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The President’s Cross …As Jonathan Battles To Be Understood
From when Nigeria’s serving President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan took oath of office as Vice President to his principal, Late President Umaru Yar’Adua in May 2007, up to when, on account of his master’s death he became acting President and re-elected May, last year up till December 31, 2011, not once did Nigerians witness official hike in prices of petroleum products, particularly fuel. Instead, the price of fuel was slashed under the duo’s watch, from N75 per litre to N65.
Also, due largely to the liberalization of the petroleum sub-sector, the perennial problem of long queues at filling stations on account of scarcity of the product was eliminated. What was scarce was kerosene. But why? Marketers needed it to adulterate aviation fuel.
Why then should one with such pedigree become a saddist over-night? Why should a child of very indigent parents from the little town of Otueke in today’s Bayelsa State, who, so poor, could not afford footwears to school, choose to inflict on others such pain, hunger and endless suffering of the kind Nigerians today protest against, simply because he has crossed the crucible? Why should a President who promised a breathe of fresh air turn around to choke the masses with such grueling discomfort, by the removal of what is said to be left of the subsidy on petroleum products?
In fact, why is the Nigerian President, allowed to be so powerful as to unilaterally wage such a war on his own people and still cow all other political, natural and spiritual leaders into submission? Why does the vibrant National Assembly feel helpless and instead urge dialogue? Why? Why now?
Or, is it simply a case of the child not being able to see, even from a roof-top, what an elder sees sitting?
Furthermore, why should one so popularly elected, devoid of ethnic, religious, class, regional or even partisan political lines choose to lose such popularity, just for the sake of being a saddist? Is power such an intoxicant as to change a once amiable gentleman into an incurable political drunk? Why? Why now?
Most importantly, why has Mr President refused to change course in the face of increasing protests in Lagos, Kwara and elsewhere, with an even bigger threat by both the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to join the sway today? But was it not the same President who, priding himself as a listening leader once ate his words, on account of public outcry, after his publicly pronounced ban on all Nigerian’s teams participation in any FIFA organised soccer competitions for two years? Why? Why not now?
Even so, desirous to be fair, albeit reluctantly, I laboured to weigh the other side of the argument, if for nothing else, to satisfy my conscience that my case against a wicked President, who promised a breathe of fresh air was and is still rock-solid; that the Otueke born indigent son, has, like others before him, actually kicked off the ladder, from whence he hit the summit of power and opted to inflict on others, the same pain and anguish he once faced as a child of indigent parents, not to mention that he has chosen to change from Goodluck to badluck as mocked by a former member of the House of Representatives, who led a less-than-co-ordinated protest in Lagos last week, against the removal of subsidy on petroleum products.
First, I considered the President’s motive and then asked what he stood to benefit from his action. How, I wondered further, could a President facing serious security challenges, on account of the danger which the Boko Haram Islamist Sect today presents, chose to cut his nose to spite his face?
Then I got an SMS message from an unfamiliar cell phone number and since, at times like this no information must be considered useless; I rushed through it and wondered: Could the President or his men be reading my thoughts and chose to present their own case? Impossible! If they had such supernatural tracking devices, why is the Boko Haram terror group still a spoilt spot to all?
Not willing to give the President and his men such credit of clairvoyance, I reluctantly went through the message again. Holy Moses! I screamed without knowing I did so loudly.
It was then, I came to the painful realisation that what Nigerians have been protesting against was in fact, support for a cabal of very powerful and super-rich oil marketing cartels who found in the so-called subsidy, their own conduit for smoothly amassing public funds and have for years held the nation captive. With such power, they imported petroleum products and determined the cost. And each time any government dared question their guts, they create artificial scarcity of petroleum products to force successive governments to negotiate the amount of public funds to vote in support of their clandestine pass-time. And because of the huge profits, they grew in ranks and directly or indirectly frustrated refineries from running at full capacity.
Just as powerful generator importers have for years frustrated the actualization of uninterrupted electric power supply in the country, these petroleum products importers are capable of determining what Nigeria must pay for their own imports or make consumers to queue up for days, even weeks, at filling stations.
So, upon election as president, Jonathan had a choice to make: keep quiet, receive as much as N300 billion monthly in bribes to look the other way, let it remain business as usual and vacate his seat, richer than Nigeria in four years or call the bluff of the vicious importers, stop paying the cabal what was erroneously considered subsidy, and rechannel those funds to more productive uses, including of course, job-creation, through Turn Around Maintenance of the refineries; huge investments in Agriculture and irrigation; provision of thousands of buses to check arbitrary hike in transport fares; improved funding for rural development, road construction and rehabilitation, education, crafts development, health and infrastructural development.
Simply put, government decided that rather than pay so much to an ungrateful cabal, running into trillions of naira annually in petroleum subsidy, such funds should be directed to other more meaningful uses. And then again, I read the SMS to behold the list of how much often went to the various marketing companies, and was convinced that, if its indeed factual, then President Jonathan might well be waging a war to take the loot from the super-rich 19 marketers and spread such funds among the most gullible of the societal chain.
Surely, that could cause temporary pain like the type President Jonathan himself suffered in Otueke, but one that will guarantee a brighter future for all, like the one that saw him through university up to the pinnacle of his political career.
The message listed major marketers and their due as follows: Oando Nig Plc, N228.5bn; MRS N224.8bn, Enak Oil and Gas, N19.7bn; Bovas & Co Nig. Ltd, N5.7bn; Obat, N85bn; AP, N104.5bn; Folawiyo Oil, N13.3bn; IPMAM Invest Ltd, N10.9 bn; AMP, N11.4bn; Honeywell, N12.2bn; Emac Oil N19.2bn; DJones Oil, N14.8bn Capital Oil N22.4 bn; AZ Oil, N18.613bn; EternaOil N5.57bn; Dozil Oil, N3.375bn; and Fort Oil, N8.582bn.
The president’s crime is that rather than look the other way, and have his own ‘cut’ from the loot, chose to say, ‘No’. Let these funds be rechanneled into putting the refineries back on line and ensure effective competition that would force down prices of petroleum products. Remember the Telecom sector? May be not. We forget easily. Some Nigerians may remember, that some early subscribers bought mobile phones’ starter packs at between N17,000 and N20,000 but today, thanks to the deregulation of the sub-sector, service providers are virtually begging subscribers to pick such packs for as low as N100 naira.
Surely, it requires the courage and resilience of a Jonathan to carry the cross of political unpopularity in order to ensure that Nigerians enjoy a breathe of fresh air in the long run.
My Agony is that many, like me agree that it is indeed a right and courageous move to take but still wonder why it must be now and not latter? Answer? Never leave for later, what can be done now. Its called procrastination, the thief of time.
Soye Wilson Jamabo
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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.