Continuing the blame game

With pressures from an economy in recession it was not surprising that President Muhammadu Buhari in letting off steam inveighed against what he claimed as the decadence left for him by 16 years of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in power. want Nigerians to realise that what this government inherited after 16 years of the PDP government was no savings, no infrastructure, no power, no rail, no road and no security,” the president said in reference to the challenges that are seemingly bringing his once messianic image to ground zero.

Noting his achievements, he said: “Nigerians can see what we have done on Boko Haram and what we are doing to resolve the problem in the Niger Delta,” he said.

The president’s assertion has continued to draw mixed results from all quarters.

While PDP partisans dismissed his claim, his supporters in the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, are reiterating it as a fact that the PDP at the federal level and in states that they governed practically left delusion as they left.

The lamentation at the federal level is well echoed in some states, especially in Edo which is due to choose a new governor this month and also in Benue State.

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State had in an interview with Vanguard referred to the rot he met and how those who left the rot are making governance difficult for him.

“I met a depressed economy, a deficit treasury where salaries and contracts were not being paid and several other things including pensions and gratuity amounting billions of Naira,” the governor had said.

Noting how he is being tackled, he said: “I came at a time that the opposition are out blackmailing instead of joining hands with me to work for the progress and development of the state,” the governor said.

Governor Ortom remarkably was a part of the PDP having been a local government official, state official, national auditor of the party before his appointment as a minister in the PDP government. Indeed, he left the party for the APC just about two weeks to the APC governorship primaries in 2014.

Indeed, as President Buhari arrived Katsina, he was received by Governor Aminu Masari who was himself a member of the PDP and attained the position of the country’s number four citizen as speaker of the House of Representatives.

President Buhari’s assertion of the failures of the PDP remarkably are interestingly the focus of discussion among some of his own party members.

The joke among many of them is that a large proportion of those in his government were until recently members of the PDP, a fact that continues to bemuse many of them who led the campaign for Buhari’s emergence as president.

However, not all former government officials who served on the platform of the PDP are under constraint to remain mute. Eyes are looking up to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who in frustration of the machinations of the PDP during the last days of President Goodluck Jonathan publicly tore his PDP membership card.

However, given his legendary temper, many are of the opinion that Obasanjo could be provoked to open his mouth and when and if he does, the shape and structure of national discourse could dramatically be altered.

Vanguard

Passengers stranded as Arik suspends operations

Hundreds of domestic and international passengers were stranded as Arik Air suspended operations at short notice yesterday.

The suspension of operations is attributed to the airline’s inability to renew insurance cover as well as its failure to pay backlogs of fuel debt running into billions of naira.

Arik, which is the largest West Africa airline operator, accounts for 60 percent of domestic operations in Nigeria.
The suspension left about 1, 500 passengers stranded at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja alone, a source said.
The source added that over 2,000 passengers were equally stranded in Lagos and five other destinations in Nigeria.
Frustrated passengers complained bitterly that the cancellations had cost them their businesses and other engagements in London, Ghana among other destinations.
There were angry scenes at Arik booking offices, especially in Abuja and Lagos where passengers hurled harsh words at ticketing and security staff.
For several hours, many of the passengers both at the international and local wings of Murtala ‎Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, were confused even as they expressed their frustrations with management of Arik Air whom they accused of keeping them in the dark.
“Why will they keep us in the dark? Where do I go from here? All my plans to arrive in London tomorrow have been shattered. Repaying my flight fare is not just what I want but even if they do that, will that fix all my business appointments they have shattered?” Biola Adebanjo, who later identified himself as a 35-year-old fashionista said.
“These people are quite heartless and wicked. I booked my return ticket to London last week and while doing that, the portal was still functioning and it did not reject my booking. I’m surprised that I can now come here and be told that all flights have been cancelled because of it is unable to renew its aircraft insurance,” another passenger said.
“Since they knew about the impending problem, why did they keep accepting bookings? Why did they bring us to see this state where there is no previous information or alert? Why? Why?” Joke Rochas, a mother of two who said she had a flight booking to London said.
The airline said that it was “working around the clock to resolve the necessary documentation, which has been a challenge due to the long weekend holidays due to Eid al Adha,” a part of the statement read.
“At the present time, all flights of the airline have been cancelled for Tuesday, 13 September 2016,” a statement by the airline said.
This situation is likely to continue for the next few days until such time that NAICOM (National Insurance Commission) approves a waiver on a priority basis for the new insurance company to renew the policy, it added.
“All customers are kindly advised to contact Arik Air’s Call Centre (01-2799999), Airport or City ticket offices or visit the airline’s Website (www.arikair.com) for further updates. Passengers are also advised to check with the airline regarding the status of their flights before proceeding to the airport.”
The statement also conveyed the airline’s Arik Group CEO, Dr. Michael Arumemi-Ikhide’s wishes, advice and assurances to passengers and members of the public. ‎
‎ Arik Air is the third airline operator in less than three weeks to have suspended operations in recent times. Nigeria second biggest carrier, Aero Contractor was the first to grind its operation followed by First Nation airline which allegedly claimed to be undergoing maintenance of its A39 fleet.
At the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja yesterday, a senior staff with the Federal Airports Authority said the airline processed about 20 to 23 flights in and around Abuja daily.
One of Arik Air’s staff who spoke under condition of anonymity said the airline processed some 1,500 passengers daily out of Abuja alone. That suggests some 1,500 passengers were affected by the flights cancellation in Abuja alone.
Thus at an average ticket cost of N30,000 per seat, the airline may have lost some N45 million in revenue from Abuja outbound passenger yesterday.
An angry passenger, Mrs. Lawal stormed the Arik Air Abuja Station manager’s office in Abuja demanding for explanation.
“I bought a ticket with my daughter to Ghana for 6:30pm today (yesterday) I got to the airport and I’m told the flight has been cancelled till tomorrow evening (today). Is that the way you people operate?” She demanded.
“If you cannot operate normal schedule, shut down like Aero has done and let us know you are not flying. You have my email and my phone number and no one contacted me?” She asked the Arik Air Station manager, Mr. Wamildu Jilantikiri, who apologized and assured her Arik Air will resume normal flight operations Wednesday.
“How am I sure you will fly tomorrow? If the registration closes, what do I do? If only I got a notification, I would have looked for alternative.
When our correspondent contacted the General Manager, Public Affairs, NCAA, Mr. Sam Adurogboye as to whether NCAA will activate punitive measures on Arik over customer rights issues, he said “arising challenges will be sorted out” without specifics on how that would happen.
However, a top management of Arik Air staff who didn’t want his name mentioned said the passengers may be compensated based on Arik Air policy and NCAA Act.

Militants blow up another facility in Delta

Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate (NDGJM), yesterday, resumed its attack on oil facilities in the region by blowing up the Afiesere-Iwhrenene, a major delivery line in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The attack is coming about a month after the group carried out its last attack on oil facilities.
In January 2016, the militants began aggressive attacks on oil facilities in the Niger Delta region.
In response, President Muhammadu Buhari vowed to deal decisively with the resurgence of oil theft, sabotage of pipelines and general insecurity.
However, the president’s threat did not deter the emergence of a new militant separatist group, the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA), which proclaimed its formation on February, 3 2016. Since then, the group has carried out numerous high-profile attacks on oil facilities across the region
The latest breached Afiesere-Iwhrenene delivery line links the UPS/UQCC line operated by the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company (NPDC).
Claiming responsibility for the attack, spokesman of the NDGJM, Aldo Agbalaja, said the attack was “a mark of our faith to totally ground the Nigerian oil economy.”
Agbalaja reiterated the call on residents living close to marked pipelines to vacate without further delay, insisting that the marked facilities have been rigged with explosives waiting to be detonated.
“Our patience is running out on our people living close to major oil and gas facilities in the upland areas of our region, the more critical assets of the oil sector are still alive because we are being careful not to hurt our people. For the last time, leave these areas if you live around them and if you love your lives,” he stated.
Reacting to the presence of army, especially the recently deployed Operation Delta Smile, Agbalaja stated that the region was not a conquered territory, adding that, “our people have never succumbed to intimidation before, rather we match force with the oppressor’s brutality.
“The Nigerian government should already know that the people of this part are not fools, who will not be able to see when they are being treated with disdain
“The High Command of the Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate once again says to the deceptive and untrustworthy Nigerian government and its cowardly armed forces: our people shall not deal with you on your terms, but on mutual terms.
“Until you drop these deceptive and master/servant pose, Operation Crocodile Tears shall persist.”
Some of the militants’ demands are that the ownership of oil blocs in Nigeria must reflect 60 per cent for the oil producing people and 40 per cent for the non-oil producing people and that the only Nigerian Maritime University cited in Okerenkoko in Delta State, must start the 2015/2016 academic session immediately.
The group also wants the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, to apologise to the Ijaws and the entire Niger Delta people for his “careless” statement about the siting of the university in Okerenko. It said Ogoniland and all oil-polluted lands in the region must be cleaned up, and compensation paid to all oil-producing communities.
Others are that the Niger Delta Amnesty programme must be well funded and allowed to continue to run effectively, and all oil multi-nationals and foreign investors to observe its demands; otherwise, their business interests in the country would be first targeted
Unfortunately, the impact of the renewed militancy in the region does not only undermine Nigeria’s economic stability, but it is said to also risk exacerbating maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea.
Owing to recent attacks on critical infrastructure, Nigeria’s oil production plummeted from 2.2 million barrel per day to about 1.4 million. Nigeria is already losing over a billion naira to the menace, which has compounded government revenue losses caused by the fall in global oil prices since mid 2014.
In addition to crippling oil exports, the new wave of militancy in the Delta has also choked the supply of gas to local power plants, thus hobbling Nigeria’s power grid. Electricity generation in Nigeria has declined from about 4,800 megawatts in August 2015 to 1,000 megawatts in June 2016, thereby seriously undermining overall productivity and service delivery in the economy.
Dailysun

MASSOB at 17, insists on Biafra actualization

The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra yesterday marked its 17th anniversary with a renewed commitment to a violence-free actualization of the Biafra Republic.

In a statement issued in Awka, Anambra State, MASSOB leader, Comrade Uchenna Madu, said the Biafra agitators would seize the occasion to remember those who lost their lives in the course of the struggle.

“As we celebrate 17 years anniversary of the formation of MASSOB today, we remember our brothers and sisters whose lives were cut shot because of Biafra in the hands of security agents. We remember our non-violent MASSOB members who died innocently and with brave hearts for the Biafran cause. They were molested, mesmerized, humiliated and brutally killed by armed security agents of our oppressors.
“MASSOB has resolved that 17 years of the long walk to freedom can never be jeopardized, compromised or corrupted,” he added.
Meanwhile, 14 agitators celebrating the 17th anniversary of MASSOB were yesterday arrested by the police in  Onitsha, Anambra State.
Police spokesman, Nkeiru Nwode, said they were arrested for conducts likely to cause the breach of peace.
Dailytrust

           

Forget Biafra, Buhari tells agitators

President Muhammadu Buhari with National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, who paid him a Sallah visit in Daura, Katsina State yesterday


President Muhammadu Buhari has advised those clamouring for a Biafra Republic to forget about it.
He spoke yesterday while receiving over 100 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in his Daura Local Government Area at his residence in Daura, Katsina State.

The president said all Nigerians must come  together to build the country.
Speaking specifically to corps members from the South-eastern states, Buhari said: “Tell your colleagues who want Biafra to forget about it. As a military commander, I walked from Degem, a border town between the North and the East, to the border between Cameroon and Nigeria.
“I walked for most of the 30 months that we fought the Nigeria-Biafra civil war, in which at least two million Nigerians were killed. We were made by our leaders to go and fight Biafra not because of money or oil, because oil was not a critical factor then, but because of one Nigeria. So, if leaderships at various levels failed, it was not the fault of the rest of Nigerians who have no quarrel with one another.
“So, please tell your colleagues that we must be together to build this country. It is big enough for us and potentially big enough in terms of resources. Those who work hard will earn a respectable living. I have seen this country, I fought for this country and I will continue to work for the unity of this country.”
The president called on Nigerian youths to make Nigeria great again through pursuit of knowledge, patriotism and commitment to values that promote national unity.
Buhari, who pledged his commitment to the unity and prosperity of Nigeria, urged the youth to remain focused in life, pursue their dreams and reject those fanning embers of discord and disintegration of Nigeria.
The president who specially recognised corps members from the Niger Delta and South-eastern states serving in Daura, commended former Head of State, retired General Yakubu Gowon, for setting up the NYSC in 1973.
He affirmed that the scheme had creditably promoted national unity and cohesion by exposing young people to the uniqueness and cultural diversity of Nigeria.
“I asked for those from the other extreme of Nigeria because I very much appreciate the NYSC scheme and whenever I see General Gowon, I always thank him for that.’’
In his remarks, the Corps Liaison Officer in Daura, Egbewumi Adebolu, thanked Buhari for receiving them and making their stay in Daura memorable.
He said the youths strongly believed in the programmes of the president to reduce unemployment and create jobs for more Nigerians. He also thanked Buhari for his personal gifts of cows, bags of rice and cash to corps  members in the community for the Sallah celebration.

Treat killer herders as terrorists – Sultan

Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III.

 Herders moving with guns and causing violence are not Nigerians, Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has said.

“These are foreigners coming into Nigeria to cause a breach of the peace ...They are terrorists and should be treated as such by Nigerian security agencies,” he said yesterday in his Eid el-Kabir message to Muslims.

The sultan stressed the need for security agencies to be always proactive. He described Nigerian herders as very peace-loving and law abiding, noting however that there were problems between Fulani herders and farmers which could be resolved through dialogue.

The sultan emphasised the importance of sustainable peace and unity among Nigerians ‘‘Our diversity should be our strength and God has not made a mistake by creating us with diverse differences,” he said. He called on Nigerians to be more productive towards enhancing their socioeconomic wellbeing, even as he urged leaders to continue to be just to all.

The sultan commended President Muhammadu Buhari administration for introducing the “Change Begins with Me” campaign. “The president deserves commendation for making this bold move christened, The Change begins with me,’’ he said.

He spoke in Sokoto when the state governor,. Aminu Tambuwal, paid him the traditional Sallah homage. “The campaign cannot come at a better time than now when Nigeria is in dire need of change. “Change is, however, very unpalatable and pretty difficult as such Nigerians should be cooperative and patient. “Destruction is always very easy, while reconstruction takes more time and patience is required.’’

He advised Nigerians to start the campaign by looking inwards and reappraising their   behaviour and   attitude wherever they may be. “We should start and contribute to the campaign by re-orientating ourselves and this should be done by Nigerians at all levels,’’ he said.

The sultan acknowledged ongoing efforts by the government to revamp education, agriculture, security and all facets of life. He commended the state government for setting up a special committee to restore the lost glory of education in the state.

“I have agreed to chair the committee out of my desire to see to the growth and development of the state and Nigeria, in general. “Education is the only key to Nigeria’s development and parents should allow their children to acquire both western and religious education,’’ Abubakar added.

Tambuwal had told the sultan that the visit was to appreciate his sustained royal prayers, advice and wise counsel. He commended the sultan for his relentless efforts towards lasting peace and unity in Nigeria and beyond. The governor promised to work to ensure the planned resettlement efforts of fulani herdsmen in Nigeria.

Tambuwal maintained that the planned establishment of grazing reserves by the Federal Government was the only panacea to the recurring clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers. The sultan recently advised Nigerians to desist from attaching religion and ethnicity to crimes saying it wasn’t fair that Fulani herdsmen were being accused of every violent attack in the country.

Speaking at a dinner organised for religious leaders, security agencies and journalists in his palace in Sokoto, he said every negative act was attributed to Fulani herdsmen, “even though there were other people committing heinous crimes elsewhere but not linked to religion, ethnicity and region. “If criminals are doing bad things, they are criminals and they can be found anywhere, in any religion and tribe. Therefore don’t add religious or tribal toga to any act of terrorism. “Fulani men are only after their cattle not after any government or its policies and programmes. How can they carry weapons; to go and do what with it?”

The Director of Centre for Democratic, Development and  Training (CEDDERT), Dr. Abubakar Sadiq Mohammed also on Thursday said bandits from neighbouring countries were to blame for the incessant conflicts between farmers and herdsmen. Speaking during the maiden edition of CEDDERT seminar series with the theme, “Pastoralists and Farmers’ Conflict in Nigeria” he said the finding was based on a research in the three communities of Dansadau, Sabuwa and Birnin Gwari in Zamfara, Katsina and Kaduna States respectively

. “The conflict has five varying dimensions and levels of causes ranging from the phenomenon of cattle rustling by armed bandits who are usually non-residents; to incursions between farmers and herders into each other’s’ territories and resources.

“There is also an international dimensions to the conflict whereby through the bilateral and ECOWAS pastoral legislations, pastoralists from other countries easily access the country in order to cause mayhem,” he said. Dr. Mohammed said decisions by state governments to convert parts or whole forest reserves into private farms or settlements also added to the conflict.


   

FX scarcity, debt threaten Egbin Power Station

Egbin Power Plc, Nigeria’s biggest power generating plant, said yesterday that huge debt and forex scarcity threaten its operations.


The chief executive officer of the company, Dallas Peavey, said in Lagos that the power plant could not import equipment and undertake rehabilitation because of forex scarcity.

He said that the firm was owed over N86bon by the ministries and agencies of the federal government. He said: “Since the electricity companies were acquired...we faced several hurdles in importation of electrical equipment.

“We are still not free from difficulties as access to forex remains a huge challenge. “Most of the equipment used on the 37-year-old plant are not manufactured in Nigeria or Korea. We have to go to Japan because the machines are made there.

“Scarcity of dollars has grossly contributed to the poor development of the plant because sourcing for dollars remains a mirage.’’

He said that Egbin Power was indebted to banks to about $320m. He said that the money was borrowed to rehabilitate the plant and purchase equipment to put the plant in good shape to generate at higher level.

The Egbin boss said that when the power generating companies took loans from  local and international banks to acquire the electricity plants, the foreign exchange rate was about N157 to one dollar.

Peavey spoke during the company’s scholarship award programme to schools within Ijede community in Lagos, appealing to government to pay its debt to enable the company to carry out its operations.

“We have a total generation output of 1,320MW but currently we are generating just 425MW which is 30 per cent of what we should be generating,’’ Peavey said.

He said that other than gas, the company was considering using other sources of power generation such as low pour fuel oil.

He said that the major challenge confronting the plant was gas scarcity.

“ Another big problem is that of over N86bn being owed by federal government on energy produced to the national grid in the last six months, we only got 16 per cent of the total bills out of the total money for energy generated to the national grid,” he said.

“The amount is the money owed by government through the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) to produce power to the grid by generating companies.’’

Nigeria needs new economic strategy — Tinubu

The National leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has called for economic restrategising and re-planning to achieve sustainable prosperity in Nigeria.

Tinubu told newsmen after Eid prayers at Dodan Barracks praying ground in Lagos yesterday that lack of solid foundation contributed to the nation’s current economic situation.

“Without a good and solid foundation, we cannot achieve a sustainable economic prosperity. We depended solely on one channel of revenue. So, we need to re-strategise and replan, but that planning period is always a very difficult period in any family, organisation and nation. “That is what we are experiencing now, but it is for a better and stronger future. The political and economic stability we are enjoying in Lagos today is as a result of a solid foundation,” he said.

In her message, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Idiat Adebule, urged Nigerians to uphold the significance of Eid el-Kabir, total trust and obedience to God to accelerate the pace of economic recovery.

Adebule also urged them to celebrate peacefully and reach out to the less privileged among them. “We can only enjoy Allah’s favour when we totally trust and obey His will. He is our creator and He knows what is best for us as individuals and as a nation,” Adebule said.

Also, the Majority Leader in the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, called on Nigerians to be patient and not lose hope. Gbajabiamila said President Muhammadu Buhari was making effort to reform the economy. “I urge us to be prayerful and by God’s grace we shall get better and stronger as a nation,’’ he said.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Fatai Owoseni, called for reflection on the significance of Eid elKabir and modest celebration to reduce crime. Owoseni advised residents to be security conscious and cooperate with security agents to ensure a crime-free celebration.

The Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Garuba Akinola-Ibrahim, called for greater sacrifice from both government and citizens to survive the period of recession.

“In the spirit of Eid el-Kabir, we urge the government to double up efforts to avoid our situation from getting to a critical stage which can rub off negatively on all government’s achievements so far. I also urged the citizens to exercise patience and be prayerful in this trying period. We need to focus on our strength in diversity and utilise our unique gifts to improve our present economy,” AkinolaIbrahim said. (NAN)
Dailytrust

Man strips naked for N10,000 in Mararaba

A man, believed to be in his 30s, stripped naked in a broad day light and walked about freely to earn N10,000 at Kabayi, Mararaba, near Abuja.

The City News gathered that the drama started when the man, whose identity was not disclosed, decided to prove to his friends that he could do anything for money.

The man told his friends that he could walk naked for money but they did not believe him, challenging him to walk his  talk for N10,000.
A witness said that the man surprisied his friends, pulled off his clothes and walked on the streets naked while people trooped out to watch the ‘absurdity.’
A witness, who pleaded anonymity, told our reporter: “I couldn’t believe it but it is real. I saw people running to have a glimpse while others, maybe scared, stayed away.”
The witness, however, said that the man was probably insane while some residents said he may have been influenced by drugs.
Our reporter learnt that after the parade, the man was promptly paid the agreed sum of N10,000 by his friends.
A pastor, living in the area, who did not want his name in print, described the act as indecent, adding that it was a sign of the end time, urging people to desist from such behaviour and avoid wrath of God.
Dailytrust

THE UNENDING FLIP-FLOP OF SPORTS MINISTRY AND THE DISATROUS OUTING AT RIO

After an awful outing in 2012 London Olympics, everyone thought that history of unpreparedness will not repeat itself again as the nation prepared well ahead of the just concluded Rio Olympic Games. However, the result showed that the nation learned absolutely nothing. Ministry of sports and agencies responsible for our good outing expected magic or miracle to happen in the events. Chief Samuel Ogbemudia once recounted his experience with a Russian Football Federation official in Moscow sometime in 1985 as it relates to the nation’s penchant and over-reliance in God despite poor preparations at any given sports outings. As usual before the game, Nigerian team gathered for prayer. The Russian Federation official was amazed at the action of the Nigerian team and inquired what went on. Chief Ogbemudia answered praying of course. The Russian official retorted that they should have done more in quality preparations instead of relying on prayer for success. This food for thought means that success comes through a dint of hard work and not through all-night of prayer.

One does not only pray but has to be diligent, determined and focused to achieve success. He who fails to prepare should prepare to fail is a reality and the golden rule of every human endeavours. This means there is no short cut to success. The expectation of miracles without preparation is a short cut to fame and show of unbelief in itself. The prospects in sports and sports development in Nigeria have suffered tremendous setback owing to the above circumstances. God understands the aspect of faith and good works when He says in James 2:20, “but do you know, o foolish man that faith without work is dead?” The truth remains that, those responsible for managing our sports lack the requisite qualifications and passion for the job. At a time the Dream Team VI was abandoned in America in the run up to the Olympic games, this ignorance was evident in the outburst of the minister of sports Solomon Dalung as he lampooned the officials of the Dream Team VI in his famous United States of Nigeria interview where he queried the rationale behind going to America for training. Sports are today the only identified unifying factor gluing the nation together. When the national teams are competing all the ethnic, tribal and religious differences are set aside. We all celebrate in times of victory and speak with one voice at the loss of a competition. Moreover, the potentials of sport as a revenue earner cannot be over emphasised. Huge foreign exchange in dollars has been earned over the years by Nigerians engaged in active sports abroad.
The ministry of sports seems to be cursed or are those managing it cursed. Those at the helm see sports as money making venture, so they do whatever it takes to get to the top. The ministry more often than not is immersed in one form of controversy or the other. At no time in the history of the ministry did those responsible get it right. The ministry of sports is alleged to owe two dead coaches of the national teams: Stephen Keshi and Amodu Shuaibu even in death. The Dream Team VI coach, Samson Siasia has called it quits and demanded for his backlog of pay also. Corruption, the tainted processes of hiring coaches, payment of match bonuses and logistics are always issues to contend with even when logistics funds are in place. The primordial interests of a few individuals have continued to cause the nation monumental forms of embarrassments.
The just concluded Rio Olympics in Brazil is one of such embarrassments. Team Nigeria has to be on track suits at the opening ceremony because someone abdicated his responsibilities. Many athletes had bemoaned the attitude of Sports ministry officials and have vowed not to represent Nigeria again in any capacity. It was also disheartening that the football kits did not arrive early until three days to the end of the Olympic Games. This can happen only in Nigeria where someone could enter into agreements with companies in crucial engagements without proper terms. One had thought that by now the sledge hammers would have fallen on some erring officials but Nigerians are yet to see it happen. It is currently steaming on the social media that Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has demanded to have the $ 390,000.00 donation by Katsuya Takasu a Japanese Surgeon to the dream team VI. Haba Amaju it is only those who played football that take oranges and Glucose!
Levi Obijiofor in his column: Insight summed up the reality of collapse in the sports ministry thus “every Olympic Games is a tale of sadness and anger. Nigerian sportsmen and women are not supported. They are not encouraged. They are not inspired. They are not rewarded. Many of sportsmen and women participate in international competitions at their own expenses and troubles. They lack basic training facilities, equipment and expertise; they are deprived of funds; they are exposed to harsh elements that are designed to make them fail. Their accommodation is usually second-rate. The food they eat is no better than what you get at a roadside mobile canteen. On the rare occasion when a Nigerian athlete wins a medal in an international competition, we are dazed, we are taken by surprise, we express shock at the result because we didn’t expect any medals. Surely, you do not boil an empty pot and expect to produce a pot of soup filled with a variety of meat and vegetables.  “Anybody interested in sports administration should get a basic skill training that would qualify him to take charge. We should not leave sports administration in the hands of quacks.”
The undying spirit of Nigerians was in action as it drove the Dream Team VI to winning bronze despite the deliberate obstacles ministry officials placed on the road to success. The team was deliberately- shabbily treated to say the least. The lessons of Rio and others should guide the nation in good preparation for further outings. The nation has what it takes to win medals in Olympics because the human and material resources abound. What is expected is the ability to harness these abundant and wasting potentials.  We cannot afford to do the same thing every time and expect a different result. The unending flip-flop of the ministry of Sports and the boards was the bane of sports in Nigeria and disastrous outing at Rio. The ministry of sports needs urgent overhaul as well as institutional rebirth. Laws guiding sports administration needed to be strengthened to stop anyone from circumventing laid down rules and procedures. My special commendation goes to Dream Team VI for making the nation proud and showing the world that there is strength in adversity despite all odds. The sky is your limit and the Lord will continue to shine His light upon you. Go and succeed in your field of sport.

Enugu approves 35 contracts at N2.1bn

ENUGU—The Enugu State government has approved the award of contracts for 35 capital projects comprising the construction of roads, bridges, schools and boreholes across the 17 local government areas of the state.



Ugwuanyi
The state Commissioner for Information, Dr Godwin Edeuhele, made this known while briefing newsmen shortly after the meeting of the State Executive Council, EXCO, in Enugu adding that the projects would gulp about N2.1 billion.

According to him, the government further approved another N41 million for women empowerment projects.

Udeuhele said that this showed the government’s commitment to provide infrastructural development in the state, in spite of the country’s economic recession.

He however, explained that the projects, particularly roads, would be implemented in phases depending on the government’s financial capability at each stage, pointing out that work on the selected projects would commence simultaneously in all the council areas.

On women empowerment projects, the government said that 969 women and youths would be trained on various trades across the state with the aim of encouraging gender parity.

Meanwhile, the government has ordered the re-opening of Oakland Recreational Park, which was shut following the death of two children as a result malfunctioning of one of their facilities.

However, there would henceforth be a monthly evaluation of recreational parks and event centres in the state in order to ascertain their levels of compliance with standard safety guidelines, the government further noted, even as the operators of such centres would be required to have insurance covers for users of their facilities.

Other items approved by the council included the formation of an Eminent Persons Forum, EPF, including retired public officials, religious and traditional rulers which would be used as a “platform for seasoned and experienced indigenes of the state to offer advice and suggestions to the police as regards solving emergent safety and security issues in the state and the country.”

Rio 2016:­I’m ready for probe – Dalung

Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung has dared those who think they have evidence or documents against his ministry over funds given to the body to step forward as he is ready for probe.

The minister insists that accusations of mismanagement of funds given to the Ministry are not what should be taken lightly.
“These are issues that have to do with law and investigation because you must have facts to make allegations of mismanagement. So, during the period of state of emergency, and when mechanism and steps will be taken, I will be glad if people with evidence of misappropriation of funds will step forward with proof as this will help us build public confidence.
“We will need the co-operation of the state and local government in our quest to make changes at the grassroots level. Federations, athletes and journalists are also important components in this chain of change and reforms” Dalung stated.
Speaking after the Godwin Kienka chaired National Sports Reform committee on Sports submitted its report last week, Dalung also called on stakeholders in the sports industry to come together to take the industry to the desired height.
He reasoned that for the report to be fully implemented, everybody must contribute positively to actualise the dream.
“Part of reasons why we had to declare a state of emergency in sports is to take steps to regain public confidence which we have lost and this will take us to looking into what we have done in the past and where we didn’t do it well. We will also ensure that this report is made public and every stage of implementation is advertised and brought to the knowledge of Nigerians. This will help rekindle public confidence and assure investors that we will no longer do things the way we used to.”
Despite hinting that not all aspects of the report will be implemented within the tenure of the present administration, Dalung promised that the ministry will do its best to set the ball rolling.
According to him, sports is capable of becoming a billion dollar industry in Nigeria and needs a new direction at a time when the nation is trying to diversify its streams of income to revamp the economy.
He enjoined all stakeholders to be constructive in their criticism rather than employing the pull down at all cost tactics.
“To attract sponsors and investors, we need to present a united front. If we continue to attack ourselves on the pages of newspapers, nobody will take us serious or trust us enough to invest in us. We have demonstrated since inception, that we are open to advice and constructive criticisms. People don’t need to go on air or take to the pages of newspaper to talk about what they feel should be done when they have access to us at the ministry” the Minister concluded.

FG rejects hike in fuel price

The Federal Government has said it will not increase the pump price of petrol despite the demand by former General Managing Directors (GMDs) of the National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) who said the current price of N145 per litter was ‘no longer in line with the current economic realities’.

President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, met behind closed-doors with the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources,  Ibe Kachikwu  and Managing Director of the National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Kacalla Baru at the Presidential Villa to review the call for the fuel price increase made by the former NNPC GMDs.
The former GMDs reached the decision at a one-day meeting called by Baru, where they argued that the current price of N145 per litre is not in line with the liberalisation policy, especially, with the foreign exchange rate and other price determining components such as crude cost and Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) charges, among others, remaining uncapped.
Those present at the weekend meeting where possible fuel hike was discussed include, representative of immediate past GMD, Kachikwu‎, Senior Technical Assistant, Engr. Johnson Awoyomi, HRM (Dr.) Edmund Daukoru, Chief Odoliyi Lolomar, Dr. Thomas M. A. John, Engr. Lawrence Amu, Dr. Jackson Gaius-Obaseki, Engr. Funsho Kupolokun, Dr. Abubakar Lawal Yar’Adua and Dr. Joseph Thlama Dawha.
Oil marketers had on August 8 hinted that due to the continued scarcity of foreign exchange to finance the importation of PMS, the price may increase from the official price of N145.
But Baru, who was appointed NNPC’s GDM on July 5, had denied that there were plans to increase fuel price.
The Federal Government liberalised the downstream sector of the petroleum industry on May 11, 2016, and announced an increase in the pump prices of petrol from N86 and N86.5 per litre to between N135 and N145 per litre.
It had also stated that the market was to be driven by the factors of demand and supply, as it was now largely in the hands of private sector players.
Baru, after meeting with President Buhari, yesterday, refused to take questions from State House correspondents who wanted to know if another fuel price increase was on the way.
“There is nothing like that. Go to PPPRA,” he said and walked away briskly.
However, the acting Executive Secretary of PPPRA, Sotonye Iyoyo, said the proposal was the personal opinion of the former state oil chiefs.
“If it was a recommendation, that is what it is, a personal opinion. I’m not aware if government is planning any fuel price increase. We are in a liberalised market already,” she said.
Spokesperson of the NNPC, Garba Deen Mohammed, also described the advice as an “opinion.”
“The forum was expressing its opinion, which it is entitled to,” Mohammed said.
“NNPC is a player in the petroleum industry and has a right to have its views about the industry. Nobody is bound by the opinion.”

3050mw Mambilla hydro power project set to start

Forty Chinese engineers have visited the site of the 3050 WM Mambilla hydro-power project at Gembu in Taraba State.
The high profile visit which took place weekend is preparatory to the take off of the project, official sources told Daily Trust.

The visit was undertaken in company of officials from the Federal Ministry Power, Works and Housing and  heavy security.
The area is located about 340 kilometres away from Jalingo, the state capital.
The team inspected areas mapped out for the project from River Dongo in Gembu, headquarters of Sardauna local government area.
The main project, including the huge turbines, is to be constructed at Baruf where River Dongo cascaded from 1671metres above sea level into the basin below.
It was gathered that this was the first time such a number  of experts visited the site since the plan to construct the dam was conceived several decades ago.
The Dam, according to its design, will also boost irrigation farming in the state, a major source of excitement for thousands people who live in the project area.
A community leader, Alhaji Suleiman Zubairu, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his commitment towards the execution of the project.
Alhaji Suleiman told Daily Trust in an interview that the arrival of experts in large number to the project site was a good indication that the federal government was fully committed to actualisation of the project.

FG speeds project
The squabbles between two Chinese companies that caused setbacks previously, had been resolved, officials told Daily Trust yesterday.
It was also learnt that the scope of work at the site has finally been presented by the Chinese contractors to the federal government.
A consultant and former staff of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) had told our reporter that
President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration got a new French consultant who expanded the project’s scope to 3050mw and re-valued the cost at $3.2bn (about N636.9bn) in 2011.

The power sector expert attributed the delay in flagging off the project since 2011 to the inclusion of Sinohydro Corporation, a Chinese firm that was not part of the original bid winners – CGC/CGGC in 2005.
“The Obasanjo government signed the contract with the Chinese firm in 2007 and if it was followed by now, we would have added 2600mw additional hydropower to the grid,” he said.
Earlier this year, Fashola had said the Taraba State Governor who was a former Minister of State, Power, Mr. Darius Dickson Ishaku   acquired the project land and would construct an access road to the site.
“The first thing to do is to acquire the land and deal with compensation issues, which the Governor has promised to deal with.
“The feasibility study has been done and so too the Environmental Impact Assessment. We move one day at a time closer to starting Mambilla,” Fashola had stated.
The Director, Energy Resources Development in the ministry, Mr. Emmanuel Ajayi who responded to a recent Daily Trust enquiries said the federal government this year resolved that the two Chinese firms, Gezhouba Construction Group Corporation (CGGC), and the Sinohydro Corporation must agree to handle the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract.
Mr. Ajayi in the exclusive interview  said project cost had been reviewed with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) valuing it at $5.732billion (about N1.140trn).
Another official in the ministry said the project could last for 63 months (over five years) after it is flagged off, including 12 months for a Defect Liability Period (test running). On the funding sources, it was gathered that the federal government will contribute its 15 per cent equity financing after raking in about N1trillion from the sales of the 10 gas-based power plants under the National Integrated Power Projects (NIPPs).
The transaction process has been on since 2014 when the bidders were announced.
Our reporter learnt that should the funding delay, government is ready to explore a loan source for the 15% from the Africa Development Bank (AfDB) to fast track the construction as the 85 per cent funding from China is already domiciled with the China Export Import (EXIM) Bank.
Senior Special Assistant on Media to Taraba State Governor, Silvanus Giwa yesterday confirmed the visit to the area by the Chinese firm saying they were there on a feasibility study preparatory to the commencement of the project.
On the issue of compensation Giwa said the Taraba State government was working towards creating the conducive environment for its payment which, according to him, had  to come from the Federal Government.
“It is in view of this that the state government recently issued a warning to land owners at the place to stop selling land to speculators in order to avoid crisis in the payment of compensation”, Giwa said.
Also, a former deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Babangida Nguroje yesterday confirmed the visit by the Chinese to the Mambilla Hydro Power project site saying he was reliably informed that all necessary arrangements had been concluded for the take- off of the power project.
Nguroje who hails from Nguroje community on the Mambilla said: “I can confirm to you that the Chinese were at the project site yesterday and we have been reliably informed that they are making the necessary arrangements for the commencement of the project.”

THE COORDINATOR, PHCN STAFF FORUM, KADUNA CONFRONTED WITH NEW CHARGES

Members of PHCN STAFF FORUM after the Proceedings

The Coordinator, PHCN STAFF FORUM, Kaduna Mr. Stanley Ilumah had a date with the court today for further hearing of his trial at the Customary Court I Tudun Wada Kaduna for criminal conspiracy, criminal intimidation and defamation of characters of Moses Amedu and Ali Sikamta Mishelinga, the Assistant General Secretary and Deputy President North West of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) .
At the resumed hearing, the prosecutor, Sergeant Nanjul Amos in a sudden twist applied to the court for the substitution of the First Information Report (FIR). The counsel to the defendant, Suleiman Rafiu opposed the motion on the grounds that it was meant to take the accused by surprise. He argued that the prosecution should have filed a motion and annex the new FIR so that the accused will have knowledge of the new offences against him.
The Honourable Judge, Ibrahim Titus Jujas in his ruling urged the counsels to avoid technicalities as the court is that of substantial justice. Thereafter, the counsel to the defendant conceded to the application but did not withdraw his objection. The application was then granted. However, in the new FIR presented before the court by the prosecutor, nothing much changed as the defendant was charged again for criminal conspiracy, criminal intimidation and defamation of characters of Moses Amedu and Ali Sikamta Mishelinga, the Assistant General Secretary and Deputy President North West of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) respectively. The only addition was that; the defendant used three phone numbers to intimidate the nominal defendants and was alleged to have tarnished their image and that of Joe Ajaero in a letter dated 7th March, 2016 which he signed on behalf of the Forum. The offences like the first charges contravene sections 96, 398 and 391 of the penal code of northern Nigeria. The plea of the accused was taken and he denied the charges.
The submission of the prosecution did not go down well with the counsel to the defendant who informed the court that the action amounted to waste of time and resources of the federal government of Nigeria. He threatened to apply for damages for that action arguing that the defendant counsel was not ready and should have come prepared. A large number of members of the Forum were on hand in solidarity with the coordinator. The case was adjourned to 22nd September, 2016 for further hearing. The STRUGGLE CONTINUES!

Power outage mars flight operations at MMIA

International airlines are finding it difficult to operate scheduled commercial flights from the international terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, following a severe power outage which started late Saturday.

The Lagos international airport gets its power supply both from the national grid and from its independent power plant. Daily Sun however learnt that both power sources had failed to work on Saturday and Sunday thus throwing up the entire airport into a state of darkness and disrupting the ability of airlines to make use of the requisite facilities that could enable them take off and land and also disembark passengers. Major airlines whose flight operations were disrupted  on Saturday lastweek included KLM/Air France, British Airways, Lufthansa and South Africa Airways flights.
“On Saturday these airlines had opted to use the ramp to board and disembark their passengers instead of using the fingers because of the absence of electricity to power the airport and it’s facilities,” a source told Daily Sun.
“The power outage continued on yesterday as no effort was made to address the problem and airlines like Arik Air London flight ,Virgin Atlantic Airways, Air Maroc  flights were also hampered and they also had to make use of the ramp,” added the source.
Spokesman for the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr Yakubu Dati, who confirmed the development, said, “There was a power outage from the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) and the airport was on our independent power supply.
“However when power was restored, the surge adversely affected the k16 transformer that serves the Air-bridges and rendered them unserviceable.
This adversely affected operations of departing flights. The heavy rainfall further delayed attempts by engineers to effect repairs immediately.” he said
‎Dati, apologised to passengers, airlines and the general public for the inconvenience caused by the power outage development , saying efforts are being made to redress the situation and ensure smooth airline and passenger usage of the Lagos international airport.
Dailysun

FG ready to swap B/Haram detainees for Chibok girls

President Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed the federal government’s readiness to swap the over 200 abducted Chibok schoolgirls with Boko Haram detainees.
The president was addressing journalists in Nairobi, Kenya, at the weekend on the sidelines of the sixth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD).

He reiterated the government’s preparedness to discuss the release of the girls, emphasising that it was ready to take all necessary measures to ensure their freedom.
He, however, stressed that government would only enter into discussions with genuine Boko Haram leaders who know the girls’ whereabouts.
He said authentic leaders of the sect could reach the federal government through an internationally recognised non-governmental organisation and must be able to prove that they are holding the girls.
“I have made a couple of comments on the Chibok girls and it seems to me that much of it has been politicised. What we said is that the government, which I preside over, is prepared to talk to bonafide leaders of Boko Haram.
“If they do not want to talk to us directly, let them pick an internationally recognised non-governmental organisation, convince them that they are holding the girls and that they want Nigeria to release a number of Boko Haram leaders in detention, which they are supposed to know. If they do it through the ‘modified leadership’ of Boko Haram and they talk with an internationally recognised NGO, then, Nigeria will be prepared to discuss for their release,” he said.
The president maintained that the government would not waste time and resources on “doubtful sources”.
“We want those girls out and safe. The faster we can recover them and hand them over to their parents, the better for us,” Buhari said.
On the Niger Delta crisis, Buhari said the government was also open to dialogue to resolve all contending issues in the area.
“We do not believe that they (the militants) have announced ceasefire. We are trying to understand them more. Who are their leaders and which areas do they operate and other relevant issues,” he said.
 Dailytrust

Borno insists Sheriff played role in Boko Haram crisis

Borno state Attoney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Kaka Shehu yesterday gave forty points on how a former governor of the state, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, aided and abetted the Boko Haram insurgency.

Barrister Shehu had last week at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State said authorities should scrutinize the role played by Sheriff in the crisis, while he was governor.

But Sheriff, in statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Inuwa Bwala, asked for immediate retraction and apology from Barr. Kaka Shehu, saying  there was never a commission of enquiry, instituted by the Borno State government or the federal government, which found Sheriff culpable, neither has there ever been a security report that indicted him.
However, Shehu yesterday insisted that Sheriff remained  a suspect in the matter because after winning the gubernatorial election in 2013,   he established a ministry of religious affairs and appointed Buji Foi as commissioner.
Foi was the student and strong financier of the then leader of the Boko Haram, Mohammed Yusuf.
The commissioner wondered how Yusuf, who was captured alive by soldiers, was later killed in police custody, after he had met with Sheriff, saying “the move was probably meant to conceal information that might be revealed by the late Boko Haram leader.”
 Source:Dailytrust

Nigeria loses N1.1tr to militant attacks

Nigeria lost over N1.1 trillion in oil revenues in the last five months due to militants’ attacks on oil installations, Daily Trust investigations have shown.

The figure does not include losses in gas revenues resulting from disruptions in gas supplies to domestic power and industrial plants as well as export markets.

There were at least 28 attacks on oil infrastructure between February 10, 2016 and end of last month by the Niger Delta Avengers, Daily Trust findings show.
The militant group had announced a ceasefire as the Nigerian military began Operation Crocodile Smile, which is aimed at ridding the oil region of militancy.

Trillions draining away
The 2016 budget is based on daily crude production of 2.2 million barrels per day but the attacks pushed output down by about a third between April and August 29.
Production dropped by 300,000 bpd in April according to Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) figures.
In May Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Dr. Ibe Kachikwu said production went down from 600,000 bpd to 1.5m bpd.
It again dropped by 700,000 bpd in June, 700,000 bpd in July and last Thursday output was down to around 1.4m bpd with 800,000 bpd lost.
At an average oil price of $42.01 and 46.94/barrel and exchange rate of N197/$ in April and May, the country was denied crude oil revenues valued at $378m or a Naira equivalent of N75billion and N171billion respectively.
According to Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and NNPC data, the average price of crude oil in June and July were $48.79 and N41.37 per barrel, while the value of the local currency was estimated at N285 and N292 to a dollar.
The country was therefore denied crude oil revenue valued at N292billion and N262billion respectively.
At about $48.31/barrel and N305 exchange rate, an estimated $112m or N341billionn has been lost in the last 29 days of August.
This puts the total crude oil (excluding gas) revenue shortfall between April and August 29 at N1.14trillion.
The Niger Delta Avengers attacks have cut Nigeria’s output to the lowest in almost 30 years, threatening the projected N820billion oil revenue proposed in the budget for this year.

Oil majors suspending operations
In the last five months, supply disruptions have significantly affected the country’s oil exports as four of the nation’s five largest export streams have been totally suspended.
Currently, Forcados, Qua Iboe, Bonny Light and Brass River are under force majeure, a legal clause that allows companies to cancel or delay deliveries due to unforeseen circumstances.
Shell’s Nigerian unit had declared force majeure on lifting from the Forcados export terminal since February 21 after militants blew up a pipeline feeding the Forcados export terminal, knocking out at least 250,000bpd.
The oil major on August 12, also declared force majeure on exports of Bonny Light crude due to shutdown of the Nembe Creek Trunk Line (NCTL) by the pipeline operator, Aiteo, following a leak.
The declaration came just over a month after it lifted the force majeure it declared on the grade on May 10.
However, Bonny Light exports were continuing via the Trans Niger Pipeline, which had reopened after being closed since early June.
ExxonMobil declared force majeure on shipments of Qua Iboe after a drilling platform ran aground and damaged the pipeline it jointly owns with the NNPC.
Qua Iboe is Nigeria’s largest crude oil stream and exports usually amounting to more than 300,000 bpd.
Its terminal handled 342,000 bpd last year.
It remained unclear whether ExxonMobil would be able to use a smaller alternate pipeline to resume some Qua Iboe exports. No programme has emerged for the grade.
Schedules for Erha and Bonga were also delayed, according to Reuters.
In April, Italian oil major, Eni, declared force majeure on exports of its Brass River grade after a pipeline fire. The suspension was lifted days after. Less than a month, the oil major again declared force majeure, following an attack on a key pipeline at the Brass Rivers terminal.

Attacks threaten 2016 budget
Explaining the economic effects of the continued attacks, Kachikwu last Thursday said that in addition to price element, the federal government had lost over 50 percent of its income and so too, the states.
“The militancy itself has brought down production from an average of 2.2 million barrels per day to about 1.4 million. And if I consider what I am saying here today, we are probably looking at 1.3 million barrels.
“What it means again, is when you take the cumulative effect of pricing and volume, you are down to more than 60 percent drop on the income of this country.
“You cannot even fund the 2016 budget. If you can’t fund the budget, government does not get money, salaries do not get paid, infrastructures cannot be delivered, development cannot happen,” he said.
Minister of Budget and Planning Udo Udoma recently lamented that Nigeria recorded a revenue shortfall of N1.064 trillion in the first six months of the year or 55% of the country’s projected revenue.

States shutting down
The states are equally affected by the dwindling oil revenue. The situation was so bad that some states had to go home empty handed in April after their statutory allocation was all deducted to service their debts.
About N32 billion was deducted from states allocations from the Federation Account in April for different loans they incurred.
Osun states, for instance, had its allocation of N2.030 billion for the month wiped away by a deduction of N2.391 billion, leaving a deficit of N361 million.
Even the oil rich states are not exempted with Bayelsa state losing N3.207 billion out of its N4.812 billion for April to service debts.
Official figures show that the eight oil-producing states of Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Imo, and Ondo, Abia shared only N20 billion as 13% derivation in July. This figure is less than 10 percent of their oil earning before the advent of the current oil crunch.
As a result of this, majority of the states in the Niger Delta are facing the twin challenge of payment of salaries and projects execution.

DIVIDENDS OF DEMOCRACY OR RESPONSIBILITIES OF GOVERNMENT

“Dividends of Democracy” is one popular lexicon celebrated by political office holders in Nigeria. It is an unfortunate grand norm of those in power: be it the presidency, states or local governments to elevate government schedule of duties to an honour to celebrate or feast about. This tradition is in itself completely absurd. The celebration of dividends of democracy has risen to the level of a pass time and contemptuous corrupt practice. At any given time politicians deliver on their mandates in form of projects executed with tax payers’ money, crowds of jobless youth, the media space and time are always rented to celebrate what is simply the reason for being in government. Beneficiary contractors and communities of such projects are not left out in the bandwagon effect as they do even beyond their means to appease and celebrate the politician and the project which more often than not were shabbily executed. By giving out customised “Ankara or T-shirt” of the man in power, the mostly illiterate populace and gullible public who lack good understanding of governance especially the role elected office holders play join in the fray and are hoodwinked into believing the so called “American Wonders” done by the politicians. The military ruled Nigeria for years and it was visible that they had laudable projects to its credit. The better part of the foundation and current state of the nation today was an aftermath of that regime your perception of that era notwithstanding. They took it for granted and celebrate none knowing fully well that it was a call to duty.
An average Nigerian politician has a “Vuvuzela Mentality.” The trumpet blowing syndrome and a haughty sense of nobody else does it better than I do underscores the reason for lack of purposeful leadership the show has elicited and the ridiculous level of under development witnessed throughout the nation. With pictorials and graphic presentations of projects purportedly done occupying media spaces and time, the truth of the matter is that they are manifest in sheer propaganda and covered with the hood of deception. The money spent on the media and celebration most a times doubles the actual budget for the project so celebrated. A visit to the state where such high quality pictorials of development emerged tells the direct opposite in the entire jamboree of dishonesty. A one kilometer asphalted road is celebrated with pump and pageantry only for the road to become unpassable few months later.
Using the paraphernalia of power and that of the media as a tool and accomplice to driving home the intentions of politicians are not lost in Nigerian political firmament. The politicians often pay their ways through the media and once such messages are frequently echoed or weaved into a media campaign of say six months, it sticks like a gum of truth in peoples’ consciousness. However, the reality dawns on everyone in no distance time, people become disenchanted leading to some politicians being booed, insulted or are stoned when they visit their homes and villages. The famous one kilometer radius tunnel built by former governor of Enugu State Chimaroke Nnamani was in that category of propaganda extraordinaire and deception. It was nothing short of an over-head bridge and Enugu people can testify to that. So also are other numerous highly celebrated white elephant projects which bore the insignia of wastages around the country.  A good product does not need much promotional spree. It gets desired patronage on its own no matter the point of sale. Good thinking is an outcome of a good product. States that are doing well do not need to buy into advertisements or propaganda.  Their works are good testimonials for prudence and diligence in managing available scarce resources. The wisdom of putting state resources into the right beneficial projects is a lesson ignored by those in power. It is so vital that in it lies the fulcrum of  of development which is in short supply.
During campaigns for elective political offices, politicians pledge to do the unthinkable. So many outlandish promises tantamount to the one a man gives his girl at bed time tend to be the trend.  After the celebration of victory, the voters are shut out completely as the politician zooms pass in tinted SUV’s and police escorts without much attention or concern to the disappointment of all. This unfriendly political culture is annoying and the habit in itself completely silly. Execution of projects for the good of the people is a social contract meant to be fulfilled after elections. It is morally offensive, scorns the law of fairness and in contravention of the oath of the offices for an elected officer to celebrate his responsibilities or assume he does the people favour by keeping to his schedules. Before elections, a deal to be kept was struck between the electorates and elected. The electorates are always faithful in playing their parts at the polls while the elected shamelessly abandon their own part of the bargain. Paying good attention to investments in human capital development, quality and affordable education, provision of excellent and affordable health care, availability of class electricity power supply should interest those in government. In these few instances and many more can we be free from the vestiges of penury, want and underdevelopment states and the entire nation experiences. Propaganda is not the answer to societal development. Deliberate and conscientious attempt aimed at executing good and people oriented projects is.

Sunday Onyemaechi Eze, a Media and Communications Specialist is the publisher of thenewinsightng.blogspot.com.

RE: ELECTRICITY EMPLOYEES RAISE ALARM OVER NEW GROUP

#BringBackOurMoney#The attention of the Coordinator, PHCN SATAFF FORUM, Kaduna Mr. Stanley Ilumah has been drawn to a malicious and false alarm raised by the Kaduna State Council of the National Union of Electricity Employees titled “Electricity Employees Raise Alarm Over New Group” published in Daily Trust edition of 16th August, 2016 Page 18, linking him and the Forum to taxing and extortion of both ex-and serving staff of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN). The statement further alleged that, “we are also aware that a faction of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) is said to be sponsoring this calculated attempt to disparage the good image of the union and its leadership and called on the general public to be wary of the dubious group…”  Mr. Stanley Ilumah and the Forum do not wish to join issues with Kaduna State Council of NUEE, Ephraim James, Mohamed Auwal Bello and their ilk but for the fact that, this piece of warped information was malignantly misleading. It wrongly insinuated that the group (PHCN STAFF FORUM, Kaduna) is parading itself as representative of the former PHCN staff. Yes, we make bold to state here for the avoidance of doubt that the Forum genuinely represents the interest of its members and will continue to do so within the ambit of the law despite the distraction of those crying wolf where there is none.

As Nigerian citizens, Mr. Stanley Ilumah and the Forum will continue to enjoy the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly as enshrined in sections 24(1) and 25(1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended and not even NUEE can take away such rights. The issues of having only three registered Unions in the Power Sector does not bother the Forum as it is not in any competition of space with NUEE or the other two Unions mentioned for the simple reason that their interests are different from the Forum's. The Forum therefore wishes to state clearly that it is a law abiding and civil group. In its 10 months of existence, at no time was the group linked with any criminal activities. In fact, it is on record that relevant law enforcement agencies had interacted and have been keeping tab on its activities. Therefore, it is preposterous for an ignorant group to point accusing fingers when relevant security agencies are on top of the situation. One wonders what stops the Kaduna State Council of NUEE from reporting those dubious acts to the security agencies for necessary action before taking to the pages of newspapers.  These unfounded allegations reside purely in the imaginations of NUEE, Ephraim, Mohamed Auwal Bello and his failed co-travelers. If not what stops those extorted from raising the red flag.  The off-side kick qualifies for a simply distraction of a noble course the Forum has embarked upon. However, the Coordinator and the Forum shall not succumb to intimidation or cheap black mail.

Since Mr. Stanley Ilumah signed a letter by the Forum addressed to Joe Ajaero demanding for the refund of over 7.7billion deducted from the Severance Package of ex-PHCN staff without response, the leadership of NUEE has been in total disarray. As their advances to our forum to sheath the sword failed, they have resorted to blackmail. The NUEE spent forces and deflated foot soldiers in Kaduna State Council have been running from pillar to post in their desperate bid to cover up their tracks. Clear conscience fears no accusation is a popular saying. One would have thought that NUEE had better argument or explanation to make on the 7.7 billion naira instead of chasing shadow in the dark and engaging in undignified frivolities. In their futile and desperate attempt to score cheap goal, disparage the Coordinator, the Forum and bring both to the odium of public disrepute, why was it only the NUEE officials that mischievously signed a statement on behalf of three Unions? The NUEE is crying more than the bereaved. Where, when, how were those taxed and extorted? Cant those they seek to protect be mentioned or presented? The statement was the silliest information at the public domain. That by forming a group to propagate definite interests, the leader and such group has become dubious and an extortionist is to say the least diversionary.  The general public is by this medium informed that the statement is a proxy war launched by the National Union of Electricity Employees against PHCN STAFF FORUM, Kaduna through the Kaduna State Council over the Forum’s demand for accountability in NUEE. Mr. Stanley Ilumah and the Forum are undaunted and unfazed until this is achieved.

Instead of addressing the demand and issues raised in the letter frontally and responsibly, the Union is playing to the gallery and has attempted to reduce a critical issue to name calling and insinuations. They should be told frankly that a whooping sum of 7.7 billion naira is too big to be covered under a mere press statement of 240 words. The sum is too much to be left unaccounted for by a Union which was awaken from self-inflicted slumber by our letter and one which has three years ago abdicated its core responsibilities. This attempt to gag an innocent and law abiding group by the foot soldiers of the leadership of NUEE in Kaduna will fail. 

After their two failed attempts to conscript some individuals to work against the letter the Forum wrote to the General Secretary, NUEE failed woefully, it was not surprising that NUEE has resorted to name calling and cheap black mail. It was rather absurd and absolute bunkum to link the leadership of a faction of NLC to sponsoring the Forum. As an ex- staff whose money was deducted, one is free to independently launch an inquest into the said deduction let alone a conscientious group. The Forum calls on well-meaning Nigerians to prevail on NUEE to do the needful instead of chasing shadows. The hallmark of professional journalism lies in fairness, objectivity and balanced reportage. For Daily Trust, wherein lies the above standards? Anyways, our crack team of lawyers have been briefed on this malicious publication accordingly. No Shaking! #SupportAccountabilityInNUEE#

Sunday Onyemaechi Eze

Media Adviser to Stanley Ilumah and PHCN STAFF FORUM, Kaduna

Edo gov’ship: PDP set for protest over alleged arrest of members

Senator Ahmed Makarfi

Members of the People Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State will embark on a peaceful protest over what the party’s state chairman, Chief Dan Orbih, described as unwarranted arrest of members in the state.
Orbih, who made the allegation at a campaign rally held at Ogbeson Quarters, near Benin, said that the recent incident in Okada, Ovia North- East Local Government Area, where 13 PDP youths were arrested on “trumped up charges” was unacceptable.

He said that two weeks ago, youths from Egbeta, a rural community near Okada, were arraigned before a court by the state’s attorney-general and commissioner for justice, for alleged “threat to public peace and assaulting a civil commissioner.”
“This week is the last we would allow the Edo state attorney- general to change the charges against our members,” Orbih said.
“If it happens again, we would take to the streets to protest the arrest of PDP members by the APC-led government.”
The PDP governorship candidate in the state, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, had on Monday alleged that Governor Adams Oshiomhole was intimidating him with apparatus of the state ahead of the September 10 gubernatorial election in the state.
Dailytrust

Kwankwaso’s office sealed over mass wedding

Senator Kwankwaso
Armed contingent of police personnel have cordoned off the constituency office of former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso for allegedly conducting a mass wedding despite police order stopping the event.

Daily Trust reports that Kwankwaso had organized a mass marriage for over 100 couples which was scheduled to hold last Saturday, but was aborted by the police who cited security reports about a possible clash with Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje’s supporters.

A source told our reporter that the aborted wedding took place secretly on Monday at the premises of Kwankwaso’s office located along Lugard Road, a few meters away from the Kano Government House.
 However, speaking to our reporter, an ally of the former governor, Sanusi Surajo said the wedding took place at the residences of the respective couples and not at the office of Kwankwaso.
He said the police got hint of the wedding and sealed off Kwankwaso’s office after the Kwankwasiya Foundation began distributing the wedding gifts to some of the couples on Monday.
Kano State police spokesperson Magaji Musa Majiya said the police sealed off the building because the organizers of the mass wedding did not seek any approval to assemble at the venue.
Dailytrust

Kaduna to Face Increased Hardship as El-Rufai Dares to Sack Those Employed by Namadi, Yakowa and Yero

Kaduna to Face Increased Hardship as El-Rufai Dares to Sack Those Employed by Namadi, Yakowa and Yero. There are some strong  information from our source that indicates the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai,is putting up some arrangements to probe the administration of Arch Mohammed Namadi Sambo, the nation’s former vice president and also a one time governor of the state.

Our source revealed that Governor El-Rufai have given an order for the state civil service recruitment which was done during the stay of the former governor of the state, Arch Mohammed Namadi Sambo, and also the administration of his successor late Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, alongside the immediate past governor of the state,  Muhktar Ramalan Yero, to be probed.

According to our source, “The Governor has already brought up committe made up of six persons to probe the recruitment in the states’ civil service from the year 2007 – 2015, in which Sambo, Late Yakowa and Yero were governors of Kaduna State at separate times.

“Governor El-Rufai has given an order for the full list of the entire recruitment that was carried out during the year 2007 – 2015, to inspected closely and thoroughly.”

Our source didn’t release full details on why the probe was being carried out, but on the other hand, another close source from the Government house in Kaduna State said that the probe is being carried out for the good interest for the people of Kaduna state.

He went on to give some explanations that: “Some of these civil servants are not able to either read nor write. It has also been discovered that some of these persons are older than the ages that they claim to be, while so many graduates who are very qualified are walking the streets without jobs for themselves.

For example, it has also been discovered that some of these civil servants aren’t punctual at work, and some of them don’t even know what their work schedule looks like. Won’t it be a very credible thing for the current government to probe the recruitment exercises and also find out how these persons were employed into the state service? he asked.

On the other hand, Mr Muyiwa, who is the Senior Special Assistant  to the Governor media and publicity, didn’t respond to his phone calls when reached to give his side of the story and how true it is. Also, Miss Maryam, who is the governor’s aides on new media, responded to her call by picking up but refused to give any comments on the issue saying that, the matter is way beyond her jurisdiction.

Mr. Samuel Aruwan, who is the Spokesperson  to Governor El-rufai, also refused to comment on the matter when he was contacted.

Someone who is thought to be a strong member of the PDP, Barrister Mark Jacob,who is a chieftain and also a former National Legal Adviser of the party, stated that he won’t be surprised if the speculations are true because the present governor has proven to carry out things that are too offensive or shocking to be published.

Mr Jacob went on to state that in his own opinion, those persons who were recruited be the past administrations were given the jobs because they were qualified, not because they are in support of any political party, saying that if the governor carries out what is speculated, it wouldn’t be a good example at all.
Credit: Kadunanewsonline.com

Army says 'so called 'Shekau' fatally wounded' in air strike

The Nigerian army has said 'so called Abubakar Shekau,' the Boko Haram leader was fatally wounded in a recent air strike in Sambisa forest.


A statement today by Army spokesman Colonel Sani Usman said: " in what one could describe as the most unprecedented and spectacular air raid, we have just confirmed that as a result of the interdiction efforts of the Nigerian Air Force, some key leaders of the Boko Haram terrorists have been killed while others were fatally wounded."

He added that: "The air interdiction took place last week Friday 19th August 2016, while the terrorists were performing Friday rituals at Taye village,  Gombale general area within Sambisa forest, Borno State."

He said: "Those Boko Haram terrorists commanders confirmed dead include Abubakar Mubi, Malam Nuhu and Malam Hamman, amongst others. While their leader, so called “Abubakar  Shekau”, is believed to be fatally wounded on his shoulders. Several other terrorists were also wounded."
Culled from: Dailytrust