President Muhammed Buhari said the restructuring of the civil service will help to make it more efficient and reduce the cost of governance. The president stated this at a meeting with the state house press call in Abuja. The president recalled his conversation with former president Goodluck Jonathan during the last presidential election. According to him the gesture by the former president in conceding defeat was generous and patriotic. Recounting some of the challenges he encountered in his first year of democratic governance, president Buhari expressed displeasure at the delay experience in the hand of the previous administrative by the ministries, departments an agencies. He observed that the Civil Service found it difficult to adapt to his style of governance. The president condemn the spirit of corruption especially the mis-management of government funds meant for the payment of workers. He also said there is need to reduce the number of ministries from forty-two (42) to twenty-four (24) as part of methods to reduce government spending. He further acknowledge the hard work of his ministers and express his administration commitments to the change agenda. The president expressed appreciation to the press call. The minister of information Alhaji Lai Mohammed and the permanent secretary of the state house Mr. Jalal Arabi were also at the meeting.
Tuesday 31 May 2016
Monday 30 May 2016
President Buhari Said His Administration Has Changed The Way Public Money Is Spent In His Democracy Speech
My compatriots,
It is one year today since our administration came into
office. It has been a year of triumph, consolidation, pains
and achievements. By age, instinct and experience, my
preference is to look forward, to prepare for the challenges
that lie ahead and rededicate the administration to the task
of fixing Nigeria. But I believe we can also learn from the
obstacles we have overcome and the progress we made
thus far, to help strengthen the plans that we have in place
to put Nigeria back on the path of progress.
We affirm our belief in democracy as the form of government
that best assures the active participation and actual benefit
of the people. Despite the many years of hardship and
disappointment the people of this nation have proved
inherently good, industrious tolerant, patient and generous.
The past years have witnessed huge flows of oil revenues.
From 2010 average oil prices were $100 per barrel. But
economic and security conditions were deteriorating. We
campaigned and won the election on the platform of
restoring security, tackling corruption and restructuring the
economy. On our arrival, the oil price had collapsed to as
low as $30 per barrel and we found nothing had been kept
for the rainy day. Oil prices have been declining since 2014
but due to the neglect of the past, the country was not
equipped to halt the economy from declining.
The infrastructure, notably rail, power, roads were in a
decrepit state. All the four refineries were in a state of
disrepair, the pipelines and depots neglected.
Huge debts owed to contractors and suppliers had
accumulated. Twenty-seven states could not pay salaries
for months. In the north-east, Boko Haram had captured 14
local governments, driven the local authorities out, hoisted
their flags. Elsewhere, insecurity was palpable; corruption
and impunity were the order of the day. In short, we
inherited a state near collapse.
On the economic front, all oil dependent countries, Nigeria
included, have been struggling since the drop in prices.
Many oil rich states have had to take tough decisions
similar to what we are doing. The world, Nigeria included
has been dealing with the effects of three significant and
simultaneous global shocks starting in 2014:
1. A 70% drop in oil prices.
2. Global growth slowdown.
3. Normalization of monetary policy by the United States
federal reserve.
Our problems as a government are like that of a farmer who
in a good season harvests ten bags of produce. The
proceeds enable him to get by for rest of the year. However,
this year he could only manage 3 bags from his farm. He
must now think of other ways to make ends meet.
From day one, we purposely set out to correct our condition,
to change Nigeria. We reinforced and galvanized our armed
forces with new leadership and resources. We marshaled
our neighbours in a joint task force to tackle and defeat
Boko Haram. By the end of December 2015, all but pockets
and remnants had been routed by our gallant armed forces.
Our immediate focus is for a gradual and safe return of
internally displaced persons in safety and dignity and for the
resumption of normalcy in the lives of people living in these
areas.
EFCC was given the freedom to pursue corrupt officials and
the judiciary was alerted on what Nigerians expect of them
in the fight against corruption. On the economy, in particular
foreign exchange and fuel shortages, our plan is to save
foreign exchange by fast tracking repair of the refineries and
producing most of our fuel requirements at home. And by
growing more food in Nigeria, mainly rice, wheat and sugar
we will save billions of dollars in foreign exchange and
drastically reduce our food import bill.
We resolved to keep the Naira steady, as in the past,
devaluation had done dreadful harm to the Nigerian
economy. Furthermore, I supported the monetary
authority’s decision to ensure alignment between monetary
policy and fiscal policy. We shall keep a close look on how
the recent measures affect the Naira and the economy. But
we cannot get away from the fact that a strong currency is
predicated on a strong economy. And a strong economy
pre-supposes an industrial productive base and a steady
export market.
The measures we must take, may lead to hardships. The
problems Nigerians have faced over the last year have been
many and varied. But the real challenge for this government
has been reconstructing the spine of the Nigerian state. The
last twelve months have been spent collaborating with all
arms of government to revive our institutions so that they
are more efficient and fit for purpose:
· That means a bureaucracy better able to develop and
deliver policy
· That means an independent judiciary, above suspicion and
able to defend citizen’s rights and dispense justice
equitably.
· That means a legislature that actually legislates effectively
and
· Above all; that means political parties and politicians
committed to serving the Nigerian people rather than
themselves.
These are the pillars of the state on which democracy can
take root and thrive. But only if they are strong and
incorruptible. Accordingly, we are working very hard to
introduce some vital structural reforms in the way we
conduct government business and lay a solid foundation on
which we can build enduring change.
An important first step has been to get our housekeeping
right. So we have reduced the extravagant spending of the
past. We started boldly with the treasury single account,
stopping the leakages in public expenditure.
We then identified forty-three thousand ghost workers
through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information
system. That represents pay packets totalling N4.2 billion
stolen every month. In addition, we will save Twenty-Three
Billion Naira per annum from official travelling and sitting
allowances alone.
Furthermore, the efficiency unit will cut costs and eliminate
duplications in ministries and departments. Every little
saving helps. The reduction in the number of ministries and
work on restructuring and rationalization of the MDAs is
well underway. When this work is complete we will have a
leaner, more efficient public service that is fit for the
purpose of changing Nigeria for the good and for good.
As well as making savings, we have changed the way public
money is spent. In all my years as a public servant, I have
never come across the practice of padding budgets. I am
glad to tell you now we not only have a budget, but more
importantly, we have a budget process that is more
transparent, more inclusive and more closely tied to our
development priorities than in the recent past. 30% of the
expenditure in this budget is devoted to capital items.
Furthermore, we are projecting non-oil revenues to surpass
proceeds from oil. Some critics have described the budget
exercise as clumsy. Perhaps. But it was an example of
consensus building, which is integral to democratic
government. In the end we resolved our differences.
We have, therefore, delivered significant milestones on
security, corruption and the economy. In respect of the
economy, I would like to directly address you on the very
painful but inevitable decisions we had to make in the last
few weeks specifically on the pump price of fuel and the
more flexible exchange rate policy announced by the central
bank. It is even more painful for me that a major producer of
crude oil with four refineries that once exported refined
products is today having to import all of its domestic needs.
This is what corruption and mismanagement has done to us
and that is why we must fight these ills.
As part of the foundation of the new economy we have had
to reform how fuel prices had traditionally been fixed. This
step was taken only after protracted consideration of its
pros and cons. After comprehensive investigation my
advisers and I concluded that the mechanism was
unsustainable.
We are also engaged in making recoveries of stolen assets
some of which are in different jurisdictions. The processes
of recovery can be tedious and time consuming, but today I
can confirm that thus far: significant amount of assets have
been recovered. A considerable portion of these are at
different stages of recovery. Full details of the status and
categories of the assets will now be published by the
Ministry of Information and updated periodically. When
forfeiture formalities are completed these monies will be
credited to the treasury and be openly and transparently
used in funding developmental projects and the public will
be informed.
On the Niger Delta, we are committed to implementing the
United Nations Environment Programme report and are
advancing clean-up operations. I believe the way forward is
to take a sustainable approach to address the issues that
affect the delta communities. Re-engineering the amnesty
programmes is an example of this. The recent spate of
attacks by militants disrupting oil and power installations
will not distract us from engaging leaders in the region in
addressing Niger Delta problems. If the militants and
vandals are testing our resolve, they are much mistaken.
We shall apprehend the perpetrators and their sponsors and
bring them to justice.
The policy measures and actions taken so far are not to be
seen as some experiment in governance. We are fully aware
that those vested interests who have held Nigeria back for
so long will not give up without a fight. They will sow
divisions, sponsor vile press criticisms at home and abroad,
incite the public in an effort to create chaos rather than
relinquish the vice-like grip they have held on Nigeria.
The economic misfortune we are experiencing in the shape
of very low oil prices has provided us with an opportunity to
restructure our economy and diversify. We are in the
process of promoting agriculture, livestock, exploiting our
solid mineral resources and expanding our industrial and
manufacturing base. That way, we will import less and
make the social investments necessary to allow us to
produce a large and skilled workforce.
Central Bank of Nigeria will offer more fiscal incentives for
business that prove capable of manufacturing products that
are internationally competitive. We remain committed to
reforming the regulatory framework, for investors by
improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the first steps along the path of self-sufficiency
in rice, wheat and sugar – big users of our scarce foreign
exchange – have been taken. The Labour Intensive Farming
Enterprise will boost the economy and ensure inclusive
growth in long neglected communities. Special intervention
funds through the Bank of Agriculture will provide targeted
support. Concerns remain about rising cost of foods such as
maize, rice, millet, beans and gari. Farmers tell me that they
are worried about the cost of fertilizers, pesticides and the
absence of extension services. The federal and state
governments are on the same page in tackling these
hurdles in our efforts at increased food production and
ultimately food security.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my
appreciation for the increasing role that our women are
playing in revitalizing the agricultural sector. Modern
farming is still hard and heavy work and I salute our
Nigerian women in sharing this burden. In this respect I am
very pleased to announce that the government will shortly
be launching the national women’s empowerment fund,
which I have approved to provide N1.6 billion in micro-
finance loans to women across the nation to assist in
rehabilitating the economies of rural communities,
particularly those impacted by the insurgency and conflict.
With respect to solid minerals, the minister has produced a
roadmap where we will work closely with the world bank
and major international investors to ensure through best
practices and due diligence that we choose the right
partners. Illegal mining remains a problem and we have set
up a special security team to protect our assets. Special
measures will be in place to protect miners in their work
environment.
For too long, ours has been a society that neglects the poor
and victimizes the weak. A society that promotes profit and
growth over development and freedom. A society that fails
to recognize that, to quote the distinguished economist
Amartya Sen “poverty is not just lack of money. It is not
having the capability to realize one’s full potential as a
human being.”
So, today, I am happy to formally launch, by far the most
ambitious social protection programme in our history. A
programme that both seeks to start the process of lifting
many from poverty, while at the same time creating the
opportunity for people to fend for themselves. In this regard,
Five Hundred Billion Naira has been appropriated in the
2016 budget for social intervention programmes in five key
areas. We are committed to providing job creation
opportunities for five hundred thousand teachers and one
hundred thousand artisans across the nation. 5.5 million
children are to be provided with nutritious meals through
our school feeding programme to improve learning
outcomes, as well as enrolment and completion rates.
The conditional cash transfer scheme will provide financial
support for up to one million vulnerable beneficiaries, and
complement the enterprise programme – which will target
up to one million market women; four hundred and sixty
thousand artisans; and two hundred thousand agricultural
workers, nationwide. Finally, through the education grant
scheme, we will encourage students studying sciences,
technology, engineering and maths, and lay a foundation for
human capital development for the next generation
I would like to pay a special tribute to our gallant men and
women of the armed forces who are in harm’s way so that
the rest of us can live and go about our business in safety.
Their work is almost done. The nation owes them a debt of
gratitude.
Abroad, we want to assure our neighbours, friends and
development partners that Nigeria is firmly committed to
democratic principles. We are ready partners in combating
terrorism, cyber crimes, control of communicable diseases
and protection of the environment. Following on the Paris
Agreement, COP 21, we are fully committed to halting and
reversing desertification. Elsewhere, we will intensify efforts
to tackle erosion, ocean surge, flooding and oil spillage
which I referred to earlier by implementing the United
Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report.
We are grateful to the international community notably
France, the US, UK and China for their quick response in
helping to tackle the recent Ebola outbreak in our sub-
region. We also acknowledge the humanity shown by the
Italian and German governments in the treatment of boat
people, many fleeing from our sub-region because of lack of
economic opportunity. We thank all our partners especially
several countries in the EU.
We appreciate the valuable work that the UN agencies,
particularly UNICEF, ICRC, the World Food Program have
been doing. We must also appreciate the World Bank, the
Gates Foundation, the Global Fund and Educate A Child of
Qatar for the excellent work in our health, education and
other sectors.
Fellow citizens let me end on a happy note. To the delight of
all, two of the abducted Chibok girls have regained their
freedom. During the last one year, not a single day passed
without my agonizing about these girls. Our efforts have
centred around negotiations to free them safely from their
mindless captors. We are still pursuing that course. Their
safety is of paramount concern to me and I am sure to most
Nigerians. I am very worried about the conditions those still
captured might be in. Today I re-affirm our commitment to
rescuing our girls. We will never stop until we bring them
home safely. As I said before, no girl should be put through
the brutality of forced marriage and every Nigerian girl has
the right to an education and a life choice.
I thank you and appeal to you to continue supporting the
government’s efforts to fix Nigeria.
It is one year today since our administration came into
office. It has been a year of triumph, consolidation, pains
and achievements. By age, instinct and experience, my
preference is to look forward, to prepare for the challenges
that lie ahead and rededicate the administration to the task
of fixing Nigeria. But I believe we can also learn from the
obstacles we have overcome and the progress we made
thus far, to help strengthen the plans that we have in place
to put Nigeria back on the path of progress.
We affirm our belief in democracy as the form of government
that best assures the active participation and actual benefit
of the people. Despite the many years of hardship and
disappointment the people of this nation have proved
inherently good, industrious tolerant, patient and generous.
The past years have witnessed huge flows of oil revenues.
From 2010 average oil prices were $100 per barrel. But
economic and security conditions were deteriorating. We
campaigned and won the election on the platform of
restoring security, tackling corruption and restructuring the
economy. On our arrival, the oil price had collapsed to as
low as $30 per barrel and we found nothing had been kept
for the rainy day. Oil prices have been declining since 2014
but due to the neglect of the past, the country was not
equipped to halt the economy from declining.
The infrastructure, notably rail, power, roads were in a
decrepit state. All the four refineries were in a state of
disrepair, the pipelines and depots neglected.
Huge debts owed to contractors and suppliers had
accumulated. Twenty-seven states could not pay salaries
for months. In the north-east, Boko Haram had captured 14
local governments, driven the local authorities out, hoisted
their flags. Elsewhere, insecurity was palpable; corruption
and impunity were the order of the day. In short, we
inherited a state near collapse.
On the economic front, all oil dependent countries, Nigeria
included, have been struggling since the drop in prices.
Many oil rich states have had to take tough decisions
similar to what we are doing. The world, Nigeria included
has been dealing with the effects of three significant and
simultaneous global shocks starting in 2014:
1. A 70% drop in oil prices.
2. Global growth slowdown.
3. Normalization of monetary policy by the United States
federal reserve.
Our problems as a government are like that of a farmer who
in a good season harvests ten bags of produce. The
proceeds enable him to get by for rest of the year. However,
this year he could only manage 3 bags from his farm. He
must now think of other ways to make ends meet.
From day one, we purposely set out to correct our condition,
to change Nigeria. We reinforced and galvanized our armed
forces with new leadership and resources. We marshaled
our neighbours in a joint task force to tackle and defeat
Boko Haram. By the end of December 2015, all but pockets
and remnants had been routed by our gallant armed forces.
Our immediate focus is for a gradual and safe return of
internally displaced persons in safety and dignity and for the
resumption of normalcy in the lives of people living in these
areas.
EFCC was given the freedom to pursue corrupt officials and
the judiciary was alerted on what Nigerians expect of them
in the fight against corruption. On the economy, in particular
foreign exchange and fuel shortages, our plan is to save
foreign exchange by fast tracking repair of the refineries and
producing most of our fuel requirements at home. And by
growing more food in Nigeria, mainly rice, wheat and sugar
we will save billions of dollars in foreign exchange and
drastically reduce our food import bill.
We resolved to keep the Naira steady, as in the past,
devaluation had done dreadful harm to the Nigerian
economy. Furthermore, I supported the monetary
authority’s decision to ensure alignment between monetary
policy and fiscal policy. We shall keep a close look on how
the recent measures affect the Naira and the economy. But
we cannot get away from the fact that a strong currency is
predicated on a strong economy. And a strong economy
pre-supposes an industrial productive base and a steady
export market.
The measures we must take, may lead to hardships. The
problems Nigerians have faced over the last year have been
many and varied. But the real challenge for this government
has been reconstructing the spine of the Nigerian state. The
last twelve months have been spent collaborating with all
arms of government to revive our institutions so that they
are more efficient and fit for purpose:
· That means a bureaucracy better able to develop and
deliver policy
· That means an independent judiciary, above suspicion and
able to defend citizen’s rights and dispense justice
equitably.
· That means a legislature that actually legislates effectively
and
· Above all; that means political parties and politicians
committed to serving the Nigerian people rather than
themselves.
These are the pillars of the state on which democracy can
take root and thrive. But only if they are strong and
incorruptible. Accordingly, we are working very hard to
introduce some vital structural reforms in the way we
conduct government business and lay a solid foundation on
which we can build enduring change.
An important first step has been to get our housekeeping
right. So we have reduced the extravagant spending of the
past. We started boldly with the treasury single account,
stopping the leakages in public expenditure.
We then identified forty-three thousand ghost workers
through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information
system. That represents pay packets totalling N4.2 billion
stolen every month. In addition, we will save Twenty-Three
Billion Naira per annum from official travelling and sitting
allowances alone.
Furthermore, the efficiency unit will cut costs and eliminate
duplications in ministries and departments. Every little
saving helps. The reduction in the number of ministries and
work on restructuring and rationalization of the MDAs is
well underway. When this work is complete we will have a
leaner, more efficient public service that is fit for the
purpose of changing Nigeria for the good and for good.
As well as making savings, we have changed the way public
money is spent. In all my years as a public servant, I have
never come across the practice of padding budgets. I am
glad to tell you now we not only have a budget, but more
importantly, we have a budget process that is more
transparent, more inclusive and more closely tied to our
development priorities than in the recent past. 30% of the
expenditure in this budget is devoted to capital items.
Furthermore, we are projecting non-oil revenues to surpass
proceeds from oil. Some critics have described the budget
exercise as clumsy. Perhaps. But it was an example of
consensus building, which is integral to democratic
government. In the end we resolved our differences.
We have, therefore, delivered significant milestones on
security, corruption and the economy. In respect of the
economy, I would like to directly address you on the very
painful but inevitable decisions we had to make in the last
few weeks specifically on the pump price of fuel and the
more flexible exchange rate policy announced by the central
bank. It is even more painful for me that a major producer of
crude oil with four refineries that once exported refined
products is today having to import all of its domestic needs.
This is what corruption and mismanagement has done to us
and that is why we must fight these ills.
As part of the foundation of the new economy we have had
to reform how fuel prices had traditionally been fixed. This
step was taken only after protracted consideration of its
pros and cons. After comprehensive investigation my
advisers and I concluded that the mechanism was
unsustainable.
We are also engaged in making recoveries of stolen assets
some of which are in different jurisdictions. The processes
of recovery can be tedious and time consuming, but today I
can confirm that thus far: significant amount of assets have
been recovered. A considerable portion of these are at
different stages of recovery. Full details of the status and
categories of the assets will now be published by the
Ministry of Information and updated periodically. When
forfeiture formalities are completed these monies will be
credited to the treasury and be openly and transparently
used in funding developmental projects and the public will
be informed.
On the Niger Delta, we are committed to implementing the
United Nations Environment Programme report and are
advancing clean-up operations. I believe the way forward is
to take a sustainable approach to address the issues that
affect the delta communities. Re-engineering the amnesty
programmes is an example of this. The recent spate of
attacks by militants disrupting oil and power installations
will not distract us from engaging leaders in the region in
addressing Niger Delta problems. If the militants and
vandals are testing our resolve, they are much mistaken.
We shall apprehend the perpetrators and their sponsors and
bring them to justice.
The policy measures and actions taken so far are not to be
seen as some experiment in governance. We are fully aware
that those vested interests who have held Nigeria back for
so long will not give up without a fight. They will sow
divisions, sponsor vile press criticisms at home and abroad,
incite the public in an effort to create chaos rather than
relinquish the vice-like grip they have held on Nigeria.
The economic misfortune we are experiencing in the shape
of very low oil prices has provided us with an opportunity to
restructure our economy and diversify. We are in the
process of promoting agriculture, livestock, exploiting our
solid mineral resources and expanding our industrial and
manufacturing base. That way, we will import less and
make the social investments necessary to allow us to
produce a large and skilled workforce.
Central Bank of Nigeria will offer more fiscal incentives for
business that prove capable of manufacturing products that
are internationally competitive. We remain committed to
reforming the regulatory framework, for investors by
improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the first steps along the path of self-sufficiency
in rice, wheat and sugar – big users of our scarce foreign
exchange – have been taken. The Labour Intensive Farming
Enterprise will boost the economy and ensure inclusive
growth in long neglected communities. Special intervention
funds through the Bank of Agriculture will provide targeted
support. Concerns remain about rising cost of foods such as
maize, rice, millet, beans and gari. Farmers tell me that they
are worried about the cost of fertilizers, pesticides and the
absence of extension services. The federal and state
governments are on the same page in tackling these
hurdles in our efforts at increased food production and
ultimately food security.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my
appreciation for the increasing role that our women are
playing in revitalizing the agricultural sector. Modern
farming is still hard and heavy work and I salute our
Nigerian women in sharing this burden. In this respect I am
very pleased to announce that the government will shortly
be launching the national women’s empowerment fund,
which I have approved to provide N1.6 billion in micro-
finance loans to women across the nation to assist in
rehabilitating the economies of rural communities,
particularly those impacted by the insurgency and conflict.
With respect to solid minerals, the minister has produced a
roadmap where we will work closely with the world bank
and major international investors to ensure through best
practices and due diligence that we choose the right
partners. Illegal mining remains a problem and we have set
up a special security team to protect our assets. Special
measures will be in place to protect miners in their work
environment.
For too long, ours has been a society that neglects the poor
and victimizes the weak. A society that promotes profit and
growth over development and freedom. A society that fails
to recognize that, to quote the distinguished economist
Amartya Sen “poverty is not just lack of money. It is not
having the capability to realize one’s full potential as a
human being.”
So, today, I am happy to formally launch, by far the most
ambitious social protection programme in our history. A
programme that both seeks to start the process of lifting
many from poverty, while at the same time creating the
opportunity for people to fend for themselves. In this regard,
Five Hundred Billion Naira has been appropriated in the
2016 budget for social intervention programmes in five key
areas. We are committed to providing job creation
opportunities for five hundred thousand teachers and one
hundred thousand artisans across the nation. 5.5 million
children are to be provided with nutritious meals through
our school feeding programme to improve learning
outcomes, as well as enrolment and completion rates.
The conditional cash transfer scheme will provide financial
support for up to one million vulnerable beneficiaries, and
complement the enterprise programme – which will target
up to one million market women; four hundred and sixty
thousand artisans; and two hundred thousand agricultural
workers, nationwide. Finally, through the education grant
scheme, we will encourage students studying sciences,
technology, engineering and maths, and lay a foundation for
human capital development for the next generation
I would like to pay a special tribute to our gallant men and
women of the armed forces who are in harm’s way so that
the rest of us can live and go about our business in safety.
Their work is almost done. The nation owes them a debt of
gratitude.
Abroad, we want to assure our neighbours, friends and
development partners that Nigeria is firmly committed to
democratic principles. We are ready partners in combating
terrorism, cyber crimes, control of communicable diseases
and protection of the environment. Following on the Paris
Agreement, COP 21, we are fully committed to halting and
reversing desertification. Elsewhere, we will intensify efforts
to tackle erosion, ocean surge, flooding and oil spillage
which I referred to earlier by implementing the United
Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report.
We are grateful to the international community notably
France, the US, UK and China for their quick response in
helping to tackle the recent Ebola outbreak in our sub-
region. We also acknowledge the humanity shown by the
Italian and German governments in the treatment of boat
people, many fleeing from our sub-region because of lack of
economic opportunity. We thank all our partners especially
several countries in the EU.
We appreciate the valuable work that the UN agencies,
particularly UNICEF, ICRC, the World Food Program have
been doing. We must also appreciate the World Bank, the
Gates Foundation, the Global Fund and Educate A Child of
Qatar for the excellent work in our health, education and
other sectors.
Fellow citizens let me end on a happy note. To the delight of
all, two of the abducted Chibok girls have regained their
freedom. During the last one year, not a single day passed
without my agonizing about these girls. Our efforts have
centred around negotiations to free them safely from their
mindless captors. We are still pursuing that course. Their
safety is of paramount concern to me and I am sure to most
Nigerians. I am very worried about the conditions those still
captured might be in. Today I re-affirm our commitment to
rescuing our girls. We will never stop until we bring them
home safely. As I said before, no girl should be put through
the brutality of forced marriage and every Nigerian girl has
the right to an education and a life choice.
I thank you and appeal to you to continue supporting the
government’s efforts to fix Nigeria.
Thursday 26 May 2016
FG Sets Up A 16 Man Committee To Look Into The Demans By The Organized Labour
The federal government has set up a sixteen man technical committee to look into the demands by the organized labour and other issues arising from the liberalization of the downstream petroleum sector.
The committee has 8 members from the government sides and 8 from the organized labour was mandated to look into the possible modalities of the review of National Minimum wage. It is also to consider the constitution of the board of Petroleum Product Pricing and Regulatory Agency PPPRA and the participation of NLC and TUC members in the implementation of palative measures to caution. The chairman of the committee explained that it will work in conformity with the International Level organization. The NLC president Comrade Ayuba Wabba pledged that the NLC will ensure that all contending issues are fanned to the benefits of all Nigerians. Edo State governor Comrade Adams Oshomole expressed delight over the agreement reached so far and urged all concerned to work in harmony for the good of the country. The committee which ready for inauguration next week has two weeks to get back to the central negotiating forum for further actions.
The committee has 8 members from the government sides and 8 from the organized labour was mandated to look into the possible modalities of the review of National Minimum wage. It is also to consider the constitution of the board of Petroleum Product Pricing and Regulatory Agency PPPRA and the participation of NLC and TUC members in the implementation of palative measures to caution. The chairman of the committee explained that it will work in conformity with the International Level organization. The NLC president Comrade Ayuba Wabba pledged that the NLC will ensure that all contending issues are fanned to the benefits of all Nigerians. Edo State governor Comrade Adams Oshomole expressed delight over the agreement reached so far and urged all concerned to work in harmony for the good of the country. The committee which ready for inauguration next week has two weeks to get back to the central negotiating forum for further actions.
Wednesday 25 May 2016
Child Sex Offenders Should Be Chemically Castrated: President Joko
Indonesian president Joko Widodo gives a decree on child's sex offenders to be chemically castrated and be planted with micro chips. The regulation was issued followed rape and murder cases in which the victims were teenagers. He described it as extra ordinary crisis which required extra ordinary measures.
The president said in an address that the attack has disturb public order. According to the president the decree which will also allow judges to hands down life sentences or death sentences to people convicted of child rape. He said that the minimum sentence would be 10 years
The president said in an address that the attack has disturb public order. According to the president the decree which will also allow judges to hands down life sentences or death sentences to people convicted of child rape. He said that the minimum sentence would be 10 years
PENGASSAN Suspend Nationwide Strike
The proposed planned Nationwide strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria PENGASSAN scheduled for today has been suspended, this is sequel to the intervention of the minister of Labour and Employment Dr Chris Ngige and the minister of State for Petroleum Dr Ibekachuwu. The National president of PENGASSAN Comrade Francis Johnson thanked the two ministers for their responses and assured the government that the union was quite satisfied with the decision of government on the issues. While the negotiation between the federal government and Comrade Ayuba Wabba will commence today.
Tuesday 24 May 2016
Boko Haram Bomb Builder Killed
The Nigerian Army in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public
Relations, Col Sani Usman, the chief bomb maker was
killed by one of the terrorists as he attempted to escape
from the group, just as some of the terrorists have been
doing, because of the intensity of Operation
CRACKDOWN launched by the military.
The chief bomb maker was killed by one of the
body guard of the Boko Haram terrorists leader,
Abubakar Shekau as he was about to run away.
Nigerian Armany
Relations, Col Sani Usman, the chief bomb maker was
killed by one of the terrorists as he attempted to escape
from the group, just as some of the terrorists have been
doing, because of the intensity of Operation
CRACKDOWN launched by the military.
The chief bomb maker was killed by one of the
body guard of the Boko Haram terrorists leader,
Abubakar Shekau as he was about to run away.
Nigerian Armany
Sunday 22 May 2016
NLC Suspend Strike
The Ayuba Wabba led-faction of the Nigeria Labour
Congress (NLC) held a meeting on Sunday in Abuja on
the on-going protest action against the increase in
pump price of petroleum products and hike in electricity
tariff.
A communique Wabba co-signed with Peter Ozo-Eson,
NLC general secretary, said NEC reviewed the protest
action and its impact across the nation, noting the
sacrifices of its members, response of the generality of
Nigerians, government’s attitude and the brutality of
the police in some states.
It stated that NEC took special notice of the Ebonyi
State Police Command “where our members were
intimidated, harassed, arrested and detained unjustly.”
It reads: “After an exhaustive deliberation, NEC noted
its protest action was informed by the twin issues of
the unjustified and illegal hike in electricity tariff and
increase in the pump price of petroleum products. NEC
adjudged the protest action to be a success in spite of
both internal and external challenges.
“NEC reiterated the correctness of its position on the
twin-issues of electricity tariff hike and astronomical
increase in the pump price of PMS and the hardship
they portend for Nigerian masses.
“NEC also acknowledged that the temptation to
compare the strike action with that of 2012 could be
compelling but that the scenario had changed as both
the actors and the terrain were different.
“NEC said before it had embarked on the action, it had
anticipated a probable outcome and therefore was not
surprised by government’s negative response.
Nonetheless, it felt fulfilled by having the presence of
mind and courage to identify its mission and fulfilling
it, stressing that if a similar situation arises again, it
will still rise and stand with the people.
“NEC therefore commended those who took part in the
action in one way or the other and reaffirm its
commitment to the struggle. The action, it reiterated
was taken in the best interest of the poor and the weak
and in drawing government’s attention to the dangers
of relying on importation of petroleum products as a
sustainable strategy for making available petroleum
products. It expressed the belief that in the days ahead,
time would prove its position right.
“Congress singled out for commendation, its state
councils, affiliates and other patriotic Nigerians who at
very short notice picked up the gauntlet for this
struggle. Congress commends the leadership of the
National Assembly and All Progressives Congress led
by Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu.
“In consideration of the above, NEC after due
consultation with its constituents resolved to suspend
with immediate effect, the action it commenced on
Wednesday, May 18, 2016. The action is thus hereby
suspended.
“Congress will resume negotiations with government
on the twin issues of the hike in electricity tariff and an
increase in the pump price of petroleum products and
any other issue that may arise thereof.
“It similarly remains committed to genuine dialogue
within the framework of internationally established and
recognized principles of representation.
“The Congress will continue to resist wrong
legislations, policies and programmes and will always
act in the best interest of Nigerians as it remains the
only pan Nigerian organisation not affected by religion,
region, creed, partisanship or primordial sentiments.
“The Congress urges the government to play by the
rules in its engagement with its constituent parts,
stakeholders and non-state actors as proof of its
commitment to deepening our democracy and also in
acknowledgment of the well-worn credo that what goes
around, comes around.
“The Congress also urges the citizenry to be vigilant at
all times as the price of freedom is eternal vigilance.
The Congress commends all Nigerians for their
understanding and support.”
Congress (NLC) held a meeting on Sunday in Abuja on
the on-going protest action against the increase in
pump price of petroleum products and hike in electricity
tariff.
A communique Wabba co-signed with Peter Ozo-Eson,
NLC general secretary, said NEC reviewed the protest
action and its impact across the nation, noting the
sacrifices of its members, response of the generality of
Nigerians, government’s attitude and the brutality of
the police in some states.
It stated that NEC took special notice of the Ebonyi
State Police Command “where our members were
intimidated, harassed, arrested and detained unjustly.”
It reads: “After an exhaustive deliberation, NEC noted
its protest action was informed by the twin issues of
the unjustified and illegal hike in electricity tariff and
increase in the pump price of petroleum products. NEC
adjudged the protest action to be a success in spite of
both internal and external challenges.
“NEC reiterated the correctness of its position on the
twin-issues of electricity tariff hike and astronomical
increase in the pump price of PMS and the hardship
they portend for Nigerian masses.
“NEC also acknowledged that the temptation to
compare the strike action with that of 2012 could be
compelling but that the scenario had changed as both
the actors and the terrain were different.
“NEC said before it had embarked on the action, it had
anticipated a probable outcome and therefore was not
surprised by government’s negative response.
Nonetheless, it felt fulfilled by having the presence of
mind and courage to identify its mission and fulfilling
it, stressing that if a similar situation arises again, it
will still rise and stand with the people.
“NEC therefore commended those who took part in the
action in one way or the other and reaffirm its
commitment to the struggle. The action, it reiterated
was taken in the best interest of the poor and the weak
and in drawing government’s attention to the dangers
of relying on importation of petroleum products as a
sustainable strategy for making available petroleum
products. It expressed the belief that in the days ahead,
time would prove its position right.
“Congress singled out for commendation, its state
councils, affiliates and other patriotic Nigerians who at
very short notice picked up the gauntlet for this
struggle. Congress commends the leadership of the
National Assembly and All Progressives Congress led
by Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu.
“In consideration of the above, NEC after due
consultation with its constituents resolved to suspend
with immediate effect, the action it commenced on
Wednesday, May 18, 2016. The action is thus hereby
suspended.
“Congress will resume negotiations with government
on the twin issues of the hike in electricity tariff and an
increase in the pump price of petroleum products and
any other issue that may arise thereof.
“It similarly remains committed to genuine dialogue
within the framework of internationally established and
recognized principles of representation.
“The Congress will continue to resist wrong
legislations, policies and programmes and will always
act in the best interest of Nigerians as it remains the
only pan Nigerian organisation not affected by religion,
region, creed, partisanship or primordial sentiments.
“The Congress urges the government to play by the
rules in its engagement with its constituent parts,
stakeholders and non-state actors as proof of its
commitment to deepening our democracy and also in
acknowledgment of the well-worn credo that what goes
around, comes around.
“The Congress also urges the citizenry to be vigilant at
all times as the price of freedom is eternal vigilance.
The Congress commends all Nigerians for their
understanding and support.”
Saturday 21 May 2016
NLC Members Beaten Up By Policemen In Ebonyi
lice in Ebonyi State attacked and beat up members of
the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) who staged a peaceful
protest in the state against the increase in pump price by the
federal government.
The workers were intercepted near Pastoral Centre along the
Abakaliki-Enugu Expressway as they were on the peaceful
protest by a detachment of Police officers who proceeded to
attack the workers.
The Police, it was gathered, tear gassed the workers
ceaselessly and beat up leaders of the union including the
Chairman Comrade Ikechukwu Nwafor who was seen rolling
on the ground as the Police officers kicked and beat him.
He was later bundled into the waiting white Police Hillux
van by four police officers and taken to the Police
Headquarters in Abakaliki alongside about 15 other labour
leaders.
The Police claimed the workers did not obtain Police
clearance to carry out the protest, an allegation debunked
by Comrade Nwafor.
The workers had gathered as early as 8am at their
secretariat along the expressway and took off on the protest
along the expressway.
On getting to the Pastoral Centre, the workers met a
detachment of Police Officers who unleashed an attack the
workers tear gassing them ceaselessly.
One of the Labour leaders, Comrade Greg Ishaya was seen
at the police Station with minor injuries on his hands from
the attack.
Comrade Ikechukwu Nwafor was in pain as he sustained
serious knee injuries and was limping. He relied on the
support of other labour leaders to walk when our reporter
met him at the station after the attack.
The Police Commissioner in the State denied that the
workers were attack adding that the police used minimal
force to disperse the crowd adding that the protesters did
not inform the Police before embarking on the protest.
But Comrade Nwafor debunked the allegation adding that
the command duly informed the police of the protest.
the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) who staged a peaceful
protest in the state against the increase in pump price by the
federal government.
The workers were intercepted near Pastoral Centre along the
Abakaliki-Enugu Expressway as they were on the peaceful
protest by a detachment of Police officers who proceeded to
attack the workers.
The Police, it was gathered, tear gassed the workers
ceaselessly and beat up leaders of the union including the
Chairman Comrade Ikechukwu Nwafor who was seen rolling
on the ground as the Police officers kicked and beat him.
He was later bundled into the waiting white Police Hillux
van by four police officers and taken to the Police
Headquarters in Abakaliki alongside about 15 other labour
leaders.
The Police claimed the workers did not obtain Police
clearance to carry out the protest, an allegation debunked
by Comrade Nwafor.
The workers had gathered as early as 8am at their
secretariat along the expressway and took off on the protest
along the expressway.
On getting to the Pastoral Centre, the workers met a
detachment of Police Officers who unleashed an attack the
workers tear gassing them ceaselessly.
One of the Labour leaders, Comrade Greg Ishaya was seen
at the police Station with minor injuries on his hands from
the attack.
Comrade Ikechukwu Nwafor was in pain as he sustained
serious knee injuries and was limping. He relied on the
support of other labour leaders to walk when our reporter
met him at the station after the attack.
The Police Commissioner in the State denied that the
workers were attack adding that the police used minimal
force to disperse the crowd adding that the protesters did
not inform the Police before embarking on the protest.
But Comrade Nwafor debunked the allegation adding that
the command duly informed the police of the protest.
Thursday 19 May 2016
FG To NLC Let's Re-Negotiate This
The Federal Government said it will return to the negotiation
table with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the
increase in the price of petrol.
A statement by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr.
Chris Ngige says the Federal Government appreciates all
the important issues raised by the labour unions and has
taken them into consideration.
It expresses the readiness of the Federal Government
negotiating team to recommence discussions with the NLC
led by Comrade Ayuba Wabba in compliance with the
directive of the National Industrial Court for both parties to
further explore alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
The statement adds that the Government is resolute in
making sure that the economy is not only strong but able to
provide jobs and opportunities for all Nigerians.
It further reiterates the commitment of the Federal
Government to implement the Memorandum of
Understanding on palliative measures already signed by the
other sensitive unions to cushion the effects of the increase
in the pump price of petrol.
table with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the
increase in the price of petrol.
A statement by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr.
Chris Ngige says the Federal Government appreciates all
the important issues raised by the labour unions and has
taken them into consideration.
It expresses the readiness of the Federal Government
negotiating team to recommence discussions with the NLC
led by Comrade Ayuba Wabba in compliance with the
directive of the National Industrial Court for both parties to
further explore alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
The statement adds that the Government is resolute in
making sure that the economy is not only strong but able to
provide jobs and opportunities for all Nigerians.
It further reiterates the commitment of the Federal
Government to implement the Memorandum of
Understanding on palliative measures already signed by the
other sensitive unions to cushion the effects of the increase
in the pump price of petrol.
NLC To Nigerians; Fight For Your Right And For The Future Of Your Children
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), on Wednesday
thanked its members and affiliates for coming out enmasse
to carry out the industrial action against the increase in the
price of fuel.
This was contained in a statement signed by Peter Ozo-
Eson, NLC’s secretary general. The union said: “We salute
their courage, patriotism and sacrifice in the face of
overwhelming acts of threats and treachery.”
NLC promised to continue the protest, noting that “no
reasonable struggle comes easy, and this cannot be
different”.
“Thus, in pursuance of the mandate given by the NEC of the
Congress in conjunction with our Civil Society allies, the
protest continues tomorrow,
“Accordingly, we urge you to mobilise your members,
friends or colleagues for the continuation of the protest
tomorrow.
“You are requested to assemble at Berger Roundabout
tomorrow at 7 a.m.
“For those who are yet to join the strike action, we similarly
urge you to muster the necessary courage to be part of this
historic struggle in defence of yourself, the weak and the
vulnerable.
“No level of comfort today or primordial sentiments should
blind us to the cruel realities of the increase in the pump
price of the petroleum products as what we are seeing is
just the beginning.”
thanked its members and affiliates for coming out enmasse
to carry out the industrial action against the increase in the
price of fuel.
This was contained in a statement signed by Peter Ozo-
Eson, NLC’s secretary general. The union said: “We salute
their courage, patriotism and sacrifice in the face of
overwhelming acts of threats and treachery.”
NLC promised to continue the protest, noting that “no
reasonable struggle comes easy, and this cannot be
different”.
“Thus, in pursuance of the mandate given by the NEC of the
Congress in conjunction with our Civil Society allies, the
protest continues tomorrow,
“Accordingly, we urge you to mobilise your members,
friends or colleagues for the continuation of the protest
tomorrow.
“You are requested to assemble at Berger Roundabout
tomorrow at 7 a.m.
“For those who are yet to join the strike action, we similarly
urge you to muster the necessary courage to be part of this
historic struggle in defence of yourself, the weak and the
vulnerable.
“No level of comfort today or primordial sentiments should
blind us to the cruel realities of the increase in the pump
price of the petroleum products as what we are seeing is
just the beginning.”
Father Of 8 Commits Suicide In Calabar
A retired Army Officer, Friday William, has reportedly
hung himself to death in Calabar, the capital of Cross
Rivers state.
According to Vanguard, William, who hails from Mkpat
Enin, Akwa Ibom State, was said to have allegedly tied
a rope on a mango tree outside his apartment at 34,
Edim Otop Street in the night of Tuesday while his
family was asleep and hung himself.
Although the reason for his act is yet to be ascertained,
sources alleged that the man who fathered eight
children, may have been mentally challenged.
According to a neighbour, Abasi Imoh, “The man had
about three cars and got a lot of money from his
retirement benefits two years ago and was living well
which is the reason many people are surprised with his
action”.
hung himself to death in Calabar, the capital of Cross
Rivers state.
According to Vanguard, William, who hails from Mkpat
Enin, Akwa Ibom State, was said to have allegedly tied
a rope on a mango tree outside his apartment at 34,
Edim Otop Street in the night of Tuesday while his
family was asleep and hung himself.
Although the reason for his act is yet to be ascertained,
sources alleged that the man who fathered eight
children, may have been mentally challenged.
According to a neighbour, Abasi Imoh, “The man had
about three cars and got a lot of money from his
retirement benefits two years ago and was living well
which is the reason many people are surprised with his
action”.
Get Involved In The Strike And You Will Be Jailed For 6 Months; Ngige
Minister of Labor, Chris Ngige, says according to the
laws of the land, anyone participating in an illegal
strike is liable to a N100k fine or six months jail term.
He stated this while speaking with newsmen at the end
of the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja .
He said: “If you embark on a strike
that is illegal, if you don’t give 15
days notice especially if you are a
member of essential service, you will
be liable to a fine of N100, 000 or six
months in jail. If we invoke it now
they will say this is a ruthless
government but they(labor) are
going outside the law.
This is a change government and we
want to bring everybody on board
into a peace and orderly process”.
laws of the land, anyone participating in an illegal
strike is liable to a N100k fine or six months jail term.
He stated this while speaking with newsmen at the end
of the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja .
He said: “If you embark on a strike
that is illegal, if you don’t give 15
days notice especially if you are a
member of essential service, you will
be liable to a fine of N100, 000 or six
months in jail. If we invoke it now
they will say this is a ruthless
government but they(labor) are
going outside the law.
This is a change government and we
want to bring everybody on board
into a peace and orderly process”.
Adults and Good Manners
Recently, I was in a cosmetics shop to buy some items.
As I was browsing through the merchandise, I could
hear a woman talking on her cell phone. It took me
approximately twenty minutes to make up my mind
about what to put into my shopping cart. All this time,
the woman was still on her phone. She was speaking
rather loudly and animatedly, and at some point, she
got emotional. For a while there were only two of us
in the shop, and it seemed that she had convinced
herself that even if people around could hear her, they
could not understand what she was saying. You see,
the shop was in Atlanta, USA, and she was speaking in
Yoruba. You might be wondering why she did not
think about the fact that I could be another Nigerian,
but I have been told my dreadlocks fool some people
into thinking I could not be African. A few years ago,
when I was in a shop in Liverpool Street, London, a
guy was on the phone to someone, raving about the
two women he was currently ‘banging’, and how hot
they were. He said enough for me to know he was
also married! The details were so explicit and juicy, I
lingered longer than I needed to in the shop. When
the guy finished, I decided to teach him a lesson in
discretion, so I walked up to him and said ‘Good
afternoon’ in Yoruba. He reacted as if he had received
an electric shock. I did not know you are a Nigerian he
said. It should not have mattered if I was a Nigerian
or not. He should not have been having that kind of
conversation over the phone in public.
Fast forward to my co-shopper in Atlanta. When I was
ready to pay for my items, I went to the payment
counter and queued behind my Naija sister. She was
still on her phone. She was so engrossed in her
conversation that it did not seem to bother her that
there was no one to attend to us, she kept on talking.
After a few minutes, I called out to get the attention of
a shop attendant, and someone came forward to assist
us. All through the process of payment, the sister kept
her phone glued to her ear. As she turned to go, still
on her phone, I looked at her and said in Yoruba, ‘It is
well’. She too panicked for a second, then smiled and
thanked me. I hope she got the message. In the twenty
minutes or so I spent listening to this sister, I learnt a)
She is married b) Her mother-in-law lives in Nigeria
but looms very large in her marriage, c) Due to the
insatiable demands of her mother-in-law, her marriage
is in jeopardy and d) if her husband does not keep his
mother in check, she will leave him and take her
children with her. I fully sympathise with this
distressed sister, but this is an awful lot of information
to learn about a total stranger in a public place.
We keep talking about how young people these days
do not have values and manners. In the Yoruba
language, when people talk about young people and
manners, they are classified in two. We have the `a bÃ
ikó – those who were not taught manners when they
were young and the à kó ìgbà those who were taught
and refused to learn. For the purpose of this article, I
am using 21 and above as my definition of an adult.
Good manners are not something that was imported
into African cultures from elsewhere. We all received
the appropriate training from our parents, relatives,
teachers, community leaders, religious leaders and so
on, so we should not have an excuse for poor
manners. When we become parents and wards, we
continue the cycle of teaching and learning. We cannot
claim to be good leaders if we lack character, and good
manners is one of the foundations on which character
is built. I will list a few pet peeves I have with regards
to adult behavior and good manners as follows: continue reading...http://abovewhispers.com/2016/04/09/loud-whispers-adults-and-good-manners/
As I was browsing through the merchandise, I could
hear a woman talking on her cell phone. It took me
approximately twenty minutes to make up my mind
about what to put into my shopping cart. All this time,
the woman was still on her phone. She was speaking
rather loudly and animatedly, and at some point, she
got emotional. For a while there were only two of us
in the shop, and it seemed that she had convinced
herself that even if people around could hear her, they
could not understand what she was saying. You see,
the shop was in Atlanta, USA, and she was speaking in
Yoruba. You might be wondering why she did not
think about the fact that I could be another Nigerian,
but I have been told my dreadlocks fool some people
into thinking I could not be African. A few years ago,
when I was in a shop in Liverpool Street, London, a
guy was on the phone to someone, raving about the
two women he was currently ‘banging’, and how hot
they were. He said enough for me to know he was
also married! The details were so explicit and juicy, I
lingered longer than I needed to in the shop. When
the guy finished, I decided to teach him a lesson in
discretion, so I walked up to him and said ‘Good
afternoon’ in Yoruba. He reacted as if he had received
an electric shock. I did not know you are a Nigerian he
said. It should not have mattered if I was a Nigerian
or not. He should not have been having that kind of
conversation over the phone in public.
Fast forward to my co-shopper in Atlanta. When I was
ready to pay for my items, I went to the payment
counter and queued behind my Naija sister. She was
still on her phone. She was so engrossed in her
conversation that it did not seem to bother her that
there was no one to attend to us, she kept on talking.
After a few minutes, I called out to get the attention of
a shop attendant, and someone came forward to assist
us. All through the process of payment, the sister kept
her phone glued to her ear. As she turned to go, still
on her phone, I looked at her and said in Yoruba, ‘It is
well’. She too panicked for a second, then smiled and
thanked me. I hope she got the message. In the twenty
minutes or so I spent listening to this sister, I learnt a)
She is married b) Her mother-in-law lives in Nigeria
but looms very large in her marriage, c) Due to the
insatiable demands of her mother-in-law, her marriage
is in jeopardy and d) if her husband does not keep his
mother in check, she will leave him and take her
children with her. I fully sympathise with this
distressed sister, but this is an awful lot of information
to learn about a total stranger in a public place.
We keep talking about how young people these days
do not have values and manners. In the Yoruba
language, when people talk about young people and
manners, they are classified in two. We have the `a bÃ
ikó – those who were not taught manners when they
were young and the à kó ìgbà those who were taught
and refused to learn. For the purpose of this article, I
am using 21 and above as my definition of an adult.
Good manners are not something that was imported
into African cultures from elsewhere. We all received
the appropriate training from our parents, relatives,
teachers, community leaders, religious leaders and so
on, so we should not have an excuse for poor
manners. When we become parents and wards, we
continue the cycle of teaching and learning. We cannot
claim to be good leaders if we lack character, and good
manners is one of the foundations on which character
is built. I will list a few pet peeves I have with regards
to adult behavior and good manners as follows: continue reading...http://abovewhispers.com/2016/04/09/loud-whispers-adults-and-good-manners/
Wednesday 18 May 2016
Boko Haram Has Not Been Defeated Because Of Corruption; President Buhari
The reason why the Nigerian Army have not been able to defeat Boko Haram is because of the corruption in the country. President Buhari said this while speaking with the Grand Imam of Al-Azha, Dr Ahmed El-Tayeb. He further said the loss of 14 local government areas to Boko Haram
had greatly tarnished the reputation of the Nigerian
Armed Forces.
The President however, noted, that with measures
taken by his administration to curb corruption and
provide better weaponry, logistics, training and welfare
for soldiers on the front lines, the Nigerian military has
now almost totally incapacitated Boko Haram as a
fighting force and recovered all territories that were lost
to the terrorist sect.
“When we curbed corruption and removed the injustice
in the military, we began to make progress,” he said in
a statement by his spokesman, Mr Garba Shehu.
Welcoming the support of Muslims across the world for
Nigeria’s war against the dreaded sect, the President
said that the war against terrorism was also a war
against injustice, which is not condoned by Islam and
all the major religions.
“You can’t kill the innocent in churches or in mosques
and shout Allahu Akbar,” President Buhari said, adding
that the visit of Dr. El-Tayeb and his expression of
solidarity with Nigeria in the war against terrorism was
a clear indication of global Muslim support for Nigeria
against the unjust killing of the innocent by
terrorists”.he said
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s determination to
resettle all persons who were displaced by the Boko
Haram insurgency, he thanked the Grand Imam for the
donation of scholarships, educational and medical
supplies to Nigeria’s Internally Displaced Persons.
Responding,the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Dr. El-Tayeb
said that Muslims all over the world share Nigeria’s
pains from terrorism and would continue to support
efforts to ensure the return of peace and unity amongst
all faiths in the country.
had greatly tarnished the reputation of the Nigerian
Armed Forces.
The President however, noted, that with measures
taken by his administration to curb corruption and
provide better weaponry, logistics, training and welfare
for soldiers on the front lines, the Nigerian military has
now almost totally incapacitated Boko Haram as a
fighting force and recovered all territories that were lost
to the terrorist sect.
“When we curbed corruption and removed the injustice
in the military, we began to make progress,” he said in
a statement by his spokesman, Mr Garba Shehu.
Welcoming the support of Muslims across the world for
Nigeria’s war against the dreaded sect, the President
said that the war against terrorism was also a war
against injustice, which is not condoned by Islam and
all the major religions.
“You can’t kill the innocent in churches or in mosques
and shout Allahu Akbar,” President Buhari said, adding
that the visit of Dr. El-Tayeb and his expression of
solidarity with Nigeria in the war against terrorism was
a clear indication of global Muslim support for Nigeria
against the unjust killing of the innocent by
terrorists”.he said
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s determination to
resettle all persons who were displaced by the Boko
Haram insurgency, he thanked the Grand Imam for the
donation of scholarships, educational and medical
supplies to Nigeria’s Internally Displaced Persons.
Responding,the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Dr. El-Tayeb
said that Muslims all over the world share Nigeria’s
pains from terrorism and would continue to support
efforts to ensure the return of peace and unity amongst
all faiths in the country.
FG To NigeriansH No Work No Pay. NLC
The Federal Government has directed the invocation of
statutory provision of “no work no pay” on any worker
who joined the strike called by the Nigeria Labour
Congress (NLC) over the new fuel price regime.
The directive was contained in a statement issued
Tuesday night, signed by the Secretary to the
Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal.
The SGF ordered Ministers, Permanent Secretaries and
Heads of Government Agencies to enforce the directive
and open attendance registers in all Ministries,
Departments and Agencies.
He said the order was sequel to the notice issued by
the NLC for workers to embark on an indefinite strike
from Wednesday in defiant of an order of National
Industrial Court.
“This notice is regrettably given in spite of an order by
the Industrial Court against the strike.
“All workers, whether in public or private sector, are
reminded of the Trade Dispute Act, 2004 which
provides:
“‘Where any worker takes part in a strike, he shall not
be entitled to any wages or remuneration for the period
of the strike and any such period shall not count for the
purpose of reckoning the period of continuous
employment and all rights dependent on continuity of
employment shall be prejudicially affected
accordingly.”
“Government, therefore, calls upon and advises all
workers to respect the laws of the land and to desist
from participating in an illegal strike action.
“Government undertakes to guarantee the safety of
workers and their work places, and expects that normal
work will continue in the interest of the nation, “ he
said.
Lawal said that the security agencies had been directed
to ensure unimpeded access to offices, work places
and markets.
He assured that acts of intimidation, harassment,
including barricading of gates, locking up of offices,
blocking of roads and preventing workers from carrying
out their lawful duties would be met with appropriate
response by the law enforcement agencies.
statutory provision of “no work no pay” on any worker
who joined the strike called by the Nigeria Labour
Congress (NLC) over the new fuel price regime.
The directive was contained in a statement issued
Tuesday night, signed by the Secretary to the
Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal.
The SGF ordered Ministers, Permanent Secretaries and
Heads of Government Agencies to enforce the directive
and open attendance registers in all Ministries,
Departments and Agencies.
He said the order was sequel to the notice issued by
the NLC for workers to embark on an indefinite strike
from Wednesday in defiant of an order of National
Industrial Court.
“This notice is regrettably given in spite of an order by
the Industrial Court against the strike.
“All workers, whether in public or private sector, are
reminded of the Trade Dispute Act, 2004 which
provides:
“‘Where any worker takes part in a strike, he shall not
be entitled to any wages or remuneration for the period
of the strike and any such period shall not count for the
purpose of reckoning the period of continuous
employment and all rights dependent on continuity of
employment shall be prejudicially affected
accordingly.”
“Government, therefore, calls upon and advises all
workers to respect the laws of the land and to desist
from participating in an illegal strike action.
“Government undertakes to guarantee the safety of
workers and their work places, and expects that normal
work will continue in the interest of the nation, “ he
said.
Lawal said that the security agencies had been directed
to ensure unimpeded access to offices, work places
and markets.
He assured that acts of intimidation, harassment,
including barricading of gates, locking up of offices,
blocking of roads and preventing workers from carrying
out their lawful duties would be met with appropriate
response by the law enforcement agencies.
NLC Members In Lagos Currently Staging A Protest (photos)
A group of NLC members in Lagos are currently protesting along the Ikorodu road.
Monday 16 May 2016
FG: Increase In Fuel Price Is Meant To Create 200,000 Jobs In The Country
The Federal Government says that the new price regime
for the downstream petroleum sector is
comprehensively designed to tackle the hardship faced
by Nigerians and create additional 200,000 jobs in the
country.
The information is contained in a bulletin issued by the
Ministry of Petroleum Resources and made available to
news men n Abuja on Friday.
It said that the new price template would potentially
create jobs through the envisaged new investments in
refineries and retailing of crude oil products.
It stated that the new pricing template would also
prevent potential loss of nearly 400,000 jobs in existing
investments in the sector.
The bulletin explained that new framework would on the
long run solve the recurrent fuel scarcity crisis by
ensuring the availability of the products at all locations
of the country.
It said the measure would also ensure the total
elimination of hoarding, smuggling and diversion of the
product while also stabilising price at the actual
product price.
It stated that government, through the new price
regime, would monitor the new price to ensure that
citizens got a fair value for the products they
purchased.
It said the new price would enable marketers to source
their foreign exchange independent of Central Bank of
Nigeria (CBN) and ensure adequate product supply in
all locations of the country.
It explained that the measure would enable government
to deliver on its statutory functions of power
generation, security, provision of education and health.
The document explained that the new price regime
would permanently eliminate subsidy payments and
ensure the availability of funds for the full payment of
monthly Federal Accounts Allocation Committee. It will
also providing additional funds for other palliatives and
help in stabilising the economy by creating access to
development loans .
for the downstream petroleum sector is
comprehensively designed to tackle the hardship faced
by Nigerians and create additional 200,000 jobs in the
country.
The information is contained in a bulletin issued by the
Ministry of Petroleum Resources and made available to
news men n Abuja on Friday.
It said that the new price template would potentially
create jobs through the envisaged new investments in
refineries and retailing of crude oil products.
It stated that the new pricing template would also
prevent potential loss of nearly 400,000 jobs in existing
investments in the sector.
The bulletin explained that new framework would on the
long run solve the recurrent fuel scarcity crisis by
ensuring the availability of the products at all locations
of the country.
It said the measure would also ensure the total
elimination of hoarding, smuggling and diversion of the
product while also stabilising price at the actual
product price.
It stated that government, through the new price
regime, would monitor the new price to ensure that
citizens got a fair value for the products they
purchased.
It said the new price would enable marketers to source
their foreign exchange independent of Central Bank of
Nigeria (CBN) and ensure adequate product supply in
all locations of the country.
It explained that the measure would enable government
to deliver on its statutory functions of power
generation, security, provision of education and health.
The document explained that the new price regime
would permanently eliminate subsidy payments and
ensure the availability of funds for the full payment of
monthly Federal Accounts Allocation Committee. It will
also providing additional funds for other palliatives and
help in stabilising the economy by creating access to
development loans .
Sunday 15 May 2016
NLC, TUC And CSO:You Have Till Wednesday To Reduce Fuel Price Or We Will Shut Down Nigeria
The emergency meeting debated extensively the
implications of government’s unilateral increase in
prices of petroleum products, noting government’s
disinclination for consultation on issues of public
interest and its obsession with protecting product
marketers at the expense of the Nigerian public. The
meeting expressed concern about government’s neo-
liberal policies which it considered a betrayal of its
electioneering promises and observed as follows:
During the electioneering campaign last year, the
Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress
( APC ), Muhammadu Buhari, had promised that, if
elected president, he would not remove fuel subsidy if
there was any at all;
After his election, President Muhammadu Buhari had
maintained that there was no subsidy in the petroleum
product price regime and that even if there was, he did
not see how its removal would be beneficial to the
ordinary Nigerian, noting that the slightest product price
adjustment often leads to inflationary spiral and
unimaginable suffering for the people;
On January 18, 2016, the government further allayed
the fears of the Nigerian people by reducing the pump
price of PMS to N86:50, explaining that the reduction
was in furtherance of the implementation of the revised
component of the Petroleum Products Pricing for PMS
and kerosene;
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe
Kachikwu had been speaking from both sides of his
mouth. Whereas last year, he had strongly canvassed
for the removal of “subsidy” in defiance of President
Buhari, about a month ago, he claimed the subsidy had
been removed through his ingenuity and that Nigeria
was saving $1billion from this process;
Organized Labour wondered what has informed
government’s sudden and dangerous policy
summersault and its desperate attempt to convince the
public that Labour was part of the decision that led to
this price increase;
In view of the fact that the board of the Petroleum
Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), which is
statutorily vested with powers to recommend prices,
has not been reconstituted, the price variation
announced by any officer of the agency or outside the
agency is not only ultra vires and illegal, it is a criminal
imposition on the citizenry;
The price hike from N86:50 to N145, representing
67.63% increase, is the height of insensitivity and
impunity as there was no previous consultation with
stake holders, especially the organized labour, or any
justification for this reckless decision other than the fact
that government believes it is accountable to no one;
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources declared
that marketers will have to source their dollars from the
secondary market. The attendant pressure on the dollar
will lead to unimaginable rise in prices of commodities
and other services thus creating further hardship for the
people. Due to the volatility of the black market,
organized labour doubts that government would be able
to maintain PMS pump price at N145 per litre were the
hike acceptable or justifiable. At the time the PMS pump
price was fixed at N145, the exchange rate at the black
market was N320 to the Naira. Between Wednesday and
today when the new pump price was announced, the
Naira has further crashed against the dollar, first to
N340 on Thursday, then N365 on Friday morning and
N385 by close of business on Friday, all in 48 hours! At
this rate, we believe it will not take long before the
Naira becomes entirely useless against the dollar. It is
thus morally and economically suicidal to have tied the
importation of products to the secondary market
exchange rate;
In view of the fact that in the past five years, there has
been no increase in salaries or wages or pensions in the
face of devaluations, spiralling inflation and other
vagaries of the economy, this product price increase is
unrealistic, unaffordable, unacceptable and is thus
rejected;
Government is unable to justify this price increase other
than the puerile explanation that marketers need to
recover their costs, without a thought for the aggregate
or larger national interest including the need for local
refining and creation of jobs;
The government has remained incalcitrant in spite of a
subsisting court injunction on the issue of the criminal
increase in electricity tariff even in the face of ever-
worsening power supply situation;
From the foregoing, it is evident that the neo-liberal
forces in the government have taken over the
government and we should expect more inhumane
policies which will further degrade the living standard of
the average Nigerian. The punitive electricity tariff and
PMS product prices may just be teasers;
The implications are costly and far-reaching, with the
first and most significant being that we have become
dependent on massive importation of refined products
to meet our domestic needs in contra-distinction to
other OPEC members. Whereas most OPEC members
significantly meet their domestic needs through
domestic refining by an average of 80 per cent, Nigeria
on the contrary, at the pace it is going, will continue to
rely on about 90 percent of imported refined products in
the foreseeable future;
And because we are dependent on importation, the end-
user price will always be influenced or determined by
external factors such as the cost of refining abroad,
transportation and others denominated in the dollar. As
the Naira continues to depreciate against the dollar, so
will the woes of consumers in Nigeria continue to
increase, a situation the Marketers in classic greed will
exploit to their advantage;
Taking into account the utilitarian value of petroleum
products in Nigeria, all sectors are going to be
negatively affected by this mindless price increase as
virtually all the stakeholders are agreed that the most
significant contributor to the astronomical cost of doing
business in Nigeria is the cost of energy.
NLC, TUC and other civil society allies are not unaware
of the positions taken by the Unions in the oil and Gas
Industry. A process of engagement will be put in place
in order to ensure the success of the struggle to protect
the overall interest of the Nigerian people.
In consideration of all of the above, we urge government
to:
Revert to the old price regime in order to reduce the
suffering of the people and to consider this singular act
of mindless pump price increase as a betrayal of trust;
Revert to the pre-45 percent electricity tariff increase,
make meters available to consumers and stop
estimated billing;
Reconstitute the boards of PPPRA and NNPC without
further delay and give them their statutory right to
function alongside DPR in order to deepen the process
of consultation, checks and balances in the downstream
sector of the petroleum industry;
Intensify the prosecution of all those involved in subsidy
scams with a view to recovery and sanctioning of the
culpable;
Put in place enhanced local refining capacity within a
specified period in place of endless importation as an
enduring solution to the perennial problem of scarcity;
Reverse the entire deregulation and privatization
process which foists on the nation, private individuals
as drivers of the economy in contravention of the
constitutional provision that says government shall be
the driver of the economy and engage the organised
labour in the process of negotiation on key policy
issues;
Wean itself from the overbearing influence of the neo-
liberal elements in its fold who have not only staged a
coup but are determined to make this government
collapse even before the end of its four-year tenure;
Uphold its electioneering promises to Nigerians instead
of subjecting them to the vagaries of slavish policies
such as full devaluation of the naira and total removal of
subsidy as enunciated by the IMF and its agents in the
system;
In the event government fails to accede to these
demands on or before 12 midnight on Tuesday, May17,
2016, the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Trade Union
Congress and their civil society allies resolve to
commence the following actions with effect from
Wednesday, May 18, 2016;
Mobilize to the streets across the country,
ordinary and helpless Nigerians to whom they
owe the duty of protection;
Shut down all Banks, Sea and Airports,
Government and private offices as well as
Markets.
Commence indefinite nationwide strike action.
Fight/resist the machinations and cruelties of
the neo-liberal forces in the government as part
of the process of saving the government from
itself and the generality of Nigerians from
slavery.
Nigerian are therefore advised to stock sufficient food
items that will last for a while for the prosecution of the
current struggle against neo-liberal agenda in Nigeria.
For and on behalf of Nigeria Workers, Civil society allies
and the Masses;
Comrade Ayuba Wabba, mni.
implications of government’s unilateral increase in
prices of petroleum products, noting government’s
disinclination for consultation on issues of public
interest and its obsession with protecting product
marketers at the expense of the Nigerian public. The
meeting expressed concern about government’s neo-
liberal policies which it considered a betrayal of its
electioneering promises and observed as follows:
During the electioneering campaign last year, the
Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress
( APC ), Muhammadu Buhari, had promised that, if
elected president, he would not remove fuel subsidy if
there was any at all;
After his election, President Muhammadu Buhari had
maintained that there was no subsidy in the petroleum
product price regime and that even if there was, he did
not see how its removal would be beneficial to the
ordinary Nigerian, noting that the slightest product price
adjustment often leads to inflationary spiral and
unimaginable suffering for the people;
On January 18, 2016, the government further allayed
the fears of the Nigerian people by reducing the pump
price of PMS to N86:50, explaining that the reduction
was in furtherance of the implementation of the revised
component of the Petroleum Products Pricing for PMS
and kerosene;
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe
Kachikwu had been speaking from both sides of his
mouth. Whereas last year, he had strongly canvassed
for the removal of “subsidy” in defiance of President
Buhari, about a month ago, he claimed the subsidy had
been removed through his ingenuity and that Nigeria
was saving $1billion from this process;
Organized Labour wondered what has informed
government’s sudden and dangerous policy
summersault and its desperate attempt to convince the
public that Labour was part of the decision that led to
this price increase;
In view of the fact that the board of the Petroleum
Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), which is
statutorily vested with powers to recommend prices,
has not been reconstituted, the price variation
announced by any officer of the agency or outside the
agency is not only ultra vires and illegal, it is a criminal
imposition on the citizenry;
The price hike from N86:50 to N145, representing
67.63% increase, is the height of insensitivity and
impunity as there was no previous consultation with
stake holders, especially the organized labour, or any
justification for this reckless decision other than the fact
that government believes it is accountable to no one;
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources declared
that marketers will have to source their dollars from the
secondary market. The attendant pressure on the dollar
will lead to unimaginable rise in prices of commodities
and other services thus creating further hardship for the
people. Due to the volatility of the black market,
organized labour doubts that government would be able
to maintain PMS pump price at N145 per litre were the
hike acceptable or justifiable. At the time the PMS pump
price was fixed at N145, the exchange rate at the black
market was N320 to the Naira. Between Wednesday and
today when the new pump price was announced, the
Naira has further crashed against the dollar, first to
N340 on Thursday, then N365 on Friday morning and
N385 by close of business on Friday, all in 48 hours! At
this rate, we believe it will not take long before the
Naira becomes entirely useless against the dollar. It is
thus morally and economically suicidal to have tied the
importation of products to the secondary market
exchange rate;
In view of the fact that in the past five years, there has
been no increase in salaries or wages or pensions in the
face of devaluations, spiralling inflation and other
vagaries of the economy, this product price increase is
unrealistic, unaffordable, unacceptable and is thus
rejected;
Government is unable to justify this price increase other
than the puerile explanation that marketers need to
recover their costs, without a thought for the aggregate
or larger national interest including the need for local
refining and creation of jobs;
The government has remained incalcitrant in spite of a
subsisting court injunction on the issue of the criminal
increase in electricity tariff even in the face of ever-
worsening power supply situation;
From the foregoing, it is evident that the neo-liberal
forces in the government have taken over the
government and we should expect more inhumane
policies which will further degrade the living standard of
the average Nigerian. The punitive electricity tariff and
PMS product prices may just be teasers;
The implications are costly and far-reaching, with the
first and most significant being that we have become
dependent on massive importation of refined products
to meet our domestic needs in contra-distinction to
other OPEC members. Whereas most OPEC members
significantly meet their domestic needs through
domestic refining by an average of 80 per cent, Nigeria
on the contrary, at the pace it is going, will continue to
rely on about 90 percent of imported refined products in
the foreseeable future;
And because we are dependent on importation, the end-
user price will always be influenced or determined by
external factors such as the cost of refining abroad,
transportation and others denominated in the dollar. As
the Naira continues to depreciate against the dollar, so
will the woes of consumers in Nigeria continue to
increase, a situation the Marketers in classic greed will
exploit to their advantage;
Taking into account the utilitarian value of petroleum
products in Nigeria, all sectors are going to be
negatively affected by this mindless price increase as
virtually all the stakeholders are agreed that the most
significant contributor to the astronomical cost of doing
business in Nigeria is the cost of energy.
NLC, TUC and other civil society allies are not unaware
of the positions taken by the Unions in the oil and Gas
Industry. A process of engagement will be put in place
in order to ensure the success of the struggle to protect
the overall interest of the Nigerian people.
In consideration of all of the above, we urge government
to:
Revert to the old price regime in order to reduce the
suffering of the people and to consider this singular act
of mindless pump price increase as a betrayal of trust;
Revert to the pre-45 percent electricity tariff increase,
make meters available to consumers and stop
estimated billing;
Reconstitute the boards of PPPRA and NNPC without
further delay and give them their statutory right to
function alongside DPR in order to deepen the process
of consultation, checks and balances in the downstream
sector of the petroleum industry;
Intensify the prosecution of all those involved in subsidy
scams with a view to recovery and sanctioning of the
culpable;
Put in place enhanced local refining capacity within a
specified period in place of endless importation as an
enduring solution to the perennial problem of scarcity;
Reverse the entire deregulation and privatization
process which foists on the nation, private individuals
as drivers of the economy in contravention of the
constitutional provision that says government shall be
the driver of the economy and engage the organised
labour in the process of negotiation on key policy
issues;
Wean itself from the overbearing influence of the neo-
liberal elements in its fold who have not only staged a
coup but are determined to make this government
collapse even before the end of its four-year tenure;
Uphold its electioneering promises to Nigerians instead
of subjecting them to the vagaries of slavish policies
such as full devaluation of the naira and total removal of
subsidy as enunciated by the IMF and its agents in the
system;
In the event government fails to accede to these
demands on or before 12 midnight on Tuesday, May17,
2016, the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Trade Union
Congress and their civil society allies resolve to
commence the following actions with effect from
Wednesday, May 18, 2016;
Mobilize to the streets across the country,
ordinary and helpless Nigerians to whom they
owe the duty of protection;
Shut down all Banks, Sea and Airports,
Government and private offices as well as
Markets.
Commence indefinite nationwide strike action.
Fight/resist the machinations and cruelties of
the neo-liberal forces in the government as part
of the process of saving the government from
itself and the generality of Nigerians from
slavery.
items that will last for a while for the prosecution of the
current struggle against neo-liberal agenda in Nigeria.
For and on behalf of Nigeria Workers, Civil society allies
and the Masses;
Comrade Ayuba Wabba, mni.
Saturday 14 May 2016
Fuel Problem Is Not Caused By Subsidy Removal Osinbajo Explains
The Vice President explains the reason for the rise in fuel price.
In a statement issued in Abuja he said “I have read the
various observations about the fuel pricing regime and
the attendant issues generated. All certainly have
strong points.
The Statement:
“The most important issue of course is how to shield
the poor from the worst effects of the policy. I will
hopefully address that in another note.
“Permit me an explanation of the policy. First, the real
issue is not a removal of subsidy. At $40 a barrel there
isn’t much of a subsidy to remove.
“In any event, the President is probably one of the most
convinced pro-subsidy advocates.
What happened is as follows: our local consumption of
fuel is almost entirely imported. The NNPC exchanges
crude from its joint venture share to provide about 50%
of local fuel consumption. The remaining 50% is
imported by major and independent marketers.
“These marketers up until three months ago sourced
their foreign exchange from the Central Bank of Nigeria
at the official rate. However, since late last year,
independent marketers have brought in little or no fuel
because they have been unable to get foreign exchange
from the CBN. The CBN simply did not have enough. (In
April, oil earnings dipped to $550 million. The amount
required for fuel importation alone is about
$225million!) .
“Meanwhile, NNPC tried to cover the 50% shortfall by
dedicating more export crude for domestic
consumption. Besides the short term depletion of the
Federation Account, which is where the FG and States
are paid from, and further cash-call debts pilling up,
NNPC also lacked the capacity to distribute 100% of
local consumption around the country. Previously, they
were responsible for only about 50%. (Partly the reason
for the lingering scarcity).
“We realised that we were left with only one option.
This was to allow independent marketers and any
Nigerian entity to source their own foreign exchange
and import fuel. We expect that foreign exchange will
be sourced at an average of about N285 to the dollar,
(current interbank rate). They would then be restricted
to selling at a price between N135 and N145 per litre.
“We expect that with competition, more private
refineries, and NNPC refineries working at full capacity,
prices will drop considerably. Our target is that by Q4
2018 we should be producing 70% of our fuel needs
locally. At the moment even if all the refineries are
working optimally they will produce just about 40% of
our domestic fuel needs.
“You will notice that I have not mentioned other details
of the PPRA cost template. I wanted to focus on the
cost component largely responsible for the substantial
rise, namely foreign exchange. This is therefore not a
subsidy removal issue but a foreign exchange problem,
in the face of dwindling earnings”.
In a statement issued in Abuja he said “I have read the
various observations about the fuel pricing regime and
the attendant issues generated. All certainly have
strong points.
The Statement:
“The most important issue of course is how to shield
the poor from the worst effects of the policy. I will
hopefully address that in another note.
“Permit me an explanation of the policy. First, the real
issue is not a removal of subsidy. At $40 a barrel there
isn’t much of a subsidy to remove.
“In any event, the President is probably one of the most
convinced pro-subsidy advocates.
What happened is as follows: our local consumption of
fuel is almost entirely imported. The NNPC exchanges
crude from its joint venture share to provide about 50%
of local fuel consumption. The remaining 50% is
imported by major and independent marketers.
“These marketers up until three months ago sourced
their foreign exchange from the Central Bank of Nigeria
at the official rate. However, since late last year,
independent marketers have brought in little or no fuel
because they have been unable to get foreign exchange
from the CBN. The CBN simply did not have enough. (In
April, oil earnings dipped to $550 million. The amount
required for fuel importation alone is about
$225million!) .
“Meanwhile, NNPC tried to cover the 50% shortfall by
dedicating more export crude for domestic
consumption. Besides the short term depletion of the
Federation Account, which is where the FG and States
are paid from, and further cash-call debts pilling up,
NNPC also lacked the capacity to distribute 100% of
local consumption around the country. Previously, they
were responsible for only about 50%. (Partly the reason
for the lingering scarcity).
“We realised that we were left with only one option.
This was to allow independent marketers and any
Nigerian entity to source their own foreign exchange
and import fuel. We expect that foreign exchange will
be sourced at an average of about N285 to the dollar,
(current interbank rate). They would then be restricted
to selling at a price between N135 and N145 per litre.
“We expect that with competition, more private
refineries, and NNPC refineries working at full capacity,
prices will drop considerably. Our target is that by Q4
2018 we should be producing 70% of our fuel needs
locally. At the moment even if all the refineries are
working optimally they will produce just about 40% of
our domestic fuel needs.
of the PPRA cost template. I wanted to focus on the
cost component largely responsible for the substantial
rise, namely foreign exchange. This is therefore not a
subsidy removal issue but a foreign exchange problem,
in the face of dwindling earnings”.
Thursday 12 May 2016
FG: Fuel Price To Rise To N145 Per Litre
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe
Kachikwu, on Wednesday, said any Nigerian entity is
now free to import petroleum products into the country,
subject to existing quality specifications and other
guidelines issued by regulatory agencies.
Kachikwu pronouncement effectively ended the fuel
subsidy regime.
The minister said that all Oil marketers will be allowed
to import the product on the basis of foreign
exchange procured from secondary sources and that
PPPRA template will reflect this in the pricing of the
product.
Further, Kachikwu said that new price band effective
from 11th May, 2016, would put the retail price of petrol
at N145 and below.
“Pursuant to this, PPPRA has informed me that it will
be announcing a new price band effective today, 11th
May, 2016 and that the new price for PMS will not be
above N145 per litre,” he said.
The minister explained that the decision to remove the
subsidy was reached after a meeting attended by the
leadership of the Senate, House of Representatives,
Governors Forum, and Labour Unions such as
theNigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union
Congress (TUC), Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural
Gas Workers (NUPENG) and Petroleum and Natural Gas
Senior Staff Association of Nigeria(PENGASSAN).
He noted that the persistent scarcity being expressed in
the country the inability of importers of petroleum
products to source foreign exchange at the official rate
due to the massive decline of foreign exchangeearnings
of the federal government.
“As a result, private marketers have been unable to
meet their approximate 50% portion of total national
supply of PMS,” Kachikwu stated.
-Tonye Bakare
Kachikwu, on Wednesday, said any Nigerian entity is
now free to import petroleum products into the country,
subject to existing quality specifications and other
guidelines issued by regulatory agencies.
Kachikwu pronouncement effectively ended the fuel
subsidy regime.
The minister said that all Oil marketers will be allowed
to import the product on the basis of foreign
exchange procured from secondary sources and that
PPPRA template will reflect this in the pricing of the
product.
Further, Kachikwu said that new price band effective
from 11th May, 2016, would put the retail price of petrol
at N145 and below.
“Pursuant to this, PPPRA has informed me that it will
be announcing a new price band effective today, 11th
May, 2016 and that the new price for PMS will not be
above N145 per litre,” he said.
The minister explained that the decision to remove the
subsidy was reached after a meeting attended by the
leadership of the Senate, House of Representatives,
Governors Forum, and Labour Unions such as
theNigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union
Congress (TUC), Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural
Gas Workers (NUPENG) and Petroleum and Natural Gas
Senior Staff Association of Nigeria(PENGASSAN).
He noted that the persistent scarcity being expressed in
the country the inability of importers of petroleum
products to source foreign exchange at the official rate
of the federal government.
“As a result, private marketers have been unable to
meet their approximate 50% portion of total national
supply of PMS,” Kachikwu stated.
-Tonye Bakare
Monday 9 May 2016
Agriculture: Federal Government To Import Grasses For Cattle Rearers
According to the Senate, the move to support the
action of the Federal Government has become
imperative as the importation of grazing pastures for
cattle at designated places across the country will
proffer permanent solution to the protracted crisis
between farmers and herdsmen.
The committee also hailed President Buhari's directive
for the release of 10,000 tonnes of grains.
Speaking yesterday in Abuja, Chairman, Senate
Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development,
Senator Abdullahi Adamu, who dismissed criticism of
the move by some professors of agriculture who had
opposed the move, stressed that they had technology
to grow grasses, if they received government support.
He criticised the inability of the professors to proffer
solutions to the problem of grazing over the years,
adding that they lacked any moral right to criticise the
government's move.
Senator Adamu, who noted that importing grazing
grasses and making them available to cattle rearers
would stop the movement of cattle from one place to
another, stressed that the move would also put paid to
the growing spate of killings by herdsmen.
According to him, the government will provide pasture
to curtail the continuous movement of cattle by
herdsmen.
He noted that in the United States, pastures and water
were provided to grow nutritious grasses for cattle's
sustenance, adding that the government must face the
reality of the moment by taking some painful decisions
to end the herdsmen and farmers' clashes.
"There are no easy fixes to the problem,'' Senator
Abdullahi said.
He also blamed the mindless killings by herdsmen on
growing indiscipline among the herdsmen.
Speaking further, Senator Adamu disclosed that
President Buhari had ordered the injection of 10,000
tonnes of grains into the system to ease the pains
caused by rising cost of grains in the country,
He also said that his committee had discovered that
the administration of Buhari met many silos in the
country empty, adding that his committee was
impressed that the federal government had prioritised
agriculture.
He said the Senate would provide the necessary
legislative support for the presidency to restore the lost
glory of agricultural sector in Nigeria.
It would be recalled that the Minister of Agriculture,
Chief Audu Ogbeh, had in March this year, disclosed
that government had plans to begin the importation of
grasses for cows to reduce the movement of herdsmen
across the country.
Ogbeh, had disclosed that Buhari was setting up
grazing areas in various states of the federation as a
response to the clashes.
Addressing his Idoma people in Abuja who protested
the massacre of Agatu people in Benue State by
herdsmen, Ogbeh said: “We are producing massive
hectares of grass for the consumption of cattle; we
have received these grasses from Brazil and we are
growing them in massive quantities.
“Cattle herdsmen want grasses for their cattle; such
grass is what we are growing in large quantities and,
within the next three months, some of these will be
ready.''
action of the Federal Government has become
imperative as the importation of grazing pastures for
cattle at designated places across the country will
proffer permanent solution to the protracted crisis
between farmers and herdsmen.
The committee also hailed President Buhari's directive
for the release of 10,000 tonnes of grains.
Speaking yesterday in Abuja, Chairman, Senate
Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development,
Senator Abdullahi Adamu, who dismissed criticism of
the move by some professors of agriculture who had
opposed the move, stressed that they had technology
to grow grasses, if they received government support.
He criticised the inability of the professors to proffer
solutions to the problem of grazing over the years,
adding that they lacked any moral right to criticise the
government's move.
Senator Adamu, who noted that importing grazing
grasses and making them available to cattle rearers
would stop the movement of cattle from one place to
another, stressed that the move would also put paid to
the growing spate of killings by herdsmen.
According to him, the government will provide pasture
to curtail the continuous movement of cattle by
herdsmen.
He noted that in the United States, pastures and water
were provided to grow nutritious grasses for cattle's
sustenance, adding that the government must face the
reality of the moment by taking some painful decisions
to end the herdsmen and farmers' clashes.
"There are no easy fixes to the problem,'' Senator
Abdullahi said.
He also blamed the mindless killings by herdsmen on
growing indiscipline among the herdsmen.
Speaking further, Senator Adamu disclosed that
President Buhari had ordered the injection of 10,000
tonnes of grains into the system to ease the pains
caused by rising cost of grains in the country,
He also said that his committee had discovered that
the administration of Buhari met many silos in the
country empty, adding that his committee was
impressed that the federal government had prioritised
agriculture.
He said the Senate would provide the necessary
legislative support for the presidency to restore the lost
glory of agricultural sector in Nigeria.
It would be recalled that the Minister of Agriculture,
Chief Audu Ogbeh, had in March this year, disclosed
that government had plans to begin the importation of
grasses for cows to reduce the movement of herdsmen
across the country.
Ogbeh, had disclosed that Buhari was setting up
grazing areas in various states of the federation as a
response to the clashes.
Addressing his Idoma people in Abuja who protested
the massacre of Agatu people in Benue State by
herdsmen, Ogbeh said: “We are producing massive
hectares of grass for the consumption of cattle; we
have received these grasses from Brazil and we are
growing them in massive quantities.
“Cattle herdsmen want grasses for their cattle; such
grass is what we are growing in large quantities and,
within the next three months, some of these will be
ready.''
Sunday 8 May 2016
Keneth Okonkwo Welcomes A Bouncing Baby Boy After 9 years Of Wait
The family of Nollywood actor, Kenneth Okonkwo and wife
Ifeoma delivered a baby boy on Saturday, May 6th 2016.
They had their baby at The University of Maryland, St.
Joseph Medical Center, USA after almost 9 years of
marriage.
In a chat with Diamond Celebrities , the actor said, “God is a
faithful God. He said we shall be fruitful and multiply, that
there shall be none barren in our midst and He just fulfilled
His words. To Him be all the glory in Jesus name”.
He also thanked all those who stood by them and offered
prayers to God on their behalf.
C
ongratulations to the entire family!
Ifeoma delivered a baby boy on Saturday, May 6th 2016.
They had their baby at The University of Maryland, St.
Joseph Medical Center, USA after almost 9 years of
marriage.
In a chat with Diamond Celebrities , the actor said, “God is a
faithful God. He said we shall be fruitful and multiply, that
there shall be none barren in our midst and He just fulfilled
His words. To Him be all the glory in Jesus name”.
He also thanked all those who stood by them and offered
prayers to God on their behalf.
C
Saturday 7 May 2016
50 Years Old Man Caught Raping A 5 Year-Old Boy Niger State
Monday 2 May 2016
Nigerians React To Azuka: Calling Her A Worse TV Presenter
The reaction of social media has been swift on the
matter of ‘that lady that interviewed’ Tiwa Savage,
following the accusations of infidelity and neglect by
her husband, Tunji Balogun.
The lady is Azuka Ogujiba, a ThisDay senior reporter
and former editor with its Style magazine.
Many on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram have
condemned her as “aloof”, “detached”, “razz”, “lacking
in empathy”, “the spokesperson for Nigerian
patriarchy”, even “disgraceful”.
Some have said PulseNG, the online platform that
published the video interview “could have done better in
picking an interviewer for that story.”
YNaija can now exclusively report that Azuka was not
doing the interview on behalf of Pulse NG.
According to a source who is close to the journalist but
who spoke anonymously: “This was not a Pulse
interview at all o. Azuka had a pending interview with
Tiwa for about a month, but Tiwa had not found time to
do the interview. So immediately this Teebillz wahala
broke, Azuka went to Tiwa and said ‘oya let’s do the
interview.”
“She met this Pulse guys there,” corroborated a source
close to Tiwa.
“They had basically just camped at Tiwa’s house
begging her for an exclusive. When Tiwa decided to
give her interview to Azuka, they begged Azuka for the
rights to just record the interview with her.”
“Azuka is not a TV presenter, she didn’t prepare to do a
TV interview, she just came there to do her own work,
and so she won’t be accused of being selfish and not
helping a colleague, she allowed Pulse to record on
camera, while Tiwa got ready. That’s how the whole
world is killing her for being a bad TV presenter.”
In view of the whirlwind of criticism however, Ogujiuba,
a well-respected journalist, has been silent.
“She evidently thought it was best to act detached in the
interview since she is close to Tiwa and that backfired,”
her friend added.
“I believe it’s best for her to speak out in public and
clear the air, but Azuka no dey hear word. Knowing her,
she doesn’t give a damn.”
matter of ‘that lady that interviewed’ Tiwa Savage,
following the accusations of infidelity and neglect by
her husband, Tunji Balogun.
The lady is Azuka Ogujiba, a ThisDay senior reporter
and former editor with its Style magazine.
Many on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram have
condemned her as “aloof”, “detached”, “razz”, “lacking
in empathy”, “the spokesperson for Nigerian
patriarchy”, even “disgraceful”.
Some have said PulseNG, the online platform that
published the video interview “could have done better in
picking an interviewer for that story.”
YNaija can now exclusively report that Azuka was not
doing the interview on behalf of Pulse NG.
According to a source who is close to the journalist but
who spoke anonymously: “This was not a Pulse
interview at all o. Azuka had a pending interview with
Tiwa for about a month, but Tiwa had not found time to
do the interview. So immediately this Teebillz wahala
broke, Azuka went to Tiwa and said ‘oya let’s do the
interview.”
“She met this Pulse guys there,” corroborated a source
close to Tiwa.
“They had basically just camped at Tiwa’s house
begging her for an exclusive. When Tiwa decided to
give her interview to Azuka, they begged Azuka for the
rights to just record the interview with her.”
“Azuka is not a TV presenter, she didn’t prepare to do a
and so she won’t be accused of being selfish and not
helping a colleague, she allowed Pulse to record on
camera, while Tiwa got ready. That’s how the whole
world is killing her for being a bad TV presenter.”
In view of the whirlwind of criticism however, Ogujiuba,
a well-respected journalist, has been silent.
“She evidently thought it was best to act detached in the
interview since she is close to Tiwa and that backfired,”
her friend added.
“I believe it’s best for her to speak out in public and
clear the air, but Azuka no dey hear word. Knowing her,
she doesn’t give a damn.”
Tiwa Savage's interview With Pulse TV About Her Husband TeeBillz Breaks Youtube Fastest Video Records
Tiwa Savage broke Youtube records with her tell-all
interview on her marriage crisis to emerge one of the
fastest to reach 300,000 in 24 hours.
Released Friday, April 29 on the streaming site, the 45
minutes long video has been seen over 281,000 times
and is projected to reach 300,000 in the next few
minutes at its current virality rate
The emotional interview is believed to have been
conducted in her Richmond Gardens Home, Lekki by
Thisday senior journalist, Azuka Ogujuiba.
In the sensational interview, she stated emphatically
that her marriage to her former manager turned hubby
Tee Billz was effectively over and there was no going
back.
Tiwa went ahead to address allegations leveled against
her by her hubby in his now famous instagram post one
of which was infidelity. She went further to open a can
of worms about her hubby including his cocaine
addiction and N45 million debt mess among others.
interview on her marriage crisis to emerge one of the
fastest to reach 300,000 in 24 hours.
Released Friday, April 29 on the streaming site, the 45
minutes long video has been seen over 281,000 times
and is projected to reach 300,000 in the next few
minutes at its current virality rate
conducted in her Richmond Gardens Home, Lekki by
Thisday senior journalist, Azuka Ogujuiba.
In the sensational interview, she stated emphatically
that her marriage to her former manager turned hubby
Tee Billz was effectively over and there was no going
back.
Tiwa went ahead to address allegations leveled against
her by her hubby in his now famous instagram post one
of which was infidelity. She went further to open a can
of worms about her hubby including his cocaine
addiction and N45 million debt mess among others.
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