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Abuse Of State Power …That Law On Gov’s Retirement Benefits
Until the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly passed the special bill listing the retirement benefits of a former governor and his deputy not many truly appreciated the nature of robber stamps, state assemblies have become. In a move to enrich Governor Godswill Akpabio long after his exit from office, the Assembly passed into law a bill that lists some of the most unimaginable gifts ever contemplated for a political office holder.
The Governor’s Pension Bill 2004, sought a pension for life at a rate equivalent to the salary of an incumbent governor, for a former governor and former deputy and also provided for the former governor funds to employ a cook, chauffeurs and security guards at a sum not exceeding N5 million per month and N2.5 million per month for a former deputy.
If the cook, two chauffeurs and say four security guards are paid the equivalent of the salary of a Director in a state civil service, say Grade Level 16, each should be earning about N300,000 each per month only, in which case, only N2.1 million will be required. But which director ever becomes a domestic staff?
But that’s not the worst. The former governor will also be entitled to free medical services for his person and spouse at a sum not exceeding N100 million per annum, while a former deputy governor gets N50 million. Why? This means, a former governor needs not be sick all through the year but could pick that huge medical freebie.
If a former governor’s health is such an issue, why should he not make health care a priority while in office, build the best facilities and institutionalise free Heath care for senior citizens, if that for all, will be such a wasteful expenditure? If a former governor alone would have N100 million for medical services, ostensibly medical holidays abroad, what should the ordinary citizens enjoy? But if existing health institutions under his watch were well equipped will a former governor require special treatment different from that enjoyed by the citizenry?
What is most annoying is that the same bill sought to compel government to provide for the former governor a befitting accommodation not below a five bedroom horne either in Abuja or Akwa Ibom State, while offering the deputy, yearly accommodation allowance of 300 percent of annual basic salary.
These are despite the fact that all through their tenure, both officers are fed from the public kitchen, command absolute control over public funds, decide who gets what contracts and indeed receive all manner of gifts from grateful beneficiaries. Not to mention also that a former governor, upon leaving office, is entitled to a severance gratuity of 300 percent of annual basic salary among other things.
All these gifts are lined up for one or two citizens who might have spent between four and eight years in office and who by all standards should lack nothing ever after. Let’s put it in context. What does a civil servant who devotes 35 years of his productive life to service of his state enjoy? What of a security man at the state secretariat who retires at 60 years after putting in 35 years?
These questions are necessary because the funds of each state belong to all and should, at all times, be administered in the interest of the majority. The funds which the Governor’s Pension Bill seeks to appropriate indeed fall short of this expectation. Infact, it cannot benefit a minority.
But I do not blame the ultimate beneficiary of the bill-the governor. The executive bill was debated by members of the State Assembly, after the second reading, after which deputy leader, Dr. Ekaete Okon moved the motion for its passage into law. And with that motion seconded by Mr Aniekan Akpan, member representing Ukanafun State Constituency, the speaker Mr Samuel Ikon simply directed the clerk of the House, Mrs Mandu Umoren to forward a clean copy of the bill to the governor to ascent.
Akwa Ibom State Government House Sources in defence of the law explained that what the state forwarded was an amendment to an existing law which did not provide any ceiling for a former governor’s medical benefits. Rather than remain open-ended, according to them, they decided to provide the N100 million ceiling. Not guilty at all.
But what were Assembly members thinking about? At a time of high unemployment, do the law makers know how many young, unemployed university graduates N100 million can engage and boost the local economy? At a basic salary of N50,000 per month, N100 million can engage 2,000 young graduates to prepare final year post primary wards for WAEC and JAMB exams among other essential services.
Infact, if 2, 000 petty traders are set-up with N50,000 each annually do the law makers know how many families they would end-up empowering? What of using same funds to equip some of the hospitals so that they would be standard enough for a former governor’s patronage.
These are indeed why many suggest that the law makers were greatly compromised with funds to induce compliance. Strong as these rumours are, I do not share in them, even though their eagerness to pass such a bill as quickly as they did leaves a sour taste in the month.
As operators of an arm of government at the state level, they are depended upon to act right, think right and make laws for good governance for the benefit of the majority. To achieve that, they must serve as necessary check on the likely excesses of the executive arm and when victmised take their case before the court of public opinion.
It is true that governors, control state funds including that for constituency projects and no chief executive will waste such funds on an unfriendly legislature. But that’s the beauty of the representative democracy we practice. There are institutionalised checks and balances and each allowed access to seek redress when violated.
Law makers at the state level ought to borrow a leaf from the National Assembly, which disagrees with the executive arm without necessarily being disagreeable. At that level, majority of the actions are grounded in public interest and not that of the executive arm alone. The opposite is true of most state assemblies which have become robber-stamps for the executive.
It is indeed that mindset thatmany believe, hastened the passage of the Governor’s Pension Bill without raising necessary questions. And they are many but lets list a few.
For instance, are the appropriations contained in the bill for only two comfortable men, fair to all? In what way would the benefits boost the economy? Do governors truly deserve or need such freebies in and out of office?
If they do, what is the pension plan for others who gave all of their productive life to the state? How many houses did the governors build for such retiring or retired staff to deserve their own? If the medical services they provide while in office are the best, why seek funds for medical needs to the tune of N100 million?
The Akwa Ibom State example of a Governor’s Pension Bill fails the required integrity test. And should not be replicated by any State. Not only is N100 million medical too huge, it encourages a serving governor to toy with the health needs of his peoples, since he can afford better services abroad after retirement. The best option is to grant the governor free medical services in all public health institutions, that way he will be made beneficiary of the health care system he leaves behind.
Also unacceptable is the appropriation of a whopping N5 million monthly for salaries of domestic staff, like cook, chauffeurs and security guards. That figure translates to N60 million per annum. The question is: What does a cook in a five-star hotel earn? How much does the highest-paid security man in the civil service earn? What indeed does a chauffeur earn?
As earlier canvassed, even if all are to be paid salaries of directors in the ministries in Akwa Ibom State, as much as N39 million will be wasted annually on two very comfortable citizens, except all such domestic servants would be expatriates that would be paid in foreign currencies.
My Agony is that many State Assemblies have outlived their usefulness to our kind of democracy and may need to be remodeled as ministry under the executive arm. That way, public expectation off their services would not be high, and disappointment not as heart breaking as it is in Uyo.
Governor Akpabio
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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.