LIVE IN THE CREATIVE LANE

I was jogging one day and i noticed a person in front of me, about 1/4 of mile. I could tell he was running a little slower than me and I thought, good, i shall try to catch him. I had about a mile to go my path before i needed to turn off.
So i started running faster and faster. Every block, i was gaining on him just a little bit. After just a few minutes i was only about 100 yards behind him, so i really picked up the pace and push myself. You would have thought i was running in the last leg of London Olympic competition. I was determined to catch him.

Finally, i did it! I caught and passed him by. On the inside i felt so good. "I beat him" of course, he didn't even know we were racing. After i passed him, i realized i had been so focused on competing against him that i had missed my turn. I had gone nearly six blocks past it. I had to turn around and go all back.

Isn't that what happens in life when we focus on competing with co-workers, neighbors, friends, family, trying to outdo them or trying to prove that we are more successful or more important? We spend our time and energy running after them and we miss out on our own paths to our God given destinies. The problem with unhealthy competition is that its a never ending cycle.

There will always be somebody ahead of you, someone with better job, nicer car, more money in the bank, more education, a prettier wife, a more handsome husband, better behaved children, etc. But realize that "You can be the best that you can be, you are not competing with no one." Some people are insecure because they pay too much attention 2 what others are doing, where others are going, wearing & driving.


I therefore charge you to live in a creative plane and not in a competitive plane, the later has no route while the former has defined and sure route. Take what God has given you, the height, weight & personality. Have a creative personality by representing your unique potentials ! You 'll be blessed by it.

Stay focused and live on the CREATIVE lane and not on the competetive lane.

Budget of “Fiscal Consolidation with Inclusive Growth”

President Jonathan’s 2013 Budget speech

Oct 10, 2012, 08:27


2013 Budget Speech

“Fiscal Consolidation with Inclusive Growth”


Delivered by His Excellency Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, President, Federal Republic of Nigeria


Before:


A Joint Session of the National Assembly, Abuja Wednesday, 10th October 2012


PROTOCOL


1. It is my pleasure and honour to present the 2013 Federal Budget Proposal before this esteemed Joint Session of the National Assembly. I am particularly delighted to present this Proposal to you earlier in the year, and soon after the commemoration of our national independence, to signal our commitment to evolving a new Nigeria. This Proposal is the product of extensive consultations with key stakeholders and would further translate the Government’s development plans into concrete actions.


2. When I presented the 2012 Budget, you will recall, I emphasized the fact that it would be “a stepping-stone to the transformation of our economy and country in our walk to economic freedom ...”. I am glad to report that we have made progress in this regard. Today, in the face of critical resource constraints, the defining moment of our work is in actualizing our promises to Nigerians. We need to create a structured economy where everybody plays by the same rules, and contributes their fair bit. That is the Nigeria our heroes past craved for; that is the Nigeria we believe in; and that is the Nigeria we are building together.


GLOBAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS

3. As we build this nation and walk the path of development, we must be mindful of the realities of our circumstances and those of the changing global economy. This Budget Proposal was therefore designed against the backdrop of global economic uncertainty. By the end of the second quarter of this year, the global economy was recovering but at a very slow pace. Growth in a number of major emerging market economies, has been lower than forecast. Overall, global growth is projected at 3.3% in 2012 and 3.6% in 2013.


4. The uncertainty surrounding the global economy, which could have adverse effects on commodity prices, highlights the downside risks for our economy. The oil market is well known for its volatility. We recall the 2008 experience at the height of the global economic downturn when oil prices fell almost overnight from $147 per barrel to $38 per barrel. This threat of oil price volatility remains constant and underscores the need to rely on a robust and prudent methodology to estimate the benchmark price.


5. The global economic slowdown can also have far-reaching implications for the demand for our export commodities, given that the Euro zone and the USA account for over 50% of the nation’s crude oil exports. These global developments are also being transmitted to our economy through a dampening effect on foreign capital inflows and remittances by Diaspora Nigerians. Fellow Nigerians, these are uncertain times in the world economy, and my Administration is taking necessary steps to mitigate possible adverse effects of the global economic slowdown on Nigeria. I assure you that we are going to build up the necessary savings to protect the economy against a possible global recession or a slow recovery.



DEVELOPMENTS IN THE DOMESTIC ENVIRONMENT

6. In spite of the foregoing, our economy has done relatively well. Over the past nine months, through a number of initiatives, we have created new jobs directly and supported many young entrepreneurs running SMEs to create jobs. Nigeria is looking to become more self-reliant again in food security, and we are increasing local content in our manufacturing processes and the oil and gas sector.

7. As at the end of the second quarter, the economy recorded an impressive growth of 6.28% compared to 5.4% forecast for sub-Saharan Africa. It is gratifying to note that the non-oil sector remains the main driver of growth. There are also improvements in other macroeconomic indicators. Inflation has dropped from 12.9% in June 2012 to 11.7% in August 2012, and our goal is to reduce it further. Our foreign reserves now stand at US$41.6 billion – the highest it has been in over 2 years. We intend to continue with our programme of fiscal discipline and prudent monetary policy in order to continue to improve our country’s macroeconomic environment.


8. Furthermore, in addition to being upgraded last year by Fitch and S&P rating agencies, Nigeria has now been included in the JP Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Index, signifying increasing investor confidence in our economy. In addition, the World Economic Forum has upgraded our ranking from 127 to 115 in the global competitiveness index.


9. Here in Nigeria, we do not join the debate on fiscal consolidation versus growth because we believe in the need to do both; hence, we are continuing our focus of fiscal consolidation with inclusive growth. The fiscal consolidation policy has helped to strengthen our finances with a programmed budget deficit of about 2.85% of GDP in 2012, now projected to drop to 2.17% in 2013. Moreover, the share of capital expenditure in the total budget is increasing as we gradually reduce recurrent expenditures and also develop non-oil revenue sources.



REVIEW OF THE 2012 BUDGET IMPLEMENTATION

10. Fellow Compatriots, the 2012 Budget was focused on achieving Fiscal Consolidation with Inclusive Growth using the budget balance as a fiscal anchor. In that respect, while investing in key priorities, the budget also ensured that the deficit followed a downward trend over the medium term. This is being done through a more aggressive revenue collection drive and prudent management of available resources.


11. On the expenditure side, the implementation of the 2012 Budget is on track, having commenced effectively in April when it became law. We have so far released N711.6 billion to MDAs for the implementation of their capital budgets while further releases are to follow shortly for the fourth quarter. The continued implementation of the 2011 capital budget in the first quarter of 2012, clearly affected the implementation of the 2012 Budget.


12. I have taken a personal interest in the budget implementation since May by chairing weekly sessions with Ministers and Heads of parastatals on their progress in this regard. We are determined to use the instrument of the budget to improve the welfare of Nigerians. You would recall my assurance to Nigerians that subsequent budgets will be presented earlier to the National Assembly. It is in this spirit that I lay this Proposal before this Assembly today, to give sufficient time for deliberation on the Proposal and approval of the budget, and to enable us commence implementation from January 1st 2013.


13. Let me stress that Government remains focused on the tangible outcomes from the implementation of the Appropriation Acts, not just the amounts spent. In this respect, I have signed Performance Agreement Contracts with my Ministers with a view to ensuring delivery of projects and programmes in their respective budgets. The Ministers in turn, are signing similar agreements with their Permanent Secretaries, Heads of parastatals and Directors to cascade down the need for responsibility and accountability. Key government officials with responsibility for implementing different aspects of the budget will be appraised based on these performance agreements. My goal is to ensure optimal implementation of our annual budgets.


14. Government is also determined to reduce the cost of governance. We are reviewing the recommendations aimed at rationalizing Agencies of the Federal Government with overlapping functions. This has been taken into account in the preparation of the 2013 Budget, and we expect some modest cost savings from this exercise in the course of the 2013 fiscal year. However, more significant progress will be made in 2014, as we work with the Legislature to harmonise those Agencies that have enabling laws, but which also have duplicative mandates.



Subsidy Reinvestments and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P)

15. You will recall that we had assured Nigerians that the proceeds of the partial withdrawal of petroleum subsidies will be applied to implementing the Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P). The implementation of this programme is continuing over the medium-term.


16. In the 2012 fiscal year, we had voted N180 billion for the implementation of social safety net programmes, road and rail infrastructure projects. So far, N36.5 billion of this amount has been utilized to support maternal and child health programmes as well as mass transit, roads and rail projects and job creation through the Community Services and Public Works programme. The SURE-P Board under the able chairmanship of Dr. Christopher Kolade is presently working hard to ensure the successful oversight of the implementation of this programme. We are grateful to them for their hard work and patriotism.



KEY ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE 2012 FISCAL YEAR

17. In the 2012 Budget, Government outlined some projects and programmes that were to be implemented in key sectors of the economy in order to improve the livelihood of Nigerians. We have numerous activities in various sectors such as: Power, Health, Agriculture, Education, Housing, Transport, Aviation, etc. Let me highlight a few of these sectors.



Power

18. The Power Sector Reform is on course. Our efforts have begun to pay off as we have improved power supply to various parts of the country. Our gas-to-power and other initiatives are making this possible, but I acknowledge the fact that we still have a long way to go. As you may be aware, the ongoing privatisation of the generation and distribution companies has reached an advanced stage. In some cases, Preferred Bidders have already emerged. When completed, the programme will bring into the sector significant private investment, along with the requisite power output.


19. We have accomplished a number of goals in the Power sector reform programme in line with the Roadmap, including:

a. Completion of new units at our thermal power stations, to increase generation;

b. Rehabilitation of existing power infrastructure, which has yielded up to 1,000 mega watts of additional electricity;

c. Fast-Tracking 3 NIPP projects, which will bring an additional 1,055 mega watts by the end of the year; and

d. Facilitating a power and gas financing package, which includes Government Guarantees, proposed Infrastructure Bonds of about $1billion, and $150 million of external funding from the African Development Bank to support continued gas supply and the liberalization of the power sector.



Agriculture

20. My Administration has instituted key policy reforms to establish staple crop processing zones aimed at attracting the private sector into areas of high production, reducing post-harvest losses, and adding value to locally produced commodities. So far we have succeeded in attracting $7.8 billion investment commitments to the agricultural sector. These investments and the value chain approach being used to transform the sector have the capacity to create 3.5 million additional jobs in the medium term by 2015.


• You will recall that Government provided incentives to support cassava value chains, including zero duty on machinery and equipment to process high quality cassava flour. Cassava bread is increasingly commercially available with 20% cassava flour content. In addition, a total of one million metric tonnes of dried cassava chips, are being exported to China this year.


• Achieving self-sufficiency in rice production in 2015 remains our target. In response to our new fiscal measures, 13 new private sector rice mills with a capacity of about 240,000 metric tonnes have been established. These mills buy and process local paddy and create employment for Nigerians.



Housing

21. Fellow Nigerians, the provision of affordable housing is one of the Administration’s strategic imperatives for guaranteeing our citizens’ productivity and well-being. We are creating an enabling environment for the private sector to produce much needed housing, whilst creating jobs in the process. To facilitate this, I will be holding a presidential retreat on Housing in early November, to discuss policy and modalities for dealing with land titling issues, developing an affordable mortgage finance system and reducing the high cost of housing construction.


22. In the meantime, under various social housing programmes, close to 2,000 housing units have been completed, while over 24,000 housing units are at various stages of completion. This is outside housing being constructed for the use of the Armed Forces and Paramilitary services. The Federal Government has entered into Partnership Agreements with several States for the provision of 6,000 housing units. Another 600 housing units have already been completed under the direct construction scheme of the Federal Housing Authority in these States. Gradually, we are ensuring that more Nigerians enjoy the benefits of having their own homes.


Transport

23. You are already familiar with the improvement in the functioning of our ports, the details of which I provided in my 52nd Independence Anniversary Speech. With regard to Rail transport, in our continuing effort to boost infrastructure development in the country, work is ongoing to rehabilitate the rail system across the country. These include the Lagos-Kano line as well as the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri line. Our people have started enjoying rail service again.


24. Our railway modernisation programme is progressing with the Abuja-Kaduna line now at 46% completion, while work on the Lagos-Ibadan line is to commence soon. We also expect to complete the Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Warri line in 2013. In the same vein, we are fast-tracking the implementation of the mass transit Abuja Light Rail system. When completed, it will improve transportation for all residents in the FCT, especially workers living in the satellite towns.


25. Inland Waterways: Our inland waterways programme is on track to boost commerce in the surrounding communities, and I had the pleasure of commissioning the Onitsha Inland Port on 30th August 2012.


Aviation

26. We are working hard to improve the regulatory regime and safety of the Aviation sector and will continue to look for ways to support its development. This Administration identifies this sector as a key part of the Transformation Agenda. As such, we have embarked on a comprehensive programme to transform our airports to world-class standards and improve air travel safety standards across the country.

27. For instance, the remodelling of airport terminals and the upgrading of airport runways are presently at advanced stages of implementation across virtually all our airports. In addition, we have just concluded arrangements to commence the construction of five brand new terminals in Kano, Port Harcourt, Lagos, Abuja and Enugu, and six perishable cargo terminals, early next year. In line with international best practice, these new terminals will be private sector-managed.


28. Roads: We know that Nigerians are disturbed about the state of our major highways. We are addressing this issue frontally. With the rains receding, the Ministry of Works will intensify the construction and rehabilitation of major roads in the country, for example, the dualization of the Abuja-Lokoja road, the Benin-Ore-Shagamu road, and the Kano-Maiduguri road. Also, the Enugu-Port-Harcourt road rehabilitation has been awarded to four contractors in order to fast-track its completion. It is gratifying to note that resources from the Petroleum Subsidy Reinvestment Programme are being used to supplement the regular budget for these projects.



The Petroleum Sector

29. The petroleum sector continues to play a crucial role in our economy, even as we seek diversification. In this regard, we are taking steps to modernise the sector. A robust Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) has been delivered as promised to the National Assembly for consideration. When passed into law, the Bill will provide the new legal framework that will govern Nigeria’s Oil and Gas industry. This Bill, which encompasses major reforms, will encourage additional investments in the sector, create accountability and transparency, and ensure that the management of our petroleum sector is commercially driven.


30. Our gas to power initiatives are moving firmly ahead, with the 12-month gas supply emergency plan already yielding more than the targeted volumes of gas for power generation.


31. With respect to the Petroleum Subsidy Programme, Government is succeeding in substantially cleaning up the management of the petroleum subsidy regime. We are tightening up the payment regime, to weed out corruption while working hard to recover monies fraudulently obtained from the subsidy regime. The EFCC is prosecuting those found wanting and the efforts to crack down on corruption in this sector will continue.


32. On Frontier Exploration, the Government’s drive to build up the nation’s oil reserves through exploration of new frontiers for oil and gas production is beginning to yield results with news of the discovery of crude oil in some inland sedimentary basins in the country. These include the Chad Basin, Benue Trough, Yola Basin and Anambra Basin amongst others. We are determined to further develop on these findings and expand the scope of such explorations. To support this, we have raised the provision for frontier exploration services from N12 billion in 2012 to N16 billion in 2013.




Job Creation

33. Fellow Compatriots, in spite of the economic growth noted earlier, it is clear that as a nation, we still face economic disparities across the country. This constitutes an obstacle to sustainable development as it limits improvement in living standards, output and social cohesion which are key factors for achieving inclusive growth. Our challenge therefore, transcends how to achieve growth. Our objective is to achieve inclusive growth by identifying and developing job creation opportunities. We have mentioned the 3.5 million jobs we aim to create in agriculture and more jobs in the housing and construction sectors, solid minerals sector, aviation and the creative industry.



34. In my Independence Day Speech, I spoke of the 80,000-110,000 jobs we are supporting young entrepreneurs to create through the YouWin programme. We have received numerous testimonies from young men and women who have been able to expand their businesses through the programme. We have just launched a second round of the competition targeting only women entrepreneurs. Across the country, our youth are developing new ideas and enterprises, and we must support them.


35. I launched the Community Service, Women and Youth Empowerment Programme (CSWYEP) under the SURE-P in February 2012. This is now working in pilot phase in 14 states, and to be replicated in other states in 2 weeks. We also have the Graduate Internship Programme, in which participating private companies provide one-year internships to 50,000 graduates, paid by the Federal Government. So far, 700 firms, and 20,000 young graduates have applied to participate in this scheme.



36. Fellow Nigerians, even as we review our achievements in 2012, we are also conscious of the unprecedented floods, which have ravaged many parts of our country, displacing tens of thousands of fellow Nigerians, and causing massive destruction of property, farmlands, and infrastructure across the country. My heartfelt sympathy goes to the affected families and communities.


37. Yesterday, I made a broadcast on the Federal Government’s actions to deal with the situation. I authorized the disbursement of N17.6 billion to States and MDAs to help bring succour to our fellow citizens affected by the floods. This will complement ongoing efforts by Federal and State agencies, and private initiatives.


38. A Presidential Technical Committee to properly assess the extent of the impact, and propose a rehabilitation strategy, has submitted an Interim Report and is continuing to visit all the affected communities. I have also set up a National Committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation to assist the Federal Government to raise funds to mitigate the pains and ensure effective post-impact rehabilitation of victims.


39. I have also directed that the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development put in place a flood recovery food production plan. This will include the provision of early maturing varieties of maize, which mature in 60 days, to several flood affected areas. In addition, flood-tolerant rice varieties are being procured for flooded rice growing areas. We will also accelerate dry season production of major food crops.


Security

40. Fellow Compatriots, we are conscious of the fact that without security, no meaningful development can take place in our land; and our collective efforts at building the nation would only amount to little. This is why we channelled a great deal of resources to security in the 2012 Budget. We remain conscious of the impact of security challenges facing the country and are determined to bring the situation under control.


41. I commiserate with all our citizens who lost loved ones in the recent Mubi killings and all the other acts of senseless destruction of lives and properties in the country. We have already made arrests in the Mubi case, and I want to assure Nigerians that all the culprits will be made to face the full weight of the law. I want to thank our brave men and women of the security services for their commitment. I also want to acknowledge and thank the various state Governors for their cooperation and untiring effort to ensure peace in their domains. The unity of Nigeria is not negotiable


THEME OF THE 2013 BUDGET

Theme

42. Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, you will recall that in furtherance of my Administration’s efforts to transform our economy, the 2012 Budget was established on four main pillars - Macroeconomic stability; Structural reforms; Governance & institutions; and Investing in priority sectors. The 2013 Budget promotes continuity of these pillars and is designed with the theme: fiscal consolidation with inclusive growth. We will remain prudent with our fiscal resources but also ensure that the Nigerian economy keeps growing and creating jobs. To this end, the government will continue with the medium-term theme and interventions that are consistent with the objectives of the Transformation Agenda.


Macroeconomic Stability

43. One key plank upon which our economic transformation is based is the achievement of macroeconomic stability. My Administration has made significant progress in putting the finances of the nation on a sound footing and laying the foundation for rapid and sustainable growth. We will stay focused on maintaining macroeconomic stability in Nigeria.


Budget Structure

44. Now let me turn to the structure of the 2013 Budget. In recent years, recurrent expenditure has tended to crowd out capital expenditure in the national budget. Over the 2013-2015 medium-term, my Administration will continue to implement measures aimed at correcting this imbalance in the budget structure in a viable and sustainable manner.


45. In the 2012 Budget speech, I noted that Government was going to focus on cutting recurrent expenditure to sustainable levels through reduction of waste, corruption and duplication in the functions of government agencies. In this respect, the biometric verification of employees is being extended to all agencies of Government, while the process for rationalizing public agencies and reducing duplication of mandates among different government agencies has begun, following the Report of the Oronsaye Committee.


46. I am therefore pleased to announce that the share of recurrent spending in aggregate expenditure is set to further reduce from 71.47% in 2012 to 68.7% in the 2013 Budget, while capital expenditure as a share of aggregate spending is set to increase from 28.53% in 2012 to 31.3% in 2013.



Public Debt Management


47. Government will continue to exercise fiscal prudence and limit its borrowing requirements in compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007. Consequently, we have developed a responsible domestic debt management strategy that, for the first time, seeks to start paying off our domestic debt rather than rolling it over. In this respect, a sinking fund of N100 billion is being established in the 2013 fiscal year to be used for repaying Government’s maturing debt obligations and to curb the rising domestic debt profile. We have further reduced our annual domestic borrowing from N852 billion in 2011, N744 billion in 2012, and to N727 billion in 2013.


THE 2013 BUDGET

48. The 2013 Budget is underpinned by the following parameters which reflect Government’s prudent economic policies in an uncertain global economic environment:


• Oil production of 2.53 million barrels per day, up from 2.48 million barrels per day for 2012.

• Benchmark oil price of US$75/barrel, a modest increase from the US$72/barrel approved in the 2012 Budget. This benchmark price is based on a well established econometric methodology of estimating oil price moving averages.

• Projected GDP growth rate which is now estimated at 6.5% compared to 6.85% in the Fiscal Strategy Paper. The revision is underpinned by the fact that the severe floods experienced over large parts of the country are expected to impact on economic activity in 2013, especially agriculture. However, the growth prospects may improve with the plan to boost dry season farming.


Revenue


49. Based on these assumptions, the gross federally collectible revenue is projected at N10.84 trillion, of which the total revenue available for the Federal Government’s Budget is forecast at N3.89 trillion, representing an increase of about 9% over the estimate for 2012. Non-oil revenue is projected to continue to grow in 2013 as the ongoing reforms in our revenue collecting agencies, and the implementation of initiatives to further develop the non-oil sector continue to yield results.


Expenditure Proposals

50. An aggregate expenditure of N4.92 trillion is proposed for the main budget of the 2013 fiscal year, representing a modest increase of about 5% over the N4.7 trillion appropriated for 2012. This is made up of N380.02 billion for Statutory Transfers, N591.76 billion for Debt Service, N2.41 trillion for Recurrent (Non-Debt) Expenditure and N1.54 trillion for Capital Expenditure.


51. Based on the above, the fiscal deficit is projected to improve to about 2.17% of GDP in the 2013 Budget compared to 2.85% in 2012. This is well within the threshold stipulated in the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007 and clearly highlights our commitment to fiscal prudence. We are determined to further rein in domestic borrowing, and this way, ensure that our debt stock remains at a sustainable level.


52. Our focus on critical economic and social sectors continues. Some of these sectors are largely driven by private sector activity, while others require a great deal of public sector support. Some key allocations are as follows: Works – N183.5 billion; Power - N74.26 billion; Education – N426.53 billion; Health – N279.23 billion; Defence – N348.91 billion; Police – N319.65 billion; and Agriculture & Rural Development – N81.41 billion.


53. The power and gas sectors require a lot of investments to sustain our supply improvements. We shall therefore complement available resources with a proposed Infrastructure Euro Bond of about $1 billion in order to complete gas pipelines and other infrastructure investments. We have also programmed other grants and soft credits critical to infrastructure and other sectors in our medium term external borrowing plan.


54. The SURE-P will continue with the expected resources of N180 billion in 2013 augmented by the projected 2012 unspent balances bringing the total to about N273.5 billion. We hope to make further progress in the programme, providing additional infrastructure investments and social safety net schemes for Nigerians. I am pleased to also lay before this esteemed Assembly, the 2013 Budget for the SURE-P.


Fiscal Policy

55. To promote Nigerian agriculture and industry, we will continue to implement supportive fiscal measures for some priority areas. You will recall that in my 2012 Budget speech, I announced fiscal measures on rice, cassava, wheat, and machinery for the agriculture and power sectors. In this regard, I am pleased to announce the following additional measures which will be effective from 1st January 2013:


a. Sugar: Machinery and spare parts imported for local sugar manufacturing industries will now attract 0% duty; there will also be a 5-year tax holiday for “sugarcane to sugar” value chain investors. Furthermore, import duty and levy on raw sugar will be 10% and 50% respectively, while refined sugar will attract 20% duty and 60% levy;


b. Rice: A 10% import duty and 100% levy will be applied to both brown and polished rice;


c. Aircraft: All commercial aircraft and aircraft spare parts imported for use in Nigeria will now attract 0% duty and 0% VAT. This will appreciably improve safety in our skies as newer fleet and less onerous maintenance will prevail;


d. Solid Minerals: Machinery and equipment imported for use in the solid minerals sector will now attract 0% import duty and 0% VAT; and


e. Public Mass Transit: In order to encourage the production of mass transit vehicles in Nigeria, duty on Completely Knocked Down components (CKD) for mass transit buses of at least 40-seater capacity, will now be 0%, down from 5%. Government is desirous of supporting green growth and, in this regard, will explore options for providing incentives for energy efficient vehicles from the 2014 fiscal year.



Gender Empowerment

56. This administration is gender friendly and has worked to improve the position of women in society and empower them economically. Nevertheless, to further integrate women in the various sectors, we have developed an innovative approach to mainstreaming gender issues starting with 5 pilot ministries – Agriculture, Health, Communication Technology, Water Resources and Works. These ministries are signing MOUs with the Ministry of Women Affairs to deliver on specific services for women.


a. The Ministry of Agriculture, for example, will work with the Ministry of Communication Technology to ensure that 5 million women farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs receive mobile phones to be able to access information on agro-inputs through an e-wallet scheme.



b. The Ministry of Health, in addition to scaling up its ongoing “Save a Million Lives” initiative, plans to give back health and hope to one-third of the pool of young girls and women who have been waiting a long time for V.V.F repairs through surgery and economic rehabilitation. In addition, we are up-scaling routine immunization.


c. For 2013, the Ministry of Works plans to increase the number of women that are employed in public works programmes as contractors, workers and project evaluators, setting itself a target of 35% for women in FERMA rehabilitation work. In every geopolitical zone, at least 3 roads leading to areas where women’s socio-economic activities are concentrated, will be prioritised and completed.


57. To support these activities, we have set aside the sum of N3 billion to be disbursed to participating MDAs as incentives for them to deliver on these targets. Our focus on empowering women is part of our agenda for improving the country’s human development indicators. In this regard, we shall not relent in our efforts to improve access and quality in our health and education sectors.



Sports

58. The performance of our sportsmen and women continues to strike an important chord for all Nigerians across the country. We want to take our sports to great heights again. We all recall our disappointment with our performance in the recent Summer Olympics games in London. At the same time, we were very delighted with the success of our Paralympics athletes.



59. My Administration is committed to addressing the challenges faced by our sports men and women. Later this month, I will be hosting a Presidential retreat on sports in order to strategise on ways to support our sports sector to achieve greater heights.



CONCLUSION

60. Mr. Senate President, Mr. Speaker, Distinguished and Honourable Members of this esteemed Assembly, Fellow Nigerians, the Budget Proposal I lay before you today represents our continued drive for real and sustainable growth for the wellbeing of Nigerians.


61. It is a budget that gives priority to our concerns for security, infrastructure, food security and human development sectors. It is a Budget that introduces a series of innovative features. This Budget is a push in the right direction borne out of our well thought-out and articulated developmental policies.


62. This is a budget for every Nigerian. It belongs to the farmer, the investor, the entrepreneur, the youth and the elderly. Yes, we have challenges, but also incredible opportunities. Ours is the task of transforming these opportunities into real, tangible outcomes which all our people can experience and call their own. We need the cooperation of everyone to make it work, to grow the economy, and to create jobs for our people. I continue to call on all Nigerians to act. Making Nigeria work begins with you and me.


63. Finally, I must restate my appreciation of the contributions and cooperation of the Legislature in discharging our collective responsibility to build the nation of our dreams.



64. I look forward to an expeditious consideration and passage of this Proposal, as we strive to guarantee positive socio-economic transformation for the benefit of our people.


65. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.


66. I thank you.

Ojukwu: Dance Steps of the Ijele

It is strange, even amusing and absurd to hear people speak of the Ijele masquerade. There is no such thing! You may speak of big and small masquerades of which there are many, but the Ijele is not one of the masquerades. It is not a big masquerade. Do you know why? Because it is already the Ijele and the Ijele cannot be anything other than itself. That is why it is the Ijele. There are masquerades and then there is the Ijele. The latter does not dance for money because it is sufficient unto itself. It does not entertain because that is beneath its dignity. It does not ask anyone to get out of the way when it is coming, because it cannot contemplate that anything would possibly want to stand in its way. It expects and knows that people would know what to do. Yes, the average person considers it an honour to help clear the way when he hears (even before confirming) that the Ijele is approaching. That is why its ‘presence’ always precedes it. Who, or what, will stand in the way when the Ijele is afoot? It is just not done!

The Ijele does not ask the big and small masquerades to leave the Village Square when it wants to enter. They have to. They are not the Ijele. They are masquerades and that is the essential difference. The Ijele must take pre-eminence as a matter of course. And, mind you, there is no question of arrogance or preposterous self-inflation here. It is the nature of the Ijele to live thus. So do not expect that it will acknowledge the cheer and applause of the crowd, no. Do not expect that it will thank anyone for getting out of the way as it approaches. Absurd! There is no contemptuous air of superiority on display here no. It is just the natural majesty conferred on the Ijele by its very identity, as well as the triumph of the Aristocratic Principle of Nature.

The Ijele’s majesty is inherent in, and internal, to it. What can you give to the Ijele? How will you even approach it in order to bestow anything on it? Who are you to enter the square while it walks the square? Please note this: there are masquerades and then there is the Ijele! In the affairs of his people, and as it pertains to the everyday values of leadership and desire for group cohesion, the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu towered above many of the platforms he presided over throughout his life. He had his human failings but he was a man among men. But back to masquerades in Igboland.

The masquerades serve many social purposes in traditional Igbo society and are often the audio-visual aids used by society to embody several key core, moral and cultural values. The Agbogho nmanwu, for instance, is the physical embodiment of the most graceful maidenly beauty. Dainty, beautiful, calm and exquisitely womanly in every sense of the word, its form and dance steps may be called a living admonition for any woman who tends towards any form of brashness. The Ulaga, Oji onu and a few others are the entertainment masquerades; while Agaba, Okwonma, Ike Udo represent uncontrolled manly strength and youthful rascality respectively. Onuku (the fool) represents degenerate manhood and is so degenerate in appearance that every pregnant woman would do anything to avoid sighting or being reminded of this masquerade throughout the period of pregnancy. It is only Onuku that fights with women, or enters the village square from obscure corners and sneaks up to unsuspecting women to take liberties with some parts of their anatomy. Yes masquerades have great moral, epistemological, educational and political values in Igboland.

But the Ijele is royalty embodied! That is why it is laden with choices gem on the few occasions it comes out. A yearly appearance for the Ijele is out of the question, because royalty is never part of the evening and morning market rush. And it is within this context of the Ijele that we must locate the title of Ezeigbo Gburugburu given to Ojukwu, Dikedioranma Ndigbo, Ikemba Nnewi. Ezeigbo is not the same as Eze Ndigbo. The latter refers to one who exercises some authority of convening and cultural adjudication among Igbos living within a given physical space. Such a person is Eze Ndigbo, or king/leader of those specific Igbos. Ezeigbo (not eze ndi Igbo), on the other hand, literally means “His Igboness”: One in whom the Igbo essence is most clearly and meaningfully embodied and who ‘bodies it forth’ without apologies, without reservations and without being afraid of his own voice!

Can this be said of the late Ikemba? But of course! It is common knowledge that the man exemplified some of the best and the worst qualities of the Igbo man. Industry, courage, artless candour and a bluntness that sometimes makes others look for a fire extinguisher. Ikemba lived for equity and had the unfortunate distinction of always speaking up when he could have kept quiet and surreptitiously enjoyed a materially and professionally rewarding personal and family life. Valentine Obienyem in his book, Ojukwu: The Last Patriot, described him as the only man left standing when officers of the Nigerian army resolved to ignore the codes of their own very profession. It would be recalled that the Ikemba had argued, after the second military mutiny of 1966, that the reasonable thing was to allow Ogundipe, the most senior officer, to take command because, it will “destroy esprit the corps and spell doom for discipline in the army once an officer is allowed to command his superiors” outside such clear ceremonial contexts as ‘parade majors’ etc.

But this is more of an occasion to speak on Igbo matters, than dwell on the well documented life of Ikemba and add to the epidemic of tributes that have been flowing for months now. The take-off for this is perhaps to clarify the circumstance and cultural validity of the title of Ezeigbo conferred on him. At the time he received the title, not many people of the younger generation knew much about the tradition rites and priesthoods of the Igbo. This led to the laughable suggestion that he had been given a title by ‘palace servants’. Tattooing, divination, cleansing of abomination and many other ‘religious practices in Igboland came from Nri – with few exceptions. The people and particularly their priests (Adamas), are “adjudicators of disputes, cleansers of abominations, and conferrers of very high titles all over Igboland”. They are absolutely indispensable for many rites and rituals and the coronation of kings.

The ontological status of the Adamas is such that they are the ones who traditionally perform all rituals and who keep custody of sacred objects associated with the office of Eze-Nri. In addition they have access to the Uno-Ngu (the most sacred inner chamber), which is the sanctuary or abode of the symbol of authority and justice (Ofor-na-Alor) of Eze-Nri. This is quite apart from the fact that the Adamas have been historically associated with office of high priests in Igboland; including their crowning of the first Eze-Nri, Eze-Nri Namoke, in 600 B.C.

It is the Adamas who control all the stages and processes leading up to a person being crowned Eze-Nri, once such a person is chosen. They are also the ones who perform the actual coronation, through the head titled man, Isi-Nze of Adama. It is the Isi-Nze of Umudiani who would ordinarily place the crown, made of cow hide and encircled with eagle feathers on his head, bring Ofor-Nri and Alor-Nri Menri from the palace of the previous king and hand it to the new one as symbol of authority. It is also the Adama who enumerates all the taboos the king should observe, as well as those to be observed on his behalf by others and the people at large. But enough of all that.

Ikemba, son of Sir Odumegwu Ojukwu and husband of Bianca, a woman whose cerebral excellence is little known except by those who encounter her in her analytical words and thoughts, adieu! As the tributes and ceremonies flow in and around remember that even though you can be said to have lived for others, you must now live for yourself by looking up to God, the Giver of Life. There is rejoicing that you lived here but we pray for the greater joy that follow your entrance into His kingdom of Justice and Love.

May you become “Ikuku ama na onya” for anything that wants to stand on your way in this regard.

Article by..............Dr. Ikechukwu, Chairman of the Publicity Committee for the burial of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu

PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DEREGULATION POLICY IN THE DOWNSTREAM SECTOR OF THE PETROLEUM INDUSTRY

Dear Compatriots,

1. This is the second time in two weeks I will address you on the deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector. In the last seven days, the nation has witnessed a disruption of economic activities. Although, the economic imperatives for the policy have been well articulated by government, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) went ahead to declare a nationwide strike.


2. There was also near-breakdown of law and order in certain parts of the country as a result of the activities of some persons or groups of persons who took advantage of the situation to further their narrow interests by engaging in acts of intimidation, harassment and outright subversion of the Nigerian state. I express my sympathy to those who were adversely affected by the protests.

3. At the inception of the deregulation policy, Government had set up the Justice Alfa Belgore Committee to liaise with Labour and other stakeholders to address likely grey areas in the policy, but despite all our efforts, Labour refused the option of dialogue and also disobeyed a restraining order of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.


4. However, following the intervention of the Leadership of the National Assembly, and other well-meaning Nigerians, Labour accepted to meet with government, but this yielded no tangible result.



 5. It has become clear to government and all well-meaning   Nigerians that other interests beyond the implementation of the deregulation policy have hijacked the protest. This has prevented an objective assessment and consideration of all the contending issues for which dialogue was initiated by government. These same interests seek to promote discord, anarchy, and insecurity to the detriment of public peace.


6. Government appreciates that the implementation of the deregulation policy would cause initial hardships and commends Nigerians who have put forth suggestions and credible alternatives in this regard. Government also salutes Nigerians who by and large, conducted themselves peacefully while expressing their grievances. Let me assure you that government will continue to respect the people’s right to express themselves within the confines of the law and in accordance with the dictates of our democratic space.


7. Government will continue to pursue full deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector. However, given the hardships being suffered by Nigerians, and after due consideration and consultations with state governors and the leadership of the National Assembly, government has approved the reduction of the pump price of petrol to N97 per litre. The Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) has been directed to ensure compliance with this new pump price.


8. Government is working hard to reduce recurrent expenditure in line with current realities and to cut down on the cost of governance. In the meantime, government has commenced the implementation of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment projects: including the Federal Government- assisted mass transit programme which is already in place, and job creation for the youth.


9. Furthermore, the legal and regulatory regime for the petroleum industry will be reviewed to address accountability issues and current lapses in the Industry. In this regard, the Petroleum Industry Bill will be given accelerated attention. The report of the forensic audit carried out on the NNPC is being studied with a view to implementing the recommendations and sanctioning proven acts of corruption in the industry.


10. Let me assure Nigerians that this administration is irrevocably committed to tackling corruption in the petroleum industry as well as other sectors of the economy. Consequently, all those found to have contributed one way or the other to the economic adversity of the country will be dealt with in accordance with the law.


11. My dear compatriots, I urge you to show understanding for the imperatives of the adjustment in the pump price of petrol and give government your full support to ensure its successful implementation. I further appeal to Nigerians to go back to work and go about their normal duties as government has made adequate arrangements for the protection of life and property throughout the federation.


12. Government will not condone brazen acts of criminality and subversion. As President, I have sworn to uphold the unity, peace and order of the Nigerian State and by the grace of God, I intend to fully and effectively discharge that responsibility. Let me add that we are desirous of further engagements with Labour. I urge our Labour leaders to call off their strike, and go back to work.


13. Nigeria belongs to all of us and we must collectively safeguard its unity.


14. Thank you. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.



GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR

President,

Federal Republic of Nigeria

Amnesty Program, the MNCs and Corporate Social Responsibility

 Amnesty Program, the MNCs and Corporate Social Responsibility.. By John Idumange

When the first non-racial elections were conducted in South Africa in 1994, Bishop Desmond Tutu – one of the arrowheads of the African National Congress charged the Africans thus: You are powerful people. You can make this world a better place where

 business decisions and methods take account of right and wrong as well as profitability….You must take a stand on important issues: the environment and ecology, affirmative action, racism and sexism; the arms race, poverty, the obligations of the affluent west…” This charge heralded the drawing-up of a development blueprint that is being referred to as “Black Empowerment Programme”. Although, the Black Empowerment Programme has not been so successful, Desmond Tutu’s epochal statement unleashed the creative potentials of the Blacks in South Africa to hold their own against their former oppressors.

From that time on, the ANC government was emphatic that corporate social responsibility should be fully entrenched in the work ethics of all multinational corporations in South Africa. This was done not to overthrow the bourgeois class but to consolidate on the gains of democracy and economic justice, which are inseparable elements of the democratization process. The only place where corporate social responsibility is treated with levity is the Niger Delta Region, where multinational corporations operate in a laissez-faire manner because of the exploitative laws of the land such as the Land Use Act of 1978 as amended and the Petroleum Act of 1969 as enshrined in the Constitution.

Since the Amnesty Programme was introduced by the Federal Government in 2009, relative peace has returned to the oil-rich Region. This is borne out of the fact that Nigeria has not only met her OPEC quota of oil production; Nigeria has often burst her ceiling but while the MNC’s declare fantastic profits, the socio-economic and environmental conditions of the host communities have not improved. Granted the General Memoranda of Understanding (GMOUs) are being implement here and there, the MNC’s have not provided any comprehensive framework for stakeholders buy-in because they have neglected their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) – which simply means the obligation of an organisation to act in such a manner as to serve the interest of its stakeholders.

In the main, corporate organizations seek to maintain good relationship with their host communities or customers. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is conceptualized as helping "an organization to achieve a balance between economic, environmental and social imperatives, address stakeholder expectations and demands and sustain shareholder value. The World Bank defines CSR as the “commitment of business to contribute to sustainable economic development, working with employees, their families, local community and society at large to improve the quality of life, in ways that are both good for business and good for development.

Corporate Social Responsibility is not obligatory but predicated on the belief that people do their best in a healthy harmonious work environment. There is also the belief that organisations function better when located in economically vibrant, socially stable and environmentally clean communities. Moreover, organisations realize high rates of performance and gain in momentum when they treat their natural environment with respect. This also impacts on the organisation’s integrity and reputation.

Within the context of the Niger Delta Region, NDR, CRS implies the inherent responsibilities imposed on Multinational oil corporations to develop their host communities. This could take the form of youth training programmes, provision of physical infrastructure, social amenities and mining the oil resources in a sustainable manner. CRS involves the needs of people within and outside the interest of the corporations. The variegated interests refer to the various stakeholders such as Government, people of host communities, employers of labour and others whose activities are directly or indirectly affect the environment.

Under the leadership of Hon. Kingsley Kuku, the Amnesty Programme has recorded impressive strides, as thousands of Niger Delta Youths are scattered in Africa, Europe and the Americas to acquire skills that would re-engineer and re-generate the economy of the Region. Although the AP was initiated by the Federal Government, there is room for non-state actors such as the MNCs to contribute to the final phase of its implementation.

The MNCs and other non-state actors can contribute in more ways than one. The MNCs are powerful non-state actors who can garner and muster-up international support and sponsorshipof some of the educational programmes mounted under the Amnesty Programme.

The Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC; Texaco, Chevron and Totalfinal-Elf can partner the Amnesty Programme by way of influencing world bodies such as the agencies of the United Nations i.e. the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, UNICEF, UNESCO and the Food and Agricultural Organisation to assist in underwriting the bill of building capacities for Niger Delta Youths. The agencies, depending on the area of expertise, can also provide the manpower to impart skills on the youths.

Another strategy the MNCs can adopt is to pay the allowances of trainees abroad, which is a crucial component of the Amnesty Programme. MNCs can also concentrate on funding postgraduate scholarships abroad under the Amnesty Programme. Perhaps, the most significant phase of the AP is that of providing job opportunities for the youths or empowering the skilled youths to be self-employed when they would have been done with their training.

MNCs can keep a quota of available job opportunities from those who have acquired the requisite skills for the oil and gas industry. Just as SPDC has most of the filling Stations in Johannesburg, MNCs can contribute to the AP by establishing Small and Medium Scale Industries and use the trained experts in entrtepreneurship to manage them. The profit generated from such industries may be shared on equity basis until such as time that the MNCs recoup substantial part of the capital invested in the business.  In addition, MNCs can also use agencies such as the UNDP to train few persons for managerial assignments in the turbulent business environment we have found ourselves since the global economic recession began.

If the MNCs buy the option of establishing new industries, such factories should be related to manufacturing or the delivery of certain services relevant to the Niger Delta Environment. In which case, a social audit may be used to systematize the reporting system on the accomplishments of the industries especially with regard to what they are contributing to Corporate Social Responsibility.

The concept of the Amnesty Programme as a tool of empowerment is too large to be left alone in the hands of the Federal Government alone; it requires multi-stakeholder buy-in and ownership to create the much-needed spill-over benefit. Already, the relative peace in Niger Delta Region is sufficient evidence the MNCs to be involved. I also implore the driver of the Amnesty Programme Hon. Kingsley Kuku to explore every available avenue of partnering with the oil majors.  Whether viewed as part of their CSR contributions to the on-going peace – building process or as an instrument of youth empowerment, the MNCs owe the Region a moral obligation to establish leadership integrity for stakeholders’ buy-in. Irrespective of the existing laws of the land, they cannot afford to ignore the momentum gained by the Amnesty Programme under the Jonathan administration, and the earlier the oil majors establish the requisite ethical leadership the better for industrial harmony, and corporate Social Responsibility integrity of the MNCs.



Idumange John, is a member of Chartered Institute of Administration

FGN Negotiation with Boko Haram is Blackmail By:Idumange John

FGN Negotiation with Boko Haram is Blackmail By:Idumange John

by John Idumange on Wednesday, August 3, 2011 at 5:41am

When the federal government first mooted the idea of negotiating with an extremist sect in the Northern part of the country called Boko Haram, I was miffed because I could fathom how deep Nigeria has sunk in terms of insecurity of lives and property. The first idea that raced through my mind is that if the Nigerian security agencies cannot contain localized insurgency, what then will happen if Nigeria faces external aggression? We are indeed the giant of Africa o can negotiate with any group of agitators, but America never discussed with neither Al Qaeda nor did they hold a tea party with the Taliban. Again I started to wonder which of the President’s aides or any security Adviser that would sell such a nasty idea to Mr. President.

Even if a government is desirous of negotiating with an insurgent group, such a tricky enterprise is done by a third party (mediator), because any direct negotiation with insurgents serves as a stamp of credibility for the group (s). I also concluded that whoever could give the President such selfish advice may be fifth columnists, who want President Jonathan to be trapped and held hostage by such groups. In the foreseeable future they will also advise Mr. President to discuss with street cults.

While the Movement of the Actualization of the State of Biafra, MASSOB; the Movement of the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) and the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, may be said to be insurgent groups, the same thing cannot be said of Boko Haram – which is neither a socio-political movement but a religious one.  One of the major characteristics of insurgency is the existence of an organized structure, with a clearly defined leadership. Such groups have clearly defined objectives such as: environmental justice; the creation of a separate State or agitation for economic justice among others.

Insurgency is not new in contemporary political history. Insurgency as an organized protest or rebellion against a lawfully constituted government has existed throughout history but it has ebbed and flowed in accordance with the dynamics and sophistication of socio-economic and technological advancement. It is either aggravated by cumulative governance deficit or oppression including marginalization and alienation. With the advent of globalization in an internet age, most often have developed the capacity to sustain large scale resistance.  Basically, insurgency is a strategy adopted by groups perceived to be disadvantaged and their sworn affidavit is to extract concessions through psychological warfare, political mobilization and military confrontation.
 Under the first category, the primary antagonists are the insurgents and a national government which has national legitimacy. Usually, insurgencies of this colouration are often triggered by identity, racial, religious and ideological factors. On the other hand, liberation insurgencies are aimed at liberating an occupied territory from an alien nation. The Al-Qaeda in Iraq, Taliban in Afghanistan, the Chechnya insurgency against Russia and the Palestinian insurgency are a few examples of Liberation insurgencies.

In Mexico, the Zapatista Movement was started by the Zapatista National Liberation Army (EZLN), in 1994. The EZLN declared war on the Mexican government and proclaimed a revolutionary agenda against the government. The Zapatista Movement created increased pressure for democratic reforms thereby raising the specter of instability.
In Sri-Lanka, the Tamil Tigers raised a strong guerrilla movement, which actively negotiated the creation of a separate State. In 1956, the administration of Bandaranaike introduced a “Language Policy” of Sinhala Only Act, which replaced English with Sinhala as the “Lingua Franca”. By this policy, the Tamils were placed at a disadvantage. The Tamils came to the conclusion that their socio-economic aspirations could only be fulfilled within a separate Tamil State. Again, in Sri-Lanka, there is the problematic of the “wedlock” between political ideology and communitarian hagiography. It was just last year that the movement was finally crushed by government.

In the Philippines, there is the security dilemma associated with the continuing conflict of the government with armed communist and Islamic insurgent groups. The government and insurgents trade accusations and denounce each other as the cause of the nation’s economic stagnation. The communists had since the late 1960’s started to pressure the Filipino government for policy reversals. Government also reacted with brutal suppression of the insurgents. The Muslim insurgents unlike the communists are not intended to supplant the national government. Under the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the Muslims seek to establish a separate Muslim state in the Southern Philippine Island of Mindanao. So if Boko Haram is angling for the creation of a separate State then it would be regarded as a political movement that would lead to the creation of either a Boko Haram State something like it. If that is the goal of BH, then, the imperatives of a Sovereign National Conference of separation have become all the more imperative.

In the Sudan, John Garang led an insurgency, which raged for about 25 years over the control of resources and power. Only recently, Sudan held a referendum and people voted massively for a separate State in South Sudan, with its capital at Juba – thus becoming the 193 State in the world.  A similar trend is noticeable in East Timor, Turkey, Indonesia and Peru by the Tu-Pac Amaru.
The modus operandi of insurgents differs, there are some common techniques employed by insurgents irrespective of the time or geography they operate. The most common techniques include the use of propaganda or information warfare which is used to popularize the struggle and demonstrate the incompetence of the legal regime. Propaganda is often used to inspire recruitment by defiance. When insurgents use “armed propaganda” they attract the angry, disillusioned and unemployed and appeal to the articulate segment of the populace.
The only thing I know about BH is that “Western Education is evil”. I know that may not be the reason for the vile and belligerent posturing of the politicians using religion as a veil. If the BH members say they are peacefully protesting against mal-governance in the land, I will also carry a placard for them, but the magnitude of mayhem and atrocities BH has committed has de-letimized whatever the intentions of the Group might be. If BH is begrudging the Amnesty granted the youths of the Niger Delta, then one may be forced to ask what commodity they are producing of how much do they contribute to the economic viability of Nigeria? It will be a piece of injustice for the Jonathan administration to buy is peace when the circumstances do not arise.

Amnesty was granted the ex-militants because they will secure oil facilities and ensure the uninterrupted production of crude oil – which is the live-wire of the economy. There is massive evidence that since the Amnesty was introduced, the quota of oil production has not only increased, and Nigeria sometimes burst the ceiling of her quota. For the likes of Sarah Jubril flying the kite of amnesty, what will Boko Haram give if government gives them amnesty? Is Isam a commodity that has market value? No true Muslim will reduce the Islamic Religion to that level. It is one of the religions, which teachings I cherish. Sarah Jubril is one of those over-recycled politicians being rehabilitated by the Jonathan administration. She is a beneficiary of Western education. Is she saying that since Boko Haram abhors Western Education, will Western education be withdrawn from the North? Who is blackmailing the Federal Government to open negiotiations with a faceless group?
He advised that the Nigerian government should solicit the help of partners that have a lot of experience in handling terrorism, pointing out that the military must remain in Borno in order to check the group. “They are villains and must not receive any sympathy. In a democracy, the government is elected by the majority and this small group wants to overthrow the government by violence and that should not be allowed to happen.” He pointed out that failure of the government to protect the lives and properties of the people they swore to protect should lead the government to resign or call for another election in which the Boko Haram can field a candidate and see if the people like their alternate system of governance.
It is against international law for Government to negotiate with criminals. If BH says  Western education is unacceptable the members should stop the use of mobile phones, dynamites, bombs, writing in Newspapers, radios, Television, etc all of which are products of Western education.

I smell double standard in this country. When the Niger Delta Youths protested the full weight of the federal might was deployed to raze down Odi, decimate Okerenkoko, Agge, Odioma, Ayakoromor, Kaiama and several Niger Delta Communities.  Now some youths now provide security to guide the pipelines from being vandalized. Kidnapping is now a thing of the past. The Kingsley Kuku led Amnesty programme has done very well in the court of public opinion. Countless number of youths has been sent to different countries to learn skills such as under-water and pipeline welding; marine engineering, boat building, piloting, Information and Communication Technology, petroleum engineering and many skills that would make Niger Delta Youths employ themselves. My recommendation is that the Federal Government should increase the funding of the Amnesty Programme to avoid a relapse to the status quo ante. Those blackmailing the federal Government to negotiate with BH are patrons of the group and they should be treated as fifth columnists in the Jonathan administration.

Idumange John, is Fellow, Association of Certified Commercial Diplomats, City of London

Shun Passengers Service Charge, Minister Tells Bi-courtney Ltd.

The Honourable Minister of Aviation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief (Mrs) Stella Odua- Ogiemwonyi, have ordered
Bi-Courtney Ltd to immediately stop the collection of N2,500 as Passenger Service Charge (PSC) from air travellers.


Recently passengers traveling through all airports in Nigeria have been complianing bitterly of the inclusion of what was called "passenger service charge" (PSC). While some considered the charges to be absurd, others complained that its depicts a state of weak regulatoin of the activities of the aviation service operators by regulatory bodies, lamentiing that no such comensurate services were obtained.


Relief came today when the writer confirmed the directives of the Honourable Minister of Aviation to Bi-courtney Aviation Services Ltd. to stop the collection of the said PSC.


This directive was contained in a letter addressed to the Managing Director of the company and signed on behalf of the the Hon. Minister of Aviation by the Permanent Secretary, Ms Anne N. Ene-Ita.


The letter noted that "the Federal Ministry of Aviation has not given any approval to Bi-Courtney Ltd to charge the sum of N2,500 (two thousand, five hundred naira) as Passenger Service Charge (PSC).


Continuing, the letter declared that "there is a procedure in the Concession Agreement which must be adhered to and until then, you are to desist from the collection of the Passenger Service Charge (PSC)". This directive on the PSC has been copied to the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, (NCAA) to ensure strict compliance.


Nigerians are very optimistic that the directives by the Ministry will be observed without impunity in order to give Nigerians and other users of our airport facilities value for money and adequate customer satisfaction.


Passengers who still by any means find this charges applied could reach the Honourable Minister via mail on minister@aviation.gov.ng.


Nigerians! Good people !! Great nation!!

President Goodluck Jonathan Sworn In as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

My Dear Compatriots, I stand in humble gratitude to you, this day, having just sworn to the oath of office as President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of our great nation.

I thank you all, fellow citizens, for the trust and confidence, which you have demonstrated through the power of your vote. I want to assure you, that I will do my utmost at all times, to continue to deserve your trust.

I would like to specially acknowledge the presence in our midst today, of Brother Heads of State and Government, who have come to share this joyous moment with us. Your Excellencies, I thank you for your solidarity. I also wish to express my gratitude, to the Representatives of Heads of State and Government who are here with us. My appreciation also goes to the chairperson of the African Union and other world leaders, our development partners, and all our distinguished guests.

I want to specially thank all Nigerians for staying the course in our collective commitment to build a democratic nation. To members of the PDP family and members of other political parties, who have demonstrated faith in our democratic enterprise, I salute you.

At this juncture, let me acknowledge and salute my friend and brother, Vice-President Namadi Sambo; and my dear wife, Patience, who has been a strong pillar of support.

I thank her for galvanizing and mobilizing Nigerian women for the cause of democracy. In the same vein, I owe a debt of gratitude to my mother and late father. I cannot thank them enough.

I cannot but paytribute to our late President, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, with whom we won the Presidential election four years ago, when I contested as his running mate. May God bless his soul.

I also wish to pay tribute to our founding fathers, whose enduring sacrifices and abiding faith in the unity and greatness of our country, laid the foundation for the nation. We take enormous pride in their contributions. The pivotal task of this generation is to lift our fatherland to the summit of greatness.

Your Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, earlier this year, over seventy-three million eligible Nigerians endured all manner of inconvenience just to secure their voters cards,in order to exercise the right to choose those that will govern them.

At the polls, we saw the most dramatic expressions of the hunger for democracy. Stories of courage and patriotism were repeated in many ways, including how fellow citizens helped physically challenged voters into polling stations to enable them exercise their franchise. The inspiring story of the one hundred and three year-old man, and many like him across the country, who struggled against the physical limitations of age to cast their vote, is noteworthy.

Such determination derives from the typical Nigerian spirit of resilience in the face of the greatest of odds. That spirit has, over the years, stirred our hopes, doused our fears, and encouraged us to gather ourselves to build a strong nation even when others doubted our capacity.

Today, our unity is firm, and our purpose is strong. Our determination unshakable. Together, we will unite our nation and improve the living standards of all our peoples whether in the North or in the South; in the East or in the West. Our decade of development has begun. The march is on. The day of transformation begins today.We will not allow anyone exploit differences in creed or tongue, to set us one against another. Let me at this point congratulate the elected Governors, Senators, members of the House of Representatives and those of the States Houses of Assembly for their victories at the polls.

I am mindful that I represent the shared aspiration of all our people to forge a united Nigeria: a land of justice, opportunity and plenty. Confident that a people that are truly committed to a noble ideal, cannot be denied the realization of their vision, I assure you that this dream of Nigeria, that is so deeply felt by millions, will indeed come to reality.

A decade ago, it would have been a mere daydream to think that a citizen from a minority ethnic group could galvanize national support, on an unprecedented scale, to discard ancient prejudices, and win the people’s mandate as President of our beloved country. That result emanated from the toil and sacrifice of innumerable individuals and institutions, many of whom may never get to receive public appreciation for their effort.

Only a couple of days ago, I received an entry on my Facebook page. It was sent by Mr. Babajide Orevba. He wrote to inform me that I had lost
a great fan. That fan was his father, Mr. Emmanuel Bamidele Orevba. The deceased, the son told me, was no politician, but had campaigned enthusiastically for my ticket. Tragically, overwhelmed by the joy of our victory, he collapsed, and passed on three days later. I pray God Almighty to grant his soul eternal rest.

The success of the 2011 elections and the widespread acclaim which the exercise received was due to the uncommon patriotism and diligence exhibited by many Nigerians, including members of the Armed Forces, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and others. Unfortunately, despite the free, fair and transparent manner the elections were conducted, a senseless wave of violence in some parts of the country led to the death of ten members of the NYSC and others. These brave men and women paid the supreme sacrifice in the service of our fatherland. They are heroes of our democracy. We offer our heartfelt prayers and condolences in respect of all those who lost their lives.

In the days ahead, those of us that you have elected to serve must show that we are men and women with the patriotism and passion, to match the hopes and aspirations of you, the great people of this country. We must demonstrate the leadership, statesmanship, vision, capacity, and sacrifice, to transform our nation. We must strengthen common grounds, develop new areas of understanding and collaboration, and seek fresh ideas that will enrich our national consensus.

It is the supreme task of this generation to give hope to the hopeless, strength to the weak and protection to the defenceless.

Fellow citizens, the leadership we have pledged is decidedly transformative. The transformation will be achieved in all the critical sectors, by harnessing the creative energies of our people.

We must grow the economy, create jobs, and generate enduring happiness for our people. I have great confidence in the ability of Nigerians to transform this country. The urgent task of my administration is to provide a suitable environment, for productive activities to flourish. I therefore call on the good people of Nigeria, to enlist as agents of this great transformation.

My dear countrymen and women, being a Nigerian is a blessing. It is also a great responsibility. We must make a vow that, together, we will make the Nigerian Enterprise thrive.

The leadership and the followership must strive to convert our vast human and natural resources into the force that leads to a greater Nigeria. The Nigeria of our dreams must be built on hard work and not on short cuts. Let me salute the Nigerian workers who build our communities, cities and country. They deserve fair rewards, and so do the women that raise our children, and the rural dwellers that grow our food.

The moment is right. The signs are heart-warming. We are ready to take off on the path of sustained growth and economic development. In our economic strategy, there will be appropriate policy support to the real sector of the economy, so that Small and Medium Enterprises may thrive. Nigeria is blessed with enormous natural wealth, and my Administration will continue to encourage locally owned enterprises to take advantage of our resources in growing the domestic economy. A robust private sector is vital to providing jobs for our rapidly expanding population. But this must be a collaborative effort.

We must form technical and financial partnerships with global businesses and organizations. We live in an age where no country can survive on its own; countries depend on each other for economic well-being. Nigeria is no different. Returns on investment in Nigeria remain among the highest in the world. We will continue to welcome sustainable investment in our economy.

We will push programs and policies that will benefit both local and foreign businesses, but we must emphasize mutual benefits and win-win relationships. The overall ongoing reforms in the banking and financial sectors are therefore designed to support the real sector of the economy.

To drive our overall economic vision, the power sector reform is at the heart of our industrialization strategy. I call on all stakeholders, to cooperate with my administration, to ensure the success of the reforms.

Over the next four years, attention will be focused on rebuilding our infrastructure. We will create greater access to quality education and improved health care delivery. We will pay special attention to the agricultural sector, to enable it play its role of ensuring food security and massive job creation for our people.

The creation of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority will immensely contribute to strengthening our fiscal framework, by institutionalizing savings of our commodity-related revenues. With this mechanism in place, we will avoid the boom and bust cycles,and mitigate our exposure to oil price volatility.

The lesson we have learnt is that the resolution of the Niger Delta issue is crucial for the health of the nation’s economy. In the interest of justice, equity and national unity, we shall actively promote the development of the region. I believe that peace is a necessary condition for development.

Fellow citizens, in every decision, I shall always place the common good before all else. The bane of corruption shall be met by the overwhelming force of our collective determination, to rid our nation of this scourge. The fight against corruption is a war in which we must all enlist, so that the limited resources of this nation will be used for the growth of our commonwealth.

I am confident that we have every reason to lookto the future with hope. We owe ourselves and posterity the duty of making this country respectable in the comity of nations. Nigeria, as a responsible member of the international community, will remain committed to the maintenance of global peace and security. We will continue to play an active role in the United Nations. Our role in the African Union, ECOWAS, and the Gulf of Guinea will be enhanced to ensure greater human and energy security.

Your Excellencies, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, this is a new dawn for Africa. We fought for decolonization.We will now fight for democratization. Nigeria, in partnership with the African Union, will lead the process for democracy and development in Africa. In particular, we will support the consolidation of democracy, good governance and human rights in the continent. Africa must develop its vast resources to tackle poverty and under-development.

Conscious of the negative effect of insecurity on growth and development, my Administration will seek collaboration at bilateral and multilateral levels, to improve our capability in combating trans-border crimes. In this regard, we will intensify our advocacy against the illicit trades in small arms and light weapons, which have become the catalyst for conflicts on the African continent. All Nigerian diplomatic missions abroad are to accord this vision of defending the dignity of humanity the highest priority.

My fellow countrymen and women, Nigeria is not just a land of promise; it shall be a nation where positive change will continue to take place, for the good of our people. The time for lamentation is over. This is the era of transformation. This is the time for action. But Nigeria can only be transformed if we all play our parts with commitment and sincerity. Cynicism and skepticism will not help our journey to greatness. Let us all believe in a new Nigeria. Let us work together to build a great country that we will all be proud of. This is our hour.

Fellow Compatriots, lift your gaze towards the horizon. Look ahead and you will see a great future that we can secure with unity, hard work and collective sacrifice.

Join me now as we begin the journey of transforming Nigeria. I will continue to fight, for your future, because I am one of you. I will continue to fight, for improved medical care for all our citizens. I will continue to fight for all citizens to have access to first class education. I will continue to fight for electricity to be available to all our citizens. I will continue to fight for an efficient and affordable public transport system for all our people.
I will continue to fight for jobs to be created through productive partnerships.

You have trusted me with your mandate, and I will never, never let you down.

I know your pain, because I have been there. Look beyond the hardship you have endured. See a new beginning;a new direction;a new spirit.

Nigerians, I want you to start to dream again. What you see in your dreams, we can achieve together. I call upon all the Presidential candidates who contested with me to join hands with us as we begin the transformation of our country.

Let us work together; let us build together; let us bequeath a greater Nigeria to the generations to come.

I thank you! God bless you all! And God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria

How Ohakim Brutalized Imo Citizen Ikenna Samuelson

The despicable act of insult, abuse, let down and desecration of the office of the governor of Imo State by Chief Ikedi Godson Ohakim (The State governor) started on the 7 th of January 2010. On this day, this writer (Ikenna Samuelson Iwuoha) had distributed a document in the internet and media houses through e-mails. I entitled the document “OPERATION RESCUE IMO FROM BONDAGE”. In that document I reeled out 100 (one hundred) reasons why Imo people should reject the Ohakim evilcractic, jezebelic and fraud-infested leadership. On the 9 th of January 2010 this writer (Mr. Ikenna samuelson Iwuoha) wrote a letter to the Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly. In that letter I urged the Speaker to set up a special probe panel that would invite me to come and prove my allegations of fraud and criminalities against chief Ikedi Ohakim. I also copied over 54,000 people through the internet.

Few days later I followed my desire to expose the criminal activities of Governor Ikedi Ohakim by posting an article in the internet, media organizations and to prominent Nigerians. I entitled that articles “STOP CHASING THE WIND: LET US FOLLOW PRECEDENCE”.

On the 18 th of January 2010 I sent a reminder letter to the speaker of Imo State House of Assembly still urging him to set up a probe panel that would invite me to prove that Chief Ikedi ohakim is a monumental criminal. On the 19 th of January 2010 I posted another article in the internet entitled “WILL FRAUDSTERS AND MONEY LAUNDERERS CONTEST ELECTIONS IN IMO STATE? PART ONE”.

On that same 19 th of January 2010 by 3:34pm, the Commissioner of Police in Imo State (Mr. Aloysius Okorie) called my telephone number requesting that I should come and see him for “brief” discussion. So I agreed with the Police Commissioner that I would come and see him on Friday 22 nd of January 2010 by 9:00am. The following day being 20 th of January 2010 by 5:30pm I personally called the police boss to reconfirm my appointment with him on Friday 22 nd January 2010. I was therefore dumbfounded and flabbergasted the following morning Thursday, 21 st January 2010 by 6:31am when I heard a knock at my personal apartment (Plot 98 Ikenegbu Layout Extension Owerri). When I drew my curtain, behold I saw five heavily armed men. The men told me that the Police boss asked them to bring me along with them. I quickly objected telling them that my appointment with the Police Commissioner was on Friday 22 nd of January 2010. The armed men pulled their guns at me telling me to open my iron protector. I told them off by saying “Taaa”. I picked my phone and called the Police Commissioner by 6:34am. I asked Police Commissioner Aloysius Okorie when my appointment with him was to the hearing of those heavily armed men. The Police Commissioner said “tomorrow Friday by 9:00am”. He went further to add “I thought we had agreed on Friday 22nd January 2010”. Why this sudden call. I now told CP Aloysius Okorie that before me were five heavily armed men saying that he asked them to bring me to his office. The police Commissioner responded by saying “Em, Em, Em, Ok, Ok follow them”. I then told the police Commissioner that I would follow them but should anything happen to me that I would hold him responsible. I also told him that those armed men would remain outside while I dressed up. I also told the police boss that I would inform my people all over Nigeria of the development. The Police Commissioner then pleaded with me to hand over my phone to those men so that he would talk to them. I responded by telling him that I was not a “mugu”.

So I made calls to my people nationwide informing them of the development. After that, I instructed my wife (Chioma) to get me water for bathing which she did. I took my bath and dressed up. Of course I left my phone in my house. I knew that Ikedi Ohakim was the person looking for me based on Police Commissioner’s “Em, Em, Em, Ok, Ok, follow them”. My 5 1/2yrs (Five and half) old son Nwachinemerem was in the palour, so I told him, “Ogbuefi let me go and see that foolish man”. The little boy nodded his head. I then asked him “who is that foolish man?” my son responded “Dr Ikedi Ohakim”. The armed men were shocked. So I opened my iron protector and followed them. When we came outside my compound I saw a PRADO JEEP with registration number Imo 849 NKR, I told those men that I know the jeep to be among the Governors convoy. So I entered the car and we drove off. When we got to government house owerri by 7:04am, the driver of the jeep diverted to the multi-purpose hall where he packed. So the leader of the team that picked me up made a call to “somebody” informing him that I was with them at the multi-purpose hall premises. On three different occasions those armed men asked me about my phone of which I responded that I was with it.

By 9:00am, a call came to those armed men that Chief Ikedi Ohakim was in his Office. By 9:03am the Chief security Officer to the Governor walked to where we were packed. The driver of the jeep came down while Chief security officer entered the jeep. He turned back and asked “ My friend, who are you?” I responded “I am Ikenna Samuelson Iwuoha”. The CSO nodded his head and drove off and entered the Governor’s lodge and packed. I came down and I was marched straight to Ohakim’s Office. When I entered the governor’s Office, I saw Ikedi Ohakim. He quickly shouted “lock the door, lock the door”. The door was locked leaving me only with Ohakim and his CSO in the office. The CSO pulled his gun at me. Ikedi Ohakim on his own shouted at me to pull off my clothes completely. At that point I knew that I was in danger, so I played along. As I was removing my clothes, Ohakim stood up from the Office chair and came to me and forcefully removed my clothes. Another young man of about 33yrs wearing an ash coloured suit came into the governor’s office to assist Ikedi Ohakim to completely remove my clothes. I became completely naked before Ikedi Ohakim in the office of the Governor. The young man then left the Governor Office. The CSO was still pointing a gun at me. Then Ikedi Ohakim gave me a blow on my mouth, he gave me a head butt. He hit me with his hands and legs severally. Then Ohakim went to his office table and brought a “koboko” (horse whip). He started to flog me all over my body. After he ordered me to lie down on the rug in the office and I obeyed. Ikedi Ohakim flogged, flogged and flogged me ruthlessly, heartlessly and without mercy. He kicked me severally without mercy. He kicked me severally with his shoes. He also marched me with his shoes. The pains was much. I cried, cried and called on Almighty God to come to my rescue. Ikedi Ohakim personally brutalized me right inside his office. I must have received well over 120 strokes of koboko. My blood completely stained the rug in the governor’s office. I was in pains. I saw hell with my two eyes, Almighty God did not allow me to die. Ikedi Ohakim continued to flog me. His brother Emma Ohakim walked in and said “Chinekee, His Excellency, His Excellency”. Ikedi Ohakim said to his brother “Emma, this is Ikenna Samuelson I will kill him today”. Emma simply left the Office. The CSO also continued to point his gun at me. When the pains became unbearable, I decided to take a risk. I boldly grabbed Ikedi ohakim legs. I shouted at him as follows, “What you are doing to me in this office is wrong”. “You are abusing the office of the Governor” “you are desecrating the office of the Governor of Imo State”. “Moreover my wife is from your place Mbano, conversely you are my children’s Nnaochie”. This was the miracle that saved me from Ikedi Ohakim’s brutality. He stopped beating and flogging me. He then shifted a chair and sat down with the koboko still in his hands. I was seriously in pains. Then Ikedi Ohakim started to shout “Samuelson you have disgraced me in this country. You have finished me. I will kill you and nothing would happen. I will prove to you that I am not an ordinary Governor. I know those sponsoring you. But you must mention their names to me with your mouth”. Then flogging started again. Ohakim flogged and flogged me that I became helpless. So I begged him to leave me alone. But Ohakim said he would leave me alone on his conditions. He brought out a copy of NATIONAL DAILY Newspaper of 1 – 7 December 2009 edition with the caption “HOW OHAKIM LOOTS IMO STATE. Then Ikedi Ohakim said to me “Samuelson, look at how you disgraced the Governor of Imo State”. “Your own Governor”. “You have finished me in this country”. “I no longer have respect in this State.” “What have I done to you?” “They sent you to come and monitor all my activities”. “Why must you team up with my enemies against me”.

Then Ohakim brought out another document entitled “HOW OHAKIM LOOTS IMO STATE PART TWO”. HE SHOWED IT TO ME AND SAID, “SAMUELSON, WHO WROTE THIS PETITION AGAINST ME TO THE Office of the Inspector General of Police”? He then ordered me to read the contents of that petition to the Office of Inspector general of Police. I refused so he started to flog me again. I pleaded with him to leave me alone. Then Ohakim said “Samuelson you must cooperate with me”. “I want to call a press conference where you will come and denounce those allegations against me. Once you do that, I will give you anything you want. Ohakim continued “last Christmas I gave scholarship to 60 people in my home town OKOHIA, so I can give you anything. “Just do me a favour”. Then the CSO still pointing a gun at me said “just cooperate with his Excellency”. Ikedi Ohakim continued his sermon by saying “Samuelson, where is your laptop, your numerous e-mail addresses, their passwords, flash drive and documents. I did not respond but continued to look at the man who says he is the Governor of Imo State. We stared at each other for about 15 seconds. Then the next thing I saw was tears flowing from Ikedi Ohakim’s eyes. At this point I was moved but I stood my ground because I know Ohakim and his antics too well.

The CSO then told the Governor that Commissioner of Police and another person was coming. Ikedi Ohakim then told me to put on my boxers only. I was in pains but I managed to put on my boxers and sat on the rug. The Commissioner of Police Aloysius okorie walked into the Governors Office with a woman I later discovered to be the State Director of SSS.

Immediately they walked in, Ohakim stood up and said “CP Aloysius Okorie, Samuelson has confessed”. I was shocked at Ohakim’s statement to Commissioner of Police. Ikedi Ohakim then started shouting and saying all sorts of things. At a point Ohakim said “it is Willie Amadi that caused their problem for me, Owu kwa willie Amadi ooo”. “He destroyed your kerosene business at Douglas road and you now turned around to focus on me.” I smiled in my mind because I never had my kerosene business at Douglas road. I had my kerosene businesses at Prefab, Aladinma, Ikenegbu Layout and inside the market. Thereafter, Ohakim said before the Commissioner of Police and the State Director of SSS “Samuelson just cooperate with me and I will restore your business. I can do anything for you”. The Commissioner of Police Aloysius Okorie then told me “Ikenna look at your Governor and cooperate with him”. The state director of SSS said to me “My son why don’t you cooperate with his Excellency”. I did not say anything. At a point I turned to the Commissioner of Police and said “Nna-anyi Ukwu Aloysius Okorie, you have put yourself into trouble. I followed those armed men because you asked me to follow them. My people will, hold you responsible if anything happens to me. Just look at my body”. Then the Police boss told Ohakim that I called him when those men came to pick me and that I made calls to people. At that point Ohakim ordered me to wear my clothes which I did painfully. The CSO led me out of the Governor Office. At the corridor I saw the chief press secretary to the Governor Mr Henry Ekpe. I also saw Mr. Chikwem Onuoha, the boy that does money laundering for Ohakim. I also saw four other people whose names I cannot readily re-collect. At this point let me say that Mr. Henry Ekpe pitied me. He saw my condition. When I was to enter the PRADO jeep (Imo 849 NKR), I staggered, Mr. Henry Ekpe said “jide nu ya aka ka ohara ida” meaning hold him properly so he does not fall. The CSO drove off to another section of Government House. At that section I sat on the veranda while the CSO pulled his gun at me and demanded for my laptop, my email addresses, passwords etc. I did not respond but just stared at him. He continued to demand for those things. Then I said to him “please leave me alone I am tired. “Tell your Governor that I would like to see him one on one”. The CSO left and drove off. The security men there came to me and said “Ndo nnu” meaning “sorry you hear”. They now brought water and poured on my head. They also used water top soothe my back. Honestly I was in severe pains. The CSO drove in and saw what they were to me and shouted “what are you people doing”. He ordered them to put me in the car. The CSO and three other people in the car drove me straight to the Commissioner of Police Office. The CSO then handed me over to the Police boss and left. The Commissioner of Police and the State Director of SSS were in the Office when CSO handed me over to the Commissioner of Police.

The Commissioner of Police asked me to sit down which I did. I said to the police boss “you have put yourself into trouble. I followed those men because you asked me to follow them. Look at my body” The Commissioner of Police with his own mouth and in the presence of the woman who is the State Director of SSS said “Ikenna when you were led out of the Governor’s Office I told His Excellency that he did wrong by personally beating you up”. I then told the police boss to be ready to repeat what he just said when the time comes, because I would fight to the end. I added “As for that foolish Ikedi Ohakim I will deal with him”. The police boss said to me “Ikenna, look at what you are saying in my Office”. “Just cooperate with His Excellency and everything will be ok. The woman who is the State Director of SSS then showed me that petition I wrote to the Inspector general of Police and said “Did you actually write this petition?. I looked at her and said “I signed it with my name, my address is there, my phone number is there, I attached my passport. Therefore I take full responsibility of that petition. Ikedi Ohakim is a criminal”. Both the Commissioner of Police and the woman just looked at me and said simultaneously Na – Wao.

Then the woman said to me “My son you are very intelligent. I want to investigate the governor myself. So hand over the documents to me so that I can do proper investigation”. I just looked at her and did not say anything. After a while the police Commissioner then sent for a senior Police officer who now took me to his office. When I told the man how Ohakim beat me up in his office. The man was shocked. He left me in his office with another police officer looking after me. He later came back and handed me over to another officer who wanted to interrogate me but I told him that I can only respond if my lawyers were around.

I was thereafter locked up at the CIB police cell containing 48 people.

The next day I was brought out to get ready for court. I wrote my statement narrating what happened from my house to the time the Governor personally beat me up. In that statement I owned up to be the writer of that petition against the Governor to the Inspector general of Police. And my readiness to prove all my allegation against the Governor. Suddenly the police said that they won’t take me to court again. That it will be Monday 25 th of January 2010. I was then locked up again. On Monday 25/1/2010 I was taken to court where a three court charge was read against me. Of course I pleaded not guilty. I was refused bail and was therefore reminded in prison custody till 2/2/2010.

When I appeared in court on 2/2/2010 six new court charges were added to the earlier three. So hey have a nine court charges against me. I was later granted bail to the sum of N500,000. The next hearing is on the 19 th of February 2010. I am 100% sure that the koboko which Ikedi used to flog me was poisoned. I say this because I am seriously in pains and receiving treatment in a private hospital. Nonetheless I make bold to say that the lion is back.

At this point and juncture let me state it very clearly that this debilitating monster called Ikedi Ohakim has done his worst. I will go to any length to take my own pound of flesh raised to the power 1000. I must prove my allegations against him. I will unearth everything about Ikedi Ohakim and his fraud infested leadership. In short I will jail him. At least he knows that I have the ability.

The battle is now full blown. Ikedi Ohakim has given me the bullet to shoot him. Ikedi Ohakim is now in my firing range.