Jonathan Worries over N7tr Uncompleted Projects

Vice President, Namadi Sambo

President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed deep worry over the large number of ongoing projects across the country as the Presidential Projects Assessment Committee who submitted their report said the 11,886 capital projects require N7.78 trillion to complete.

Jonathan noted that his concern stemmed from the financial implications of completing the projects but stated that he would peruse the report and capture the funds in subsequent budgets in order to ensure their completion.

He commended the committee’s painstaking efforts in the compilation of the report and stressed the need for the country to work through plans to avoid dotting the landscape with uncompleted projects which his administration wants to avoid.

He spoke at the Presidential Villa, Abuja when the Committee headed by Mr. Ibrahim Bunu went to submit the report he commissioned them to put together for the country to know its outstanding project commitments and how to make budgetary appropriation to complete them.

Bunu had advised that the government should prioritise the projects it intends to handle so that it can attend to the most important and needed ones and also how to budget to complete the capital projects especially to assist towards completing projects within the vision 20-2020.

He noted that with the prevalent N1 trillion budget for capital projects, it might take about eight years to complete them taking into consideration the  inflationary effects, pointing out that the over 200 sites they visited revealed the enormity of the jobs yet to be completed.

The Committee blamed the dire situation on poor project management, mediocrity and inadequate budgetary allocation coupled with high cost of financing. They also said that undermining of the Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP) Act lack of direction for the situation.

"There are about 11,886 on-going federal government projects amounting to N7,775,974,402,995.63, calculated on the basis of the sums at which the contracts were originally awarded. Following the committee's in-depth assessment of many of the projects, we take no joy in confirming that there is indeed evidence of large scale, widespread institutional mediocrity, deficiency of vision and lack of direction in project management", he lamented.

Apart from streamlining projects, he made case for proper funding of projects which should be released for contractors to continue staying on site till completion of their jobs while the government should, if it lacks funds, seek for alternative sources of funding the projects.

On the way forward, the committee enjoined Jonathan to ensure that all the funds appropriated for capital projects are fully released as at when due so as to make it possible for contractors to continue to execute projects in the most effective and efficient manner.

"There is the need to streamline and down size the on-going projects to a manageable proportion through a well thought out realisation process. And then, explore alternative sources of funding including issuance of federal government bonds and Private Partnership arrangements,” Bunu said.

Agenda for Jonathan (III): Peace and Security

President Goodluck Jonathan

Since the horrendous September 11, 2001 attacks on Twin Towers, no single terrorist plot has been successfully executed on the soil of the United States. No matter how close, it is always nipped in the bud. The same with UK. The July 7, 2005 attacks on the underground trains have turned out to be the last so far; the security agencies have been uncovering and foiling similar plots, no matter how close to execution.

But the same cannot be said of Nigeria. Attacks are unleashed without let or hindrance. Bombs have been going off at will as if children were playing with bangers, and despite the enormous budget for security at all levels (security votes, always unaccounted for, amount to a significant portion of public budgets every year), there seems to be nothing close to a solution in sight.

What’s the difference between the US and Nigeria? There cannot be a better explanation than the fact that the security agencies of one are proactive and the other not-so-proactive. There are different factors that will explain this, apparently, but so also are there concrete steps to be taken to save Nigeria from the climate of insecurity.

For instance, in Borno State, Boko Haram – that religious fundamentalist group that gleefully claims to be opposed to nearly everything about Nigeria – has been striking with such consistency that it is almost becoming boring news to report their attacks, except the casualty figure is unusually high. They strike with so much ease and get their victims so cheaply.

And while kidnapping has obviously gone down compared to this time last year, it remains a threat that cannot be downplayed. Armed robbery attacks, meanwhile, are back in full swing – a sad reminder that the demons that so often torment us are very much alive and kicking energetically.

In addition to whatever President Goodluck Jonathan intends to do to boost economic productivity, he does not need to be reminded that without security of life and property, it would amount to one step forward, two backward. Reforming and re-energising of the security system should be top of his agenda as every Nigerian wants to sleep and snore with both eyes securely shut.

There are several steps and initiatives that the administration should focus on in this regard. The first is a complete reorganisation and reorientation of the police force. It is believed that many years of military rule dealt a severe blow on the police in Nigeria as they were always treated as second class in the security arrangement. The reality in a democratic setting is that the police are the ones primarily saddled with internal security.

The strengthening of the police should cover every aspect: organisational structure for better performance; welfare; reorientation of personnel on how to police in a democratic setting; facilities for crime prevention and detection, including modern forensic labs; training on modern intelligence gathering; computerisation of operations; and indeed anything that will make the police work for the people efficiently and in a proactive manner.

Community Policing should be revisited and vigorously pursued as it is capable of employing local knowledge to checkmate certain crimes and misdemeanours. The criminals in town live in a community; localised policing holds the prospects of tackling crimes at their roots.

The regularity of terrorist attacks and armed robbery suggests that it is either surveillance has failed or is not in place at all. The proliferation of small arms and light weapons is also an indication that something has gone terribly gone with the security of the country’s borders.

The security agencies should be better co-ordinated with sole purpose of proving getting security to Nigerians. Customs, police, the armed forces, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) as well as the State Security Service (SSS) must be properly co-ordinated in the interest of national peace and security. Intelligence gathering, it must be emphasised over and over again, must rise beyond the pedestrian level it is currently.

A robust security system that is built on preventing crimes as well as resolving criminal puzzles will go a long way in making the country safe for everyone. This Jonathan must take as non-negotiable.

I’m Not Afraid of EFCC, Shekarau Tells Kwankwaso

Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, former Governor of Kano State

Immediate past  Governor of Kano State, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau,  has declared that he is not afraid to face the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to answer questions relating to his eight years in government.

Shekarau refuted allegations by the new Governor of the state, Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,  that he had thrown the state into a debt amounting to the sum of $209 million and leaving behind N77 billion liabilities.

The governor challenged his successor, Rabiu Kwankwaso to go to court if he has any claims against his administration, stating that he was ready to go to court if the need arises.

Speaking through his spokesman, Malam Sule Ya’u Sule, the former Governor said he left behind a cash balance of N4.36 billion naira, contrary to claims by his successor that he left behind an empty treasury.

Sule categorically stated that “Shekarau during his tenure from 2003 to 2011 has never from anywhere borrowed a single kobo f, and I challenge those making such false allegations to furnish you the name of the bank and the amount given to Kano State Government and for what purpose.”

THISDAY recalled that Kwankwaso had,  in his inaugural speech after he was sworn in on May 29, challenged the Shekarau administration of bequeathing an empty treasury to him, and engaged in what he called “financial irresponsibility” that has resulted in N77 billion  liabilities and a foreign loan of 209 million US Dollars.

Shekarau also accused the new government in Kano State of castigating the name of the former Governor, instead of settling down to the serious business of governance, saying “governance is a continuous process.

“The N77 billion  they are talking about, is so mischievous, their mission is to come and castigate the previous administration. They are not coming to address the issue of development and progress from where we stopped. You should know their background anyway. . I want to tell you that from now till four years to come, we are even going to see the worst, “ Ya’u said.

Commenting on the N4 billion allegedly incurred by the past administration on hotel bills, Sule further explained that it was an accumulated bill incurred from hosting government functionaries, citing instance with the visit of the Vice President to Kano to reconcile the crises in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), hosting of National Assembly members during the recent induction workshop/retreat among others.

He explained that the actual amount spent by the immediate past government as hotel bills was N3.5 billion, pointing out that Shekarau had approved the payment of the bills but funds were yet to be released as at the time of handing over to the new government.

On the allegation by the PDP that the sum N3 billion was missing from the Pension Fund Scheme, the spokesman stated that “it was unimaginable for N3billion to suddenly disappear, it’s quite incredible for such a mischievous allegation to be made on the former administration”.

Toshiba Prices its New Tablet to Undercut Apple's iPad2

Samsung Galaxy tablets

BBC

Toshiba has announced its foray into the fast-growing tablet market with its latest gadget called Thrive, reports the BBC.

The Japanese electronics maker has priced its entry level model at $429 (£262), which is cheaper than the base model of Apple's iPad2.

The company said its base model comes with wi-fi ability and is targeted at consumers who use tablets at home.

The tablet will go on sale in the US on July 10.

The success of Apple's iPad has encouraged many computer and electronics companies to enter the segment.

Samsung has launched its Galaxy tab, while Sony has also announced its entry with two new models.

While none of them have been able to make a significant dent in Apple's market share, Toshiba said demand for other products was increasing gradually.

"There is a market out there of folks who want to buy non-Apple products," said Jeff Barney of Toshiba America.

Aliyu: No Room for Mistakes

Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State

Niger State Governor, Dr. Babangida Aliyu has said he will not tolerate any act of mistakes in the administration from any political appointee in the state, adding that this is his last chance and there is no time to correct mistakes.

“This time around, we don’t have the chance to correct our mistakes because this is the final lapse and for me personally, I will not tolerate any form of stupidity or mistake from any officer because I have sworn in officers to do their best,” he said. 

 Aliyu who stated this Thursday at the swearing in ceremony of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief of Staff (COS), Chief Press Secretary and four permanent Secretaries,  said 2015 is just around the corner and  will not tolerate any one who will not make an input.

“This is 2011 and 2015 is just like tomorrow. I don’t want any seat warmer this time around. Anyone that is appointed into political office got there  because he has some track record and if he cannot do it, he should indicate”.

Aliyu added that anyone who does  not resign if he thinks he cannot cope with the pressures of the job will be shown the way out if the state government is not satisfied with his duties.

He advised the appointees  not to be intimidated by anyone but to perform their duties without favour or prejudice,  adding that they should evolve ways and means to reach out and take care of everyone and reduce dependency syndrome on the government.

EFCC Moves To Arrest Bankole

Dimeji Bankole, House Speaker

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Friday moved to arrest the Speaker of the House of Representatives , Hon.Dimeji Bankole

The operatives numbering over 20 swooped on the official residence of Bankole at Apo legislative quarters in Abuja at about noon with a view to arresting the Speaker over his refusal to honour an earlier  invitation of the commission to appear before it over some petitions written against him

Bankole was said to have resisted arrest pleading that he should be allowed to turn himself in on Monday
Contacted on the issue , EFCC spokesman , Femi Babafemi , confirmed on phone  that men of the anti-graft agency were at Bankole's residence"to pick him up"

He also confirmed that the speaker resisted arrest saying he should be given more time for him to report personally at the EFCC office

Babafemi said it took the intervention of the Inspector-General of Police , Hafiz Ringim ,for Bankole to have some respite "so that he can report based on his plea  at the EFCC office by Monday"

Bank Liquidation Is Last Option, Says Sanusi

Sanusi Lamido, CBN Governor

Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Wednesday clarified his pronouncement that some of the rescued banks will be liquidated if they fail to recapitalise before September 30, 2011.

Sanusi’s declaration had elicited reactions, with some experts expressing fears on the implications of the pronouncement on the gains already recorded in the last two years.

Some also said the statement contradicted his earlier position that some of the rescued banks have systemic importance to the Nigerian economy  and would not be allowed to go under.

Responding to THISDAY’s enquiries on his latest statement on bank recapitalisation, Sanusi stated that liquidation had always been the last option and it still remained so because CBN’s aim is ensuring financial stability in the affected banks.

“Liquidation is not a first option. If it was, it would have happened before now, and preventing it was why CBN injected a N620 billion lifeline into the banks in the first place. Liquidation is a last option,” he stated.

Sanusi however stressed that “in a situation where some supposed shareholders get ex-parte orders from the courts stopping CBN from recapitalising banks through Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A), or Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), what does one expect CBN to do?”

He urged shareholders who are opposing the smooth recapitalisation process of the rescued banks to come up with cheques that will recapitalise the banks.

“Where banks have negative shareholders’ fund and owe creditors over and above the assets available, they should be bringing the cash,” he said.

In the case of Intercontinental Bank Plc, for instance, Sanusi stated that if courts decided that shareholders with negative net assets of about N400 billion have the locus to stop CBN from acting to protect depositors, “what should the CBN do in such circumstances?”

“If this happens, it means that the poor depositors we want to save their monies are placed at the mercy of those who have already impaired their deposits,” he said.

Sanusi admitted that if liquidation is implemented, it will have adverse effects on the economy and the banking industry in particular but assured Nigerians that it would be dealt with when it comes.

“There will be a major impact on the banking industry if liquidation option is implemented but we have to deal with it,” he said.

Buttressing Sanusi’s argument, CBN Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability, Dr. Kingsley Chiedu Moghalu, also stated that both the M&A and AMCON recapitalisation require approval by shareholders.

“We are seeing a trend of resistance to the effort to stabilise banks that without CBN intervention would surely have collapsed in view of the wipe-out of their capital by the actions of their erstwhile senior management who also were significant owners.

“This resistance is through court cases aimed at preventing recapitalisation of the banks. We believe the protracted delays are not in the interest of financial stability in Nigeria, and it is the CBN's responsibility to ensure that stability,” he stated.Moghalu said if vested interests acting in the name of the wider shareholders make it impossible to recapitalise the banks because they want to maintain ownership and control, and the banks cannot stand on their own, the logical thing for the CBN to do is liquidation.

“CBN does not liquidate. The NDIC will do that if and when the CBN revokes the licence of any bank. Bear in mind that some of the banks have already gone far in the M&A process so the liquidation scenario is unlikely to affect all the intervened banks.

“The alternative is for these shareholders to write checks to restore the over N1trillion of negative capital and save the system unnecessary challenges. How likely is it that this will happen in the current economic environment? This is why new capital from new investors is inevitable,” he said.

The CBN had given eight rescued banks – Afribank, Oceanic Bank, Intercontinental Bank, BankPHB, Finbank, Spring Bank and Union Bank – four months to fully recapitalise or risk being liquidated.

This followed the collapse of merger talks between the managements of some of the rescued banks and potential investors, as well as the delay in their recapitalisation efforts.

The eight rescued banks had failed a special examination jointly carried out by auditors from the CBN and the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation in 2009.

The CBN had hinged their actions in sacking the boards and managements of the affected banks on the discovery of major weaknesses of poor corporate governance, inadequate risk management practices, huge non-performing loans, drastic capital erosion and severe liquidity problems in the banks, making the CBN to inject N620 billion into them.

FoI Act: One More Hurdle to Cross, Say Top Lawyers

Vice President, Namadi Sambo

The euphoria that followed the signing of the Freedom of Information (FoI) Bill into law by President Goodluck Jonathan was tampered Wednesday night on the realisation that there is till one more hurdle to cross before Nigerians can celebrate it.

Speaking to THISDAY, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former official of the Federal Ministry of Justice who does not want to be named, said it was too early for Nigerians to celebrate as the legislation must be replicated by the state Houses of Assembly before the Act can be applied to access information from state public service.

“The truth of the matter now is that the states must also accept the law before if can apply to them because information is on the concurrent list,” he explained.

His position was corroborated by a constitutional lawyer, Professor Itse Sagay (SAN).

Sagay said those who feel that the Freedom of Information Act is not binding on state governments are correct because information is on the concurrent legislative list in the constitution.

He argued that since Nigeria was operating a federal system of government, the Act only applies to the federal government and its institutions and therefore can not apply to the states.

Sharing Sagay’s view, former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Olisa Agbakoba, (SAN), said controversies like this can only come up because of the type of democracy Nigeria was practising.

He added that until the issue is resolved by the courts, it will continue to heat up the polity.

Agbakoba said before the Act can be used to access information in any state, the House of Assembly would have to replicate the law in that state and that until then, the Act can not apply to them.

Another senior advocate, Dr. Joseph Nwobike, in his view, said because the country was operating a federal system of government, it was only the state that can tell to what extent anybody can access its information.

He faulted those comparing the Official Secret Act to the Freedom of Information Act, saying the FoI Act was wider in scope than the Official Secret Act.

Nwobike said while the FoI Act deals with all classes of people, the Official Secret Act was promulgated to gag only civil servants from divulging government secrets.

He however advised state governments to allow the FoI Act operate in their states for good governance to be enthroned in the country.

A Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Law, University of Benin, Dr. Edoba Omoregie ,in his view, held that just like the Child Rights Act, which was replicated in the states of the federation before it becomes law in their domain, the states would have to pass the FoI law before it can apply to them.

But another former President of the NBA, Chief Wole Olanipekun, (SAN), disagreed with his colleagues, saying for as long as the Act was passed by the National Assembly, it was binding on the states and be obeyed by them.

Olanipekun said the National Assembly makes law for the country and that when the laws of the federal government conflict with those of the states, state laws become inferior.

He, however, advised that if the states want to replicate the Act in their respective states, they were free to do so but that it does not mean that the Act cannot be applicable to them.

He maintained that since the Act was initiated to enthrone good governance in the country, it should not be limited to only the federal government.

Another lawyer, Chief Felix Fagbohungbe (SAN) agreed with Olanipekun’s view, arguing that because federal laws were superior to state laws, the Act must be complied with by the states.

Agenda for Jonathan (II): Quality Education for All

President Goodluck Jonathan

As erstwhile Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’i handed over to the Permanent Secretary Wednesday, she must have heaved a sigh of relief that she had escaped an imminent strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) only by the skin of her teeth.

The union’s patience ran out two weeks ago and it has served notice to resume its suspended strike (it says it never totally calls off a strike) to protest the non-implementation of the agreement it entered into with the Federal Government in October 2009.

Ensuring stability in the education sector will be a good place for President Goodluck Jonathan to start as instability makes nonsense of any plan, however lofty, including the much-touted increased funding. How can Nigeria have good quality graduates when they sit at home for three months, receive lectures for three weeks and then write the semester’s examination?

Jonathan must make the next four years strike-free by prevailing on the National Assembly to pass the agreement into law; there is no point signing an agreement and not implementing it. The trend has always been that once ASUU starts, other unions follow.

The president should heed to call to declare first generation universities as centres of excellence for post-graduate studies – and fund them accordingly. The survival of younger universities, including the private ones, who rely on the latter for the production of their faculties, depend on this.

A lot has been said about the new federal universities. Some say they are unnecessary, that government should rather allocate more funds to the existing ones. Others say, for equity, it is not a bad idea for all states to have a federal university. The Federal Government says the institutions will provide greater access to university education.

These universities are scheduled to take off in September by admitting candidates writing the forth-coming Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), yet recruitment of staff has not started. The grant of N1.5 billion per university has been described as too little, but even this has not reached them and the universities have themselves to blame for it.

The money is domiciled in the Education Trust Fund (ETF) and the agency does not give money gratis. It has its procedure, backed by law, which the nine newly-appointed Vice Chancellors (all former Vice Chancellors) are familiar with. The first step is for them to present their approved plans of how they want to spend the money.

The confusion in the basic education sector must be cleared too. The National Council on Education has approved the issuance of certificates to graduates of Junior Secondary School. What this means is that a central body would conduct the terminal examination and the lot fell on the National Examinations Council (NECO), but only private and defence, police and other para military secondary schools presented their students for the just-concluded maiden examination. The states, where the majority of Nigerian children study, flatly refused to present their students saying they would conduct their own examination. Will they issue their own certificates as well or is NECO going to award certificates for examinations it did not conduct?

The recently developed senior secondary school curriculum is yet another issue that must be tackled. This curriculum is scheduled to take off in September with the SS 1 class and state governments are supposed to order for it. But so far, only four states have done so, which suggests that the remaining 32 states will be taking their students through the out-dated curriculum in the next session. How can such students do well in the SSCE which will be based on the new curriculum from 2014?

The same fate would have befallen the basic education curriculum that was introduced some years ago, but for the intervention of the Federal Government, which used part of states’ funds with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) to print and distribute the document to the states. The government has to look for a way to prevail on states to be alive to their responsibilities.

Generally, the education sector, for the first time in years, appears to be enjoying some continuity. Former Minister, Mrs Oby Ezekwesili, set up a Reform Agenda, which her successor, Aja Nwachukwu, did not do justice to. His successor, Sam Egwu, however went back to it and developed a ‘Roadmap for the Development of the Education Sector’. His successor, Rufa’i also built on this and developed a ‘One Year Strategy for the Development of the Education Sector’ from that document, the implementation of which she followed to the letter in the last one year.

This tempo must be maintained. These two documents and the newly published Education Data (2006-2010) are more than enough working documents for the next four years. The data have shown that states hold the key to reviving the education sector. If we get basic education right, it will impact on the other levels of education, so there has to be a way of engendering synergy between the minister of education and state commissioners of education to tackle the challenges in the sector.

A National Scholarship and Students Loans Commission has been in the pipeline for too long. Such a commission will ensure that those eligible for student loans get them. That way, those who can afford to pay for their children’s education will do so instead of the blanket ‘no tuition’ policy of the Federal Government that has done more harm than good.

In the absence of tuition, universities have been charging acceptance fees, which they jack up every year and students go on the rampage to protest the slightest of increase in these fees.

Most importantly, Jonathan must focus on improving the quality of teaching, the development of adequate infrastructure as well as the development of a template for sufficient funding of the institutions in a sustainable manner that is agreeable to all the stakeholders.

The Ministerial Scorecard (2)

Diezani Alison-Madueke, former Petroleum Resources Minister

The cabinet was finally dissolved on Monday. President Goodluck Jonathan had appeared to assure the outgoing ministers of continuing in office, stressing the point that frequent changes do not allow for continuity in policy implementation as well as stability in government. It remains to be seen however if he would resist the temptation and pressure to bring in many new faces to energise his government. How well did his team perform in the last one year? THISDAY, in the second part of the report on ministerial scorecard, assesses the ministers

Mr. Samuel Ode

(State, Niger Delta Affairs)

Mr. Samuel Ode remained largely anonymous throughout his stay in office. His emergence as minister representing Benue State followed the removal of the former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Aondoakaa. As a power broker in his home state and at the federal level, Ode was said to have been preoccupied with how to ensure the success of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) than impacting on his primary assignment at the Niger Delta Ministry. His performance in the ministry was, at best, abysmal.

Verdict: Below Average

Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi

(State, Education)

To his credit, he recorded the following achievements, among others: Presentation of memo and approval of the University of Petroleum, Effurun, Warri and  12 new federal universities; distribution of computers to JS 1 girls in selection secondary schools across the country; setting up of the first visitation panels to unity colleges; establishment of eight new federal unity colleges for girls (four each in the north and south); abolishing of the requirement that SSCE candidates register for a minimum of eight subjects. Now they can register for whatever number they want from two.

Verdict: Above Average

Hajiya Yabawa Lawan

(State, Finance)

The minister who by virtue of her position is the chairman of the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) was able to ensure continuity of the monthly allocation – which she couldn’t have stopped in any case! But she was under criticism especially from the media for being too secretive, not allowing for transparency in public finance, a sharp contrast to Babalola her predecessor, who was praised at each FAAC meeting for disclosing the true position of the federation account.

Verdict: Below Average

Aliyu Idi Hong

(State, Foreign Affairs)

He was moved from the health ministry when the then Acting President Goodluck Jonathan reshuffled the cabinet. Although he has not been very visible, he is very close to the President who often entrusts him with co-ordinating the visits of foreign heads of state to Nigeria.

Verdict: Average

Mrs. Salamatu Suleiman

(State, Foreign Affairs)

She was Minister of Women Affairs before her appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs 2. She was very visible as she was in charge of joint commissions. She toured the West African region to boost Nigeria's relations with those countries of the sub-region.

Verdict: Average

Summary

Note: These are the final and correct ratings and supersede the one published on Tuesday

Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu

(Health)

Verdict: Below Average

Mr. Labaran Maku

(Information and Communication)

Verdict: Average

Chief John Odey

(Environment)

Verdict: Above Average

Prof. Sheikh Abdullah

(Agric. and Rural Devt)

Verdict: Above Average

Mr. Humphrey Abba

(Police Affairs)

Verdict: Above Average

Chief Obadiah Ando

(Water Resources)

Verdict: Average.

Chief Jubril Martin-Kuye

(Commerce and Industry)

Verdict: Average.

Senator Bala Mohammed

(FCT)

Verdict: Average.

Prince Ademola Adetokunbo

(Defence)

Verdict: Average.

Emmanuel Ihenacho

(Interior)

Verdict: Average.

Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke

(AG and Justice)

Verdict: Average.

Dr. Olusegun Aganga

(Finance)

Verdict: Average.

Elder Godsday Orubebe

(Niger Delta Affairs)

Verdict: Below Average

Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman

(National Planning)

Verdict: Average.

Chief Nduese Essien

(Minister of Housing and Development)

Verdict: Average.

Sen. Mohammed Daggash

(Works)

Verdict: Below Average

Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Mohammed

(Culture, Tourism and National Orientation)

Verdict: Average.

Mrs Fidelia Njeze

(Minister of Aviation)

Verdict: Average.

Alhaji Mohammed Sada

(Mines and Steel Development)

Verdict: Below Average

Chief Chukwuemeka Ngozi Wogu

(Labour & Productivity)

Verdict: Average.

Mr. Odein Ajumogobia

(Foreign Affairs)

Verdict: Above Average

Sen. Akinlabi Olasunkanmi

(Youth Development)

Verdict: Average.

Iyom Josephine Anenih

(Women Affairs)

Verdict: Average.

Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke

(Petroleum Resources)

Verdict: Average.

Mr. Nuhu Somo Wya

(State, Power)

Verdict: Average.

Prof. Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’i

(Education)

Verdict: Above Average

Prof. Mohammed Abubakar Ka’Oje

(Science and Technology)

Verdict: Above Average

Taoheed Adedoja

(National Sports

Commission)

Verdict: Above Average

Alhaji Najeem Awodele

(State, Agric. and Rural Devt)

Verdict: Average.

Ms Josephine Tapgun

(State, Com. and Industry)

Verdict: Average.

Alhaji Suleiman Bello

(State, Health)

Verdict: Below Average

Chief Chris Ogiemwonyi

(State, Works)

Verdict: Average.

Alhaji Muktar Shehu Yar’Adua

(State, Defence)

Verdict: Below Average

Navy Capt. Caleb Olubolade

(State, FCT)

Verdict: Below Average

Mr. Samuel Ode

(State, Niger Delta Affairs)

Verdict: Below Average

Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi

(State, Education)

Verdict: Above Average

Hajiya Yabawa Lawan

(State, Finance)

Verdict: Below Average

Aliyu Idi Hong

(State, Foreign Affairs)

Verdict: Average

WHO : Cell Phones May Cause Brain Cancer

Cell phones on display

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that cell phones may cause brain cancer.

Citing a review of studies, WHO according to  Bloomberg report,  emphasised that radiofrequency electromagnetic fields from mobile phones may cause cancer in humans.

The working group of 31 scientists from 14 countries based its recommendations on a survey of previously published studies. The agency has evaluated the cancer risks of tobacco, alcohol, salt-preserved fish and some types of drugs, among other substances, at recent meetings. 

The senior scientist in charge of the International Agency for Research on Cancer’s report on the subject, Dr. Robert Baan, said exposure from handsets was greater than that from mobile- phone towers and base stations.

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), radiofrequency electromagnetic fields are “possibly” cancer- causing. The  IARC, based in Lyon, France, which evaluates cancer risks and makes recommendations to government authorities, stressed that evidence available to it showed the likelihood of increased risk due to cell phone use.

Head of the IARC Monographs Program,  Kurt Straif,  said that “there is some evidence for an increased risk of glioma,” or  brain cancer. He however added that “it’s not at the moment clearly established that the use of mobile phones does in fact cause cancer.”

IARC spokesman,  Nicolas Gaudin said this was the first time an agency working group has surveyed previous research on radiofrequency electromagnetic fields to make a definitive recommendation.

The WHO agency stressed that concerns have existed since the late 1990s that cell phones might be harmful to consumers’ health, while the U.S. Federal Communication Commission has said devices with a specific absorption rate, the amount of radio frequency energy absorbed by the body, within a set limit are safe.

Several reports on the safety or otherwise of cell phone use had been released in the past. In 2009, a group of international scientists released a report that raised concerns about cell phone usage and brain tumours. The report then noted that one recent Swedish study saw a 400 percent increased risk for teenage cell phone users.

The 37-page report, from a group calling itself the International EMF (Electromagnetic Field) Collaborative, summarised what it said were the dangers of cell phone use, especially for children, and attempted to blunt an upcoming study being developed by the wireless industry in 13 countries, mainly in Western Europe. 

But Vice President of public affairs for the CTIA, a group representing wireless carriers and handset makers in the U.S.  John Walls also in 2009  issued a statement saying that "peer-reviewed scientific evidence has overwhelmingly indicated that wireless devices do not pose a public health risk."

He noted that the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute, the World Health Organization and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have all concurred that wireless devices are not a public health risk.

Experts however said that to be on the safe side, cell phone users should minimize exposure to the cell phones. They alleged that the higher cancer risk comes from holding a cell phone close to the head over longer periods of time. To reduce exposure to cell phone radiation, adults and children are urged to use a wired headset on a call and not a wireless headset. Messages should be sent by texting and cell phones should be kept away from the body.

Sub-Saharan Africa Suffers $4bn Grain Losses

FAO/World Bank logos

A new FAO/World Bank report has disclosed that investing in post-harvest technologies to reduce food losses could significantly increase the food supply in sub-Saharan Africa, as technical experts from around the region meet to discuss the issue.

The report, released simultaneously in Rome (Italy) and Accra (Ghana) Tuesday, estimates the value of post-harvest grain losses in sub-Saharan Africa at around $4 billion a year.

Entitled ‘Missing Food: The Case of Postharvest Grain Losses in Sub-Saharan Africa’, the report was produced in collaboration with the UK's Natural Resources Institute.

"This lost food could meet the minimum annual food requirements of at least 48 million people," said FAO Assistant Director-General, Maria Helena Semedo. "If we agree that sustainable agricultural systems need to be developed to feed 9 billion people by 2050, addressing waste across the entire food chain must be a critical pillar of future national food strategies."

According to estimates provided by the African Postharvest Losses Information System, physical grain losses prior to processing can range from 10 to 20 per cent. In Eastern and Southern Africa alone, food losses are valued at $1.6 billion per year, or about 13.5 percent of the total value of grain production.

While no similar regional loss estimates are available for Central or West Africa, assuming losses of a similar magnitude, the value of post-harvest grain losses in sub-Saharan Africa could total $4 billion a year out of an estimated annual grain production worth $27 billion (2005-2007 annual average).

This is roughly equivalent to the value of annual cereal imports in the region during the same period. Given the near doubling of global grain prices since 2005-2007, the value of current losses is likely much higher.

According to the report, losses occur when grain decays or is infested by pests, fungi or microbes, and physical losses are only part of the equation. Losses can also be economic, resulting from low prices and lack of access to markets for poor quality grain, or nutritional, arising from poor quality or contaminated food.

“Food losses contribute to high food prices by removing part of the food supply from the market. They also have negative environmental impacts as land, water and non-renewable resources such as fertiliser and energy are used to produce, process, handle and transport food that no one consumes”, it noted.

The recent food and financial crises have heightened the focus on post-harvest losses. "Africa cannot afford to lose 20 per cent of its grain production," said Director of the Sustainable Development Department, World Bank Africa Region, Jamal Saghir.

"Reducing food losses is increasingly recognised as part of an integrated approach to realising agriculture's full potential, along with making effective use of today's crops, improving productivity on existing farmland, and sustainably bringing additional acreage into production," he added.

A variety of practices and technologies are available for reducing post-harvest losses, including crop protectants and storage containers such as hermetically sealed bags and metallic silos. While a number of these technologies have proved successful in Asia, more research and piloting is needed to identify interventions adapted to local environments in Africa.

Governments can help by creating an enabling environment; reducing market transaction costs by investing in infrastructure such as roads, electricity and water; and strengthening agricultural research and extension, particularly in identifying where losses occur along the food chain and how to tackle them.

Nigeria, Others Lose $6.5tr Illicit Funds in Nine Years

EFCC Chairman, Mrs Farida  Waziri

A United Nations Development Program (UNDP) commissioned report from Global Financial Integrity (GFI) on illicit financial flows from the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), has revealed that a huge sum of    $6.5 trillion was removed from the developing countries  between 2000 and 2009.
The report, which was presented for discussion last week at the United Nations IV Conference on Least Developed Countries in Turkey, showed that Asia produced the largest portion of total outflows.

The report, “Illicit Financial Flows from the Least Developed Countries”,  examined how structural characteristics of LDCs could be facilitating the cross-border transfer of illicit funds, discussed methodological issues underlying estimates of illicit flows, presents an analysis of the magnitude of such flows, and makes policy recommendations for the curtailment of these illicit flows.
The report revealed that bribery, theft, kickbacks, and tax evasion were the greatest conduits for the illicit financial flows from the major exporters of oil such as Kuwait, Nigeria, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Venezuela.

According to the report top 10 countries with the highest measured cumulative illicit financial outflows  include: China- $2.18 trillion; Russia- $427 billion; Mexico-$416 billon; Saudi Arabia- $302 billion; Malaysia- $291 billion; United Arab Emirates- $276 billion; Kuwait- $242 billion; Venezuela-$157 billion; Qatar- $138 billion and Nigeria- $130 billion.

Key findings showed that illicit flows divert resources needed for poverty alleviation and economic development.
Commenting on the report, UNDP Administrator Helen Clark said, “Illicit flows seriously impede LDCs’ efforts to raise resources for social and economic development. These flows are often absorbed into banks, tax havens, and offshore financial centers in developed countries.”

The  report further showed that trade mispricing accounted for an average of 54.7 per cent of cumulative illicit flows from developing countries over the period 2000-2008 and is the major channel for the transfer of illicit capital from China.
GFI said, “oil exporting countries, like Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Nigeria are becoming more important as sources of illicit capital. Mexico is the only oil exporter where trade mispricing was the preferred method of transferring illicit capital abroad.

“With half a trillion in illicit outflows in 2008 alone, Asia accounted for the largest portion of illicit financial flows from the developing world. Over the nine-year period examined, 89.3 percent, on average, of total illicit flows from Asia were transferred abroad through trade mispricing.

“Financial flows from Malaysia have more than tripled from $22.2 billion in 2000 to $68.2 billion in 2008. This growth rate, seen in few Asian countries, may be a result of significant governance issues affecting both public and private sectors.”
The GFI report also revealed that illicit outflows through trade mispricing grew faster in the case of Africa (28.8 per cent per annum) than anywhere else, possibly due to weaker customs monitoring and enforcement regimes.

The report indicated that that in 2009 alone illicit flows from developing countries grew to $1.30 trillion.  As monumental as it was, the 2009 figure represents a significant slowdown from the 18.0 per cent rate of growth over the period 2000-2008.
GFI said the slowdown of illicit financial outflows was mainly due to a decline in trade mispricing resulting from a slowdown in world trade in the wake of the global financial crisis.

The report showed that illicit outflows increased from $1.06 trillion in 2006 to approximately $1.26 trillion in 2008, with average annual illicit outflows from developing countries averaging $725 billion to $810 billion, per year, over the 2000-2008 time period measured.
“Illicit flows increased in current dollar terms by 18.0 per cent per annum from $369.3 billion at the start of the decade to $1.26 trillion in 2008. When adjusted for inflation, the real growth of such outflows was 12.7 per cent.

“Real growth of illicit flows by regions over the nine years is as follows: Middle East and North Africa (MENA) 24.3 per cent, developing Europe 23.1 per cent, Africa 21.9 per cent, Asia 7.85, and Western Hemisphere 5.18 per cent, “GFI said.
The GFI added that  Asia accounted for 44.4 per cent of total illicit flows from the developing world followed by Middle East and North Africa (17.9 per cent), developing Europe (17.8 per cent), Western Hemisphere (15.4 per cent), and Africa (4.5 per cent).

Global Financial Integrity (GFI) is a global financial watch dog that promotes national and multilateral policies, safeguards, and agreements aimed at curtailing the cross-border flow of illegal money.  In putting forward solutions, facilitating strategic partnerships, and conducting groundbreaking research, GFI is leading the way in efforts to curtail illicit financial flows and enhance global development and security.

Jega: Preparation for 2015 Election Has Started

Prof. Attahiru Jega, INEC Chairman

Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega, Tuesday said that the Commission has begun preparation for 2015 general election.

Jega disclosed this at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja when he received the final report of the European Union (EU) observation team at the April general election. ‘”The work for next election started on Monday”’ he said pointing out that the report of the EU observation team will be very handy in helping the Commission correct their mistakes.

The INEC boss said the goal of the Commission is to establish an institution for election capacity.

He said the assistance of international partners have helped the Commission greatly in improving on their flaws.

Releasing the final report the European Union (EU) election observer mission to the Nigeria’s 2011 general elections yesterday expressed a desire to see further reform of the country’s electoral process to ensure an independent appointment of the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and members of the Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC).

Speaking while presenting the mission’s final findings and recommendations on the April elections in Abuja, the EU Chief Observer, Mr. Alojz Peterle said EU is of the view that despite its shortcomings, the outcome of the elections enjoyed a good measure of credibility and is an improvement over previous polls.

He further expressed the expectation of the EU that the successful conclusion of the elections would serve to erase the notion that Nigeria cannot leave in unity following the controversies that trailed the general election.

Alojz described as a positive development the fact that Federal Government was able to implement some of the reforms in the electoral process such as areas bordering on the financial autonomy of INEC and provisions for non-partisanship of the commission’s leadership.

On the whole, the Mission noted that the legal framework for the April general elections provided an adequate basis for the conduct democratic elections in accordance with international principles.

It said the Presidential polls were conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner with enthusiastic voters filling out to cast their votes without much hindrance.

However, the EU Chief Observer regretted the failure of government to implement some aspects of the Electoral Reform Committee’s recommendations dealing with independent appointment of INEC chairman, the Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) and the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission.

He also faulted the inability of the authorities to bring into force a Political Parties Registration and Regulatory Commission as well as allow the participation of independent candidates in the April elections.

Some of the shortcomings reported by EU in its findings that there was incidence of under-aged voting in the northern part of the country, while members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) involved in the elections were pressurised by politicians to allow these under-aged voters to vote.

According to the report, the polls also witnessed cases of intimidation of voters and observers in some parts of the country during the just concluded election.

Lafarge WAPCO May Raise N45bn from Market

Chairman of Lafarge Cement WAPCO, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye

Lafarge Cement WAPCO Nigeria Plc is likely to hit the capital market with  N45 billion  bond issue  to refinance its medium-term loan  in the third quarter(Q3) of 2011, THISDAY checks have revealed.

Lafarge Cement WAPCO had obtained N45.27 billion syndicated multi-currency medium-term loan in 2008 to finance its  expansion project called Lakatabu at Ewekoro, Ogun State.

The repayment of the facility is expected to commence in the last quarter of 2011. But in order to mitigate its impact on the profitability of the company, a bond issuance is being planned to refinance the loan facility.

Chairman of Lafarge Cement WAPCO, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye had during the 52nd Annual General Meeting  held recently in Lagos confirmed the bond issue to shareholders, saying that the details were being finalised.

Sources close to the company told THISDAY last Monday that from every indication, the bond would be issued in Q3 of 2011.

“We are in the process and while much  details cannot be given out  now due to regulatory requirements, I can tell you that by Q3, Lafarge Cement WAPCO will  float the  bond,” the source said.

The source added that Book Building process would be used for the bond, adding  that investors are very enthusiastic about the bond given the prospects of the value addition potential of the Lakatabu project, which would commence production very soon.

It is expected that the funds to be raised via the bond would lessen the pressure to repay the loan and interest charges on the company.

An official of the company said while the proceeds of the bond would be used immediately to repay the term-loan, repayment of the bond later would be facilitated by the expected improved cash flow of the company  as a result of the Lakatabu project.

Osunkeye had said the  2.2 million  metric tonnes would  bring the company’s total cement  production capacity to 4.4 million metric tonnes per annum.

“The completion of the Lakatabu project will take company’s total cement production capacity to 4.4 million metric tonnes per annum. The project represents a significant milestone for the company and will help to further secure the future of the company and of its potential to continue to create value for the shareholders and all stakeholders,” he said.

Shareholders of the Lafarge Cement WAPCO had at the AGM approved the proposal of the company to go into power business after Osunkeye had explained that the decision was informed by the need for the company to provide for their own power use and sell or export any excess to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (if they are interested) or neighbouring countries, which in turn will yield profit for the organisation.

The directors of the company sought the permission of the shareholders to engage in the business of power generation, distribution, trading, energy or power rentals, as well as the managers of electric power works.

Long Walk to Freedom (of Information)

Senate President, David Mark

The Freedom of Information Bill, otherwise called FoI Bill, generated so much concern from both its lovers and haters. It is designed to make “public records and information more freely available, provide for public access to public records and information, protect public records and information to the extent consistent with the public interest and the protection of personal privacy, protect serving public officers from adverse consequences of disclosing certain kinds of official information without authorisation and establish procedures for the achievement of those purposes; and related purposes thereof.”

To the admirers and promoters, this is a simple bill with the aim to foster transparency and accountability; but to a few number of people, this is an unnecessary bill aimed at reducing governance/government in Nigeria. Unfortunately the opponents who were not too comfortable succeeded in “killing” the bill for some time. However, the admirers of the bill are laughing last.

The torturous journey to the passage and eventual assent to the bill started on December 8, 1999 when the bill was first gazetted. Ordinarily, given the present global sermon on transparency, accountability and good governance, it would have been expected that the bill would sail through the two chambers of the National Assembly without hassle. Alas, reverse was the case!

After a five-year campaign, the House of Representatives on August 25, 2004 passed the Freedom of Information Bill with minor amendments. The process leading to the third reading, adoption and passage of the bill began on August 5, 2004. At that sitting, the House began its deliberations from Section 3 and ended in Section 7, leaving out Sections 1 and 2 that deal with the Title and Interpretation. The House also adopted an amendment to Section 1, which dealt with the title. The House amended the previous title, Freedom of Information Bill 1999 to read Freedom of Access to Information Bill 2003.

Similarly the Senate undertook the first reading of the Bill on November 23, 2004. While Nigerians were hoping for the quick passage of the bill, the Senate on February 17, 2005 began debates on the bill on a controversial note with an inconclusive plenary session. But the bill eventually sailed through the second reading with strong support from most senators. 

The National Assembly, however, dashed the hopes of quick passage of the bill as the public hearing on FoI Bill was postponed from March 15, 2005 to March 22, 2005. It was again moved from April 12, 2005 to April 2006. 

Finally, reason seemed to have prevailed as the bill was unanimously passed by the Senate on November 15, 2006 after a clause by clause consideration of the bill and the conclusion of the third reading at its plenary session. On February 2, 2007, the National Assembly constituted the Conference Committee on the Freedom of Information Bill to harmonise the two versions of the Bill passed by the House of Representatives and Senate, and on February 14, 2007 the Conference Committee of the National Assembly concluded the harmonisation of the two versions of the bill, paving the way for it to go before the President for Assent.

With high expectations everyone looked forward to April 27, 2007 for former President Olusegun Obasanjo to assent to the bill. The former president declined to sign into law the Freedom of Information Bill, saying the bill, in its form, would undermine the security of Nigeria. 

This made the Freedom of Information Coalition (FOIC) launch a signature campaign in support of a petition asking the National Assembly to pass the Freedom of Information Bill into law on September 11, 2007. The final passage of the National Assembly by the present crop of legislators and the assent by President Goodluck Jonathan has put paid to the long torturous journey the Freedom of Information Bill went through.

Public Information Is Set Free as FoI Becomes Law

President Goodluck Jonathan

Do you want to know how much Nigeria spends on importing petroleum products and who the contractors are? Simple. All you have to do now is write a letter to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to request the information.

Within seven days, you are entitled to a response. If not, you can take NNPC to court and get an order to compel the corporation to reveal the information.

It may even get better: if any NNPC official attempts to destroy or doctor the records, he or she will be liable to a criminal prosecution, which may result in a one-year prison term.

Welcome to the age of Freedom of Information in Nigeria where many files marked “top secret” by government officials can now be made available to ordinary Nigerians under the Freedom of Informa-tion Act, which was signed at the weekend by President Goodluck Jonathan after passage by the National Assembly last week.

This is expected to promote transparency and accountability in government.

The Bill was sent to the president on May 27, 2011 and he assented to it in 24 hours, thereby ending a long, tortuous journey that started on December 9, 1999 when it was first gazetted. It was the oldest legislation in the works in Nigeria’s legislative history.

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2011, any Nigerian is free to apply to a government institution to request access to public information and records.

If this application is not granted in seven days, it would amount to refusal, except the institution seeks additional seven days because of the volume of the records requested.

If the request is to be turned down, the public institution must state the reason under the law. The refusal letter must contain the name, designation and signature of every official involved.

Failure to respond within the stipulated number of days would amount to a denial of access, which is punishable with a fine of N500,000, according to Section 5(7) of the Act.

Section 10 prescribes a minimum of one year imprisonment for any officer or head of any government or public institution “to which this Act applies to wilfully destroy any records kept in his custody or attempt to doctor or otherwise alter same before they are released to any person, entity or community applying for it”.

All public institutions are compelled to keep records and information and organise them in a way that is accessible to the public.

The Act states some exemptions to the rule – namely information that could compromise national security and the conduct of international affairs.

Also exempted from public access are records that could expose trade secrets, trade party intrusion into contractual negotiation process, test questions, architectural and engineering designs, research materials under preparation, legal practitioner-client relationship, health worker-patient relationship and journalist’s confidential source of information.

Also exempted are records for international use of organisation that could interfere with law enforcement and fair trial or amount to intrusion of privacy or exposure of a confidential source.

However, if a court deems public interest to be more paramount in these instances, the information may still be made available to the applicant.

A statement from Presidency Tuesday said the FoI Bill was signed by Jonathan on Saturday to show his support for the law expected to help transform the country.

The signing of the law was obviously done outside the klieg lights as newsmen were not part of the signing ceremony.

The statement said: “President Goodluck Jonathan has signed the Freedom of Information Bill 2011 into law.

“The Bill, which was passed by the outgoing National Assembly was conveyed to the Presidency on Friday, May 27, 2011. President Jonathan assented to it on Saturday, May 28.

“The objective of the Act is to make public records and information more freely available and to also protect public records and information to the extent consistent with the public interest and protection of personal privacy.

“The Freedom of Information Act also seeks to protect serving public officers from any adverse consequences of disclosing certain kinds of official information without authorisation, and to establish procedures for the achievement of these purposes.”

The  Newspaper Proprietors' Association of Nigeria (NPAN) Tuesday commended the timely assent in a statement signed by the President of the association, Mr Nduka Obaigbena, who is also the Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of THISDAY Newspapers.

He also commended the leadership of the outgoing National Assembly, civil society groups, media, labour, other groups under the canopy of the Freedom of Information Coalition, and the general public for their dedication to the cause of an informed citizenry, which is the bedrock of democratic practice. 

He urged Nigerians to avail themselves of the opportunities offered by the Freedom of Information Act, to enhance transparency and good governance and to work towards achieving a zero tolerance for corruption and impunity.

Responding to the news Tuesday, the Nigeria Guild of Editors, in a statement signed by its president, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, commended the president for keeping to his words.

He said the media “has expanded the frontiers of press freedom for Africa’s most vibrant press. No more will it be permitted for the journalists to hurry to press with half truth and misinformation when they can officially verify their facts”.

Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State said the signing is a “victory for all Nigerians who waged relentless war to entrench transparency in governance”.

Commenting on the development, Chairman of Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-governmental Affairs, Senator Smart Adeyemi, said the signing of the FoI Bill, was a testimony that the President has kick-started his transformation project for Nigeria.

Other groups that expressed delight with the President’s assent to the law are Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

Highlights

• Any Nigerian can apply for access to public records and information.

• Any institution that fails to provide the information required would be fined N500,000

• An applicant can sue the agency that refuses to release information.

• Certain information can be withheld if it could compromise national security, give away a confidential source, be injurious to international affairs, intrude privacy, expose trade secrets etc

• Nevertheless, a court may compel the release of such information if the national interest is considered to be more paramount

• If any public officer destroys or doctors public records before making them available, he risks criminal prosecution and imprisonment of a minimum of one year

• There shall be no liability for a public officer who makes the information available under the Act. The applicant is also not liable

Why IBB, Atiku, Ciroma, Gusau did not attend inauguration

President Goodluck Jonathan’s lack of any concrete inclination to achieve genuine reconciliation and move the country forward may have been responsible for the failure of leading members of the Northern Political Leaders Forum (NPLF) to attend the president’s swearing in on Sunday May 29.

A second reason has to do with some “uncomplimentary remarks” being said about leaders of the group particularly, Ibrahim Babangida, Malam Adamu Ciroma, Atiku Abubakar and Gen. Aliyu Gusau, a source close to the NPLF has said.

It would be recalled that the quartet were not present at the Eagle Square where Jonathan’s new government was inaugurated on Sunday despite a formal invitation handed to each of them.

According to the source, “initially they had individually decided to attend but when they met and compared notes, they decided not to attend for two reasons:

“Despite all Jonathan had been saying about unity, he had not shown any concrete inclination to achieve genuine reconciliation. He has been so inconsistent that he cannot be trusted.”

“Reports emanating from Jonathan’s camp, and they are from reliable sources, said uncomplimentary remarks being said about the four of them and the NPLF discouraged them from attending.”

On Friday, Babangida confirmed to Daily Trust that he had been officially invited but he would be attending the inauguration of the new government in his home state, Niger.

“Yes, I was invited to attend all the events, I would say, but I am attending the ceremony in Minna, my home state and it is happening in my hometown. So I am backing my state government. And it’s not new, may be to some of you or some media outside there, it’s new. But if you recall I did the first one here in Niger State. It’s a state that has been so fortunate; therefore I prefer to do it here while Abdulsalami Abubakar will do it in Abuja. And that is democracy, freedom of choice,” he said.

When asked whether that will not have bearing on state events that he might be invited to attend by the President in the future, he said: “No, it just happens that there are two events (at the same time) both at the national level and at the state level and both are important and I chose to look at it from the immediate level, the Niger State level.”

Falae Flays Proposed CBN Policy On Cash Withdrawal

                                         Chief Olu Falae, Former Finance Minister

Former Minister of Finance and Ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Chief Olu Falae Monday described the Central Bank of Nigeria policy which limited daily   cash withdrawals to N150,000 for individuals and N1m for corporate organizations as not only a farce but unrealistic.

Falae in a chat with journalists noted that the CBN policy action if implemented would be an infringement on the fundamental right of every Nigerian and which is challengeable in the law court.

He noted that rather than the new policy limiting cash withdrawals, the CBN governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi should pursue financial and fiscal policy that would encourage the use of cheque.

‘I think the whole policy is unnecessary, it is all nonsense because we are in a democracy and the money I put in the bank is my personal property. No Central Bank has the right to tell me how much of my money I can withdraw at any point in time.

“The constitution guarantees the right of owning property, how can a governor of the Central Bank or the government abridge my right given by the 1999 Constitution of the country?

“It is a complete military mentality to foist such policy on Nigerians. It is unacceptable. You can pursue policy that will encourage people to deposit cheque and use less of cash, not by decree or by force,” he pointed out.

The former SGF explained that he is ready to drag the CBN to court over its unconstitutional step.

Speaking on the expectations of Nigerians from President Goodluck Jonathan, Falae urged the President to re- create confidence across the nation, end killings and instability and adopt a national development programme.

According to him, Nigeria cannot be an investment haven if the killings in some northern states and part of Niger Delta are not addressed.

“The act of barbarian in some states in the North should be addressed with all seriousness. No investor will want to come to this country because of these killings. They will think Nigeria is unsafe for business”.

He also stressed the need for Mr. President to address the crisis of confidence which had been created by wide spread violence that followed the last election, adding that the killings that took place had shattered confidence within the nation.

Falae added that president Jonathan needed to re-build total confidence across the nation, so that people can have confidence in his administration.

‘The primary task of Mr. President is to ensure that he re-builds people’s confidence in his administration, we cannot begin to develop and grow if there is no trust”, he said.

UN Warns Nigeria on Non-budgeted Economic Plans

                                                                  President Goodluck Jonathan

The United Nations has warned Nigeria not to embark on grandiose economic plans that are not budgeted for, stressing that operating the nation’s economy like that will take away the advantage, which the country derives from its massive human and material endowments.

Special Adviser to the United Nations Secretary General, Prof. Jeffery Sachs said this  in Lagos while addressing a forum of key public and private sector players in the country.

“Do not emulate the United States where we make big plans without budgeting which has left us with huge deficits over the years.
You must implement your national budget with a plan. Integrating plans with budgets and putting it together in a Medium Term Frame Work is a sine qua non of development,” Sachs said.

The United Nation’s envoy advised the nation’s economic managers not to try to budget for the development of the entire needed infrastructure in the country; instead, he encouraged the government to take advantage of funds from foreign capital markets.

While declaring that Nigeria will be one of the most important nations in the world in the 21st century, he advised that leaders of the country must ensure that sustainable development with serious attention paid to the sanctity of the environment and ecology is the watch word.

“Please remember that climate change is real, it is coming and adds to the fragility. So, do not press against the limits of the ecology,” the UN envoy warned. He explained that the coming decade will be Nigeria’s greatest decade when the country would be the fastest growing economy in the world.

Listing the ingredients which Nigeria requires to attain its potential as one of the major economies of the world, he said there was serious need for planning. He said the nation and leaders of the private and public sectors must plan effectively and not surrender the fate of the nation’s economy to mere market forces.

Sachs also identified integrated urban and rural development which he said will lead to infrastructure enhancement, human capital development, job creation and therefore the overall development of the nation’s economy.

He also called for a national scale infrastructure development in the areas of road, power rail. “You need a full rail network to freight  goods and people in order to be able to take advantage of your size as a big country,” he stressed.

Maternal health and family planning was also identified as a step which the country needs to take to conquer its odds and become a leading nation in the global economy.

He said the nation needs to understand that serious planning would be required to manage a country whose current population is estimated to be about 158 million people and projected to rise to 158 million in 2030; 390 million in 2050 and 730 million in the year 2100.