Tag: Sanusi

AFTER a brief lull, the row over the “missing” $20billion oil money resurfaced yesterday.

The man who started it all – the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II – yesterday reacted to the auditors’ report on the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation’s (NNPC’s) books.

The former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, in an article titled “Unanswered questions on Nigeria’s missing oil revenue billions”, in the “Financial Times”, insisted that the PwC Audit Report confirmed that about $18.5billion of the NNPC’s earnings was not remitted to the treasury, contrary to what the Petroleum Minister Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, claimed is the case.

Sanusi wrote: “Contrary to the claims of Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke, the audit report does not exonerate the NNPC. It establishes that the gap between the company’s oil revenues between January 2012 and July 2013 and cash remitted to the government for the same period was $18.5bilion.”

 Sanusi said the breakdown of the NNPC’s account of how it used that money, raises serious questions about the legality of the conduct of the state’s oil company.

He said the only thing that is left to be done is for the authority to hold anyone found culpable in these transactions accountable and commence legal proceedings against them since, in his words, “Nigerians did not vote for an amnesty for anyone”.

Sanusi said: “The lines of investigation suggested by this audit need to be pursued. Any officials found responsible for involvement in this apparent breach of trust must be charged.”

Giving details of what he described as a “scam that violated the constitution” and which he alleged  resulted in the  siphoning of money from the treasury,” and by extension, his suspension as CBN governor, Sanusi said the perpetrators of the exercise relied on the supposed kerosene subsidy purportedly granted by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua.

He pointed out that contrary to that view, the kerosene subsidy had been vacated, going by the statement attributed to the Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Products Pipeline Marketing Company (PPPMC).

His words: “ The auditors say a significant part of the unremitted funds is supposed to have gone towards a kerosene subsidy that had been stopped two and a half years earlier by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua. His decree never appeared in the official gazette, leading some to question whether it ever had legal force.

“Evidence disclosed in the report suggests this is a sideshow. The executive secretary of the agency charged with administering subsidies confirmed that, acting on Yar’Adua’s orders, it had ceased granting subsidies on kerosene. There was no appropriation for such a subsidy in the 2012 or 2013 budgets,” he stated.

He said throughout all this, “Nigerians paid N120-N140 a litre of kerosene, far more than the supposed subsidised price of N50, yet the state oil company withheld $3.4billion to pay for a subsidy that in effect did not exist”.

Sanusi said besides the subsidy matter, he was interested in knowing whether the NNPC remitted  to the government the entire proceeds of its crude oil sales, and  that if it did not, whether  there is proof of the purpose to which the unremitted amounts were applied, as well as ascertaining whether the Corporation has the legal authority to withhold these funds.

 Notwithstanding the outcome of the PwC audit report, the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, has said he would revisit the missing $20billion. After Buhari’s omment, President Jonathan directed that the report be made public.

Besides Buhari’s pronouncement, other stakeholders and chieftains of the incoming government, have called for an overhaul and restructuring of the nation’s oil sector, so as to position it as a revenue earner, as it is applicable in other major oil producing countries in the world

The Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II, has urged politicians to put the interest of the people above vested ones.

He spoke yesterday when he visited Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, the senator–elect for Kano Central, at the Government House, Kano.

The emir said: “Leaders are elected to serve the people, to protect their interest and to promote their welfare.”

According to him, under ideal circumstances, political leaders should be servants of the people, who brought them to power through the ballot box.

He said while people have a right to vote for candidates of their choice, elected leaders should justify the mandate by being honest and committed to the socio-economic changes promised the electorate.

The emir appealed to Governor Kwankwaso, as a senator-elect and other legislators-elect to make legislative presentations for the interest of Nigerians, especially Kano citizens.

He enjoined Governor-elect Umar Abdullahi Ganduje to  maintain the policies and programmes of Kwankwasiyya, saying voting for APC candidates was an indication that the people were satisfied with the leadership of the administration.

Governor Kwankwaso said Nigerians, irrespective of their differences, should regard APC’s victory as a victory for all.

He thanked the emir for the visit and urged the Kano Emirate Council to enlighten people on the importance of education.

The ancient city of Kano is wearing a new look as all is now set for the coronation of the 14th Emir of Kano, His Highness, Sarki Muhammad Sanusi 11.

Already, the streets of Kano have been beautified in a way befitting royalty.

Young princes were seen riding on horsebacks and jubilating as the Emir gets set to wear his crown.

The Emir’s Palace, located in the heart of the city, is now wearing a new look, just as the road leading to the palace is now adorned with one of the longest fly-overs in the country, commissioned by ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo a few days ago.

The Nation gathered that for security reasons and to ensure orderliness and sanity, the Kano State Government, led by Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, decided to build a magnificent 1500 sitting capacity hall tagged Coronation Hall 2015 and situated near Kano Government House.

The maiden multi-million naira Coronation Hall is one of its kind in Kano.

Speaking on the event, Kwankwaso’s Special Adviser on Emirate Affairs, Alhaji Tijjani Mailafia Sanka, said the state government was doing everything within its capacity to make the historic event glamorous and colourful.

He said: “The last time Kano people witnessed the coronation of an emir was 51 years ago, so the state government is planning big for this event.

“The event would showcase the rich culture of the people of Kano. It is not only for us, the people of Kano, North or Nigeria, but a global ceremony that would depict our cultural endowment,” he said.

Also speaking, Director of Press and Ccommunication to Kwankwaso, Alhaji Halilu Baba Dantiye, said that as at Friday afternoon, dignitaries from all walks of life had started trooping into Kano.

He said: “As I am talking to you now, everyone of us is busy with logistic arrangements to ensure that our guests are comfortable. We are still expecting important personalities from within and outside the country.

“It is going to be a big show and memorable event that will showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Kanawas.”

According to him, among those to be expected are former heads of states and presidents within and outside the country, captains of industry, governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers cutting across different kingdoms around the world and, indeed, the talakawas.

Dantiye also added that already, bold screens have been mounted at various strategic locations such as Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Naisa Recreation Centre, Gwagwaruwa Stadium and other areas where millions of people who could not gain entry inside the Coronation Hall will have the opportunity to view the event, live.

The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, has said he is contented with his current status as a first class monarch.

Sanusi said the stool was his major accomplishment.

The monarch said he would not aspire for any other position, however plum, for the rest of his life.

Sanusi spoke yesterday in Kano with a select group of reporters ahead of his coronation tomorrow as the 14th Emir of Kano.

The former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor said he had fulfilled his major ambition in life, following his ascension to the throne.

He said the stool was the most revered status anyone could acquire to have a sense of satisfaction.

Sanusi said his journey to the exalted position started on a sound footing, adding that he was willing to live it well, from the palace to the grave.

According to him, Almighty Allah, in His infinite wisdom, made it possible for him to reach the pinnacle of his ambition.

Sanusi said he was following the footsteps of his predecessors, with the understanding of the immense sacrifices they rendered to Kano residents.

The monarch stressed that as the leader of the people, he would be guided by the teachings of Islam to do what Allah has ordained.

He said: “As far as I am concerned, I can tell you that I have achieved my ambition. I have no further ambition in life. I am not willing to move an inch in the name of looking for any revered status.

“I know what my predecessors did to earn the confidence of the people. I am also taking a cue from their good legacies to prove my prowess.”

On the need for the residents to accommodate one another, irrespective of their ethnic or religious affiliations, Sanusi said Kano had been adored for its hospitality and tolerance.

The monarch said the ancient city’s dwellers carved a niche for themselves through decorum and decency it was built on.

He stressed the need for quality education to enable the people understand the indices of good life, adding that he was poised to place a high premium on education.

On his eventful tenure at the CBN, Sanusi said he introduced far-reaching reforms, which positively impacted on the lives of Nigerians.

The monarch said he was averse to any responsibility that he would not handle effectively.

He said: “People are erroneously nursing the impression that only a popular thing that is right. One may come up with an initiative that is unpopular but may not be right, as expected. But with conviction and sincerity of purpose, one could be able to make some appreciable headway.”

Boko Haram’s acts of terrorism are escalating only because of the weak response from the federal government, the Sarkin Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi 11, said yesterday in Auchi, headquarters of Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State yesterday.

Nigerians, he said, should therefore rise up and defend themselves vigorously from further intimidation and attacks by the insurgents.

“First responsibility of the state is to protect lives and properties of its citizens or it loses the basis of its existence” the former Central Bank governor said at the closing ceremony of the 29th National Quranic recitation.

Islamic leaders, he added, must speak up now against Boko Haram’s atrocities “or we are guilty of complicity.”

“It is extremely important that we look at the Quran which provides the most noble of behaviors and character. Selling free borns into slavery, kidnapping of young girls and rape are un-Islamic.

“We can’t keep quiet while people are being killed, we must fight to make sure our religion is not distorted .But the state must protect us. If your enemy comes to attack you and you run away Allah will not help you.”

He reiterated his position that Muslims across the country must defend themselves against Boko Haram insurgency, pointing out that the terrorists are still in business and gaining more territories only because the Nigeria state becomes weak.

He urged the Federal Government to wake up to its responsibility by liberating parts of Borno, Yobe, Adamawa states currently under the control of Boko Haram.

He called on the people to stop running from the terrorists whom he said are projecting Islam wrongly.

Sanusi hailed the people of Kano for putting up a gallant resistance when terrorists attacked the Emir Palace central Mosque, Kano during the November 28, 2014 Jumat prayer.

Dozens of worshippers were killed in the attack and so were the men suspected as the brains behind the terror.

That attack came a few weeks after the Sarkin Kano first challenged Nigerians to defend themselves against the sect.

Sanusi, who was outside the country during the siege, rushed back home and reiterated that the people should stand up to the sect.

Boko Haram’s  leader,Abubakar Shekau responded a few days later threatening to come after the traditional ruler.

Shekau said his sect did not consider Sanusi a true Muslim and would attack him whenever an opportunity presented itself.

Also speaking at yesterday’s event in Auchi, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Gabai El Kanemi, called for the sustenance of the Qur’anic recitation describing it as the most important rallying point for Muslims.

El Kanemi urged Muslims to base their teachings on the Holy Quran and not to mislead their followers.

Governor Adams Oshiomhole said government was nothing if it could not protect lives and property of its citizens.

At the end of the 10- day recitation, Yusuf Muhammad Baffa Dukku from Gombe state came first in the male category with 95.2 points.

He went home with N500, 000 and a 4 runner jeep while Khadija Tanimu Abdullahi from Plateau state won the female category with 91.1 points.

She also got N500, 000 and a Lexus Jeep for her effort.

The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammed Sanusi II, has dismissed the allegation that he is planning to marry thae 17-year-old daughter of Lamido of Adamawa.

The Emir reportedly denied the marriage rumours when he responded to questions from Sahara Reporters via text messages, which were routed through one of his aides.

He said he supported the right of children against forced married before attaining the constitutionally stipulated age of 18 years.

Sanusi said he would not contract a marriage with any woman under 18.

The Emir said the stories were meant to ascertain his intentions.

He said he did not rule out the possibility of marrying a fourth wife.

The former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor advised people to wait and see the real age of his wife, if he decided to contract another marriage.