THE book of John 1: 45 -47 where Jesus called Philip and Nathaniel
ia a fascination as Nigerians continue to ponder over the massive
looting of the nation’s common heritage by politically exposed
persons. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s Investigations
into the Office of the National Security Adviser to former President
Goodluck Jonathan has revealed a can of worms beyond the $2.1 billion
that one office alone misappropriated.
Nigerians are still wondering how other offices such as the Oil and
Gas industry, the Nigerian Ports Authority, the Federal Island Revenue
Service would have been operated during the 16 years reign of the
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Many Nigerians and friends of Nigeria
believe that the problem of the country is corruption and they are all
dead right! If corruption is brought down by 60 percent, then Nigeria
would be a better place.
Today, much of the nation’s fortunes are in the hands of very few
people who are politically exposed or their cronies. People who have
amassed stupendous wealth from our common patrimony for their personal
enrichment. I am tempted to begin to find a leeway out of the current
war on graft from the scriptures and of course, as it is often said,
the scriptures can never lie. According to John 1: 45-47, Philip found
Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law
and also the Prophets wrote— Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”
Nathanael said to him, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Philip
said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and
said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!”…
It is important to understand why my going scriptural in this
treatise. This tendency is nothing new; it went on in first century
Israel as well. People would be judged based on whether they grew up in
Judea, Samaria, or Galilee (cf. Acts 2:7), whether in more urbanized
areas or more rural areas. And, then as now, the more remote and less
urban the location, the more likely people were to look down on those
who came from there.
So it is with Nazareth in Galilee. Galilee itself was seen as remote,
away from the epicenter of Judaism in Jerusalem, not known for
erudition or much civilization. Within Galilee itself, Nazareth barely
registers, receiving no mention from Jewish sources before the third
century of our era. This insignificance led some skeptics to doubt
whether Nazareth existed at all in the first century CE, but
archaeological evidence does indicate the place was inhabited. It is now
believed that Nazareth was a village of no more than 500 in the days
when Jesus grew up there. Nazareth is about 16 miles southwest of the
Sea of Galilee; it is not near the Mediterranean Sea and would not be on
a lot of travel routes. It is evident why Nazareth would easily be
despised in the eyes of others: it is in the backwoods or out in the
sticks, a small village. In the eyes of more educated and urban Jews,
the Nazarenes would have been judged as ignorant at best and perhaps as
simple-minded sinners at worst.
As a member of the All Progressives Congress, I have always kicked
the ass of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) because of their childish
and alarmist form of opposition. But for the very first time, like it
was in Galilee and Judea, I see sense in the position canvassed by the
PDP. Recently, The leadership of the party reiterated its support for
an honest, holistic and total war against corruption and demanded the
trial and prosecution of all those involved, including those who may
have returned ‘loots’ to the government. The party called for the
establishment of a National Truth Commission to receive loot from all
those who emptied the nation’s treasury. It also said they are
completely against any one-sided public trial and mob conviction of
accused persons without following the age-long and worldwide legal
process wherein all accused persons are presumed innocent until the
contrary is lawfully proved and I completely agree with them. In my
considered opinion, something good has, for once come out from the PDP.
I fully subscribe to the call for the setting up of a National Truth
Commission as a more holistic way to tackle the mind-boggling corruption
that has destroyed Nigeria and its image for a couple of reasons.
The National Truth Commission if constituted would set a timeline
and a deadline for all those who looted the nation’s treasury to return
all what they looted, which from all estimations, run into hundreds of
billions of dollars, amount enough to repair the country within the next
ten years. All those who will respond within the timeline would be
pardoned and advised to go and sin no more.
At the expiration of the deadline, which will be about three months
period, and may be a grace period of two weeks, all those who refuse to
return their loot should then be traced, tracked and made to face the
full weight of the law irrespective of whatever office they occupy in
the land, irrespective of their status, and irrespective of their
political or ethnic leaning. They should be made on final conviction,
perhaps at the supreme court to forfeit all their loot and proceeds of
their criminal actions and be given the maximum jail sentence to deter
future political leaders from corruption.
A a non-partisan approach must be adopted to deal with corruption
in the land. It is an imperative for President Buhari to constitute the
National truth commission to be made up of Nigerians of impeccable
character to take on this important national task.
Depending solely on our cumbersome legal processes and criminal
justice system will not be sufficient to tackle the problem of
corruption in the land.
The suggestion of a national truth commission provides a veritable alternative to our long, and arduous criminal justice system.
Finally, the EFCC, ICCP and other anti-graft institutions need to be
strengthened urgently to ensure more credible investigations and
prosecution of suspects who would not want to take advantage of the
truth commission to return their loot for national development.
Dan Owegie is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Edo State.
Wednesday, 23 December 2015
Nigeria’s first ever stage musical, Kakadu returns to Lagos
Internationally acclaimed Stage musical, Kakadu will be showing in
Lagos this holiday season. It will be showing at the Agip Recital hall,
Muson center on the 29th and 30th 2015, and from the 1st to the 3rd of
January 2016.
Kakadu the Musical shares the story of a famous Lagos nightclub in the sixties as a backdrop for an era, which brought about wonderful music and the distinctive social life that followed the birthing of a young nation.
Written
and produced by Uche Nwokedi SAN, the aspiring and intimate play tells,
the story of Nigeria as a country on stage and in motion. It shares the
story of Love, friendship and survival in spite of the way society
discriminates against background and tribe.
Running for the 12th time since inception in 2013, Kakadu the Musical introduces a practically brand new cast, some of who are Young and new acts.
Kakadu the musical which, is internationally acclaimed, has become Nigeria’s major export of creative arts as the stage musical represented Nigeria at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland in 2014.
Kakadu has received awards like “Most Outstanding Total Stage Performance for 2013 and it was
Voted No 1 on Top 5 countdown of the most outstanding plays.” On Jara, a popular M-net Magazine programme.
The 39- Man cast will feature appearances from Notable faces like Benneth Ogbeiwi, Kemi-lala Akindoju, Nobert Young, Tina Mba and others.
Kakadu the Musical shares the story of a famous Lagos nightclub in the sixties as a backdrop for an era, which brought about wonderful music and the distinctive social life that followed the birthing of a young nation.
Written
and produced by Uche Nwokedi SAN, the aspiring and intimate play tells,
the story of Nigeria as a country on stage and in motion. It shares the
story of Love, friendship and survival in spite of the way society
discriminates against background and tribe.Running for the 12th time since inception in 2013, Kakadu the Musical introduces a practically brand new cast, some of who are Young and new acts.
Kakadu the musical which, is internationally acclaimed, has become Nigeria’s major export of creative arts as the stage musical represented Nigeria at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland in 2014.
Kakadu has received awards like “Most Outstanding Total Stage Performance for 2013 and it was
Voted No 1 on Top 5 countdown of the most outstanding plays.” On Jara, a popular M-net Magazine programme.
The 39- Man cast will feature appearances from Notable faces like Benneth Ogbeiwi, Kemi-lala Akindoju, Nobert Young, Tina Mba and others.
Lagos lawyer’s secretary bolts with N118,000
A Lagos lawyer’s secretary, Gbenga Akindele, who allegedly bolted with his employer’s N118, 000, was on Wednesday charged before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.
The 21-year-old, who lives at Agege in Lagos, is facing a charge of stealing.
According to the prosecutor, Insp. Ezekiel Ayorinde, the accused committed the offence on Dec. 17 at Tabon-Tabon in Agege.
He said Akindele, who was working as the secretary in the chambers of Mr Rotimi Akomolafe, was asked to pay some money into his employer’s account at First Bank but converted the money to personal use.
“Gbenga was sent to make payment of N79, 000 and N39, 000 into two different accounts at First Bank belonging to Akomolafe and Oluwakemi Adeniyi.
“He, however, converted the money to personal use,” Ayorinde said.
The offence violated Section 278 (f) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The accused pleaded not guilty.
Ruling on the bail application of the accused, the Magistrate, Mrs O.J. Awope, granted him bail in the sum of N50, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
The case was adjourned to Jan. 13, 2016 for mention.
According to the prosecutor, Insp. Ezekiel Ayorinde, the accused committed the offence on Dec. 17 at Tabon-Tabon in Agege.
He said Akindele, who was working as the secretary in the chambers of Mr Rotimi Akomolafe, was asked to pay some money into his employer’s account at First Bank but converted the money to personal use.
“Gbenga was sent to make payment of N79, 000 and N39, 000 into two different accounts at First Bank belonging to Akomolafe and Oluwakemi Adeniyi.
“He, however, converted the money to personal use,” Ayorinde said.
The offence violated Section 278 (f) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The accused pleaded not guilty.
Ruling on the bail application of the accused, the Magistrate, Mrs O.J. Awope, granted him bail in the sum of N50, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
The case was adjourned to Jan. 13, 2016 for mention.
Nigeria triples investment in 2016 budget
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari unveiled Tuesday a budget that triples investment spending in a bid to stimulate growth and lower the dependence of Africa’s largest economy on oil.
5 things Nigerian girls want for Christmas
Black girls are often regarded as the most beautiful and
intelligent group of women in the world. Although every lady has a
unique taste, there are certain things each one of them crave and will
not hesitate to include on their secret Santa list. Jovago.com, Africa’s No. 1 online hotel booking portal has
put together a list items Nigerian girls want for Christmas in the hope
that you get the clue and have a couple of laughs as you read on.
A great food processor
Although many comedians and tabloids have tried to portray
Nigerian girls as fast-food lovers, the truth is that they love to
cook!
With the modern technology making cooking easier and
faster, the average Nigerian girl has a food machine on their ‘Santa’s
list’. Get her a food processor with several blades and functions, and
you are on your way to stealing her heart.
Husband
This applies to the single girl. African women are raised
to be homely and family-oriented, and so a majority of them who are
above 25 and yet unmarried have the intense longing for a husband with
whom they can start a family with.
While most of them will never admit it, a glance on their
wishlist will reveal snagging a “husband” as Number 1. If you are dating
a Nigerian girl, this Christmas might just be the best time to propose
to her, that way you help both Santa and yourself. Also, if you are a
single brother, ready for marriage and searching for your ‘missing
rib’…go find a sister and propose.
Gym membership
Keeping fit and looking trim is the new trend for Nigerian
girls, especially those in Lagos, and so, a majority of them are saving
their hard earned registered in gym – the idea basically is to look
like most of the celebrities.
Unfortunately, not all gyms offer great services and those
who are unable to gain gym membership at the top sweatshops where they
can get great work out, keep wishing for membership. They hope that
somehow, Santa will touch someone to get them registered in one of the
gyms, and for free too.
An unlimited cash account
Forget Nigerian girls, every single human in the country
and the world would do almost anything for an unlimited expense account.
Shoes, clothes, hair, spa time…they all cost money, and usually, for
the average lady, it is a bit of a challenge getting everything you need
to stay on top of the fashion game.
Also with an unlimited expense account, it would easy to
set up dream businesses and live an organized life. While they know
there is a slim chance of this wish coming true, these girls still
include it on their list in faith.
Calorie- Free Alcohol
Christmas is a time for merriment and celebration. And
truth be told, there is no party without alcohol! Unfortunately,
drinking every night at the festivities is all fun and games until it is
January and you look less like Toke Makinwa and more like Lepacious
Bose.
Alcohol in some way, tends to add fat to the thighs, belly
and arms. So, some girls who believe they can eat their cake and have
it now want calorie-free alcohol. Let’s hope Santa has something in
store.
A time for courage or circumspection
LET’S begin with Ejike Camillus Mbaka. He’s a friend of mine. This
Catholic priest and head of Adoration Ministries Enugu Nigeria (AMEN) is
truly a man of God, a dogged fighter for the downtrodden. But he’s also
a politician – in the sense that his pulpit doubles as a soapbox. On
virtually every public development, he takes a position, and he voices
it without fear or favour.
This dual disposition inevitably challenges the perception, and often influences the judgments, of those who react to his actions and pronouncements. For uncomplicated work, therefore, Mbaka assessors require to consciously delineate the man’s spirituality from his politics.
Reverend Father Mbaka prophesied that President Jonathan would lose the March presidential ballot. He was excoriated. But it came to pass. He was in tune with the Holy Spirit. I, without the gift of prophecy, also knew that President Jonathan was headed for defeat.
I knew that two whole years before the ballot, and I warned at least ten prominent people associated with Jonathan and the PDP, all of who are still alive today, and none of who saw the point of critical remedial actions. Jonathan failed because there was no MOUTH to his presidency. Jonathan also failed because any presidential election will go the way taken by any two of the tripod of national politics. All this is by way of introduction.
If I found the means to be in the South East this Christmas, I should meet up with Father Mbaka, and broach conversation with this opening salvo: “The Holy Spirit cannot have decreed the indiscriminate shootings of unarmed pro-Biafran demonstrators in Onitsha.” I was in Biafra; Mbaka wasn’t. Biafra was a free-bombing site.
Markets, churches, hospitals, refugee camps and every cluster of people were legitimate targets for indiscriminate bombing and strafing by Nigerian warplanes, resulting in the weekly extermination of countless thousands. Now again, and nearly 50 years later, Biafrans are being shot and killed at random and without provocation by those officially invested with the primary responsibility of their protection. Why might any man of God not pronounce anathema on the aberration?
There are others whose inertia in the face of the burgeoning franchise of a “cold and iron age” I would love to challenge. Where is Wole Soyinka, the cautious endorser of Candidate Buhari? Half a century ago, Soyinka was one of the few – another was the late Tai Solarin – who, against the grain of mob hysteria, opposed the anti-Igbo pogrom that cost some 50,000 lives and led up to the civil war. Soyinka was among the first to raise hell over the October 7, 1967 massacre of over 500 Igbo men Asaba. Soyinka is the one who pronounced that, “Justice is the first condition of humanity.” Dear Soyinka, soldiers paid with Nigeria’s money, soldiers on oath to protect the citizenry, have converted most of Onitsha into a concentration camp.
Anyone that happens around the military is ordered to raise their hands in surrender. They are harassed and extorted. All these have video authentication. Two weeks ago, a young man reportedly asked why his hands should hang in the air when he was not a slave. Gun butts! Boots!! Whiplashes!!! “Kill me on account of Biafra,” the young man insisted. “But I’m not raising my hands for nobody.” What became of the man? What does this portend? Where are the voices of conscience?
There are award-winning writers like Niyi Osundare, Ben Okri and Chimamanda Adichie, and many others angling for their own awards. These are progressive chroniclers of the movement of transition, who didn’t give a damn what part of the country their president was elected from! Where is their courage? Where is their conscience? Can these have been substituted with circumspection or convenience?
If they deafened everyone with uncharacteristic muteness, does it not align their worldviews with Olusegun Obasanjo’s, the despotic tyrant under whose watch thousands of Nigerians were criminally wiped off the face of the earth? If this class of Nigerians suddenly quit commenting and poetizing against injustice, would it be because some oracle secretly revealed to them that what went around no longer came around? Would it be because the man no longer died in all who kept silent in the face of tyranny?
President Buhari praised Father Mbaka for his “honesty” and “exemplary courage” when they met in Aso Rock last week. But, in all of Nigeria, honesty and justice cannot reside in just one priest. There was a Shi’a demonstration in Zaria on which reputable human rights organizations posted the slaughter of about 1000 by the Army! Videos exist of the killing spree, and of the futile attempts at covering up the unspeakable crime in mass graves. Videos also exist of the two waves of the Onitsha massacres, the second one activated merely by jollification on the (false) news that Nnamdi Kanu had regained his freedom.
The bodies of those shot in Onitsha, and those hospitalised, from this second wave were seized by their assailants and taken to unknown destinations. The conscientious shouldn’t pretend sleepiness under this sadistic canopy. These sordid developments beckon – not on politicians heavily clothed in the shameless nakedness of vice and avarice – but on the rest of humane society, to rise and stand firm on the side of democracy and justice.
This dual disposition inevitably challenges the perception, and often influences the judgments, of those who react to his actions and pronouncements. For uncomplicated work, therefore, Mbaka assessors require to consciously delineate the man’s spirituality from his politics.
Reverend Father Mbaka prophesied that President Jonathan would lose the March presidential ballot. He was excoriated. But it came to pass. He was in tune with the Holy Spirit. I, without the gift of prophecy, also knew that President Jonathan was headed for defeat.
I knew that two whole years before the ballot, and I warned at least ten prominent people associated with Jonathan and the PDP, all of who are still alive today, and none of who saw the point of critical remedial actions. Jonathan failed because there was no MOUTH to his presidency. Jonathan also failed because any presidential election will go the way taken by any two of the tripod of national politics. All this is by way of introduction.
If I found the means to be in the South East this Christmas, I should meet up with Father Mbaka, and broach conversation with this opening salvo: “The Holy Spirit cannot have decreed the indiscriminate shootings of unarmed pro-Biafran demonstrators in Onitsha.” I was in Biafra; Mbaka wasn’t. Biafra was a free-bombing site.
Markets, churches, hospitals, refugee camps and every cluster of people were legitimate targets for indiscriminate bombing and strafing by Nigerian warplanes, resulting in the weekly extermination of countless thousands. Now again, and nearly 50 years later, Biafrans are being shot and killed at random and without provocation by those officially invested with the primary responsibility of their protection. Why might any man of God not pronounce anathema on the aberration?
There are others whose inertia in the face of the burgeoning franchise of a “cold and iron age” I would love to challenge. Where is Wole Soyinka, the cautious endorser of Candidate Buhari? Half a century ago, Soyinka was one of the few – another was the late Tai Solarin – who, against the grain of mob hysteria, opposed the anti-Igbo pogrom that cost some 50,000 lives and led up to the civil war. Soyinka was among the first to raise hell over the October 7, 1967 massacre of over 500 Igbo men Asaba. Soyinka is the one who pronounced that, “Justice is the first condition of humanity.” Dear Soyinka, soldiers paid with Nigeria’s money, soldiers on oath to protect the citizenry, have converted most of Onitsha into a concentration camp.
Anyone that happens around the military is ordered to raise their hands in surrender. They are harassed and extorted. All these have video authentication. Two weeks ago, a young man reportedly asked why his hands should hang in the air when he was not a slave. Gun butts! Boots!! Whiplashes!!! “Kill me on account of Biafra,” the young man insisted. “But I’m not raising my hands for nobody.” What became of the man? What does this portend? Where are the voices of conscience?
There are award-winning writers like Niyi Osundare, Ben Okri and Chimamanda Adichie, and many others angling for their own awards. These are progressive chroniclers of the movement of transition, who didn’t give a damn what part of the country their president was elected from! Where is their courage? Where is their conscience? Can these have been substituted with circumspection or convenience?
If they deafened everyone with uncharacteristic muteness, does it not align their worldviews with Olusegun Obasanjo’s, the despotic tyrant under whose watch thousands of Nigerians were criminally wiped off the face of the earth? If this class of Nigerians suddenly quit commenting and poetizing against injustice, would it be because some oracle secretly revealed to them that what went around no longer came around? Would it be because the man no longer died in all who kept silent in the face of tyranny?
President Buhari praised Father Mbaka for his “honesty” and “exemplary courage” when they met in Aso Rock last week. But, in all of Nigeria, honesty and justice cannot reside in just one priest. There was a Shi’a demonstration in Zaria on which reputable human rights organizations posted the slaughter of about 1000 by the Army! Videos exist of the killing spree, and of the futile attempts at covering up the unspeakable crime in mass graves. Videos also exist of the two waves of the Onitsha massacres, the second one activated merely by jollification on the (false) news that Nnamdi Kanu had regained his freedom.
The bodies of those shot in Onitsha, and those hospitalised, from this second wave were seized by their assailants and taken to unknown destinations. The conscientious shouldn’t pretend sleepiness under this sadistic canopy. These sordid developments beckon – not on politicians heavily clothed in the shameless nakedness of vice and avarice – but on the rest of humane society, to rise and stand firm on the side of democracy and justice.
Budget 2016’ll revive economy, says Buhari
By Henry Umoru, Emma Ovuakporie & Johnbosco Agbakwuru
ABUJA—PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, apologised to Nigerians over the persistent and biting fuel scarcity in the country and attributed the problem to market speculators and stakeholders who are resistant to change. He assured that the government was working hard to end the shortages urgently.
President Buhari who begged Nigerians while presenting the N6.08 trillion 2016 budget to a joint session of the National Assembly, said the government has not increased fuel price and that the pump price of fuel remains N87 per litre.
Buhari arrived the Chambers at 10.01am. Apologizing to Nigerians for
the pains occasioned by the continued fuel scarcity across the country,
he said: “The current fuel scarcity with long queues at petrol stations
all over the country causing social dislocation is very unfortunate.
Government profoundly apologizes to Nigerians for this prolonged
hardship and misery. It is as a result of market speculators and
resistance to change by some stakeholders. Government is working very
hard to end these shortages and bring fuel to the pumps all over the
country.”
Meanwhile, the Senate, yesterday, amended the Appropriation Act of 2015 to extend implementation of 2015 budget from December 31, 2015 to March 31, 2016.
The President who started his address at 10.17am and ended it at 10.51 am, disclosed that 30 per cent of Nigeria’s annual budget will be committed to capital expenditure, even as he raised Capital Expenditure from N557 billion in 2015 to N1.8 trillion in the 2016 budget.
Having reviewed the trends in the global oil industry, he said the government decided to set a benchmark price of $38 per barrel and a production estimate of 2.2 million barrels per day for 2016, with plans to focus on non-oil revenues by broadening the tax base and improving the effectiveness of revenue collecting agencies. The government is projecting to realise N1.4 trillion as non-oil revenue.
President Buhari, who noted that the present administration projected a revenue target of N3.86 trillion for 2016 and recurrent expenditure of N2.43 trillion, said that the Federal Government also proposed to spend N1.66 trillion on foreign and domestic debt servicing.
The President also declared that his administration would fight corruption no matter how long it takes.
To borrow N1.9 trillion
In the budget, there is a projected foreign and domestic borrowing of N900 billion and N986 billion respectively.
On recurrent sectoral allocations, Education received the highest recurrent vote of N369 billion; followed by Health, N296 billion; Defence, N294 billion; Ministry of Interior, N245 billion while the merged ministries of Power, Works and Housing received budgetary allocation of N433 billion for 2016.
The speech read in part: “The Budget was based on a benchmark oil price of $53 per barrel, oil production of 2.28 million barrels per day and an exchange rate of N190 to the US$.
“The projected revenue was N3.45 trillion, with an outlay of N4.49 trillion, implying a deficit of N1.04 trillion. Due largely to under-provisioning by the previous administration for fuel subsidy and the costs required to support the military operations in the North East, the Government had to obtain National Assembly’s approval for a supplementary budget of N575.5 billion. I take this opportunity to thank all members of the National Assembly for the prompt passage of that Bill.
“To deliver our development objectives, we have increased the capital expenditure portion of the budget from N557 billion in the 2015 budget to N1.8 trillion, in the 2016 budget. Distinguished and honourable members of the National Assembly, for the first time in many years, capital expenditure will represent 30 per cent of our total budget. In future years, we intend to raise the percentage allocation for capital expenditure.
“This is a fulfillment of our promise to align expenditure to our long-term objectives, and a sign of government’s commitment to sustainable development. This increased capital expenditure commits significant resources to critical sectors such as Works, Power and Housing – N433.4 billion; Transport – N202 billion; Special Intervention Programs – N200 billion; Defence – N134.6 billion; and Interior – N145.3 billion. These investments in infrastructure and security are meant to support our reforms in the Agriculture, Solid Minerals and other core job creating sectors of our economy.
“We will invest to safeguard lives and property. We will invest in equipping our farmers with the right tools, technology and techniques. We will invest in empowering and enabling our miners to operate in a safe, secure and humane environment. We will invest in training our youths, through the revival of our technical and vocational institutions, to ensure they are competent enough to seize the opportunities that will arise from this economic revival.
“Indeed, the future looks bright. And I ask that we all work together to make this vision a reality. The 223 per cent year on year growth in capital expenditure demonstrates our desire to make Nigeria more competitive, and start the journey to deliver sustainable development in our country.
“In fulfillment of our promise to run a lean government, we have proposed a nine per cent reduction in non-debt recurrent expenditure, from N2.59 trillion in the 2015 Budget to N2.35 trillion in 2016. Furthermore, we have budgeted N300 billion for Special Intervention Programmes, which takes the total amount for non-debt recurrent expenditure to N2.65 trillion.
Reduces overhead cost
“The Efficiency Unit set up by this Administration together with effective implementation of GIFMIS and IPPIS will drive a reduction of overheads by at least seven per cent, personnel costs by eight per cent and other service wide votes by 19 per cent. Distinguished and honourable members, this budget will be executed to provide optimum value by ensuring every naira spent by this Government, counts.
“We will devote a significant portion of our recurrent expenditure to institutions that provide critical government services. We will spend N369.6 billion in Education; N294.5 billion in Defence; N221.7 billion in Health and N145.3 billion in the Ministry of Interior. This will ensure our teachers, armed forces personnel, doctors, nurses, police men, fire fighters, prison service officers and many more critical service providers are paid competitively and on time.
“Our 2016 borrowings will be principally directed to fund our capital projects. Furthermore, the sum of N113 billion will be set aside for a Sinking Fund towards the retirement of maturing loans; while N1.36 trillion has been provided for foreign and domestic debt service. This calls for prudent management on our part, both of the debt portfolio and the deployment of our hard earned foreign exchange earnings.”
Buhari who noted that government was aware of the harsh economic situation presently being faced by Nigerians, however, blamed the situation on unbridled corruption and security challenges, adding: “We have demonstrated a strong will to fight corruption. I am sure you will agree that the sheer scale of corruption and impunity of the past explains in part, the economic challenges we now face. On these initiatives, and the many more to come, we shall not be deterred. We will pursue the recovery of everything that belongs to the people of Nigeria. No matter where it is hidden. No matter how long it will take.”
President Buhari assured Nigerians that his administration was poised to rebuilding the economy and restoring public confidence in the government. He said although the nation has series of problems to contend with, the challenges were not beyond the country to tackle, adding that the 2016 budget was designed to stimulate the economy and make it more competitive, while focusing on infrastructural development; delivering inclusive growth and prioritizing the welfare of Nigerians.
Buhari also assured that the budget would address problems associated with youth unemployment and general poverty in the land, with particular emphasis on the deplorable conditions of most vulnerable Nigerians, adding, “I know the state of our economy is a source of concern for many. This has been further worsened by the unbridled corruption and security challenges we have faced in the last few years.
“From those who have lost their jobs, to those young people who have never had a job, to the people in the North East whose families and businesses were destroyed by insurgents, this has been a difficult period in our nation’s history, lessons that we must not forget or ignore, as we plan for the future.
“By June 2014, oil prices averaged $112 per barrel. But as at today, the price is under $39 per barrel. This huge decline is having a painful effect on our economy. Consumption has declined at all levels. In both the private and public sectors, employers have struggled to meet their salary and other employee related obligations. The small business owners and traders have been particularly hard hit by this state of affairs.
“Fellow Nigerians, the confidence of many might be shaken. However, I stand before you today promising that we will secure our country, rebuild our economy, and make the Federal Republic of Nigeria stronger than it has ever been.
“The answers to our problems are not beyond us. They exist on our farmlands; our corporations; in the universities in the hearts and minds of our entrepreneurs; through the gallantry of our Armed Forces; and the resolute spirit of Nigerians, especially the youth, who have refused to give up despite all the obstacles confronting them.
“This Budget proposal, the first by our Government, seeks to stimulate the economy, making it more competitive by focusing on infrastructural development; delivering inclusive growth; and prioritizing the welfare of Nigerians.
“We believe that this budget, while helping industry, commerce and investment to pick up, will as a matter of urgency, address the immediate problems of youth unemployment and the terrible living conditions of the extremely poor and vulnerable Nigerians”.
The President who reiterated that the administration would diversify the economy through import substitution and export promotion, said that such economic strategy would build resilience in the economy and guarantee that the contemporary challenges did not confront the nation’s future generations, adding, “In the medium to longer term, we remain committed to economic diversification through import substitution and export promotion. This will build resilience in our economy. It will guarantee that the problems we have today, will not confront our children and their children. This shall be our legacy for generations to come”, he stated.
According to him, despite the general global economic downturn in 2015, Nigerian economy was able to grow by 2.84 per cent in the subsisting fiscal year, just as he promised that the present administration would continue to evolve and implement strategies that would maintain micro-economic stability, while managing the oil price shocks currently aching the country.
He said: “Today, it is widely acknowledged that the global economy has slowed down. This is particularly the case with emerging markets such as Nigeria. However, despite the weak emerging market growth rates, our domestic security challenges, declining oil prices, and the attendant difficulties in providing foreign exchange to meet market demands, the Nigerian economy grew by 2.84 per cent in the third quarter of 2015. We have, and will continue to implement strategies that will maintain macroeconomic stability and manage the oil price shocks we are experiencing.”
President Buhari was accompanied by All Progressives Congress, APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie- Oyegun; his ministers including Rotimi Amaechi; Senator Chris Ngige; Senator Udoma Udo Udoma; Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Chief Audu Ogbeh; Ogbonnaya Onu; Dr. Osagie Ehanire; Lt.Gen. Abduulrahman Dambazau; Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Amina Ibrahim Mohammed; Babatunde Raji Fashola; Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu; Abubakar Malami, SAN; Senator Aisha Jummai Alhassan; and Mrs Kemi Adeosun among others.
During his presentation, President Buhari got encomiums from the gallery as they clapped 20 times with the last one at 10.52am and even when the President paused to drink water at 10.36am, the audience also clapped for him.
Buhari’s Budget a big fraud, he will mortgage Nigeria’s future — PDP
Meanwhile, the National leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, picked holes in the budget..
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, the party described the N6.08 trillion budget as a big fraud and executive conspiracy tailored towards mortgaging the future of the nation.
The party while querying President Buhari’s decision to borrow N2 trillion, which it termed the biggest in the history of the nation, said that it was the height of recklessness and deceit from a government that trends on propaganda. PDP also berated the Federal Government for trying to use its bogus welfare programme and phantom capital projects as cover and conduit to siphon the funds to satisfy partisan interests, particularly to settle huge campaign debts.
Metuh said: “It is obvious that this budget is an extension of the campaign promises of the APC government, presented as a manifesto filled with bogus promises which implementation will be inconclusive, thereby allowing the APC to once again deny their promises.
“There has never been any known economy in the world where government deliberately mortgages the future of its nation by borrowing excessively to finance partisan interests while hiding under bogus welfare programmes. This is moreso important as the APC in reeling out their bogus campaign promises never informed Nigerians that they would mortgage their future through excessive borrowing.
“We have it on good authority that this is the first in the series of APC borrowings which would leave the future generation of Nigerians under the burden of huge debts after four years.”
Metuh who noted that the budget clearly shows that after seven months in power, President Buhari and his party, the APC were yet to differentiate between governance and campaign propaganda, said: “By all standards, the 2016 budget, the first major economic policy outing of this government, is completely unrealistic and duplicitously embellished with impractical predications, a development that confirms fears by economy watchers and investors that this administration is obviously ill-equipped for governance.
“We are indeed shocked that President Buhari and his minister of information have come up with two different reasons for the current fuel crisis in the country. While we appreciate the President’s apology, we think it is high time he called this minister to order as his excessive propaganda and blame game are ridiculing this administration and the image of the nation.
“Furthermore, it is instructive to note the official endorsement of Mr. President to the devaluation of the naira as against his campaign promise of firming up the value of our currency even to the much vaunted one naira to one dollar. Does it mean that Mr. President lied his way to power, or that he did not understand the complexities of governance when he was making his false promises to Nigerians?
“In future, there is need to regulate campaign promises so that we will not end up with a government that promises to climb Mount Everest with bare hands and end up mortgaging our future with orchestrated borrowings.’’
Lawmakers hail proposal
Reacting to the budget, shortly after the Senate and the House of Representatives adjourned till January 12, 2016, Senate Deputy Majority Whip, Senator Francis Alimikhena, APC, Edo North, described the budget as that of hope, just as he urged Nigerians to be patient with the government as things will be better soon, adding that President Buhari meant well for Nigeria and Nigerians.
In his reaction, Senator Bukkar Abba Ibrahim (Yobe South), said the promise of free education by the president was laudable, describing it as budget of hope.
Also commenting, Senator Kabir Marafa, APC, Zamfara Central who described the budget as that of hope, however promised that the Senate would ensure that the bill was given attention and passed for the interest of Nigerians
Senator Solomon Adeola (Lagos West) in his reaction said it was cheery to see the budget take care of social interventions such as school feeding and social welfare for the unemployed.
Senator Bassey Akpan (PDP, Akwa Ibom North-east) who described it as people-centred and an indication that the president means well for the country, said that National Assembly would look at assumptions in it and ensure that the implementation was in line with the way it is passed.
Reacting to the budget, Rep Austine Chukwukere, APC, Imo State who described the 2016 Appropriation Bill as presented by President Muhammadu Buhari as a fruitful budget, said that the budget would stimulate and engineer the economy in such a way that the infrastructure deficit that had been the order of the day in previous administration had been given a boost.
Rep Chukwukere said that the increment in the capital expenditure would lead to improvement on the dilapidated infrastructure in the country as well as the industrial re activation.
Chukwukere who is the Deputy Chairman of Finance Committee said that if the budget would be fully implemented it would re-kick start the economy for the good of Nigerians.
On the $38 benchmark in which the budget was premised despite that the oil price per barrel had fallen to $32, he explained that the projection was that before first quarter of next year, the oil price must have appreciated going by some indices.
He expressed the optimism that the benchmark would not affect the effective implementation of the budget.
Also commenting on the budget, Rep Philip Shaibu representing Etsako Federal Constituency of Edo State on the platform of All Progressives Congress, APC, said that the budget will make poverty history in 2016.
He said that the emphasis on job creation and improved education was a welcome development, adding that creation of employment will empower Nigeria youths.
Shaibu who was a former Majority Leader in Edo State House of Assembly and a one time president of National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS said there was a departure from what was obtained in the previous administration where the government borrowed money to finance the recurrent expenditure.
According to him, President Buhari had increased the budgetary allocation to the capital expenditure and assured that the money to be borrowed would be used on capital expenditure and not on recurrent.
He said that one of the essential feature of the budget was the deviation from oil to solid minerals and agriculture, noting that over reliance on the oil sector has brought the economy to the present poor state as a result of the fall in the price of oil.
He further said that with the transparency introduced by the government, there was hope that it would be implemented to the fullest.
Adding, “I see our economy booming, I see the economy being restructured. Poverty issue will be totally addressed. I am optimistic,” he stated and commended on the two leadership of the house for taking the decision to ensure effective oversight function
Also in his reaction, Member representing Bali/Gassol federal constituency of Taraba state, Hon. Garba Chede, said the budget is a product of deep thinking based on realities of the nation today.
“This is the first time APC administration was presenting a budget and this budget, undoubtedly, is a creation of deep thinking based on realities, which was obvious to all Nigerians.”
Budget is fueled by insincerity – Fani- Kayode
However, former Spokesperson of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan Campaign Organisation, Chief Femi Fani- Kayode, said the 2016 budget is fueled by insincerity.
According to him, it was ironic that former governor Asiwaju Tinubu; Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi and Governor Nasir El- Rufai, who kicked against deregulation during former President Jonathan’s administration, have suddenly become great supporters of deregulation.
In a statement, Chief Fani- Kayode who accused Buhari’s administration of spending money like a drunken sailor, alleged that the government was borrowing as if there was no tomorrow and thereby ‘’mortgaging the future of Nigeria, Nigerians and our children.’’
“The 2016 budget is fueled by insincerity, shrouded in fantasy, built on tall dreams and spawned by deceit, ignorance and the illusion of change. It is bloated, unrealistic, expensive, cosmetic and it will not result in anything good. In order to fund part of the budget the government intends to borrow money and this will throw our country into even greater debt. What a tragedy this is given the fact that in 2007 Nigeria was debt-free. The Buhari administration is spending money like a drunken sailor and they are borrowing as if there is no tomorrow, mortgaging the future of our nation and our children.
“We need far more fiscal discipline and seriousness than that if our government really wishes to improve the economy and better the lives of ordinary people.
“Meanwhile the Federal Government has said that President Goodluck Jonathan is responsible for today’s long fuel queues even though he left office seven months ago. They seem to have forgotten that in 2012 it was their group, led by Bola Tinubu, Nasir El Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi and President Buhari himself that aggressively opposed deregulation and almost brought the whole country to a standstill with protests and riots all over the place in their efforts to prevent the government from removing the oil subsidy.
“Had it not been for their pettiness, lack of understanding, shortsightedness and double standards the subsidy would have been removed three years ago and fuel queues would have been a thing of history. Sadly they lacked the foresight to appreciate the virtues of that policy and today they have the nerve to blame Jonathan for the mess that they themselves essentially created.
“They have been in power for 7 months now: it is time for them to step up to the plate, start taking responsibility for their own actions, do a better job and stop blaming Jonathan for their own miserable and avoidable failures.”
ABUJA—PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, apologised to Nigerians over the persistent and biting fuel scarcity in the country and attributed the problem to market speculators and stakeholders who are resistant to change. He assured that the government was working hard to end the shortages urgently.
President Buhari who begged Nigerians while presenting the N6.08 trillion 2016 budget to a joint session of the National Assembly, said the government has not increased fuel price and that the pump price of fuel remains N87 per litre.
Buhari presents N6.08trn 2016 budget to NASS
Meanwhile, the Senate, yesterday, amended the Appropriation Act of 2015 to extend implementation of 2015 budget from December 31, 2015 to March 31, 2016.
The President who started his address at 10.17am and ended it at 10.51 am, disclosed that 30 per cent of Nigeria’s annual budget will be committed to capital expenditure, even as he raised Capital Expenditure from N557 billion in 2015 to N1.8 trillion in the 2016 budget.
Having reviewed the trends in the global oil industry, he said the government decided to set a benchmark price of $38 per barrel and a production estimate of 2.2 million barrels per day for 2016, with plans to focus on non-oil revenues by broadening the tax base and improving the effectiveness of revenue collecting agencies. The government is projecting to realise N1.4 trillion as non-oil revenue.
President Buhari, who noted that the present administration projected a revenue target of N3.86 trillion for 2016 and recurrent expenditure of N2.43 trillion, said that the Federal Government also proposed to spend N1.66 trillion on foreign and domestic debt servicing.
The President also declared that his administration would fight corruption no matter how long it takes.
To borrow N1.9 trillion
In the budget, there is a projected foreign and domestic borrowing of N900 billion and N986 billion respectively.
On recurrent sectoral allocations, Education received the highest recurrent vote of N369 billion; followed by Health, N296 billion; Defence, N294 billion; Ministry of Interior, N245 billion while the merged ministries of Power, Works and Housing received budgetary allocation of N433 billion for 2016.
The speech read in part: “The Budget was based on a benchmark oil price of $53 per barrel, oil production of 2.28 million barrels per day and an exchange rate of N190 to the US$.
“The projected revenue was N3.45 trillion, with an outlay of N4.49 trillion, implying a deficit of N1.04 trillion. Due largely to under-provisioning by the previous administration for fuel subsidy and the costs required to support the military operations in the North East, the Government had to obtain National Assembly’s approval for a supplementary budget of N575.5 billion. I take this opportunity to thank all members of the National Assembly for the prompt passage of that Bill.
“To deliver our development objectives, we have increased the capital expenditure portion of the budget from N557 billion in the 2015 budget to N1.8 trillion, in the 2016 budget. Distinguished and honourable members of the National Assembly, for the first time in many years, capital expenditure will represent 30 per cent of our total budget. In future years, we intend to raise the percentage allocation for capital expenditure.
“This is a fulfillment of our promise to align expenditure to our long-term objectives, and a sign of government’s commitment to sustainable development. This increased capital expenditure commits significant resources to critical sectors such as Works, Power and Housing – N433.4 billion; Transport – N202 billion; Special Intervention Programs – N200 billion; Defence – N134.6 billion; and Interior – N145.3 billion. These investments in infrastructure and security are meant to support our reforms in the Agriculture, Solid Minerals and other core job creating sectors of our economy.
“We will invest to safeguard lives and property. We will invest in equipping our farmers with the right tools, technology and techniques. We will invest in empowering and enabling our miners to operate in a safe, secure and humane environment. We will invest in training our youths, through the revival of our technical and vocational institutions, to ensure they are competent enough to seize the opportunities that will arise from this economic revival.
“Indeed, the future looks bright. And I ask that we all work together to make this vision a reality. The 223 per cent year on year growth in capital expenditure demonstrates our desire to make Nigeria more competitive, and start the journey to deliver sustainable development in our country.
“In fulfillment of our promise to run a lean government, we have proposed a nine per cent reduction in non-debt recurrent expenditure, from N2.59 trillion in the 2015 Budget to N2.35 trillion in 2016. Furthermore, we have budgeted N300 billion for Special Intervention Programmes, which takes the total amount for non-debt recurrent expenditure to N2.65 trillion.
Reduces overhead cost
“The Efficiency Unit set up by this Administration together with effective implementation of GIFMIS and IPPIS will drive a reduction of overheads by at least seven per cent, personnel costs by eight per cent and other service wide votes by 19 per cent. Distinguished and honourable members, this budget will be executed to provide optimum value by ensuring every naira spent by this Government, counts.
“We will devote a significant portion of our recurrent expenditure to institutions that provide critical government services. We will spend N369.6 billion in Education; N294.5 billion in Defence; N221.7 billion in Health and N145.3 billion in the Ministry of Interior. This will ensure our teachers, armed forces personnel, doctors, nurses, police men, fire fighters, prison service officers and many more critical service providers are paid competitively and on time.
“Our 2016 borrowings will be principally directed to fund our capital projects. Furthermore, the sum of N113 billion will be set aside for a Sinking Fund towards the retirement of maturing loans; while N1.36 trillion has been provided for foreign and domestic debt service. This calls for prudent management on our part, both of the debt portfolio and the deployment of our hard earned foreign exchange earnings.”
Buhari who noted that government was aware of the harsh economic situation presently being faced by Nigerians, however, blamed the situation on unbridled corruption and security challenges, adding: “We have demonstrated a strong will to fight corruption. I am sure you will agree that the sheer scale of corruption and impunity of the past explains in part, the economic challenges we now face. On these initiatives, and the many more to come, we shall not be deterred. We will pursue the recovery of everything that belongs to the people of Nigeria. No matter where it is hidden. No matter how long it will take.”
President Buhari assured Nigerians that his administration was poised to rebuilding the economy and restoring public confidence in the government. He said although the nation has series of problems to contend with, the challenges were not beyond the country to tackle, adding that the 2016 budget was designed to stimulate the economy and make it more competitive, while focusing on infrastructural development; delivering inclusive growth and prioritizing the welfare of Nigerians.
Buhari also assured that the budget would address problems associated with youth unemployment and general poverty in the land, with particular emphasis on the deplorable conditions of most vulnerable Nigerians, adding, “I know the state of our economy is a source of concern for many. This has been further worsened by the unbridled corruption and security challenges we have faced in the last few years.
“From those who have lost their jobs, to those young people who have never had a job, to the people in the North East whose families and businesses were destroyed by insurgents, this has been a difficult period in our nation’s history, lessons that we must not forget or ignore, as we plan for the future.
“By June 2014, oil prices averaged $112 per barrel. But as at today, the price is under $39 per barrel. This huge decline is having a painful effect on our economy. Consumption has declined at all levels. In both the private and public sectors, employers have struggled to meet their salary and other employee related obligations. The small business owners and traders have been particularly hard hit by this state of affairs.
“Fellow Nigerians, the confidence of many might be shaken. However, I stand before you today promising that we will secure our country, rebuild our economy, and make the Federal Republic of Nigeria stronger than it has ever been.
“The answers to our problems are not beyond us. They exist on our farmlands; our corporations; in the universities in the hearts and minds of our entrepreneurs; through the gallantry of our Armed Forces; and the resolute spirit of Nigerians, especially the youth, who have refused to give up despite all the obstacles confronting them.
“This Budget proposal, the first by our Government, seeks to stimulate the economy, making it more competitive by focusing on infrastructural development; delivering inclusive growth; and prioritizing the welfare of Nigerians.
“We believe that this budget, while helping industry, commerce and investment to pick up, will as a matter of urgency, address the immediate problems of youth unemployment and the terrible living conditions of the extremely poor and vulnerable Nigerians”.
The President who reiterated that the administration would diversify the economy through import substitution and export promotion, said that such economic strategy would build resilience in the economy and guarantee that the contemporary challenges did not confront the nation’s future generations, adding, “In the medium to longer term, we remain committed to economic diversification through import substitution and export promotion. This will build resilience in our economy. It will guarantee that the problems we have today, will not confront our children and their children. This shall be our legacy for generations to come”, he stated.
According to him, despite the general global economic downturn in 2015, Nigerian economy was able to grow by 2.84 per cent in the subsisting fiscal year, just as he promised that the present administration would continue to evolve and implement strategies that would maintain micro-economic stability, while managing the oil price shocks currently aching the country.
He said: “Today, it is widely acknowledged that the global economy has slowed down. This is particularly the case with emerging markets such as Nigeria. However, despite the weak emerging market growth rates, our domestic security challenges, declining oil prices, and the attendant difficulties in providing foreign exchange to meet market demands, the Nigerian economy grew by 2.84 per cent in the third quarter of 2015. We have, and will continue to implement strategies that will maintain macroeconomic stability and manage the oil price shocks we are experiencing.”
President Buhari was accompanied by All Progressives Congress, APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie- Oyegun; his ministers including Rotimi Amaechi; Senator Chris Ngige; Senator Udoma Udo Udoma; Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Chief Audu Ogbeh; Ogbonnaya Onu; Dr. Osagie Ehanire; Lt.Gen. Abduulrahman Dambazau; Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Amina Ibrahim Mohammed; Babatunde Raji Fashola; Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu; Abubakar Malami, SAN; Senator Aisha Jummai Alhassan; and Mrs Kemi Adeosun among others.
During his presentation, President Buhari got encomiums from the gallery as they clapped 20 times with the last one at 10.52am and even when the President paused to drink water at 10.36am, the audience also clapped for him.
Buhari’s Budget a big fraud, he will mortgage Nigeria’s future — PDP
Meanwhile, the National leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, picked holes in the budget..
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, the party described the N6.08 trillion budget as a big fraud and executive conspiracy tailored towards mortgaging the future of the nation.
The party while querying President Buhari’s decision to borrow N2 trillion, which it termed the biggest in the history of the nation, said that it was the height of recklessness and deceit from a government that trends on propaganda. PDP also berated the Federal Government for trying to use its bogus welfare programme and phantom capital projects as cover and conduit to siphon the funds to satisfy partisan interests, particularly to settle huge campaign debts.
Metuh said: “It is obvious that this budget is an extension of the campaign promises of the APC government, presented as a manifesto filled with bogus promises which implementation will be inconclusive, thereby allowing the APC to once again deny their promises.
“There has never been any known economy in the world where government deliberately mortgages the future of its nation by borrowing excessively to finance partisan interests while hiding under bogus welfare programmes. This is moreso important as the APC in reeling out their bogus campaign promises never informed Nigerians that they would mortgage their future through excessive borrowing.
“We have it on good authority that this is the first in the series of APC borrowings which would leave the future generation of Nigerians under the burden of huge debts after four years.”
Metuh who noted that the budget clearly shows that after seven months in power, President Buhari and his party, the APC were yet to differentiate between governance and campaign propaganda, said: “By all standards, the 2016 budget, the first major economic policy outing of this government, is completely unrealistic and duplicitously embellished with impractical predications, a development that confirms fears by economy watchers and investors that this administration is obviously ill-equipped for governance.
“We are indeed shocked that President Buhari and his minister of information have come up with two different reasons for the current fuel crisis in the country. While we appreciate the President’s apology, we think it is high time he called this minister to order as his excessive propaganda and blame game are ridiculing this administration and the image of the nation.
“Furthermore, it is instructive to note the official endorsement of Mr. President to the devaluation of the naira as against his campaign promise of firming up the value of our currency even to the much vaunted one naira to one dollar. Does it mean that Mr. President lied his way to power, or that he did not understand the complexities of governance when he was making his false promises to Nigerians?
“In future, there is need to regulate campaign promises so that we will not end up with a government that promises to climb Mount Everest with bare hands and end up mortgaging our future with orchestrated borrowings.’’
Lawmakers hail proposal
Reacting to the budget, shortly after the Senate and the House of Representatives adjourned till January 12, 2016, Senate Deputy Majority Whip, Senator Francis Alimikhena, APC, Edo North, described the budget as that of hope, just as he urged Nigerians to be patient with the government as things will be better soon, adding that President Buhari meant well for Nigeria and Nigerians.
In his reaction, Senator Bukkar Abba Ibrahim (Yobe South), said the promise of free education by the president was laudable, describing it as budget of hope.
Also commenting, Senator Kabir Marafa, APC, Zamfara Central who described the budget as that of hope, however promised that the Senate would ensure that the bill was given attention and passed for the interest of Nigerians
Senator Solomon Adeola (Lagos West) in his reaction said it was cheery to see the budget take care of social interventions such as school feeding and social welfare for the unemployed.
Senator Bassey Akpan (PDP, Akwa Ibom North-east) who described it as people-centred and an indication that the president means well for the country, said that National Assembly would look at assumptions in it and ensure that the implementation was in line with the way it is passed.
Reacting to the budget, Rep Austine Chukwukere, APC, Imo State who described the 2016 Appropriation Bill as presented by President Muhammadu Buhari as a fruitful budget, said that the budget would stimulate and engineer the economy in such a way that the infrastructure deficit that had been the order of the day in previous administration had been given a boost.
Rep Chukwukere said that the increment in the capital expenditure would lead to improvement on the dilapidated infrastructure in the country as well as the industrial re activation.
Chukwukere who is the Deputy Chairman of Finance Committee said that if the budget would be fully implemented it would re-kick start the economy for the good of Nigerians.
On the $38 benchmark in which the budget was premised despite that the oil price per barrel had fallen to $32, he explained that the projection was that before first quarter of next year, the oil price must have appreciated going by some indices.
He expressed the optimism that the benchmark would not affect the effective implementation of the budget.
Also commenting on the budget, Rep Philip Shaibu representing Etsako Federal Constituency of Edo State on the platform of All Progressives Congress, APC, said that the budget will make poverty history in 2016.
He said that the emphasis on job creation and improved education was a welcome development, adding that creation of employment will empower Nigeria youths.
Shaibu who was a former Majority Leader in Edo State House of Assembly and a one time president of National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS said there was a departure from what was obtained in the previous administration where the government borrowed money to finance the recurrent expenditure.
According to him, President Buhari had increased the budgetary allocation to the capital expenditure and assured that the money to be borrowed would be used on capital expenditure and not on recurrent.
He said that one of the essential feature of the budget was the deviation from oil to solid minerals and agriculture, noting that over reliance on the oil sector has brought the economy to the present poor state as a result of the fall in the price of oil.
He further said that with the transparency introduced by the government, there was hope that it would be implemented to the fullest.
Adding, “I see our economy booming, I see the economy being restructured. Poverty issue will be totally addressed. I am optimistic,” he stated and commended on the two leadership of the house for taking the decision to ensure effective oversight function
Also in his reaction, Member representing Bali/Gassol federal constituency of Taraba state, Hon. Garba Chede, said the budget is a product of deep thinking based on realities of the nation today.
“This is the first time APC administration was presenting a budget and this budget, undoubtedly, is a creation of deep thinking based on realities, which was obvious to all Nigerians.”
Budget is fueled by insincerity – Fani- Kayode
However, former Spokesperson of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan Campaign Organisation, Chief Femi Fani- Kayode, said the 2016 budget is fueled by insincerity.
According to him, it was ironic that former governor Asiwaju Tinubu; Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi and Governor Nasir El- Rufai, who kicked against deregulation during former President Jonathan’s administration, have suddenly become great supporters of deregulation.
In a statement, Chief Fani- Kayode who accused Buhari’s administration of spending money like a drunken sailor, alleged that the government was borrowing as if there was no tomorrow and thereby ‘’mortgaging the future of Nigeria, Nigerians and our children.’’
“The 2016 budget is fueled by insincerity, shrouded in fantasy, built on tall dreams and spawned by deceit, ignorance and the illusion of change. It is bloated, unrealistic, expensive, cosmetic and it will not result in anything good. In order to fund part of the budget the government intends to borrow money and this will throw our country into even greater debt. What a tragedy this is given the fact that in 2007 Nigeria was debt-free. The Buhari administration is spending money like a drunken sailor and they are borrowing as if there is no tomorrow, mortgaging the future of our nation and our children.
“We need far more fiscal discipline and seriousness than that if our government really wishes to improve the economy and better the lives of ordinary people.
“Meanwhile the Federal Government has said that President Goodluck Jonathan is responsible for today’s long fuel queues even though he left office seven months ago. They seem to have forgotten that in 2012 it was their group, led by Bola Tinubu, Nasir El Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi and President Buhari himself that aggressively opposed deregulation and almost brought the whole country to a standstill with protests and riots all over the place in their efforts to prevent the government from removing the oil subsidy.
“Had it not been for their pettiness, lack of understanding, shortsightedness and double standards the subsidy would have been removed three years ago and fuel queues would have been a thing of history. Sadly they lacked the foresight to appreciate the virtues of that policy and today they have the nerve to blame Jonathan for the mess that they themselves essentially created.
“They have been in power for 7 months now: it is time for them to step up to the plate, start taking responsibility for their own actions, do a better job and stop blaming Jonathan for their own miserable and avoidable failures.”
Her cruel taunts put me off sex
My ex-girlfriend left me feeling so paranoid about sex that I am now
nervous about getting involved with women again. I suffer from premature
ejaculation and she made me feel like it was my fault and somehow I was
doing it just to spite her.
She kept telling me only “kids” suffer from it and I should ‘grow up’ and learn to satisfy a woman.
Is there a pill I could take to cure it? I’ve tried most of the recommended methods but none works very well. If there isn’t a drug, is there anything else you could suggest?
Albert, by e-mall.
Dear Albert,
Of course, it is not your fault. One in three men struggles with premature ejaculation (PE), at some point in their lives. It can happen to anyone no matter how old or sexually experienced you are. Your ex-girlfriend is as misguided as she is rude. You’re lucky to be rid of her!
There is a lot of research being done on PE. Some of the latest thinking is that it could be hereditary. It could also have something to do with the levels of chemicals (serotonin and dopamine) in your brain.
High levels of dopamine appear to trigger early ejaculation and high levels of serotonin appear to delay it. Drugs like anti-depressants can help restore the balance and getting lots of exercise also seems to help.
Scientists are currently working on a pill to ‘cure’ PE. But it has to be perfected and approved, and drugs are not the answer for everyone.
In the meantime, you can learn to manage your PE. Go to the American website www.goodinbed.com and download an e-book called Overcoming Premature Ejaculation.
It is said to be the best book on the subject, and it covers the practical and emotional aspects.
Read it, do the exercises and when you feel confident, start dating again. Not all women are as unsympathetic as your ex!
love
Is there a pill I could take to cure it? I’ve tried most of the recommended methods but none works very well. If there isn’t a drug, is there anything else you could suggest?
Albert, by e-mall.
Dear Albert,
Of course, it is not your fault. One in three men struggles with premature ejaculation (PE), at some point in their lives. It can happen to anyone no matter how old or sexually experienced you are. Your ex-girlfriend is as misguided as she is rude. You’re lucky to be rid of her!
There is a lot of research being done on PE. Some of the latest thinking is that it could be hereditary. It could also have something to do with the levels of chemicals (serotonin and dopamine) in your brain.
High levels of dopamine appear to trigger early ejaculation and high levels of serotonin appear to delay it. Drugs like anti-depressants can help restore the balance and getting lots of exercise also seems to help.
Scientists are currently working on a pill to ‘cure’ PE. But it has to be perfected and approved, and drugs are not the answer for everyone.
In the meantime, you can learn to manage your PE. Go to the American website www.goodinbed.com and download an e-book called Overcoming Premature Ejaculation.
It is said to be the best book on the subject, and it covers the practical and emotional aspects.
Read it, do the exercises and when you feel confident, start dating again. Not all women are as unsympathetic as your ex!
Military versus Zakzaky’s group
FOR the second time in as many years, the Nigerian Army
descended heavily on the Sheikh Ibrahim Yaqub el Zakzaky led Zaria-based
Islamic sect, which styles itself as “the Islamic Movement in Nigeria
(IMN)” but who are more popularly referred to as the Shiites, with many
killed and injured, and the whereabouts of the sect’s leader unclear.
The latest clashes, which saw the destruction of the sect’s convention centre in Zaria, Kaduna State, penultimate weekend, was sequel to a similar event last year which led to the death of dozens of the Islamic preacher’s followers, including three of his sons. It started when the group blocked a major highway in the city and prevented the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, from performing an official function and paying a condolence visit to the Zaria monarch.
Rather than yield to entreaties by army officers to open the road, the sect’s followers, perhaps mindful of the harsh crackdown of the security forces on their members in the past took hostile measures which the Army read as an attempt on the life of their chief, Buratai. Speaking in a television interview, Army spokesman, Col. Sani Usman, made it clear that the military had to take proactive steps against the group to prevent a situation in the past repeating itself, where Boko Haram, a similar sect, was allowed to grow from an outlaw group to the world renowned terrorist group that threatened the nation.
The clashes this time drew the attention of foreign interests, as the governments of Iran and Iraq, which have predominant populations of Shiites, called for an inquiry into the incident.
The governments of the USA and UK and rights advocacy group, Amnesty International also called for an investigation, which the House of Representatives has already started.
We also join in this call to ensure that this sect, which has existed in Nigeria for the past forty years, is not allowed to become another threat to the security of the nation.
The latest clashes, which saw the destruction of the sect’s convention centre in Zaria, Kaduna State, penultimate weekend, was sequel to a similar event last year which led to the death of dozens of the Islamic preacher’s followers, including three of his sons. It started when the group blocked a major highway in the city and prevented the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, from performing an official function and paying a condolence visit to the Zaria monarch.
Rather than yield to entreaties by army officers to open the road, the sect’s followers, perhaps mindful of the harsh crackdown of the security forces on their members in the past took hostile measures which the Army read as an attempt on the life of their chief, Buratai. Speaking in a television interview, Army spokesman, Col. Sani Usman, made it clear that the military had to take proactive steps against the group to prevent a situation in the past repeating itself, where Boko Haram, a similar sect, was allowed to grow from an outlaw group to the world renowned terrorist group that threatened the nation.
The clashes this time drew the attention of foreign interests, as the governments of Iran and Iraq, which have predominant populations of Shiites, called for an inquiry into the incident.
The governments of the USA and UK and rights advocacy group, Amnesty International also called for an investigation, which the House of Representatives has already started.
We also join in this call to ensure that this sect, which has existed in Nigeria for the past forty years, is not allowed to become another threat to the security of the nation.
We want to prepare saints for Christ’s coming at this retreat — Kumuyi
The Deeper Christian Life Ministry,
DLCC has announced its national December retreat with the theme,
‘Readiness for Christ’s Return.’
The General Superintendent, Pastor William F. Kumuyi, said the focus this time around would be on preparing saints for Christ’s return, adding that it will also afford participants the opportunity of experiencing divine intervention in their lives.
Pastor Kumuyi stated that although the current socio-economic challenges in the country may have so much agitated the minds of many citizens, he nevertheless urged Nigerians to lessen their apprehension and fear about the coming year, urging them to place their absolute trust in God.
The cleric’s assurances were contained in a statement signed on his behalf by Pastor Jerry Asemota, the Church Secretary, which formally announced the national December retreat.
“At this time, we must emphasise, once again, the need for people to think beyond their existence here; we want them to know that there is a place far better than this present world. Whatever anyone may be enjoying here cannot be compared to what God has prepared for those who love Him in Heaven. Whether we eat or drink, we must, always, be conscious of the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ,” he said.
The retreat, which starts from December 24 will end on Sunday, December 27.
The programme will hold at the DLCC, Km 42, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, and in all the states of the federation.
It will be streamed live via satellite from DLCC to other centres in Nigeria, Africa, Europe, America and other continents of the world where the church has its branches.
The General Superintendent, Pastor William F. Kumuyi, said the focus this time around would be on preparing saints for Christ’s return, adding that it will also afford participants the opportunity of experiencing divine intervention in their lives.
Pastor Kumuyi stated that although the current socio-economic challenges in the country may have so much agitated the minds of many citizens, he nevertheless urged Nigerians to lessen their apprehension and fear about the coming year, urging them to place their absolute trust in God.
The cleric’s assurances were contained in a statement signed on his behalf by Pastor Jerry Asemota, the Church Secretary, which formally announced the national December retreat.
“At this time, we must emphasise, once again, the need for people to think beyond their existence here; we want them to know that there is a place far better than this present world. Whatever anyone may be enjoying here cannot be compared to what God has prepared for those who love Him in Heaven. Whether we eat or drink, we must, always, be conscious of the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ,” he said.
The retreat, which starts from December 24 will end on Sunday, December 27.
The programme will hold at the DLCC, Km 42, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, and in all the states of the federation.
It will be streamed live via satellite from DLCC to other centres in Nigeria, Africa, Europe, America and other continents of the world where the church has its branches.
Buhari’ govt spending money like a drunken sailor – Fani- Kayode
ABUJA- FORMER Spokesperson of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan Campaign
Organisation, Chief Femi Fani- Kayode has described the 2016 budget as
presented by President Muhammadu Buhari to the joint National Assembly
as that fueled by insincerity.
According to him, it was ironic that former governor Asiwaju Tinubu; Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi and Governor Nasir El- Rufai who kicked against deregulation during former President Jonathan, have suddenly become great supporters of deregulation.
In a statement he signed yesterday and made available to Journalists in Abuja, Chief Fani- Kayode who accused Buhari’s administration of spending money like a drunken sailor, alleged that the government was borrowing as if there was no tomorrow.
The former Aviation Minister who noted that the government was mortgaging the future of Nigeria, Nigerians and our children,said, “The 2016 budget is fueled by insincerity, shrouded in fantasy, built on tall dreams and spawned by deceit, ignorance and the illusion of change. It is bloated, unrealistic, expensive, cosmetic and it will not result in anything good.
“In order to fund part of the budget the government intends to borrow money and this will throw our country into even greater debt. What a tragedy this is given the fact that in 2007 Nigeria was debt-free. The Buhari administration is spending money like a drunken sailor and they are borrowing as if there is no tomorrow, mortgaging the future of our nation and our children.
” We need far more fiscal discipline and seriousness than that if our government really wishes to improve the economy and better the lives of ordinary people.
“Meanwhile the Federal Government has said that President Goodluck Jonathan is responsible for today’s long fuel queues even though he left office 7 months ago.
” They seem to have forgotten that in 2012 it was their group, led by Bola Tinubu, Nasir El Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi and President Buhari himself that aggressively opposed deregulation and almost brought the whole country to a standstill with protests and riots all over the place in their efforts to prevent the government from removing the oil subsidy.
“Had it not been for their pettiness, lack of understanding, shortsightedness and double standards the subsidy would have been removed three years ago and fuel queues would have been a thing of history. Sadly they lacked the foresight to appreciate the virtues of that policy and today they have the nerve to blame Jonathan for the mess that they themselves essentially created.
“They have been in power for 7 months now: it is time for them to step up to the plate, start taking responsibility for their own actions, do a better job and stop blaming Jonathan for their own miserable and avoidable failures.”
According to him, it was ironic that former governor Asiwaju Tinubu; Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi and Governor Nasir El- Rufai who kicked against deregulation during former President Jonathan, have suddenly become great supporters of deregulation.
In a statement he signed yesterday and made available to Journalists in Abuja, Chief Fani- Kayode who accused Buhari’s administration of spending money like a drunken sailor, alleged that the government was borrowing as if there was no tomorrow.
The former Aviation Minister who noted that the government was mortgaging the future of Nigeria, Nigerians and our children,said, “The 2016 budget is fueled by insincerity, shrouded in fantasy, built on tall dreams and spawned by deceit, ignorance and the illusion of change. It is bloated, unrealistic, expensive, cosmetic and it will not result in anything good.
“In order to fund part of the budget the government intends to borrow money and this will throw our country into even greater debt. What a tragedy this is given the fact that in 2007 Nigeria was debt-free. The Buhari administration is spending money like a drunken sailor and they are borrowing as if there is no tomorrow, mortgaging the future of our nation and our children.
” We need far more fiscal discipline and seriousness than that if our government really wishes to improve the economy and better the lives of ordinary people.
“Meanwhile the Federal Government has said that President Goodluck Jonathan is responsible for today’s long fuel queues even though he left office 7 months ago.
” They seem to have forgotten that in 2012 it was their group, led by Bola Tinubu, Nasir El Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi and President Buhari himself that aggressively opposed deregulation and almost brought the whole country to a standstill with protests and riots all over the place in their efforts to prevent the government from removing the oil subsidy.
“Had it not been for their pettiness, lack of understanding, shortsightedness and double standards the subsidy would have been removed three years ago and fuel queues would have been a thing of history. Sadly they lacked the foresight to appreciate the virtues of that policy and today they have the nerve to blame Jonathan for the mess that they themselves essentially created.
“They have been in power for 7 months now: it is time for them to step up to the plate, start taking responsibility for their own actions, do a better job and stop blaming Jonathan for their own miserable and avoidable failures.”
ASP, 2 other policemen die in gun battle with alleged kidnappers
PORT HARCOURT— THREE policemen
reportedly lost their lives yesterday when they went to foil an
attempted kidnapping of the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to
the Rivers State Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mr. Jerry
Needam.
Needam who disclosed this in a statement commended the gallantry of the policemen deployed to rescue him during the attempted kidnap and alleged assassination attempt on his life.
He said one of the killed policemen was an Assistant Superintendent, ASP, adding that the policemen engaged the heavily armed assassins in a fierce gun battle for several hours.
Needam accused his political opponents of being behind the alleged attempt on his life.
While expressing gratitude to God for sparing his life, Needam said two of ther policemen and his security guard sustained bullet wounds during the incident and were receiving treatment at a hospital.
A text to the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Muhammad from Vanguard for comment on the issue had not been responded to at press time.
Needam who disclosed this in a statement commended the gallantry of the policemen deployed to rescue him during the attempted kidnap and alleged assassination attempt on his life.
He said one of the killed policemen was an Assistant Superintendent, ASP, adding that the policemen engaged the heavily armed assassins in a fierce gun battle for several hours.
Needam accused his political opponents of being behind the alleged attempt on his life.
While expressing gratitude to God for sparing his life, Needam said two of ther policemen and his security guard sustained bullet wounds during the incident and were receiving treatment at a hospital.
A text to the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Muhammad from Vanguard for comment on the issue had not been responded to at press time.
NCAA sanctions Aero over Bauchi Airport ladder saga
The Nigerian Civil Aviation
Authority, NCAA, yesterday imposed what it called an applicable sanction
on Aero Contractors Airlines in line with Nigerian Civil Aviation
Regulations, NCARs, Though, the specific sanction was not revealed but
the agency said that it runs into millions of Naira.
According to Mr Sam Adurogboye, Ag General Manager, Public Relations, NCAA ,“The
Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has imposed an applicable
sanction on Aero Contractors Airlines in line with Nigerian Civil
Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs).”
“In a letter conveying the
sanction, the Director General of the Regulatory Authority, Capt. Muhtar
Usman, said the action of Aero Contractors Airline in allowing the use
of a ladder to disembark passengers from a Boeing 737 – 500 aircraft in a
non-emergency situation is contrary to its approved aircraft handling
manual.”
“Therefore this is a violation of
Part 9.2.4.2(b) of Nig.CARs which part attracts a civil penalty. All
relevant agencies made useful submissions during the course of the
investigation.”
The DG continued in the letter that, ‘’in view of the
safety implications of your action you are hereby sanctioned in
accordance with the provisions of Part 20.2.3(15) of the Nig.CARs.’’
“Although the incident did not
result in any mishap, the aircraft is airworthy and the Crew well
qualified to operate the flight. However, it is viewed as a breach and
resultantly a fine running into millions of naira have been clamped on
the airline to serve as deterrence and to forestall any similar
infraction by any other airline operator.”
“In addition, the Captain of the
flight was similarly fined for failing to comply with the provisions
contained in the aircraft manual.”
“The Nigerian Civil Aviation
Authority ,NCAA, therefore wishes to reiterate its earlier warning that
all airlines should endeavour to adhere strictly to Civil Aviation
Regulations.
Buhari, the Army, ethnic and religious militias
IT is not a plus for his democratic credentials, that President
Muhammadu Buhari has not thought it fit to comment on the issue, weeks
after personnel of the Nigeria Police were reported to have killed
several members of the so-called Indigenous Peoples of Biafra and scores
more were mauled down of followers of the misguided Shiite cleric,
Ibrahim El Zakzaky, by soldiers of the Nigerian Army.
As the Commander-in Chief of the Armed Forces, he is the supreme head of our armed forces and as such cannot look away when members of the forces are accused of serious crime bordering on mass killings of allegedly harmless Nigerians.
His comments don’t necessarily have to be condemnatory of the action
of the concerned soldiers if he does not think they are at fault. But,
if otherwise, he thinks the soldiers went beyond the bounds of what can
be considered acceptable conduct, his denunciatory comments would go a
long way to reassure Nigerians that they are not at the mercy of a
lawless military that can act totally with impunity.
We ought to have moved beyond the level of the ‘unknown soldiers’ such as those involved in the destruction of Fela’s Kalakuta Republic in 1977. Our soldiers are individuals with verifiable names and addresses traceable to whatever military formations they are attached to. In fact, some of the soldiers involved in the encounter with the Shiite were in the escort of Tukur Buratai, the Chief of Army Staff, who was allegedly pencilled down for assassination for yet undisclosed reasons by members of the religious sect.
It was in their bid to ensure a safe passage for him after the Shiite allegedly blocked his way to an official engagement, that the soldiers opened fire. This account has, of course, been disputed by the Shiite who claimed the COAS had left well before a detachment of soldiers returned to wreak havoc.
Whatever were the actual circumstances that led to the bloody showdown, the identities of the soldiers involved are not and cannot be unknown. They could be summoned to account for their action. Which is to say that as far as the IPOB or Shiite killings go, the president’s comments, whether laudatory or condemnatory, would have been better than his present silence. His opponents, rightly or wrongly, would be quick to cite cases such as these as evidence that he still needs to be fully weaned of his military propensities.
The right of Nigerians to freely express themselves either by being part of demonstrations to assert their right to self determination as IPOB proclaims, or to congregate for religious reasons as with the Shiite, should not be compromised. Yet, Nigerians who must assert their rights in the foregoing manner must also be ready to accord such rights to others and conduct themselves in ways that would not hurt public peace. But this is far more than one can say for either the followers of Nnamdi Kanu or El Zakzaky. Commentaries on the recent encounters of these two groups with the security agencies have not emphasised this point at all.
The overwhelming impression that is conveyed by many of these commentators is that the unnecessarily provocative and sometimes violent actions of members of the respective ethnic or religious group are just all right and should continue without consequences. Yet both groups have functioned many times outside the bounds of propriety. If IPOB members have confined themselves to peaceful street protests without blockading the Niger Bridge in Onitsha, perhaps their run-in with the police would have ended more happily.
Forced closure of business places or major highways like the Niger Bridge cannot at all be considered peaceful. When this is coupled with the possibility of miscreant activities among genuine members of this group, there is no way to guarantee a peaceful outcome 100%.
As for the Shiites, available footage of their encounter with the soldiers shows they might have been asking for what came their way. Parts of this footage show senior military men in close discussions with the Shiites, apparently pleading with them to leave even when some of them could be seen openly brandishing machetes and other types of cudgels. What point were they trying to make confronting these soldiers with such arms?
Our security and military personnel have not been too famous for their cordiality. They are too full of their own sense of self-importance and engage in unnecessary show of power. They are often a trigger-happy lot, would sooner bawl orders at people and speak with their weapons and horse whips rather than behave civilly. For such unprofessional acts of reckless irresponsibility, we must continue to condemn them and insist that they change. But what we must never allow is to create a situation where our collective security is endangered by our readiness to tolerate the outlaw behaviour of extremist ethnic or religious groups in the misguided belief of championing their rights even when they would not submit to the rules that bind us all.
The excesses of the El Zakzaky Shiites like such other religious or ethnic groups need to be curtailed for our collective security. A group that seems eager to foment trouble even without provocation and pays no regards to the common rules that binds society is not one that should be allowed free reign. Just over a year ago, El Zakzaky lost a number of his family members in what looked like a case of mindless self-assertion by members of his group.
This group is known for its disruptive actions- spewing hate language, blocking roads for their activities or sending their members on long pilgrimage-like treks on major highways, and thereby obstructing the smooth flow of traffic.
They are belligerent and appear permanently poised for violent encounters or the enforcement of their peculiar doctrines. We continue to scream that Nigeria is a secular state but here we are saddled with Boko-haram-like groups springing up around us, determined to impose their strange doctrines on everybody, and we talk glibly about their rights as if the assertion of such rights must imply the denial of the rights of others to choose a different way of life.
We’ve seen how monies meant for arms purchase were criminally channelled into private pockets; how soldiers were hobbled and sent into battles without arms. We’ve seen Boko haram overrun towns and states after states, and declaring a caliphate even as our military, our only means of protection, were comprehensively trounced. Just eight months ago, we were all helpless wimps at the mercy of religious terrorists. Are we going to look on as similar outcast groups grow into Frankenstein monsters that will later threaten our collective security or insist that they too, like our military, should be subject to collective authority?
As the Commander-in Chief of the Armed Forces, he is the supreme head of our armed forces and as such cannot look away when members of the forces are accused of serious crime bordering on mass killings of allegedly harmless Nigerians.
President Muhammadu Buhari
We ought to have moved beyond the level of the ‘unknown soldiers’ such as those involved in the destruction of Fela’s Kalakuta Republic in 1977. Our soldiers are individuals with verifiable names and addresses traceable to whatever military formations they are attached to. In fact, some of the soldiers involved in the encounter with the Shiite were in the escort of Tukur Buratai, the Chief of Army Staff, who was allegedly pencilled down for assassination for yet undisclosed reasons by members of the religious sect.
It was in their bid to ensure a safe passage for him after the Shiite allegedly blocked his way to an official engagement, that the soldiers opened fire. This account has, of course, been disputed by the Shiite who claimed the COAS had left well before a detachment of soldiers returned to wreak havoc.
Whatever were the actual circumstances that led to the bloody showdown, the identities of the soldiers involved are not and cannot be unknown. They could be summoned to account for their action. Which is to say that as far as the IPOB or Shiite killings go, the president’s comments, whether laudatory or condemnatory, would have been better than his present silence. His opponents, rightly or wrongly, would be quick to cite cases such as these as evidence that he still needs to be fully weaned of his military propensities.
The right of Nigerians to freely express themselves either by being part of demonstrations to assert their right to self determination as IPOB proclaims, or to congregate for religious reasons as with the Shiite, should not be compromised. Yet, Nigerians who must assert their rights in the foregoing manner must also be ready to accord such rights to others and conduct themselves in ways that would not hurt public peace. But this is far more than one can say for either the followers of Nnamdi Kanu or El Zakzaky. Commentaries on the recent encounters of these two groups with the security agencies have not emphasised this point at all.
The overwhelming impression that is conveyed by many of these commentators is that the unnecessarily provocative and sometimes violent actions of members of the respective ethnic or religious group are just all right and should continue without consequences. Yet both groups have functioned many times outside the bounds of propriety. If IPOB members have confined themselves to peaceful street protests without blockading the Niger Bridge in Onitsha, perhaps their run-in with the police would have ended more happily.
Forced closure of business places or major highways like the Niger Bridge cannot at all be considered peaceful. When this is coupled with the possibility of miscreant activities among genuine members of this group, there is no way to guarantee a peaceful outcome 100%.
As for the Shiites, available footage of their encounter with the soldiers shows they might have been asking for what came their way. Parts of this footage show senior military men in close discussions with the Shiites, apparently pleading with them to leave even when some of them could be seen openly brandishing machetes and other types of cudgels. What point were they trying to make confronting these soldiers with such arms?
Our security and military personnel have not been too famous for their cordiality. They are too full of their own sense of self-importance and engage in unnecessary show of power. They are often a trigger-happy lot, would sooner bawl orders at people and speak with their weapons and horse whips rather than behave civilly. For such unprofessional acts of reckless irresponsibility, we must continue to condemn them and insist that they change. But what we must never allow is to create a situation where our collective security is endangered by our readiness to tolerate the outlaw behaviour of extremist ethnic or religious groups in the misguided belief of championing their rights even when they would not submit to the rules that bind us all.
The excesses of the El Zakzaky Shiites like such other religious or ethnic groups need to be curtailed for our collective security. A group that seems eager to foment trouble even without provocation and pays no regards to the common rules that binds society is not one that should be allowed free reign. Just over a year ago, El Zakzaky lost a number of his family members in what looked like a case of mindless self-assertion by members of his group.
This group is known for its disruptive actions- spewing hate language, blocking roads for their activities or sending their members on long pilgrimage-like treks on major highways, and thereby obstructing the smooth flow of traffic.
They are belligerent and appear permanently poised for violent encounters or the enforcement of their peculiar doctrines. We continue to scream that Nigeria is a secular state but here we are saddled with Boko-haram-like groups springing up around us, determined to impose their strange doctrines on everybody, and we talk glibly about their rights as if the assertion of such rights must imply the denial of the rights of others to choose a different way of life.
We’ve seen how monies meant for arms purchase were criminally channelled into private pockets; how soldiers were hobbled and sent into battles without arms. We’ve seen Boko haram overrun towns and states after states, and declaring a caliphate even as our military, our only means of protection, were comprehensively trounced. Just eight months ago, we were all helpless wimps at the mercy of religious terrorists. Are we going to look on as similar outcast groups grow into Frankenstein monsters that will later threaten our collective security or insist that they too, like our military, should be subject to collective authority?
Tuesday, 22 December 2015
How Skepta, Krept & Konan, Olamide rocked Beat FM Xmas concert
The highly anticipated Beat FM Christmas concert which took place on Sunday, 20th of December, at Federal Palace Hotel saw UK Grime artistes Skepta, Stormzy, Krept & Konan thrill their Nigerian fans.
The audience was held spell bound with each performance, as they stood on their feet till the wee hours of the morning.
The South London rapper, Stormzy, who announced on stage that he was of Ghanaian descent performed a number of hit songs like Not That Deep, Know me from, 0 to 100 and others.
After performing a couple of songs, including the chart topping Private Caller on stage, Joseph Adenuga popularly known as Skepta gave a shout out to his parents who came to see him perform.
Krept and Konan who are known for their handsome looks got fans screaming and singing along to songs like Freak of the week, Young and Reckless, etc.
Nigerian fans also got a chance to enjoy performances from their favourite artistes, Falz, Phyno, Olamide, Lil kesh, Yemi Alade and a host of others who came on stage to the delight of the Lagos crowd.
Olamide & Davido got the crowd back on their feet with an energetic performance of their most recent collaboration The Money.
With DJ Caise and DJ Xclusive on the wheels, Phyno stormed the stage and kept the audience entertained with songs like Man of the year, Connect etc.
While Speaking at the Event, GM Megalectrics Limited, Deji Awokoya commented, “We’re happy to have fulfilled a lot of people’s Christmas wish as we organized an unbeatable show. It was a once-in-a-lifetime show and definitely one to remember”.
The concert was definitely one to remember for music lovers as acts like Wande coal, Sound Sultan, Yemi Alade, Seyi Shay, Yee C, Falz, Lil Kesh, Iyanya, and more were also on hand to add colour and fun to an amazing night of great music.
The audience was held spell bound with each performance, as they stood on their feet till the wee hours of the morning.
The South London rapper, Stormzy, who announced on stage that he was of Ghanaian descent performed a number of hit songs like Not That Deep, Know me from, 0 to 100 and others.
After performing a couple of songs, including the chart topping Private Caller on stage, Joseph Adenuga popularly known as Skepta gave a shout out to his parents who came to see him perform.
Krept and Konan who are known for their handsome looks got fans screaming and singing along to songs like Freak of the week, Young and Reckless, etc.Nigerian fans also got a chance to enjoy performances from their favourite artistes, Falz, Phyno, Olamide, Lil kesh, Yemi Alade and a host of others who came on stage to the delight of the Lagos crowd.
Olamide & Davido got the crowd back on their feet with an energetic performance of their most recent collaboration The Money.
With DJ Caise and DJ Xclusive on the wheels, Phyno stormed the stage and kept the audience entertained with songs like Man of the year, Connect etc.
While Speaking at the Event, GM Megalectrics Limited, Deji Awokoya commented, “We’re happy to have fulfilled a lot of people’s Christmas wish as we organized an unbeatable show. It was a once-in-a-lifetime show and definitely one to remember”.
The concert was definitely one to remember for music lovers as acts like Wande coal, Sound Sultan, Yemi Alade, Seyi Shay, Yee C, Falz, Lil Kesh, Iyanya, and more were also on hand to add colour and fun to an amazing night of great music.
MTV Base ends 2015 in style
Olamide, Reminisce, Lil Kesh, Wande Coal, Others Perform at Star-Studded MTV Base White Christmas Party
The usually quiet Ikeja City Mall car park came alive in a blaze of lights, music and good spirits on Friday December 18, 2015 as the #BASEWHITEXMASPARTY organised by MTV Base dazzled over 2,000 screaming fans with performances from superstar acts like Olamide, Phyno, Wande coal, Reminsce, Sean Tizzle and a host of other A-list music artistes.
Hosted by MTV VJ Ehiz and City FM OAPs Sensei Uche and Cynthia Okpala, the event kept fans electrified from the beginning to the very end in the small hours of Saturday morning with a mix of DJ sets and performances from established artistes and amazing upcoming talents who thrilled the crowd in the open roof arena nonstop.
Olamide brought the entire venue to its feet with his retinue of hits including ‘Durosoke’, ‘Bobo’, ‘Reggae Blues’, ‘Lagos Boys’ and ‘Turn Up’, which left the crowd in in a wild frenzy.
Wande Coal also came on board to mesmerize the audience with the performance of his popular songs My woman My everything, Baby Hello.
Another major highlight on the Night was the appearance of Falz The Bahd Guy onstage, which got the biggest cheer of the night from a crowd that just wanted more and more. He obliged them with several of his hits including ‘Karishika’, ‘Ello Bae’, and ‘Celebrity Girlfriend’.
Other artistes who performed at the party were Loose Kaynon, Terry G, Adekunle Gold, Pepenazi, Wande Coal, Niniola, Ycee, Skuki, May D, Sean Tizzle, CDQ, and others.
Speaking after the show, Head of Marketing and Communications, Nigeria, Viacom International Media Networks Africa, Colette Otusheso remarked,
“It has been a really fantastic year for all of us at MTV Base and for Nigerian and African music in general and this was our way of sharing the love with everyone this Christmas. We had a lot of fun with everyone who came out tonight and we wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!”
The MTV Base White Christmas Party was organised in partnership with Jemima Events and was supported by the Ikeja City Mall, DStv, Strongbow, City FM, Bella Naija and Pulse.Ng
The usually quiet Ikeja City Mall car park came alive in a blaze of lights, music and good spirits on Friday December 18, 2015 as the #BASEWHITEXMASPARTY organised by MTV Base dazzled over 2,000 screaming fans with performances from superstar acts like Olamide, Phyno, Wande coal, Reminsce, Sean Tizzle and a host of other A-list music artistes.
Hosted by MTV VJ Ehiz and City FM OAPs Sensei Uche and Cynthia Okpala, the event kept fans electrified from the beginning to the very end in the small hours of Saturday morning with a mix of DJ sets and performances from established artistes and amazing upcoming talents who thrilled the crowd in the open roof arena nonstop.
Olamide brought the entire venue to its feet with his retinue of hits including ‘Durosoke’, ‘Bobo’, ‘Reggae Blues’, ‘Lagos Boys’ and ‘Turn Up’, which left the crowd in in a wild frenzy.
Wande Coal also came on board to mesmerize the audience with the performance of his popular songs My woman My everything, Baby Hello.
Another major highlight on the Night was the appearance of Falz The Bahd Guy onstage, which got the biggest cheer of the night from a crowd that just wanted more and more. He obliged them with several of his hits including ‘Karishika’, ‘Ello Bae’, and ‘Celebrity Girlfriend’.
Other artistes who performed at the party were Loose Kaynon, Terry G, Adekunle Gold, Pepenazi, Wande Coal, Niniola, Ycee, Skuki, May D, Sean Tizzle, CDQ, and others.
Speaking after the show, Head of Marketing and Communications, Nigeria, Viacom International Media Networks Africa, Colette Otusheso remarked,
“It has been a really fantastic year for all of us at MTV Base and for Nigerian and African music in general and this was our way of sharing the love with everyone this Christmas. We had a lot of fun with everyone who came out tonight and we wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!”
The MTV Base White Christmas Party was organised in partnership with Jemima Events and was supported by the Ikeja City Mall, DStv, Strongbow, City FM, Bella Naija and Pulse.Ng
Rio 2016: Siasia dismisses overage players list
Nigeria Under-23 coach Samson Siasia said he has no idea of the overage players that will form part of his team to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
This is on the background of speculations that Odion Ighalo, Ahmed Musa and John Obi Mikel will be in the squad. Siasia who is currently on holidays after the long hard qualification campaign, stated there was no such move to have the players in his team.
He stressed that on his return to the country after the Christmas break, his plan for the Olympics will become much clearer.
“Right now I am away from the country, resting with my family and have not discussed my list with anybody. Yes those players are good and we’ll need the best three overage we can invite but I have not called Musa, Odion Ighalo or Mikel.
“When I return to the country then we’ll start out planning for the Olympic Games, but for now there’s nothing on ground.’
This is on the background of speculations that Odion Ighalo, Ahmed Musa and John Obi Mikel will be in the squad. Siasia who is currently on holidays after the long hard qualification campaign, stated there was no such move to have the players in his team.
Siasia
“Right now I am away from the country, resting with my family and have not discussed my list with anybody. Yes those players are good and we’ll need the best three overage we can invite but I have not called Musa, Odion Ighalo or Mikel.
“When I return to the country then we’ll start out planning for the Olympic Games, but for now there’s nothing on ground.’
NTF board reaffirms Binga as president
By Ben Efe
Nigeria Taekwondo Federation has reconfirmed Margaret Elizabeth Binga as president, after George Ashiru was impeached 6-1 on December 12.
According to a statement signed by seven members of the NTF, Mrs Binga, a two time African champion and international referee is the authentic president, while Mr. Ashiru remains a board member. It stated further that a 33 page document, detailing the events that led to Ashiru’s removal has been sent to the Sports Ministry and the National Sports Commission.
Some of Ashiru’s failings include holding only four board meetings in two and half years instead of the 12 required by the code of governance., not carrying along board members and shielding financial transactions of the federation from others concerned.
Speaking on the development Mrs. Binga stressed that the board was more interested in seeing Nigeria taekwondo players at the Rio 2016 Olympics as the Ashiru episode is considered settled.
“What happened was just a family matter which will be resolved. But right now we have the Olympics qualifiers coming up. We have less than seven weeks to the qualifying tournament and that is virtually what we are concentrating on,” said Bingi.
“We will get over the problem. Mr. Ashiru is a nice man, but administratively he isn’t up to the task.” “We are waiting for the NSC. Very soon they will call all of us and put the matter to rest.”
Nigeria Taekwondo Federation has reconfirmed Margaret Elizabeth Binga as president, after George Ashiru was impeached 6-1 on December 12.
According to a statement signed by seven members of the NTF, Mrs Binga, a two time African champion and international referee is the authentic president, while Mr. Ashiru remains a board member. It stated further that a 33 page document, detailing the events that led to Ashiru’s removal has been sent to the Sports Ministry and the National Sports Commission.
Some of Ashiru’s failings include holding only four board meetings in two and half years instead of the 12 required by the code of governance., not carrying along board members and shielding financial transactions of the federation from others concerned.
Speaking on the development Mrs. Binga stressed that the board was more interested in seeing Nigeria taekwondo players at the Rio 2016 Olympics as the Ashiru episode is considered settled.
“What happened was just a family matter which will be resolved. But right now we have the Olympics qualifiers coming up. We have less than seven weeks to the qualifying tournament and that is virtually what we are concentrating on,” said Bingi.
“We will get over the problem. Mr. Ashiru is a nice man, but administratively he isn’t up to the task.” “We are waiting for the NSC. Very soon they will call all of us and put the matter to rest.”
CHAN: Super Eagles face Angola, Cote d’ Ivoire test
Super Eagles B team will play against Cote d’Ivoire and Angola to boost their readiness for the CAF African Nations Championship starting January 16 in Rwanda.
According to Super Eagles media officer Toyin Ibitoye the warm up matches will be played when the team resumes camping in South Africa. Angola eliminated South Africa to qualify for the 2016 CHAN. The Eagles are due to set up a training camp in Pretoria early next month before they land in Rwanda for the CHAN.
They are drawn in the same group with Tunisia, Niger and Guinea and will play their opening game on January 18 against Nigeria.
Meanwhile the Super Eagles will take two days off to celebrate the Christmas. The Super Eagles have been in Abuja for about a week preparing for the tournament without chief coach Sunday Oliseh who has been ill for something
According to Super Eagles media officer Toyin Ibitoye the warm up matches will be played when the team resumes camping in South Africa. Angola eliminated South Africa to qualify for the 2016 CHAN. The Eagles are due to set up a training camp in Pretoria early next month before they land in Rwanda for the CHAN.
They are drawn in the same group with Tunisia, Niger and Guinea and will play their opening game on January 18 against Nigeria.
Meanwhile the Super Eagles will take two days off to celebrate the Christmas. The Super Eagles have been in Abuja for about a week preparing for the tournament without chief coach Sunday Oliseh who has been ill for something
Sports Minister reads riot out to NFF
The Nigeria Football Federation NFF has been barred from selling players of the national U-23 team to clubs in Europe and outside the country without an appropriate developmental framework.
The Minister of Youth and Sports Barrister Solomon Selcap Dalung gave the directive yesterday in Abuja after receiving reports that illegal transactions of players took place regularly at the NFF. He warned that International transfer certificates should not be issued without serving the interest of the player.
Barr. Dalung said that it was unfortunate that the young players who had brought glory to the country after winning the African U-23 championship in Senegal and the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile were being sold out to clubs without the players understanding of the contract they were being made to sign.
“It has come to my knowledge that these young players who are the source of our pride in world football are currently being subjected to harassment and manipulation of signing for clubs without them even understanding the content of the contract.
Therefore, I have directed the NFF which has the authority to grant licenses of these players to refrain from endorsing any of these slave transactions without a clear framework that follows the due process required for such contracts”.
The Minister further stated that as custodians of Sports in the country, the Ministry of Youth and Sports will not close its eyes to slave contracts of players without their consent.
“It will amount to moral suicide if we sit and watch the future of these young players not only being traded but also negotiated in the interest and benefit of some selfish agents and football officials. Any of such purported transactions that violate not only laid down procedures but player’s rights to choose will not be recognized, said Dalung”.
The Minister urged agents and players who intend to play elsewhere to get appropriate clearance of which the Sports Ministry will be part of the process. The President of the Nigeria Football Federation Amaju Pinnick has since been communicated on the development.
The Minister of Youth and Sports Barrister Solomon Selcap Dalung gave the directive yesterday in Abuja after receiving reports that illegal transactions of players took place regularly at the NFF. He warned that International transfer certificates should not be issued without serving the interest of the player.
Dalung and Amaju Pinnick
“It has come to my knowledge that these young players who are the source of our pride in world football are currently being subjected to harassment and manipulation of signing for clubs without them even understanding the content of the contract.
Therefore, I have directed the NFF which has the authority to grant licenses of these players to refrain from endorsing any of these slave transactions without a clear framework that follows the due process required for such contracts”.
The Minister further stated that as custodians of Sports in the country, the Ministry of Youth and Sports will not close its eyes to slave contracts of players without their consent.
“It will amount to moral suicide if we sit and watch the future of these young players not only being traded but also negotiated in the interest and benefit of some selfish agents and football officials. Any of such purported transactions that violate not only laid down procedures but player’s rights to choose will not be recognized, said Dalung”.
The Minister urged agents and players who intend to play elsewhere to get appropriate clearance of which the Sports Ministry will be part of the process. The President of the Nigeria Football Federation Amaju Pinnick has since been communicated on the development.
Benue South: David Mark’s new battle
The annulment of the former Senate President’s election reawakens the sharp ethnic divide in Benue State.
By Peter Duru
Benue South Senatorial district is currently in a political frenzy following the recent nullification of the victory of Senator David Mark at the 2015 National Assembly elections over alleged irregularities.
The Appellate Court took particular note that the result was announced while the election was still ongoing.
However, speaking shortly after the judgement in a telephone interview with Vanguard, the returning officer of that election, Prof. Latif Tiamiyu debunked the claim.
Prof. Tiamiyu said “the result was announced after the collation of the results from the nine local government areas of the district were completed. Anything suggesting the contrary is unfounded and untrue.” he said.
Meantime, since the annulment of that election there have been series of underground political scheming by different political blocs and interests all in a bid to rally support for the contending parties.
Today the feelings among the people is that the coming rerun election will be a straight fight between the Idomas of Benue south and the dominant Tivs in the North East and West.
This development is ostensibly triggered by the general belief among the people of Benue South that Onjeh who is a close confidant of Senator George Akume is also being sponsored by Akume.
Though Onjeh had tried to explain away the insinuation, unfolding events keep pointing at the fact that he lacked the financial muscle to wrestle the seat from Senator Mark without the support of political godfathers.
Only recently, the state Deputy Governor and close confidant of Senator Akume who also served as a Commissioner under Akume as governor, Engr. Benson Abounu, urged Idomas to shun Senator Mark and vote for Onjeh in order to stay in the mainstream politics of the state.
The Deputy Governor explained that in the past Mark had warned the people against opposition, and wondered why he was telling the people to now go back to the opposition.
He therefore urged the people to support Comrade Onjeh massively in the rerun election.
There is however no gainsaying that the coming election has completely pitched the minority Idomas against the Tiv and this was further heightened by a recent statement by elder statesman and PDP, stalwart, Chief Abu King Shuluwa.
Shuluwa in his remark in an interview cautioned against external interference in the rerun election warning politicians from the Benue North East and West to steer clear of the election in the area in order not to generate bad blood in the state.
The elder statesman noted that the people of Benue south district had the exclusive right to decide on who would represent them at the National Assembly and wondered why Tiv politicians were scrambling to interfere in the area.
He said, “PDP will win Benue South zone, not minding that my Tiv brothers from the other two zones, who have no stake in the area are jittery about David Mark particularly.
Speaking recently at a grand reception hosted for him by the people of the senatorial zone, Senator David Mark also cautioned external forces and interests to steer clear of the forthcoming election or be ready to face resistance from his people.
Form of manipulation
Mark also warned that the people would not also accept any form of manipulation of the process.
Mark who spoke at the palace of the Ochi’ Idoma, Elias Ikoyi Obekpa, in Otukpo, said he had taken the nullification of his victory by the appellate court in good faith and was ready for the rerun.
The former Senate President said, “it’s the Idomas who will vote on the day of the election, no one can impose anyone on us. No one outside Idoma land can manipulate or impose a candidate on my people in my life time. It will never happen.
While the electorates await the announcement of the date of the poll, the Media Director in the David Mark campaign organisation, Chief Adakole Elijiah told Vanguard in a telephone interview that, “from what we are seeing at the moment, the coming election will finally mark the end of the enslavement of the Idomas in Benue state.”
By Peter Duru
Benue South Senatorial district is currently in a political frenzy following the recent nullification of the victory of Senator David Mark at the 2015 National Assembly elections over alleged irregularities.
The Appellate Court took particular note that the result was announced while the election was still ongoing.
However, speaking shortly after the judgement in a telephone interview with Vanguard, the returning officer of that election, Prof. Latif Tiamiyu debunked the claim.
Prof. Tiamiyu said “the result was announced after the collation of the results from the nine local government areas of the district were completed. Anything suggesting the contrary is unfounded and untrue.” he said.
David Mark
Today the feelings among the people is that the coming rerun election will be a straight fight between the Idomas of Benue south and the dominant Tivs in the North East and West.
This development is ostensibly triggered by the general belief among the people of Benue South that Onjeh who is a close confidant of Senator George Akume is also being sponsored by Akume.
Though Onjeh had tried to explain away the insinuation, unfolding events keep pointing at the fact that he lacked the financial muscle to wrestle the seat from Senator Mark without the support of political godfathers.
Only recently, the state Deputy Governor and close confidant of Senator Akume who also served as a Commissioner under Akume as governor, Engr. Benson Abounu, urged Idomas to shun Senator Mark and vote for Onjeh in order to stay in the mainstream politics of the state.
The Deputy Governor explained that in the past Mark had warned the people against opposition, and wondered why he was telling the people to now go back to the opposition.
He therefore urged the people to support Comrade Onjeh massively in the rerun election.
There is however no gainsaying that the coming election has completely pitched the minority Idomas against the Tiv and this was further heightened by a recent statement by elder statesman and PDP, stalwart, Chief Abu King Shuluwa.
Shuluwa in his remark in an interview cautioned against external interference in the rerun election warning politicians from the Benue North East and West to steer clear of the election in the area in order not to generate bad blood in the state.
The elder statesman noted that the people of Benue south district had the exclusive right to decide on who would represent them at the National Assembly and wondered why Tiv politicians were scrambling to interfere in the area.
He said, “PDP will win Benue South zone, not minding that my Tiv brothers from the other two zones, who have no stake in the area are jittery about David Mark particularly.
Speaking recently at a grand reception hosted for him by the people of the senatorial zone, Senator David Mark also cautioned external forces and interests to steer clear of the forthcoming election or be ready to face resistance from his people.
Form of manipulation
Mark also warned that the people would not also accept any form of manipulation of the process.
Mark who spoke at the palace of the Ochi’ Idoma, Elias Ikoyi Obekpa, in Otukpo, said he had taken the nullification of his victory by the appellate court in good faith and was ready for the rerun.
The former Senate President said, “it’s the Idomas who will vote on the day of the election, no one can impose anyone on us. No one outside Idoma land can manipulate or impose a candidate on my people in my life time. It will never happen.
While the electorates await the announcement of the date of the poll, the Media Director in the David Mark campaign organisation, Chief Adakole Elijiah told Vanguard in a telephone interview that, “from what we are seeing at the moment, the coming election will finally mark the end of the enslavement of the Idomas in Benue state.”
What Omo-Agege’s emergence means to the Urhobos
Ovie Omo-Agege and Ighoyota Amori were two of the most prominent political enforcers at the twilight of the James Ibori political dynasty in Delta Central Senatorial District. They also shared a common dream of representing the senatorial district in the Eighth Senate. After an initial victory by Amori, Omo-Agege last weekend got the final nod.
By Festus Ahon
NEWS of the Appeal Court judgment ousting Chief Ighoyota Amori of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP as senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District shook the political firmament in the constituency in the evening of Saturday 19th December, 2015.
Remarkably, it came not too long after Amori as the serving senator had hosted a lavish thanksgiving service to celebrate his victory over Obasi Ovie Omo-Agege, the Labour Party candidate at the tribunal.
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and other top government functionaries from across the country witnessed the thanksgiving service at Amori’s Mosogar hometown in Ethiope West Local Government Area of the State.
Political prowess
Remarkably, Amori had started climbing the ropes in the Senate and was beginning to flex muscles until last Saturday’s judgment by the Court of Appeal in Benin knocked him out of the Senate.
For the duo of Amori and Omo-Agege, the March 28 Senatorial election was like their last political fight, an avenue for them to prove political prowess and superiority in the politics of Delta Central.
Amori had in 2011 slugged it out with late Senator Pius Ewherido and lost to the latter in a keenly contested election, the outcome of which he challenged at the election petition tribunal but also lost. He also vied for the Senate in the rerun election after the demise of Senator Ewherido but lost to Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo at the primary election.
On his part, Omo-Agege who had eyed the governorship since 2007 without success, had in 2013 also taken his eyes towards the Senate and contested with Aguariavwodo and Amori for the Delta Central Senate seat but lost to Aguariavwodo.
So for the two of them the 2015 Senate election was an opportunity for the two of them to prove to their skeptics that they could secure political office through the ballot.
The advent of Omo-Agege would again put the PDP under pressure in Delta Central as it gives strength to the opposition Labour Party, which is the main opposition to the PDP in the state.
Besides the PDP, Omo-Agege’s victory also puts pressure on the All Progressives Congress, APC which had sought to position itself as the main opposition party in the state. With Labour Party now having a seat in the Senate the party could well pride itself as the main opposition party in Delta State, an issue that party members are bound to take pride in despite the odds against it.
Expectedly, associates of the victor were exuberant at the weekend saying it portends a better future for the Urhobo people who predominantly occupy the Delta Central Senatorial District.
Those who spoke include; Chief Austin Uloho, Lady Kate Mudiaga-Erhue, Mr Julius Akpovoka and Mr Elvis Oharisi.
Uloho said Omo-Agege would fit into the big shoes left behind by the late Senator Pius Ewherido describing the verdict as the best thing that has ever happened to the Urhobo nation in recent times.
Genuine interest
According to him a strategist like Omo-Agege was urgently needed to reposition the Urhobo nation.
Lady Mudiaga-Erhue said the emergence of Omo-Agege would yield positive results for the Urhobo people and said the Urhobo needed somebody like Omo-Agege who according to her, has the genuine interest to serve his people to represent them at the Senate.
While dedicating the victory of Obaisi Ovie Omo-Agege to God and the common people in the senatorial district, Mr. Akpovoka expressed confidence that he (Omo-Agege) would make the Urhobo people proud at the Senate by initiating good bills that will accelerate the socio-economic development of the area.
On his part, Mr. Oharisi said Omo-Agege went into the election to redeem the Urhobo nation from the shackles of under development and poor representation at the Senate.
By Festus Ahon
NEWS of the Appeal Court judgment ousting Chief Ighoyota Amori of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP as senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District shook the political firmament in the constituency in the evening of Saturday 19th December, 2015.
Remarkably, it came not too long after Amori as the serving senator had hosted a lavish thanksgiving service to celebrate his victory over Obasi Ovie Omo-Agege, the Labour Party candidate at the tribunal.
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and other top government functionaries from across the country witnessed the thanksgiving service at Amori’s Mosogar hometown in Ethiope West Local Government Area of the State.
Political prowess
Remarkably, Amori had started climbing the ropes in the Senate and was beginning to flex muscles until last Saturday’s judgment by the Court of Appeal in Benin knocked him out of the Senate.
For the duo of Amori and Omo-Agege, the March 28 Senatorial election was like their last political fight, an avenue for them to prove political prowess and superiority in the politics of Delta Central.
Ighoyota Amori
On his part, Omo-Agege who had eyed the governorship since 2007 without success, had in 2013 also taken his eyes towards the Senate and contested with Aguariavwodo and Amori for the Delta Central Senate seat but lost to Aguariavwodo.
So for the two of them the 2015 Senate election was an opportunity for the two of them to prove to their skeptics that they could secure political office through the ballot.
The advent of Omo-Agege would again put the PDP under pressure in Delta Central as it gives strength to the opposition Labour Party, which is the main opposition to the PDP in the state.
Besides the PDP, Omo-Agege’s victory also puts pressure on the All Progressives Congress, APC which had sought to position itself as the main opposition party in the state. With Labour Party now having a seat in the Senate the party could well pride itself as the main opposition party in Delta State, an issue that party members are bound to take pride in despite the odds against it.
Expectedly, associates of the victor were exuberant at the weekend saying it portends a better future for the Urhobo people who predominantly occupy the Delta Central Senatorial District.
Those who spoke include; Chief Austin Uloho, Lady Kate Mudiaga-Erhue, Mr Julius Akpovoka and Mr Elvis Oharisi.
Uloho said Omo-Agege would fit into the big shoes left behind by the late Senator Pius Ewherido describing the verdict as the best thing that has ever happened to the Urhobo nation in recent times.
Genuine interest
According to him a strategist like Omo-Agege was urgently needed to reposition the Urhobo nation.
Lady Mudiaga-Erhue said the emergence of Omo-Agege would yield positive results for the Urhobo people and said the Urhobo needed somebody like Omo-Agege who according to her, has the genuine interest to serve his people to represent them at the Senate.
While dedicating the victory of Obaisi Ovie Omo-Agege to God and the common people in the senatorial district, Mr. Akpovoka expressed confidence that he (Omo-Agege) would make the Urhobo people proud at the Senate by initiating good bills that will accelerate the socio-economic development of the area.
On his part, Mr. Oharisi said Omo-Agege went into the election to redeem the Urhobo nation from the shackles of under development and poor representation at the Senate.
The answers to our problems are not beyond us -Buhari
2016 Budget Speech delivered by President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) on Wednesday, Dec. 22
PROTOCOLS
I am honoured and privileged to present the 2016 Budget proposal. This is my first address before this joint session of the National Assembly. I have come here today, not only to address members of the National Assembly but also to speak directly to the men and women who placed us here.
I know the state of our economy is a source of concern for many. This has been further worsened by the unbridled corruption and security challenges we have faced in the last few years.
From those who have lost their jobs, to those young people who have never had a job, to the people in the Northeast whose families and businesses were destroyed by insurgents, this has been a difficult period in our nation’s history, lessons that we must not forget or ignore as we plan for the future.
By June 2014, oil prices averaged 112 dollars per barrel. But as at today, the price is under 39 dollars per barrel. This huge decline is having a painful effect on our economy.
Consumption has declined at all levels. In both the private and public sectors, employers have struggled to meet their salary and other employee related obligations. The small business owners and traders have been particularly hard hit by this state of affairs.
Fellow Nigerians, the confidence of many might be shaken. However, I stand before you today promising that we will secure our country, rebuild our economy and make the Federal Republic of Nigeria stronger than it has ever been.
The answers to our problems are not beyond us. They exist on our farmlands; our corporations; in the universities in the hearts and minds of our entrepreneurs; through the gallantry of our Armed Forces; and the resolute spirit of Nigerians, especially the youth, who have refused to give up despite all the obstacles confronting them.
This budget proposal, the first by our government, seeks to stimulate the economy, making it more competitive by focusing on infrastructural development; delivering inclusive growth and prioritising the welfare of Nigerians.
We believe that this budget, while helping industry, commerce and investment to pick up, will as a matter of urgency, address the immediate problems of youth unemployment and the terrible living conditions of the extremely poor and vulnerable Nigerians.
In the medium to longer term, we remain committed to economic diversification through import substitution and export promotion. This will build resilience in our economy. It will guarantee that the problems we have today, will not confront our children and their children. This shall be our legacy for generations to come.
2015: A Year of Global and Domestic Challenges
Today, it is widely acknowledged that the global economy has slowed down. This is particularly the case with emerging markets such as Nigeria. However, despite the weak emerging market growth rates, our domestic security challenges, declining oil prices, and the attendant difficulties in providing foreign exchange to meet market demands, the Nigerian economy grew by 2.84 per cent in the third quarter of 2015.
We have, and will continue to implement strategies that will maintain macroeconomic stability and manage the oil price shocks we are experiencing.
Upon the inauguration of this administration on 29th May 2015, we engaged key stakeholders from various sectors of our economy and interfaced with the heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in order to understand the true state of our nation. What we found prompted us to take certain strategic decisions.
On the economy, we injected new leadership at the helm of our revenue generating agencies including the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS). We implemented the Treasury Single Account (TSA) which, so far, has provided greater visibility of government revenues and cash flows. We intervened to support states to navigate their fiscal challenges by restructuring their commercial bank loans and by providing facilities to enable them to pay salary arrears.
We have demonstrated a strong will to fight corruption. I am sure you will agree that the sheer scale of corruption and impunity of the past explains in part, the economic challenges we now face. On these initiatives, and the many more to come, we shall not be deterred. We will pursue the recovery of everything that belongs to the people of Nigeria. No matter where it is hidden. No matter how long it will take.
2015 Budget Performance
Distinguished and honourable members of the National Assembly, I now present a review of the 2015 Budget. That Budget was based on a benchmark oil price of 53 dollars per barrel, oil production of 2.28 million barrels per day and an exchange rate of N190 to the dollar.
The projected revenue was N3.45 trillion, with an outlay of N4.49 trillion, implying a deficit of N1.04 trillion. Due largely to under-provisioning by the previous administration for fuel subsidy and the costs required to support the military operations in the Northeast, the government had to obtain National Assembly’s approval for a supplementary budget of N575.5 billion. I take this opportunity to thank all members of the National Assembly for the prompt passage of that bill.
2016: Budget Assumptions
After reviewing the trends in the global oil industry, we have set a benchmark price of 38 dollars per barrel and a production estimate of 2.2 million barrels per day for 2016. We have focused on non-oil revenues by broadening our tax base and improving the effectiveness of our revenue collecting agencies.
Also, with the full implementation of the Treasury Single Account, we expect significant improvements in the collection and remittance of independent revenues. To further support the drive for increased remittances, we will ensure that all MDAs present their budgets in advance, and remit their operating surpluses as required by section 22 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act.
We are determined to ensure that our resources are managed prudently and utilised solely for the public good. To set the proper tone, one of our early decisions was the adoption of a zero based budgeting approach, which ensures that resources are aligned with government’s priorities and allocated efficiently. This budgeting method, a clear departure from previous budgeting activities, will optimise the impact of public expenditure.
In addition to the proper linkage of budgeting to strategic planning, we are enhancing the utilisation of the Government Integrated Financial Management Information Systems (GIFMIS) to improve financial management. The recently established Efficiency Unit is working across MDAs to identify and eliminate wasteful spending, duplication and other inefficiencies. We engaged costing experts to scrutinise the 2016 budget proposals. They have already identified certain cost areas that can be centralised for economies to be made.
We have directed the extension of the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS) to all MDAs to reap its full benefits. We will also strengthen the controls over our personnel and pension costs with the imminent introduction of the Continuous Audit Process (CAP). These initiatives will ensure personnel costs are reduced. Our commitment to a lean and cost effective government remains a priority, and the initiatives we are introducing will signal a fundamental change in how government spends public revenue.
2016: Laying the Foundation for Sustainable Growth
The 2016 budget, as outlined, is designed to ensure that we revive our economy, deliver inclusive growth to Nigerians and create a significant number of jobs.
We aim to ensure macroeconomic stability by achieving a real GDP growth rate of 4.37 per cent and managing inflation. To achieve this, we will ensure the aligning of fiscal, monetary, trade and industrial policies.
As we focus on inclusive growth, we are conscious of the current rate of unemployment and underemployment. This is a challenge we are determined to meet; and this budget is the platform for putting more Nigerians to work.
I can assure you that this administration will have a job creation focus in every aspect of the execution of this budget. Nigeria’s job creation drive will be private sector led. We will encourage this by a reduction in tax rates for smaller businesses as well as subsidised funding for priority sectors such as agriculture and solid minerals.
As an emergency measure, to address the chronic shortage of teachers in public schools across the country, we also will partner with state and local governments to recruit, train and deploy 500,000 unemployed graduates and NCE holders. These graduate teachers will be deployed to primary schools, thereby, enhancing the provision of basic education especially in our rural areas.
We also intend to partner with state and local governments to provide financial training and loans to market women, traders and artisans, through their cooperative societies. We believe that this segment of our society is not only critical to our plan for growing small businesses, but it is also an important platform to create jobs and provide opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Furthermore, through the Office of the Vice-President, we are working with various development partners to design an implementable and transparent conditional cash transfer programme for the poorest and most vulnerable. This programme will be implemented in phases.
Already, the compilation of registers of the poorest persons is ongoing. In the coming weeks, we will present the full programme, which will include our home-grown public primary school feeding and free education for science, technology and education students in our tertiary institutions. Indeed, this will mark a historic milestone for us as a nation.
The 2016 Budget
Distinguished members of the National Assembly, I now present, the 2016 Budget proposals of the Federal Government. Based on the assumptions I presented earlier, we have proposed a budget of N6.08 trillion with a revenue projection of N3.86 trillion resulting in a deficit of N2.22 trillion.
The deficit, which is equivalent to 2.16 per cent of Nigeria’s GDP, will take our overall debt profile to 14 per cent of our GDP. This remains well within acceptable fiscal limits. Our deficit will be financed by a combination of domestic borrowing of N984 billion and foreign borrowing of N900 billion totaling N1.84 trillion. Over the medium term, we expect to increase revenues and reduce overheads, to bring the fiscal deficit down to 1.3 per cent of GDP by 2018.
In 2016, oil related revenues are expected to contribute N820 billion. Non-oil revenues, comprising Company Income Tax (CIT), Value Added Tax (VAT), Customs and Excise duties, and Federation Account levies, will contribute N1.45 trillion. Finally, by enforcing strict compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007 and public expenditure reforms in all MDAs, we have projected up to N1.51 trillion from independent revenues.
Although we are working to diversify our economy, we will not lose sight of the need to restructure the oil and gas sector which has been marred by corruption and plagued with inefficiencies. Accordingly, I have directed the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) to adjust its pricing template to reflect competitive and market driven components. We believe this can lower input costs and attain efficiency savings that will enable PPPRA to keep the selling price for all marketers of petrol at N87 per liter for now.
The current fuel scarcity with long queues at petrol stations all over the country causing social dislocation is very unfortunate. Government profoundly apologises to Nigerians for this prolonged hardship and misery. It is as a result of market speculators and resistance to change by some stakeholders. Government is working very hard to end these shortages and bring fuel to the pumps all over the country.
I have also directed the NNPC to explore alternate funding models that will enable us to honour our obligations in Joint Ventures (JVs) and deep offshore fields. We are confident that these measures can be achieved and will lower the burden that the traditional cash calls have imposed on our budget and cash flows as well as contribute towards shoring up our national reserves.
To deliver our development objectives, we have increased the capital expenditure portion of the budget from N557 billion in the 2015 budget to N1.8 trillion, in the 2016 budget.
Distinguished and honourable members of the National Assembly, for the first time in many years, capital expenditure will represent 30 per cent of our total budget. In future years we intend to raise the percentage allocation for capital expenditure.
This is a fulfillment of our promise to align expenditure to our long-term objectives, and a sign of government’s commitment to sustainable development.
This increased capital expenditure commits significant resources to critical sectors such as Works, Power and Housing – N433.4 billion; Transport – N202.0 billion; Special Intervention Programmes – N200.0 billion; Defence – N134.6 billion; and Interior – N53.1 billion. These investments in infrastructure and security are meant to support our reforms in the Agriculture, Solid Minerals and other core job creating sectors of our economy.
We will invest to safeguard lives and property.
We will invest in equipping our farmers with the right tools, technology and techniques.
We will invest in empowering and enabling our miners to operate in a safe, secure and humane environment.
We will invest in training our youths, through the revival of our technical and vocational institutions to ensure they are competent enough to seize the opportunities that will arise from this economic revival.
Indeed, the future looks bright. And I ask that we all work together to make this vision a reality. The 223 per cent year on year growth in capital expenditure demonstrates our desire to make Nigeria more competitive, and start the journey to deliver sustainable development in our country.
In fulfillment of our promise to run a lean government, we have proposed a 9 per cent reduction in non-debt recurrent expenditure from N2.59 trillion in the 2015 Budget to N2.35 trillion in 2016. Furthermore, we have budgeted N300 billion for Special Intervention Programmes, which takes the total amount for non-debt recurrent expenditure to N2.65 trillion.
As I mentioned earlier, the Efficiency Unit set up by this Administration together with effective implementation of GIFMIS and IPPIS will drive a reduction of overheads by at least 7 per cent, personnel costs by 8 per cent and other service wide votes by 19 per cent. Distinguished and honourable members, this budget will be executed to provide optimum value by ensuring every naira spent by this government, counts.
We will devote a significant portion of our recurrent expenditure to institutions that provide critical government services. We will spend N369.6 billion in Education; N294.5 billion in Defence; N221.7 billion in Health and N145.3 billion in the Ministry of Interior. This will ensure our teachers, armed forces personnel, doctors, nurses, police men, fire fighters, prison service officers and many more critical service providers are paid competitively and on time.
Distinguished and honourable members of the National Assembly, our 2016 borrowings will be principally directed to fund our capital projects. Furthermore, the sum of N113 billion will be set aside for a Sinking Fund towards the retirement of maturing loans; while N1.36 trillion has been provided for foreign and domestic debt service. This calls for prudent management on our part, both of the debt portfolio and the deployment of our hard earned foreign exchange earnings.
I am aware of the problems many Nigerians currently have in accessing foreign exchange for their various purposes – from our traders and business operators who rely on imported inputs; to manufacturers needing to import sophisticated equipment and spare parts; to our airlines operators who need foreign exchange to meet their international regulatory obligations; to the financial services sector and capital markets who are key actors in the global arena.
These are clearly due to the current inadequacies in the supply of foreign exchange to Nigerians who need it. I am however assured by the Governor of Central Bank that the bank is currently fine-tuning its foreign exchange management to introduce some flexibility and encourage additional inflow of foreign currency to help ease the pressure.
We are carefully assessing our exchange rate regime keeping in mind our willingness to attract foreign investors but at the same time, managing and controlling inflation to level that will not harm the average Nigerians. Nigeria is open for business. But the interest of all Nigerians must be protected. Indeed, tough decisions will have to be made. But this does not necessarily mean increasing the level of pain already being experienced by most Nigerians.
So to the investors, business owners and industrialists, we are aware of your pains. To the farmers, traders and entrepreneurs, we also hear you. The status quo cannot continue. The rent seeking will stop. The artificial current demand will end. Our monetary, fiscal and social development policies are aligned.
Conclusion
Mr. Senate President, Mr. Speaker, distinguished members of the National Assembly, in spite of the global economic uncertainties; we must remain steadfast in our commitment to steer this country back to greatness.
The Nigerian economy needs to move away from dependency on oil. Our growth must be inclusive. Nigerians must be part of the growth story. As a government, we shall deliver security, jobs and infrastructure. This is the right of all Nigerians.
I know many people will say “I have heard this before”. Indeed, trust in government, due to the abuse and negligence of the past, is at an all-time low. This means we must go back to basics. Our actions will speak for us. My team of dedicated, committed and patriotic Nigerians is well aware of the task ahead and I can assure you that we are taking on the challenge.
We will not betray the trust reposed in us.
We will welcome and be responsive to your feedback and criticisms.
We are here to serve. And indeed, Nigerians will get the service they have longed for and which they rightly deserve.
We as a government cannot do it alone. We will require the support of all civil servants, the organised labour, industry groups, the press and of course, our religious and traditional institutions. This is a call for all of us to stand and serve our country.
This budget represents a major step in delivering a new opportunity for Nigeria. It demonstrates our confident optimism that despite the challenging times, we have the will, resourcefulness and commitment to deliver prosperity to our people. And by the Grace of Almighty God and the sheer will and determination
of the Nigerian people, we will come out stronger and more united than ever.
Thank you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria
PROTOCOLS
I am honoured and privileged to present the 2016 Budget proposal. This is my first address before this joint session of the National Assembly. I have come here today, not only to address members of the National Assembly but also to speak directly to the men and women who placed us here.
FROM LEFT: SENATE PRESIDENT BUKOLA SARAKI; SPEAKER, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, YAKUBU DOGARA; PRESIDENT MUHAMMED BUHARI, AND CLERK OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (SENATE), ALHAJI SALISU MAIKASUWA, DURING PRESENTATION OF THE 2016 APPROPRIATION BILL BY PRESIDENT BUHARI TO A JOINT SESSION OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, IN ABUJA ON TUESDAY (22/12/15).
From those who have lost their jobs, to those young people who have never had a job, to the people in the Northeast whose families and businesses were destroyed by insurgents, this has been a difficult period in our nation’s history, lessons that we must not forget or ignore as we plan for the future.
By June 2014, oil prices averaged 112 dollars per barrel. But as at today, the price is under 39 dollars per barrel. This huge decline is having a painful effect on our economy.
Consumption has declined at all levels. In both the private and public sectors, employers have struggled to meet their salary and other employee related obligations. The small business owners and traders have been particularly hard hit by this state of affairs.
Fellow Nigerians, the confidence of many might be shaken. However, I stand before you today promising that we will secure our country, rebuild our economy and make the Federal Republic of Nigeria stronger than it has ever been.
The answers to our problems are not beyond us. They exist on our farmlands; our corporations; in the universities in the hearts and minds of our entrepreneurs; through the gallantry of our Armed Forces; and the resolute spirit of Nigerians, especially the youth, who have refused to give up despite all the obstacles confronting them.
This budget proposal, the first by our government, seeks to stimulate the economy, making it more competitive by focusing on infrastructural development; delivering inclusive growth and prioritising the welfare of Nigerians.
We believe that this budget, while helping industry, commerce and investment to pick up, will as a matter of urgency, address the immediate problems of youth unemployment and the terrible living conditions of the extremely poor and vulnerable Nigerians.
In the medium to longer term, we remain committed to economic diversification through import substitution and export promotion. This will build resilience in our economy. It will guarantee that the problems we have today, will not confront our children and their children. This shall be our legacy for generations to come.
2015: A Year of Global and Domestic Challenges
Today, it is widely acknowledged that the global economy has slowed down. This is particularly the case with emerging markets such as Nigeria. However, despite the weak emerging market growth rates, our domestic security challenges, declining oil prices, and the attendant difficulties in providing foreign exchange to meet market demands, the Nigerian economy grew by 2.84 per cent in the third quarter of 2015.
We have, and will continue to implement strategies that will maintain macroeconomic stability and manage the oil price shocks we are experiencing.
Upon the inauguration of this administration on 29th May 2015, we engaged key stakeholders from various sectors of our economy and interfaced with the heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in order to understand the true state of our nation. What we found prompted us to take certain strategic decisions.
On the economy, we injected new leadership at the helm of our revenue generating agencies including the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS). We implemented the Treasury Single Account (TSA) which, so far, has provided greater visibility of government revenues and cash flows. We intervened to support states to navigate their fiscal challenges by restructuring their commercial bank loans and by providing facilities to enable them to pay salary arrears.
We have demonstrated a strong will to fight corruption. I am sure you will agree that the sheer scale of corruption and impunity of the past explains in part, the economic challenges we now face. On these initiatives, and the many more to come, we shall not be deterred. We will pursue the recovery of everything that belongs to the people of Nigeria. No matter where it is hidden. No matter how long it will take.
2015 Budget Performance
Distinguished and honourable members of the National Assembly, I now present a review of the 2015 Budget. That Budget was based on a benchmark oil price of 53 dollars per barrel, oil production of 2.28 million barrels per day and an exchange rate of N190 to the dollar.
The projected revenue was N3.45 trillion, with an outlay of N4.49 trillion, implying a deficit of N1.04 trillion. Due largely to under-provisioning by the previous administration for fuel subsidy and the costs required to support the military operations in the Northeast, the government had to obtain National Assembly’s approval for a supplementary budget of N575.5 billion. I take this opportunity to thank all members of the National Assembly for the prompt passage of that bill.
2016: Budget Assumptions
After reviewing the trends in the global oil industry, we have set a benchmark price of 38 dollars per barrel and a production estimate of 2.2 million barrels per day for 2016. We have focused on non-oil revenues by broadening our tax base and improving the effectiveness of our revenue collecting agencies.
Also, with the full implementation of the Treasury Single Account, we expect significant improvements in the collection and remittance of independent revenues. To further support the drive for increased remittances, we will ensure that all MDAs present their budgets in advance, and remit their operating surpluses as required by section 22 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act.
We are determined to ensure that our resources are managed prudently and utilised solely for the public good. To set the proper tone, one of our early decisions was the adoption of a zero based budgeting approach, which ensures that resources are aligned with government’s priorities and allocated efficiently. This budgeting method, a clear departure from previous budgeting activities, will optimise the impact of public expenditure.
In addition to the proper linkage of budgeting to strategic planning, we are enhancing the utilisation of the Government Integrated Financial Management Information Systems (GIFMIS) to improve financial management. The recently established Efficiency Unit is working across MDAs to identify and eliminate wasteful spending, duplication and other inefficiencies. We engaged costing experts to scrutinise the 2016 budget proposals. They have already identified certain cost areas that can be centralised for economies to be made.
We have directed the extension of the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS) to all MDAs to reap its full benefits. We will also strengthen the controls over our personnel and pension costs with the imminent introduction of the Continuous Audit Process (CAP). These initiatives will ensure personnel costs are reduced. Our commitment to a lean and cost effective government remains a priority, and the initiatives we are introducing will signal a fundamental change in how government spends public revenue.
2016: Laying the Foundation for Sustainable Growth
The 2016 budget, as outlined, is designed to ensure that we revive our economy, deliver inclusive growth to Nigerians and create a significant number of jobs.
We aim to ensure macroeconomic stability by achieving a real GDP growth rate of 4.37 per cent and managing inflation. To achieve this, we will ensure the aligning of fiscal, monetary, trade and industrial policies.
As we focus on inclusive growth, we are conscious of the current rate of unemployment and underemployment. This is a challenge we are determined to meet; and this budget is the platform for putting more Nigerians to work.
I can assure you that this administration will have a job creation focus in every aspect of the execution of this budget. Nigeria’s job creation drive will be private sector led. We will encourage this by a reduction in tax rates for smaller businesses as well as subsidised funding for priority sectors such as agriculture and solid minerals.
As an emergency measure, to address the chronic shortage of teachers in public schools across the country, we also will partner with state and local governments to recruit, train and deploy 500,000 unemployed graduates and NCE holders. These graduate teachers will be deployed to primary schools, thereby, enhancing the provision of basic education especially in our rural areas.
We also intend to partner with state and local governments to provide financial training and loans to market women, traders and artisans, through their cooperative societies. We believe that this segment of our society is not only critical to our plan for growing small businesses, but it is also an important platform to create jobs and provide opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Furthermore, through the Office of the Vice-President, we are working with various development partners to design an implementable and transparent conditional cash transfer programme for the poorest and most vulnerable. This programme will be implemented in phases.
Already, the compilation of registers of the poorest persons is ongoing. In the coming weeks, we will present the full programme, which will include our home-grown public primary school feeding and free education for science, technology and education students in our tertiary institutions. Indeed, this will mark a historic milestone for us as a nation.
The 2016 Budget
Distinguished members of the National Assembly, I now present, the 2016 Budget proposals of the Federal Government. Based on the assumptions I presented earlier, we have proposed a budget of N6.08 trillion with a revenue projection of N3.86 trillion resulting in a deficit of N2.22 trillion.
The deficit, which is equivalent to 2.16 per cent of Nigeria’s GDP, will take our overall debt profile to 14 per cent of our GDP. This remains well within acceptable fiscal limits. Our deficit will be financed by a combination of domestic borrowing of N984 billion and foreign borrowing of N900 billion totaling N1.84 trillion. Over the medium term, we expect to increase revenues and reduce overheads, to bring the fiscal deficit down to 1.3 per cent of GDP by 2018.
In 2016, oil related revenues are expected to contribute N820 billion. Non-oil revenues, comprising Company Income Tax (CIT), Value Added Tax (VAT), Customs and Excise duties, and Federation Account levies, will contribute N1.45 trillion. Finally, by enforcing strict compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007 and public expenditure reforms in all MDAs, we have projected up to N1.51 trillion from independent revenues.
Although we are working to diversify our economy, we will not lose sight of the need to restructure the oil and gas sector which has been marred by corruption and plagued with inefficiencies. Accordingly, I have directed the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) to adjust its pricing template to reflect competitive and market driven components. We believe this can lower input costs and attain efficiency savings that will enable PPPRA to keep the selling price for all marketers of petrol at N87 per liter for now.
The current fuel scarcity with long queues at petrol stations all over the country causing social dislocation is very unfortunate. Government profoundly apologises to Nigerians for this prolonged hardship and misery. It is as a result of market speculators and resistance to change by some stakeholders. Government is working very hard to end these shortages and bring fuel to the pumps all over the country.
I have also directed the NNPC to explore alternate funding models that will enable us to honour our obligations in Joint Ventures (JVs) and deep offshore fields. We are confident that these measures can be achieved and will lower the burden that the traditional cash calls have imposed on our budget and cash flows as well as contribute towards shoring up our national reserves.
To deliver our development objectives, we have increased the capital expenditure portion of the budget from N557 billion in the 2015 budget to N1.8 trillion, in the 2016 budget.
Distinguished and honourable members of the National Assembly, for the first time in many years, capital expenditure will represent 30 per cent of our total budget. In future years we intend to raise the percentage allocation for capital expenditure.
This is a fulfillment of our promise to align expenditure to our long-term objectives, and a sign of government’s commitment to sustainable development.
This increased capital expenditure commits significant resources to critical sectors such as Works, Power and Housing – N433.4 billion; Transport – N202.0 billion; Special Intervention Programmes – N200.0 billion; Defence – N134.6 billion; and Interior – N53.1 billion. These investments in infrastructure and security are meant to support our reforms in the Agriculture, Solid Minerals and other core job creating sectors of our economy.
We will invest to safeguard lives and property.
We will invest in equipping our farmers with the right tools, technology and techniques.
We will invest in empowering and enabling our miners to operate in a safe, secure and humane environment.
We will invest in training our youths, through the revival of our technical and vocational institutions to ensure they are competent enough to seize the opportunities that will arise from this economic revival.
Indeed, the future looks bright. And I ask that we all work together to make this vision a reality. The 223 per cent year on year growth in capital expenditure demonstrates our desire to make Nigeria more competitive, and start the journey to deliver sustainable development in our country.
In fulfillment of our promise to run a lean government, we have proposed a 9 per cent reduction in non-debt recurrent expenditure from N2.59 trillion in the 2015 Budget to N2.35 trillion in 2016. Furthermore, we have budgeted N300 billion for Special Intervention Programmes, which takes the total amount for non-debt recurrent expenditure to N2.65 trillion.
As I mentioned earlier, the Efficiency Unit set up by this Administration together with effective implementation of GIFMIS and IPPIS will drive a reduction of overheads by at least 7 per cent, personnel costs by 8 per cent and other service wide votes by 19 per cent. Distinguished and honourable members, this budget will be executed to provide optimum value by ensuring every naira spent by this government, counts.
We will devote a significant portion of our recurrent expenditure to institutions that provide critical government services. We will spend N369.6 billion in Education; N294.5 billion in Defence; N221.7 billion in Health and N145.3 billion in the Ministry of Interior. This will ensure our teachers, armed forces personnel, doctors, nurses, police men, fire fighters, prison service officers and many more critical service providers are paid competitively and on time.
Distinguished and honourable members of the National Assembly, our 2016 borrowings will be principally directed to fund our capital projects. Furthermore, the sum of N113 billion will be set aside for a Sinking Fund towards the retirement of maturing loans; while N1.36 trillion has been provided for foreign and domestic debt service. This calls for prudent management on our part, both of the debt portfolio and the deployment of our hard earned foreign exchange earnings.
I am aware of the problems many Nigerians currently have in accessing foreign exchange for their various purposes – from our traders and business operators who rely on imported inputs; to manufacturers needing to import sophisticated equipment and spare parts; to our airlines operators who need foreign exchange to meet their international regulatory obligations; to the financial services sector and capital markets who are key actors in the global arena.
These are clearly due to the current inadequacies in the supply of foreign exchange to Nigerians who need it. I am however assured by the Governor of Central Bank that the bank is currently fine-tuning its foreign exchange management to introduce some flexibility and encourage additional inflow of foreign currency to help ease the pressure.
We are carefully assessing our exchange rate regime keeping in mind our willingness to attract foreign investors but at the same time, managing and controlling inflation to level that will not harm the average Nigerians. Nigeria is open for business. But the interest of all Nigerians must be protected. Indeed, tough decisions will have to be made. But this does not necessarily mean increasing the level of pain already being experienced by most Nigerians.
So to the investors, business owners and industrialists, we are aware of your pains. To the farmers, traders and entrepreneurs, we also hear you. The status quo cannot continue. The rent seeking will stop. The artificial current demand will end. Our monetary, fiscal and social development policies are aligned.
Conclusion
Mr. Senate President, Mr. Speaker, distinguished members of the National Assembly, in spite of the global economic uncertainties; we must remain steadfast in our commitment to steer this country back to greatness.
The Nigerian economy needs to move away from dependency on oil. Our growth must be inclusive. Nigerians must be part of the growth story. As a government, we shall deliver security, jobs and infrastructure. This is the right of all Nigerians.
I know many people will say “I have heard this before”. Indeed, trust in government, due to the abuse and negligence of the past, is at an all-time low. This means we must go back to basics. Our actions will speak for us. My team of dedicated, committed and patriotic Nigerians is well aware of the task ahead and I can assure you that we are taking on the challenge.
We will not betray the trust reposed in us.
We will welcome and be responsive to your feedback and criticisms.
We are here to serve. And indeed, Nigerians will get the service they have longed for and which they rightly deserve.
We as a government cannot do it alone. We will require the support of all civil servants, the organised labour, industry groups, the press and of course, our religious and traditional institutions. This is a call for all of us to stand and serve our country.
This budget represents a major step in delivering a new opportunity for Nigeria. It demonstrates our confident optimism that despite the challenging times, we have the will, resourcefulness and commitment to deliver prosperity to our people. And by the Grace of Almighty God and the sheer will and determination
of the Nigerian people, we will come out stronger and more united than ever.
Thank you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria
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