U.S. president Barack Obama appears in his first interview on Al-Arabiya satellite television in 2009.
All the way back in 2009, the newly inaugurated president Obama granted his very first TV interview to the al-Arabiya network.
Speaking to veteran journalist Hisham Melhem, the new president said: “My job to the Muslim world is to communicate that the Americans are not your enemy.” As anti-American riots burn from Benghazi to Islamabad, that hope looks distinctly “Mission Unaccomplished.”
In the immediate aftermath of the killing of the U.S. ambassador to Libya, the Obama administration insisted that the Sept. 11, 2012 attacks on the U.S. embassy in Cairo and the U.S. consulate in Benghazi were spontaneous responses to a YouTube video clip mocking the Prophet Muhammad. That claim, never very plausible, has by now nearly completely unraveled. (See Eli Lake’s report Friday in the Daily Beast for the latest debunking.)
The attacks look elaborately planned and timed for the 9/11 anniversary. The raising of the black al-Qaeda flag over the walls of the Cairo embassy was a challenge and a defiance — and a brutal repudiation of the hopes expressed in Obama’s own speech in Cairo, delivered three summers ago:
“I have come here to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world; one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect; and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive, and need not be in competition.”
That new beginning has not arrived. President Obama can claim important national security successes: the killing of Osama bin Laden and much of what remained of the al-Qaeda leadership in Pakistan. But the level of anti-American grievance Obama observed and deplored in 2008-2009 has not abated. If anything, the situation in important Muslim-majority countries like Pakistan and Egypt seems even more dangerous today than when Barack Obama took office. This is not to blame Obama for making things worse. It is to recall to mind the unrealism of his promise to make things better.
That promise was based on a series of assumptions that have one by one been falsified: That the Palestinian issue was the driving cause of Muslim anti-Americanism — and that he could resolve Palestinian grievances by pressing Israel to make concessions; that the anger was somehow caused by President Bush and that it could be alleviated by reversing Bush policies; and — finally — that his own personality and name could somehow reassure Muslims in and of itself.
“I am a Christian, but my father came from a Kenyan family that includes generations of Muslims. As a boy, I spent several years in Indonesia and heard the call of the azaan at the break of dawn and the fall of dusk. As a young man, I worked in Chicago communities where many found dignity and peace in their Muslim faith.”
These words played a variation on the theme that launched Barack Obama’s domestic career. At home, his personal story as the son of a mother from Kansas and a father from Kenya symbolized hopes of overcoming America’s racial divides. Might his personal story as an American-Christian descended from East African Muslims achieve a similar resonance abroad?
Now we have the answer, delivered by rocket launchers. No.
Again, this is not to blame Obama. He didn’t make the anti-Americanism, and he faces few easy answers in responding to that anti-Americanism. But it does suggest that greater humility might have been in order back in 2008-2009. And it suggests that the problems faced in the Muslim world today go way deeper than suggested by the glib answer, it’s all about Israel — or all about Bush. The anger goes back way further and lies way deeper. And it probably won’t be allayed by anything much that the United States or Israel or the larger Western world can do. It will be allayed by changes inside the Muslim world — changes that remove the incentives for local power-seekers to agitate mobs with stories about offenses against Islam; changes that reduce the receptiveness of ordinary people to the demagoguery of local power-seekers. Economic development, the advance of education, the rise of forms of Islam that are less political and more spiritual — these are the forces that will bring change. They’ll be slow. And they are bigger than any one man, no matter how unusual his life story; how eloquent his tongue; or how grand his self-image.
Re: “A Bill For A Law To Provide For The Raising of Loans Through The Issuance of Bonds, Notes and Other Securities and For Connected Purposes.
Mr. Speaker,
It is with great sense of responsibility and in the spirit of patriotism that we write to you and the House members on this burning issue bothering on the financial health of our great state, Ogun.
We need to state here that, of particular concern to us is the bill sent to this Honourable House by the Executive arm of government on the above subject with a view to assessing the financial market to raise some financial instruments, ostensibly to drive developments of infrastructure.
We state unequivocally that apart from the fact that the motive behind the said bill could not be in the best interest of the people of Ogun State, it may not to represent nor capture the goodwill of a great number of our people.
Our fears on this bill are premise on:
1) The fact that the bill seems to be providing the governor, what we can call, a Blank Cheque on the finances of Ogun State
2) Appointment of Trustees: the bill seem to have vested too much power on the Executive arm of government; and in other words made the Governor the ‘sole’ decider on what amount to be accessed, where to access, what project(s) to be executed etc.
3) Sinking Fund. What percentage?: We are of the opinion that before going ahead to give a blanket approval to this bill, members of this hollowed chamber should be interested in knowing what is the current state of finance of the State. Granted that a 15 per cent is to be set aside from the State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) into a Sinking Fund, what is the current IGR of the State? How did they arrive at the percentage? This would enable the House to take critical decision about whether such might even be adequate to defray whatever that is ‘borrowed’. It is also instructive to note that in view of the prevailing possible ‘reversals’ of preceding administration’s economic policies, that honourable members should emphasise the total repayment of any sums or financial instrument so accessed should be defrayed within the life of the administration which accessed them where possible.
4) What projects? What are the rates of return? Tenor of payment?
We are particularly bothered about the nature of this request to access financial instrument without being project-specific. I think if the people of Ogun State are going to be committed to any form of financial indebtedness, notwithstanding the nature and circumstance, it would have been fair for them to know what their money is going to be spent on; what is the rate of returns on such projects (i.e. Do they have the capacity to pay back on such financial commitments) and over what length (or period) of time?
Honourable members of the House of Assembly, we feel you owe several generations of Ogun State citizens a sacred duty to serve as the custodian of their trust in good conscience by raising fundamental questions which would protect the citizens from abuse by the executive arm of government.
Distinguished honourables, Ladies and Gentlemen, with specific reference to the bill in question, we will like to call the attention of the House to:
Sections: 2, 3(4), 4 (1) (2) (3), 5(1), 10, 11(1)
of the ‘Bill’
Schedule to Section (1) (2) (3) (5), and (7).
On Appointment of Trustee (sec 5 (1) ) states:
“The Commissioner subject to the approval of the Execuitve Council may appoint a registered trustee company, or any reputable bank or reputable insurance company for the purpose of acting on behalf of instrument holders with regard to every loan raised under the Law provided that a Trustee appointed under this Rule shall not have any fiduciary relationship with the Government”.
Meanwhile, the same ‘Bill’ defines ‘Commissioner’ (line 35-37) as:
“Commissioner” means the Commissioner for the time being charged with the responsibilty for matters relating to Finance in Ogun State.
And
“Executive Council” to mean “the Executive Council of the Ogun State Government, comprising the Governor and such other officials as are invited into the Council by the Governor”.
However, the executive has proposed in section 10 on;
Power to raise loans:
“The GOVERNMENT is authorised through the Office with the approval of the EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (kindly note the emphasis in capital letters) and subject to the provisions of this Law to raised loans for both economic and social development purposes”
Section 11, Issuance of Bonds, etc reads:
“The Office with the approval of the Executive Council and subject to the provisions of this Law is authorized to do the following:
(a)Issue instrument or any other forms of debt securities …”
From the bill, the Governor is to decide which project to be executed, decides who the contractor should be, negotiate how much the project will cost, establish Sinking Fund and singularly decide what goes into it, appoints the ‘Commissioner’ who is to appoint the trustees (meaning that the governor appoints the Trustee). We should therefore be worried that if this were to be so, why then is the need for House of assembly in Ogun State? Or what should be the oversight functions of the law makers, as it relates to the finances of the state?
If this bill is passed without amendment, it may promote Executive recklessness. Too much power vested in a single individual has the potential of being abused. Simply put, “power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely”.
OUR POSITION:
On section 3 (4) , The House of Assembly may at the request of the Executive Council upwardly revise the proportion of revenue to be set aside for the government’s debt repayment purpose.
Our question, why should the review only be upward? We think honourable members of the House should be allowed to use their discretion in this regard. Else, we may simply then ask: why do we need the House?
On appointment of Trustee: Section 5(1).
We are of an opinion that the power to appoint, punish and terminate the appointment of Trustee should not be vested on the commissioner or the EXECUTIVE only. For continuity, transparency and in line with the doctrine of checks and balances, we propose the following in addition to some other steps in the bill:
1)The establishment of Board to oversee the Sinking Fund as well as the management of Consolidated Debt Service Account (section 3(1). The bill seems silent on the management of this special Account.
II)That the power to appoint, review and terminate should be vested in a legally constituted Board.
We propose that a ‘Board’ for this purpose should be constituted, which would comprise the following:
1) The Commissioner for finance – As the Chairman
2) Permanent Secretary or a Director , Ministry of Finance
3) Permanent secretary or a Director, Bureau of Budget and Planning.
3) Permanent Secretary or a Director, Ministry of Justice
4) Permanent Secretary or head of Debt Management Office (DMO)
5) Permanent Secretary or a representative of the Head of Service, and
6) Chairman, House Committee on Finance.(As the house may deem fit)
III) This must be allowed to pass through due process ( the position must be advertised in 2 Nigerian national news papers)
III) House of Assembly must approve the appointment and termination of appointment
On section 10, Power to raise loans:
With this bill, the governor seems to be requesting for what we call an open cheque from the State House of Assembly. We need to be careful here. Is there any law like this in Nigeria? We need to ask ourselves this all-important question: is there any law like this in Nigeria? We are of a view that the State must revert to the House for specific approval whenever there is need to access any financial instrument. The specific amount to be accessed, must be clearly stated and on what such fund is to be expended.
With the hope that Section 10 (power to raise loans) will get the blessing of the House, the bill went further to now states in Section 11 that “Office” ( or the Governor, at least from the context of the bill) IS AUTHORISED!!! Authorised to issue loan/bond/ any instrument without revert to the HOUSE? Honourable members of Ogun State House of Assembly, we appeal to you not to look at this bill from a party point of view, let us play down who the governor is, let the interest of our state override our political or party loyalty. This section must be amended. This section can easily be abused and will make the oversight function of this House difficult.
Finally, on Section 10 and 11, we would like to refer the House to the submission by Micheal Orimobi titled “The issuance of state government bonds in Nigeria –an overview”. This cover the legal basis, the regulators’ Roles & Impact, Structuring a state Government bond etc
We quote:
‘There is a cap on the amount of debt a Sub-national can raise via bonds or any other means; the total loan portfolio of a State at any particular time must not exceed 50% of the revenue generated in the previous year – proviso to Section 223(1) of the ISA. Loans in this context include bank loans, external debts arrangements, bonds, etc. By way of example, if a Sub-national’s current outstanding loan portfolio is N20 billion and the preceding year’s income was N100 billion. The amount that can be raised via bonds cannot exceed N30 billion, as a N30 billion bond issuance exercise will bring the total loan portfolio to N50 billion, which is 50% of the previous year’s revenue.”’
We hope this system of Consolidated Account and or Sinking fund, 15% etc were not copied from a particular State in Nigeria. The government did not tell us what their projection is, what they want to commit the state to etc. Anyway, we believe that the House will look into this area before passing the law.
We urge our State Assembly to take very much care. You are the ambassador of your people; it will be ridiculous for us as a State that our esteemed and noble House of Assembly is caught in the web of passing a law that runs contrary to Nigerian Law. We urge you both individually and collectively to remember your name and our tomorrow.
Thank you.
God bless Ogun State!
God bless Federal Republic of Nigeria!!.
CC:
Members of Ogun State House of Assembly
Head of Service, Ogun State
Media
State Director, Department of State Security
Commissioner of Police, Ogun State
As an antidote to the frequent bickering between legislators in Nigeria, Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sir. Ude Oko Chukwu has called on leaders of legislative houses to show transparency in their dealings to earn the confidence of their members.
Oko Chukwu said this has become necessary in order to avert the frequent bickering which has often led to the high turnover of speakers in state legislatures in Nigeria.
In a chat with newsmen at his country home, Etitiama Nkporo in Ohafia local council, the speaker said only this would ensure that infightings and misgivings are reduce to the barest minimum.
“Leadership is an innate attribute. When you are operating in an environment like the legislature, you must recognize the fact that all of you are equals. Be aware that every one of them is a potential Speaker. Also know that being at the helm of affairs does not make you higher than your colleagues. You are only there to serve them.
On the magic behind the peaceful nature of the 5th House unlike the bickering that characterized the tenure of past legislators in Abia state, Oko Chukwu said, “I’m aware of those things that cause problems. You can avert crisis by being transparent. I see myself as their servant, not their leader. Above all, you have to operate an open door policy. You have to be transparent and open to them. Treating them as equals will make you enjoy their confidence.
“Once you operate in this way kind of environment, nobody will feel cheated or belittled. There will be harmonious relationship in the House,” the speaker remarked.
.Oko Chukwu who explained that there is a perfect working relationship between the state legislature and the executive arm of government, added that the House cannot afford to disappoint the people on whose goodwill and support they were elected and commended the press for their coverage of the activities of the 5th House.
The All Nigeria Peoples Party [ANPP] received with interest the comment credited to the Senate President David Mark during his address at the resumption of the Senate from recess on Wednesday where he said that budgets have dashed the hopes of Nigerians for an improved living condition, while elucidating that hopes raised over the years by budgets for a better life have remained ‘‘largely unrealised’’. Bearing in mind that a national budget is the most important economic policy instrument for governments and has the singular duty of translating the campaign promises, political commitments and goals of the government in power into visible parameters in the lives of the citizenry, we believe that the Peoples Democratic Party [PDP] government has failed the people of Nigeria with whom they have a social contract.
During the recent celebration of its 14th Anniversary, the PDP gave itself a pass mark and boasted laying a new solid foundation for socio-economic prosperity for the nation. But now it is self-evident that the words coming from the Senate President has shown the emptiness of such claims. This is because experts have averred that the budget system and process in any country are central in determining the extent to which it has an open, democratic and participatory system of government; and that any failed budget has automatically and fundamentally reduced the standard of living of the citizens. The PDP government is known to make appointments based strictly on patronage and not on patriotism; these appointed men and women disregard best practices in budget implementation and assessment, and feather their nests in detriment to the country and the citizens.
Nonetheless, our great party commends the National Assembly for standing on its constitutional responsibilities, and feeling the pulse of the people. We stand by the Senate in its avowed resolve to activate and deploy its weapon of oversight to meticulously monitor budget performance, while insisting on full implementation of the expected 2013 budget. The ANPP therefore urges them to insist and ensure that the whole stages in budget cycle – formulation, enactment, execution and auditing – adhere to internationally accepted best practices. As a party we recognize that fiscal discipline, effective allocation and efficient public service are the ingredients the country needs now more than ever to curb the recurring decimal of failed budgets, for the people to benefit from the abundant resources this great country is endowed with.
Signed:
Hon Emma Eneukwu
National Publicity Secretary
ANPP
21-09-12
The attention of Imo State Government has been drawn to a fabricated
story carried by the Nation Newspaper captioned “Chairmen seek
Okorocha’s probe on N57b Council Cash”
The story in its entirety is a misrepresentation of facts and a figment of imagination of both the author and purported source of the
story.
In as much as the state government doesn’t intend to join issues with
the former PDP Council Chairmen whose tenure has already expired, the
government will not fold its arms and allow Imolites fed with
falsehood.
In the first instance, the purported figure quoted in the publication
is not a true reflection of the situation on ground. Imo people are
witnesses to the monumental projects completed in the 27 LGAs of the
state and ongoing ones. These projects include the multi-billion Naira new General Hospitals in the 27 LGAs, massive construction of 24
kilometer rural roads in each of the local government areas and
agricultural revolution embarked upon in all the LGA of the state.
It is worthy to mention that the state government led by His
Excellency Owelle Rochas Okorocha has remained accountable to the
people who are not in doubt of his administration commitment to
provide the basic infrastructural needs of the populace.
For the avoidance of doubt, the former PDP Council Chairmen lack the
competence to discuss JAAC Meeting and disbursement of Council funds
since their two year tenure expired on August 8, 2012. This is even
as their suit seeking for tenure elongation was dismissed by Justice
Ngozi Opara of an Owerri High Court.
It is on record that His Excellency, Owelle Rochas Okorocha is running
an open administration and has nothing whatsoever to hide.
Against the backdrop of the erroneous impression created in some
quarters by some disgruntled element, that activities in the 27 LGAs
are being stalled, the state government wishes to state emphatically
that various activities including developmental projects are moving on
smoothly under the custody of the Directors of Administration and
General Services [DAGS] who are presently in charge of the activities
of the councils pending the conduct of the local government election.
However, media practitioners are advised to cross-check their facts
before publication to avoid misinforming the unsuspecting members of
the public thereby over-heating the prevailing peaceful atmosphere in
the state.
Ebere Uzoukwa
SA Media
Information available to 247ureports.com from Anambra State indicates the water level at the River Niger in Onitsha has increased dramatically to over-pour into neighboring communities in Anambra State – in line with the early alert of a flood warning released by the National Emergency Management Agency [NEMA].
According to the information received in the early morning hours of today, the communities submerged in the flood include communities within Ogbaru Local Government Area [LGA] and a large portion of Anambra West LGA where the Orient Petroleum rig is housed. Credible but yet to be verified information indicates that the area housing the oil rig has been enveloped by the flood – including the location were the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebelemi Jonathan, stood on the day of the commissioning of the Orient petroleum oil drilling complex – at Aguleri Otu.
It is understood that the heavy rain of last night may have triggered the massive flooding in the area.
In talking to the Police in Anambra State, the Public Relations Officer, Chukwuemeka Chukwuemeka confirmed that massive flooding had hit the area. But he started that he was not completely aware of the extent of flooding in the area.
An eyewitness, a resident of Anam [Okeke] told 247ureports.com of the ordeal. He adds that about 70% of Anambra West LGA has gone under water including the LGA headquarter located at Nzam. “Even the palm tree grooves are submerged under water. The highest point in terms of elevation has gone under too. Our market is under water“, said the resident – who has since relocated to upland in Awka metropolis.
The State governor of Bayelsa State, Barrister Seriake Dickson may have acted to avert an unfolding communal crisis within the southern Ijaw communities of Bayelsa State. This is as information recently made available to 247ureports.com through sources near the activities within the affected communities indicate that the State administration may have sensed the growing tension within the communities affected by the January 16, 2012 gas fire by Chevron oil company – and may have initiated steps aimed at dousing the tension.
A source within the Bayelsa State Ministry of Environment reveals that the State government has begun dialoguing with the oil multinational over amiable ways to douse what appears unfolding community unrest. The oil multinational, on their part, is said to be unsettled by the suit filed by the previous Bayelsa State government at the Federal High Court Abuja over the matter. They requested for the State government to withdraw the case as a condition for Chevron to come to the settlement table. According to our source, the State government agreed. On the next scheduled hearing date of October 3, 2012 at Court 4, the state government is expected to address the court – stating that they are no longer willing to proceed with the case.
Last week, the affected communities issued a warning to the Chevron offices in Nigeria of their intentions – should the oil multinational refuse to settle the community financially and timely. The warning included the violent invasion of Chevron’s offices.
It is recalled – following the gas fire disaster, experts from the federal government in tandem with experts from Chevron evaluated the extent of damage caused by the gas fire which had burned non-stop for 46days. At the conclusion of the joint evaluation exercise, both teams reached a consensus on the extent of damage. They agreed the ecosystem of the shoreline communities of Bayelsa State were negatively impacted by the fire. Settlement was recommended. But the oil multinational, for reasons that remain unclear, was not forthcoming. They short all lines of communication with the affected community. This prompted the then governor of Bayelsa State; Chief Timipre Sylva filed a suit against the oil multinational at a Federal High Court in Abuja. The suit sought damages on the part of the oil company.
Meanwhile, sources reveal that former militants for communities within south Ijaw have begun veiled mobilization of youths and community leaders against what is believed to be a move to redeem their threat.
President Obama walks from the Oval Office on Thursday
President Obama marks a milestone today: one year since the end of the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.
“Gay and lesbian Americans now no longer need to hide who they love in order to serve the country they love,” Obama said in a statement issued today.
Gay voters are a major part of the coalition Obama is trying to assemble this election year.
First lady Michelle Obama also celebrated the anniversary of the end of the military restriction on gays and lesbians, tweeting out, “DADT was repealed one year ago today. Our country is stronger, freer, and fairer because of it. Just one more way we’re moving forward — mo.”
Here is the president’s full statement:
“A year ago today, we upheld the fundamental American values of fairness and equality by finally and formally repealing â??Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.’ Gay and lesbian Americans now no longer need to hide who they love in order to serve the country they love.
“It is a testament to the professionalism of our men and women in uniform that this change was implemented in an orderly manner, preserving unit cohesion, recruitment, retention and military effectiveness. As Commander in Chief, I’ve seen that our national security has been strengthened because we are no longer denied the skills and talents of those patriotic Americans who happen to be gay or lesbian.
“The ability of service members to be open and honest about their families and the people they love honors the integrity of the individuals who serve, strengthens the institutions they serve, and is one of the many reasons why our military remains the finest in the world.”
Nigeria’s biggest airline, Arik Air, has leveled sundry grave allegations against the Ministry of Aviation and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), culminating in the company’s suspension of domestic operations effective from today. The airlines management in a statement by Chris Ndulue, the Managing Director, made available to News Express, said:
“Due to persistent hostility of the Ministry of Aviation and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), which has culminated in the use of FAAN staff to stop Arik Air operations and lock in checked-in passengers in Lagos this morning, Arik Air has no option than to suspend all domestic operations until further notice. This issue borders on personal interests and not payment of bills; since FAAN has been collecting their charges in advance since 18 months now. Arik Air regrets the inconveniences this disruption by FAAN would cause our guests.
“Trouble started for Arik due to the airline’s inability to meet the personal demands of certain influential person(s) in the industry. Before now, there have been several attempts and threats to disrupt our operations and sell the usual impression that Arik Air is owing the agencies. After these attempts failed, today, they resorted to using some FAAN staff. We are aware that some knowledgeable staff refused to join this illegal and unwarranted action. They locked the boarding gate and prevented passengers from getting to the aircraft and were making false announcement of unimaginable sums of money they claimed Arik owed. Obviously, from their records no other airline owes, anything.
“This is only a calculated attempt to punish the airline and tarnish its image. They are witnesses to the reputation of Arik Air as a young and upwardly mobile airline. They saw it in their road shows and many visits to airlines and aircraft manufacturers. Ordinarily, they should be happy, but they are not.
“For the records, Arik Air does not owe FAAN as is being alleged by the Agency. We want to state that FAAN has been collecting its charges over the last 18 months when it introduced the pay-as-you-go regime. In this year alone, we have paid over N2bn to FAAN (breakdown by month and types is attached). 35% of total airline revenues in Nigeria, are paid back to government agencies.
“Several figures are currently being bandied about by FAAN as Arik Air’s indebtedness to the agency. The amount the agency is claiming as Arik Air’s debt is fictitious and baseless.
“We have an outstanding balance of N1.6bn from the period before FAAN/Ministry of Aviation started “Pay-As-You-Go” (payment in advance). Other airlines also have various figures. In January 2011, the former Minister of Aviation directed that such outstanding be cleared within 30 months. We have been paying down on the amount installments of N100million per month – we will continue to do so.
“It is pertinent to note that the Managing Director of FAAN, Mr. George Uriesi, has failed to attend one meeting with us on this issue, despite several attempts by my Chairman and I.
“We are appalled at the amount of energy and resources being dissipated in trying to woo foreigners to invest in Nigeria, while the same time trying to pull down the largest Nigerian, and West African airline, just for purely personal gains. For this purpose, a lot of decisions have been taken on Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA), which are not in the interest of the Nigerian aviation industry. The Ministry should not be in competition, or in concerted efforts with its agencies to weaken domestic airlines. No amount of personal benefits justifies that.
“We must thank the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the House of Representatives (especially the Committee on Aviation) for standing firm and supporting the course of national development.
“We look forward, and appeal to the Federal Government, for urgent intervention to resolve all the issues with FAAN and the Federal Ministry of Aviation, to enable us fully return to our business.”
