The 36-State structure of Nigeria is clearly not going to take us far. Several issues can be cited in support of this assertion. The latest is the N18,000 minimum wage which many of our States cannot pay. Many of them have over bloated staff profiles which their State Governors find difficult to downsize. The recurrent expenditure of some of these States is already as high as 80%. Paying the new minimum wage would take this up to 100%, leaving not a kobo for development, a very sorry situation.
Many of our States are also not economically viable. They generate very little revenue internally and therefore depend heavily on Federal subventions. They have neglected revenue collection and the making of investments in commercial ventures because the Federal Government has become a Father Christmas doling out easy money regularly. The ‘black gold’ blessing has been turned into a curse by some State Governments.
The duplication of administrative structures 36 times is a most wasteful arrangement. Having 6 Regions will reduce the cost of running government to one sixth of what it is presently. Talk about taking government nearer to the people is mere talk which is never walked. It only succeeds in benefiting a few lucky government officials and their contractors.
The agitation for the creation of more State in the country is the most irrational demand any of us can make. It’s an ego trip not carefully thought out. I am always shocked when I see Senate President, David Mark, promising Nigerians that the National Assembly will create more States.
When General J. T. U. Ironsi abolished Regional Governments in 1967, his hope was to cage ethnicity, which was then tearing the country apart. The distrust between the four regions was palpable at the time. In the same flawed belief, General Gowon created 12 States in 1968 in attempt to bid farewell to the hydra-headed scourge of ethnicity and regionalism. Today, with the benefit of hind sight, we can say, how mistaken they were.
A close look at the voting pattern in the 2011 elections reveals that regionalism is alive and well in Nigeria. The East, the West and the North displayed block voting tendencies. The North showed a preference for the CPC, the West for the ACN and the East for APGA. This is not surprising because regionalism comes naturally to us. Our colonial master saw these preferred lines of cleavage and entrenched them in their administration up to 1960. The Mid-Western Region was added to the 3 existing Regions as a genuine and natural need of he people who were not comfortable in the West nor in the East.
There was nothing wrong with the 4-regional Federation except that the regions were very unbalanced in wealth, education and population. While the Northern Region had the largest population, it was the least in wealth and education, but has a lot of agricultural.. The West was the most advanced in commerce and education while the East was ahead of the other regions in entrepreneurship.
I see regional proclivity as a natural phenomenon to be encouraged and exploited to our common good rather attempting to kill it by artificial State boundaries that have lumped strange bed fellows together causing unnecessary internal acrimony. For example, I see no hegemony now or in the future between the people of Southern Kaduna and the rest of that State.
A ruling elite is slowly emerging in the country and it is working assiduously towards perpetuating itself in power. Wives, children, and contractors to those in power are the ones always propped forward in elections and for appointments.
Mentors and protégés are appearing on our political scene. This is what is referred to as god-fatherism. Oath-taking and fetish practices are used to bind members. The use of money is also rife in our politicking. New comers therefore have an uphill task trying to join the political process. This is most unhealthy for democracy.
We are supposed to be a federation, yet we are practicing unitarism by all definitions of the word. The Federal Government is too big, too strong and too rich, to the detriment of the federating units who are forced to crawl daily to the doorsteps of the Federal Government to beg for stipends in order to survive. In a true confederation, the federating units enjoy a high degree of autonomy as found in the USA. This ensures rapid infrastructural development.
In Nigeria, affinity, cohesion and integration is strongest at the regional level among peoples of similar culture, tradition, religion and language. Self determination is best defined in this context and not in a central federal government. The manner in which our 36 States boundaries have mutilated hitherto happily co-existing communities should be redressed.
With the emergence of Shariah as a State religion in some northern States, security, even development and egalitarian societies can no longer be more be guaranteed in such States. Those who belong to the State religion have an upper hand. Others in such States are minorities and highly disadvantaged. Such States should be allowed to form one regional government so as to achieve their aspirations. Why is the whole country thrown into a quarrel about Islamic Banking when such regions, if created, will be free and very happy with it? The demands of Boko Haram may be satisfied in a region that they dominate. The unitary government system has failed us and should therefore be abolished.
The agitations for and the proliferation of States may see no end. As at the last count towards the end of the life of the sixth NASS, there were 34 requests for the creation of new States across the country. I recall that when Gen. Murtala Mohammed created 7 more States atop Gowon’s 12, he said,” There should be no jubilation for or against the creation of any State and there should be not agitations for any more.” Subsequently, Obasanjo, Abacha and Babangida created more States, not because it was economical, but just to try and correct perceived imbalances in the number between the north and the south, the east and west, etc. Yet the problem has not been solved. The South East today is disadvantaged in that it has the fewest number of States in comparison to the other 5 geo-political zones. The North East has 7 States while the remaining 4 zones have 6 States each. Achieving a balance would require the creation of one State in the South East and abolishing one in the North East. Can anyone honestly see this happening?
The 774 Local Government areas in the country are also not equally distributed between the federating units. While some States have as many as 40, others have only 17. Remember that these numbers translate directly to the share of federally accruing revenues and the number of representatives in the House of Reps. How can we best achieve a balance in the number of LGAs across the country?
The revenue sharing formula enshrined in our laws has been challenged and it is still being challenged. Its basis is obscure. Were the percentages fixed as the revenue sharing formula arrived at on the basis on somebody’s selfish motives? Those whose regions generate the larger chunk of federal revenues feel they should receive a bigger share on the basis of derivation and they have a valid a point.
Security challenges can only get bigger in a centralized governmental structure as we are operating. The disadvantages of over-centralization of powers in the Nigeria Police are becoming apparent. That is why the States Governors are agitating for State Police to be allowed. As chief security officers in their States, the Governors do not command “even a fly” (in the words of Gov. Jang of Plateau State). Obviously, 36 State Police formations will amount to a colossal waste of resources and create party-loyal or Governor-loyal police outfits. If we operate a few regional governments, then regional police will become a workable, natural preference, thus freeing the central government to focus on the military and wading off external aggression. Just imagine has the Nigerian Army has been dragged into local politics and religion in Borno, Bauchi and Plateau States. An Army General is currently facing a Court Marshall in Maxwell Kobe Cantonment, Rukuba, for his alleged partisanship in the release of Boko Haram terrorists from Bauchi prison.
Many of our constitutional provisions and other statutes are obnoxious to the people of some parts of the country while highly welcome in otherst. For example, the Land Use Act provides for the allocation of grazing land to nomadic cattle rearers. Though this provision may be necessary in Adamawa State, of what value is it in Lagos State? The Constitution specifies 3 Senators per State irrespective of population. Why should Lagos State with 10 million registered voters produce the same number of senators as Bayelsa State with only 0.8 million voters? The Constitution has an Exclusive List reserved for federal legislation and a Concurrent list for both States and the Federal Governments. Labour matters are on the Exclusive List, so States cannot legislate on them. No wonder, the minimum wage issue is bound to create unnecessary acrimony. It’s unfair that the Federal Government should fix minimum wage while States pay it. I expect the Exclusive Legislative List to be very short and nothing like a Concurrent List.
The sum total of all these is that we are operating an unfair governmental structure which is stifling development, misallocating resources, dislocating communities, creating a ruling class, killing nationalism, promoting mediocrity, ethnicity and corruption. In order to free resources for appropriate allocation to ensure rapid economic development and grant political self-determination to all peoples in this country, I have the following suggestion to make. It is a three-pronged approach designed to be implemented simultaneously. My sincere belief is that, if implemented, it will substantially satisfy yearnings, aspirations and agitations by all Nigerians;
1. COLLAPSE STATE BOUNDARIES. By this I mean that all the 36 six State Governments should cease to exist while the 774 LGAs are retained.
2. CREATE 6 NEW REGIONS. These will immediately replace the 36 States. They should be called Regions (not States) so that we can mentally move away from the States structure and begin to imbibe regionalism which promotes greater patriotism in Nigerians leading to a reduction of corrupt tendencies. These regions should receive at least 50% of all centrally generated revenue while the LGs receive 25%. The Federal Government should be left with just 25% to take care of a vey lean Presidency.
3. DEVOLVE POWERS. A lot of the responsibilities currently placed on the Federal Government should be transferred to the 6 new regional Governments. For example, policing, education, agriculture, tourism and culture, etc. should be regional government affairs. All legislative functions should become part-time activities while the size of the legislature at all levels should be trimmed down to no more than 25% of its present size.
It goes without saying that these measures will necessitate the review of our Constitution and statutes. Regional groups freely formed should volunteer immediately to start the process of drafting their ideas of a new Constitution for their regional governments. A Constitutional Conference should convene to adopt a new Nigerian constitution which recognizes the new governmental structure for the country. The new constitution can then rightly start with the words, “We the people of Nigeria …”
James Pam, University of Jos, jamespam2004@yahoo.com
Collapse State Boundaries, Create 6 Regions, Devolve Powers
Gov Kwankwaso’s Drug Abuse, Assault on Cabinet Members, Corruption & Ibrahim Shekarau
A cantankerous fete in the Kano State Government under the tutelage of Governor Kwankwaso appears on the heels of anarchy amidst ill conceived conspiracies unapologetically rocking the pillars of the administrative cabinet. This is as information available to 247ureports.com reveals all is not well with the Governor and his administration.
On the late Monday evening of September 26, 2011, an incident [assault] occurred in the Government House in Kano State that may change the face of Kwankwaso’s administration for the remainder of Kwankwaso’s tenure as governor. The governor was reported by credible sources to have verbally and physically assaulted one of his commissioners while at a closed door meeting with other inner caucus members of the administration. It took the intervention of the Chief of Staff and Perm Sec Special Services who prevailed on the Commissioner not to resign there and then.
Close associates of the governor who opened up to 247ureports.com express concerns over the governor of Kano State. They state that he may have reverted to old habits of hard drug abuse. In the words of one of the associates, “the man has sunk lower by resorting to hard drugs. Apart from the cannabis that he was known to indulge, the governor of the most populous state in Nigeria is on heroin and perhaps cocaine. He collapsed twice since his assumption as governor and it may perhaps explain why his Chief of Staff, Dr Yunusa Dangawani, whose only experience in life is having once served as an executive secretary at the state Health Services Management Board is ranked above all political appointees including the SSG, HOS and Kwankwaso’s deputy governor. He is an Urologist”.
According to information gathered, the assaulted Commissioner goes by the name Abdullahi Abbas, a cousin brother to the Central Bank of Nigeria [CBN] Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. Abbas oversees the affairs of the State Ministry of Environment. He is regarded as one of the fieriest critic of Shekarau administration and a major financier of the fanatical Kwankwasiya movement. He was an All Nigeria Peoples Party [ANPP] stalwart during Governor Kwankwaso’s first tenure. He had fallen out with Ibrahim Shekarau after his failed bid to see that Ibrahim Al-Amin Little emerged as ANPP’s flag-bearer prior to 2003 polls, in which Shekarau emerged victorious after trouncing the much maligned Kwankwaso.
Further inquiry indicates that Abbas had pitched his tent with Kwankwaso prior to the 2011 gubernatorial elections of 2011 and participated actively in the overall activities of Kwankwasiya [of which many observers believe was the Kwankwasiya movement as not a PDP movement], curiously promoting a fanatical political group bent on unleashing mayhem if they fail in their bid to clinch Kano. Sources cite the Kwankwasiya movement as a blood thirsty group – as they movement openly campaigned for violence and bloodshed against any group who would be a stumbling block to their desire to wrest Kano from the ANPP. Their main slogan, during their campaign a year before the 2011 gubernatorial elections was “Sabon Sarki, Sabon Gwamna“, meaning “New emir, new Governor” a euphuism for Kwankwaso’s plan to dethrone the Kano emir, ostensibly for supporting Ibrahim Shekarau in his pet project, a societal reorientation program: A daidaita Sahu.
Part of Kwankwaso’s present troubles is traced to the activities surrounding his controversial victory at the polls in 2011. Kwankwaso, according to his close associates, appointed many unqualified persons to his cabinet. “Most of them lacked the pedigree to question Kwankwaso as he is widely perceived to have disdain for criticism” – stated the close associate. The associate also noted that Kwankwaso’s appointment of Abbas as the Environment Commissioner struck a lone chord in that Abbas was considered “his own man” and not a “praise singer”, and that he normally speaks his mind and is not afraid to take a stand. Abbas is reported to be the only cabinet member that questions Kwankwaso on certain issues – and it was widely believed among cabinet that Abbas’ liberty at questioning Kwankwaso so freely was largely due to the supposed closeness between him and Governor. One amongst the slew of questions raised by Abba was the promise by Kwankwaso to continue to pursue the agenda to remove the seating Monarch. At the time, Kwankwaso appeared happy and at ease with the manner the cabinet was sailing.
Then suddenly one evening, in a manner deemed abrupt and uncharacteristic, by keen observers of the Kano State government, Kwankwaso summoned his cabinet members to the government house. And then began a tongue lashing. Two of the Commissioners present told 247ureports.com that the Governor appeared “clearly stoned. He accused all us as having a mindset of perfidy and that he would not tolerate any one of us who came in with the intent to steal. He insulted us and alleged that most of us were “jobless” and that he saved us by offering us to serve him [not the state]”. And in Kwankwaso’s words, “most of you, look at you fools, are entertaining friends and relatives, in anticipation of making money in this government, I will not tolerate it. I will sting anybody who dares to challenge me on this“.
In a timely manner, the abrupt tongue lashing by Kwankwaso of his cabinet members brought to anchor the unraveling of the Kwankwaso’s administration.
Its symptoms began exhibiting outwardly with the flood of June 2011 which wrecked havoc on the hapless community of Feggae in Nassarawa Local Government Area [LGA] – where the Kwankwaso administration was reported to have responded unimpressively. Gov Kwankwaso then directed the Ministry of Environment to proffer advice and offer a palliative solution to the crisis – of which Abbas complied. The Environment Ministry drafted and submitted a plan to evacuate the drainages in the LGA of Nassarawa – with a cost appendage of N10million. But the Governor responded to slash the cost to N1million without discussions/consultations with the technical experts or the Commissioner.
Abbas became unhappy and somewhat disgruntled partly following the unprovoked tongue lashing by the governor. Abbas began considering abandoning the Kwankwaso administration when he discovered that he was not alone. In his brief interaction with the other cabinet members, he learnt that nearly all of the Commissioners were experiencing similar fate with the governor. The Commissioners who spoke to 247ureports.com revealed that all contractual submissions that are lucrative are reserved by the Chief of Staff of the Kano State Government, Dr Yunusa Dangawani, for the brother of the governor, Garba Musa Kwankwaso. As a result, the commissioners chose to stop forwarding their submissions with financial implication or suggesting any company to be considered.
Unrelenting in his “induced rage”, Kwankwaso announced the abrupt suspension of over 5,000 street cleaners without consulting with the Ministry of Environment – under the care of Abbas. This led to Kano streets being overtaken by refuse. Reports from Kano metropolis indicated that the public were angry as most of the “Yanshara” [street cleaners] were widows, poor and undeserving of the abrupt sacking. But a source close to Kwankwaso defended the governor’s actions stating that the street cleaners were suspiciously too many – and that the governor suspected foul-play so he decided to act to reorganized the street sweeping program. The associate indicated that Kwankwaso is determined to fight corruption in his government.
But the activities of Kwankwaso’s brother-in-law, Babangida Sule Garo poses a contradiction to the fight against corruption in the Kwankwaso administration. As investigations uncovered, Sule Garo has been having a field day as the Chairman of Sabon Gari Market [a lucrative South East majority Market]. Sule Garo recently sold the Market Union building at N54m while renting a N10m office along Sani Abacha Way. This is while reviewing upwards the tenement rent of Market shops, including that of First Bank of Nigeria, situated within the market without the knowledge of the Ministry of Commerce that oversees the affairs of the Markets in Kano. The Bank’s rent was increased from N950,000 to N5 million annually – and was asked to pay for five years upfront [N25 million]. The payment was made directly to the governor, sidelining the Commerce Commissioner, Hon. Danburan. [Danburan, a former Finbank employee, is said to be a wealthy business man who amassed tremendous wealth and splashed some on Kwankwasiya movement, financing most of the movement’s illicit deals and sheepishly believing that Kwankwaso would reward him with finance ministry so that he can recoup his “investments” He was disappointed when given the Commerce Ministry, a Siberia of sort in Kano.]
Then came the altercation that followed between Kwankwaso and the Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero [see Kano State Gov, Dr. Kwankwaso & Vice President, Arc Sambo at war path – for a brief on the altercation]. Kwankwaso, acting under what his commissioners referred to as an “induced rage” ordered Abbas to issue a warning threat to the Emir through his father [Abbas] that the Emir risked being dethroned if he dare do the traditional Sallah ceremony. Abbas’ father, Alhaji Abbas Sanusi, seats as the Senior Councilor [Wambai] in the Kano Emirate Council. The altercation between Abbas’ boss and the Emir placed Abbas in a “Catch 22”. The emir defied Kwankwaso and to go ahead with the ceremony. Disaster was averted when eminent Nigerians cautioned Kwankwaso against plunging Kano into another crisis reminiscent of July 1980 rampage.
Clandestinely, the band of disgruntled cabinet members has since decided to join forces to fight the governor. Having decided to abandon the Kwankwaso administration, at a time deemed appropriate for maximum impact, they also have opened talks with the former governor of Kano State, Ibrahim Shekarau for possible collaboration. The disgruntled group, as our source reveals, feels emboldened by the dwindling fortune of Kwankwaso – his popularity rating is at its lowest, he is presently contending with what experts believe as an unwinnable trio of litigations, all capable of upturning the results of the April 2011 gubernatorial elections.
The disgruntled cabinet members are said to be increasing in number – to five [5] confirmed Commissioners and five [5] Special Advisors – with Abbas as their leader.
It is certain the State Governor, Kwankwaso finds himself in a precarious situation. He appears waging a battle against the Vice President of Nigeria, Arc Sambo, the former governor of Kano, Ibrahim Shekarau, the members of his cabinet – all within the first 120days in office. His close associate who have expressed fear over his return to drug abuse, indicate he has launched a battle against himself. They fear the unspoken may result if caution is thrown to the wind.
Corruption, bad leadership destroyed our economy – Abatemi-Usman
Senator Nurudeen Abatemi-Usman representing Kogi Central on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has identified corruption and bad leadership as the major factors responsible for the country’s backwardness in terms of economic growth and development.
In a statement signed by his Media Assistant, Michael Jegede, the Senator noted that after 51 years of Independence Nigeria would have been among the Newly Industrialized Countries (NIC) with considerable level of economic advancement, if not for corruption on the part of past leaders.
Abatemi-Usman, who was a Special Assistant to ex-Speaker of House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, maintained that Nigeria can only get to the Promised Land when politicians and other public office holders shun corruption and work with every sense of morality and rectitude.
“Today, we are 51 years old as a nation with numerous human and natural resources at our disposal; yet, we are still very backward as far as economic development is concerned. We have not been able to utilize our God-given abundant and unlimited resources to the advantage of our people as a nation. Some few individuals have continued to corner the country’s resources at the detriment of the populace. Corruption and bad leadership have destroyed our economy. As we mark our 51st Independence Anniversary, we must have a rethink and work together to advance the course of the country for the benefit of all of us,” Abatemi-Usman appealed.
The youngest Senator in the Seventh Senate called on Nigerians to key into the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan in order to ensure that the country is lifted to the expected height of development, while observing that incessant crises and bombings would not help Nigeria in any way.
BreakingNews: Father of NASS Member [Nnewi, Anambra] Kidnapped
The father to House of Representative Member, Honorable Chris Azubogu, Mr. Louis Azubogu of Umudim-Nnewi was kidnapped in his home at Nnewi at minutes after 9am as he prepared to leave for early morning Sunday Service.
Mr. Azubogu is a 78 year old business man who is an Anglican by Church denomination. His son, Chris Azubogu is a representative of Nnewi federal constinuent in the national assembly. He is a member of he All Progressive Grand Alliance [APGA]. The lawmaker confirmed the sad news to 247ureports.com on the phone – stating that the family is yet to be contacted by the kidnappers but that they are keeping their phones lines open.
stay tuned
Independence Day Speech by President Jonathan
Address To The Nation By President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Gcfr, On The Occasion Of Nigeria’s 51stindependence Anniversary
1st October 2011
Fellow Compatriots,
On this day 51 years ago, the British Union Jack was lowered and replaced by our national Green-White-Green flag, heralding the independence of our nation. The 1st of October remains a special day for us, for Africa, and indeed the world.
As we celebrate today, we remember with pride, the nationalism and patriotism that inspired our founding fathers and the Nigerian people. They set aside their differences, to secure the unity and independence of our great country.
That is the Nigerian spirit! For the Nigerian spirit cannot be broken. We are a resilient nation, determined to chart a course, through the turbulent waters of nation building. The Nigerian spirit is vibrant today in the world.
Our citizens at home and abroad, are making their mark in all fields of human endeavour. These hard-working and committed Nigerians, remain a source of pride to us and a beacon of what is achievable, if we remain focused and determined.
I know that a great number of you are joining hands with me and the Administration, in the great task ahead.
I value all Nigerians. I see our youth who are looking for jobs and yet remain hopeful. I see the farmer, and fisherman, toiling everyday to earn a living. I see the teacher, working hard, to train our future generations, with much sacrifice. I see the market women whose entrepreneurial spirit helps to generate income for their children and families. I see our sportsmen and women training hard to bring glory to our nation. I see our resilience and commitment, as a nation, to defend our democracy and secure our future.
I see every single profession and vocation, making positive contributions to national progress. I value you all!
Together, we shall work for a Nigeria in which democracy and the rule of law are sacrosanct.
A country where corruption and its attendant vices, are banished. A country where human life is sacred and respected, and where the rights of the individual are protected.
Nigeria is a young entity in the comity of nations and yet in her 51 years, she has made significant strides in making her presence felt all over the world. Our diplomatic and peacekeeping efforts, in various parts of the continent, have helped to end conflict and avert crises. In sustaining global security, our intervention has been crucial to peace, progress and democracy for the citizens of the affected countries.
The journey to nationhood always has its own challenges. Nigeria has had her own share. Our growing pains as a nation have included the civil war, the June 12 election crisis and restlessness in the Niger Delta. But Nigeria has always overcome each of these challenges. We overcame before. We will overcome yet again.
Today, as a nation, there is much for us to celebrate. We celebrate our diversity. We celebrate our entrepreneurial spirit.
We celebrate our resilience and ability to turn adversity into hope. We celebrate our culture. For the labours of our heroes past, shall never be in vain.
As your President, let me reassure all Nigerians that I remain resolutely committed to the ideals and dreams of our founding fathers. Let me also reassure Nigerians that I will strongly defend the peace and stability of our nation.
My administration will spare no effort in fighting crime, building peace, and securing our homeland against internal threats and infiltration by violent groups, from outside our borders.
We condemn all acts of violence and declare that such acts of mindless savagery shall not be allowed to define our country. We will not be deterred. Our resolve is strong.
I have put in place a new and reinvigorated national security strategy, to combat the threat to our safety. Yet, no matter what I do as your President and no matter what we do as your elected leaders, at all levels, the peace and security of our nation rest also on our collective efforts as citizens, in our various communities.
All leaders and citizens, in every community, must therefore make peace the number one priority of their daily routine. This is because, without peace, no community can realize its objectives or achieve a happy and productive life for its members.
The current incidents of violence and terror, in parts of the country, will surely be overcome. We will secure the safety of our citizens for only when we do this, will we be able to build the needed peace and tranquility in all parts of the federation.
Securing our peace and stability will ensure economic growth and prosperity for all.
Since I assumed office, as the President of our great country, I have continued to focus my attention on the economy. I have taken several measures to address structural weaknesses which stand between us and economic growth and prosperity for all.
We are growing our economy, to generate employment opportunities for our teeming youth and enhanced prosperity for every citizen. This remains the main focus of my administration.
In a few days time, I shall launch an innovative competition for our young entrepreneurs to come up with ways to expand their businesses, create more jobs, and sharpen their business skills.
Now, it is very clear that without fundamental reforms in the key sectors of our economy, we will not be able to fully unlock our potential as a nation. We must manage our resources more prudently and efficiently. We must provide stable electricity to our citizens to help drive economic activity.
I call on our political leaders to put aside partisan politics, for united action towards the advancement of our nation. We must build together.
Because of the measures we have taken on the economy, our GDP is today one of the fastest growing in Africa. We are currently growing the economy at 7.8%. We expect to sustain an 8% growth rate and a better GDP in the medium term, on our journey towards realizing our Vision 20:2020 goal.
We shall strive to make this growth, job creating and inclusive.
Growth in agriculture and other non-oil sectors are crucial, to help diversify the economy and to generate much needed jobs. Agriculture remains one of the highest priorities in my government’s Agenda for National Transformation. We have set out clear, agricultural, transformation action plans and policy measures, to achieve self-sufficiency in the production of rice, cassava, maize, sorghum and other staple foods.
Self-sufficiency in rice alone will save us the 356 Billion Naira that we currently spend annually importing rice. We will revamp the way we distribute fertilizers, taking government out of distribution of fertilizers.
We plan to reach 20 million farmers with private-sector distributed fertilizers over the next four years. We will improve the investment environment and incentives for the private sector across the agricultural value chains. Our agricultural transformation plan will generate 3.5 million jobs and an additional 20 million metric tons of food.
But we must all show pride in our farmers. We should eat what we produce. The increasing popularity of local products, like ‘Ofada Rice’, ‘Badegi rice’, and ‘Abakaliki Rice’, attest to the fact, that the populace will readily embrace locally grown produce.
We must also take pride in our scientists. This week, Nigeria released 8 new high yielding cocoa varieties. This will help to transform cocoa production, across the 14 cocoa producing states in the nation.
We have put in place implementable programmes to transform our Nation from an importer of petroleum products, to the regional hub for exportation of value-added petroleum and petrochemical products. We are revamping existing refineries and building three new ones.
We are effectively supporting the private-sector led construction of world scale petrochemical and fertilizer plants. This will for the first time in our history, result in effective monetization of our abundant natural gas resources while at the same time, creating over a million jobs.
Our potential is huge.
We have the requisite market volume.
We have a youthful, energetic, and hardworking population.
The structural and managerial bottlenecks, that have obstructed our economic growth, are being addressed, to unleash the energy and potentials of this nation.
To achieve this, I am determined to ensure that Nigerians have reliable electricity. Our economy will grow faster, and our hard working small businesses will thrive, when we finally fix the power challenges we face. We are fast tracking power reforms, to improve the generation and distribution of electricity.
Already, we are beginning to do things differently. I believe that integrity, honour, patriotism, selfless service and fear of God, must be the hallmarks of leadership at all levels.
A nation is sustained by its institutions and systems. I have taken strong measures to improve on governance. It is in this regard, that I signed into law, the Freedom of Information Act. I will further strengthen all institutions, to ensure greater transparency, probity, and accountability at all levels.
Last year, I promised to restore confidence in our electoral system and pledged to deliver free and fair elections. To achieve that, we initiated some electoral reforms and strengthened INEC and other related agencies.
As a result, our April 2011 general elections was adjudged by Nigerians and the international community as the most transparent and credible elections, ever conducted in our country. Indeed, post-election petitions reduced by over 50%.
Let me assure all Nigerians of my resolve to lead our nation into a safer, more peaceful, and prosperous future for our children.
For the time has come, to rise above ethnic and religious divisions;
The time has come, to unite against violence, in all its ramifications;
The time has come, to secure our peace, and unite against suffering, and deprivation;
I see a new Nigeria rising. A Nigeria, that is economically strong. A Nigeria, that takes its rightful place of leadership in the world. A Nigeria, that uses its diversity to reinforce its strength. A Nigeria, we all can be proud of.
This is the Nigeria we need and this is the Nigeria, we all must build.
As we celebrate today, let us resolve to build the Nigeria of our future.
I thank you.
God bless you all.
And God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Nigeria at 51: We will Revive the Health Sector – Hon. Ndudi Elumelu
KIZITO, African Independent Television, (AIT) reporter in an interview with Honorable Godwin Ndudi Elumelu. Representing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency and Chairman House Committee on Health
Nigeria at 51: Is It Worth Celebrating?
The convocation of a Sovereign National Conference to jointly define the conditions of our continued common existence or the parameters of an amicable break-up looks attractive in our present situation. But who will convoke this SNC? Who will be invited to this SNC? Will it be the same dishonest, corrupt and continuously recycled members of the discredited political class? Will the political class even have the courage to convoke this SNC? The answer is No! The necessity for this SNC is not new. It is something that has been staring at us in the face for the past 50 years and none of our rulers has ever had the courage to put this agenda on the table.
Tersoo Adagher .A
12 Persons Escape death as 4 storey building collapse in Nkpor
By Theo Rays
Police Arrest 3 for Stealing Anambra Government Vehicles
The Anambra State Police Command have arrested three suspects for allegedly stealing an air-conditioned Toyota Urban bus with registration No AE 443-E01, popularly called Hummer, property of the Anambra State Government.
According to the police, the suspects were arrested 5am yesterday morning by the Criminal Investigation Department of the command led by Mike Okoli, an Assistant Commissioner of Police.
They gave their names as Chidi Onyia, 29, from Awgwu in Enugu state, Emeka Chinwuko 23 yrs driver from Nwafia in Njikoka Council Area of Anambra State, and Chukwuma Paul Nworah 21 years old welder, also from Anambra state.
The suspects were said to have invaded the residence of one Davidson Nwafor, a driver with the Anambra State Government for past 20 years, some days ago, with dangerous weapons including axes and ordered him and his wife to surrender the keys to the government vehicle under their care or hacked to death.
So for fear of losing their lives, the couple complied with their request. Instantly the suspects drove the vehicle to Abuja and to Lagos respectively desperately in search of buyers, before information leaked to the state police command. Detectives were then dispatched to Lagos who posed also as interested potential buyers. But at the nick of time arrested the suspects at Apapa and brought them to Awka.
Anambra State Police Commissioner, Mallam Muhtari Ibrahim while parading the suspects to news men yesterday at the police headquarters at Amawbia, said his command would stop at nothing in making sure that the state was rid off of criminals.
The State Commissioner for Special Duties, Robert Okonkwo, under whose office the stolen vehicle belonged commended the police for its quick response.
He said that the police had saved the life of the driver who was detained before now by the police, adding that the suspects must face the full wrath of the law.
Looking subdued and remorseful, the three suspects, who cried while being paraded, told reporters that they were pushed to commit the crime by the devil.
One of them, Onyia said that he agreed to commit the crime because he was looking for a way to raise 96, 000 naira charged him by a hospital for his wife\s delivery bills
FIRS Launches Postage Stamps; Finance Minister Rues Roles of Facebook in Students’ Spelling Crisis
The Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS has launched three denominations of commemorative postage stamps, as it continues to underscore the importance of taxation to national development.
The Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Lawal Ngama, who launched the stamps yesterday on Abuja, noted that the advent of face book, twitter and SMS (Short Message Service) and the young generation’s preference for the abbreviated words, was partly responsible for most students’ inability to use correct spellings in English language.
Ngama made the observation at the formal launch and unveiling of the commemorative postage stamps and advised that urgent steps must be taken to reverse the ugly trends.
“Today our children cannot spell anything correctly. When they want to write LIKE, they write LYK. When they want to write LOVE its LUV. If we continue that way, I don’t know how they will pass English language. We really have to go back to the good old days and teach them how to write letters. Because they don’t write letters, they cannot collect stamp, so we really have to teach them how to write.
“Traditionally, if somebody writes a congratulatory letter to you and writes your name in his own handwriting, it shows respect for you.
“So when you write that letter, you put a stamp on it. As we launch stamp today, with messages of tax on it, let us look at tax as a way of developing this country, because it provides sustainable revenue. Let me therefore congratulate the FIRS and its partner in this project, the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) on their successful collaborative efforts that have culminated in the historic launching of the first ever FIRS commemorative stamps in the history of our nation, Nigeria,’’ he said.
Ngama said the occasion provided another opportunity to spread the message of taxation and that taxation holds the key to future development of the nation.
Ngama added “As we know taxation is a sustainable source of revenue and one, which if we properly maximize will enable Nigeria achieve its developmental goals.
So as we launch this stamps today, let us not see what we are doing here as merely symbolic, but rather as another step in the reform of our tax system, in which we are all stakeholders and partners.’’
Earlier, the FIRS Executive Chairman, Ifueko Omoigui Okauru, explained that the idea of introducing stamps to convey tax messages for the enlightenment of the tax paying public was conceived in 2009 by three staff of the Service: Tunde Oladapo, Olumide Odesanya and Francis Oliver.
She said that the objectives included the promotion of tax advocacy, general enlightenment on tax matters and the benefits of paying taxes as well as enhanced image and mileage for FIRS.
Okauru said “Following a detailed analysis, Management subsequently welcome and approved the proposal, which was presented to NIPOST for a possible buy-in. A great deal of collaborative efforts resulted in FIRS designing the stamps while NIPOST assumed the responsibility of producing them.’’
She said the Service had evolved well structured taxpayers education initiatives in order to make Nigerians willingly comply with tax obligations, saying “These include the endowment of professorial chairs on taxation in Nigerian Universities and Students Tax Advocacy Initiatives (STAI).
The commemorative stamps which are available in N20, N50 and N100 denominations, to the postal service-using public, philatelists, legal practitioners, business enterprises among others remains another step by FIRS to deepen tax culture in Nigeria.
Historically, postage stamps in Nigeria started in 1859 with the introduction of hand-struck with the inscription “paid in Lagos’’ and adhesive postage stamps were first introduced on June 10, 1874.
Communications Minister, Mrs. Omobola Johnson represented by the Post Master General, Mallam Ibrahim Mori Baba, noted that throughout the world, postage stamps are used to portray a country’s heritage, tourists centres, regional and global cooperation and values. Thus the postage stamp is a roving ambassador, penetrating many households around the world without border or immigration constraints.
Said Johnson: “as some of us are already aware, postage stamps are considered by many as the most effective medium for immortalisisng monuments and events of historical significance. Perhaps, this is what King Fhud, an ancient Egyptian Monarch had in mind when he said: “ Sands of time scored the Pyramid out of history and human memory but philatelic stamps restored it to them. .. The stamps we are launching today will be on sale in all postal establishments in Nigeria, the Crown Agents Stamp Bureau in London and Intergovermental Stamp Agency in New York for a period of six months.
Emmanuel Obeta
Director, Corporate Communications Department (CCD)
