGAN UFOMBA was actually assigned an official vehicle which he criminally told the government was involved in a ghastly motor accident. There is no record anywhere that he returned the vehicle. Let him proof that to us. Reagan as a Harvard ( I wonder) trained graduate should please show us evidence that he actually returned that vehicle after resigning on grounds of principle (how ridiculous). I am also sure he has no short sense of history and knows the difference between resigning and being asked to exit. May be, just may be; he would publish on this wall further evidence to proof he resigned voluntarily.
I would not have gone this far if Reagan did not start ascribing to himself the status of a superstar. He has made so much noise about being principled and being grounded on the rudiments of VALUE CHAIN. He would need to reconcile for us the relationship between his existing criminal records, abysmal performance as a political office holder and his new song of being the Messiah.
Just what is there to value about Reagan Ufomba. Somebody should please tell me. I will give up my ambition of becoming Governor if Reagan Ufomba can convincingly refute any of the points above.
National Judicial Council (NJC) has queried Chief Judge (CJ) of Enugu State, Innocent Umezulike, over his conduct in suit No. E/270/2012 between Ichie Jude Okuli and National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Victor Umeh.
Justice Umezulike was given one month to respond to the query, dated October 4 and personally signed by Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and Chairman of the NJC, Aloma Mariam Muktar.
The query reads: “I forward herewith a petition dated 21st September 2012 by one Chief Sir Victor Umeh, KSJ, JP, APGA National Chairman, on the above subject matter. The petition is self explanatory. I shall be glad to have your comments within one month from the date of receipt of this letter, please.”
The query was copied to Umeh, the only defendant in the suit.
It was prompted by a petition he lodged with the NJC, complaining about gross abuse of due process of the law by the CJ.
The APGA boss alleged that Justice Umezulike erred in his handling of the case, especially by refusing to rule on the preliminary objection which he brought before the court, and was duly argued by both counsel.
Umeh told the NJC that the CJ extended the life span of the ex-parte order he made against him on July 25 by extra 48 days against the High Court Rule of Enugu State that says an ex-parte order cannot last beyond 14 days.
He explained that by the action of Justice Umezulike, the ex-parte order which ought not to last more than 14 days was extended to 55 days without any request by any of the parties in the matter.
Part of his petition reads: “By 31st July 2012, the CJ took full arguments on notice of preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the case.
“The CJ adjourned the matter to 17th September 2012 for a rendition of the considered ruling of the court on the notice of preliminary objection.
“In adjourning the matter, the CJ stated that ‘if this court accedes to the contentions of the defendants/ applicants on any of the above issues, this suit shall legitimately come to an end …In the event, I shall adjourn the case for a considered ruling on the merits. In the circumstances, the interim order of this court shall endure against the parties and against the convention of any APGA Executive Committee Meetings as stated under the order until the court’s rendition of a ruling which I now fixed for the 20th day of September, 2012’,” Umeh said.
He, however, regretted that on September 17 when the ruling ought to have been delivered by the CJ, to the amazement of the people who gathered in court, Justice Umezulike declared that he would rather hear the main suit and deliver judgment on the preliminary objection and the main suit together.
The direction taken by the court, Umeh said, exposed the CJ as being desperate to get into the main matter and deliver judgement against him, knowing that the notice of preliminary objection was strong enough to have legitimately terminated the suit.
The APGA chairman noted that in his letter of September 19 to the CJ, he requested for the transfer/re-assignment of the case to another judge.
He said he informed Justice Umezulike that he no longer had confidence in obtaining justice in his court, being reasonably satisfied that he was biased, compromised and intent on causing mischief for APGA.
He regretted that since July 25 till date, activities in the party had been halted because of the ex-parte order, which had paralysed the entire party apparatus and therefore urged the NJC chairman to urgently intervene by calling Justice Umezuluike to order, and ensure that the due process was followed.
“In this era of rule of law, as an ardent believer in the ideals of democracy, I have no doubt that impartiality is an important hallmark of due administration of justice.
“I will be grateful if the Chief Judge of Enugu State is made to understand that every citizen of Nigeria is entitled to justice and fair hearing,” the APGA boss stated.
Similarly, Umeh submitted another petition to the NJC against the CJ on his conduct on October 8 in court where he (CJ) refused to disqualify himself from the case based on a motion for disqualification before the court and proceeded to rule on the matter without representation from his counsel.
Meanwhile Umeh has appealed against the interlocutory injunction granted last Monday by Justice Umezulike restraining him from acting as National Chairman of APGA, pending the determination of the substantive suit before the court. Umeh has also concluded plans to file a motion before the Court of Appeal, asking for a stay of execution of the injunction granted by the Enugu State High Court.
A few months ago, I came across a video of what I thought was the height of human barbarism in the name of religion. Here was a man whose head was being severed by the Moslem fanatics for allegedly converting from Islam to Christianity in the Middle East. The victim was forcefully held by others while the “executioner” who after several minutes of incantation and chanting set to work. The victim was very calm, and his eyes wide open and apparently, had surrendered his fate to God. It was too gruesome to watch.
Then last weekend came the barbaric killing of 4 Uniport students (Aluu 4) for allegedly stealing labtop and cellphones on the hills of Mubi massacre of October 1, 2012 in Adamawa State; that came on the hills of Boko Haram massacre of over 100 people in 3 churches at Kaduna in June 2012; that came on the hills of another massacre of 180 people in Kano in January 2012; that also came on the hills of massacres of dozens on Christmas day 2011 in Jos and Yobe; that came on the hills of other massacres that stretch back to 2009 when Boko Haram officially launched its campaign for Islamic rule in Nigeria.
A cursory look at the violence data this year (2012) reveals the following killings:
1. On August 7, nineteen people including the pastor of Deeper Life church were killed in Kogi State;
2. On August 4, gunmen stormed an oil barge off the coast, killing two Nigerian navy sailors and kidnapping four foreigners,
3. On June 17, three church bombings and retaliatory attacks in northern Nigeria killed at least 50 people and injured more than 130 others.
4. On June 10, three people died in clashes with police in Jos, Nigeria, hours after a car bomb killed five people during services at a church nearby.
5. At least 16 people have been killed in a gun and bomb attack at Bayero university in Nigeria’s northern city of Kano
6. On February 24, at least four people were killed in the northern Nigerian city of Gombe in a gun and bomb attack on a prison and police station.
Violence is now the newest vogue in Nigeria. For obvious reason the Aluu 4 has galvanized Nigerians like never before. Why the difference in reaction? May be because they were all students who were still at the embryonic stage of adolescence whose brains were perhaps still developing. In nutshell, these were kids who were indulged in what kids are known for: stupidity.
Looking at the chronological data above, many more students have been victims of violence for many years now. Before now, it has been known that students take delight in taking the lives of other students and a good many of them are believed to be members of cults fighting rival members. When this happens, they could be viocious.
Killing of a student years ago would be an aberration. In large part, any killing was likely to be through accident. I recall when the first university student was killed at University of Ibadan in 1969(?) It was the news of the year. The student’s name became a household word. Back then, students were not perpetrators of major crimes nor were they expected to be victims of violent crime. Those were the Neanderthal age of the 1960s and 70s.
Where Did We Go Wrong? How Did We Get Here?
Folks, a quick research into violence killing, kidnapping, robberies, etc. would reveal to you how far Nigeria has plunged, all within the last 20 years. And each year is worse than the previous. My folks have a cliché that says you better look for a black sheep during the day time because once the night falls, it would blend with the darkness and chances of sighting it would be close to impossible. Nigerians have repeatedly refused to heed to this warning/advice. It is now very dark, and dark, it is!
A few days ago, I questioned the very essence and the notion of celebrating independence when Nigeria is inundated with all kinds of malaise and anomalies brought about by bad governance and greed; where mediocrity and criminals who steal public funds are celebrated; where peoples’ voices are silenced by stealing and/or buying of elections. The by-product of this is all the killings, assassinations, kidnapping, roberies we are witnessing today. This has now become our culture: our bane. It did not just drop suddenly from the sky. It was cultivated and nurtured by those who call themselves leaders.
In pursuing filthy wealth through leadership position, these people would spare no opponent. A very lucky opponent would thank God for being thrown into a conventional jail or jailed in the trunk of his vehicle as in kidnapping. The unlucky ones simply fine their lives being snuffed out of them for daring to challenge or stand on the way. The lure to acquire sudden and stupendous wealth makes killing any opposition a worthwhile exercise knowing very well that this can be done with impunity as justice goes to the highest bidder.
For instance, Bola Ige, Minister of Justice and Attorney general, was killed in his home in Ibadan on December 23, 2001 with impunity and this happened during Obasanjo administration. ‘The Abacha regime was characterized by high profile serial killings. Under Abacha administration, the following were killed with impunity: Babatunde Elegbede in 1994, Alfred Rewane in 1995, Kayode Awosanya in 1996, Kudirat Abiola in 1996, Suliat Adedeji in 1996, Toyin Onagoruwa in 1996, and Irene Obodo in 1996.
Coming to Niger Delta region, Mr. Eyo Eyo, an information officer attached to Cross River State commissioner for agriculture was killed in his house at Calabar in April 2002. In Rivers State, Dr. Marshall Harry, known as a political “Kingmaker”, a national vice chairman for the South-South Zone of the All Nigeria Peoples’Party (ANPP) was assassinated at Abuja in March 2003. Also assassinated on February 6, 2004 wasAminasoari Dikibo, Chairman of Peoples’Democratic Party, South-South Zone under circumstances termed to be inexplicable.
Prior to Gov. Akpabio’s administration in Akwa Ibom, assassination and kidnapping were never of a concern. When Akpabio’s AKPF introduced it, it came with vengeance and anger. If the Odilis of this world had succeeded in recruiting and arming the youth in Rivers State to do the killing for him, Akpabio had no qualms setting up his own killing squad one of which is called Peace House. From AKPF onward, assassination and kidnapping took on a life of their own in Akwa Ibom. Not even a Paramount ruler, army general, women, children, or pastors are spared.
Remember, Faith Umoh, the young lady from Afaha Nsit College of Education whose life was snatched and her naked body dumped near Afaha Nsit? How about Mrs. Phenomena Udonwa whose bullet-riddled body was dumped in the bush; the Ekpenyong brothers, etc? This kind of atmosphere has affected and numbed our senses. At the slightest provocation or disagreement life is snuffed out even in the most gruesome manner. With tens and hundreds of thousands of umeployed youths, the right atmosphere has been created to commit any atrocity with the slightest provocation. Yes, Nigeria has sown the wind, and we must be ready to harvest the whildwind. This is a cosmic law.
Back to Aluu 4: the only different this time is that this was videotaped “live” and we all witnessed the gruesome, barbaric and painful death these young men went through. And most importantly, they were all students. What we witnessed in Aluu 4 is a direct logical consequence of a criminal and corrupt society where children have no good role models. Remember the law of nature called Cosmic Law, Good government and good leadership beget good followership.
The perpetrators, the youth in Aluu, consciously or unconsciously did what their leaders have been doing year after year. Ordinarily, one would have expected them after parading the four students naked to hand them over to the authority. But there is/was no authority worth that name. This is, by no means, excuse. Note, Nigeria is a nation of criminals: from top to bottom.
As long as the leaders continue to commit crime with impunity, the society simply is not going to look the other way. Nigeria nation has its citizens and most importantly the million unemployed youth who are a product of the uncanny environment the leaders have created for them. The arrest and imprisonment or even execution of the Aluu perpetrators is not the answer. A solution to this malaise is the reinvention of Nigeria nation by overhauling the faulty system.
–
Sincerely,
Dr. Tom Mbeke-Ekanem, REA
Moderator
Author, Beyond the Execution –
Understanding the Ethnic and Military Politics in Nigeria
Los Angeles, California
Tel: (951) 640-0737
Email: tedey@aol.com
Ohaneze Ndigbo the apex Igbo Social, cultural and political rallying point is enmeshed in crisis over allegations that some of the leaders have auctioned the Igbo presidency 2015 project due to presidential largesse estimated to run into billions of naira. This amount includes various sums allegedly released by the presidency for the purpose of settling Ohaneze chieftains in support of 2011 presidential bid and the second tranche released in appreciation for the role Ohaneze played in garnering Igbo votes for president Goodluck . There is wide belief among the protesting Ohaneze chieftains known as the transparency group that other sums, contracts and appointments are being obtained secretly to auction and scuttle any attempt by the Igbo people to present a common front for 2015.
Presently, Ohaneze President General, Ambassador Ralph Uwechue is at loggerheads with the Secretary General, Chief Nduka Eya and Deputy President General, Chief Nnachi Enwo Igaliwey , Chief Chukwuemeka Onyesoh among others. Uwechue and his loyalists including Chief Joe Nworgu, Chairman of Igbo Day Organizing Committee among others are insisting that no such largesse was ever received from President Jonathan. This crisis have become so protracted that Ambassador Uwechue runs the Ohaneze Secretariat from his African House Residence in Asaba and has not visited the secretariat more than thrice in 2012..
Chief Nduka Eya has been insisting that transparency must be the watchword in Ohaneze Ndigbo financial dealings to avoid a situation where Igbo interests are sabotaged. He insists that whatever largesse from anybody, group, forum and even the presidency must as a matter of policy be tabled before the Ime-Obi Ohaneze so that the forum would decide whether to accept the gift or not, and on what condition. Chief Igaliwey claimed that he rejected his own share of Ohaneze national cake of N20 million naira which was an attempt to bribe him. He claims that since he rejected and exposed the dealings, his life is being threatened from unknown sources including sources claiming to come from within the presidency. Therefore, the man lives a life of hiding for safety purposes..
The accusations and counter- accusations which started as unsubstantiated reports have now grown to the point that the documented evidences are volumes and the chieftains are threatening to expose the entire dealings if the leadership fails to confess and ask for forgiveness. Since the once secret affair blew open, a lot of Igbo youth organizations and opinion leaders have been going on pilgrimage to Asaba to know whether they can collect their own share from the Ohaneze leader and reports have it that some of these groups did not go home empty handed.. Chief Rochas Okorocha called a meeting at Government House, Owerri in early September 2012 to settle the rift but the two parties stuck to their guns. Three days later he paid an unscheduled visit to Ohaneze Headquarters but met a disillusioned workforce.
Chief Nduka Eya , Chief Igaliwe and Chief Emeka Onyeso are leading the group which insists that Ohaneze Ndigbo is not a one man show and that Ambassador Uwechue must consult widely before any critical decision. They posited that neither the exco meeting nor the Ime Obi meeting has been called in the past twelve months. When the new National Security Adviser , Sambo scheduled to talk with Igbo leaders on the state of the nation at the Ohaneze Headquarters on the 13th of July 2012,, they accused Uwechue of scuttling the meeting because of personal differences with Senator Chukwumerije.
They pointed out that Uwechue set up a personal outfit, the Ohaneze Foundation, which he allegedly used to collect billions of naira from the Goodluck Jonathan team under the guise of Igbo interest with the assistance of a presidential aide, Mr Akachukwu Nwankpa. This Ohaneze Foundation as part of its business venture is a transport outfit known as Ikenga Express with a fleet of about 30 buses. They insisted that Uwechue has been hijacked by the presidential aide and both of them are doing business with the name of Ohaneze and deceiving Jonathan. They claimed that he has cancelled the monthly Ime Obi meeting and Executive Council meeting, which has not held more than four times since the inception of his tenure in 2008
The Uwechue group insists that the Ohaneze leader have been running the secretariat from his personal finances since he came on board as the leader ,including payment of secretariat staff salary without any help from the disgruntled group, therefore they should hold their peace. They also insisted that there was no such business transaction and that Uwechue have used personal finances to support Ohaneze since the South East Governors failed to support the body financially. They also believe that Uwechue have not betrayed any Igbo interest if he collected some money to run Ohaneze when other ethnic nationalities were collecting theirs.
Various traditional rulers and elder statesmen in Igboland have tried to mediate on this crisis since the past eleven months to be able to forge a common front to present Igbo interests but the two groups have stuck to their grounds. This crisis almost took the shine off the 2012 Igbo day celebrations held at Asaba, Delta State. Many Ohaneze Chieftains boycotted the Igbo Day celebration at Asaba, Delta State in September 2012. However Governor Peter Obi graced the occasion while Governor Rochas Okorocha came after the end of the event.
It is obvious that other ethnic nationalities are repositioning themselves for 2015 while Ohaneze Ndigbo is bickering over presidential largesse which informed sources said was also extended to leaders of other ethnic nationalities, including the O’dua People’s Congress(OPC), Arewa Consultative Forum(ACF), South South Peoples Assembly (SSPA), Middle Belt Forum, among others before, during and after the presidential elections.. The sharing of this national cake has not brought any conflict within other nationalities. They have swallowed their share and cleaned their mouth.
The other ethnic nationalities are repositioning their people in preparation for 2015. The Buhari- Tinubu alliance is a strong South West agenda to recapture power after the turn of the north. The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) is looking seriously in the direction of Senate President David Mark. The Core North in the ruling party,PDP, still has Vice President Sambo as a joker if Boko Haram succeeds in frightening President Jonathan into the creeks. Former Vice President Atiku is still breathing around the corner and incumbent president Jonathan is being prepared by his South South and Ijaw people to recontest in 2015. It is only the Ohaneze that is still at the level of speech making while others nationalities are strategizing ahead of 2015.
The situation in Ohaneze, if not checkmated will greatly imperil Igbo Presidency project 2015. The two elephants are fighting and the grasses, the hardworking Igbos are being massacred by Boko Haramists and other enemies at the slightest provocation. Their means of livelihood is being destroyed with nobody to help them. The state of infrastructural decay in Igbo land is monumental and is seems the war is not yet over.
A cross section of Igbo leaders including Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu, Dr Dozie Ikedife, Col Joe Achuzia, Chief Charles Okereke among others have canvassed support for Igbo presidency severally with the mindset that the apez Igbo body is working assidously towards it. The optimism may be misplaced because this crisis have taken the front burner and the task of repositioning Ndigbo has been limited to fine speeches and rhetorics without any serious strategizing
Ohaneze cannot continue to chase rat while the house is on fire. They should settle this rift urgently and not allow this distraction from sabotaging the uphill task of reaching out to other nationalities ahead of 2015 or risk being appropriately labelled turncoats who have auctioned Igbo their people for a bowl of presidential porridge.
Chief Magistrates Court sitting in Wuse Zone 6 , Abuja on Wednesday, 10th October 2012, gave an order, directing the Inspector General of Police to investigate Prof. Boniface Egboka, the Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, over allegations of misappropriation of Government Funds, bribery and corrupt enrichment, upon a Direct Criminal Complaint filed by Barr. Nnamdi Nweke of Agnus Dei Chambers, Abuja; and a report back to the court on 30th October, 2012. Barr. Nnamdi Nweke is an abuja based legal Practitioner, Human Rights Activist and Anti corruption Crusader.
The National Agency for Prohibition of Traffick in Persons and other Related Matters, NAPTIP, working in conjunction with Association of Women church/community leaders in Anambra state have raised alarm on the observed increase rate of trafficking in persons, fake and illegal motherless babies homes in the state.
The South East zonal coordinator of NAPTIP, Mrs Nkiruka Michael had in her presentation at the one-day sensitization workshop on Human-trafficking and Child-abuse in the state said that “anambra state is steadily becoming highly endemic in child labour/abuse and child smuggling to other states and countries.
The organizer of the workshop and Ekwulummili community, Nnewi South Local Government area Woman leader, Mrs Adaobi Onyilioha told journalists that there were an alarming number of fake and illegal motherless babies’ centres in the state where babies were simply bred and sold! She said the workshop aimed at educating and sensitizing all local women leaders drawn from within the 177 communities in the state in readiness to swooping on the operators/culprits.
The malaise, according to her was fuelled by the avaricious greed of the traffickers and parents, poverty, illiteracy/ignorance, and the worsening socio-economic conditions of contemporary Nigerian families amongst other causes. These bite hardest in most rural Anambra communities, from where victims and their parents/guardians regularly fell to the aroma of crisp bank notes and the sugar-coated tongues of the traffickers and their pimps.
She put the age bracket of the most vulnerable children at 8-18. According to her, the children end up being molested, sexually defiled/abused, physically abused/maimed and some get physically and mentally deformed, resulting in stunted growth and psychological trauma.
NAPTIP linked the ugly trend to the heightened social tension/instability, high school drop-out, rape, prostitution, truancy, militancy and terrorism in the country.
The agency therefore called on the governments and parents, especially the women to give the children proper education in order to break the circle of poverty, inculcate sound moral education and precepts, collaborate with NAPTIP to prevent and punish culprits.
Mrs Onyilioha disclosed that they were getting the state government officials involved to enable them rid the state of the
Human-traffickers.
Another woman participant, Mrs Patricia Obinka from Onitsha South council admitted that the listed vices have been rife in the state and that all community and religious women leaders were now very ready to eliminate them. According to her, “until now, we had fought it without much success. So we are now incorporating the government and other agencies to help us”.
It is my pleasure and honour to present the 2013 Federal Budget Proposal before this esteemed Joint Session of the National Assembly. I am particularly delighted to present this Proposal to you earlier in the year, and soon after the commemoration of our national independence, to signal our commitment to evolving a new Nigeria. This Proposal is the product of extensive consultations with key stakeholders and would further translate the Government’s development plans into concrete actions.
When I presented the 2012 Budget, you will recall, I emphasized the fact that it would be “a stepping-stone to the transformation of our economy and country in our walk to economic freedom …”. I am glad to report that we have made progress in this regard. Today, in the face of critical resource constraints, the defining moment of our work is in actualizing our promises to Nigerians. We need to create a structured economy where everybody plays by the same rules, and contributes their fair bit. That is the Nigeria our heroes past craved for; that is the Nigeria we believe in; and that is the Nigeria we are building together.
GLOBAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS
As we build this nation and walk the path of development, we must be mindful of the realities of our circumstances and those of the changing global economy. This Budget Proposal was therefore designed against the backdrop of global economic uncertainty. By the end of the second quarter of this year, the global economy was recovering but at a very slow pace. Growth in a number of major emerging market economies, has been lower than forecast. Overall, global growth is projected at 3.3% in 2012 and 3.6% in 2013.
The uncertainty surrounding the global economy, which could have adverse effects on commodity prices, highlights the downside risks for our economy. The oil market is well known for its volatility. We recall the 2008 experience at the height of the global economic downturn when oil prices fell almost overnight from $147 per barrel to $38 per barrel. This threat of oil price volatility remains constant and underscores the need to rely on a robust and prudent methodology to estimate the benchmark price.
The global economic slowdown can also have far-reaching implications for the demand for our export commodities, given that the Euro zone and the USA account for over 50% of the nation’s crude oil exports. These global developments are also being transmitted to our economy through a dampening effect on foreign capital inflows and remittances by Diaspora Nigerians. Fellow Nigerians, these are uncertain times in the world economy, and my Administration is taking necessary steps to mitigate possible adverse effects of the global economic slowdown on Nigeria. I assure you that we are going to build up the necessary savings to protect the economy against a possible global recession or a slow recovery.
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE DOMESTIC ENVIRONMENT
In spite of the foregoing, our economy has done relatively well. Over the past nine months, through a number of initiatives, we have created new jobs directly and supported many young entrepreneurs running SMEs to create jobs. Nigeria is looking to become more self-reliant again in food security, and we are increasing local content in our manufacturing processes and the oil and gas sector.
As at the end of the second quarter, the economy recorded an impressive growth of 6.28% compared to 5.4% forecast for sub-Saharan Africa. It is gratifying to note that the non-oil sector remains the main driver of growth. There are also improvements in other macroeconomic indicators. Inflation has dropped from 12.9% in June 2012 to 11.7% in August 2012, and our goal is to reduce it further. Our foreign reserves now stand at US$41.6 billion – the highest it has been in over 2 years. We intend to continue with our programme of fiscal discipline and prudent monetary policy in order to continue to improve our country’s macroeconomic environment.
Furthermore, in addition to being upgraded last year by Fitch and S&P rating agencies, Nigeria has now been included in the JP Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Index, signifying increasing investor confidence in our economy. In addition, the World Economic Forum has upgraded our ranking from 127 to 115 in the global competitiveness index.
Here in Nigeria, we do not join the debate on fiscal consolidation versus growth because we believe in the need to do both; hence, we are continuing our focus of fiscal consolidation with inclusive growth. The fiscal consolidation policy has helped to strengthen our finances with a programmed budget deficit of about 2.85% of GDP in 2012, now projected to drop to 2.17% in 2013. Moreover, the share of capital expenditure in the total budget is increasing as we gradually reduce recurrent expenditures and also develop non-oil revenue sources.
REVIEW OF THE 2012 BUDGET IMPLEMENTATION
Fellow Compatriots, the 2012 Budget was focused on achieving Fiscal Consolidation with Inclusive Growth using the budget balance as a fiscal anchor. In that respect, while investing in key priorities, the budget also ensured that the deficit followed a downward trend over the medium term. This is being done through a more aggressive revenue collection drive and prudent management of available resources.
On the expenditure side, the implementation of the 2012 Budget is on track, having commenced effectively in April when it became law. We have so far released N711.6 billion to MDAs for the implementation of their capital budgets while further releases are to follow shortly for the fourth quarter. The continued implementation of the 2011 capital budget in the first quarter of 2012, clearly affected the implementation of the 2012 Budget.
I have taken a personal interest in the budget implementation since May by chairing weekly sessions with Ministers and Heads of parastatals on their progress in this regard. We are determined to use the instrument of the budget to improve the welfare of Nigerians. You would recall my assurance to Nigerians that subsequent budgets will be presented earlier to the National Assembly. It is in this spirit that I lay this Proposal before this Assembly today, to give sufficient time for deliberation on the Proposal and approval of the budget, and to enable us commence implementation from January 1st 2013.
Let me stress that Government remains focused on the tangible outcomes from the implementation of the Appropriation Acts, not just the amounts spent. In this respect, I have signed Performance Agreement Contracts with my Ministers with a view to ensuring delivery of projects and programmes in their respective budgets. The Ministers in turn, are signing similar agreements with their Permanent Secretaries, Heads of parastatals and Directors to cascade down the need for responsibility and accountability. Key government officials with responsibility for implementing different aspects of the budget will be appraised based on these performance agreements. My goal is to ensure optimal implementation of our annual budgets.
Government is also determined to reduce the cost of governance. We are reviewing the recommendations aimed at rationalizing Agencies of the Federal Government with overlapping functions. This has been taken into account in the preparation of the 2013 Budget, and we expect some modest cost savings from this exercise in the course of the 2013 fiscal year. However, more significant progress will be made in 2014, as we work with the Legislature to harmonise those Agencies that have enabling laws, but which also have duplicative mandates.
Subsidy Reinvestments and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P)
You will recall that we had assured Nigerians that the proceeds of the partial withdrawal of petroleum subsidies will be applied to implementing the Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P). The implementation of this programme is continuing over the medium-term.
In the 2012 fiscal year, we had voted N180 billion for the implementation of social safety net programmes, road and rail infrastructure projects. So far, N36.5 billion of this amount has been utilized to support maternal and child health programmes as well as mass transit, roads and rail projects and job creation through the Community Services and Public Works programme. The SURE-P Board under the able chairmanship of Dr. Christopher Kolade is presently working hard to ensure the successful oversight of the implementation of this programme. We are grateful to them for their hard work and patriotism.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE 2012 FISCAL YEAR
In the 2012 Budget, Government outlined some projects and programmes that were to be implemented in key sectors of the economy in order to improve the livelihood of Nigerians. We have numerous activities in various sectors such as: Power, Health, Agriculture, Education, Housing, Transport, Aviation, etc. Let me highlight a few of these sectors.
Power
The Power Sector Reform is on course. Our efforts have begun to pay off as we have improved power supply to various parts of the country. Our gas-to-power and other initiatives are making this possible, but I acknowledge the fact that we still have a long way to go. As you may be aware, the ongoing privatisation of the generation and distribution companies has reached an advanced stage. In some cases, Preferred Bidders have already emerged. When completed, the programme will bring into the sector significant private investment, along with the requisite power output.
We have accomplished a number of goals in the Power sector reform programme in line with the Roadmap, including:
Completion of new units at our thermal power stations, to increase generation;
Rehabilitation of existing power infrastructure, which has yielded up to 1,000 mega watts of additional electricity;
Fast-Tracking 3 NIPP projects, which will bring an additional 1,055 mega watts by the end of the year; and
Facilitating a power and gas financing package, which includes Government Guarantees, proposed Infrastructure Bonds of about $1billion, and $150 million of external funding from the African Development Bank to support continued gas supply and the liberalization of the power sector.
Agriculture
My Administration has instituted key policy reforms to establish staple crop processing zones aimed at attracting the private sector into areas of high production, reducing post-harvest losses, and adding value to locally produced commodities. So far we have succeeded in attracting $7.8 billion investment commitments to the agricultural sector. These investments and the value chain approach being used to transform the sector have the capacity to create 3.5 million additional jobs in the medium term by 2015.
You will recall that Government provided incentives to support cassava value chains, including zero duty on machinery and equipment to process high quality cassava flour. Cassava bread is increasingly commercially available with 20% cassava flour content. In addition, a total of one million metric tonnes of dried cassava chips, are being exported to China this year.
Achieving self-sufficiency in rice production in 2015 remains our target. In response to our new fiscal measures, 13 new private sector rice mills with a capacity of about 240,000 metric tonnes have been established. These mills buy and process local paddy and create employment for Nigerians.
Housing
Fellow Nigerians, the provision of affordable housing is one of the Administration’s strategic imperatives for guaranteeing our citizens’ productivity and well-being. We are creating an enabling environment for the private sector to produce much needed housing, whilst creating jobs in the process. To facilitate this, I will be holding a presidential retreat on Housing in early November, to discuss policy and modalities for dealing with land titling issues, developing an affordable mortgage finance system and reducing the high cost of housing construction.
In the meantime, under various social housing programmes, close to 2,000 housing units have been completed, while over 24,000 housing units are at various stages of completion. This is outside housing being constructed for the use of the Armed Forces and Paramilitary services. The Federal Government has entered into Partnership Agreements with several States for the provision of 6,000 housing units. Another 600 housing units have already been completed under the direct construction scheme of the Federal Housing Authority in these States. Gradually, we are ensuring that more Nigerians enjoy the benefits of having their own homes.
Transport
You are already familiar with the improvement in the functioning of our ports, the details of which I provided in my 52nd Independence Anniversary Speech. With regard toRail transport,in our continuing effort to boost infrastructure development in the country, work is ongoing to rehabilitate the rail system across the country. These include the Lagos-Kano line as well as the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri line. Our people have started enjoying rail service again.
Our railway modernisation programme is progressing with the Abuja-Kaduna line now at 46% completion, while work on the Lagos-Ibadan line is to commence soon. We also expect to complete the Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Warri line in 2013. In the same vein, we are fast-tracking the implementation of the mass transit Abuja Light Rail system. When completed, it will improve transportation for all residents in the FCT, especially workers living in the satellite towns.
Inland Waterways: Our inland waterways programme is on track to boost commerce in the surrounding communities, and I had the pleasure of commissioning the Onitsha Inland Port on 30th August 2012.
Aviation
We are working hard to improve the regulatory regime and safety of the Aviation sector and will continue to look for ways to support its development. This Administration identifies this sector as a key part of the Transformation Agenda. As such, we have embarked on a comprehensive programme to transform our airports to world-class standards and improve air travel safety standards across the country.
For instance, the remodelling of airport terminals and the upgrading of airport runways are presently at advanced stages of implementation across virtually all our airports. In addition, we have just concluded arrangements to commence the construction of five brand new terminals in Kano, Port Harcourt, Lagos, Abuja and Enugu, and six perishable cargo terminals, early next year. In line with international best practice, these new terminals will be private sector-managed.
Roads: We know that Nigerians are disturbed about the state of our major highways. We are addressing this issue frontally. With the rains receding, the Ministry of Works will intensify the construction and rehabilitation of major roads in the country, for example, the dualization of the Abuja-Lokoja road, the Benin-Ore-Shagamu road, and the Kano-Maiduguri road. Also, the Enugu-Port-Harcourt road rehabilitation has been awarded to four contractors in order to fast-track its completion. It is gratifying to note that resources from the Petroleum Subsidy Reinvestment Programme are being used to supplement the regular budget for these projects.
The Petroleum Sector
The petroleum sector continues to play a crucial role in our economy, even as we seek diversification. In this regard, we are taking steps to modernise the sector. A robust Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) has been delivered as promised to the National Assembly for consideration. When passed into law, the Bill will provide the new legal framework that will govern Nigeria’s Oil and Gas industry. This Bill, which encompasses major reforms, will encourage additional investments in the sector, create accountability and transparency, and ensure that the management of our petroleum sector is commercially driven.
Our gas to power initiatives are moving firmly ahead, with the 12-month gas supply emergency plan already yielding more than the targeted volumes of gas for power generation.
With respect to the Petroleum Subsidy Programme,Government is succeeding in substantially cleaning up the management of the petroleum subsidy regime. We are tightening up the payment regime, to weed out corruption while working hard to recover monies fraudulently obtained from the subsidy regime. The EFCC is prosecuting those found wanting and the efforts to crack down on corruption in this sector will continue.
On Frontier Exploration, the Government’s drive to build up the nation’s oil reserves through exploration of new frontiers for oil and gas production is beginning to yield results with news of the discovery of crude oil in some inland sedimentary basins in the country. These include the Chad Basin, Benue Trough, Yola Basin and Anambra Basin amongst others. We are determined to further develop on these findings and expand the scope of such explorations. To support this, we have raised the provision for frontier exploration services from N12 billion in 2012 to N16 billion in 2013.
Job Creation
Fellow Compatriots, in spite of the economic growth noted earlier, it is clear that as a nation, we still face economic disparities across the country. This constitutes an obstacle to sustainable development as it limits improvement in living standards, output and social cohesion which are key factors for achieving inclusive growth. Our challenge therefore, transcends how to achieve growth. Our objective is to achieve inclusive growth by identifying and developing job creation opportunities. We have mentioned the 3.5 million jobs we aim to create in agriculture and more jobs in the housing and construction sectors, solid minerals sector, aviation and the creative industry.
In my Independence Day Speech, I spoke of the 80,000-110,000 jobs we are supporting young entrepreneurs to create through the YouWin programme. We have received numerous testimonies from young men and women who have been able to expand their businesses through the programme. We have just launched a second round of the competition targeting only women entrepreneurs. Across the country, our youth are developing new ideas and enterprises, and we must support them.
I launched the Community Service, Women and Youth Empowerment Programme (CSWYEP) under the SURE-P in February 2012. This is now working in pilot phase in 14 states, and to be replicated in other states in 2 weeks. We also have the Graduate Internship Programme, in which participating private companies provide one-year internships to 50,000 graduates, paid by the Federal Government. So far, 700 firms, and 20,000 young graduates have applied to participate in this scheme.
Fellow Nigerians, even as we review our achievements in 2012, we are also conscious of the unprecedented floods, which have ravaged many parts of our country, displacing tens of thousands of fellow Nigerians, and causing massive destruction of property, farmlands, and infrastructure across the country. My heartfelt sympathy goes to the affected families and communities.
Yesterday, I made a broadcast on the Federal Government’s actions to deal with the situation. I authorized the disbursement of N17.6 billion to States and MDAs to help bring succour to our fellow citizens affected by the floods. This will complement ongoing efforts by Federal and State agencies, and private initiatives.
A Presidential Technical Committee to properly assess the extent of the impact, and propose a rehabilitation strategy, has submitted an Interim Report and is continuing to visit all the affected communities. I have also set up a National Committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation to assist the Federal Government to raise funds to mitigate the pains and ensure effective post-impact rehabilitation of victims.
I have also directed that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development put in place a flood recovery food production plan. This will include the provision of early maturing varieties of maize, which mature in 60 days, to several flood affected areas. In addition, flood-tolerant rice varieties are being procured for flooded rice growing areas. We will also accelerate dry season production of major food crops.
Security
Fellow Compatriots, we are conscious of the fact that without security, no meaningful development can take place in our land; and our collective efforts at building the nation would only amount to little. This is why we channelled a great deal of resources to security in the 2012 Budget. We remain conscious of the impact of security challenges facing the country and are determined to bring the situation under control.
I commiserate with all our citizens who lost loved ones in the recent Mubi killings and all the other acts of senseless destruction of lives and properties in the country. We have already made arrests in the Mubi case, and I want to assure Nigerians that all the culprits will be made to face the full weight of the law. I want to thank our brave men and women of the security services for their commitment. I also want to acknowledge and thank the various state Governors for their cooperation and untiring effort to ensure peace in their domains. The unity of Nigeria is not negotiable
THEME OF THE 2013 BUDGET
Theme
42. Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, you will recall that in furtherance of my Administration’s efforts to transform our economy, the 2012 Budget was established on four main pillars – Macroeconomic stability; Structural reforms; Governance & institutions; and Investing in priority sectors. The 2013 Budget promotes continuity of these pillars and is designed with the theme: fiscal consolidation with inclusive growth. We will remain prudent with our fiscal resources but also ensure that the Nigerian economy keeps growing and creating jobs. To this end, the government will continue with the medium-term theme and interventions that are consistent with the objectives of the Transformation Agenda.
Macroeconomic Stability
One key plank upon which our economic transformation is based is the achievement of macroeconomic stability. My Administration has made significant progress in putting the finances of the nation on a sound footing and laying the foundation for rapid and sustainable growth. We will stay focused on maintaining macroeconomic stability in Nigeria.
Budget Structure
Now let me turn to the structure of the 2013 Budget. In recent years, recurrent expenditure has tended to crowd out capital expenditure in the national budget. Over the 2013-2015 medium-term, my Administration will continue to implement measures aimed at correcting this imbalance in the budget structure in a viable and sustainable manner.
In the 2012 Budget speech, I noted that Government was going to focus on cutting recurrent expenditure to sustainable levels through reduction of waste, corruption and duplication in the functions of government agencies. In this respect, the biometric verification of employees is being extended to all agencies of Government, while the process for rationalizing public agencies and reducing duplication of mandates among different government agencies has begun, following the Report of the Oronsaye Committee.
I am therefore pleased to announce that the share of recurrent spending in aggregate expenditure is set to further reduce from 71.47% in 2012 to 68.7% in the 2013 Budget, while capital expenditure as a share of aggregate spending is set to increase from 28.53% in 2012 to 31.3% in 2013.
Public Debt Management
Government will continue to exercise fiscal prudence and limit its borrowing requirements in compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007. Consequently, we have developed a responsible domestic debt management strategy that, for the first time, seeks to start paying off our domestic debt rather than rolling it over. In this respect, a sinking fund of N100 billion is being established in the 2013 fiscal year to be used for repaying Government’s maturing debt obligations and to curb the rising domestic debt profile. We have further reduced our annual domestic borrowing from N852 billion in 2011, N744 billion in 2012, and to N727 billion in 2013.
THE 2013 BUDGET
The 2013 Budget is underpinned by the following parameters which reflect Government’s prudent economic policies in an uncertain global economic environment:
Oil production of 2.53 million barrels per day, up from 2.48 million barrels per day for 2012.
Benchmark oil price of US$75/barrel, a modest increase from the US$72/barrel approved in the 2012 Budget. This benchmark price is based on a well established econometric methodology of estimating oil price moving averages.
Projected GDP growth rate which is now estimated at 6.5% compared to 6.85% in the Fiscal Strategy Paper. The revision is underpinned by the fact that the severe floods experienced over large parts of the country are expected to impact on economic activity in 2013, especially agriculture. However, the growth prospects may improve with the plan to boost dry season farming.
Revenue
Based on these assumptions, the gross federally collectible revenue is projected at N10.84 trillion, of which the total revenue available for the Federal Government’s Budget is forecast at N3.89 trillion, representing an increase of about 9% over the estimate for 2012. Non-oil revenue is projected to continue to grow in 2013 as the ongoing reforms in our revenue collecting agencies, and the implementation of initiatives to further develop the non-oil sector continue to yield results.
Expenditure Proposals
An aggregate expenditure of N4.92 trillion is proposed for the main budget of the 2013 fiscal year, representing a modest increase of about 5% over the N4.7 trillion appropriated for 2012. This is made up of N380.02 billion for Statutory Transfers, N591.76 billion for Debt Service, N2.41 trillion for Recurrent (Non-Debt) Expenditure and N1.54 trillion for Capital Expenditure.
Based on the above, the fiscal deficit is projected to improve to about 2.17% of GDP in the 2013 Budget compared to 2.85% in 2012. This is well within the threshold stipulated in the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007 and clearly highlights our commitment to fiscal prudence. We are determined to further rein in domestic borrowing, and this way, ensure that our debt stock remains at a sustainable level.
Our focus on critical economic and social sectors continues. Some of these sectors are largely driven by private sector activity, while others require a great deal of public sector support. Some key allocations are as follows: Works – N183.5 billion; Power – N74.26 billion; Education – N426.53 billion; Health – N279.23 billion; Defence – N348.91 billion; Police – N319.65 billion; and Agriculture & Rural Development – N81.41 billion.
The power and gas sectors require a lot of investments to sustain our supply improvements. We shall therefore complement available resources with a proposed Infrastructure Euro Bond of about $1 billion in order to complete gas pipelines and other infrastructure investments. We have also programmed other grants and soft credits critical to infrastructure and other sectors in our medium term external borrowing plan.
The SURE-P will continue with the expected resources of N180 billion in 2013 augmented by the projected 2012 unspent balances bringing the total to about N273.5 billion. We hope to make further progress in the programme, providing additional infrastructure investments and social safety net schemes for Nigerians. I am pleased to also lay before this esteemed Assembly, the 2013 Budget for the SURE-P.
Fiscal Policy
To promote Nigerian agriculture and industry, we will continue to implement supportive fiscal measures for some priority areas. You will recall that in my 2012 Budget speech, I announced fiscal measures on rice, cassava, wheat, and machinery for the agriculture and power sectors. In this regard, I am pleased to announce the following additional measures which will be effective from 1st January 2013:
Sugar: Machinery and spare parts imported for local sugar manufacturing industries will now attract 0% duty; there will also be a 5-year tax holiday for “sugarcane to sugar” value chain investors. Furthermore, import duty and levy on raw sugar will be 10% and 50% respectively, while refined sugar will attract 20% duty and 60% levy;
Rice: A 10% import duty and 100% levy will be applied to both brown and polished rice;
Aircraft: All commercial aircraft and aircraft spare parts imported for use in Nigeria will now attract 0% duty and 0% VAT. This will appreciably improve safety in our skies as newer fleet and less onerous maintenance will prevail;
Solid Minerals: Machinery and equipment imported for use in the solid minerals sector will now attract 0% import duty and 0% VAT; and
Public Mass Transit: In order to encourage the production of mass transit vehicles in Nigeria, duty on Completely Knocked Down components (CKD) for mass transit buses of at least 40-seater capacity, will now be 0%, down from 5%. Government is desirous of supporting green growth and, in this regard, will explore options for providing incentives for energy efficient vehicles from the 2014 fiscal year.
Gender Empowerment
This administration is gender friendly and has worked to improve the position of women in society and empower them economically. Nevertheless, to further integrate women in the various sectors, we have developed an innovative approach to mainstreaming gender issues starting with 5 pilot ministries – Agriculture, Health, Communication Technology, Water Resources and Works. These ministries are signing MOUs with the Ministry of Women Affairs to deliver on specific services for women.
The Ministry of Agriculture, for example, will work with the Ministry of Communication Technology to ensure that 5 million women farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs receive mobile phones to be able to access information on agro-inputs through an e-wallet scheme.
The Ministry of Health, in addition to scaling up its ongoing “Save a Million Lives” initiative, plans to give back health and hope to one-third of the pool of young girls and women who have been waiting a long time for V.V.F repairs through surgery and economic rehabilitation. In addition, we are up-scaling routine immunization.
For 2013, the Ministry of Works plans to increase the number of women that are employed in public works programmes as contractors, workers and project evaluators, setting itself a target of 35% for women in FERMA rehabilitation work. In every geopolitical zone, at least 3 roads leading to areas where women’s socio-economic activities are concentrated, will be prioritised and completed.
To support these activities, we have set aside the sum of N3 billion to be disbursed to participating MDAs as incentives for them to deliver on these targets. Our focus on empowering women is part of our agenda for improving the country’s human development indicators. In this regard, we shall not relent in our efforts to improve access and quality in our health and education sectors.
Sports
The performance of our sportsmen and women continues to strike an important chord for all Nigerians across the country. We want to take our sports to great heights again. We all recall our disappointment with our performance in the recent Summer Olympics games in London. At the same time, we were very delighted with the success of our Paralympics athletes.
My Administration is committed to addressing the challenges faced by our sports men and women. Later this month, I will be hosting a Presidential retreat on sports in order to strategise on ways to support our sports sector to achieve greater heights.
CONCLUSION
Mr. Senate President, Mr. Speaker, Distinguished and Honourable Members of this esteemed Assembly, Fellow Nigerians, the Budget Proposal I lay before you today represents our continued drive for real and sustainable growth for the wellbeing of Nigerians.
It is a budget that gives priority to our concerns for security, infrastructure, food security and human development sectors. It is a Budget that introduces a series of innovative features. This Budget is a push in the right direction borne out of our well thought-out and articulated developmental policies.
This is a budget for every Nigerian. It belongs to the farmer, the investor, the entrepreneur, the youth and the elderly. Yes, we have challenges, but also incredible opportunities. Ours is the task of transforming these opportunities into real, tangible outcomes which all our people can experience and call their own. We need the cooperation of everyone to make it work, to grow the economy, and to create jobs for our people. I continue to call on all Nigerians to act. Making Nigeria work begins with you and me.
Finally, I must restate my appreciation of the contributions and cooperation of the Legislature in discharging our collective responsibility to build the nation of our dreams.
I look forward to an expeditious consideration and passage of this Proposal, as we strive to guarantee positive socio-economic transformation for the benefit of our people.
Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan diagnosing a patient in Oleh camp of the flood displace persons in Oleh, Isoko South LGA of Delta State when the governor visited the camp yesterday
