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Bribe Or Community Dev …That Gitto Church Gift To Otueke
Nigeria’s political history is replete with gory tales of how influential government officials played God, by demanding and receiving from beneficiaries of public contracts, 10 or even more percent tithes in gratification. At some point, road projects were tied to the erection and proper furnishing of palatial mansions as gift to the awarding authority.
At other times, outrageous advance fees were said to have been demanded and received as condition for the award of contracts. Such gifts, the pre-1999 press suggested, often resulted in shoddy jobs as no contractor would willingly work in deficit unless adequate assurances was given for latter-day rewards in form of a follow-up contract or upward review of an existing one in variation.
Basically, such interactions are considered immoral, even criminal because they easily compromised the supervisory awarding authority’s duty of ensuring timely and quality service delivery. How, for instance can a Works Minister, already provided a well-furnished duplex in choice areas of any of the major cities, say Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, by a friendly contractor be depended upon to ensure effective adherence to contract details? Or seek to revoke such a contract, when, he or she is a beneficiary of the proceeds from such shoddy jobs?
These are why public officers are expected to live above board and avoid questionable freebies, particularly Greek gifts. They are forbidden from demanding or receiving gratification of any form in return for public contracts executed or to be awarded to a given contractor. Another danger to such illicit relationship between government officials and beneficiaries of such government contracts is that it unwittingly destroys the advantages of fairness and impartiality. It instead encourages cronyism and godfatherism in the choice of who to execute a given public project.
Generally, it destroys all the needed imperatives of providing level playing field that should guarantee award of contracts to the best bidder and not necessarily the lowest of the most familar.
In such cases, what should be of paramount concern to the awarding officer should be the competence, capacity and history of similar projects handled by the bidders. It must not be influenced by past of future gifts nor based on existing friendship, which can only blur proper assessment of the yardsticks required for the award of public contracts.
This is why various enactments like section 6 of the Code of Conduct for public officers as embodied in the first schedule of the 1999 Constitution and the Code of Conduct and Tribunal/Act (CAP C15) laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2004, were contemplated in the first place. It is also to fight this and other colours of official corruption and abuse of office that anti-graft institutions like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) were created in the first instance.
Today, war against corruption appears to be a major pillar upon which the Federal Government hinges its crave for global popularity and internal acceptance.
In pursuit of this objective, government has demonstrated reasonable openness on many hitherto secret transactions of government including monthly allocations to states and local governments and passing into law of the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill.
Infact, Nigerian’s confidence in pursuit of the Presidency of World Bank is in part, also based on the achievements of the Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, in that respect. This means her supervisor, President Goodluck Jonathan should, himself, be more corruption-free than his team, if the country is to record any meaningful success in the war against corruption. But if , as they often say, the head is rotten, then the body has no use surviving or even hoping to survive.
That is indeed why the alleged gift of church building to President Jonathan by a friendly contractor with a long history of government favours, naturally agitated not just the political opposition but indeed a cross section of organised labour. Media reports said President Jonathan had demanded and received from the managing director of Gitto Contrizioni Generali Nigeria Limited, a construction firm substantially owned by an Italian, based in Nigeria, the gift of a church building in Otueke, the Commander-In-Chief’s home town in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
For this, the main opposition, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) called for the impeachment of President Jonathan on grounds that he had compromised his high office. The party last week, infact urged the National Assembly to commence a large scale probe into what it called the unholy relationship between the President and a favoured contractor.
Ordinarily, such comments should be commended, particularly, since they contribute to the required vigilance for the success of the corruption war but the calls also raise some questions which answers should throw brighter light on the truth, motive and consequences of the transaction, before the president should, if necessary, be hanged.
Is the church in Otueke a personal gift to the president? Or is it to Otueke, the president’s community? By their nature, are orthodox churches and mosques supposed to be personal or public? What is the purpose of a church building in the president hometown? To Generate revenue for the president’s family and friends or to further the gospel and Christianity? Will that be the first time, influential people have contributed to the building of a church or mosque in Nigeria? What has changed?
A university Don, Professor Steve Azalki considers “ the uproar that greeted the St. Stephen’s Anglican Church building renovation by Gitto, as uncalled for because the company only carried out its corporate social responsibility to the community”, as would Shell, Total or even Julius Berger in a host community.
Also, the General Secretary of Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Marcus Omokhuale, said the donation should not be celebrated because the president had not committed a crime.
“I do not see it as any crime. Building a church is meant to further the work of God. I do not know if Jonathan will benefit anything from it apart from the fact that the building was built when he was President,” Omokhuale argued.
This, inadvertently addresses the question of motive. About the same time as opposition politicians were calling for the president’s head, over a 400 capacity church building renovation, an influential Islamic leader in Northern Nigeria presented a cheque of N500 million donated by another corporate citizen, to Gen Abba Kyari (rtd) for the completion of the Borno Central Mosque building. What does the donor need in rewards other than to further the work of Allah?
Should such a donation be questioned or its beneficiary vilified?
I ask because some politicians are taking this self-righteous indignation a little too far. Its not strange among communities in Nigeria to demand of project handlers and big companies operating in their localities, certain basic needs, like employment opportunities, access roads, schools, hospitals or even contracts.
So, what is wrong, if, an old church structure became a danger to worshippers and the Otueke community whose son, the first citizen of Nigeria, and for whom countless dignitaries may visit, consider the renovation of the local church as a priority? What is wrong, if the President adds a word or two to the community’s demand and it is done?
If the funds spent on the facility were public’s and President Jonathan willfully channeled such to personal uses, that make sense and justify the protests. But that a corporate citizen decided to give a little back to the community, from which he had made reasonable fortune from projects done, should prompt impeachment, is an example of self-righteousness far beyond the clouds.
This would not be the first time the Federal Government or President Jonathan’s actions would immediately ignite uncalled-for calls for his impeachment. The other day, while, organised labour was protesting the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit, otherwise called petrol, the Save Nigeria Group, at once called for regime-change and labeled the President in the most demonic of colours, saddist, thief and badluck simply, the lightest.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) was later to dismiss such calls as both unauthorised, senseless and uncalled for, and infact hinged its hurried termination of the nation-wide strike on such malicious campaigns for regime change.
Today, it is the ACN calling for the impeachment of a duly elected president because, of all things, a contractor offered to renovate a church building in the president’s home community, Otueke not as a family cathedral for the Jonathans but strictly a public facility to advance the work of God, just like the N500 million donation to hasten the completion of the Borno Central Mosque. How sad!
A purposeful opposition should, at all times, try to tinker alternatives and better ways of running public business and not criticise every activity of either government or the president, just for the sake of doing so. Rather than play to the gallery and unwittingly heat-up the system, by seeing virtually every government glass as half-empty instead of half-full, the ACN and other opposition politicians need to exercise considerable patriotism and eschew bitterness in the criticism of government activities and actions. What obtains now falls far far short of expectation.
My Agony is that many of those calling for the president’s head today are brief-case carrying contractors without reputation or capacity but who are regularly involved in securing and selling contract deals by night and force themselves on to the judgement table of others, by day.
Methinks these calls are getting a bit annoying and too mischievous, and should be stopped forthwith. None has the exclusive right to assume the role of an accuser and judge at the same time. Only bad losers and arm-chair critics do. Theirs is to prove otherwise.
Soye Wilson Jamabo
President, Jonathan and Bola Tinubu (ACN)
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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.