I urgently appeal to Nigerian labor, organized civil society, national assembly, and indeed all Nigerians to listen to me. I request Nigerians who either have agreed or are considering agreeing with government’s arguments on the benefits of removal of fuel subsidy to please give me some attention.
I have heard arguments by government officials such as Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala that the Nigerian economy would crash if fuel subsidy is not removed. Sanusi doles out figures how the CBN sells a lot of foreign currency to fuel importers (and would the CBN not do that if subsidy is removed? Would fuel importers not import the products again if fuel subsidy is removed? You see, there is no correlation between the volume of sales of foreign currency and fuel subsidy removal, except that the government has failed to tell Nigerians that it is looking at the ineluctable drop in the volume of demand of petroleum products which shall result in a drop in the volume of imports, and thereby a fall in the volume of foreign currency it sells to importers).
Government officials tell Nigerians that the Nigerian government borrows huge amount of money to subsidize PMS, and that this borrowing is unsustainable. My problem with this argument is another argument of government. The Jonathan government sets up, albeit illegally, a phantom Re-investment committee to manage savings from the subsidy removal. In fact, it has published a document on spending on “palliatives” sequel to removal of fuel subsidy. It goes ahead to allocate more than N 400 billion each to both the federal and state governments, and more than N 200 billion to local governments. If the federal government claims that it borrows to subsidize fuel (PMS) consumption in Nigeria, and claims that such borrowing cannot be sustained, then whence come the “savings” that it has already allocated without visible inputs of the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission? The Jonathan government is lying to Nigerians. There is no saving anywhere that would make any significant difference in the welfare of Nigerians.
One of my readers made a comment that set me thinking. Huge amounts of money were spent by President Jonathan in the 2011 elections. Interestingly, Jonathan says that in the same year his government overshot the vote of N 240 billion for fuel subsidy in the same year by more than N 1 trillion, and that without appropriation by the national assembly. The highest ever spending by a Nigerian government on fuel subsidy was recorded in 2011; this is most appalling when only one product (PMS) supposedly got the highest subsidy allocation. What happened in 2011 that made Nigerians to register the most demand for PMS? Were they more prosperous in 2011? In fact, according to available figures, imports of cars into Nigeria dropped significantly in 2011 by more than 40 percent! Besides, more Nigerians were pushed below poverty line in the same year.
President Jonathan is desperate to cover his tracks. He and his colleagues in government corruptly enriched themselves; fearing exposure in 2012, he is bent on removing fuel subsidy, alleging that a few cabal members were benefitting at the expense of Nigerians he claims to love. But is it not his government that approved payment to those cabal members, some of whom financed his election? His government should know, at least from 2009 and 2010 consumption levels, that it must ask questions when subsidy expenditure doubled in the succeeding year without supporting facts and relevant indices of prosperity. Did he make any queries? The senate committee that is probing fuel subsidy spending is getting too close to the facts for comfort. I warned in 2007 when President Yar’Adua and then Vice-President Jonathan got into office that Nigerians were at the door steps of the worst era of corruption in the history of this country. Jonathan and his former boss wasted more than 20 billion US dollars in the excess crude account and almost 60 billion US dollars in the foreign reserves without doing any of the things Jonathan apologists are talking about. I listened to one of Jonathan apologists say how the government of President Obasanjo should have used the 12 billion US dollars it gave away for debt forgiveness for development of infrastructure. He then claims that President Jonathan would use “savings” from fuel subsidy removal to give Nigerians the relevant infrastructure Nigeria does not have. Those people take us for fools. If Jonathan has squandered more than 12 billion US dollars without building infrastructure what then is the argument here?
President Jonathan lacks the moral strength to fight corruption. He is corrupt himself, and is so clever to make it appear as if he is fighting corruption. Jonathan must give account to Nigerians why he wasted our money on paying those his government argues are feeding on the fuel subsidy. Jonathan’s government is confessing weakness.
Government officials argue that Nigerian neighbors benefit from fuel subsidy through smuggling. What is the work of government then if it cannot secure our borders? President Jonathan wants Nigerians to pay for the inefficiency and corruption of government. Impunity reigns in the land, and Jonathan encourages it when his government cannot prosecute those cheating the system. He encourages impunity when he runs away from the responsibility of governance to rather inflict pains on Nigerians as an escape route.
If government is so concerned about cutting cost why would any public official in Nigeria earn about one million US dollars a year? I have published that less than 18,000 Nigerian public officials earn in salaries and allowances more than N 1.2 trillion a year. Sanusi belatedly raised similar issues, but only on expenditure on the national assembly, last year. President Jonathan should cause to be published what all public officials in Nigeria earn in salaries and allowances; and the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) should exercise its powers under the constitution to reduce all allowances to levels that would make remunerations to reflect the present N 18,000 minimum wage and the current regime of sacrifice. Accordingly, I propose that the highest paid public official in Nigeria should earn not more than 30 times the national minimum wage. I say that if the Nigerian economy cannot sustain fuel subsidy, which it will be revealed this year is far below N 500 billion, much more can it not sustain the obscene earnings and lifestyle of Nigeria’s public officials.
The lies of Jonathan’s government should not move either labor or the organized civil society to begin to contemplate removal of fuel subsidy. Fuel subsidy should be an untouchable item even when we attain local capacity to refine all our petroleum products needs; then, government expenditure on fuel subsidy would reduce. I hear of timing and manner of the removal of fuel subsidy. When is the right time and what is the right manner? I dare say there is never a right time to remove fuel subsidy. What government must remove are corruption and waste in governance.
Let me advise Nigerians who claim that they are losing income during the national shutdown to reason with me. How much is that income that you think can withstand the humungous hike in the price of PMS? What sacrifice can we ever make to have a better nation if we cannot bear few days or weeks of a shutdown? We can only get what we deserve. This shutdown is and should be beyond fuel subsidy removal. It is a first step to taking back our country and ending this era of impunity, corruption, and cabalization of our national life.
I propose to labor that Nigerians should take numbers from 1 to 7. There should be coordinators all over Nigeria for each of the numbers. 1 corresponds to Monday, 2 to Tuesday, and so on. This would guarantee sustenance of the struggle and shutdown. A Nigerian therefore would go out only once a week to protest. There should be coordination of supplies of water, snacks, drugs, and parasols; Nigerians would be asked to donate those supplies at rally centers and “Occupy” locations. We should think ahead strategically as we confront an uncaring and stolid government that lacks good conscience. In different cities my suggestion should be implemented. I understand there are many unemployed youth who are part of the protests. Those of us who have some means should be provided the opportunity through coordination efforts I have proposed to make donations to sustain the struggle. We must not give up this opportunity for national redemption. Speeches should be well planned and delivered. Protest rallies should be platforms to educate and enlighten Nigerians on the plight of the nation and the dangers of doing nothing. Labor can recruit speech writers and give platform for speech readers to move Nigerians intelligently forward in the struggle. Words carefully structured with facts and delivered are highly motivating. I volunteer to write some of the speeches laced with unassailable facts and figures for labor, to be delivered across the country. Now is the time to shoot down lies; now is the hour to reclaim our country. It is right to build a nation.
Leonard Karshima Shilgba is an Associate Professor of Mathematics with the American University of Nigeria and President of the Nigeria Rally Movement (www.nigeriarally.org ). He is also the Chairman of the Middle Belt Alliance (MBA).
Sunday, 15 January 2012
Wednesday, 2 February 2011
LAMIDO AND HIS FACEBOOK FRIEND
Moukhtari Ibrahim Aminu, has been arrested and detained for 10 days allegedly for "insulting" Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State on facebook. In addition, Mustapha Saad, a magistrate in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, has further remanded the accused in prison until February 7th 2011.
Moukhtar’s arrest stemmed from a message he posted on his page on January 18 2011, it not clear if he also posted the same on Governor Lamido's facebook fan page, where curiously he is also an administrator.
The text reads: “O Allah destroy Sule Lamido and the rest of his friends, O Allah disgrace Sule Lamido and the rest of his cursed friends, O Allah curse Sule Lamido and the rest of his cursed friends, O Allah expose Sule Lamido and the rest of his cursed friends, O Allah inflict poverty on Sule Lamido and the rest of his cursed friends Amen and all those for prophet Muhammad (SAW) say Amen.”
After Mukhatari posted the text message on his facebook page, the governor lodged a complaint with the police and ordered that Mukhtari Moukhtar be arrested.
The Jigawa commissioner of police, Mr. Hashimu Salihu Argungu, launched a manhunt and arrested Mukhtari.
After being detained for 10 days, Mukhtari was arraigned before Magistrate Mustapha Saad and charged with violating Section 393 of the Nigerian penal code.
A source told SaharaReporters that Moukhtar might have turned against Governor Lamido as most youth in the northern parts of Nigeria, condemned northern governors who supported Mr. Goodluck Jonathan during the People's Democratic Party (PDP). Mr. Jonathan emerged winner in the primaries, trouncing Atiku Abukakar, the "northern consensus candidate".
Moukhtar’s arrest stemmed from a message he posted on his page on January 18 2011, it not clear if he also posted the same on Governor Lamido's facebook fan page, where curiously he is also an administrator.
The text reads: “O Allah destroy Sule Lamido and the rest of his friends, O Allah disgrace Sule Lamido and the rest of his cursed friends, O Allah curse Sule Lamido and the rest of his cursed friends, O Allah expose Sule Lamido and the rest of his cursed friends, O Allah inflict poverty on Sule Lamido and the rest of his cursed friends Amen and all those for prophet Muhammad (SAW) say Amen.”
After Mukhatari posted the text message on his facebook page, the governor lodged a complaint with the police and ordered that Mukhtari Moukhtar be arrested.
The Jigawa commissioner of police, Mr. Hashimu Salihu Argungu, launched a manhunt and arrested Mukhtari.
After being detained for 10 days, Mukhtari was arraigned before Magistrate Mustapha Saad and charged with violating Section 393 of the Nigerian penal code.
A source told SaharaReporters that Moukhtar might have turned against Governor Lamido as most youth in the northern parts of Nigeria, condemned northern governors who supported Mr. Goodluck Jonathan during the People's Democratic Party (PDP). Mr. Jonathan emerged winner in the primaries, trouncing Atiku Abukakar, the "northern consensus candidate".
Saturday, 19 June 2010
NEW VOTERS CARD
Buhari, Soyinka Demand New Voters’ Register
•To hold rally next week
Apparently worried by the short time left for the preparation of the 2011 election, former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari, Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka and Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola would lead a mass rally in Lagos next week Wednesday to protest the current voters’ register.
The protesters are demanding for a new voters’ register well ahead of next year’s election, which is seen as critical to Nigeria’s survival as a democracy.
The rally is being put together by pro-democracy organization Save Nigeria Group (SNG), in collaboration with the Coalition of Democrats for Electoral Reforms (CODER). It will commence at Onikan Stadium in Lagos Island.
A statement by Yinka Odumakin and Salihu Lukman on behalf of the SNG, said the demand for a new voters’ register would serve as a prelude for the pursuit of the one-man-one-vote cause.
The group also said the rally is a continuation of its national mobilization for free, fair and credible polls in 2011, which it said started in Abuja on May 31, 2010.
Other speakers expected at the rally are conveners of SNG, Pastor Tunde Bakare, former Governor of Lagos State Bola Tinubu, National Co-ordinator of CODER Mr. Ayo Opadokun.
Other speakers are former Chief of Army Staff Gen. Alani Akinrinade, former Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and former presidential candidate, Prof. Pat Utomi.
Former Governor of Anambra State Dr. Chris Ngige, former National Chairman of the Action Congress (AC) Chief Bisi Akande, former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) and Mr. Femi Falana, are also expected.
Former president of Civil Liberty Organisation (CLO) Mrs. Ayo Obe, presidential aspirant Bashorun Dele Momodu, President of Campaign for Democracy (CD) Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, AC National Secretary Dr. Usman Bugaje, governorship candidate of the Democratic Peoples Alliance (DPA) Mr. Jimi Agbaje, Hon. Olawale Oshun and Leader of Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force (NDPVF) Mujahid Asari Dokubo would also be there.
A new Chairman for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the person of Prof. Attahiru Jega has been appointed. He would be screened by the Senate next Tuesday. But many are worried that the body appears not to have a plan to review the voters’ register or made such public as yet.
INEC’s poor preparations and administrative lapses led to the disenfranchisement of some voters during the Anambra governorship election held in February. There were complaints ranging from omission of names from the register and others being listed in areas outside their immediate locality.
Although, the election was generally regarded as free and fair, many have warned that a repeat at the national level would cause severe chaos. Therefore, expectations are that INEC should begin a review of the voters’ register in order to have smooth elections next year.
•To hold rally next week
Apparently worried by the short time left for the preparation of the 2011 election, former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari, Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka and Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola would lead a mass rally in Lagos next week Wednesday to protest the current voters’ register.
The protesters are demanding for a new voters’ register well ahead of next year’s election, which is seen as critical to Nigeria’s survival as a democracy.
The rally is being put together by pro-democracy organization Save Nigeria Group (SNG), in collaboration with the Coalition of Democrats for Electoral Reforms (CODER). It will commence at Onikan Stadium in Lagos Island.
A statement by Yinka Odumakin and Salihu Lukman on behalf of the SNG, said the demand for a new voters’ register would serve as a prelude for the pursuit of the one-man-one-vote cause.
The group also said the rally is a continuation of its national mobilization for free, fair and credible polls in 2011, which it said started in Abuja on May 31, 2010.
Other speakers expected at the rally are conveners of SNG, Pastor Tunde Bakare, former Governor of Lagos State Bola Tinubu, National Co-ordinator of CODER Mr. Ayo Opadokun.
Other speakers are former Chief of Army Staff Gen. Alani Akinrinade, former Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and former presidential candidate, Prof. Pat Utomi.
Former Governor of Anambra State Dr. Chris Ngige, former National Chairman of the Action Congress (AC) Chief Bisi Akande, former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) and Mr. Femi Falana, are also expected.
Former president of Civil Liberty Organisation (CLO) Mrs. Ayo Obe, presidential aspirant Bashorun Dele Momodu, President of Campaign for Democracy (CD) Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, AC National Secretary Dr. Usman Bugaje, governorship candidate of the Democratic Peoples Alliance (DPA) Mr. Jimi Agbaje, Hon. Olawale Oshun and Leader of Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force (NDPVF) Mujahid Asari Dokubo would also be there.
A new Chairman for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the person of Prof. Attahiru Jega has been appointed. He would be screened by the Senate next Tuesday. But many are worried that the body appears not to have a plan to review the voters’ register or made such public as yet.
INEC’s poor preparations and administrative lapses led to the disenfranchisement of some voters during the Anambra governorship election held in February. There were complaints ranging from omission of names from the register and others being listed in areas outside their immediate locality.
Although, the election was generally regarded as free and fair, many have warned that a repeat at the national level would cause severe chaos. Therefore, expectations are that INEC should begin a review of the voters’ register in order to have smooth elections next year.
Friday, 23 April 2010
IBB of a thing
I have been receiving different messages on both my facebook and twitter about IBB.
this are some of the comments i have received so far about IBB intention to run for the presidency come 2011>
Seun Kolade April 20 at 11:39pm Reply
Hello Compatriot,
I hope you're well today and I believe are more determined than yesterday to bring to reality the dream of our generation, the younger generation, for a better and great Nigeria
A short while ago I came accross an opinion published in a Nigerian newspaper in whch the writer asserted, among other things, that IBB should be left alone and that 'June 12 is gone for good'. Like many misguided youngsters out there, the fellow completely missed the symbolic message June 12 represents, and it is rather curious that he actually, in the same breadth, called for a 'peaceful revolution' instead of 'dwelling on the past'. Indeed, revolution entails a radical departure from, but not a blind denial of, the past with a view to constructing and establishing new structures for a virile, more equal and progressive socio-economic order.
The message of the June 12 presidential election is that Nigeria is effectively a pseudo-democracy in which the will of the people is nothing to reckon with. According to IBB, although Abiola won the election, he could not claim his mandate because the powerful 'elite', military and civilian, do not want him. This is the tragic tale of the Nigerian State, under both military and civilian rule, that the electorate is inconsequential and the rulers are ruiners, accountable to no one.
Any revolution worthy of the name has to start with this recognition, and nothing encaspulates it more than the voided June 12 election. The result of that historic coup against the electorate is
that since June 12, splintered groups, especially in the Niger Delta, have increasingly resorted to violence as a means of getting their voices heard. The language of violence has taken the place of the ballot, and time is running out to change the dynamics, to establish strong institutions for a more just, peaceful and prosperous society.
Seun Kolade,
London,
German Military dictator Adolf Hitler has been desribed by the Historians as an EVIL GENIUS. Hitler had his A-4 Rocket described as a Revenge weapon , first tested on June 13 1942.
relatedly Nigerian Military Dictator Ibrahim Babangida described by the Nigerian press as an EVIL GENIUS
had his Option A-4 Electoral process which cuilminated in the Presidential elections of June 12 1993. The
supposedl wiinner of the June 12 elections ,Basorun M.K.O. Abiola died in the Hands of General
Abdusalami Abubakar a childhood friend of Babangida and from the same minna Niger State as
Babangida. Abubakar was born June 13 1942 same day as the first test of the A-4 Rocket
Ignatius of Loyola and Ibrahim Babangida
There are strange developments between Nigeria and Spain in respect of Saint Ignatius of Loyola and
Ibrahim Babaginda
Ignatius of Loyola was born in Northern Spain in 1491.he was a soldier
ibrahim Babangida was born in Northern Nigeria in 1941 also a soldier
1491 is just a rearrangement of 1941.
Ignatius of Loyola founded the society of Jesus on August 15 1543
Babangida was born August 17 1941"
Ignatius took up arms for the Duke of Najera.Broke his leg and injured another was known to limp,had surgery and spent a long time recovering after being taken home by French Soldiers .
Babangida fought in the Nigerian Civil war. Susstained a leg injury,radiculopathy known to limp,,had Surgery and spent a long time recovering in the Hospital in France
Najera is associated with the river Najerilla
Nigeria is associated with the river Niger.
The slang for Nigeria is Naija
Ignatius of Loyola died July 31 1556
Babangida declared open the executive chamber of the presidential villa Abuja on July 31 1991
.Babangida is a General and Ignatius a Superior General
.
Loyola was a spaniard. He lived in the Castle of Loyola in spain
Babangda lives in a Mansion in Minna,Niger state.
9JA SAY NO TO IBB
this are some of the comments i have received so far about IBB intention to run for the presidency come 2011>
Seun Kolade April 20 at 11:39pm Reply
Hello Compatriot,
I hope you're well today and I believe are more determined than yesterday to bring to reality the dream of our generation, the younger generation, for a better and great Nigeria
A short while ago I came accross an opinion published in a Nigerian newspaper in whch the writer asserted, among other things, that IBB should be left alone and that 'June 12 is gone for good'. Like many misguided youngsters out there, the fellow completely missed the symbolic message June 12 represents, and it is rather curious that he actually, in the same breadth, called for a 'peaceful revolution' instead of 'dwelling on the past'. Indeed, revolution entails a radical departure from, but not a blind denial of, the past with a view to constructing and establishing new structures for a virile, more equal and progressive socio-economic order.
The message of the June 12 presidential election is that Nigeria is effectively a pseudo-democracy in which the will of the people is nothing to reckon with. According to IBB, although Abiola won the election, he could not claim his mandate because the powerful 'elite', military and civilian, do not want him. This is the tragic tale of the Nigerian State, under both military and civilian rule, that the electorate is inconsequential and the rulers are ruiners, accountable to no one.
Any revolution worthy of the name has to start with this recognition, and nothing encaspulates it more than the voided June 12 election. The result of that historic coup against the electorate is
that since June 12, splintered groups, especially in the Niger Delta, have increasingly resorted to violence as a means of getting their voices heard. The language of violence has taken the place of the ballot, and time is running out to change the dynamics, to establish strong institutions for a more just, peaceful and prosperous society.
Seun Kolade,
London,
German Military dictator Adolf Hitler has been desribed by the Historians as an EVIL GENIUS. Hitler had his A-4 Rocket described as a Revenge weapon , first tested on June 13 1942.
relatedly Nigerian Military Dictator Ibrahim Babangida described by the Nigerian press as an EVIL GENIUS
had his Option A-4 Electoral process which cuilminated in the Presidential elections of June 12 1993. The
supposedl wiinner of the June 12 elections ,Basorun M.K.O. Abiola died in the Hands of General
Abdusalami Abubakar a childhood friend of Babangida and from the same minna Niger State as
Babangida. Abubakar was born June 13 1942 same day as the first test of the A-4 Rocket
Ignatius of Loyola and Ibrahim Babangida
There are strange developments between Nigeria and Spain in respect of Saint Ignatius of Loyola and
Ibrahim Babaginda
Ignatius of Loyola was born in Northern Spain in 1491.he was a soldier
ibrahim Babangida was born in Northern Nigeria in 1941 also a soldier
1491 is just a rearrangement of 1941.
Ignatius of Loyola founded the society of Jesus on August 15 1543
Babangida was born August 17 1941"
Ignatius took up arms for the Duke of Najera.Broke his leg and injured another was known to limp,had surgery and spent a long time recovering after being taken home by French Soldiers .
Babangida fought in the Nigerian Civil war. Susstained a leg injury,radiculopathy known to limp,,had Surgery and spent a long time recovering in the Hospital in France
Najera is associated with the river Najerilla
Nigeria is associated with the river Niger.
The slang for Nigeria is Naija
Ignatius of Loyola died July 31 1556
Babangida declared open the executive chamber of the presidential villa Abuja on July 31 1991
.Babangida is a General and Ignatius a Superior General
.
Loyola was a spaniard. He lived in the Castle of Loyola in spain
Babangda lives in a Mansion in Minna,Niger state.
9JA SAY NO TO IBB
Thursday, 22 April 2010
THANK YOU ALL
We are using this medium to thank all those who support us on fiyin's project, may God almighty continue to reward you for good deed towards raising funds for this project. we shall be forever indebted to Miss carol williams of Unicef, Alabi Michael, victor omasuan, save-a-soul today, SFH, and so many others who have contribute towards this project, may God almighty continue to enrich you, bless you.
Actright initiatives
Actright initiatives
Saturday, 20 February 2010
Save A Soul
Although we are not a charity organization, but sometimes in our life we have to change. I didn't know where to start but remember this "Givers never lack" just yesterday i went to visit a friend of mine in the hosiptal, OAUTHC to be precise. What i saw yesterday make to know & believe that a sleeping dog is better than dead lion. A three year old beautiful funbi having hole in her heart since birth, she has been hosipitalized since november last year when her case become worse, i have booked an appoint with the doctor in charge of her case so as to make further enquiry. Let join hands in saving little funbi live!
Sunday, 29 November 2009
World AIDS Day 2009
Dear reader, This year theme for world AIDS Day is UNIVERSAL ACCESS AND HUMAN RIGHTS. These campaign is starting by december1-november 30, 2010, local campaigning is the most effective, therefore we encourage adaptation of the theme by local groups, youth and social clubs. To learn more about how to access AIDS campaign materials, visit:www.worldaidscampaign.org/en/. Let kick HIV/AIDS out! Thank you for taking part in world AIDS Day 2009, and campaigning on AIDS year round. Bajila-Ayinde Oladayor, national coordinator
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
