Globalization’s Last Dagger

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Mallam Sanusi Lamido labored hard to convince ordinary citizens affected by Government’s ill-conceived removal of petroleum subsidies.  Other government officials chose to insult us instead.  Emeka Wogu, Minister of Labour reminded us that ‘We (they) as government are not obliged to listen to the people they RULE, or pander to them’.  Labaran Maku, ex-Student Union leader and now minister, branded all who went out to express their grievances as HOODLUMS.  Dr Reuben Abati who as at 2009 was a vehement opponent of fuel subsidy removal, did a good job to convince Nigerians with counter-intuitive arguments that don’t make any sense whatsoever.
On the streets, we were informed of a rally organized for Eagle Square to peacefully protest the subsidy removal.  But ALL access to Eagle Square was blocked.  Menacing mobile policemen and soldiers guarded and barricaded every road.  Plain-clothes security operatives were out in full force.  Welcome to the real age of oppression!  The guilty are certainly afraid.  No one could rightly claim that this was a democracy!  The people, the object of democracy, are now in total lockdown!  President makes a speech – another bland, uninspired, and uninspiring one straight off the teleprompter – at 9pm January 7th, 2012.  He has ‘bravely’ cut 25% off the BASIC salaries of himself and other politicians.  But we all know that basic salary is crap.  It is the allowance that carries the meat.  The man must be a magician of sort! Why didn’t he cut the salaries before this removal? Talk about putting the cart before the horse, the government was surprised just three weeks ago, that state governments are not implementing the new minimum wage.  Rather than compel them if it could, it damages the citizens more.  Ok, we know the poor are meant to bear every brunt…
Some argued that this removal of subsidy was the main thrust of Yaradua’s now lost Petroluem Industry Bill.  But the crux of that ill-fated Bill – which Shell’s ex-country head (and Mrs Allison-Madueke’s then boss) Ann Pickard swore quite correctly will never see the light of day – was about how Nigeria will get more fees from international oil companies, and increase what comes to it in general.  It was an attempt to review contracts signed since 1960 or thereabouts.  Poor Yaradua had to go. And the aspect of the bill that affects the common man is the only one our government can possibly implement.  Some thinkers are also asking why government waddled through last year without putting in place some of the austerity measures it is now considering…  is it so difficult for government to project one year ahead? Remember all the billions spent on different celebrations since Jonathan came in… He even promised a ‘big celebration’ in 2014 to mark 100 years of Nigeria’s existence.  As government announced the cut in salaries, NTA featured several adverts from ‘The Office of The First Lady’… Is there such an office legally? Should that not be the first to go?  What budget does the first lady spend?  Long convoys still speed around town, oblivious of the anger in the land.  Insensitivity is at its highest still.  And it will get worse.
The best argument from Mallam Sanusi, is that subsidy should be placed ONLY to promote productivity and not consumption.  Convincing at it sounds, empirical facts prove otherwise.  I have a little book titled‘Making Globalisation Work’, written by Joseph Stiglitz, Nobel Prize winner in Economics, former disciple of Milton Friedman (Patron Saint of Globalisation), in which he stated that ‘IT IS BETTER TO BE A COW IN EUROPE THAN BE A HUMAN BEING IN AFRICA’.  Why?  Cows in Europe are given a direct subsidy of $2.00 daily, whereas most Africans can hardly afford to live on $1.00 daily!  Gbam! My people will say.  There you have it.  Now, the cows so subsidized in Europe, are meant for local consumption, not just exports.  The subsidy given to cows, among other subsidies on food, transport and what have you, even in Europe and America, is meant to create employment, guarantee food availability locally, create safety nets for their people among other reasons.  Here in Nigeria, NONE of these exist.  Everybody sorts himself out.  Ours is a dog eat dog society.  The USA certainly subsidises food, hence it comes cheap to consumers. Ditto for most of Europe.   But government is still not convinced!
In the UAE for example, they have over 20 refineries.  Having a refinery is no big deal.  In fact these days they come more compact and manageable that you could pop out a few under two years if only you cared.  Nigerian government has ensured that it did not put up ANY refinery, or give considerable incentive to any local big man to do so – like giving out the damned crude oil for free if it has to.  To our dear government, the citizens are resilient enough to bear anything that’s piled on them.  I should be saying ‘I TOLD YOU SO’, because I urged Nigerians to voted differently, to no avail.  By and large, Dr Goodluck appears to me to be the victim, effectively captured, not only by a local CABAL (for those who loved that world in Umaru’s  days), but by the strongest of international CABALS – the same guys who recently killed Muammar Gaddafi and destroyed Libya.  We were warned after Libya was destroyed that Nigeria is next, but as usual we pay no heed to any warning!
Back to the UAE, who last December celebrated their 40th Independence Anniversary, and who twenty years ago were begging to borrow money from Nigeria – which Nigeria declined.  Since they refine their own oil, it is a non issue that it sells at about N65 at the pumps.  But the country is also wise enough to give all its public taxis FREE PETROL in order to SUBSIDISE TRANSPORTATION for locals, foreigners and tourists alike! The thing about subsidy is that ultimately, it is not about consumption or production, but about how a people retain their sanity.  You may need to subsidise, so that your people will not go mad from poverty and difficulty, so that if they don’t become mental cases by the hardship they face, they may become productive and therefore your country may become great.  What we have heard thus far are FINANCIAL, not ECONOMIC arguments.  But oh, Globalisation needs to use its last dagger on Nigeria!
A few weeks ago, I wrote here ‘NIGERIA –INTERNATIONAL DECEPTION MEETS LOCAL GREED ’, in which I mentioned some of the games played in the international trade/maritime scene.  On the high seas, most of them are pirates.  What is at play in Nigeria today is the culmination of centuries of fraud in maritime and petroleum sectors, coupled with our own local stupidities.  But say, how can Mr President and his lieutenants expect Nigerians to pay for the frauds?  When a fuel importer forges Bills of Lading, when an importer loads SEA WATER and comes to berth in Nigeria and calls it Fuel, when the importer discharges half of his fuel in Cotonou and comes to collect subsidy on the full load from PPPRA, when a fuel importer loads from Port Harcourt, sails 50 kilometres into the sea and makes a U-turn to come and berth in Apapa, and then claims subsidies, when any fuel importer just shows up at PPPRA with a forged document falsely claiming to import fuel and collects billions of dollars in subsidy, WHY SHOULD POOR NIGERIANS PAY FOR THESE?  What Nigerians need is a clean-up of that sector, the jailing of untouchables, like it happened in the banking industry.  Anything less is fraudulent!  Anything less is inhumane!  And the government has the people’s mandate to go after these guys.  Yaradua did it in the banks.  And died for it…
The figures speak for themselves. In Obasanjo’s time, they paid N350Billion yearly as subsidies.  In Yaradua’s time, they paid N600billion yearly.  What in hell happened, that one year into Jonathan’s government Nigeria paid N1.4trillion????  Nigeria’s population did not balloon out.  We did not have new industries opening, rather they closed down enmasse. Mr Jonathan should go after those who stole us blind, but he has chosen to UNLEASH THE SAME CRAZY FRAUDSTERS WHO ‘CLEANED OUT’THE PEOPLE ON US POOR, HAPLESS AND CLUELESS CITIZENS!!!
They even compared us with Ghana.  Christine Lagarde, MD of IMF, had made a pit stop there and commanded asked them to abolish subsidies, which they did!
But Ghana, a country of 25million people, spent $150million on subsidy last year.  Nigeria, with 6 times the population (at 150million), spent $8billion, which is 55 TIMES what Ghana spent!  Bros Jonathan, Mallam Sanusi, why are we doing this to Nigerians?  To cap government’s warped thinking, we thought the economy would collapse if this subsidy is not stopped.  But then they have incorporated a committee led by Mr Integrity, Christopher Kolade (whose successor/anointed Bunmi Oni happened to be the unlucky Barawo in Cadbury’s game of book-cooking worldwide), to manage the proceeds!  Which proceeds again?  Or will Kolade now become the president? The billion dollar question is if we would survive this onslaught by evil globalists who refuse to consider the history and sociological make-up of a people before enacting policies, or who simply take much delight in killing off species – like us – whom they deem are unworthy of living in the first place. Globalisation and its adherents are twisting the dagger in the heart of poor Nigeria…

Jonathan and the Security of Christians in Nigeria

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Madalla, Niger State

By Dr. Aliyu Tilde

The latest revelation by the President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Oritsejefor, calls for instant comment even as the country braces up for a shutdown by its labour unions tomorrow. I am afraid that this voice will be drowned in the sea of the ongoing protests on fuel subsidy removal. It is unfortunate that the nation has to face the two weighty issues simultaneously due to the incompetence of its leadership. The situation doesn’t allow us to sacrifice one for the sake of the other.
The CAN President addressed a press conference saying that Christians are “taking their fate in our hands”, that “we have decided to work out means to defend ourselves against these senseless killings.” This came in the aftermath of the killings of Christians in Gombe, Mubi and Yola during the past four days. Some, like Aljazeera, have already interpreted the statement as signaling an impending civil war in Nigeria.
It is difficult for anyone not to sympathize with the challenging position that religious leaders find themselves in Nigeria today. On the one hand, Christian leaders cannot be expected to keep mute while their followers are slaughtered. CAN leadership since Arch-Bishop Okogie has never hesitated to call for war at the slightest provocation. We heard it during the OIC, Sharia and Islamic Banking debates. These were mere policy issues. When the issue is that of attacking churches and killing Christians, one can expect another declaration of war from a leadership with such pedigree. Apparently, the government is lagging many kilometers behind Boko Haram. Who would justifiably expect Oritsejefor to keep quiet? He must say something.
On the other hand are Nigerian Muslims who are helpless in the situation are often accused by their Christians brothers of not doing much to stop the attacks by Boko Haram. They wonder what mere condemnation would do in the face of bullets and bombs. In fact, most Muslims whom I discussed the issue with hold the belief, like many of their leaders, that Boko Haram is a conspiracy against Islam and the Muslim North. As evidence, they do not hesitate to point accusing fingers at northern Christians known to have links with Boko Haram and the instances in which Christians were caught attempting to bomb churches.
Another source of dilemma for Muslims is that these killings are happening unabated when the top echelon of the country’s security apparatus is dominated by Christians: The President and Commander-in-Chief or the Armed Forces, Goodluck Jonathan, is a Christian, just as are his Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, National Security Adviser and Director of State Security Services; only the Inspector General of Police and the Chiefs of Air and Naval Staff are Muslim, the last two having no direct relevance to the issue of Boko Haram.
Muslims reason that if these people, on whose shoulders rests the entire security of the country, fail to discharge their constitutional responsibilities for reasons best known to them, how can the Sultan – the ceremonial leader of Muslims in Nigeria, for example, stop Boko Haram killings when he does not command a single soldier or superintend the security his ward? The Sultan and other Muslims can condemn Boko Haram saying that their actions are illegal, un-Islamic, etc., as they have done, but that has not and will not change anything. What will check Boko Haram is intelligence, weapons, police and security personnel and the will to deploy them.
Muslims will also not forget to cite the roles played by Muslim ex-Presidents and Heads of State in suppressing Muslim insurgency. President Shehu Shagari and Maj. General Muhammadu Buhari did not waste time in brutally dealing with Maitatsine in the early 1980s. Both Buhari and President Babangida arrested and jailed Ibrahim El-Zakzaky for preaching anti-government doctrines. In 2009 when Boko Haram made its first public outing in retaliation to the extrajudicial killings of their members by the police, President Yar’adua brutally repressed them. In both Bauchi and Maiduguri, they were massacred and their bases leveled instantly by bulldozers, acts that courted worldwide condemnation by human right groups.
However, the performance of Christian Presidents is a direct contradiction of the Muslim regarding religious insurgency and criminal activities. Boko Haram first surfaced as “Nigerian Taliban” during the era of President Olusegun Obasanjo, a self-confessed born-again Christian. He did practically nothing to stop them, so much so that the then Director of SSS, Mr. Gadzama, was baffled at how the administration was adamant in checking a group that was becoming increasingly armed. Instead, it is commonly known that the leader of Boko Haram, Muhammad Yusuf, was twice bailed by Professor Jerry Gana, an elder in CAN and a Minister under Obasanjo. To my knowledge, Gana has not denied the story.
Also, the person widely known to have links with the group during its formative stage, former Borno State Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, was a lackey of Obasanjo. Just few minutes after he met the Boko Haram leader in police cell in 2009 where he spoke to him in his native Kanuri, the former was executed in cold blood by the police. That was just after another top Boko Haram member, Modu’s Commissioner for Religious Affairs was also gunned down by the police on the street to the loud ovation of the public.
After President Yar’adua, Jonathan continued with Obasanjo’s deficit of interest to check Boko Haram. It is unbelievable to see how a government in a digital age would fail to apprehend a few thousand insurgents and their leaders who are using GSM freely to coordinate their activities and communicate with local and international press; how it will fail to prosecute arrested members of the group; how it will refuse to apprehend its known sponsors and associates; etc. It must be noted that so far, of all the thousands arrested, only one person has been prosecuted. He was quickly given a laughable jail term of three years only. This kind of evidence goes a long way to prove that there is a deliberate attempt on the part government to sustain the crisis.
So if anybody is looking for where to place his blame, he should deposit it on the doorstep of the President. I have heard Serah Jibril, David Mark and CAN leadership accusing northern leaders of not being forthcoming in condemning Boko Haram, though they are equally silent on the war crimes committed by Christian militia in central Nigeria. Muslims complain that the Sallah massacre of Muslims at a prayer ground at the end of last Ramadan where their bodies were roasted and eaten by Christians before the very eyes of security agents did not attract any condemnation from Christian leaders, the Nigerian President, or the foreign leaders and press.
If the Christian leadership would be dispassionate, I think they should redirect their criticism at the President, instead of taking the simple path of blaming a helpless section of the Nigerian population. If he is incompetent, let them tell the world, as they would hastily do were he a Muslim President. They must hold him responsible for their insecurity.
Blaming Jonathan, however, is the last thing that CAN would do. Since he became President, he has come to rely on it for support in both politics and administration. It supported his candidature almost 100%. How would it in one breath celebrate his victory and in the next advocate his incompetence? CAN is also quick to come to his rescue on any national issue, no matter unpopular it may be. Some weeks ago, its chairman tried to rope in the Christian community into accepting the unpopular decision of removing fuel subsidy, saying that CAN was supportive of the move. It took a threat from the northern wing of the organization before he withdrew the statement, claiming that he was misquoted.
Jonathan on his part has expressed his gratitude in many ways. He has used the congregation of his church in Abuja to announce important policy statements of his administration and avail Nigerians of his mindset. Today, he made this startling revelation at the interdenominational church service to mark Armed Forces Remembrance day in Abuja:
“Some of them are in the executive arm of government, some of them are in the parliamentary/legislative arm of government while some of them are even in the judiciary. Some are also in the armed forces, the police and other security agencies. Some continue to dip their hands and eat with you and you won’t even know the person who will point a gun at you or plant a bomb behind your house.”
Mhmm. Jonathan, the hostage of the invincible and omnipresent Boko Haram, is courting sympathy.
In fact, it was in the aftermath of its meeting with the President after the Christmas bombing at Suleja that CAN leadership threatened to retaliate, before it downgraded the posture to self-defence later.
Let us now examine the implication of CAN’s resort to self-defense. On the surface it loo unavoidable,but cut it deep, it is untenable.
Practically, it will require a massive militia and weapons to stem a credible defense against attack on its members. The problem is that we are talking of defending at least 65 million people. How would CAN go about this? How many hundreds of thousands of militia would it require? How many AK47s would it need?
I live in a predominantly Muslim village with only about 5% Christians. Their population has been dwindling since the beginning of the Jos crisis. Yet there are at least five churches. Each church would require at least 5 rifles to defend it against attack from gunmen, Boko Haram or otherwise. That means 25 rifles would be needed to be manned by a greater number of people. In addition, how would CAN protect them against bombs, for example? By acquiring bombs too?
Now, I guess that as the most religious country in the world, there could be about a million churches in Nigeria, some holding congregations of thousands of people at a time. How many rifles would be required nationwide to defend those churches: Five, ten, twenty million? How many youths will CAN need to defend them? In whose custody will the weapons be? From where will they get the money to purchase them? Will Jonathan provide it from the 2011 security vote that is about a trillion naira? Who will give them the permission to acquire the weapons in the first place? Again, the President?
And what happens on the other side of the divide? Would Muslims sit back and watch every church armed with weapons and militant youths without asking for the same concession to pile up arms against a possible attack by Christians? More than 90% of those killed by Boko Haram are Muslims. Would the President also allow Muslims to take up arms in self-defence?
It is here I see the call for self-defense by CAN as infeasible in any civilized society. Nigeria is not the only country where criminal gangs or religious extremists operate violence. But citizens hardly resort to self-help under circumstances like this. They will depend on government to provide such security. Taking the law into one’s hand by arming members of one’s group will logically lead to civil war in any society. That is how Aljazeerah reached its conclusion that Nigeria is heading towards a civil war. CAN, to the delight of many enemies of one Nigeria, will be starting a fire that it will not be able to quench. And if the intention of Boko Haram or whoever is bombing churches in Nigeria, having failed to get Muslims to support or join it, is to ignite a religious war in the country, then CAN would have easily aiding and abetting that objective.
So unless that is what the whole idea behind Boko Haram is intended, CAN leadership should put Jonathan on the hot seat and hold him responsible for our insecurity. It owes the nation that responsibility since it is closer to the President than anyone. Instead of blaming Nigerian Muslims, it should press Jonathan to show resolve similar to that of the Muslim presidents we mentioned earlier. I have no doubt that the Nigerian Muslim community will support him overwhelmingly. I hereby ledge my support in advance.
Why is this happening to Nigeria? Perhaps an answer could be found in Part II of this series where we will survey the six or so hypotheses behind what is termed Boko Haram today. Until then, please join the labour to protest against the removal of fuel subsidy that will start tomorrow. And when you pray, please pray for a peaceful coexistence among the different peoples of Nigeria. Pray also for the President such that he wakes up from his slumber and lead us out of this mess, for the price of failure could be costly. We do not need a badluck. A good one is better.
Abuja 8 January 2012

President Jonathan Is Not In South Africa

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Presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati has denied rumours that President Goodluck Jonathan travelled out of the country to South Africa. He insists that the President is in Nigeria, and today has been very busy attending to matters of state.President Jonathan attended the Armed Forces Remembrance Service at the National Christian Centre at 1 p.m, on Sunday, January 8.
Subsequently, he was at the Eagle Square, Abuja, to commission a national mass transit programme, as promised in his national broadcast on Saturday, January 7. Given sheer common sense, and the time difference between Nigeria and South Africa, and this can be double-checked, it is not possible for the President to be physically present in two places at the same time
    It is most unfortunate that some Nigerians, for dubious reasons, would go to any length to misinform the public, and seek to embarrass the President. Mr. President remains undeterred as he pursues his administration’s transformation agenda.
He respects the right of other persons to express an opinion but when such opinions promote falsehood and mischief, then all right-thinking members of society should read between the lines and allow common sense to prevail. The anti-Jonathan propagandists are desperate and are determined to confuse the public. Whatever makes them unhappy, they must realise that Nigeria is more important, and that the national interest must be considered superior to their own greedy and selfish machinations.
It may well be true that nobody can transform Nigeria without a fight from an established, clandestine order, and the Mafia, running that discreditable Order, has tentacles and roots like the Octopus. Also, no one should be deluded into thinking that there are no agents of that Mafia in civil society and parliament, with aggressive campaigners who will carry the banner of dirt, at any cost. But here is the good news: Mr Jonathan is preaching a gospel of change and progress, and he is committed to the national interest. He deserves the support of all and sundry, not malicious misinformation.

Launch of President Jonathan’s Mass Transit Scheme

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Goodluck launching with Sambo, transport, Iweala and labour

 

 

Oil Subsidy: The House Of Rep Calls Jonathan To Order

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Sunday January 8, 2012 saw the legislators of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria assemble for a seating for an emergency session summoned by the Speaker of the House of Representative, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal. The session was attended by 301 members.

The seating which began at 3pm saw the legislators overwhelmingly rebuking the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebelemi Jonathan for the abrupt manner the price of petroleum products were increased from N65 per liter to N140 per liter on January 1, 2012. The House of Representatives resolved via a motion for the President to “suspend” the oil subsidy removal until further notice.

The motion for the suspension of the said oil subsidy removal was seconded by the honorable member, Fort Dike [Anambra State] after having been tabled by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal. Eighteen other legislators spoke in support of the suspension of the oil subsidy removal. Each speaker spoke passionately.

Hon Yakubu Dogara representing a constituency in Bauchi State decried the manner the President bowed to the pressures from outside the shores of Nigeria. He explained that the western powers were the only beneficiaries of the oil subsidy removal. He pointed to the recent visit of the  President of the IMF Bank to Nigeria as highly suspicious and indicative of the players involved. He warned of an “Arab Spring” in Nigeria should care not be taken. “President Jonathan ought not to have increased the price of fuel”, stated the lawmaker from Bauchi State. This notion was also espoused by the lawmaker representing Edo State, Hon. Peter Akpatason who added that the “agents representing the USA/England are only promoting the interest of a few”.

Adding to the debate was the lawmaker from Osun State, Makinde Ola Rotimi who made the point that “oil is the bedrock of our economy”. He continued that “we have to speak against the oil subsidy removal”. Hon. Femi Gbajabianila [lawmaker from Lagos] spoke against the removal. He stated “Oil subsidy cannot and most not be removed at this time. Only 1% of the nation caused Jonathan to suffer 99% of the nation”. He continued to add “palliative does not address the issue. There are alternative ways to raise money”.  A lawmaker from Abia State, Uzor Azubuike also spoke in support or the suspension of the oil subsidy removal. He noted that “the budget of 2011 was extended to March 31 and it provided for oil subsidy”. Dr. Ibrahim, a lawmaker representing Kwara State added his take on the supposed benefits of the oil subsidy removal. He stated that the deregulation of the subsidy of diesel has yet to yield to the erection of refineries. “Where is the refinery?” he questioned while explaining that there is no reason for the populace to trust the President. “It is wrong to increase the fuel price”, he concluded.

Hon. Abba Ibrahim representing Yobe State spoke passionately against the fuel increase. She said “how can we sleep and see our constituents suffer. What would they have to feed family. This is a very hash decision. We should all rise up and say no to fuel subsidy removal.” Hon Eveyn Omavowan representing Delta State took the stage to remind the nation that “fuel subsidy removal was not part of President Jonathan’s campaign manifesto”. This position was further supported by the lawmaker representing Benue State, Hon Lowase Herman who exclaimed that “we should say no to subsidy removal”.

Hon. Austin Obaburo from Delta State argued in his address that “there is no such thing as oil subsidy”. He continued to add that “what is wrong is wrong and what is right is right”. The lawmaker from Edo State, Hon Polly Iriase spoke against the removal of oil subsidy. He added “we are sitting here on a keg of gunpowder” while noting that we are ruled by “suicide prone decision makers”.

The legislator from Kano State, Hon Suleiman Kawu also spoke against the oil subsidy removal. He highlighted the hypocrisy of the Jonathan administration by reminding the legislators that the President had travelled to South Africa to celebrate the 100years anniversary of the South African political party, the ANC – while the nation is engulfed in crisis. He revealed that the presidential entourage that accompanied him was large in number. They chattered two commercial planes.

Speaking in support of the oil subsidy removal were 13 legislators who spoke amidst boos from fellow legislators. Majority of the speakers were lawmakers from Bayelsa State, Akwa Ibom State and Rivers State. Others who spoke in support of the President’s action were Hon Mulikat Akande-Adeola representing Oyo State – who simply asked the fellow lawmakers “not to judge”, Hon Yakubu Barde of Kaduna State who added that “we are unable to finance our budget”, Hon Arua Arunsi of Abia State who asked for the President to be praised adding that “let my people suffer today and enjoy tomorrow”, Hon Moh’d Idris of Niger State commented that “the nation is broke, let us hold President Jonathan to his words, we must move forward, why are we creating problem?”, Hon Joseph Akinlaja from Ondo State and Hon Friday Itula from Edo State also spoke in support of the oil subsidy removal.

In conclusion the lower chamber passed the motion calling on the President to suspend the price increase on the petroleum product.

Stay tuned

President Jonathan’s speech shows govt insincerity on subsidy removal – ACN

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The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) said President Goodluck
Jonathan’s televised speech defending
his government’s decision to withdraw fuel subsidy only succeeded in
deepening the people’s mistrust
of the administration, as it failed to address the pertinent issues.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Sunday by its National Publicity
Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the
party said the deficit of trust between the Jonathan administration
and the Nigerian people is the main
reason why the people did not take the President’s speech seriously,
as shown in Organized Labour’s response
that the strike due to start on Monday will go ahead in spite of the speech.

It recalled that while the President promised to consult with all
stakeholders across the country and collate
their views before taking a decision on the fuel subsidy issue,
probably in April, he rather decided to ambush
Nigerians and ruin their New Year celebrations by rushing to withdraw
the subsidy after just one
stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos.

”If the President did not stand by his earlier promise to Nigerians
on this issue, why should they believe him
now to do all that he has promised in his speech?” the party queried.

ACN therefore re-stated its opposition to the removal of the fuel
‘subsidy’, saying all that the government
subsidizes are corruption and inefficiency. It also hailed the
Governors of ACN states for their courage in standing
on the side of the people and labour, in their quest to get the
government to rescind its decision to remove fuel
subsidy.

”The President seemed surprised that his action has inflicted untold
suffering on Nigerians. He also said he feels
the people’s pain. Our stand is that he does not. If he did, he would
have rescinded a policy of fuel subsidy removal
that obviously was not well thought out. What was the President
thinking would happen when petrol price shoots
up from 65 naira per litre to as high as 200 naira? Did we not warn
that the action would deepen poverty and worsen
the suffering of Nigerians?” the party queried.

On the so-called sacrifices by the government, which the President
reeled out in his speech, ACN said it amounted
to a mere tokenism compared to the avoidable pain and suffering that
his administration’s decision has inflicted
on Nigerians in the New Year.

”The President must tell Nigerians what 25% of basic salaries of
public office holders amount to, and what impact this
will have in a government suffused with incredible profligacy. We will
also like to know the allowances and other perks
that these officials receive, which is the core issue.

”We recall that when the stakeholders’ meeting was held in Lagos,
government officials who attended were ferried to Lagos
in four different private jets. So who is fooling who about cutting
the cost of governance. In any case, the recurrent vote in this
year’s budget is a high 74 per cent, compared to 26% for capital. How
will the tokenism announced by the President reduce this?

”The truth is that a government that has budgeted 2.3 billion in just
a little over two years, including 1 billion naira in 2012
alone, for feeding the presidency alone cannot be serious about
cutting cost or engaging in shared sacrifice. This sacrifice
is one-sided, and it is being borne by the people of Nigeria while the
government engages in Arabian-style opulence,”
the party said.

On other measures like provision of buses and completion of railway
lines, ACN said the President was merely putting the
cart before the horse by removing subsidy first.

”We had called for safety nets to be provided by the government if it
was bent on removing subsidy. We had called for massive
infrastructural development, including roads and alternative means of
transport like the waterways and the railways. We had
asked the government to repair existing refineries and build modular
ones. The government ignored all this, only to now be
talking about some ill-thought-out mass transit programme. Even if all
the 1,600 buses to be procured by the government are
deployed to Lagos, on what roads will they be driven? What impact can
they have in a state with a population in excess of 15
million?

”We maintain that it is disingenuous for the government that says it
can no longer afford the funds to subsidize fuel to now turn
around to say it will use the funds to build infrastructure. In the
first instance, were the savings from the fuel subsidy included in
the 2012 budget? Can the government spend money that has not been
appropriated? In any case, we have always argued that
the issue of fuel subsidy is not pure economics, but that it has
implications for the welfare and security of the citizenry,” the
party said.

It also challenged the government to counter, with facts and figures,
the conclusion by experts that there is indeed no subsidy on
fuel; that the production from local refineries, even though they are
functioning far below capacity, is enough to meet domestic
needs hence there is no need to import fuel.

”We will also like to ask the government again to tell Nigerians what
happens to the 445,000 barrels per day allocated to the NNPC?
If part of this is refined locally, what is the cost? And what is the
landing cost of part of the NNPC allocation swapped with some
refineries abroad? And who are the beneficiaries of this?” ACN said.

The party said the best way President Jonathan can show that he feels
the pain of his compatriots is to admit that his administration
made a mistake in rushing to withdraw fuel subsidy and reverting to
the old price, adding that cheap tactics to break the ranks of
labour or send the police after protesters will not work.

Alhaji Lai Mohammed
National Publicity Secretary
Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN)
Lagos, Jan. 8th 2012

Boko Haram: Enugu Islamic Community Condemns Bombings, Killings

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The Islamic community in Enugu State has condemned the spate of bombings and killings of innocent people in various parts of the country during the recent yuletide describing the incidents as uncivilized and unIslamic.

The community in a letter addressed to Governor Sullivan Chime and signed by the Chairman of the Islamic Council of Chief Alhaji Haruna Sule also said the killings were “criminal, dastardly and a sin against God”.

It dissociated itself with the motives of those behind the bomb blasts saying that they were not Muslims as a true Muslims cannot align themselves with any act of crises, killings or any form of breach of the peace.

“We the Muslim community in Enugu State maintains that this act of killing and bombing by a handful of people belonging to one set or group, is not in accordance with Islamic beliefs and teachings. These people are not Muslims and we therefore dissociate ourselves with any act of crises, killing or any form of breach of peace”, the letter read in part.

The group thanked the government and people of Enugu State for ensuring that peace and security reigned in the state adding that Muslims in the state had never experienced crises or had cause to regret their stay in the state.

Diasporans Bemoan Poor Infrastructure Effect On Production, Jobs

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*as ASA_USA urges Govt immediate intervention

 

From Chuks Collins, Awka

 

The poor state of public infrastructure and utility services in the country has given the nation’s citizens overseas serious concern, especially given the prevailing disconcerting social and economic realities in the country.

 

The President of the Anambra State Association-United states of America (ASA-USA), Prof Allison Anadi who led representatives of the group on tour of some industries in Anambra state said they were appalled by the state of affairs they saw.

 

He pointed out that ASA-USA was worried over the rising social instability and the high rate of violent crime and kidnap in the country particularly their home state, Anambra. That based on that they now came to see how to help bring things under control and restore sanity and instill progress again.

 

Addressing journalists at the end of the Phase One of the tours, Prof Anadi said they visited the Chicason Group, and the Kotec Group both of which were located in Nnewi and also the Inland Doors Group, all of which collectively employ more than five thousand direct workers.

 

Describing them as “employers of Labour” Anadi said it was therefore worthwhile for government and all other groups to encourage and sustain them. He realized that data collected by his group from the Group Managing Director of Chicason Group, Chief Linus Ilozue, the CEO of Inland Doors, HRH Igwe Ezenwa Ajamma and the General Manger of Kotec’s Tummy-Tummy Foods Industries Ltd, Chijioke Anumoka showed similar drawbacks of poor electricity, water, roads and security.

 

He appealed to the state and Federal Government to look into their plight as a matter of urgent national importance if the level of crime would be brought down drastically.

 

The 55years-old Igwe Ajamma who said he has been an employer of labour since he was 18 when he opened his first factory that uptil now produces flush doors, installed an 11kva and 33KVa transformers but that the public power supply remain only a back-up instead of being the main source. That was the same issue with Chicason Group

Mr. President, Public Offers and Sensitization about Oil Deregulation

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No one doubts that there could be a long-term benefits for all

Nigerians from the massive oil price deregulation but the ill-timed

manner by which executive decision was made showed poor management

style.

 

This leadership blunder has not only resulted in a state of economic

and social confusion but it has equally received tensed response to

split-minded way with which the government reached its decision.

 

The ineffectiveness behind the fuel subsidy removal order remains clear

as evidenced in the people’s painful reactions.

Certainly, in an economy like Nigeria which is marked by severe

economic gap and class division among the people, the President and his

advisers could have fully prepared the nation, and should have

anticipated the people’s reaction.

 

A reaction that could have been less hostile if the government had in

the last few weeks and months talked openly about the grave need for

oil subsidy removal.

The President could have made sure that everyone or targeted groups are

informed of the full benefits of the deregulation of oil by carrying

out vigorous campaigns across the country.

 

Today the President is faced with split opposition both at home and

abroad. An opposition that is further complicated by the President’s

close agents which include ministers and other executives. They who

grossly failed to campaign for public preparation and change in this

oil matters.

 

They failed for habitual and selfish reasons. And they appear to be in

a state of ineptitude due to fear—a fear caused by the need to avoid

the people, a fear surrounded by insensitivity in regards to the

people’ day-to-day burden and plight.

 

Instead they are known to travel overseas wastefully and within the

country ride in a convoy of cars to work, residence, market, church,

mosque, and restaurants.

A better approach leading to the removal of the oil subsidy could have

been more helpful if the administration had done what it is doing now

in terms of offers—buying sufficient numbers of mass transit vehicles

duty free, reduction of salaries of political office holders, opening

up employment and other sweet incentives!

 

The sudden announcement of these compromises has in an ironic way fired

up the already exiting bubbling relationship between the administration

and labor organizations.

 

It could have been more psychologically healthy for the administration

if before now it had made operational declaration of fully fighting

fraud and corruption, and if it had assured Nigerians of better ways to

enhance their economic safety.

 

Now this mindless act of not passing out public information on time in

regards to their subsidy plans is being complicated by a reported court

order to stop the strike. But it appears that this tactic came too late

as the bitterness and rage has grown too deep in the people.

 

Now there could be threat to public peace, to national security and

even to the demonstrators.

No matter how this trouble ends, one great lesson from this lack of

good time management and poor information/sensitization campaign to

policy issues is that the President and his persons will learn to use

less desperate and harsh moves to address Nigerians on realities like

the subsidy removal. This is essential in order to avoid any future

abrupt, hasty and underhanded announcement like the subsidy removal

decision.

 

Let us hope that the proposed people’s mass protests does not result in

a state of harm and evidence a show of injustice from both sides in

order to reduce more trouble, woe and discomfort to the nation.

 

John Egbeazien Oshodi, Ph.D, is the Secretary-General of the Nigeria

Psychological Association (NPA), Abuja, jos5930458@aol.com

Oil Subsidy: Jonathan Addresses The Nation

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Dear Compatriots,

  1. 1.    A week ago, I had cause to address Nigerians on the security challenges we are facing in parts of the country, which necessitated the declaration of a state of emergency in 15 Local Government Areas in four states of the Federation. That course of action attracted widespread support and a demonstration of understanding. With that declaration, government had again signaled its intention to combat terrorism with renewed vigour and to assure every Nigerian of safety.

 

  1. 2.   The support that we have received in the fight against terrorism from concerned Nigerians at home and abroad has been remarkable. We believe that it is with such continued support that progress can be made on national issues. Let me express my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has expressed a commitment to support us as we strive to improve on the country’s security situation, and build a stronger foundation for the future.  The recent mindless acts of violence in Gombe, Potiskum, Jimeta-Yola and Mubi are unfortunate. I urge all Nigerians to eschew bitterness and acrimony and live together in harmony and peace. Wherever there is any threat to public peace, our security agencies will enforce the law, without fear or favour.

 

  1. 3.   This evening, I address you, again, with much concern over an issue that borders on the national economy, the oil industry and national progress.  As part of our efforts to transform the economy and guarantee prosperity for all Nigerians, Government, a few days ago, announced further deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector. The immediate effect of this has been the removal of the subsidy on petrol.

 

  1. 4.   Since the announcement, there have been mixed reactions to the policy. Let me seize this opportunity to assure all Nigerians that I feel the pain that you all feel.  I personally feel pained to see the sharp increase in transport fares and the prices of goods and services. I share the anguish of all persons who had travelled out of their stations, who had to pay more on the return leg of their journeys.

 

  1. 5.   If I were not here to lead the process of national renewal, if I were in your shoes at this moment, I probably would have reacted in the same manner as some of our compatriots, or hold the same critical views about government.  But I need to use this opportunity as your President to address Nigerians on the realities on the ground, and why we chose to act as we did. I know that these are not easy times. But tough choices have to be made to safeguard the economy and our collective survival as a nation.

 

  1. 6.    My fellow Nigerians, the truth is that we are all faced with two basic choices with regard to the management of the downstream petroleum sector: either we deregulate and survive economically, or we continue with a subsidy regime that will continue to undermine our economy and potential for growth, and face serious consequences.

 

  1. 7.   As you all know, the subject of deregulation is not new, we have been grappling with it for more than two decades. Previous administrations tinkered with the pump price of petroleum products, and were unable to effect complete deregulation of the downstream sector. This approach has not worked.  If it did, we would not be here talking about deregulation today. I understand fully well that deregulation is not a magic formula that will address every economic challenge, but it provides a good entry point for transforming the economy, and for ensuring transparency and competitiveness in the oil industry, which is the mainstay of our economy.

 

  1. 8.   As a President, elected and supported by ordinary Nigerians, and the vast majority of our people, I have a duty to bring up policies and programmes that will grow the economy and bring about greater benefits for the people.  Let me assure you that as your President, I have no intention to inflict pain on Nigerians.

 

 

  1. 9.    The deregulation of the petroleum sector is a necessary step that we had to take. Should we continue to do things the same way, and face more serious economic challenges? Or deregulate, endure the initial discomfort and reap better benefits later? I want to assure every Nigerian that whatever pain you may feel at the moment, will be temporary.

 

  1. 10.               The interest of the ordinary people of this country will always remain topmost in my priorities as a leader. I remain passionately committed to achieving significant and enduring improvements in our economy that will lead to sustained improvement in the lives of our people.

 

 

  1. 11.               I am determined to leave behind a better Nigeria, that we all can be proud of. To do so, I must make sure that we have the resources and the means to grow our economy to be resilient, and to sustain improved livelihood for our people. We must act in the public interest, no matter how tough, for the pains of today cannot be compared to the benefits of tomorrow.  On assumption of office as President, I swore to an oath to always act in the best interest of the people. I remain faithful to that undertaking.

 

  1. 12.                To save Nigeria, we must all be prepared to make sacrifices.  On the part of Government, we are taking several measures aimed at cutting the size and cost of governance, including on-going and continuous effort to reduce the size of our recurrent expenditure and increase capital spending. In this regard, I have directed that overseas travels by all political office holders, including the President, should be reduced to the barest minimum. The size of delegations on foreign trips will also be drastically reduced; only trips that are absolutely necessary will be approved.

 

  1. 13.               For the year 2012, the basic salaries of all political office holders in the Executive arm of government will be reduced by 25%. Government is also currently reviewing the number of committees, commissions and parastatals with overlapping responsibilities. The Report on this will be submitted shortly and the recommendations will be promptly implemented. In the meantime, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies must reduce their overhead expenses.

 

  1. 14.               We are all greatly concerned about the issue of corruption. The deregulation policy is the strongest measure to tackle this challenge in the downstream sector. In addition, government is taking other steps to further sanitize the oil industry.

 

  1. 15.               To ensure that the funds from petroleum subsidy removal are spent prudently on projects that will build a greater Nigeria, I have established a committee to oversee the implementation of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme. I sincerely believe that the reinvestment of the petroleum subsidy funds, to ensure improvement in national infrastructure, power supply, transportation, irrigation and agriculture, education, healthcare, and other social services, is in the best interest of our people.

 

  1. 16.               Fellow Nigerians, I know that the removal of the petroleum subsidy imposes an initial burden on our people, especially the rising cost of transportation.  Government will be vigilant and act decisively to curb the excesses of those that want to exploit the current situation for selfish gains.  I plead for the understanding of all Nigerians.  I appeal to our youth not to allow mischief-makers to exploit present circumstances to mislead or incite them to disturb public peace.

 

  1. 17.                To address the immediate challenges that have been identified, I have directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government to embark immediately on all projects which have been designed to cushion the impact of the subsidy removal in the short, medium and long-term, as outlined in the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme Document.

 

  1. 18.                Tomorrow, 8th January, I will formally launch a robust mass transit intervention programme to bring down the cost of transportation across the country. The programme will be implemented in partnership with state and local governments, labour unions, transport owners, and banking institutions, and  supported with the provision of funding at zero interest rate as well as import duty waiver on all needed parts for locally-made mass transit vehicles, which will create additional jobs in the economy.

 

  1. 19.               We will keep these incentives in place for as long as it takes. I want to assure you that Government will not rest until we bring down the cost of transportation for our people.  Let me thank the transporters’ associations that have agreed to reduce transport fares. I have directed the Minister of Labour and Productivity to work with these associations to come up with a sustainable plan to guarantee this within the shortest possible time.

 

  1. 20.                In addition, I have ordered the mobilization of contractors for the full rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt –Maiduguri Railway Line and the completion of the Lagos-Kano Railway Line. I have also directed the immediate commencement of a Public Works programme that will engage the services of about 10, 000 youths in every state of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory. This will create an additional 370, 000 jobs.

 

  1. 21.               Government has taken these decisions in the best interest of our economy, so that we not only have benefits today, but to ensure that we bequeath even greater benefits to our children and grandchildren.

 

  1. 22.                Let me assure Nigerians that every possible effort will be made to ensure that we march forward, with a collective resolve to build a Nigeria that can generate greater economic growth, create and sustain new jobs, and secure the future of our children.

 

  1. 23.                This Administration will aggressively implement its programme to reposition and strengthen our economy, while paying adequate attention to the immediate needs of our citizens.

 

  1. 24.                I assure you all that we will work towards achieving full domestic refining of petroleum products with the attendant benefits.

 

 

  1. 25.                As I ask for the full understanding of all Nigerians, I also promise that I will keep my word.

 

  1. 26.               Thank you. May God bless you; and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 

Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR

President

Federal Republic of Nigeria

January 7, 2012

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