The Nation Newspaper

Tag: rebuff

  • Kwara PDP factions rebuff Makarfi’s peace moves

    Moves by national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to reconcile the two factions in Kwara State have been rebuffed by warring factions.

    The factions, led by Iyiola Oyedepo and Sunday Fagbemi, traded words as they came out of a meeting with the National Chairman, Ahmed Makarfi.

    The peace meeting, which took place at the Abuja national secretariat of the PDP, failed to douse tension.

    Kwara was one of the eight chapters dissolved by the party at the August 12 convention.

    Members of the factions came out of the meeting, pointing fingers at one another.

    While a former National Planning Minister, Suleiman Olanrewaju, refused questions from reporters, another chieftain, Suleiman Ajadi, asked them to back off.

    In his address, Makarfi cautioned the factions against bickering, saying they might lose ground to defecting members from other parties.

    The party chairman urged them to put their house in order or lose the party structure to more mature in-coming members.

    Makarfi said: “Kwara State is the only state we are meeting with this way. We have four states that we already have submissions from, based on resolutions passed and approved by the convention. All sides to the conflicts in the states jointly signed and made a submission in the interest of the party.

    “They didn’t require us to meet with them. Of all seven states, we have four already and the others will conclude over the Eid-el-Kabir holidays.

    “People can question the leadership qualities in any state where there are seven affected, and six will get it done and one will be there fighting among themselves. Kwara is highly politically mature and active to prevent this kind of isolation.

    “We have delayed the state because of influx of people joining the party and they want accommodation. So, what we want is not just people who are in PDP to reconcile and move forward, we also have influx of people wanting to join the party. And nobody will wait for any person.

    “Once people put their heads together, they can be in a position to control political events.

    “In this kind of situation, delay is dangerous. Kwara, as you are waiting, you don’t know what development may occur. And before you know it, you start regretting why did you have to wait for so long.”

    The party chairman cited Lagos and Adamawa as states affected by dissolution, but which are making progress and expected to make submissions to the national leadership.

  • Feb poll: Emirs rebuff pro-Jonathan lobby

    Feb poll: Emirs rebuff pro-Jonathan lobby

    Several influential emirs have rebuffed a lobby by a fellow emir on behalf of President Goodluck Jonathan ahead of next month’s election.

    The emirs, it was gathered, have chosen to be neutral and back whoever is freely voted into office by the electorate.

    In the same camp as the pro-Jonathan emir are other traditional rulers from the North central and North west, according to a source familiar with the development.

    One source said:  “The Emir has been telling his colleagues that Jonathan has been fair to the North and to avoid a dent in the North/South south relationship, the President should be allowed to have a second term in office.

    “Some of these Emirs and royal fathers pointed to the volatility of Northern politics and opted to take the back seat to await the people’s choice. Remember how a special adviser was burnt to death in the Second Republic for querying the Emir of Kano.

    “A few other Emirs have discovered that the lobbying Emir has some vested interests to protect and they have chosen to ignore him.

    “So, these Emirs may not be able to reach any consensus on either Jonathan or Buhari.”

    It was also gathered that division has crept into the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), the Nigerian-Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) over who to back between President Goodluck Jonathan and Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

    NIREC has not been able to meet for almost a year owing to what a source described as “sheer politics.”

    According to investigation some prominent NSCIA, NIREC and CAN members have taken a position on a presidential candidate but others yearning for change have disagreed.

    Some however argued that these organizations should be neutral and rally round whoever wins the race.

    It was gathered that some of these top leaders attributed their position to certain favours, perks and honour they stand to enjoy if their choice wins.

    Findings revealed that the division in these top organizations has led to mutual suspicion among members and leaders.

    A top source, who spoke in confidence, said: “There are issues about Jonathan and Buhari among members in these organizations. The body language and comments of some of these leaders have shown the direction they are going.

    “The situation degenerated to the extent that in a meeting of one of these organizations, a leader was advising members on why a candidate must not be supported.

    “Some of us are however saying that we should not take sides at all in the overall interest of the country.

    “Of what use will it be when you are holding a position of trust to ensure unity and stability of the country and you are taking a partisan position.

    “The inherent danger is that you will lose focus. Whatever favours or opportunities anyone might have enjoyed in the past and present, it remains a private matter.

    “Before you know it, whoever is elected will be looking at how to cripple these associations.”

    Investigation confirmed that NIREC appears worse hit by petty politics because the Inter-Religious body has been unable to meet in the past one year.

    Another source said: “Contrary to what the public is being fed with, NIREC had fixed a meeting for Gombe but one of our leaders said he was uncomfortable with the state because of Boko Haram insurgency. This was after Gombe State Government had bankrolled our meeting and even guaranteed our safety.

    “Later we shifted the NIREC meeting to Abuja and Gombe State Government was still ready to assist us. But some people did not just want the session to hold because of politics.

    “Yet, this is a body which ought to assist the nation to address ethno-religious crises nationwide.”

    The Emir of Zauzau,  Alh Shehu Idris had in March last year pleaded with President Goodluck Jonathan to resuscitate NIREC

    He made the plea when Jonathan met with traditional rulers from Kaduna State shortly before attending the zonal unity rally of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    He said: “I want to make a passionate appeal to the government to resuscitate the Nigerian Inter-religious Council at the national level

    “After this, there should be the establishment of branches of NIREC in all the 36 states of the Federation.”

  • Revealed: PDP governor axed for Akpabio rebuff

    Revealed: PDP governor axed for Akpabio rebuff

    Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Wamakko was suspended by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday for not recognising the PDP Governors Forum, it was learnt last night.

    Wamakko was also said to have refused to accept the leadership of the PDP Governors Forum, headed by Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio.

    But the PDP yesterday denied that the governor was suspended because of his activities at the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF).

    Wamakko was also accused of failing to pick the persuasive calls of National Chairman Bamanga Tukur, on the party’s Governors Forum.

    A top party source said: “In spite of the directive of the party, Wamakko has refused to either recognise PDP Governors Forum or attend its meetings. He has been sticking to the Nigeria Governors Forum headed by Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

    “Wamakko believes the PDP Governors Forum is unnecessary because it was borne out of political mischief. But the party tried to sell the idea behind the Forum to the governor, who was not persuaded.

    “When the National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, called him many times, he refused to pick his calls. The party saw this as disdain for its leadership.

    “So, the NWC felt it should suspend Wamakko as part of its new policy to enforce discipline in its fold.”

    Another source said: Wamakko was suspected to be one of the “rebel governors” who voted for Governor Rotimi Amaechi during the NGF poll.

    “So, some forces in the Presidency are uncomfortable with Wamakko because of his “independent mindedness on issues,” said another source.

    But an associate of Wamakko said: “Was Tukur phoning the right telephone lines? We are in an era where governors change lines because of fear of bugging by some agencies and mischievous elements.

    “Those who are desperate for 2015 poll have been hijacking lines to measure loyalty. Since most governors have discovered this trend, they stay off their lines. I am sure Tukur might have been phoning wrong or dead lines.

    “Assuming that Wamakko refused to pick Tukur’s calls, is there any provision in PDP’s constitution for such an offence?

    A statement by PDP National Publicity Secretary Olisa Metuh yesterday said the decision to suspend the governor was reached after “very wide and exhaustive consultations”, in accordance with the provisions of the constitution of the PDP and in the overriding interest of the party.

    The statement said: “It is important to note that the reason for the suspension of Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko predates the Nigeria Governors’ Forum’s election.

    “Sometime in early April, the leadership of the party was concerned with the statements and conduct of the governor whereupon the national chairman placed several calls to draw the attention of the Governor to the matters concerned.

    “However, it was not possible for the national chairman to speak with the Governor despite several attempts. The national chairman thereafter vide a letter dated 12th April, 2013, requested an explanation to the NWC within seven days.

    “Instead of replying the national chairman, Governor Wamakko directed the Sokoto State Secretary of the party, Mallam Aminu Bello Sokoto, to reply the national chairman.

    “The state party secretary, in a letter dated April 14, 2013 and on the official letterhead of the Sokoto State Government House, replied the national chairman on behalf of the governor.

    “This amounted to gross disrespect and act of insubordination to a national officer and a lawful organ of the party, which is in violation of Articles 58.1 (c ), (h) and (m) of the PDP constitution, which prescribe sanctions for any member who (c ) ‘disobeys or neglects to carry out lawful directives of the party or any organ or officer of the party’, (h) ‘engages in any conduct likely to cause disaffection among members of the party or is likely to disrupt the peaceful, lawful and efficient conduct of the business of the party’ and (m) ‘fails, refuses or neglects to treat a petition, complaints or appeal timeously’.

    “Nevertheless, the NWC, vide a letter dated April 17, 2013, kindly requested His Excellency, Dr. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, to appear before it on the 8th of May, 2013 to clear the issues thereof.

    “The NWC also wrote to the State Secretary, Sokoto PDP, Mallam Aminu Bello Sokoto, requesting explanations for his actions as a state party officer, in replying the national chairman.

    “Regrettably, Dr. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko never honoured the invitation and refused to respond in any way despite repeated invitations from the NWC, an action which is in clear violation of Article 58.1 (c), of the PDP constitution. In the same vein, the State Secretary, Sokoto PDP, also refused to respond to the National Working Committee (NWC).

    “Consequently, the NWC at its 336th meeting held on May 22, 2013 suspended the State Secretary, Sokoto PDP, Mallam Aminu Bello Sokoto and communicated the decision to him in a letter dated May 22, 2013.

    “The NWC thereafter extended yet another invitation to His Excellency, Dr. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, in a letter dated May 23, 2013 in which it requested him to appear before it on Wednesday, June 5, 2013 to clarify the issues.

    “Unfortunately, in complete disregard to a lawful organ of the party, His Excellency, Dr. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, instead of appearing before the NWC, travelled out of the country on Tuesday June 5, 2013 without any form of response to the party.

    “The NWC frowned at this act of gross indiscipline and disrespect to the party and was, therefore, left with no other option than to invoke relevant articles of the PDP constitution in furtherance of the determination to enforce discipline at all levels within the party.

    “We wish to state that the leadership of the party has immense respect for all elected and appointed political office holders and in the same vein, expects all political office holders to reciprocate by respecting the constitution and lawful organs of the party upon which platform they hold office.

    “The NWC hereby restates that no individual or group within the party is, and must be seen to be above the constitution and lawful organs of the party. All party members are under the rule of the constitution of the party and must so abide”.

  • Petroleum Bill: Northern Senators rebuff FG overtures

    Petroleum Bill: Northern Senators rebuff FG overtures

    • Legislators: We fear backdoor hiking of derivation

     

    The Federal Government has launched an elaborate move to woo northern Senators and members of the House of Representatives opposed to the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

    The northern members of the National Assembly and their governors however remained adamant in their opposition to the bill which they claim is skewed in favour of the oil producing states.

    Their fear stems largely from the possibility that the bill may be used to jack up the statutory 13.5 per cent derivation for oil producing states to between 45 and 50 per cent.

    They are bent on throwing out the provision for Host Community Fund which stipulates 10 per cent of the profit of oil companies for oil producing states and communities.

    The northern lawmakers have the backing of the International Oil Companies (IOCs) who may pull out of new investments in the country on account of the bill.

    Investigation by our correspondent showed that about three lobbying groups raised by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and other oil-related parastatals have been reaching out to Senators and Representatives from the north.

    It was gathered that the selling points of the group are that the bill would ensure more transparency in the oil sector; Nigerians can own equity in the new National Oil Company and the National Gas Company; mass employment; the nation would earn more revenue; and the management of the oil sector will have enhanced indigenous outlook than the present dominance by foreigners.

    But northern Senators and Representatives have not bought the arguments of the lobbyists.

    A high-ranking Senator, who spoke in confidence, said: “The PIB is a booby-trap for the north. We have all resolved to oppose the passage of the bill into law and we are at a comfortable advantage because we have the majority in the two chambers.

    “Our main grouse borders on the establishment of Host Community Fund which we want removed from the bill because that will indirectly shoot up the derivation from 13.5 per cent to 45 to 50 per cent for oil producing states. We have commissioned a study and done our calculations.

    “Going by what is computed in the PIB, oil states and communities will enjoy about 29.5 per cent derivation. But we know that there are other inherent advantages which cumulatively could lead to 45 to 50 per cent derivation for oil producing states.

    “What has assisted us is that we have the backing of our colleagues from the South-West and some from the South-East. When Cocoa, groundnuts, palm oil and other commodity products were fetching revenue for the nation, nobody spoke of Host Community Fund.”

    Another Senator said: “What is painful is that the present 13.5 per cent derivation being enjoyed by oil producing states was put in place by past northern Heads of State and Governments. So, no one can accuse the North of ganging up against South-South or oil states’ interest.

    “What we want is a united Nigeria where all the Federating units will have equal stake. The padding of the PIB to guarantee more revenue for oil states should not have been when a South-South leader is in charge and when another South-South citizen is manning the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

    Another ranking Senator said: “I told the lobbyists that the bill will set bad precedent because it appears it is politically motivated than economic reasons.

    “That is the way some of us from the north see it. We have not been convinced at all. That was why the Presiding Officer at the Wednesday session was tactical in managing the situation.”

    A principal officer in the House of Representatives said: “We have referred the PIB to a committee but the truth is that those of us from the north would like the recommendation for Host Community Fund expunged because the derivation policy is there to protect their interest.

    “If in future we see the need to increase the derivation percentage, we will do so without any backdoor approach.

    “We have listened to some of the lobbyists but we will put the nation first and ensure justice.”

    Another high-ranking member of the House said: “The engagement of a consultant has opened the eyes of Northern leaders, Northern Governors’ Forum, Senators and House members to the dangers in the PIB for the North.

    “We are ready to sit down with the Executive, make our claims and find alternatives to our grievances.”

    Another House member said: “Do you expect us to pass a bill which will leave the determination of royalties payable by oil companies to the discretion of the Minister f Petroleum Resources? We are sliding into a situation whereby a Minister will be more powerful than the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces.

    “We will rather opt for a functional system than pass a bill that will cause chaos in future.”

    The northern governors, Senators and House members had rejected the PIB for containing some provisions which will short change the region.

    The grouse of the north are contained in a document prepared for the Northern Governors Forum, Northern Senators Forum and Northern Caucus in the House of Representatives.

    The document indicated that the PIB’s provisions could “lock the people of the region out” of ownership of oil and gas resources.

    The document reads in part: “On top of the 13.5 per cent statutory derivation from the Federation Account, the mandatory Federal budgetary allocation to the Ministry of Niger Delta, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) levy of 3% of oil operations and the massive amount of Federal funds being spent on the Niger Delta Amnesty programme, the new PIB is adding 10% of the profit of al Oil and Gas companies to the Niger Delta States and Communities.

    “Currently, without this new addition, four states (Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers) earn more than the 19 northern states combined. One wonders what kind of federation we would end up with if this situation is escalated by the new PIB. In any case, what really is the constitutional standing of this particular provision in the Bill?

    “These and many more other issues are in the Petroleum Industry Bill need very close scrutiny by the Northern Governors Forum. Without this exercise, it is very possible for the states in the region to be legally short-changed through the process of legislation despite having the majority membership in the two chambers of the National Assembly.”

    On plans to divest equity in the proposed new National Oil Company and the National Gas Company, the northern leaders said there is no provision for safety net to protect the interest of the region.”

    They said the PIB ought to protect the north’s right to invest in these two companies because of its low participation in the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

    The document said: “The plan to divest equity in the new National Oil Company and the National Gas Company is not in itself an issue, the problem is to implement this provision of the law without any safeguards for equity and national spread.

    “The communities and businesses in the northern states are not very active players on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. In this regard, simply off loading the equity of these national assets on the stock market could lock the people of the region out of ownership of these critical resources.

    “The region must therefore insist on legislating guarantees for equity and national spread on whatever divestment plans there are for oil and gas assets.”

    As at press time, it was learnt that the IOCs are uncomfortable with the PIB.

    A highly-placed source said: “Some of the IOCs have concluded plans to divest from our oil sector if the bill is passed in its present form.”