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Stench Of A Gargole …That Protest By Airlines Operators
Penultimate Sunday, Nigerians witnessed one of the most bloody, painful and devastating air mishaps in recent history that for once, in months, united the nation in grief and ignited in nearly all, a rare urgency for human empathy that normally separates man from beast. It was the day that DANA Air Flight 9J-0992 from Abuja to Lagos crashed at Iju-Ishaga, killing crew and all passengers on board.
But the crash recorded even more . Apart from the more than 150 passengers and six crew members, the plane which rammed into a residential area also claimed lives of unsuspecting residents, and many to wonder, were indeed was ever safe in Nigeria.
Expectedly, Nigeria mourned the dead and for three days flew the national flag at half mast while the Federal Government in addition ordered a full-scale investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the disaster. Indeed, for once, Nigerians were united that the probe needed to go beyond the immediate and cover the aviation industry and of necessity, all other domestic scheduled operators.
Among many institutions like the National Assembly, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and other notable Nigerians, former Lagos State Governor and National leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu, warned that Nigerians could be spared further heart-breaking aircraft mishaps (only) if government addressed the root cause of the problem.
Insisting that even after the three-day national mourning ordered by President Goodluck Jonathan in honour of the dead, the agonies and pains of those that lost their loved ones would continue, Tinubu advised government to tighten regulations and ensure standards, revalidate the operational licences and aircraft airworthiness of all operators and enforce compliance with safety rules.
As if heeding that advice, the National Council of State and indeed the Federal Executive Council at different fora, after observing special sessions in soulful reverence of the dead also endorsed a broad probe into operations of all domestic airlines with a view to ascertaining their air worthiness.
Aviation Minister, Stella Odua-Ogienwonyi last mid-week told newsmen that President Jonathan had approved the appointment of a nine-man technical and administrative panel to audit all Arlines operating in the country. The committee which is to be inaugurated today, has an aeronautical engineer, Group Captain John Obakpolor (rtd) as chairman and Captain Austin Omame, Captain A. Mshella, Capt Mfon Udom and Captain Dele Sasegbon as members. Others are Dr O.B.Aliu, Felix Onyeyiri, Commissioner, Accident Investigation Bureau, Captain Muhtar and the Director-General NIMET, Dr Anthony Anuforom, all qualified aviation professionals with many years of experience.
Yes, the probe cannot bring back the dead. It cannot also restore the future of the innocent helpless and defenceless children burnt in the crash, like those of Maimuna Ayene, whose four children, including a set of twins, all aged two years and below. Infact, Maimuna died along with nine other members of her family, her husband Onyeka, her four children, Kamsiyonna (two years) the twins, Kayimarachi and Kayinetochi (one year), Noah (seven months old), her sister, her two cousins and her mother-in-law. It cannot indeed wipe away, so easily, memories of all the dead, from the minds of those they loved. But while mourning the dead, there is also the need to protect the living against similar harm.
That in brief, must have informed the need for the audit committee which terms of reference include; To thoroughly review the maintenance practices of DANA Air as well as all other domestic scheduled operators and assess their level of compliance with the Nigerian Civil Aviation regulations; To assess the effectiveness or otherwise of the NCAA’s over-sight of the maintenance practices of domestic scheduled carriers and other regulatory aspects; and, To examine the management practices and safety culture existing in DANA Air up to the time of the accident.
Other terms include; To examine the management practices and safety culture of all domestic scheduled carriers; and finally; To make findings and bold recommendations to the Federal Government on all of the reference terms, (already listed) with a view to significantly improving the safety of the Nigerian Air space.
Frankly, it is difficult to appreciate the source of worry now being expressed by some aviation stakeholders under the aegis of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON)who are said to be totally opposed to the Federal Government’s review of the domestic airlines operations and ascertain the fitness of their aircrafts.
The operators had in a protest, last week Wednesday, argued that the government’s move violated international best practices in the industry, insisting that there exist already global outfits charged with such responsibilities.
Instead of, “attempting to make the airlines the scapegoat for the decay in the sector”, the group asked government to accept the blame for the rot because, according to the AON, the situation was a product of inconsistency in aviation policies.
Like what? Licensing virtually grounded airlines to operate in Nigeria? Not exercising sufficient over-sight on domestic scheduled operators? Or not properly fore-warning the unsuspecting air passengers of ill-maintained aircrafts and which resulted in the fatal crash? What exactly.
Rather than offer answers to these questions which would have informed Nigerians better, the operators seemed more interested in safeguarding their operational licences and lifeline by whipping-up the sentiment that such a probe would affect the AA rating already enjoyed by Nigerian Airlines.
Describing government’s decision to set up the nine –member audit committee as misplaced, the operators expressed the fear that it could work against Nigeria’s interest because it undermined the status category one and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
Secretary-General of AON, Mohammed Joji was quoted as saying that by the action, Government had set aside the functions of the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) and Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), which are saddled with the audit of the airworthiness of aircrafts and investigation into accidents.
According to him, the panel had sent wrong signals to the international community, which would see Nigeria as undermining Aviation Laws, especially, when the United States Federal Aviation Administration (US-FAA) had given Nigeria Category One, almost two years ago.
Now, the questions are: if the DANA Air crash, with its attendant huge human casualties had occurred a day to the issuance of the Category One crown, would the US –FAA have gone ahead to issue the excellence card without necessary questions ? Was the ill-fated DANA airline that crashed into a Lagos residence, killing a cow tied to a mango tree, defenceless men, women and children, inspected by the same US-FAA before its take-off from Abuja? Or did the Category One rating granted Nigeria prevent the DANA Airline from crashing in Lagos? Or is there something else that the airline operators fear other than loving Nigeria more than Nigerians? Finally, in what way would an audit of the kind now ordered, negatively affect their operations, if indeed, some of them are not just another DANA waiting to happen?
At a time like this, when, bereaved families are not only mourning loved ones, but also seeking answers that would prevent any repeat, the operators’ protest is not only selfish, it smarks of insensitivity to the inate fears of would-be air travelers. Rather than kick against the audit, the operators ought to be in the vanguard of fishing out bad-eggs likely to rubbish the almighty Category One certificate, the country enjoys and which benefits the operators, even more.
Or, is it a reharsh of the now very over-used cliché, the guilty are afraid? I ask because, try as I have to understand the worries of the AON, I am still left guessing. By choosing existing structures, to which the operators are very familiar, rather than a fresh probe committee, does it not seem that the operators have more than what they have expressed, to fear for?
These are times when, anti-government sentiments sell so, flying this kite will help polarize the grieving nation, along fresh politically induced divides. Is this the card being played by the operators to fore-stall extensive assessment of the air-worthiness of domestic scheduled airlines? Not sure this can sell, because no reasonable Nigerian, least of all the political class that equally patronizes such airlines, if not more frequently, will play politics with own safety and of others’ lives.
This is why the protest of the AON seems to me a stench oozing out of a mundane gargole and should be ignored, even avoided for all the right reasons.
My Agony is that the domestic airlines operators are too eager to blackmail Nigeria with what America will think, rather than see in the audit, their own opportunity to properly ascertain the worthiness of their own airlines and better ensure safety of Nigerians and even foreigners living here.
This is not the right way to ensure that the souls of the dead rest in peace, the AON option, methinks is an invitation to sharp practices akin to the dealings between two familiar friends, as obtained between Clearing Agents and ethically depraved, Customs agents, in years past. That can instead force souls of the dead suffer imperfect rest.
Soye Wilson Jamabo
President Jonathan and Ahmed Tinubu
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DEPLOY YOUR CAPACITY, TECHNICAL KNOWHOW TO REVITALISE SONGHAI FARMS, FUBARA TELLS TASK FORCE
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that diversifying the economy of the State has become inevitable because of the need to solve the problem of food shortages while also providing jobs for the teeming unemployed youths.
These, he said, are the reasons why great care has been taken to critically look at the prospects of revitalising the Songhai Integrated Farms, which is located in Bunu Tai, in Tai Local Government Area of the State.
Governor Fubara insisted that if the problem associated with food shortages is tackled with good intent and purpose, about 40 to 50 percent of current problems of economic hardship plaguing the country and its people would have been solved.
Governor Fubara made the assertion while inaugurating the Chairman, Mr Biedima Oliver, and members of the task force saddled with the responsibility of supervising the revitalization of Songhai Integrated Farms by its partners: Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Other members of the task force included, the Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr Victor Kii; Commissioner for Finance, Barrister Emmanuel Frank-Fubara; Dr Ayebaesin Beredugo; and Mr Maurice Ogolo.
The Governor explained that it took him time to approve the constitution of the task force being inaugurated because of the ugly experience with the previous group that shown such interest.
Governor Fubara stated that a process was initiated and driven halfway into the handing over of Songhai Farms on concession to an interested partner who latter showed a total lack of the needed capacity to undertake such task.
He said, “As a matter of fact, if few of you could remember, we even conceded the place to an investor who came in after he had made his presentation, and we, believing that he has the capacity, we said okay to him, and we had already signed up.
“But something happened. He came back to tell us that he wanted us to give him a N5billion bank guarantee. We then asked him, why? If we have the N5billion, why do we need you to come and even revitalize Songhai Farms? We would have put that N5billion there ourselves. For that reason, we cancelled that arrangement.”
Governor Fubara said now that two separate companies have come together to indicate interest and given the assurance of having the needed capacity to drive the process, he is delighted to see them meeting that expectation.
Governor Fubara pointed to the expectation of the people who want to see the Songhai Farms back on stream on a sustainable basis.
That expectation, he insisted, is also what his administration wants to see actualised within its lifespan.
He noted, “We want to see food sufficiency, because we know when Songhai Farms comes on board, there will be food, which is one of the problems we are having in this country. If we are able to tackle the issue of food, 40 to 50 percent of our problem will be solved.”
Governor Fubara also stated that although he believes in the presentation made by the group and has taken their assurance to heart, but warned that he would not tolerate a repeat of what happened before.
The Governor said, “I hope your story will not be (end) halfway too. I hope you have the capacity and all the technical knowhow to handle it. It is not when we start now, after we had finished inaugurating the task force, you will come back to tell us that you need $2million. If we have $2million, we won’t need you. We will invest it by ourselves.”
Governor Fubara, however, praised the capacity of the Chairman of the task force, Biedima Oliver, saying that incidentally, he was one of the personnel that convinced the then administration to develop the Songhai Farms, and had worked with the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) to manage the project.
He said, “He knows and understands the workings of Songhai, and now that we are making you the chairman of the task force, we want to believe that you will make that place come back to life.
“I don’t have any doubt in your capacity. A few things you’ve touched, you turned them to gold. Please, bring it back to what we used to see in Songhai. Bring it back with the help of your committee.”
Governor Fubara assured that his administration will remain committed to providing all the necessary support that they may require to make their assignment a success.
He added, “So, I hereby inaugurate you. Your task is very simple: Do everything within your powers and with our support to make sure that Songhai becomes operational to the benefit, not just the people of Tai, but to the entire Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole”.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Task Force to Supervise the Revitalization of Songhai Farms with Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, Mr. Biedima Oliver, expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for the opportunity and confidence reposed in them to revive Songhai Farms.
Mr. Oliver assured that they will deliver the expected goal on Songhai Farms, and doing so on time and on target so that the good people of Rivers State can eventually be happy and also benefit from the huge investment.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that all the policies and programmes of his administration are tailored towards the protection of interest of Rivers people, especially the youths.
This, he said, is borne out of the importance his administration attaches to youths’ development and empowerment as leaders of tomorrow.
Fubara, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, disclosed this when he received the youths of Emohua Local Government Area under the auspices of “Emohua Youths For SIM” on solidarity visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, last Friday.
He said that his administration has put in place modalities that will boost the livelihoods and well-being of Rivers citizens, which youths of Emohua will also benefit when they materialise.
The governor, who spoke through the Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, pointed out that the recently awarded Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku Road, the ongoing Emohua-Kalabari Road, reinstatement of illegally sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Area and the approval for electrification of the area, are part of deliberate measures to open up the area to make life conducive and more meaningful for the people.
According to him, “Everything about the governor is putting the interest of Rivers State first. He is looking at and taking action on those things that we need to do to restart the wheels of progress in Rivers State.
“There are many things the governor has planned and is already doing that will boost the life and welfare of every citizen of Rivers State, but most importantly the youths.
“Growing up, I learnt that Egbeda is one of the biggest communities in the whole of Ikwerre, and it’s predominantly an agrarian community. They have food in Egbeda, they have food in Ubimini, they have food in Omudiaga and other natural resources. The whole world is tilting to agriculture, and this is the way to go.
“The Elele-Umudioga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Omoku road, when completed, will open up the area for real development. Your food and everything you produce there will now have value, they will no longer be thrown away. In all these, you the youths are going to be the utmost beneficiaries.”
He added, “Same will be applicable to the Emohua-Kalabari Road which will also, trigger development in the area, and you will be the greatest beneficiaries. When the LGA is also electrified, you will be having 24 or 20 hours of electricity, and those things the youths can do with electricity, you can stay at home and create wealth for yourself and children.
“All the totality of what the governor is doing, when they are completed, or even as some are completed now, the youths are going to be utmost beneficiaries.”
While acknowledging that youths are the true leaders of tomorrow and any government that fails to carry them along in the scheme of things is doomed to fail, the governor assured them of his administration’s commitment to always address issues concerning youths and ensure that they are part of his government.
He commended the youths for toeing the path of truth by identifying with his administration, urging them to sustain the tempo and shun evil, as his government will ensure that the trend whereby politicians turn youths to beggars are over.
He said, “Youths are, indeed, the leaders of tomorrow. The time of youth is a very important time. It a time that your parents or whoever is your leader at that time have to make the greatest investment in you. And any Government that decides to only carry the elderly, chiefs aling and abandon the youths is bound to fail,” he asserted.
“But I am happy that Governor Fubara has concentrated his energy on everything that will benefit the society, especially the youths.
“And based on these, I want to thank you for recognising what is good and calling it good, for shunning what is evil, for saying the Governor is standing for you.
“Let me tell you, you are on the right direction. Let me tell you again, Rivers State is the bride of Nigeria. The whole Nigeria is looking at what will happen here. As they look here and see you standing on the path of truth, this is a very important step that you have taken to right all the wrongs of the past, to make Rivers State stand on the tripod of justice, peace and security. That is what we are going to gain through the governor, taking all the wise actions that he has already initiated.
“The projects the governor is embarking on are meant to prepare nets for the youths to fish and put food on their table, hence you should continue to follow him.
“The SIMplified Movement brought upon by the governor will ensure that Rivers youths stop the habit of going to bow down before politicians, pledging loyalty before they can eat.”
Earlier, spokesman for the Emohua Youths for SIM, Comrade Ovamale O. Ovamale, had said that the visit by youths from the 14 political wards in Emohua Local Government Area was to thank the governor for the award of the Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku road, the approval for electrification of the area and reinstatement of sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Council, of which the youths were mostly affected.
According to him, “Siminalayi Fubara of recent has given Emohua Local Government road that links Elele to Omoku, which comprises over four communities in the local government.”
“Emohua Local Government has also been in darkness for eight years. No community in the local government that has light. But, of recent, because of the passion and love the governor has for the people of Emohua, he has approved the electrification of the local government.
“Also, the illegal sack of Emohua Local Government workers, for which the youths were mostly affected and without the approval of the Local Government Service Commission, the governor, in his compassionate nature, has reinstated them, and that is why we said we must come and thank His Excellency”, he said.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will collaborate and continue to consult widely in delivering a liberated State experiencing enduring peace.
Fubara said, in doing so, he would not operate as a dictator but as a member of a team that has the best interest of the State at heart and determined to leave a lasting legacy that can be celebrated.
The governor spoke during the formal presentation of Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, as first class tradition ruler, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara stated that, during the Sixth State Executive Council meeting, N80.8billion was approved with 50 percent contract value paid already as the Government awarded the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
He said the project will be funded from the savings from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to underscore his administration’s prudence without also borrowing to complete the project.
“We are at a crossroad in our State where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a life time. So, for now, be one of those people that will be in the course to liberate and free our dear State.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our State. We will do those things that are right to develop our State.
“We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us. We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led”, the governor said.
Fubara explained that he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits in recognition of his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika, and indeed, the State, and urged him to continue to do justice to everyone.
In his speech, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom for being formally presented with the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office as first class traditional ruler.
Also speaking, former Transport Minister, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise of upgrading the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom, and pledged the support of Kirike Se people to his administration.