PICTURES: GOV. FASHOLA INSPECTS APAPA, TIN CAN, MILE 2, OTHER AREAS IN LAGOSPICTURES: GOV. FASHOLA INSPECTS APAPA, TIN CAN, MILE 2, OTHER AREAS IN LAGOS

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN (2^nd right) pointing at a place of interest along Creek Road in Apapa, Lagos, during an inspection tour of Apapa, Tin Can, Mile 2 and other areas in Lagos on Sunday, April 29, 2012. With him are: Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Umar Abubakar Manko (right), Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Aderemi Ibirogba (3^nd left) and his Transportation counterpart, Mr. Kayode Opeifa (left)

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN (2^nd right) at Creek Road in Apapa, Lagos which has been overtaken by petrol tankers and other articulated vehicles during an inspection tour of Apapa, Tin Can, Mile 2 and other areas on Sunday, April 29, 2012. With him is the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello (right).

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN (2^nd left) fielding questions from journalists shortly after an inspection tour of Apapa, Tin Can, Mile 2 and other areas on Sunday, April 29, 2012. With are: Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Aderemi Ibirogba (left), his Environment counterpart, Mr. Tunji Bello (2^nd right) and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Mineral Resources, Mr. Taofiq Tijani (right).

 Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN (3^rd right) fielding questions from journalists at Berger Road, Apapa during an inspection tour of Apapa, Tin Can, Mile 2 and other areas in Lagos on Sunday, April 29, 2012. With him are: Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello (2^nd right) and his Mineral Resources counterpart, Mr. Taofiq Tijani (right).

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN (middle) fielding questions from journalists at Capital Oil Trailer Limited Park, Amuwo-Odofin, shortly after an inspection tour of Apapa, Tin Can, Isola Port, Mile 2 and other areas in Lagos on Sunday, April 29, 2012. With him are: Director, State Security Service, Mr. Achu Ben Olayi(right) New Commander 9 Brigade, Brigader-General Pat Akem (2^nd right), Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Umar Abubakar Manko (2^nd left) and AirBase Commander, Air Commodore Tony Omenyi (left).

Mrs Amosun Task Women On Regular Check For Cancer

Cancer is known to be a major caues of death worldwide, but is more common in the develping world,  
For this reason ogun state is embarking an campaign to boost performance in detecting cancer early.
A call has gone to members of the public, particularly the women to undergo regular medical checkup in order to detect possible symptoms of cancer  Wife of the Ogun state Governor, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun made this call at  flag-off
of a cancer awareness campaign and screening programme in Abeokuta. 


Mrs. Amosun stated that the State government is embarking on the campign as part of measures to give preventive health services and boost awareness on the disease, pointing out that if detected early, its spread to other parts of the body could be prevented. According to her, the plan is to ensure that the screening exercise is extended to all the  nooks and crannies of the State for the benefit of the people “The objective of the campaign was to take the screening exercise to the communities. 




 We will be starting with one primary healthcare centre in each Local government Area but plan to eventually spread it to all the centres in the State such that people in communities do not have to travel for long distance to access these services”.  She submitted Mrs. Amosun said that scientific studies have shown that cancer occurrence can be linked to some factors in the environment, community and individual behaviours, advising
that people should learn change such habits in order to reduce the incidence of cancer in the society. 
She charged women to cultivate the habit of self breast examination and urged them to avail
themselves of the opportunity provided by the campaign to undergo screening for both breast and cervical cancer. 

Dangote

The Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal yesterday reserved judgment in one of the appeals filed by business mogul Alhaji Aliko Dangote against the judgment of Justice Muhammed Liman of a Federal High Court, Lagos.

Justice Liman had on August 4, 2009 directed parties to maintain status quo in a suit instituted by some aggrieved shareholders of African Petroleum Plc against Dangote, a stock broking firm, Nova Finance and Securities Limited, and others on allegation that AP’s share prices were manipulated.

Notwithstanding the court’s directive, the NSE conducted the election in which Dangote was elected on August 6 to which the shareholders filed the motion to set aside the election.

At the hearing g of the appeal yesterday, Mr. Rickey Tafa SAN, counsel to Dangote, urged the court to allow the appeal arguing that the directive of the lower court for parties to maintain status quo was made while the appellant’s motion challenging the jurisdiction of the court was pending.

But, counsel to shareholders of African Petroleum, Onyebuchi Aniakor, in his submission urged the court to dismiss the appeal and upheld the decision of the lower court.

In its ruling, the appellate court presided over Justice Helen Ogunwumiju, reserved judgment in the appeal after parties adopted their written briefs.

The application by some aggrieved shareholders of the African Petroleum (AP) was filed shortly after Dangote’s election despite an earlier order of the court directing parties not to take further steps pending the determination of a suit by the shareholders.

Justice Liman on August 4 this year ordered parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of a suit.

Despite court’s directive, the NSE conducted the election in which Dangote was elected on August 6 to which the shareholders filed the motion to set aside the election.

The AP shareholders hinged their action on the ground that the election was allegedly conducted in defiance of a subsisting court order that parties should maintain the status quo.

Dangote and the other defendants filed a preliminary objection to the substantive suit and urged the court to first hear the preliminary objection before the motion to set aside the election, a request which the judge rejected.

It would be recalled that the appellate court  has in a sister appeal the request of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) seeking extension of time within which to appeal against the ruling of a Federal High Court which annulled the election of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, as President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

 The NSE had in a Motion on Notice brought pursuant to Section 24(4) of the Court of Appeal Act, 2004 and under the inherent powers of the court sought for extension of time to appeal against the ruling of Justice Lambo Akanbi of the Federal High Court, Lagos.

 Justice Akanbi had voided the election of Dangote as NSE president declaring it as unlawful because it was in violation of a subsisting order of the court.

 

GEN. AKINRINADE, GANI ADAMS LAUD MIMIKO OVER ACHIEVEMENTS

...WARN ONDO PEOPLE OVER EXTERNAL FORCES

The Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko has been commended by two prominent Yoruba leaders, Gen. Alani Akinrinade (rtd), former Chief of Defence Staff and NADECO chieftain and Otunba Gani Adams, National Coordinator of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) for the positive impact his government has made on the people, even as the citizens have been charged not to allow outsiders infiltrate the state’s polity.

They gave the commendation when they visited the Governor at the Governor’s House.

Akinrinade who said he visited the Governor to commend him on his third anniversary celebration said he has heard and confirmed about Governor Mimiko’s performance in the last three years.

He said Mimiko has brought a lot of improvement and development to the entire state.

“From the little i saw in the city of Akure, i can see a lot of improvement , a lot of work have been done, am quite impressed with what i saw out there.

“People said he has done very well, that is what i hear from the  people and i see also a lot of projects  which i thought are very reasonable for the Yoruba people” Akinrinade said, even as he charged the Governor to keep working like no man’s business because that is what is required in Yoruba land presently.

Akinriade said Mimiko is “a young man with the energy and all the ability to work. So he has no excuse not to work, my advice to him is to continue   to work for the state.”

The National Coordinator of OPC, Otunba Gani Adams said the Mega Primary Schools built across Ondo State   are first in Africa coupled with the Markets built across the state.

“I have been to many African countries and i haven’t seen school like these. From my movement across the state, i saw the markets, the Mechanic Village and  i have to commend the governor  for the initiative and charge him to do more because  if something like these can happen  for a period of three years, i know Ondo State will be one of the best in Nigeria at the end ” Adams said.

Speaking on the coming gubernatorial election in the state, the OPC leader charged the people to eschew violence and not allow any external infiltration into the state’s polity declaring that the state is known to be number one in terms of intelligence and morals.

Gani Adams further advised the people to ensure that the right person is elected into office as governor by playing the politics of justice.

LAGOS STATE COUNCIL CHAIRMEN RETREAT IN GHANA: WASTE OF PUBLIC FUNDS----says PDP; Counsels Governor FASHOLA.

The Lagos State PDP has berated the 57 Local Council Chairmen for their recent charade trip to Ghana and the plan to visit the UK in the name of Retreat.

The party wonders whether these Lagos State Council Chairmen need to expend the monies meant for the development of their Council Areas in the manner they have done, especially when they are always quick to claim lack of funds as reason for their councils’ underdevelopment.

“Our Source within the ACN leadership has intimated us that the 57 Local Council Chairmen travelled to Ghana in the name of a Retreat, but actually went to Ghana to wastefully spend our collective wealth. As soon as they arrive, they shall jet out to the UK to continue the lavish spending at the expense of Council development.”

The Lagos State PDP is thus calling on Governor Babatunde Fashola to stop this trend and other shenanigans which have now become a way of life of Lagos Council Chairmen otherwise he will be named as a conspirator in this Naked misappropriation of Local Government Funds.

SIGNED:  BARR. TAOFIK GANI

Lagos PDP Publicity Secretary

ACN Makes Case For Flood Disaster Victims

The Rivers State Chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, is pained to recall the excruciating experience of land and property owners across the State who have to forfeit their part or whole property to either government or natural disasters occasioned by the ongoing reconstruction programme in the State.

In a press statement by the Action Congress issued and signed by its Publicity Secretary, Jerry Needam, the party while sympathizing with all the affected persons and groups said such is the price of development with hardly an alternative solution.

The ACN Spokesman, Jerry Needam, however enjoins the government and the construction companies to keep faith with the Principle of Compensation as contained in the contractual agreements as always emphasized by Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi whose assurances may have convinced the people to willingly give in to such unsolicited displacements and disasters.

But disappointingly, Jerry Needam pointed out, unless people take to the streets and conduct themselves in a disorderly manner the government hardly wakes up to this agreement.

He expressed surprise that up till date attention is yet to be paid to the victims of the flood disaster at Woji Road, GRA Phase 2, Port Harcourt which dealt a devastating blow to many residents, forcing them out of their houses and destroying millions of naira worth of property, all occasioned by the construction work by MESSRS STEMCO Construction Company.

“Though it is needless to apportion blame for this incident, neither is it in doubt that both the government and the construction company meant well for the people but if a proper study of the environment was made the disaster would have been either prevented or checkmated.

Nonetheless, it’s only wise and expedient to assist the residents recoup some losses with the relevant authorities and departments meeting with these landlords with a view to  reasonably paying them compensation”, the ACN said.

This, according to the CAN will pave way for both government and construction companies into new areas that may be so affected in future as development is an ongoing thing with little or no resistance from the people. Development, it concluded is meant for man and not man for development.

Jerry Needam, JP

Publicity Secretary 

Action Congress of Nigeria

Rivers State

EFCC Docks Banker, Six others for N42, 500 million Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Monday April 23, 2012 arraigned seven persons before Justice Candide Johnson of the Lagos State High Court, Igbosere Division, for stealing and conspiracy to commit fraud. Those arraigned were Umeh Ndidiamaka, a former staff of United Bank for Africa ; Emeka Onoh, a former security officer with the bank and three others: Augustine Afagimoh,  Samuel Mebele and Obialla Donatus, who are said to be associates of Ndidiamaka. The others are Delight-In International Limited and Water Innovation Nigeria Enterprises, companies owned by the accused persons.

The accused persons who were arraigned on a five (5) count charge of conspiracy pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to them. They were said to have on or about the 11^th of June 2009 attempted to steal the sum of N42, 500 million from United Bank of Africa Plc

In line with the declaration by the trial judge that he prefers arraignment to be followed with immediate commencement of trial, counsel to EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo, told the court that he was ready to proceed with the trial and that he had come to court with four principal witnesses. 

Ojo Oladimeji, an Internal Auditor/Investigator with UBA, was the first witness presented by the EFCC counsel.  He told the court that a customer of the bank got an alert that his account had been debited to the tune of N42, 500,000.00. He said the customer informed his account officer who immediately informed the manager and the operations manager about the incident. Further checks then revealed that N265 million had been transferred to seven accounts in different locations using the password of the Branch Manager. He further told the court that the funds were moved from the account using the user ID and password of the Branch Operations Manager (BOM). Oladimeji further told the court that upon the receipt of the customer’s complaint, a red flag was raised on the account.

 He told the court that with the sum of N42,000,000 already transferred into the accounts of Delight International Agency, the 4^th defendant  issued six different cheques valued at N1 million, N5 million, N2 million, N2,million, N2million and N10 million all on the same date of June 11, 2009. He said one of the suspects was however arrested when he attempted he present the cheque in Lagos .

He further alleged that the 4^th defendant is a strong member of a syndicate that specializes in defrauding financial institutions and unsuspecting members of the public.

 Another witness, Ugwuoke Oliver, a staff of UBA also told the court that Ndidiamaka used the computer of the branch manager to commit the fraud and that she confessed to committing the crime when she was interrogated by the bank officials.

 The testimony of the 3^rd witness could not be taken for lack of time. However, counsel to the 1^st accused person, Michael Aboh told the court that he had filed a bail application. But Justice Johnson adjourned to Friday, April 27 while the accused persons are remanded in EFCC custody.

Wilson Uwujaren

Ag. Head, Media & Publicity Unit

UI STUDENTS PROTEST OVER WATER SCARCITY, BLACKOUT

Hundreds of students of the University of Ibadan threw caution into the wind today as they went on rampage over non availability of water and electricity in the halls of residence , paralyzing academic and commercial activities in some parts of the city .

 

The demonstration which began on the campus, led hundreds of the aggrieved students marching on the streets of the city of Ibadan, and on major roads with a view to registering their grievances against the authorities of the institution.

 

But the protest was not without loses to traders and commercial drivers .  

Commercial activities within the campus, the Agbowo Shopping Complex and along the Mokola-Ojoo road were paralyzed .

Traffic along the road was congested as motorists have to look for alternative road, as  many of the routes were rendered impassable .

It was  learnt that the protest was ignited by residents of the Independence and Nnamidi Azikiwe Hall who were more hit with the scarcity of water and electricity.

The protest, began on Sunday night when the situation became  unbearable for the students who have been in the darkness for almost three days.

Though the protest was not violent, visitors and staff were forced to trek to their various destinations as the intra-campus transport was put on hold.

Some of the placards carried by the protesting students read: "where is our right, University of Ibadan is the first but the worst". "our Vice chancellor is a thief, we are tired of darkness and drought" and "no light, no water, no life, we are fed up."

The Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian University (SANU), Comrade Jonathan Omolona, told newsmen  that the protest started building up since Sunday night and efforts to pacify  the students not to embark on the strike failed.

They have complained of scarcity of water and electricity in their various hostels.

According to him, extending it to the public road makes it nuisance. "We have to pacify them to leave the road and return to the campus “.

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Sango Police Division and the Area Commander, Agodi, Aliyu Garuba led policemen to ensure that the protesting students leave the road and return to the campus to allow for free traffic flow.

Speaking on the incident, the institution’s Director, Public Communication, Mr Olatunji Oladejo, disclosed that the management had put in place measures aimed at improving water and electricity to halls of residence.

He said that a search team had been put in place to ensure  that water and electricity were regularly supplied to the halls .

Bayelsa:2012 budget

Bayelsa state Governor, Seriake Dickson has presented over two hundred and seventeen billion naira(N217.58) revised state appropriation bill for 2012 to the State House of Assembly.

 The appropriation bill has about eleven billion naira less than the one presented by the former governor Timipre Sylva in september last year.

The budget tagged 'Revised budget of restoration' has the Works and Transport sector gulping the  highestallocation of over N38 billion naira.


Dickson said the Recurrent expenditure would gulp N92.05 billion naira,while the Capital Expenditure is  N125.53 billion naira representing 52 percent of the budget.


In  September  last year ,former Governor of the state ,Timipre Sylva, presented a state appropriation bill of N228b christened budget of “Job creation and fiscal expansion ” to the state House of Assembly.


Governor Dickson however withdrew   the appropriation bill  from the assembly in February this year
shortly after assumption of duty to enable it align with his “restoration agenda” promised the people of the state  during his campaign rally.


Dickson saidgovernment would complete  the three Senatorial road project started over five years ago ,give a facelift to Yenagoa metropolis and the construction of a new secretariat complex to check  office accommodation problem affecting civil servants in the state.


The Governor said the education sector required urgent and fundamental  restructuring ,noting that government would build new model secondary schools ,Teachers Training Institute to boost the
education sector.

Prof Tijani Bande, OFR, Director-General, National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru Visits Adams Oshiomole

 From left: Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, Prof Tijani Bande, OFR, Director-General, National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru and Prof Olu Obafemi, Director of Research of the Institute during the visit of Course 34 of NIPSS to the Governor in Benin City

Prof Tijani Bande, OFR, Director-General, National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru presents some books to Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State during the visit of Course 34 of the National Institute to the Governor in Benin City

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State (left) and Dr Adewunmi Adesina, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development at the one-day Agribusiness and Investment Summit organised by the Edo State Government in Benin City

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State (left) and Dr Adewunmi Adesina, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the SState Governmrnt and the Federal Government at the one-day Agribusiness and Investment Summit organised by the Edo State Government in Benin City, yesterday. They are flanked by Dr Osagie Obayuwana, Edo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice (left) and Mr Abdul Edo State Commissioner for Agriculture.

Akpabio Assures Arsenal FC Promoters On Sports Development

Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State has again re-iterated his desire to develop standard sporting facilities that will ensure the grooming and nurturing of budding talents in the state.

He has equally pledged to ensure that an enabling environment is maintained to attract investors and partners for sports development in the State.

Chief Akpabio made this assertion when he received in audience the promoters of the Arsenal Football Club of London and Dan Jan Sports Consult who paid him a visit at government house to commiserate with him on the death of his former commissioner for youth and Sports, Pastor Oyong Asuquo

Chief Akpabio described the Late Pastor Asuquo as a dynamic and hardworking man, who he related with as a junior brother.

Akpabio maintained that Oyong’s relationship with him dates back to 2002 when as commissioner in the State Executive council, he had cause to identify with the sterling qualities of the then Chairman of Oron Local Government .

 He maintained that though painful, Pastor Oyong’s unfortunate demise was a bitter lesson that life was rather fragile.

Governor Akpabio pledged to convey the condolences of the visiting sports scions to the immediate family of the late former commissioner, especially his wife and children.

While thanking them for their interest in the development of Sports in the State, Chief Akpabio assured of his support and expressed the hope that youths will benefit immensely from their proposed  programme.

Earlier, Mr Mark Ellis a promoter of Arsenal Football Club of England had expressed the sympathy of the club management with the government of Akwa Ibom State over the death of the former sports commissioner.

Mr Ellis maintained that during their recent brief interaction with Pastor Oyong Asuquo, they saw in him a hardworking and supporting commissioner who guided them through the vision and achievements of Governor Akpabio in Akwa Ibom State, and prayed for the repose of his soul.

Their intention in Akwa Ibom, he said, was to establish a sports academy that will attract national and international attention to the state, not just through football but other sports  

Mr Ellis explained that their aim was to mob up the best talents across the world and sought the assistance of the governor to actualize their dream.

The team ffrom Danjan Consult which included Mr David Omigie, Waidi Akanni and Godson Okoye commended Governor Akpabio for his giant strides in Akwa Ibom  

Lagos is set to host the best Economic Summit, says Akabueze

Chairman of the Lagos Economic Summit Group, the organising committee of the 6^th Lagos Economic Summit (EHINGBETI 2012), Mr. Ben Akabueze, on Sunday assured local and international delegates and prospective investors that all necessary arrangements to ensure the successful hosting of this year’s economic summit have been put in place.

Briefing newsmen at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, venue of the summit, Akabueze who doubles as the State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, also said this year’s economic summit would be the best, assuring prospective investors of the enormous investment opportunities that abound in Lagos State.

‘‘We are as prepared as we can be. We’ve planned very well; we’ve planned carefully, we’ve put the necessary things in place and we believe that we will have the best economic summit so far,’’ he said.

The Commissioner who revealed that a number of international key speakers and delegates had arrived ahead of the Summit which holds from today (Monday) to Wednesday, added that the Summit would focus on four key sectors namely Power, Agriculture and agro-allied, Transportation as well as Housing and urban renewal (PATH).

He explained that massive investments in these four sectors would serve as the springboard for the overall development and growth of the economy of the state on one hand and the nation as a whole. ‘’Each of these sectors serves as an enabler for all other sectors of the Nigerian economy because anything that touches on power, food security, transportation and housing definitely affects the generality of the people’’, he declared.

Akabueze said further that the theme of the Summit, ‘’From BRICS to BRINCS:Lagos Holds the Key’’ was most appropriate because of the strategic position of Lagos State as the commercial and economic nerve centre of not only Nigeria, but the African sub-region.

On the gains of the past summits, he stated that substantial investments had been attracted to the state as a result of EHINGBETI, stressing that the biennial Summit has remained a veritable platform for the generation of new ideas, new relationships and ultimately new investments.

SIGNED

HAKEEM BELLO

SPECIAL ADVISER TO HE (MEDIA)

GOVERNOR OF CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA SANUSI LAMIDO SANUSI FLYING THE KITE FOR ANOTHER INCREASE IN FUEL PRICE

GOVERNOR OF CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA SANUSI LAMIDO SANUSI FLYING THE
KITE FOR ANOTHER INCREASE IN FUEL PRICE


Immediately President Goodluck Jonathan presented his medium term
fiscal framework on  the 2012 budget to the National Assembly in
September 2011 in which he outlined a  hike in petroleum products
price through the dubious means of removal of fuel subsidy, public
spirited Nigerians and groups in their millions and in their
characteristic patriotic interventions shouted themselves hoarse on
the short and long term implication of this anti people and satanic
policy as well the fact that the fuel subsidy regime was a fraud being
perpetuated on the masses by a thieving ruling class, bearing in mind
that Nigeria as the 7th world’s largest producer of the black gold,
the only OPEC member country without accurate data of its oil
production capacity and with four intentionally and criminally
sabotaged refineries had no reason to import not to mention
subsidizing imported petroleum products.

The Nigerian people in the light of the modern age of democracy in
which issues are logically and economically resolved by discourse
rather than force or deceit and lies as propagated by the federal
government even went the extra mile of requesting the government that
claims its policy is in the peoples interest to come down from its
Olympian height to organize a genuine and sincere public discourse on
this matter that had taken the front burner of public discuss and even
in our private homes, but the government in its characteristics manner
of propagating falsehood and lies like its predecessors and having
realized that the people had recognized its deceitful policy,
clandestinely organized jamboree talk shops in which only government
contractors were invited to chorus the falsehood songs of the benefits
of the removal of fuel subsidy.

The government also oiled its propaganda machinery by wasting billions
of tax payer’s money on fraudulent campaigns and mediums orchestrated
by its proxies organizations like Neighbour to Neighbour in the media
and other means of communication as well. The Goodluck Jonathan
administration as well employed to no avail in hoodwinking the people,
the worn out melody of deceit like his predecessors, who used all
sorts of 419 reasons and acronyms in the past like appropriate
pricing, deregulation, need to curb smuggling, fuel is cheaper than
bottled water, cartel is benefiting, etc, to raise extra revenue
through the fuel subsidy removal policy which at the end of the day
did not have any bearing on the economy but on their personal pockets.

The consequences of the insensitive, inhuman and wicked increase in
the price of petroleum products by the Goodluck Jonathan
administration is what we are living with today in which life has
become meaningless for the average Nigerian coupled with the fact that
the poverty level has risen astronomically as attested to recently by
a report of the office of statistics as well as the rampaging high
level of unemployment occasioned by the close of many businesses due
to high running cost as a result of a non existent public power supply
which is very critical to productive activities.

The House of Representatives fuel subsidy probe panel public hearing
initiated at the beckon of the masses turned out to be a huge joke in
which the Nigerian people for once were exposed to incompetence,
inconsistencies and buck passing by government officials in which the
abuse of public trust was unparalleled. It was revealed that subsidy
funds and license were given to business concerns not registered by
law to undertake such business in utter violation of the constitution
and the law on public procurement. The Minister of Finance, Petroleum
Resources, NNPC, DPR, CBN, PPPRA, all of the same sitting government
gave conflicting figures of local consumption of petroleum products
ranging between 28 million litres to 53 million litres per day with no
exact figures and when they were questioned as to the amount spent on
fuel subsidy, it was the same story with even the so called acclaimed
world bank economist Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala being the greatest
disappointment by being unable to substantiate her position with
facts, rather she claimed not to know any thing, oh what a shame!

Just this week, the probe committee of the House Representatives which
examined the fuel subsidy regime submitted its report in which it
outlined gross and criminal abuse of public trust by those saddled
with the petroleum and finance industry in paying out trillions of
naira to ghost importers of unimported petroleum products. That the
report indicted all the officials and offices concerned was a
testimony of the fact already espoused by the masses and experts in
the oil industry who reeled out statistics to support their analysis
that the fuel subsidy regime was a huge fraud on the people because
the amount of fuel consumed locally was not even up to the quantity
produced by the four dysfunctional public refineries which had gulped
over $800 million in the name of Turn Around Maintenance (TAM)
contract awarded by successive Nigerian government since the advent of
civilian administration in 1999. To emphasize the profligacy of the
Nigerian government, it was even revealed that from 1999 till 2010,
the country made over 500 billion dollars from the sale of crude oil
and the cost of building a functional refinery was less than 20
billion dollars with in a space of three years, yet the government was
frittering away our common wealth on TAM just to satisfy its personal
interest at the expense of public good which is the whole essence of
government.

And just when we were all coming to terms with how do we as a people
get prosecution for all the indicted persons involved in this
monumental corruption encapsulated in the House of Representatives
panel report on the mismanagement of the fuel subsidy funds in view of
the recent conviction in a London court of a common thief, James Ibori
former executive governor of Delta State who abused public trust here
at home but was shielded from prosecution by the Nigerian
establishment until the long arm of the law finally caught up with him
outside our shores, Mallam Sanusi Lamido, the governor of the Central
Bank who has abdicated his primary responsibility of overseeing the
regulation of our financial system in which the banking system is in
comatose but has taken up a new role of illegally donating the
people’s money to causes for which he has  interest other than public
good is already flying a kite for an additional increase in the price
of petroleum product in the guise of fuel subsidy removal by raising a
mischievous alarm that the fuel subsidy funds of N888 billion naira in
2012 budget will be exhausted before the end of the year.

If mallam Sanusi Lamido had pursued and executed the mandate of his
office with the same zeal with which he pursued and is pursuing the
removal of fuel subsidy, the financial system wont be in such a bad
shape like it is today where the productive capacity of the economy is
crippled because of lack of access to loans and economy unfriendly
interest rates due to a focusless policy of the CBN. Also, Mallam
Sanusi has being unable to use his office to prevent the free fall of
the naira in relation to other major currencies, yet he is not
bothered but is rather playing the arrow head in pursuing anti
people’s policies. Or is it that he wants his own share of the bazaar?
In addition, right under Mallam Sanusi’s watch, the excess crude
account has been depleted by the federal government from $20 billion
in 2007 to about $ 3.5 billion dollars in 2012 without accountability
and any visible developmental projects.

In a decent society, one would have expected the CBN governor to be
patriotically concerned with how to salvage the ruins of our society
from the ruiners currently occupying office who have chosen to abuse
public trust in this era of government of the corrupt by identifying
with the clarion call of the people for the full weight of the law to
be brought upon identified public looters instead of this misguided
and sinister alarm of his.

The President Goodluck Jonathan administration should better be
patriotically advised to immediately plug all loop holes in the system
that allows for abuse of public office by convoking a Sovereign
National Conference (SNC) to chart the way forward out of this
quagmire of a failed state that we all inhabit. The consequence of any
attempt to raise the prices of fuel again while subsidy funds thieves
and other identified looters are not prosecuted will make the January
2012 anti fuel price hike revolution look like a child’s play.

A word is enough for the wise!

Yours Sincerely

Nelson Ekujumi,
Executive Chairman,
Committee for the Protection of Peoples Mandate (CPPM)
26A Adeshina Street,
Ikeja, Lagos.
08023172694, 07033853232