Thursday, 20 August 2015
On the controversy surrounding the appointment of Mrs. Amina Zakari as INEC Chairman
INEC is supposed to be an Independent Commission. By that, it means the body is expected to be an impartial. It must not be subjected to the either Executive or Legislature or the appointing authority. Therefore, the head of the commission should not in any way be related in anyway whatsoever to the appointing authority. Despite its seeming independence, there have been calls to grant it more independence or autonomy.
Since the appointment of Mrs. Amina Zakari as the acting chairman of the commission, there have been allegations that Amina Zakari is related to Buhari. Although she is said be be from Jigawa, nobody has refuted the allegation that her father the Late Emir of Kazaure got married to President Buhari's elder sister. In fact, it was also reported that Buhari spent his formative years with the former Emir of Kazaure. These allegations are in the public domain and nobody, not even the aides of the president who saw nothing wrong in responding to Nnamdi Kalu's (Radio Biafra) allegations, have deemed it fit to say something on this vexatious and controversial issues.
If something is not done about these allegations, and she is finally confirmed as the substantive chairman of INEC, tongues will wag and it won't be only by the 'wailing wailers'(whatever that means). It will raise eye brows. Even if the APC wins subsequent elections free and fair,questions will be asked on the impartiality of INEC. Chief Godsday Orubebe caused a commotion and confusion during the last election because he felt Professor Jega was biased. Why did Orubebe think like that? The answer is simple; Jega is a Northerner and the result was favouring a Northern candidate. A similar scenario may have played out if the INEC chairman was from the South-South, and the result favoured a candidate from there. Imagine the INEC chairman being related to the president either by blood or marriage? The Orubeberisation would be better imagined than experienced.
I agree with those who say she is competent. I have always advocated for competence. Hey, Amina Zakari is not the only competent one for the job. If we look deeply, we certainly will find some competent hands. The way Jega was found, another can be found. Mrs. Zakari can be given a position where she can be helpful and bring her competence to the fore; but for this INEC job, please let's have a rethink
Monday, 17 August 2015
CORRUPTION: BEFORE THE PROSECUTONS STARTS - by Frank Ijege
A few weeks ago, President Muhammadu Buhari promised Nigerians that the prosecution of those who have short-changed the country and have stolen our collective wealth will commence in a few days’ time. What the president didn’t tell us is how these suspects will be selected or which administration the searchlight will be beamed on or restricted to. Will the prosecution be restricted to the immediate past administration? Will it be extended to all the administrations from 1999? That remains to be seen.
In the past, there has been an attempt at prosecuting persons perceived to be corrupt. Sadly, most of those trials achieved little results. Very few of them were diligently prosecuted to a logical conclusion; while the convicted criminals were usually given a pat on the back through the judgment of the courts. Otherwise, how does one explain the short prison sentences handed down by the courts? Or the amounts the courts ask corrupt convicts to pay in lieu of a prison term, which is usually a far cry from the one embezzled or stolen?
The general feeling among Nigerians is that the current administration will be different in its fight against corruption. In fact, the anti-corruption posture of the president was what endeared him to Nigerians during the elections. Their expectations are therefore are very high. What then can the administration do to sustain and maintain the goodwill it currently enjoys?
In order to maintain and sustain the confidence of Nigerians, the fight against corruption should be whole. In fact, it must start from the president himself. The president should first prosecute all those around him who have eaten our yams. There are just too many of them around him. Anything short of this will ridicule the fight against corruption and will indeed be a sad reminder of the previous feeble and pretentious fight against the cankerworm that has eaten deep into the fabrics of our nation by past administrations.
In prosecuting corrupt individuals, the searchlight must go beyond the immediate past administration. From May 29th 1999 to May 29th 2015, there has been monumental embezzlement and the circulation of our collective patrimony by and among a selfish and greedy few. From 1960 to 1999, Nigeria reportedly lost $400 billion to corruption. Although there is no accurate figure, the county must have lost about $300 billion or more within the last sixteen years.
The prosecution of corrupt individuals should also not be limited to political office holders alone. Let it be total and wholesome. The system is in dire need of a complete overhaul. Everywhere one turns to in the country, corruption stares at him in the face. Serving and former politicians, contractors, public servants, civil servants and anybody who has illegally eaten our yams must return them. Every institution of government should be cleansed of this cancer called corruption.
We will be merely scratching the surface if we are focused on fighting corruption by prosecuting corrupt individuals alone without tackling the root causes. There are multiple reasons why corruption thrives in Nigeria. These are (but not limited to): poverty, poor remuneration, nepotism, lack of openness and transparency in government, the mentality of Nigerians that an opportunity to serve is an opportunity to grab their share of the national cake; weak institutions for fight corruption is a prominent reason. Lack of a speedy determination of corrupt cases is another reason why corruption continues to grow in Nigeria. These reasons must be tackled simultaneously with the trial and prosecution of people who have unjustly enriched themselves with the resources of Nigeria. Failure to do this, will ridicule the anti-corruption stance of the government. To curb corruption, we must cut it from its roots.
Let me hasten to add that the prosecution must not be selective or skewed to favour some people. Anybody found to be, or suspected to be corrupt should be made to face the law. Even those who have embarked on night pilgrimages to the State House should not be spared if their hands are not clean. God bless Nigeria.
Frank Ijege is a Human and Civil Rights Activist
frankijege@yahoo.com
Foijege on twitter
Friday, 14 August 2015
Adamawa To Spend N200 Million On Prayer Warriors, Vigilante To Curb Boko Haram - Premium Times
According to Premium Times, the Adamawa State Government on Friday announced that it had earmarked N200 million to engage prayer warriors to seek divine intervention toward ending the state’s lingering security challenges.
Abdurahman Jimeta, the Chief of Staff to the Adamawa governor disclosed this in a media chat aired on the Adamawa State Television, which was monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria in Yola.
Mr. Jimeta explained that the money was sourced from the state and local governments joint account.
“We have earmarked N200 million for prayers to seek for Allah’s intervention in tackling the Boko Haram menace and other insecurity challenges threatening the stability of the state,” Mr. Jimeta said.
He said that part of that money, which would be spent as security votes, would go into assisting local vigilance teams and security operatives.
On agriculture, he explained that the state government had ordered fertilisers worth over N3 billion for the 2015 farming season.
He called for massive support toward the success of government efforts for a peaceful and stable Adamawa, adding that not much could be achieved in an atmosphere of chaos.
Adamawa is one of the three states most ravaged by the Boko Haram insurgency which has caused the death of about 20,000 people since 2009.
Abdurahman Jimeta, the Chief of Staff to the Adamawa governor disclosed this in a media chat aired on the Adamawa State Television, which was monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria in Yola.
Mr. Jimeta explained that the money was sourced from the state and local governments joint account.
“We have earmarked N200 million for prayers to seek for Allah’s intervention in tackling the Boko Haram menace and other insecurity challenges threatening the stability of the state,” Mr. Jimeta said.
He said that part of that money, which would be spent as security votes, would go into assisting local vigilance teams and security operatives.
On agriculture, he explained that the state government had ordered fertilisers worth over N3 billion for the 2015 farming season.
He called for massive support toward the success of government efforts for a peaceful and stable Adamawa, adding that not much could be achieved in an atmosphere of chaos.
Adamawa is one of the three states most ravaged by the Boko Haram insurgency which has caused the death of about 20,000 people since 2009.
BSU medical student did not commit suicide - by Frank Ijege
Since the death of Idoko Nicholas, a 400 Level medical student of the College of Health Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi in a ghastly motor accident on Friday, July 24, there has been growing controversy surrounding his death and protests were held by his colleagues to show their discontent.
Nicholas has spent well over 10 years as a medical student in the university. That is the lot of all the medical students of that institution. Since the inception of medical studies, no student has graduated. Plans are only on the way to graduate the first set of students later this year. That will however be possible only when the final accreditation team pays a visit.
The policy in the college is that a student who fails an examination will have to re-sit such examination within three months. However, the new provost said the college does not have money to conduct such examinations within three months. It made it an annual exercise. Nicholas had issues with Pharmacology and Pathology. He wrote the exams a few weeks ago, and the result came out negative and was therefore withdrawn from studying medicine. After 10 years? It is frustrating!
Despite his seeming frustration, Nicholas remained his vivacious self. There was no dull moments when he was around, and he tried not to foul such atmosphere with his problems. That unfortunate day, he visited his friend and there was no sign he was going to die in few hours time. They joked, discussed and words of encouragement were shared. In fact, his friends mother called him (Nicholas) that day and encouraged him.
He made to leave, to go get something. His friend asked him to stay longer, but he insisted on leaving.
While on the International Market road in Makurdi, he tried to avoid a truck which was parked beside the road, and then the unfortunate happened. He was thrown out of his car through the windscreen.
I spoke several times yesterday with his friends and colleagues. One thing that featured in my conversation with them, is that Idoko Nicholas was not suicidal. He did NOT kill himself. The protest held on Friday and Saturday was aimed at bringing the plight of medical students to the fore, and not because Nicholas killed himself. Their protest paid off, as the Vice Chancellor has cancelled any form of withdrawal.
It is unfortunate Idoko Nicholas had to die for a new policy to be implemented. He was martyred for his colleagues in the medical school
Yes, Idoko was probably distracted by his problems while driving, but he Did NOT kill himself.
It shows lack of consideration for his grieving family and friends, if we continue to allude his death to suicide.
Finally, I urge the management of Benue State University to take issues affecting their students with the seriousness it deserves. Students of the medical school have all been making motion without movement. That is unfair. Let it do what is required to ensure medical students graduate and move on with life, instead of just keeping them there.
Frank Ijege
frankijege@yahoo.com
Nicholas has spent well over 10 years as a medical student in the university. That is the lot of all the medical students of that institution. Since the inception of medical studies, no student has graduated. Plans are only on the way to graduate the first set of students later this year. That will however be possible only when the final accreditation team pays a visit.
The policy in the college is that a student who fails an examination will have to re-sit such examination within three months. However, the new provost said the college does not have money to conduct such examinations within three months. It made it an annual exercise. Nicholas had issues with Pharmacology and Pathology. He wrote the exams a few weeks ago, and the result came out negative and was therefore withdrawn from studying medicine. After 10 years? It is frustrating!
Despite his seeming frustration, Nicholas remained his vivacious self. There was no dull moments when he was around, and he tried not to foul such atmosphere with his problems. That unfortunate day, he visited his friend and there was no sign he was going to die in few hours time. They joked, discussed and words of encouragement were shared. In fact, his friends mother called him (Nicholas) that day and encouraged him.
He made to leave, to go get something. His friend asked him to stay longer, but he insisted on leaving.
While on the International Market road in Makurdi, he tried to avoid a truck which was parked beside the road, and then the unfortunate happened. He was thrown out of his car through the windscreen.
I spoke several times yesterday with his friends and colleagues. One thing that featured in my conversation with them, is that Idoko Nicholas was not suicidal. He did NOT kill himself. The protest held on Friday and Saturday was aimed at bringing the plight of medical students to the fore, and not because Nicholas killed himself. Their protest paid off, as the Vice Chancellor has cancelled any form of withdrawal.
It is unfortunate Idoko Nicholas had to die for a new policy to be implemented. He was martyred for his colleagues in the medical school
Yes, Idoko was probably distracted by his problems while driving, but he Did NOT kill himself.
It shows lack of consideration for his grieving family and friends, if we continue to allude his death to suicide.
Finally, I urge the management of Benue State University to take issues affecting their students with the seriousness it deserves. Students of the medical school have all been making motion without movement. That is unfair. Let it do what is required to ensure medical students graduate and move on with life, instead of just keeping them there.
Frank Ijege
frankijege@yahoo.com
Wednesday, 12 August 2015
Prof Sagay's Anti-Corruption Committee: The Imperative of Engaging in Judicial Cleansing Before Combating Corruption By Kayode Ajulo
President Mohammadu Buhari in keeping faith with his promise to embark on an onslaught against corruption as key priority, named a Presidential Advisory Committee against Corruption headed by Professor Itse Sagay, a prominent professor of Law and civil rights activist.
The Committee’s brief is to advise the present administration on the prosecution of the war against corruption and the implementation of required reforms in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
I therefore as a legal practitioner and player on the political scene once again found it needful to add my observation on some of the key steps the committee should immediately embark on to clear Nigeria of corrupt tendencies.
Without much ado, the main clog in the progress of our nation, Nigeria is the dreaded monster, called corruption which with sense of responsibility is surmountable provided there is strong political will to achieve this.
In philosophical, theological, or moral discussions, corruption is the abuse of bestowed power or position to acquire a personal benefit. Corruption may include many activities including bribery and embezzlement. Government, or 'political', corruption occurs when an office-holder or other governmental employee acts in an official capacity for personal gain.
The word corrupt when used as an adjective literally means "utterly broken". The word was first used by Aristotle and later by Cicero who added the terms bribe and abandonment of good habits. Stephen D. Morris, a professor of politics, writes that political-corruption is the illegitimate use of public power to benefit a private interest. Buhari quest for change in power, education, economy sectors is possible once corruption is reduced.
President Buhari is today seen as anti-corruption crusader and the change he promised Nigeria is achievable provided corruption can be tamed across board.
Taming this monster may be difficult, but I believe that with Buhari's Executive synergy with the Judiciary the change is inevitably possible.
There should be a strict deterrent mechanism in our polity, once this takes root, corruption will be minimized. Today cases against corruption and allied offense go on endlessly without end, most unfortunate our lawyers, particularly senior lawyers with due respect have turned to 'charge and bail' lawyers, specializing only in moving bail applications!
Sadly, they now take advantage of the slow pace of dispensation of justice for granted by ensuring that their clients, the suspects avoid subsequent trial once they secure bail or reprieve.
With no intent to subject anyone to mockery or derision, I found it strange to see Femi Fani-Kayode's money laundering trial lingering for almost seven years, others are former Plateau state Governor Chief Joshua Dariye's case, Timipre Sylva former Bayelsa state Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, former Abia state Governor, Saminu Turaki, former Jigawa state Governor, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, former House of Reps Speaker, Dimeji Bankole, Peter Odili, former Rivers state Governor, Adamu Mu'azu former Bauchi state Govenor and PDP national Chairman. The list is endless.
To conclude criminal cases on time as against the present arrangement where it takes years to conclude such cases, the former and only female Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Aloma Mukhtar, GCON creditably initiated sweeping changes across the courts with the introduction of a model practice direction for all courts to fast-track trials of offences involving terrorism, rape, kidnapping, corruption, money laundering, human trafficking and related matters.
The former Chief Justice of Nigeria worried by this trend came out with a practice direction for our court which ensure quick dispensation of such sundry cases as corruption, terrorism, rape etc, in fact the practice direction directs that such case must be tried on daily bases as well as disallowing inteltocutory injunction during the trial.
Alas, today our courts have refused to follow the provision of the practice direction. It is therefore imperative that to win the war against corruption, dispensation of Justice has to be fast tracked.
It is rather unfortunate that some Judges insist that all cases must go through the pre-trial conference procedure including matters commenced by originating summons or under summary judgment procedure. Apart from this, the other cause of delay is frivolous applications usually filed by lawyers who know that their clients are not likely to win on the merit.
Once the application is refused, he proceeds to appeal and then file a Motion for stay of proceedings. There is a need for all the stakeholders that is the judges, lawyers, and litigants to recognise that justice delayed is justice denied. The government must create enabling environment for the judges to work and I think President Buhari will not treat this with kid's gloves.
I am also particular about Section 233 of the 1999 Constitution that deals with appellate jurisdictions of cases before the courts for adjudication. There are several cases that ought not to come to the Supreme Court and should have terminated at the Court of Appeal.
I also believe that there is need to shift emphasis from seniority to performance. Elevation to higher courts should be based on performance rather than seniority.
Recently, the Judiciary led by Chief Justice Aloma Mukhtar sidestepped the seniority culture usually observed in the appointment of judicial officers in Nigeria by appointing Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa as the first female President of the Court of Appeal.
Some judges cannot deliver three to four judgements in a year, there is no use keeping such Judges on the bench other than to be shown his or her way out.
Frankly speaking a cursory look at the reforms that is very critical to cleansing the Augean stable of the country shows that President Buhari and our Judiciary need not step outside the constitutional provisions governing the conduct of judiciary sector in administration of justice as all that is needed is introduction and amendment of existing policy guidelines being misappropriated or manipulated to perpetuate corruption.
In my candid opinion, judiciary should be overhauled to ensure, among others, swift dispensation of justice, a major prerequisite for the success of the administration’s pledge to tackle corruption.
As we all know the judiciary is faced with challenges ranging from autonomy, institutional defects, a faulty appointment process to poor funding.
There is also the problem of archaic laws and procedural rules, requiring prompt attention.
So much for Prof Sagay's Committee to do, if they truly want to advise the present administration on the prosecution of the war against corruption and the implementation of required reforms in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
Olukayode Ajulo is the
National Secretary, Labour Party & Founder/Chairman,
Egalitarian Mission for Africa,
Abuja-Nigeria
Friday, 8 May 2015
WHY GABRIEL SUSWAM MUST MOVE FROM GOVERNMENT HOUSE TO PRISON - by Frank Ijege
No evil is mourned when it is gone – William Shakespeare
As the handover date approaches, it is pertinent to write a score card of the out-going administrations in order to know those who have performed creditably well and also to bring those who have performed poorly to the fore, and also to make projection about where they will be heading to, after they have handed over to the incoming administration.
One of the governors who will be handing over on May 29th, 2015, is Dr. Gabriel Suswam. The last eight of Gabriel Suswam as governor of Benue State, has been one which the people of the state regret and will never forget in a hurry. Corruption, dishonesty, disregard for the people of Benue are common features of his administration. In fact, Benue State was run like a family business between the governor and his brother, Dr. Terkura Suswam (the self-acclaimed assistant governor).
The governor prides himself as Mr. Infrastructure, yet, when you pay a visit to the state, there is hardly any infrastructural development there. Infrastructure such as drainages could not be built by governor Suswam; one therefore wonders the yardstick he and his blind supporters use to describe him as ‘Mr. Infrastructure’. With the rainy season, most of the roads in Benue will be impassable due to flooding, farm produce become wasted because there are no roads to transport harvest to the market. This is a state where 95% of its citizens are farmers; little wonder there is massive poverty in the state.
In fairness to Suswam, he built the Faculty of Law Complex. Even in that project however, there is the issues of inflated cost, and the building is not up to the standard that was contained on paper. Apart from that building, there is absolutely no other concrete thing done by Mr. Suswam within the last eight years.
The educational sector has suffered immensely under Suswam’s administration. At some point, all arms in the educational sector were on strike for one reason or the other. Primary school teachers went on strike for close to nine months. The Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union COEASU) embarked on strike for about eight months. They called it off after they got tired of staying at home without any response from the state government. Right now, the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Benue State University Chapter has been on strike for more than two months, and there is no hope on when the strike would be called off.
Workers in the state have not been paid salaries for more than eight months. The state is at a stand-still, and the governor feels good about it. when the issues of salary payment is brought to the fore, the governor and his retinue of political aides who are feeding fat on the resources of the state will cry out that there is no money. What has been happening to the monthly allocations? The governor said the monthly allocation is just a paltry three billion naira. That is not true! From January – June 2014, the total money allocated to Benue State was N28.03 billion, which translates into about N4.7 billion every month! Where is the difference of N1.7 billion going into? In fact, if the total allocation in Benue State is added to other money he gets from other sources like the SURE-P, VAT, etc it gives an annual income of about N75 billion, amounting to an average of about N6 billion monthly. In July 2014 alone, the State got about N10 billion. How
much is the monthly wage bill of Benue State workers? First, the governor cut down salaries of workers by 15%, and then he graduated into owing them for several months. Can one be more wicked?
The governor spent billions of naira on the greater Makurdi water works project. Sadly, until this day, there is no running tap in Benue State. The people live and depend on well water. Those who can afford it, buy water from water vendors. This is the harsh condition the people of Benue State are exposed to. All the industries in the state have wound up since he came on board. The Taraku Oil Mills, Otobi Burn Bricks, Tomatoes Industry at Tarka and the Plastic Industry at the Industrial lay out Markurdi, are all in comatose. The impact these companies would have had on the economy of Benue State, and in the lives of the people are tremendous.
Under the Gabriel Suswam administration, the debt profile of Benue State has blossomed to an unprecedented level. In 2011, the governor secured a N13 billion bond; in 2014, the governor obtained another bond of N11 billion. With few months to the expiration of his tenure, the governor sought to obtain a bond of N6 billion, which was thankfully turned down by the House of Assembly (House of Assembly? What happened to them?). The maturity date of these bonds is long after the expiration of his tenure; a shrewd ploy to jeopardize the future of the state. The sad point is that these monies are not used in way that will enhance the lives of the people of Benue State. The people will therefore, be paying for what they have not benefited from. The State Inland Revenue Service is in the governor’s private pockets. He milks every dime obtained by that institution.
The major beneficiaries of the massive embezzlement going on in the state, are the cronies and close associates of the governor. They acquire choice properties both within and outside the state; almost all the lands in Benue State have been sold to either the governor or his crony. Some of the personal houses of his political associates have been bought over by government at three times the actual amount.
Also, during the build up to the election, the governor used billions of naira to convince the people of Kwande to give up their Senate (which was zoned to them) slot to him. According to him, he “loaned’ it from them. On the eve of the election, millions if not billions were distributed in order to get votes. On Election Day proper, money was shared massively. A government that has been unable to pay its workers for several months due to lack of money, suddenly sharing billions in order to win election?
With these monumental embezzlements by the Executive governor of Benue State, Dr. Gabriel Suswam, it will be unfair to the people of the state if he is allowed to spend his retirement spending the money he has embezzled from the state. An investigation into his administration should be conducted and where he is found wanting, he should be called upon to explain his role in the monumental fraud carried out under his watch; and where he fails to do this satisfactorily, he should be tried and if found guilty, sentenced according.
With barely three weeks to the handover date, the governor is busy employing workers. What he hopes to achieve with this, remains to be seen. One expects the outgoing government to keep itself busy with preparing handover notes, and not issuing out employment letters to people; people he denied jobs for the past eight years. The incoming government must however, not fall for the trap and the people must see through this gimmick.
The general apathy by the people of the state must change. A situation where the people fail to monitor every dime that government gets and spends is the reason for the massive looting and embezzlement by elected officials. As things stand today, the people of Benue State regret voting for Gabriel Suswam as their governor. In fact, the few days left to handing over is too far to most of them. The exit of Suswam from the political scene is good riddance as far as the people of Benue State are concerned.
As a new regime comes on board in May 29th 2015, the people must follow this government bumper to bumper and ensure it doesn’t commit the same mistakes. Dr. Samuel Ortom must know that he has a big job on his hands. As for Gabriel Suswam, a space in prison is certainly waiting for him.
frankijege@yahoo.com
foijege on twitter
As the handover date approaches, it is pertinent to write a score card of the out-going administrations in order to know those who have performed creditably well and also to bring those who have performed poorly to the fore, and also to make projection about where they will be heading to, after they have handed over to the incoming administration.
One of the governors who will be handing over on May 29th, 2015, is Dr. Gabriel Suswam. The last eight of Gabriel Suswam as governor of Benue State, has been one which the people of the state regret and will never forget in a hurry. Corruption, dishonesty, disregard for the people of Benue are common features of his administration. In fact, Benue State was run like a family business between the governor and his brother, Dr. Terkura Suswam (the self-acclaimed assistant governor).
The governor prides himself as Mr. Infrastructure, yet, when you pay a visit to the state, there is hardly any infrastructural development there. Infrastructure such as drainages could not be built by governor Suswam; one therefore wonders the yardstick he and his blind supporters use to describe him as ‘Mr. Infrastructure’. With the rainy season, most of the roads in Benue will be impassable due to flooding, farm produce become wasted because there are no roads to transport harvest to the market. This is a state where 95% of its citizens are farmers; little wonder there is massive poverty in the state.
In fairness to Suswam, he built the Faculty of Law Complex. Even in that project however, there is the issues of inflated cost, and the building is not up to the standard that was contained on paper. Apart from that building, there is absolutely no other concrete thing done by Mr. Suswam within the last eight years.
The educational sector has suffered immensely under Suswam’s administration. At some point, all arms in the educational sector were on strike for one reason or the other. Primary school teachers went on strike for close to nine months. The Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union COEASU) embarked on strike for about eight months. They called it off after they got tired of staying at home without any response from the state government. Right now, the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Benue State University Chapter has been on strike for more than two months, and there is no hope on when the strike would be called off.
Workers in the state have not been paid salaries for more than eight months. The state is at a stand-still, and the governor feels good about it. when the issues of salary payment is brought to the fore, the governor and his retinue of political aides who are feeding fat on the resources of the state will cry out that there is no money. What has been happening to the monthly allocations? The governor said the monthly allocation is just a paltry three billion naira. That is not true! From January – June 2014, the total money allocated to Benue State was N28.03 billion, which translates into about N4.7 billion every month! Where is the difference of N1.7 billion going into? In fact, if the total allocation in Benue State is added to other money he gets from other sources like the SURE-P, VAT, etc it gives an annual income of about N75 billion, amounting to an average of about N6 billion monthly. In July 2014 alone, the State got about N10 billion. How
much is the monthly wage bill of Benue State workers? First, the governor cut down salaries of workers by 15%, and then he graduated into owing them for several months. Can one be more wicked?
The governor spent billions of naira on the greater Makurdi water works project. Sadly, until this day, there is no running tap in Benue State. The people live and depend on well water. Those who can afford it, buy water from water vendors. This is the harsh condition the people of Benue State are exposed to. All the industries in the state have wound up since he came on board. The Taraku Oil Mills, Otobi Burn Bricks, Tomatoes Industry at Tarka and the Plastic Industry at the Industrial lay out Markurdi, are all in comatose. The impact these companies would have had on the economy of Benue State, and in the lives of the people are tremendous.
Under the Gabriel Suswam administration, the debt profile of Benue State has blossomed to an unprecedented level. In 2011, the governor secured a N13 billion bond; in 2014, the governor obtained another bond of N11 billion. With few months to the expiration of his tenure, the governor sought to obtain a bond of N6 billion, which was thankfully turned down by the House of Assembly (House of Assembly? What happened to them?). The maturity date of these bonds is long after the expiration of his tenure; a shrewd ploy to jeopardize the future of the state. The sad point is that these monies are not used in way that will enhance the lives of the people of Benue State. The people will therefore, be paying for what they have not benefited from. The State Inland Revenue Service is in the governor’s private pockets. He milks every dime obtained by that institution.
The major beneficiaries of the massive embezzlement going on in the state, are the cronies and close associates of the governor. They acquire choice properties both within and outside the state; almost all the lands in Benue State have been sold to either the governor or his crony. Some of the personal houses of his political associates have been bought over by government at three times the actual amount.
Also, during the build up to the election, the governor used billions of naira to convince the people of Kwande to give up their Senate (which was zoned to them) slot to him. According to him, he “loaned’ it from them. On the eve of the election, millions if not billions were distributed in order to get votes. On Election Day proper, money was shared massively. A government that has been unable to pay its workers for several months due to lack of money, suddenly sharing billions in order to win election?
With these monumental embezzlements by the Executive governor of Benue State, Dr. Gabriel Suswam, it will be unfair to the people of the state if he is allowed to spend his retirement spending the money he has embezzled from the state. An investigation into his administration should be conducted and where he is found wanting, he should be called upon to explain his role in the monumental fraud carried out under his watch; and where he fails to do this satisfactorily, he should be tried and if found guilty, sentenced according.
With barely three weeks to the handover date, the governor is busy employing workers. What he hopes to achieve with this, remains to be seen. One expects the outgoing government to keep itself busy with preparing handover notes, and not issuing out employment letters to people; people he denied jobs for the past eight years. The incoming government must however, not fall for the trap and the people must see through this gimmick.
The general apathy by the people of the state must change. A situation where the people fail to monitor every dime that government gets and spends is the reason for the massive looting and embezzlement by elected officials. As things stand today, the people of Benue State regret voting for Gabriel Suswam as their governor. In fact, the few days left to handing over is too far to most of them. The exit of Suswam from the political scene is good riddance as far as the people of Benue State are concerned.
As a new regime comes on board in May 29th 2015, the people must follow this government bumper to bumper and ensure it doesn’t commit the same mistakes. Dr. Samuel Ortom must know that he has a big job on his hands. As for Gabriel Suswam, a space in prison is certainly waiting for him.
frankijege@yahoo.com
foijege on twitter
Thursday, 30 April 2015
WORKERS’ DAY: AT LEAST I’M A WORKER, ARE YOU?
A story is told of a young boy who decided to work in order to keep himself busy after graduating from secondary school. He applied to several places and was turned down because he lacks the requisite working experience. Luck finally shined on him or so thought, as he was called for an interview. During the interview, it was discovered that he is without experience. However, his zeal to work earned him the compassion of his employer. He was offered the job; however, terms of remunerations and working condition were not discussed. Happy that he has finally been accepted, he didn’t bother to ask how much he will be paid. He thus, started work in earnest.
Days went by and he kept working. In order to encourage him to keep coming, his employer promised to “give him something”. Days turned into months, months turned into several months and this chap was still not paid. Worried that their friend was been exploited, his friends called him and tried to talk ‘sense’ into him; he rebuffed them and told them at least I’m working, are you?
The story of this boy reflects the plight of most workers’ in Nigeria. In virtually all sectors, poor working conditions abound. People are exposed to harsh working conditions; workers are barely respected and are rarely catered for. The Nigerian worker is without dignity; yet, they are encouraged to keep expending energy all in the name of there is dignity in labour.
Worse, is the fact that the take home pay workers get at the end of the month hardly takes them home. For all the labour and energy invested, workers are given pittance as salary at the end of the month. What workers get as salary is a far cry when compared with what politicians get. Politicians are paid heavily for doing nothing, while the worker gets peanuts for doing all the work. As if this is not enough, they are owed for several months. The same politicians, who cannot stomach any delay in their salaries and entitlements, end up owing workers for several months. This is totally unfair!
A peep into some states in the country, reveal that workers are being owed for close to a year! The question that begs the answer is, are the governors and the retinue of aides also being owed? If by chance the answer is in the negative, why then is it different with the poor government worker? These workers’ have family and have bills to pay. As they are not getting any salary, has anybody ever wondered how they are coping and surviving? Little wonder most of them have been forced to an early grave because of one illness or the other (both natural and artificial). Some have been forced into some illegal deals and transaction because man must chop. Others have tried to lead decent lives despite the huge temptations that hover around. Yet, they are not being encouraged.
The exploitation of workers’ is not restricted to the government or public sector alone. In fact, the private sector is worse than the public sector. The experience of workers in the private sector is saddening and horrendous. Business proprietors are only concerned with the continuity and progress of their businesses, rather than for the welfare of their workers who toil endlessly to keep it going concern. Their salary at the end of the month is hardly commensurate with the level of the work done and energy invested. Workers’ barely have security of tenure; security of tenure for workers’ is usually at the pleasure of he who hires. Another unfortunate thing is that they are hardly remembered after they have duly served and have retired. Sorry tales about the condition of retirees and pensioners abound.
This must change. Workers represent the heart beat of a country, state or organisation. Workers play a significant role and must therefore, be given their deserved respect! They are like the Ostrich that lay the golden egg. They should therefore occupy an enviable position in the minds of their employer. The continuous disregard for workers must stop. Labour Unions have a big role to play in ensuring that workers occupy a big position in the scheme of things. Sadly, the Labour Congress is currently experiencing an internal tussle for power, caused by elections conducted to elect their leaders. One wonders how a divided labour union can solidly and effectively push and ensure the interested of workers are guaranteed and protected.
Where the labour unions have failed, workers must not fail themselves. They must continue to be gently obstinate to ensure that their silent murmurings are heard. One individual can set the stage for better pay, work condition, and greater respect for workers; thus, changing the traumatizing and shameful condition of workers.
1st May, was originally set aside as the International workers Day in order to commemorate the 4th May, 1886 Haymarket Affair in Chicago, where the police fired into a protesting crowd of workers, during a strike for the eight-hour workday, killing four workers. Sadly, the yearly celebrations have turned into a mere yearly jamboree where nothing changes about the condition of worker. Nothing is done, and nothing is said. Most workers have resigned to fate, they believe only destiny will change their deplorable working conditions. Some of them choose to work harder, so that they can climb the ladder. As an observer, do not draw a worker’s attention to his condition, except if you have an answer to this question, at least I’m a worker, are you?
Frank Ijege
frankijege@yahoo.com
foijege on twitter
Days went by and he kept working. In order to encourage him to keep coming, his employer promised to “give him something”. Days turned into months, months turned into several months and this chap was still not paid. Worried that their friend was been exploited, his friends called him and tried to talk ‘sense’ into him; he rebuffed them and told them at least I’m working, are you?
The story of this boy reflects the plight of most workers’ in Nigeria. In virtually all sectors, poor working conditions abound. People are exposed to harsh working conditions; workers are barely respected and are rarely catered for. The Nigerian worker is without dignity; yet, they are encouraged to keep expending energy all in the name of there is dignity in labour.
Worse, is the fact that the take home pay workers get at the end of the month hardly takes them home. For all the labour and energy invested, workers are given pittance as salary at the end of the month. What workers get as salary is a far cry when compared with what politicians get. Politicians are paid heavily for doing nothing, while the worker gets peanuts for doing all the work. As if this is not enough, they are owed for several months. The same politicians, who cannot stomach any delay in their salaries and entitlements, end up owing workers for several months. This is totally unfair!
A peep into some states in the country, reveal that workers are being owed for close to a year! The question that begs the answer is, are the governors and the retinue of aides also being owed? If by chance the answer is in the negative, why then is it different with the poor government worker? These workers’ have family and have bills to pay. As they are not getting any salary, has anybody ever wondered how they are coping and surviving? Little wonder most of them have been forced to an early grave because of one illness or the other (both natural and artificial). Some have been forced into some illegal deals and transaction because man must chop. Others have tried to lead decent lives despite the huge temptations that hover around. Yet, they are not being encouraged.
The exploitation of workers’ is not restricted to the government or public sector alone. In fact, the private sector is worse than the public sector. The experience of workers in the private sector is saddening and horrendous. Business proprietors are only concerned with the continuity and progress of their businesses, rather than for the welfare of their workers who toil endlessly to keep it going concern. Their salary at the end of the month is hardly commensurate with the level of the work done and energy invested. Workers’ barely have security of tenure; security of tenure for workers’ is usually at the pleasure of he who hires. Another unfortunate thing is that they are hardly remembered after they have duly served and have retired. Sorry tales about the condition of retirees and pensioners abound.
This must change. Workers represent the heart beat of a country, state or organisation. Workers play a significant role and must therefore, be given their deserved respect! They are like the Ostrich that lay the golden egg. They should therefore occupy an enviable position in the minds of their employer. The continuous disregard for workers must stop. Labour Unions have a big role to play in ensuring that workers occupy a big position in the scheme of things. Sadly, the Labour Congress is currently experiencing an internal tussle for power, caused by elections conducted to elect their leaders. One wonders how a divided labour union can solidly and effectively push and ensure the interested of workers are guaranteed and protected.
Where the labour unions have failed, workers must not fail themselves. They must continue to be gently obstinate to ensure that their silent murmurings are heard. One individual can set the stage for better pay, work condition, and greater respect for workers; thus, changing the traumatizing and shameful condition of workers.
1st May, was originally set aside as the International workers Day in order to commemorate the 4th May, 1886 Haymarket Affair in Chicago, where the police fired into a protesting crowd of workers, during a strike for the eight-hour workday, killing four workers. Sadly, the yearly celebrations have turned into a mere yearly jamboree where nothing changes about the condition of worker. Nothing is done, and nothing is said. Most workers have resigned to fate, they believe only destiny will change their deplorable working conditions. Some of them choose to work harder, so that they can climb the ladder. As an observer, do not draw a worker’s attention to his condition, except if you have an answer to this question, at least I’m a worker, are you?
Frank Ijege
frankijege@yahoo.com
foijege on twitter
Wednesday, 29 April 2015
PRESSING ISSUES THAT GEN. MUHAMMADU BUHARI NEEDS TACKLE
Let me use the opportunity to congratulate the president elect on his recent victory at the poll. His tenacity and perseverance has indeed paid off; his victory it is hoped, will indeed offer Nigerians the opportunity to enjoy his robust programmes, which he has over the years sought to implement if given the opportunity to govern the country. Thank God that opportunity has finally presented itself.
This piece is the first out of four series which will run within the next four weeks. It covers fundamental problems in our national life; which therefore, becomes necessary to draw the attention of the incoming government to, so that as soon as it takes over in May, it will hit the ground running. This particular piece is focused on the power sector. Other areas will be discussed in the ensuing weeks.
Power, plays a fundamental role in the life of every nation. Due to its importance, countries of the world invest heavily in the sector. According to a 2012 report, countries like Uruguay, Mauritius, Costa Rica and South Africa, were the largest investors in renewable energy. South Africa generates close to 40,000 MW, 98% of which is from coal. In Mauritius, a workable plan between the government have seen the Island enjoying stable electricity. In 2013, 2575 MW was generated, representing an increase of 3.2% when compared with the year 2012. The country’s electricity consumption for that period was less than 1000 MW. 80% of the electricity in Mauritius is generated from thermal plants, while the remaining 20% is from hydro-power. The government has a fifteen year plan, which hopes to see power generation increase steadily. In Uruguay, power generation has increased from 2500 MW to 2900 MW, between 2009 and 2013. 63% of the generated electricity is derived from hydro-power. These are countries that have invested greatly in the power sector, and they have been reaping the benefits that come with stable electricity.
The benefits enjoyed by the citizens of the aforementioned countries are enormous. Industrial activities thrive, small businesses crop up, as stable and reliable electricity reduces operational cost. People and organizations are saved the burden of investing in costly backups. Through stable power generation, the citizens are gainfully employed and engaged, which translates into few people engaging in anti-social activities.
In Nigeria however, the opposite is the case. Electricity generation is at a disappointing level. Despite the huge investment in the sector, darkness remains prevalent in the country. Corruption has destroyed the power sector; the high level of corruption in the power sector, makes a ridicule of the huge investments in the sector. For instance, according to a 2013 report, the government of Nigeria has invested $31.45 billion, from 1999 to 2013, and all that was generated within that fourteen year period is just 2500 MW; thus taking the total electricity generation in Nigeria to around 4500 MW. This is a far cry when compared with the output by other countries within the same fourteen year period. Brazil invested $58 billion in its power sector within a fourteen between 1994 and 2008, while its power generation is about 100,000 MW! With the amount invested in the sector thus far, Nigeria and Nigerians deserve more in terms of power generation.
The effect of this poor power generation is already being felt by the people. A lot of industries have folded up, small business have equally been flushed away. Others have resorted to artificial backup systems, which translates into high operating costs, which are transferred onto the citizens. Businesses must make profit despite the huge cost of doing business. Due to the high cost of doing business in Nigeria, most business have moved to other African countries that have over the years ensure a steady electricity supply for their people. This diminishes our self-acclaimed status of being the giant of Africa. A giant that cannot cater for his subordinates is worse than a weakling. Our people are insulted and killed in small countries of the world due to the persistent failure of our leaders in providing the basic essentials of living.
The incoming government therefore, has a job to do; and it must start with the power sector. That it must provide stable electricity for Nigerians is non-negotiable. It must show us that it is different and must get things right. One expects a complete overhaul of the entire sector, and putting mechanisms in place in order to get the desired results. A situation where billions of naira is invested with little result to show for it must stop. The privatization of the sector has yielded little or no result. Nigerians are paying more for electricity they hardly use or consume. This must change!
There should also be a diversification of the means of power generation. The countries mentioned above do not have oil. Yet, they have been able to provide a steady power for their people. It is therefore shameful that despite the huge deposit of resources in Nigeria, the country is still lagging behind in terms of electricity generation.
The Buhari administration must put an end to this shame. It is hoped it would achieve this through hydro-power generation and a revisit to coal. All the private industries hoping to invest in the sector should be made to come up with a plan on how it intends to explore on other source of power generation, rather than the unwholesome dependence on fuel. Also, investments in that sector must also be monitored in order to ensure that every dime budgeted to be spent is not only spent but spent appropriately. His administration must restore the dignity of government and the status of Nigeria in not just Africa, but in the entire world. The expectations are high; he must therefore, strive to meet these expectations
I pray that Nigeria witnesses a new birth in the power sector, as we embark on another four years democratic experience under Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.
To be continued…
Frank Ijege
frankijege@yahoo.com
@foijege on twitter
This piece is the first out of four series which will run within the next four weeks. It covers fundamental problems in our national life; which therefore, becomes necessary to draw the attention of the incoming government to, so that as soon as it takes over in May, it will hit the ground running. This particular piece is focused on the power sector. Other areas will be discussed in the ensuing weeks.
Power, plays a fundamental role in the life of every nation. Due to its importance, countries of the world invest heavily in the sector. According to a 2012 report, countries like Uruguay, Mauritius, Costa Rica and South Africa, were the largest investors in renewable energy. South Africa generates close to 40,000 MW, 98% of which is from coal. In Mauritius, a workable plan between the government have seen the Island enjoying stable electricity. In 2013, 2575 MW was generated, representing an increase of 3.2% when compared with the year 2012. The country’s electricity consumption for that period was less than 1000 MW. 80% of the electricity in Mauritius is generated from thermal plants, while the remaining 20% is from hydro-power. The government has a fifteen year plan, which hopes to see power generation increase steadily. In Uruguay, power generation has increased from 2500 MW to 2900 MW, between 2009 and 2013. 63% of the generated electricity is derived from hydro-power. These are countries that have invested greatly in the power sector, and they have been reaping the benefits that come with stable electricity.
The benefits enjoyed by the citizens of the aforementioned countries are enormous. Industrial activities thrive, small businesses crop up, as stable and reliable electricity reduces operational cost. People and organizations are saved the burden of investing in costly backups. Through stable power generation, the citizens are gainfully employed and engaged, which translates into few people engaging in anti-social activities.
In Nigeria however, the opposite is the case. Electricity generation is at a disappointing level. Despite the huge investment in the sector, darkness remains prevalent in the country. Corruption has destroyed the power sector; the high level of corruption in the power sector, makes a ridicule of the huge investments in the sector. For instance, according to a 2013 report, the government of Nigeria has invested $31.45 billion, from 1999 to 2013, and all that was generated within that fourteen year period is just 2500 MW; thus taking the total electricity generation in Nigeria to around 4500 MW. This is a far cry when compared with the output by other countries within the same fourteen year period. Brazil invested $58 billion in its power sector within a fourteen between 1994 and 2008, while its power generation is about 100,000 MW! With the amount invested in the sector thus far, Nigeria and Nigerians deserve more in terms of power generation.
The effect of this poor power generation is already being felt by the people. A lot of industries have folded up, small business have equally been flushed away. Others have resorted to artificial backup systems, which translates into high operating costs, which are transferred onto the citizens. Businesses must make profit despite the huge cost of doing business. Due to the high cost of doing business in Nigeria, most business have moved to other African countries that have over the years ensure a steady electricity supply for their people. This diminishes our self-acclaimed status of being the giant of Africa. A giant that cannot cater for his subordinates is worse than a weakling. Our people are insulted and killed in small countries of the world due to the persistent failure of our leaders in providing the basic essentials of living.
The incoming government therefore, has a job to do; and it must start with the power sector. That it must provide stable electricity for Nigerians is non-negotiable. It must show us that it is different and must get things right. One expects a complete overhaul of the entire sector, and putting mechanisms in place in order to get the desired results. A situation where billions of naira is invested with little result to show for it must stop. The privatization of the sector has yielded little or no result. Nigerians are paying more for electricity they hardly use or consume. This must change!
There should also be a diversification of the means of power generation. The countries mentioned above do not have oil. Yet, they have been able to provide a steady power for their people. It is therefore shameful that despite the huge deposit of resources in Nigeria, the country is still lagging behind in terms of electricity generation.
The Buhari administration must put an end to this shame. It is hoped it would achieve this through hydro-power generation and a revisit to coal. All the private industries hoping to invest in the sector should be made to come up with a plan on how it intends to explore on other source of power generation, rather than the unwholesome dependence on fuel. Also, investments in that sector must also be monitored in order to ensure that every dime budgeted to be spent is not only spent but spent appropriately. His administration must restore the dignity of government and the status of Nigeria in not just Africa, but in the entire world. The expectations are high; he must therefore, strive to meet these expectations
I pray that Nigeria witnesses a new birth in the power sector, as we embark on another four years democratic experience under Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.
To be continued…
Frank Ijege
frankijege@yahoo.com
@foijege on twitter
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