The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigerian Newspaper

  • How Nigeria can survive, by Akande

    Former Interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Adebisi Akande, on Thursday shocked guests at a book presentation in his honour when he declared that Nigeria may never celebrate 100 years of independence.

    The guests, who were earlier mesmerised by speeches from the Osun State Governor, Adeboyega Oyetola; his Ondo State counterpart,  Rotimi Akeredolu and the University of Lagos Vice Chancellor, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, were left dumbstruck.

    But Akande suggested ways to avoid doom.

    The mild drama played out at the public presentation of the book entitled: “The Bisi Akande Phenomenon: Governance, Economics and Politics,” held at the University of Lagos, Akoka.

    Akande identified three factors sabotaging the progress of the nation. These are education, military decree-based laws and religion.

    According to him, until all these three are looked into and addressed, Nigeria may not live to celebrate her centenary independence anniversary.

    He recalled how Nigeria was the place to be over five decades ago.

    The former governor of Osun State said: “Fifty years ago, Nigeria was most enjoyable; we had freedom of what a true democracy was supposed to be, at least individually. I don’t know about the government then. But today, it appears everybody lives in fear.

    Read Also: How Nigeria can survive, by group

    “I think the phenomenon of the country must be examined around three things. First, our education – It seems to me that Nigeria’s education is colonial. It ended only literacy without numeracy.

    “Education of a community that is not science-based can never be technologically based. And a community without technology cannot be industrial and when you are not industrial, you may end up in poverty.

    “Secondly, I think our laws are military decree-based and military decree-based laws cannot be used to sustain democracy. As long as we remain or we use these military decree based laws, our democracy will never prosper.

    “Thirdly, our religions are mostly imported and because of that, we seem neither to be good Christians, nor good Muslims or good atheists. We merely live in fear and when there are problems, we have no laboratories to go, we all retire to churches and mosques for vigils.

    “A country that remains like this may celebrate 60th anniversary of Independence, but may never celebrate 100th anniversary. I think until all these three are looked into and addressed, or let me use the word; restructured. All these ethnic restructuring, political restructuring and so on, I believe in them, but they are not difficult to restructure like the three I told you.”

    The Chairman on the occasion, who is the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, said the political class had a lot to learn from the elder statesman, noting that Akande’s canny insight was remarkable for to the emergence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the centre.

    Boss, who was represented by the Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare, said Akande and his political ally, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, fought hard to ensure that APC, an opposition party, won the 2015 elections and went ahead to retain power in 2019.

    He said: “I saw very closely strength in these two men and how their impact took us to where we are today. For the first time, an opposition party became the ruling party in the country. Imagine Nigeria having Bisi Akande in every single state, this country would have gone far and it would have been a different country.

    “This book is a testimony that is unprecedented and will be explored many years to come. Your courage particularly, and how you withstood the 46 years jail sentence passed on you on corruption charges, which could not stand. You came out undaunted, and inspired the enthronement of democracy.

    “Your political stewardship remain a remarkable one. We are happy you are alive today. The political class has a lot to learn from your wisdom. He is very firm, fair and one that loves justice; his contribution to the cohesion of our party is quite great.”

    Oyetola described Akande, as an encyclopaedia of governance and statesmanship, whose virtues are worthy of emulation.

    He said Osun was proud to donate his politics, economics and governance dynamics to a nation striving to emplace visionary and dynamic leadership, adding that it was Akande who birthed the legacy of prudent and transparent management of men and resources in the state.

    He hailed Akande for his immense contributions to nation building and national integration.

    Describing the book as a collection of the illustrious contributions of Akande to the building of the political edifice called Nigeria, Governor Oyetola described Akande as a model for contemporary politicians, youths, and school children, who the nation looks up to as its hope.

    The governor added: “His life, politics, philosophy, leadership dynamics and lifestyle accurately exemplify him as an outstanding Omoluabi and a phenomenon in the nation’s budding democracy.

    “Akande represents everything Osun stands for, and radiates the honour and statesmanship our nation exudes. Baba Awon Omo Kekeke (father of small children), as he is fondly called, is a metaphor for the future of Osun and Nigeria.

    “He radiates vision, discipline, dynamism, industry and honour, which we require to overcome the raging rot to become a great player in the competitive world. This Octogenarian was a compendium of wisdom during the opposition days of the progressives and even now, a formidable guide while in power.

    Oyetola added: “Since his tutelage under the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Akande has remained a potent voice in politics, governance and the economy. He is also widely known as a bridge between the North and the South in a nation immersed in ethnic and rotational politics.

    “These rare attributes make him a phenomenon, a quintessential politician and a unifying force in a country where centrifugal forces are always gnawing at its political and economic soul. A visionary and dynamic leader, Chief Akande remains the architect of our beloved state, having laid a solid foundation, which his successors have built on in all the sectors to announce the state to the world.

    ”Chief Akande birthed the legacy of prudent and transparent management of men and resources. Despite Osun’s status as one of the resource-challenged states in the country, Chief Akande employed his skills as a creative manager to build structures and institutions in a manner that dwarfed the achievements of resource-studded states in the nation.

    ”As students of Chief Akande’s politico-economics, we owe a huge debt of gratitude to the author of the book for codifying the activities and milestones of our principal into a compendium for us and the generations yet unborn to appropriately build bricks on the foundation that will take our fatherland to the Promised Land.”

    The chief presenter of the book and Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, said Akande took hard decisions as long as they were in public interest. He noted that such decisions were not only worthwhile but advanced performance, prudence in public spending and eliminated wastage.

    Akeredolu added that most politicians were not courageous, urging them to follow the examples of Akande.

    He said some of the decisions taken were exemplified at Abere, where the Osun State Secretariat is located.

    The host, University of Lagos Vice Chancellor, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, described Akande as an upright man and a personality that could be trusted.

    Among the dignitaries who graced the event were the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola; former Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi; Ogun State Deputy Governor, Muinat Salako-Oyedele; Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Bisi Egbeyemi; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi; Lagos APC Chairman, Babatunde Balogun; Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye; Gen Alani Akinrinade (retd); Prof Lai Olurode, Dhikrullah Yagboyaju, Dr. Adebisi Obawale, Chief Lanre Rasaq, Chief Ayo Afolabi, Prof. Olu Aina; former Ogun State deputy governor, Prince Segun Adesegun; Prof. Tunde Babawale, lawmakers, traditional rulers, students and others.

  • Insecurity: Experts urge tech-based policing for Nigeria

    Inspector General of India Police Service, Roopa Moudgil, on Thurday said the use of technology is the most efficient way for effective modern policing in the face of emerging global threats and mounting criminalities.

    The Indian police boss said Nigeria and India have similar security challenges.

    She noted that the evolution from manual policing to technology-based policing in India, which included the use of modern gadgets in crime fighting and prevention, helped the country to effectively fight crime.

    Moudgil, the keynote speaker at a conference with the theme: Effective Policing Strategies for Nigeria, organised by the Gusau Institute in Abuja, said the police could do much better if motivated with the right tools.

    “We have gadgets, like facial recognition software, tracking devices and street cameras. These have helped a great deal in proactive policing. Why Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has not been able to use mobile phones to track criminals is what I can’t understand, because mobile phones are the same everywhere,” Moudgil said.

    The Indian police chief noted that the NPF needed public approval to succeed.

    She said the police are regarded as oppressive and not on the right side of public judgment.

    “Nigeria and India have many commonalities. Both countries have great youth population and great economy and both inherited European police formation. For the police to succeed, they need public approval and the right atmosphere. The police are regarded as oppressive and are never on the right side of judgement and this is the luggage we have to carry. Police are for the people.”

    Read Also: Adopt multi-level policing to address insecurity in Nigeria, Educationist urges FG

    Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Adamu, who was represented by Karma Hosea Hassan, an Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), identified sentiments and political interests as some of the challenges mitigating against effective policing in the country.

    He said: “Policing is as old as mankind. Societies, from traditional to modern times, have always adopted measures in ensuring adequate security of lives and property and these measures have evolved over time. But today, we believe that self-policing remains a panacea for crime fighting.”

    “Today, I still believe that the Nigeria Police Force, as presently structured, remains the best option for our dear country. Crimes have become more daring and we need to shift from reactive policing to proactive policing.”

    Highlighting the importance of technology-based policing, former Vice-President Namadi Sambo said conscious efforts should be made to digitalise the NPF to meet modern challenges in crime fighting and prevention.

    Prof. Kemi Rotimi of the Department of History of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, presented a paper, titled: Towards Effective Policing Strategies for Nigeria.

    The expert noted that there is substantial ignorance among Nigerians of the history of policing in Nigeria.

    He said: “What the ignorance leads to is the assumption that many of the challenges inhibiting the provision of desired service by officers of the NPF are of recent origin. They are not. The long years of military rule, 1966-1999 (minus the four isolated years of the Second Republic from 1979 to 1983) and the appropriation of policing duties (and consequently, resources) witnessed severe neglect of the NPF.

    “The two main challenges are: under-resourcing, in quantum of personnel and equipment; and the inadequate welfare provisions for the personnel. It needs be stressed that there is a huge, chronic disparity in the welfare provisions for the officer class and the con-commissioned ranks.

    “I dare say that until the gulf is substantially bridged between these two groups, not much may be achieved in desired service delivery, especially bearing in mind that the policing that touches the lives of the generality of citizens is done by members of the non-commissioned ranks.

    “On deregulating ownership of the police, Nigerians who clamour for allowing states to own police organisations know that effecting the necessary amendments to the Constitution to bring their wish to reality would be a challenge.

    “There is also the added problem of the ability of most states to pay personnel and equip the forces. There is also the worry about the high probability of the governing elite in the states to restrain themselves from misusing the police.

    “Nigerians who favour the retention of the one police organisation, the NPF, would want a substantial increase in the number of personnel to reflect the population size, and they advocate a more meaningful devolution of administrative control from the force headquarters using the zonal command structures.

    “There are impediments to implementing ‘Community Policing’ with the current NPF structure. They include, staff disposition from the IGP to the station officer. The rapid turn-over of staff since 1999 makes it difficult to watch any Community Policing programme mature in any location…”

  • RTEAN crisis: Musa urges zonal leaders, others to embrace peace

    The leadership rift in the top echelon of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) worsened on Thursday.

    Its acting National President Mohammed Musa formally assumed office.

    Musa, who was accompanied by the newly appointed Acting National Secretary Henry Ejiofor and 27 of the 31 National Executive Council (NEC) members, said he accepted the assignment given to him by the NEC with the utmost sense of responsibility.

    The union leader promised to be guided by RTEAN’s constitution in the discharge of his responsibility.

    He urged RTEAN members and leaders to cooperate with him to reposition the union.

    Musa said he would work assiduously towards returning honesty and transparency, which the union was well known for, and return the union to members, who he called its rightful owners.

    Musa directed zonal officers across the states to return to work and continue to promote peace in their domains.

    The Acting RTEAN National President also said the Lagos State government, at a meeting with the faction against his leadership on Tuesday, affirmed that his tenure subsists till October 31.

    Read Also: Alleged corruption: RTEAN sacks President, Secretary

    “At the meeting, chaired by Deputy Governor Dr Obafemi Hamzat, were both factions as well as the Commissioner for Transportation, Dr Frederic Oladeinde; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr Oluwatoyin Fasanya and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr Olawale Musa. Dr Hamzat, having gone through his Certificate of Return, asked me to continue in office till October.

    “The union’s constitution is very clear: the position I presently occupy at the national office is in acting capacity, while the state office was validly won, for which there is a statutory term,” Musa said.

    The acting National President explained that contrary to his predecessor   Osakpanwan Eriyo’s assertions, the union’s constitution states that the NEC could sit in any state of the country.

    Also, Eriyo urged the union members in Lagos State to remain calm.

    He said the crisis rocking the state chapter had been handed over to law enforcement agents to handle.

    Eriyo, who addressed reporters at the national secretariat of the association in Abuja, alleged that Musa forced himself back into office after his tenure had expired and his executive council declared dissolved.

    The embattled National Secretary said he refused to ratify what he called an illegality.

    He described as illegal the announcement by a group of members of the association, including the embattled former chairman of the Lagos State chapter, claiming that the National President and General Secretary of the association had been expelled.

    According to him, the group lacks the authority to make such decision or pronouncement.

    Explaining the sequence of events that led to the faceoff, Eriyo said Musa’s executive council, which was inaugurated in June 2014, had exhausted its five-year tenure.

    Then embattled National President added that the Musa-led executive council was dissolved in Abuja at a NEC meeting with Musa himself.

    “The Lagos executive council was dissolved because their tenure has expired. Outside that, there are series of petitions from members of the association in Lagos; some of them alleging that the former state chairman, Alhaji Mohammad Musa, forged their signatures as well as trying to force them to support him for his second tenure. They wrote petitions on those allegations to this office as well as to the Ministry of Transportation.

    “The former Lagos State chairman also invited me to Lagos to swear him in, based on the signatures he claimed his members had signed for his continuity. My own was to go ascertain if what he claimed was true; that the members were indeed the real owners of those signatures.”

    “I went to Lagos and found out there were serious issues on ground and I told him that there was no way I would swear him in because those he claimed to have given their signatures were the same people who said they were not in his support.

    “I called a NEC meeting to which I invited everybody to the Abuja office. He as well as his executive members were here. At the NEC meeting, we decided to dissolve the Lagos State chapter of RTEAN, to which Alhaji Musa was chairman, and set up a 23-man committee to run the Lagos affairs…”

  • Xenophobia: Let’s fix economy now, Senate tells Nigerians

    The Senate on Thursday urged Nigerians to repair the damage that has been done to the nation’s economy over the years.

    The lawmakers said the condition of the economy was not beyond redemption.

    Senate Committee Chairman on Foreign Affairs, Mohammed Bulkachuwa, who spoke in Abuja, advised that the country should learn from the Ghanaian experience of economic downturn in the 1980s and how the country reinvigorated its economy.

    Bulkachuwa expressed confidence that the Nigerian economy would bounce back with the commitment of the citizens.

    The senator spoke at an interactive session with top officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    His concern came as the second batch of Nigerians returned from South Africa in the wake of xenophobic attacks on them and other Africans in the former Apartheid enclave.

    Bulkachuwa said: “If Ghana, whose economy was in shambles in the 1980s with over 100 Cedis exchanging for one U.S dollar can positively turn around its situation to what it is today with 4.2 Cedis exchanging for a dollar, Nigeria can also do same if the government and the governed can put their acts together in that respect.”

    Condemning the attack on Nigerians in South Africa, the senator said it is normal for people to move from their countries of origin to other lands in search of economic opportunities.

    Read Also: Senators, Reps may donate salaries to Air Peace crew, returnees

    “Not even developed or great countries of the world, like the United States of America (U.S.A), the Republic of China, among others, have all their citizens domiciled at home. But what must be addressed by us is to put things in proper shape so that those who will be traveling out will largely be for excursion or tourism reasons and not to seek greener pastures, as it is now.”

    In his submissions before the committee, the Permanent Secretary in the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Mustapha Suleiman, said a wide range of issues would be tabled at the upcoming Nigeria-South Africa summit.

    “Specifically, during the visit, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and other key agreements between the two countries would be signed on means of preventing and mitigating such attacks in the future.”

    “Besides that, composite wise, during the visit, the required mechanisms will be put in place for the Nigerian Commission there to have information on Nigerians resident in South Africa.

    “As at Wednesday, about 821 Nigerians affected by the recent xenophobic attacks have either been evacuated back home or have indicated interest for that purpose,” Suleiman said.

    Also, the next session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) will hold in Pretoria in October to evolve documented solutions to xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in that country.

    Suleiman stated this yesterday when he interfaced with the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs in Abuja.

    The permanent secretary noted that the BNC, which will be attended by Nigerian and South African officials, was part of government’s efforts at ending attacks of Nigerian nationals in South Africa.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) was established in 1999 to promote trade and investment as well as enhance people-to-people cooperation and institution building between the two countries.

    According to its statute, the BNC, which was being headed by Vice-Presidents of both countries, was “borne out of a commitment by Nigeria and South Africa to effectively structure bilateral relations through the establishment of a Bi-National Commission”.

    The annual meeting of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission, which was being hosted by rotation between both countries, was last held in 2009.

    “Essentially, now we are trying to make sure that we have subsisting agreements that will address these issues now and in the future.

    “We are looking at other issues we feel should be part of the definition of the relationship between Nigeria and South Africa.

    “The essence of this is that it will help to determine our actions, if such issue happens, which I think in the last few years we had not had such agreements.

    “Because xenophobic attacks had been happening over time but, this is the climax and it has come to fore that South African government must protect Nigerian citizens.

    “And it requires some kind of documentation, some kind of understanding between the two countries as to how it can be remedied,” he said.

    The permanent secretary said President Muhammadu Buhari had directed the ministry to use the conference to bring up all the issues that are challenging and irritating Nigeria’s relationship with South Africa.

    He said the Minster of Foreign Affairs, Geoffery Onyema, had also convened an inter-ministerial meeting with various ministries in Nigeria to get inputs on other issues to be brought for discussion at the conference.

  • Senators, Reps may donate salaries to Air Peace crew, returnees

    If all goes well, members of the National Assembly may reciprocate the good gesture of Air Peace by donating from N100,000 upwards to crew members of the airline who partook in conveying Nigerians back from South Africa in the wake of the xenophobic attacks.

    The returnees may also benefit from the lawmakers’ good heartedness.

    This was the suggestion of Ajibola Muraina (PDP, Oyo) as he urged the National Assembly to do more in leading by example.

    The lawmaker, who represents Ibarapa Central/ North Federal Constituency of Oyo State, spoke on Thursday at a media briefing.

    The Air Peace Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Chief Allen Onyema, who appeared before the House of Representatives on Wednesday, said his crew members declined their allowances for the South African assignment.

    Muraino, who read from a prepared text, said: “I am moved to address this press conference to remind us as Nigerians that the events of the last few days, culminating in the evacuation of Nigerians from South African by Chief Onyema (through his Air Peace) with the full and active diplomatic support of the Federal Government, should re-kindle the milk of kindness, selflessness and the spirit of being our brother’s keepers, which were inherent in us as black men but which we have appeared to have lost.

    Read Also: Xenophobia: Nigeria, South Africa to hold conference next month

    “We all know that before this singular self-less act of Chief Onyeama in evacuating our compatriots back to Nigeria free of charge via his Air Peace, Nigerians all over the world hardly offered selfless assistance and help to their compatriots.

    “With his conduct, help, selflessness, willingness to be our brother’s keepers, as enshrined in various customs and traditions of our people, are back with us in Nigeria.

    “Let us see his conduct as a clarion call on all Nigerians of financial and other capacities all over the world to be selfless and be willing and ready at all times to assist our fellow countrymen and women on whatever is happening to them anywhere in the world.

    “As a people, from this moment onwards, let us erase from our minds the idea that whatever problems are facing Nigerians all over the world should be left for the government alone to solve.

    “Again, whenever problems arise as regards Nigerians anywhere in this world, Nigerians of means should rise up to the occasion and give full support to our fellow countrymen and not leave the problems to only the government to solve.

    “I am also using this occasion to congratulate and appreciate my noble colleagues in parliament (senators, House of Representatives and House of Assembly members and local government parliamentarians) for their exemplary demonstration of patriotism which culminated in the invitation of Chief Onyema to parliament to appreciate him at plenary.

    “They know what to do and they did it so well that they have even recommended Chief Onyema for a national award.

    “Since the National Assembly has given the lead in appreciating the return of the spirit of selfishness, being our brother’s keepers and exhibiting milk of kindness, I humbly suggest that the National Assembly should demonstrate a further lead by example.”

    “I suggest most humbly that my noble colleagues from the National Assembly should consider making token donations from their salaries (whatever amount they deem, starting from N100,000 upwards) for the cabin crew of Air Peace who worked and continue to work without taking any allowance, the Nigerians who have been evacuated back to Nigeria and those who may still further be evacuated.

    “This token may be useful for the evacuated Nigerians in whatever form. The cabin crew would also have been appreciated somehow.

    “This may signpost a new beginning of Nigerians demonstrating milk of kindness towards each other.

    “If my colleagues can further lead in this respect, most other Nigerians of means all over the world may join the trail and within the twinkle of an eye, what appears to be a very big problem may turn out as blessing not only for the evacuated Nigerians but for all Nigerians all over the world.

    “Of course, some well-meaning and well-to-do Nigerians all over the world may even offer more than money. They may offer employment and other opportunities to these our compatriots.”

  • Six unconventional ways to survive in Lagos

    Survival in Lagos is a demanding task. It is a place of great interest both for those intending to start living or working in Lagos and those who already live and work in the city.

    There is a popular notion that anyone who makes it in Lagos can make it anywhere in the world. Lagos is the busiest city and main commercial hub of the country.

    Beyond surviving, it is important to know how to really scale through and make life meaningful even in a place like Lagos. Without going further, here are six essential ways to survive the hustle of Lagos:

    ·       Socialise and meet people with caution

     In a place like Lagos you really need to watch the way, you socialise with people. Be cautious of people you mingle with because you basically don’t know the intentions of people.

     Keep your friends close and your enemies closer is a great motto to live by in Lagos. However in a city of surprises, you can never tell where your help might come from so go out, socialize and meet new people.

    ·        Multiple streams of income

     Ignore the adage “Tomorrow will take care of itself.” As a resident of Lagos, you need to plan yourself. Multiple streams of income is the best way to survive. Don’t waste your time, try and invest it on something tangible that would yield profit for you.

    ·        Mind your business

    Never interfere in an argument or a fight that does not concern you. Life in Lagos is very stressful and most people living in the city are emotionally tensed. It is best not to anger them in such state of mind.

    Sometimes, fraudsters may also setup a fake argument or fight to lure a crowd that they can easily prey on. You can hardly tell which argument or fight is real or not.

    ·        Don’t loiter at night

     Hoodlums hang around in some parts of Lagos. Most of them live in the environs and usually stay out on the streets till late night, mostly at solitary areas.

    Generally, at night, solitary areas are a good scene for a crime and anyone can take advantage of this. Phones, laptops and cars get snatched in such places whether day or night.

    Read Also; Photos/ Video: Gbajabiamila visits Lagos

    ·        Observe the flow of traffic

     Lagos is well known for heavy traffic. It might take you longer time to travel to and fro a destination within the city. But one thing about traffic in Lagos is that it occurs especially at specific times of the day.

    So, by observing the day-to-day flow of traffic, you can get to understand the best times to travel and get to your destination faster.

    Be mentally prepared

    In Lagos, you need to be sharp and mentally prepared to survive the hurdles in the city. There are different set of people with different kind of backgrounds in Lagos, especially those bus conductors. If you are not sharp they could roughshod you with their shout and roar. To survive in Lagos be ready and sharp to face every hurdles each day.

  • How I will govern Bayelsa, by Lyon

    The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, Chief David Lyon, spoke with Senior Correspondent Mike Odiegwu in Yenegoa, the state capital, on his ambition, his programmes, the preparations for the November 16 poll, and the challenges that will confront the state in post-Dickson period.

    Why do you want to become governor of Bayelsa State?

    Bayelsa State along with a few states are undergoing tremendous crisis of leadership. Bayelsa State is also undergoing great socio-economic and political crisis at this stage. My state is faced with the challenges of total power failure, neglected economic activities and it requires able and dedicated leadership. The state is looking for persons who will provide these amenities to its citizens. I have the requisite qualities, experience, exposure, discipline and the depth of commitment to provide the required leadership to my people in Bayelsa.

    What background prepared you for governance?

    I come from a family and community that is very conscious of its social responsibilities right from childhood. I have had this vision of participating in processes that will ameliorate harshness in our environment. Such  background has also prepared me to make sacrifices. I came from a setting that has given me the commitment to make life better for the generality of our people. I have been in politics since the Third Republic. I was a strong member of the defunct NRC. I contested then as a Councillor of my ward, but it was aborted by the then military government.

    I was elected youth president of my community under a tense option A4 election and I won as the youth president of my community, Olugbobiri, in 1996. I was appointed Chairman of Apoi Olodiama Local Government Development Center by the late Chief DSP Alamieyeiseigha government in 2002. I even contested the House of Assembly seat in my constituency, but later stepped down for former Speaker Kombowei Benson, who got the ticket of PDP through in-house harmonization initiated by the leadership of PDP. I was a bonafide and devoted member of the PDP in Bayelsa State, before I joined the APC party. In my business life, which is majorly in the oil and gas industry, by dint of hard work and Gods infinite blessings, I have crafted a niche as a global player. It has enabled me to touch many lives in every facet of human endeavor and to cap it all, I have been a good follower and a committed party man. I always have in mind that, if you want to be a good leader you must be a good follower.

    Life itself is a political experience. But, you can see that I have had political experience more than most of the so-called political gladiators. By dint of hard work and God’s blessing, I have excelled in the oil and gas business. By the grace of God, I am the highest private employer of labour in Bayelsa State across the local government areas. I have interacted with best economic giants in the world relating to oil and gas politics and lastly, I have worked with renowned political leaders in Bayelsa State closely. I have worked with leaders such as  former Governor Timipre Sylva, now Petroleum Minister, late Chief DSP Alamieyeiseigha, late Senator David Brigidi, Chief Francis Doukpola, and many others.

    Why do you think the APC, can win in Bayelsa?

    We came prepared and we have robust programmes of action. The problems of Bayelsa are legion. But, I would say our condition currently is that of unacceptable disunity, and abject poverty. I believe that most of our problems in Bayelsa are man made and natural. I have gone round the length and breadth of the state due to the nature of my business. I will assure you that each local government has its own peculiar problem. I have had discussions with various people, community leaders, experts, market women, students and workers. I have been able to work out a programme that will alleviate the suffering of the people. First and foremost, we must tackle the question of disunity, distrust, and division. These are internal and they must be solved first. I will make it a priority to involve every segment of the society. The issue of poverty must be addressed. That is the root cause of mutual distrust and disunity. Unemployment will be addressed.

    We will encourage new private investors and encourage existing ones to diversify. In Bayelsa State, people have abandoned the entrepreneurship spirit. We will change all that with more investment, more jobs, and more opportunities. We must also provide link roads and riverine transportation facilities. There will be rehabilitation of farmers and fishermen, whose occupations are almost becoming extinct. They will be granted soft loans. We will kick-start our rural infrastructural development, basic health facilities and opportunities for small scale industries in the rural areas. There will be new initiative on industrialisation and investment policies. We will ensure that our people are fully involved in the oil and gas, petro-chemical and other ancillary industries. The organised private sector will  work with the Bayelsa State government under my leadership.

    We will develop partnership that will be mutually rewarding. There will be realistic social welfare programmes to help the disabled, the unemployed, the aged and the children. Since much of the nation’s revenue comes from Bayelsa State and with the considerable ecological damage arising from oil explorations, with the difficult terrain because over 50 per cent of 50,000 square kilometers falls within the Niger Delta Basin, we will ensure the Federal Government and the oil companies are fully involved in these areas. We are going to be very serious in this regard. I believe every difficult situation presents an opportunity for initiatives. My mission will be to articulate the yearnings of our people and provide a purposeful, accountable and responsible leadership for Bayelsa State.

    My fellow party members are very conscious of their social responsibilities. What we are saying in APC is that, apart from commitment to social responsibilities, there must be an attendant commitment to free enterprise, free market and productivity. People must work hard and produce more. We believe in fiscal responsibilities and prudent management of the economy. The PDP places so much emphasis on left wing issues. I am not comfortable with that. I am for all means to enhance production and development of the entrepreneurship spirit.

    How will you convince the Federal Government and oil companies to get involve in all these plans?

    The problems obviously are beyond the scope of a state government. First and foremost, we will try to improve on the image of the state in the eyes of the Federal Government and fellow compatriots. We must be seen to be as members of united Nigerian society in all our thinking and ways of doing things. This will definitely bring the Federal Government and other interested partners to our most desired development in Bayelsa State.

    But, people complain that most Bayelsa people are lazy. How do you want to instill entrepreneurship spirit in them?

    It is not true that the spirit is not here in Bayelsa. In fact, it started here with our early contact with the Europeans. I believe the occupations of our people and their orientation are products of history. It is historical reality that our people are inclined towards civil service jobs, but it has not been always like that. The spirit of competition in our neighbours has always been seen here too. Our forefathers were great traders and successful merchants. Our recent history, however, locked us into a role of working in the civil service. What I will assure, however, is that we will revive this spirit and our commercial inclination. I will encourage self-reliance and productivity with the advantage of our seaports and vast oil and gas resources. We will try to encourage a generation of entrepreneurs who will not be cutting corners. With my experience in business, I know how and where to go about it. Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, has the potential of becoming an international oil and gas financial market.

    What is your take on the security situation in Bayelsa?

    First and foremost, security is everybody’s problem. Everybody must show concern. I believe that most security problems arise from unemployment, poverty and illiteracy. We shall formulate a security architecture that will embrace all traditional rulers, community leaders, political leaders, young and old from individual communities and local governments, combined with the support of our conventional security operatives, we will have our desire security problem solved. You should know that one of my main business concerns in the oil and gas sector is to provide security and surveillance for the protection of oil and gas facilities, which by the grace of God, I have tremendous knowledge of. We will bring various experiences and expertise to bare to ensure adequate security. Peace and love must reign in Bayelsa State where everybody will have equal opportunity and prosperity.

    How do you respond to those who say you came from a wealthy background and that you lack requisite academic qualifications to be a governor?

    Everybody in Bayelsa State confronts poverty on the widest scale everyday. I grew up in this environment. Growing up as a school boy at St. Gabriel State School, Olugbobiri, I walked to school bare-footed. I attended Community Secondary School, Olugbobiri. I went to Port Harcourt and attended Rivers State College of Education when it was affiliated to the University of Ibadan. So, you can see I have requisite academic qualifications. My commitment to the poor is one that comes from direct exposure to poverty and harsh terrain. It will be impossible to talk of a Bayelsa man or woman, who has not experienced poverty or hardship. Go to the various communities, you will see the problems. I know this state first hand. I have gone everywhere and I grew up here. My parents grew here. The question of not experiencing poverty is not true at all.

  • Suspects’ conviction will help review $9.6b P&ID judgement, says Malami

    Barely a few hours after the conviction of some suspects, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami(SAN), on Thursday said Nigeria has basis to seek review of the $9.6billion judgment against it.

    He said Nigeria will meet with its legal consortium early next week in UK in preparation for the case listed for 26th September.

    Malami, who made his views known in a terse statement through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Umar Gwandu, said the nation now has a judicial proof of fraud.

    Read Also:  P&ID agents admit fraud, tax evasion charges

    The statement said: “The implication of today’s conviction is that Nigeria has a judicial proof of fraud and corruption as a foundation of the relationship that gave rise to a purported liability in the arbitral award.

    “A liability that is rooted in fraud and corruption cannot stand judicial enforceability. Nigeria now has a cogent ground for setting aside the liability.

    “Nigeria is expected to review its strategy in view of unfolding developments as it relates to conviction of some of the suspects that have admitted fraud and corrupt practices in the transaction that gave rise to purported award.

    “Nigeria is meeting with its legal consortium early next week in UK in preparation for the case listed for 26th September.”

  • Xenophobia: Nigeria, South Africa to hold conference next month

    The next session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) would hold in Pretoria in October to evolve documented solutions to xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in that country, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mustapha Suleiman, has said.

    Suleiman told the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs on Thursday in Abuja that the BNC, which would be attended by Nigerian and South African officials, was part of government’s efforts at ending attacks of Nigerian nationals in South Africa.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) was established in 1999 to promote trade and investment as well as enhance people-to-people cooperation and institution building between the two countries.

    According to its statute, the BNC, which was being headed by vice presidents of both countries, was “borne out of a commitment by Nigeria and South Africa to effectively structure bilateral relations through the establishment of a Bi-National Commission”.

    The annual meeting of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission, which was being hosted by rotation between both countries, was last held in 2009.

    Suleiman said that the meeting would result in the signing of agreements and memorandum of understanding (MoU) between both countries on how best to remedy issues of Xenophobia now and in the future.

    “Essentially, now we are trying to make sure that we have subsisting agreements that will address these issues now and in the future.

    “We are looking at other issues we feel should be part of the definition of the relationship between Nigeria and South Africa.

    “The essence of this is that it will help to determine our actions, if such issue happens, which I think in the last few years we had not had such agreements.

    “Because xenophobic attacks had been happening over time but, this is the climax and it has come to fore that South African government must protect Nigerian citizens.

    “And it requires some kind of documentation, some kind of understanding between the two countries as to how it can be remedied,’’ the permanent secretary said.

    He said President Muhammadu Buhari had directed the ministry to use the conference to bring up all the issues that are challenging and irritating Nigeria’s relationship with South Africa.
    He said the Minster of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyema, had also convened an inter-ministerial meeting with various ministries in Nigeria to get inputs on other issues to be brought for discussion at the conference.

    Read Also: Xenophobia: Nigerians in South Africa thank Onyema, Abike-Dabiri

    “And we have defined all the perimeters, we now have our draft MoUs and draft agreements that will be tabled for discussion, when the bilateral commission is conveyed on the first week of October.

    “We look forward to the conference; we look forward to signing agreements and MoUs in specific terms, when such issues happen to Nigerian citizens.

    “What kind of remedies can we put in place, so we are defining such parameters, we are seeking to establish them as agreements, so we can refer to it to solve these issues when they come up in the future,” he said.

    Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Mohammed Bulkachuwa, said the committee invited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to brief it on what the ministry had done over the attacks.

    Bulkachuwa commended the Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, for helping to evacuate Nigerians who volunteered to come back.

    He said the call for a national honour for Onyema deserved consideration, noting that his actions would inspire other Nigerians to help alleviate challenges of Nigerian nationals in need of assistance.

  • FG, States and LGs shares N720.880b for August 2019

    The Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC), at it’s meeting on Thursday, chaired by the Accountant-General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris FCNA,  shared a total of N720.880 billion to the three tiers of government for the month of August 2019.

    The N720.880 billion comprised revenue from Value Added Tax (VAT), Exchange Gain and gross statutory revenue.

    The gross statutory revenue for the month of August 2019 was N631.796 billion.

    It was lower than the N674.365 billion received in the previous month by N42.569 billion.

    Revenue from Value Added Tax (VAT) was N88.082 billion as against N94.159 billion in the previous month, resulting in a decrease of N6.077 billion. Exchange Gain yielded total revenue of N1.002 billion.

    Read Also: FAAC shares N769.523b JULY 2019 revenue to Fed Govt, States and LGAs

    A communique by the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) indicated that from the total revenue of N720.880 billion, the Federal Government received N301.804 billion, the States received N188.925 billion, and the Local Government Councils received N142.654 billion.

    The Oil Producing States received N43.513 billion as 13% derivation revenue and the Revenue Generating Agencies received N43.984 billion as cost of revenue collection. In addition, the meeting agreed to share N20 billion from Forex Equalization fund.

    A breakdown of the distribution showed that from the gross statutory revenue of N631.796 billion, the Federal Government received N288.638 billion, the States received N146.401 billion, the Local Government Councils received N112.869 billion, the Oil Producing States received N43.426 billion as 13% derivation revenue and the Revenue Collecting Agencies received N40.461billion as cost of collection.

    From the Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue of N88.082 billion, the Federal Government received N12.684 billion, the States received N42.280 billion, the Local Government Councils received N29.596 billion and the Revenue Generating Agencies received N3.523 billion.

    The communiqué stated that for the month of August 2019, revenues from Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) and Companies Income Tax (CIT) recorded significant increases while Royalties, Import and Excise Duties and Value Added Tax (VAT) decreased substantially.

    However, the N20 billion naira from forex Equalization fund will be added to the N720.880 billion and share accordingly and will bring the Gross to N740,880

    The balance in the Excess Crude Account is $328.122 million as at 19th September 2019.