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Tag: Namadi Sambo

  • 2015: PDP’s new calculation in Imo

    2015: PDP’s new calculation in Imo

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has held a rally to welcome defectors from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Owerri, capital of Imo State. Correspondent KINGSLEY NDIDI examines the implications of the defection for the ruling party in the Southeast state.

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is on the prowl in Imo State. At a rally in Owerri, the state capital, party leaders vowed to reclaim power from the All progressives Congress (APC) governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha. But, the governor is not sleeping on guard. He said that the PDP chieftains were day dreaming. The rally took place at the Dan Anyiam Stadium. It was attended by President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President Namadi Sambo, PDP National Chairman Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, Chairman Board of Trustees (BoT) Chief Tony Anenih, Senate President David Mark, and some governors. .

    The rally was organised to welcome defectors from the APC. The defectors include former Governor Achike Udenwa, Senator Ifeanyi Ararume Imo East), Senator Chris Anyanwu, and Chief Mike Ahamba (SAN).

    President Jonathan urged party members to gird their loins, ahead of the 2015 polls. He said they should learn from the wrangling and discord, which permitted a crack on the wall in 2011.

    The governor of Akwa Ibom State and Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum, Chief Godswill Akpabio, said that, with the return of the old members, the PDP will reclaim the state.

    He charged the party leaders to to promote unity in the fold. “We are not just here to receive the returnees, but their thousands of supporters and, with what we have seen so far. the PDP has recaptured Imo State. The will of God is that, in 2015, the PDP flag will fly again in Imo government House,” he said.

    The Senate President advised the PDP family to forget the past and forge ahead in the spirit of new understanding. He described Imo as a PDP state.“In fact ,Imo has returned to the PDP; we are getting back our own that mistakenly strayed away. We have made a strong statement by the turn out of people today,” Mark added.

    His deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, assured that the party will bounce back next year after the polls.

    Anenih was more optimistic that the PDP will regain power in the state in 2015. He said: “With the return of our great members, the job is already done; all we need now is to play the politics of inclusion. Nobody should be left behind. We should avoid the mistake of the past and work together to deliver our common goal. Our coming here today to receive the returnees has shown that the importance of the project to reclaim Imo by the leadership of our great party”.

    Mu’azu, who was impressed by the huge crowd, said: “The

    he journey to recapture Imo has just started and the new leadership of the PDP is committed to reclaiming all the states we have lost as a result of internal problems”.

    He added: “From the beginning of this democratic dispensation, the PDP has swept all elections in Imo, but due to internal wrangling, we were not able to hold on to power. Even, the incumbent governor, Rochas Okorocha ,was a PDP member.

    “Now, that we have found the answers to our problems and, with the returnees, I want to assure you that Imo State has fallen”.

    The national chairman however, appealed to the aspirants to thread softly. He said: “This is a brand new PDP and only our very best will be fielded during the 2015 election”.

    The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and governorship aspirant, Hon Emeka Ihedioha, said: “Imo is a PDP state and today we have earnestly began the journey to take back the state. We made mistakes in the past, but we are back. We misunderstood ourselves and power slipped off our hands, but today, our brothers who strayed away are back and that is one of the things we need to return to Douglass House”.

    President Jonathan described the rally as a reunion that will strengthen the party. He said: “We are here for unity rally because of our brothers that stepped out, but have stepped back. We are making a reunion of the PDP and the party will be stronger than ever before. The PDP is the only stable party in Nigeria and we will continue to play a major role in the country”.

    However, observers contend that the PDP has some some hurdles to cross. Certain elements in the party are not comfortable with the return of the founding fathers. a tall barrier to scale to return to Douglas House in 2015. Firstly is the challenge of internal scuffle which is already building up with the return of founding members of the party.

    The governorship race is already crowded. No fewer than 10 strong members of the party are struggling for the ticket. They belong to the various caucuses. They cannot be ignored because they are party financiers. They Ihedioha, Senator Hope Uzodinma, Acting Minister of Aviation Prof. Viola Onwuliri, Chief Jerry Chukwueke, former Governor Ikedi Ohakim and Ararume.

    A political analyst, Chief Stanley Egwudia, expressed doubt about the ability of the different factions in the PDP to agree on a consensus ccandidate. He said: “The storm is brewing in the state chapter of the PDP. The celebrated return of these heavy weights to the PDP will do more harm than good for the party. It will further break the rank of the party. All of them returning to the party have one ambition or the other they could not realize outside the party and they returned with the hope of getting retribution”.

    A clear pointer to this fact was the move by a faction of the party to concede the governorship slot to Ararume as a compensation for the injustice done him in 2007, which made him dump the party after the governorship election.

    Another challenge is that Okorocha has performed creditably to earn the people’s loyalty.

    In Imo State today, the feeling is that the PDP has ruled the state for 12 years without anything to show for it and the electorate are known to be resolute and cannot be easily swayed by political statements or monetary inducement.

     

     

    Governor Okorocha who was obviously unshaken by the threat by the PDP to sack him in 2015, vowed that the PDP will never govern the state again after.

    He described the 12 years of PDP administration in the state as a total waste, “these expired politicians have nothing to offer the state. Udenwa’s eight years as governor was a total waste, Ohakim’s four years was a disaster so where is there justification to return to power. They can no longer deceive our people the PDP has marginalized Ndigbo and we cannot continue to allow them.

     

    “What they are doing is mere ranting none of them can proudly stand before the people and asked to be voted for. They should show the people what they have done with the state resources for 12 years that should warrant their return to power”.

     

  • PDP battles to reclaim Imo

    PDP battles to reclaim Imo

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has re-launched efforts to reclaim Imo State during a mega rally at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri.

    At the event, national leaders of the party gathered to correct what they described as the mistakes, which cost the party the governorship election in 2011.

    During the rally attended by President Goodluck Jonathan; Vice President Namadi Sambo; National Chairman of the party Adamu Mu’azu; Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT), Chief Tony Anenih; Senate President David Mark; PDP governors and founding members of PDP in the state, who left the party over alleged injustice, returned to the fold.

    They are former Governor Chief Achike Udenwa; Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, the lawmaker representing Imo East; Senator Chris Anyanwu; Mike Ahamba (SAN); among others.

    At the rally, the speakers, including President Jonathan, said the party would reclaim Imo State.

    The Chairman of PDP Governor’s Forum, Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio, said the return of the members meant that the party had recovered its winning streak and would regain power in 2015.

    “We are not just here to receive the returnees, but also their supporters. With what we have seen, PDP will recapture Imo State. The will of God is that in 2015, PDP’s flag will be hoisted again in Imo Government House.”

    The Senate President said Imo had been a PDP state and was on the verge of returning to the fold, adding: “Whatever happened in past was already history. In fact, Imo has returned to the PDP fold. We have made a strong statement by the turnout of people today.”

    His deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, said the party was poised to win Imo governorship election.

    Said he: “In 1999, we controlled Southeast states until Imo and Anambra were ‘captured’ by the opposition. But we have come to reclaim Imo.”

    Anenih said he hopedPDP would regain power in the state next year.

    He said: “With the return of our members, the job is done. All we need do now is to play the politics of inclusion. Nobody should be left behind. We should avoid the mistakes of the past and unite to achieve our goal. Our coming here to receive the returnees has shown the importance of the project to reclaim Imo.”

    Mu’azu said: “The journey to recapture Imo has begun and the new leadership of the PDP is committed to reclaiming the states we have lost, following internal problems.”

    According to him, “at the commencement of this democratic dispensation, PDP won elections in Imo, but due to internal wrangling, we could not hold on to power. Even incumbent Governor Rochas Okorocha was a PDP member.

    “Now that we have found answers to our problems and with the returnees, I want to assure you that Imo State has been reclaimed.”

    He appealed to the aspirants that “this is a new PDP and only our best will be fielded during the next poll.”

    House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha, one of the likely governorship aspirants, said: “Imo is a PDP state and today we have begun the journey to reclaim the state. We made mistakes in the past, but we are back. We misunderstood ourselves and power slipped off our hands. But today, our brothers, who defected, are back. This is one of the things we need to return to Douglas House.”

    President Jonathan described the rally as a reunion, which would strengthen the party.

    Said he: “We are here for a unity rally because our brothers, who defected, have returned. We are celebrating a reunion of the PDP. The party will be stronger than before. PDP is the only stable party in the country. We will continue to play a major role in the democratic dispensation.”

     

  • Jonathan receives Udenwa, Anyanwu, others into PDP

    Jonathan receives Udenwa, Anyanwu, others into PDP

    President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President Namadi Sambo, National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, Chairman, PDP’s Board of Trustees, Chief Tony Anenih, and other leaders of the party yesterday in Owerri, Imo State received former governor of the state, Chief Achike Udenwa, former Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, and the Senator representing Imo East, Chris Anyanwu and Mike Ahamba (SAN) back into the PDP.

    Other leaders of the party who attended the rally tagged unity rally at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, were Senate President, David Mark, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, Bethel Amadi, President Pan African Parliament, Minister of Labour and Productivity, Emeka Wogu, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Viola Onwuliri among others.

    Also in attendance were Governors Seriake Dickson (Akwa Ibom), Martins Elechi (Ebonyi), Theodore Orji (Abia), and Liyel Imoke (Cross River).

    President Jonathan said at the rally that the PDP under the current leadership is undergoing a reunion to bring back all aggrieved members that had stepped out of the party.

    This, according to him, will strengthen the PDP.

    According to him, the PDP has continued to play a critical role in the nation’s democracy, adding that, “whenever anything is wrong in the PDP it does not affect only Nigeria, but the whole of African countries. PDP is the only party that is stable in the country; it is the only party that those that want to play decent politics should follow.”

    Also speaking, Mu’azu urged the returnees to win the state back for the party in 2015.

    “We lost Imo State because of internal wrangling which made our founding members in the state to stray away but today we are back and the journey to reclaim Imo has just begun,” he said.

    Anenih in his speech urged the PDP members in the state to play politics of inclusion, saying: “whatever happened in the past in Imo State is now history.”

    Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Ahamba, said that they “have returned to our ranks as members of the PDP. And we are going to work together to regain what we have lost.”

  • Let’s battle Boko Haram now, says Gowon

    Let’s battle Boko Haram now, says Gowon

    The Boko Haram insurgency took the centre stage in the polity yesterday.

    It dominated discussions at the inauguration of the new leadership of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) in Kaduna.

    The inauguration of the Ibrahim Coomasie-led ACF leadership attracted the North’s political leaders, including Vice President Namadi Sambo.

    Also there were former Head of State Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, governors and others.

    Former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon called for serious action against the insurgency.

    In Abuja, the House of Representatives passed a resolution that the Army Headquarters should move to Maiduguri, the beleagued capital of Borno State – the epicentre of the Boko Haram activities.

    The Presidency slammed Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima for declaring on Monday that the Army lacks the capacity to combat the sect’s members.

    Gen. Gowon expressed concern about the growing hype of ethnic nationalism and ethno-religious activism.

    Gowon spoke as Vice President Sambo said the nation would need about 2.9 trillion dollars to address its infrastructural needs within the next 30 years.

    The former Head of State said there was the need for all Nigerians “to come together and unleash their synergy against the security challenges and other national malaise, be it Boko Haram, ethno-religious crisis, kidnapping, militant activism, armed robbery or piracy or any other such act that disrupt the peace and harmony and threatens the economic and social development of the country.

    “We believe the situation is not beyond redemption and so, should not be allowed to set a national agenda of reconsideration of our unity and nationhood.

    “Freedom brought about by democracy… is expected to thrive on a tripod of: foundation of liberty, justice and common decency. That is why it is said that democracy is rather a contest of ideas and reasons and not contest for survival where politicians take it out violently among themselves in the name of democracy. Only Liberty, justice and common decency are true elements of democracy,” he said.

    Gen. Gowon urged politicians not to resort to violence in the name of freedom that comes with democracy. You will agree with me in saying that although Nigeria may be going through hard times, political, economic and social, we have a resilience to tackle it successfully.

    “The different times should spur national grandeur, bring about good leadership and the best in every one of us, instead of the current hype in ethnic nationalism and religious bigotry that seek to promote cleavages that is self destructive. It is very important to note that no nation thrive on the victory of factions, but through ultimate reconciliation”.

    He frowned at the emergence of different elders’ groups in the north, noting that the ACF was built on the promise of an unwavering commitment to the pursuit of peaceful coexistence in the north and in the context of one united Nigeria.

    He said “I am compelled to mention this because the ACF emerged through the coming together of northern elders for the expressed purpose of promoting peaceful coexistence in the north as precondition for socio-economic development of the north and that of Nigeria.

    “We do not share in the reason being advanced in favour of proliferation of elders groups that ACF is not politically active. It is important to note that while ACF may not be politically partisan for obvious reasons, many of the forum’s members belong to different political parties.

    Sambo said the nation needs an average infrastructure spending of 25 billion dollars between 2014 and 2018 as against the current spending of 9-10 billion dollars.

    The leadership of the ACF is made up of the following:

    Board of Trustees

    Chairman-Adamu Fika, Deputy Chairman- AVM Muhktar Mohammed (rtd), Vice Chairman-Prof. Para Mallum

    National Working Committee:

    Ibrahim Ahmadu Coomassie-Chairman, Musa Liman Kwande-Deputy Chairman, Senator Abubaklar Girei-Vice Chairman, Col. John Paul Uba-Secretary General, Barrister Halima Alfa- National Legal Adviser, Abubakar Husaini Moriki-National Treasurer, Muhammed Ibrahim Biu-National Publicity Secretary, Ahmad Bawa-National Financial Secretary, Baba Sule Bissala National Auditor, Abubakar Gambo Umar-Deputy Secretary General, Hajia Fatima Kwaku-Deputy National Legal Adviser, Murtala Usman Aliyu- Deputy National Treasurer, Hajia Amina Ladan Baki- Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Hajia Laraba Dattijo Deputy National Financial Secretary, Mohammed Hassan Fawu-National Deputy Auditor, Mohammed Tanko Soba- Assistant Secretary General, Bashir Albasu-Assistant National Legal Adviser, Sale Gacha Bade-Assistant National Treasurer, Adebayo Abubakar-Assistant National Publicity Secretary, Ado Datti Assistant National Financial Secretary and Navy Capt Hamidu Usman Jefeji.

     

  • Sambo’s aide Balat dies at 62

    Sambo’s aide Balat dies at 62

    •Jonathan, Mark, others mourn

    Former Minister of State (Works) and Special Adviser on Special Duties to the Vice President Senator Isaiah Balat is dead.

    Balat, who served in 1999, and was elected as senator representing Kaduna Southern Senatorial district, died at the National Hospital, Abuja of an undisclosed ailment.

    Balat (62) was a founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kaduna State and contested the governorship primaries but lost to Vice President Namadi Sambo.

    President Goodluck Jonathan has condoled with Sambo and the Balat family as well as his kinsmen, the people of Kaduna State and supporters, whose interests he represented and defended throughout his political career.

    The President prays that God would receive the soul of the senator, whom he had the pleasure of working with in the Presidential Villa, and grant him eternal rest.

    Senate President David Mark described the late Balat as “an astute politician, a distinguished parliamentarian, respectable colleague and gentleman.

    He noted that Balat was one of the leading lights on the political scene who “demonstrated his love, patriotism and dedication to the ideals of nationhood.”

    Kaduna State Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero expressed shock and sadness . He said the death was a “big loss” not only to his family and Kaduna State but to the country.

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said Balat’s death had depleted the breed of bridge-builders diligently committed to holding together Nigeria.

    Yero said: “Balat exhibited the true essence of sacrifice as one of the leading lights of our present democratic dispensation. History will judge him fairly as one of those who gave their all in building a modern, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.”

    The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also expressed sadness.

    National Publicity Secretary Olisa Metuh described the death as a huge loss to the country, adding that Balat left the scene at a time the nation needed his contributions.

    President of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), umbrella body of the southern Kaduna people, Dr. Ephraim Goje said: “Just as we are recovering from the death of former Governor Patrick Yakowa, we are receiving this blow again, this is another big blow to the Southern Kaduna people.

    “But our consolation is that both Balat and Yakowa left their marks on the political terrain of Kaduna State.”

    Civil rights activist Mallam Shehu Sani said Balat was a political asset to the North.

    “His death is a great loss to Kaduna, northern Nigeria and Nigeria.

    “We have lost a pacifist an optimist and a political titan. Balat was a political asset to northern Nigeria and an ardent believer in a politics of consensus.

    “He lived his life a liberator of his people and an upholder of their dignity.

     

  • N100bn bond for expressway

    N100bn bond for expressway

    •Is it politics or business?

    As if in response to widespread skepticism over its plan for the abandoned Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the Federal Government has thrown a new dice into the conundrum. According to the Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen, the government is ready to issue a N100 billion bond towards the completion of the road. The minister made the claim before a delegation of campaigners for President Goodluck Jonathan and his vice, Namadi Sambo, known as Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Reloaded Committee, which is led by former deputy senate president, Ibrahim Mantu. Shockingly, the minister also claimed that since the contract for the expressway was re-awarded, work has been going on, on that road.

    Considering the several failed promises made by the Federal Government on the rehabilitation of that road, we do not know whether this new claim is a mere political gimmick. Interestingly, the minister chose a meeting with politicians to announce such an important decision. A few months ago, President Jonathan came to do a groundbreaking ceremony on the construction of that road, but notably, the current budget awaiting the approval of the federal legislature captured only N25 billion out of the about N170 billion required to fix it. Again, the Federal Government had not long ago, also claimed that it was going into a Public-Private Partnership as a source of funding to build the road.

    So, which of the claims shall Nigerians rely on towards the reconstruction of perhaps the most important federal highway in Nigeria? Should we rely on the political assertions of the minister made before President Jonathan’s praise singers or that of the President which came with much fanfare, with no action? Or, is it even possible that when the President flagged off the reconstruction project, there was no funding plan in place? Nigerians demand an answer to this flip-flop of the Federal Government, more so as the integrity of the office of the President has been dragged into the conundrum.

    As we have previously argued, if indeed the Federal Government has no plans to reconstruct that road, why all the fanfare and excruciating deprivations that road users suffer on the day President Jonathan came to perform what is turning out a duplicitous enterprise? Now, it seems the minister has taken over where the President stopped in a classical case of double speak. By the minister’s claim last week, the Federal Government is now to fund the entire project, partly through direct funding and the major chunk of fund, by borrowing. Yet, in the 2014 budget estimate, the entire provision for the ministry of works is not up to the cost of the project; or shouldn’t the cost have been captured in the budget, if truly there is a genuine plan of action?

    The case of abandonment that the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has suffered is applicable to most of the other federal highways across the country. While the present regime can claim that the crisis predates it, it is shameful that it has not done much since it came on board. Again, since the emergence of democratic governance in 1999, the Peoples Democratic Party has been in power, and over the 14 years it has budgeted hundreds of billions of naira to the Federal Ministry of Works, with very little to show for it. The failure of the party to deliver on infrastructure cuts across, in spite of the trillions of naira budgeted annually for these. Considering the importance of this road, we again urge the Federal Government to expedite action on its reconstruction.

  • Energy sector to gulp $900bn in 30 years – Jonathan

    Energy sector to gulp $900bn in 30 years – Jonathan

    President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday maintained that Nigeria needs about $900 billion to fix her energy sector in the next 30 years.

    Speaking during the Nigeria Power Financing Conference at the Banquet Hall of the State House in Abuja, he said that a significant percentage of the fund has to come from the private sector.

    Jonathan was represented at the conference titled: “Private Sector Financing/Support for the Power Sector and Infrastructure” by Vice President Namadi Sambo.

    Stressing that the government alone could not fund the infrastructure development, the President said that the power sector alone requires $10 billion for power generation and distribution towards adding 5,000 megawatts to the national grid.

    He called on the power sector operators to do everything possible in order to provide appreciable power supply to Nigerians by June this year.

    He said: “Under our national infrastructure master plan, substantial amounts are required for infrastructural development efforts in the next 30 years covering 2014 to 2045. The energy sector alone needs an infusion of about $900bn during this period. Of this, a significant percentage is expected to come from the private sector.

    “The power sector alone needs about $10bn for generation and distribution companies in the next few years to enable us add 5,000mw to the national grid.

    “Similarly, our transmission grid requires an annual investment of about $1.5bn for the next five years to ensure its reliability and stability. The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has commenced aggressive implementation of the expansion blueprint by leveraging funds from both the appropriation, financial and multi-lateral institutions.”

    He went on: “The Federal Government is also undertaking new investments in power as well as renewable energy such as solar, wind and hydro power plants and also in major gas infrastructure. This infusion of resources from other sources will go a long way in fully realising these efforts.

    “Besides power, we are also making huge investments to meet our other infrastructural needs including our road networks, telecommunication, railway, water resources, water rails, aviation and so on.”

    “The government alone cannot fund infrastructural needs in Nigeria. Today’s global economy depends on the active involvement and sustained contribution of all stakeholders, especially the organise private sector. This conference therefore comes at the appropriate time. The opportunities for foreign direct investments and returns in Nigeria are attractive.

    “Our economy is growing stronger everyday. I therefore hope that this conference will come up with practicable strategies for the power sector, and that it will devise strategies to unlock the much needed capital for wider infrastructural development.

    “I urge the private sector operators to go the extra mile and provide appreciable electricity supply to anxious Nigerians, at least by June this year. I believe this can be done and Nigerians are eagerly waiting for this.”

     

  • Jonathan in Sokoto, says PDP is party to beat

    Jonathan in Sokoto, says PDP is party to beat

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will coast home to victory come 2015, President Goodluck Jonathan stated yesterday.

    He said the party “is the number one party in Nigeria and it would continue to be so.”

    The president spoke in the Shehu Kangiwa Square, Sokoto State where he formally welcomed former Governor Attahiru Bafarawa and his supporters to the PDP.

    In his entourage were Vice President Namadi Sambo, Senate President David Mark and National Chairman of the PDP, Adamu Mu’azu.

    Governors of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Katsina, and Kogi states were also at the reception.

    Sambo, Mark, Mu’azu, Akpabio and the other governors echoed the unity of the PDP and their resolve to work together for success in the 2015 elections.

    Bafarawa told the president “to go and have a good sleep,” promising to deliver Sokoto State to the PDP.

    Sokoto deputy governor, Mukhtar Shagari, who is rumoured to have been promised the party’s governorship ticket, said: “Here in Sokoto, we love you and will send you back to Aso Rock in 2015.”

    But residents agonised over traffic gridlock as the ancient city was practically shut down, even long before the president’s arrival around 10am at the Sultan Abubakar 111 International Airport.

    Security operatives cordoned off major roads, leading to residents being unable to move freely.

    Spotting an overflowing white babariga, Jonathan described Bafarawa as “the political leader” of the state, stating that with his declaration for the PDP, the battle for the 2015 is won.

    According to him: “From what I know and what I have seen here today, I am convinced that in Sokoto, we are ready and just waiting for the 2015 elections.

    “Bafarawa has been your political leader. He has won all the elections and we know that when you see Bafarawa and see Mukhtar Shagari, you will know where your interest would be protected.”

    The president added that PDP has resolved “to use Sokoto as an example to show other states that PDP is still the major political party to follow.

    “We will also visit other states to showcase what the PDP government has been doing.”

  • Jonathan presides over PDP caucus meeting at Villa

    Jonathan presides over PDP caucus meeting at Villa

    The Caucus meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was held last night at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

    The meeting, which started at 8:15pm, was attended by President Goodluck Jonathan; Vice-President Namadi Sambo; Chairman, PDP Board of Trustees, Chief Tony Anenih; and PDP National Chairman Dr. Bamanga Tukur.

    Also present were Senate President David Mark; his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu; Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Anyim Pius Anyim; Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal; his deputy, Emeka Ihedioha; Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba and House Leader Mrs. Mulikat Akande.

    Others are Governors Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom) and Ibrahim Shema (Katsina); former PDP National Chairman Ahmadu Ali; Deputy National Chairman Uche Secondus; National Women Leader Mrs. Kema Chikwe; former National Vice-Chairman, Southwest, Chief Bode George; Secretary, Board of Trustees, Walid Jubril; Minister of Transport Idris Umar; Minister of Justice Bello Adoke and Minister of Petroleum Resources Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke.

    The meeting was still ongoing as at the time of filing this report.

  • $49.8b ‘missing’ oil money: Governors insist on probe

    $49.8b ‘missing’ oil money: Governors insist on probe

    Sambo postpones NEC meeting

    Vice-President Namadi Sambo shifted yesterday the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting fixed for tomorrow.

    But governors are planning a meeting of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) for tomorrow to demand answers to the nine posers they have raised on the state of the economy.

    Consultations were on yesterday on the need for a emergency session of the NGF in Abuja.

    The governors are likely to hold a briefing in Abuja after the NGF session.

    They were determined to find out at the NEC session how about $49.8billion oil sales proceeds was not remitted to the Federation Account between January 2012 and July 2013. The governors may insist on a probe, it was learnt.

    Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi raised the alarm over the “missing” fund in a memo to President Goodluck Jonathan.

    The postponement of the meeting was contained in a notice titled “Cancellation of 9th (53rd) NEC meeting” from the secretariat in the Office of the Vice-President.

    It reads: “Please, I am directed by the Vice-President and Chairman of the Council to inform Your Excellency that the NEC meeting scheduled for Thursday, 12th December 2013 has been postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.

    “A new date will be communicated to you.”

    No reason was given for the postponement. A source said the shift followed security reports on the likelihood of the governors creating a scene on the nine posers they raised for the Presidency to address.

    A governor, who pleaded not to be named, said: “We have got a notice on the postponement of the NEC meeting due to unexplained unforeseen circumstances. We know that the shift was based on fears by the Presidency because certain matters on the state of the economy are now in the public domain.

    “The revelation on the alleged diversion of $49.8billion from the sale of oil has caused more tension among the governors. For the CBN Governor to have confirmed that only 24 per cent of the revenue from oil proceeds was remitted into the Federation Account is scandalous.

    “The issue at stake is beyond party leanings. We are all disturbed by this disclosure from the CBN Governor in a memo to the President.”

    Another governor said: “Sambo was being “tactical” in shifting the meeting because President Goodluck Jonathan is away in South Africa for Nelson Mandela’s burial and he will not want the NEC meeting to degenerate to an embarrassing level for the government in the absence of the President.

    “They are trying to device means of managing the situation in a manner that there would be a soft-landing bend for the Federal Government. We are however wiser than that,” he added.

    The governors plan to meet on these nine issues and come up with a position on the state of the economy.

    Another source said: “They can postpone NEC meeting; they cannot stop us from talking on how the economy is being run. Why will the Federal Government present 2014 Budget without consulting NEC? Why will NNPC not remit $49.8bilion oil proceeds and the government is keeping quiet?

    “In 1980, we were talking of missing N2billion but now it is $49.8billion that cannot be traced. Someone needs to talk to the governors if we are truly practising Federalism.”

    The posers raised are:

    •Was $50billion oil money not remitted to the Federation Account? Where is the money?

    •Is Nigeria broke or not;

    •Why was the NEC consulted before the 2014 budget was presented to the National Assembly;

    •How much has Nigeria earned from its oil sales in 2013 and what percentage of the budget is funded by these receipts?

    •Is it really true that $5b is missing from Excess Crude Account

    •How much oil does the country produce per day?

    •Clarification that the benchmark price for oil in the 2013 budget is $79?

    •Is it a fact that crude oil was sold at prices that hovered around $110 throughout the year?