The G8 or group of 8 world richest nations (America, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, Canada, Japan and Russia) at their 2005 summit in Gleneagles pledged to increase financial aid to Africa and other poor countries. The G8 leaders in 2005 pledged to raise up to $50 billion dollars in aid by 2010. At the just concluded G8 summit (July 7th to July 10th 2009) which took place in L’Aquila Italy, Gordon Brown (the United Kingdom Prime Minister) and other G8 leaders called on the group to honour the promise they made in 2005 to help Africa and other poor countries. As their summit ended in Italy, the G8 pledged another $20 billion for efforts to boost food supply to the hungry.
Reacting to the above summits as it concerns Africa, I do not think that Africa needs financial aid from the G8 countries. What Africa needs is the reparation of stolen wealth stashed in western banks, economic transparency, true democracy and peace. Therefore the G8 leaders should forget about aid to Africa and work on returning all the stolen wealth to Africa. African leaders have milked the continent dry by looting their treasuries. Many leaders (past and present) are guilty of this offence. These stolen wealth are taken to Europe, America, Asia and Middle East. Using Nigeria as a case study, “The United Nations (UN) says Nigerian kleptocrats have milked the nation to the tune of about $100 billion dollars thorough various acts of grand corruption, the cost of which it lamented by far exceeded the damage caused by any other single crime”(the Daily Sun, Wednesday, December 3, 2008 page 9). Please note that the Daily Sun mentioned above was published in Nigeria.
The figure quoted above by the United Nations is more than the total amount of aid that the G8 promised the entire African countries and other poor countries. Therefore without corruption, Nigeria would have been an economically powerful nation and thus help other African nations. Most of the Nigerian stolen wealth are scattered all over the Western countries especially the Swiss, Liechtenstein, and Luxembourg Banks. The late Nigerian Head of State, General Sani Abacha kept most of his stolen wealth in Swiss Bank. He stole over $3 billion dollars. Till date, all the money has not been recovered. Am sure the Swiss Banks are still accepting corrupt money from most corrupt African leaders.
Just recently the Nigerian government traced the Halliburton $150 million dollar bribe money to Zurich. The total amount was $180 million dollars. $30 million dollar is yet to be traced or found. A lot of corrupt Nigerian leaders have used the state money to acquire personal properties in Europe and America. Other corrupt African leaders like, late Mobutu Sese Seku (former president of Democratic Republic of Congo), Charles Taylor (former Liberian President) Ibrahim Babangida (former Nigerian Head of State) etc have most of there stolen wealth all over the world.
The G8 countries have a complete dossier or can easily obtain data on all corrupt money and properties of corrupt African leaders. If the G8 is sincere about giving aid to Africa, they should repatriate this money back to the people whose leaders have made poor and miserable. Bob Geldof has done marvellously well to bring the G8 leaders attention to the plight of poor people of Africa. His project of making poverty history will be more meaningful if he can re-strategize his campaign and ask the G8 leaders to return all the stolen wealth in their countries or else where in world back to Africa.
The World Bank should also consider stopping financial aid to Africa particularly where there is a proven case of corrupt leadership. In a recent World Bank consultation in London (Wednesday, June 17th 2009), I asked about their criteria for disbursing aids and loans to developing countries. Though that the World Bank might want to help the poor, but in most cases the problems they are trying to solve were caused by corrupt leaders. The World Bank should devise a means of working with other international financial institutions, to make it difficult for corrupt African leaders to keep their looted money any where in the world. Reparation of the already stolen wealth should be on the agenda of the World Bank. This is the best way the can help the poor people of Africa.
Africa cannot develop by relying on western aid. Also the Western countries cannot continue giving aid to Africa. The present global economic down turn is a pointer that financial aid from the G8 might not be sustainable. “According to Action Aid, Italy is on course to fall $1.037bn short of its Gleneagles pledge to double financial support to Africa, while France is $1.249bn behind, Germany $497m, the United States $263m, Canada $186m and Japan $138m” (the Independent newspaper, Wednesday, 8TH July 2009, page 2). Please note that the independent newspaper mentioned above is published in the United Kingdom
African leaders should learn to develop their economy with minimal foreign reliance. They should look at a fellow third world country like Cuba. Cuba has survived worst economic blockades from the west for over 40 years. Not withstanding the western economic blockages against Cuba, no third world country has approached or even come closer to the Cuban high standards in health and education. At some point, there were more than 15,000 (fifteen thousand) Cuban medical doctors working in over 25 countries of the third world. This should be a model for other countries to copy and not waiting for financial aid. It’s better to teach and tell Africa to be self reliant than giving aids.
What the G8 should do for Africa is to stop the flow of small arms to the continent. Angola, Congo DRC, Somali, Eritrea etc are examples of the havocs these small arms have done to Africa. The G8 should consider withdrawing recognition of dictators like Omar al-Bashir of Sudan for his complicities in the Darfur crisis. The G8 should also consider tougher sanctions for countries with poor human rights records, for example Burma, Zimbabwe, etc. Any assistance or partnership should be tied down to transparent democratic process.
Finally if for any reason(s) the G8 decides to go ahead with giving financial aid to African countries. Strict conditions have to be met. A country like Liberia should be considered, this is due to their improvement on curtailing corruption. Ghana and Botswana should be considered for being the beacon of democracy in Africa. Nigeria should never be given any assistance or further loans. This is because it ends up in private pockets. Nigeria is sufficiently rich to solve her problems. May God bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta
An activist and leader of “Support Option A4 Group” Leicester-UK
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
Sunday, 12 July 2009
Friday, 10 July 2009
Of Looters, Leaders And The EFCC List
The news blared out at me, and many Nigerians in the Nigerian Tribune of Friday, 10 July 2009 – “Bode George, Kalu, Ladoja, Dariye, 52 others looted N243bn –EFCC”.
It was written in very bold headlines that the “Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released the names of 56 Nigerians it alleged collectively removed over N243 billion from the nation’s treasury. The names, some of which the EFCC Chairman, Mrs. Farida Waziri, referred to as politically revered people in the international community, were contained in a list handed over to the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), as the EFCC and NLC commenced their strategic partnership to intensify the fight against corruption in the country. The list contained names of well-known politicians, former governors, ministers, permanent secretaries, civil servants, chairmen and members of parastatal agencies, local government chairmen, members of the House of Representatives and senators”.
Well, well, well. If that BIG news does not shake the world, nothing ever will, from the viewpoint of the EFCC. The massive sum of N243 billion (at today’s exchange rate that translates to less than £1 billion) is earthshaking, isn’t it? And by just 56 people? BIG news to me and Nigerians, indeed. Surely the EFCC could do better than that. And in fact, corrupt Nigerian leaders could do much better than that. Only N243 billion? During Obasanjo’s Government alone, it was estimated that over $100 billion was looted or mismanaged or both. For example, Tony Anenih, his Transport Minister (and the most dangerous politician in Nigeria, according to some people) alone misappropriated N300 billion meant for road infrastructure. This is another name missing from that EFCC list.
To be frank, I am neither interested nor impressed with this news which I suspect is designed to shock Nigerians and bring sympathy to the embattled EFCC and its Chairman.
First, Nigerians are now immune to such shock tactics when it comes to our corrupt leaders and the exposure of their corrupt practices and shenanigans. So what is being done about this list?
Second, the amount of N243 billion is so infinitesimal and negligible, except to the named looters, perhaps. This is a drop in the ocean and is the tip of the iceberg, I daresay.
Third, the list is the most incomplete and inconsistent document of its type in the world, judging by the conspicuous absence or omission of bigger looters of our national treasury.
Fourth, how far back does this list go? Does it include past leaders and officials in the Second, Third or Fourth Republic and the various military governments we have had since independence?
Having said that, I suppose we must still commend the EFCC for braving the storm and coming out with that list of 56 looters (I will not say “alleged looters”, because we are 100% sure they are looters, even if not proven in court – Rule of law or not, I do not give a damn)
So I quickly delved into my own records and did a little bit of research to come up with more names, since this seems to be the season of naming and shaming of those who have relegated us to this terrible misery and mess.
Please note that I am not following any bogus list such as the one purported to have originated from the World Bank (and other various organisations) and which had been circulating around for the past two years. I do not believe that list, and the World Bank itself has since distanced itself from the authorship of that list.
Neither am I sure of any definite figures of the amounts looted. Nobody will ever know except the looters themselves. Even the various governments (and arms of governments) of Nigeria do not know, and will never know. The money looted is so massive it boggles the mind.
So, why are the following names missing from the EFCC list?
James Ibori - former Governor of Delta State, who ruled and looted Delta State for eight uninterrupted years and was an ex-convict, hostage initiator and negotiator and power broker in Abuja. He is the most rapacious looters of them all, who is still enjoying a lot of favour with the Presidency. Just last month, June 2008, his fertiliser company, which used to be the government-owned national Fertiliser Company of Nigeria, (he bought it while he was still in power – where did he get the money?) was awarded a N40 billion contract to supply fertiliser to the Federal Government of Nigeria. He still has a case with the EFCC, which, at the way it’s going, will never get to court.
Peter Odili – former Governor of Rivers State – he wanted to go for the Presidency of Nigeria (in order to loot more) but we were saved by Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, when Ribadu put his file on Obasanjo’s desk and persuaded the then President that Odili must surely not get within a distance of the Presidency of Nigeria. Ribadu scuttled Odili’s ambition. He now lives in relative peace somewhere in Abuja, not daring to go to Port Harcourt, a place he ruled for eight years. He also slapped us in the face when he got a court injunction against the EFCC not to investigate or even arrest him. Why would he do that if he is innocent? But there we are. The Nigerian Judiciary as a barrier to good governance and justice.
Abubakar Atiku – former Vice President, who fell out with his boss. A very clever politician, nobody has been able to pin anything on him, but we know he looted. His name being mentioned at all in the US Representative Jefferson’s trial in the US is enough proof that he was involved in a lot of underhand corrupt practices while he was in power. Remember he was in charge of the selling off of several Federal Government assets, and he cleverly bought or had controlling interests in most of them. He was also a major benefactor of contracts during the All-African Games (COJA) held in Abuja, supervised by that most-corrupt of civil servant, Amos Adamu (that is another missing name on that list)
Bola Tinubu – former Lagos State Governor for eight years. He looted Lagos State, no doubt about that, but commendably, he made good amends by imposing a good Governor on Lagos State (a very good and deserved imposition in my opinion, and which all Nigerians can see is yielding results and giving us a glimmer of hope, belief and prosperity in a sea of desperation and hopelessness). Apologies to the excellent (the only real Excellency in Nigeria) Governor Fashola, but we must call a spade a spade.
Chimaroke Nnamani – former Governor of Enugu State for eight years; the man who acquired over 200 properties in eight years of governorship. Tell me he did not loot. He is now a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. A real shame. His name is on the EFCC list, by the way, but I just have to mention him again.
Lucky Igbinedion – former Governor of Edo State for eight years, whose father pleaded with the people to re-elect him, and he got re-elected of course. Eight years of moribund governance and looting; benefitting only himself, his father, his family, his girlfriends and close friends. The most useless Governor we ever had in Nigeria.
Others are: Olusegun Agagu, former Governor of Ondo State, another useless and corrupt man, my former lecturer; DSP Alamieyeseigha, disgraced former Governor of Bayelsa State and self-styled “Ijaw General” who I will admit, has done his term in prison even if only for six months. At least he was put on trial and jailed.
What about all those Northern Governors during Obasanjo’s Administration? Apart from the notorious Joshua Dariye of Plateau State, there are too many of them to mention. They all looted, and incidentally and ironically their atrocities were the least publicised in Nigeria.
Again, what about Ministers, past and present, who have, and are still looting in collaboration with their civil servants? Current AGF and Minster of Justice, Michael Aondoakaa, has been named in one or two bribery scandals involving Ajaokuta and Delta Steel Mills? And Super Special Advisers and Special Assistants like Andy Ubah? And what about Senators and members of the House of Representatives and their collective heads. And don’t forget the states too.
Even the ruling PDP party hierarchy are not excluded; due to the curious way we practice our democracy, top and even lowly party officials are not separated from government and seem to have unlimited access to the national treasury. This list is going to stretch as long as the Great Wall of China, if I go on and list individual names.
And now if we go a bit further back:
Ibrahim Babangida – former Generalissimo and Military President of Nigeria for eight years until the wave of June 12 1993 swept over him. A very clever man who mud will never stick to. But we know he looted the treasury dry by the time he reluctantly handed over power to Earnest Shonekan and eventually to our Nemesis, Sani Abacha.
Abdulsalam Abubakar – former Head of State for a brief period who to his credit, initiated and implemented faithfully the transition to our present democracy (or demo-crazy), one of the few generals in the Nigerian Army who rose to the top without holding political office until he was appointed as Head of State following Abacha’s sudden and welcome demise. He has held only command and military positions, and has, in general, stayed out of the political limelight. However, during his short spell as head of state, he made a hell of a lot of money. Tell me he did not loot. His name has been connected to the Halliburton bribery scandal. That hardly exonerates him from our woes, does it?
A few more names to mention for their complicity in the looting and raping of Nigeria (and this list of mine is by no means exhaustive):
T Y Danjuma, former Defence Minister under Obasanjo who fell out with his colleague and friend over a small matter of oil blocks; Lukman Rilwan, former OPEC Secretary-General, Foreign and Oil Minister and now holding several Directorships in (you guessed it) oil companies, and is now serving as Minister of Petroleum Resources in Yar’Adua’s Government; Ayo Fayose, former Governor of Ekiti State and “poultry expert”, he never had a lot to steal due to the small allocation to his state, but stole he did, the little he could.
In the meantime, there is no end to the looting in sight: the following people still in government are still stealing: Adebayo Alao-Akala of Oyo State, party-goer and propagandist, who recently, after only two years in office, told the good people of Oyo State that he had delivered on all his pre-election promises (go to Ibadan, the state capital, and you will see exactly what he has delivered - nothing); Gbenga Daniel of Ogun State, the master of false propaganda, self-publicist, fetishist and illegal oath-taker, who was forcing all members of his government and House of Assembly members to take primitive oaths of allegiance to him. He is still looting Ogun State, in fact on my recent visit to Nigeria last month, and visiting Abeokuta, the state capital, I had the impression that the man owns all the industries, properties and businesses in the state. Look at his Compass Newspaper complex on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, and you will wonder where he got the money to invest in a newspaper. Also there are talks of him building and owning several housing estates in the state.
Ah, and “Oyin Ni O”, Oyinlola Olagunsoye, second term Governor of Osun State, another party-goer and consummate golfer (you will always find him playing golf at Ada, Osun State) and crude comedian (you should see him in a YouTube video raining curses and abuses in Yoruba on his opponents when he was campaigning for Segun Oni during the Ekiti State rerun election). Where do we find these murderous jokers? He is stealing Osun State blind, trust me.
Bukola Saraki, second-term Governor of Kwara State and a power behind the throne in Abuja is another one who will prove to be a great looter of the treasury. He and his family rule the roost in the state and have virtually converted Kwara State into a family or personal fiefdom, to do as they please. The case of the Zimbabwean farmers is such that these farmers are not there for the benefit of Kwara State but for the benefit of the Saraki family. And we also know what the Saraki family did to depositors and investors of Societe-Generale Bank. Last I heard, the same EFCC still have the case open, but who dares prosecute or stand in the way of the Saraki’s? Currently, the state government is building an official First Lady’s Lodge for the wife of the Governor. If that is not looting, I would like to know what it is.
At this juncture, I think it is best that I stop, since any attempt to go on will just infuriate me more, and at any rate, it is nigh impossible to mention all the names of all Nigeria’s looters swirling in my brain.
However, I’d like to let Mrs Farida Waziri and the EFCC know that Nigerians are not impressed with this list of 56 mostly minor rogues (the names of such people as Olabode George, Orji Kalu, Iyabo Obasanjo, and some foreigners notwithstanding) stealing only N243 billion – less than £1 billion). There should be more important names on that list; the list is much longer and the amount is much, much more.
We are not impressed!
It was written in very bold headlines that the “Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released the names of 56 Nigerians it alleged collectively removed over N243 billion from the nation’s treasury. The names, some of which the EFCC Chairman, Mrs. Farida Waziri, referred to as politically revered people in the international community, were contained in a list handed over to the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), as the EFCC and NLC commenced their strategic partnership to intensify the fight against corruption in the country. The list contained names of well-known politicians, former governors, ministers, permanent secretaries, civil servants, chairmen and members of parastatal agencies, local government chairmen, members of the House of Representatives and senators”.
Well, well, well. If that BIG news does not shake the world, nothing ever will, from the viewpoint of the EFCC. The massive sum of N243 billion (at today’s exchange rate that translates to less than £1 billion) is earthshaking, isn’t it? And by just 56 people? BIG news to me and Nigerians, indeed. Surely the EFCC could do better than that. And in fact, corrupt Nigerian leaders could do much better than that. Only N243 billion? During Obasanjo’s Government alone, it was estimated that over $100 billion was looted or mismanaged or both. For example, Tony Anenih, his Transport Minister (and the most dangerous politician in Nigeria, according to some people) alone misappropriated N300 billion meant for road infrastructure. This is another name missing from that EFCC list.
To be frank, I am neither interested nor impressed with this news which I suspect is designed to shock Nigerians and bring sympathy to the embattled EFCC and its Chairman.
First, Nigerians are now immune to such shock tactics when it comes to our corrupt leaders and the exposure of their corrupt practices and shenanigans. So what is being done about this list?
Second, the amount of N243 billion is so infinitesimal and negligible, except to the named looters, perhaps. This is a drop in the ocean and is the tip of the iceberg, I daresay.
Third, the list is the most incomplete and inconsistent document of its type in the world, judging by the conspicuous absence or omission of bigger looters of our national treasury.
Fourth, how far back does this list go? Does it include past leaders and officials in the Second, Third or Fourth Republic and the various military governments we have had since independence?
Having said that, I suppose we must still commend the EFCC for braving the storm and coming out with that list of 56 looters (I will not say “alleged looters”, because we are 100% sure they are looters, even if not proven in court – Rule of law or not, I do not give a damn)
So I quickly delved into my own records and did a little bit of research to come up with more names, since this seems to be the season of naming and shaming of those who have relegated us to this terrible misery and mess.
Please note that I am not following any bogus list such as the one purported to have originated from the World Bank (and other various organisations) and which had been circulating around for the past two years. I do not believe that list, and the World Bank itself has since distanced itself from the authorship of that list.
Neither am I sure of any definite figures of the amounts looted. Nobody will ever know except the looters themselves. Even the various governments (and arms of governments) of Nigeria do not know, and will never know. The money looted is so massive it boggles the mind.
So, why are the following names missing from the EFCC list?
James Ibori - former Governor of Delta State, who ruled and looted Delta State for eight uninterrupted years and was an ex-convict, hostage initiator and negotiator and power broker in Abuja. He is the most rapacious looters of them all, who is still enjoying a lot of favour with the Presidency. Just last month, June 2008, his fertiliser company, which used to be the government-owned national Fertiliser Company of Nigeria, (he bought it while he was still in power – where did he get the money?) was awarded a N40 billion contract to supply fertiliser to the Federal Government of Nigeria. He still has a case with the EFCC, which, at the way it’s going, will never get to court.
Peter Odili – former Governor of Rivers State – he wanted to go for the Presidency of Nigeria (in order to loot more) but we were saved by Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, when Ribadu put his file on Obasanjo’s desk and persuaded the then President that Odili must surely not get within a distance of the Presidency of Nigeria. Ribadu scuttled Odili’s ambition. He now lives in relative peace somewhere in Abuja, not daring to go to Port Harcourt, a place he ruled for eight years. He also slapped us in the face when he got a court injunction against the EFCC not to investigate or even arrest him. Why would he do that if he is innocent? But there we are. The Nigerian Judiciary as a barrier to good governance and justice.
Abubakar Atiku – former Vice President, who fell out with his boss. A very clever politician, nobody has been able to pin anything on him, but we know he looted. His name being mentioned at all in the US Representative Jefferson’s trial in the US is enough proof that he was involved in a lot of underhand corrupt practices while he was in power. Remember he was in charge of the selling off of several Federal Government assets, and he cleverly bought or had controlling interests in most of them. He was also a major benefactor of contracts during the All-African Games (COJA) held in Abuja, supervised by that most-corrupt of civil servant, Amos Adamu (that is another missing name on that list)
Bola Tinubu – former Lagos State Governor for eight years. He looted Lagos State, no doubt about that, but commendably, he made good amends by imposing a good Governor on Lagos State (a very good and deserved imposition in my opinion, and which all Nigerians can see is yielding results and giving us a glimmer of hope, belief and prosperity in a sea of desperation and hopelessness). Apologies to the excellent (the only real Excellency in Nigeria) Governor Fashola, but we must call a spade a spade.
Chimaroke Nnamani – former Governor of Enugu State for eight years; the man who acquired over 200 properties in eight years of governorship. Tell me he did not loot. He is now a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. A real shame. His name is on the EFCC list, by the way, but I just have to mention him again.
Lucky Igbinedion – former Governor of Edo State for eight years, whose father pleaded with the people to re-elect him, and he got re-elected of course. Eight years of moribund governance and looting; benefitting only himself, his father, his family, his girlfriends and close friends. The most useless Governor we ever had in Nigeria.
Others are: Olusegun Agagu, former Governor of Ondo State, another useless and corrupt man, my former lecturer; DSP Alamieyeseigha, disgraced former Governor of Bayelsa State and self-styled “Ijaw General” who I will admit, has done his term in prison even if only for six months. At least he was put on trial and jailed.
What about all those Northern Governors during Obasanjo’s Administration? Apart from the notorious Joshua Dariye of Plateau State, there are too many of them to mention. They all looted, and incidentally and ironically their atrocities were the least publicised in Nigeria.
Again, what about Ministers, past and present, who have, and are still looting in collaboration with their civil servants? Current AGF and Minster of Justice, Michael Aondoakaa, has been named in one or two bribery scandals involving Ajaokuta and Delta Steel Mills? And Super Special Advisers and Special Assistants like Andy Ubah? And what about Senators and members of the House of Representatives and their collective heads. And don’t forget the states too.
Even the ruling PDP party hierarchy are not excluded; due to the curious way we practice our democracy, top and even lowly party officials are not separated from government and seem to have unlimited access to the national treasury. This list is going to stretch as long as the Great Wall of China, if I go on and list individual names.
And now if we go a bit further back:
Ibrahim Babangida – former Generalissimo and Military President of Nigeria for eight years until the wave of June 12 1993 swept over him. A very clever man who mud will never stick to. But we know he looted the treasury dry by the time he reluctantly handed over power to Earnest Shonekan and eventually to our Nemesis, Sani Abacha.
Abdulsalam Abubakar – former Head of State for a brief period who to his credit, initiated and implemented faithfully the transition to our present democracy (or demo-crazy), one of the few generals in the Nigerian Army who rose to the top without holding political office until he was appointed as Head of State following Abacha’s sudden and welcome demise. He has held only command and military positions, and has, in general, stayed out of the political limelight. However, during his short spell as head of state, he made a hell of a lot of money. Tell me he did not loot. His name has been connected to the Halliburton bribery scandal. That hardly exonerates him from our woes, does it?
A few more names to mention for their complicity in the looting and raping of Nigeria (and this list of mine is by no means exhaustive):
T Y Danjuma, former Defence Minister under Obasanjo who fell out with his colleague and friend over a small matter of oil blocks; Lukman Rilwan, former OPEC Secretary-General, Foreign and Oil Minister and now holding several Directorships in (you guessed it) oil companies, and is now serving as Minister of Petroleum Resources in Yar’Adua’s Government; Ayo Fayose, former Governor of Ekiti State and “poultry expert”, he never had a lot to steal due to the small allocation to his state, but stole he did, the little he could.
In the meantime, there is no end to the looting in sight: the following people still in government are still stealing: Adebayo Alao-Akala of Oyo State, party-goer and propagandist, who recently, after only two years in office, told the good people of Oyo State that he had delivered on all his pre-election promises (go to Ibadan, the state capital, and you will see exactly what he has delivered - nothing); Gbenga Daniel of Ogun State, the master of false propaganda, self-publicist, fetishist and illegal oath-taker, who was forcing all members of his government and House of Assembly members to take primitive oaths of allegiance to him. He is still looting Ogun State, in fact on my recent visit to Nigeria last month, and visiting Abeokuta, the state capital, I had the impression that the man owns all the industries, properties and businesses in the state. Look at his Compass Newspaper complex on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, and you will wonder where he got the money to invest in a newspaper. Also there are talks of him building and owning several housing estates in the state.
Ah, and “Oyin Ni O”, Oyinlola Olagunsoye, second term Governor of Osun State, another party-goer and consummate golfer (you will always find him playing golf at Ada, Osun State) and crude comedian (you should see him in a YouTube video raining curses and abuses in Yoruba on his opponents when he was campaigning for Segun Oni during the Ekiti State rerun election). Where do we find these murderous jokers? He is stealing Osun State blind, trust me.
Bukola Saraki, second-term Governor of Kwara State and a power behind the throne in Abuja is another one who will prove to be a great looter of the treasury. He and his family rule the roost in the state and have virtually converted Kwara State into a family or personal fiefdom, to do as they please. The case of the Zimbabwean farmers is such that these farmers are not there for the benefit of Kwara State but for the benefit of the Saraki family. And we also know what the Saraki family did to depositors and investors of Societe-Generale Bank. Last I heard, the same EFCC still have the case open, but who dares prosecute or stand in the way of the Saraki’s? Currently, the state government is building an official First Lady’s Lodge for the wife of the Governor. If that is not looting, I would like to know what it is.
At this juncture, I think it is best that I stop, since any attempt to go on will just infuriate me more, and at any rate, it is nigh impossible to mention all the names of all Nigeria’s looters swirling in my brain.
However, I’d like to let Mrs Farida Waziri and the EFCC know that Nigerians are not impressed with this list of 56 mostly minor rogues (the names of such people as Olabode George, Orji Kalu, Iyabo Obasanjo, and some foreigners notwithstanding) stealing only N243 billion – less than £1 billion). There should be more important names on that list; the list is much longer and the amount is much, much more.
We are not impressed!
Wednesday, 8 July 2009
Sunday, 5 July 2009
Inconsistent Policies and High Rate of Abandoned Government Projects.
Policy continuation is something that is lacking in Nigeria. Once a new government takes over power, they usually abandon previous governmental policies or programs. This was made worse by past frequent military interventions in our polity. Even the civilians have not done better; they still follow the concepts of policy inconsistency. Very few policies were retained by subsequent administrations (both military and civilians). Examples of these are as follows; the National Youth Corp Scheme (NYSC). This scheme has lasted over 35 years. The federal character principle (inserted in the 1979 constitution) has lasted since 30 years. High level official corruption, which though is not “legal” but has become part of most governments since over 40 years.
Other policies might have also lasted, but the rate of policy inconsistency is too much and it’s not healthy for the nation and Nigerians. Policy inconsistency is also part of the reasons for numerous abandoned government projects. Am also aware that prevailing economic circumstances might entail a change in policy direction, but a careful study of the Nigerian situation shows most of these policy inconsistencies are an avenue for siphoning public funds. Few examples will be examined.
When Obasanjo first ruled Nigeria as a military head of state (1976-1979), he introduced the Operation Feed the Nation (OFN). It was meant to boost agricultural productivity. His successor, Alhaji Shehu Shagari abandoned the (OFN) and started his Green Revolution campaign. When Buhari came to power he abandoned both schemes started by his predecessors. When Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida came, he introduced the Mass Mobilization for Social and Economic Reliance (MAMSER) which also aimed to increase agricultural productivity. IBB also introduced Structural Adjustment Program (SAP). Part of Structural Adjustment Program policies entailed the deregulation of the agricultural sector by abolishing the marketing boards and the elimination of price controls. IBB relaxed most of the restriction on foreign investment put in place by his predecessors.
Buhari suspend all democratic activities, cancelled all the 6 second republic political parties and scraped the Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO). IBB legalized the formation of political parties in 1989. In 1992 he established the National Electoral Commission (NEC). He later decreed two political parties into existence. The parties were Social Democratic Party (SDP) and National Republican Convention (NRC). Abacha dissolved all democratic structures left behind by IBB. He banned political gatherings, annulled the parties (SDP and NRC) and dissolved the National Electoral Commission. Abacha later lifted the ban on political activities. 5 Political parties emerged under his tenure. The 5 political parties later endorsed Abacha for their presidential candidate. A new electoral commission was established by Abacha.
Abacha took the opposite of IBB’s economic policies. He turned away the suggestions of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He imposed control on the economy, stabilized the exchange rate between naira and dollars and banned the free repatriation of the export revenue. General Abdulsalam Abubakar cancelled all political parties under Abacha. Started his transition program and finally handed over to Obasanjo.
Nigerian first ladies were not left behind in these policy inconsistencies. Mrs. Maryam Babangida started the Better Life Programme for Rural Women. It’s interesting to note here that, no rural woman was involved with this project. Yet it was them that it was meant to help. Mrs. Maryam Abacha introduced her Family Support Project. Late Stella Obasanjo brought her Child Care Trust Project. Presently Mrs. Yar, Adua is having her pet project called, Women and Youth Empowerment Foundation (WAYEF). Various wives of state governors and local government chairmen have various pet projects. These projects a times duplicate the functions of some government ministries. The are in reality wasteful projects and waste of public funds. Suffice it to say that, there are no constitutional provisions to fund the pet projects of first ladies yet governments still fund them. Nigerians need to be aware of this.
On assuming power, Obasanjo cancelled most of the contracts/projects started by Abacha and Abdulsami Abubakar. He instituted probe of Abacha government. Each government policy, program or project cancelled means loss of government revenue. It brings with it destabilization. It sets the people and the nation back wards especially when people have invested money, time and other resources into it. These policy inconsistencies were also being replicated in all the states of the federation including the 774 local government areas in Nigeria. No sector or ministry was spared. Today is one policy, tomorrow is another one.
On assumption of office, President Yar’Adua reversed most of the privatization exercises carried out by Obasanjo. He came along with his 7 point agenda. Just recently the federal government revoked its sale of NITEL to TRANSCORP. Their reason for doing so was that TRANSCORP failed to perform and that she lacked the resources and technical competence to run NITEL. The question is why didn’t they discover this on time. It’s obvious that some people might have benefited from the sale of NITEL to TRANSCORP. In the same manner, the federal government has just suspended its gas export projects.
Our leaders should learn to continue policies started by their predecessors in so far as it’s in the national interest. Rather than starting new ones that will be abandoned by another administration, there should continuity. As I write this piece, there more abandoned projects scattered all over the country. Nigeria has the highest rate of abandoned government projects in the world. The sights of uncompleted projects should be an embarrassment to our leaders.
President Yar’Adua has taken a positive step towards continuing a policy started by the Babangida administration. He is seeking to re-establish the Centre for Democratic Studies (CDS). Under the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s administration, there was a Centre for Democratic Studies headed by Prof Omo Omoroyi. I will support leaders who can continue on their predecessor programs without having to start fresh ones.
Am also not too surprised due to these policy inconsistencies because our rulers (past and present) have not been true leaders. When true leadership emerges, the interest of the masses will be taken into consideration when starting projects that are meant for them. Let’s do away with all these policy inconsistencies and white elephant projects which will end up being abandoned. May God bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta
An activist and leader of “Support Option A4 Group” Leicester-UK
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
Other policies might have also lasted, but the rate of policy inconsistency is too much and it’s not healthy for the nation and Nigerians. Policy inconsistency is also part of the reasons for numerous abandoned government projects. Am also aware that prevailing economic circumstances might entail a change in policy direction, but a careful study of the Nigerian situation shows most of these policy inconsistencies are an avenue for siphoning public funds. Few examples will be examined.
When Obasanjo first ruled Nigeria as a military head of state (1976-1979), he introduced the Operation Feed the Nation (OFN). It was meant to boost agricultural productivity. His successor, Alhaji Shehu Shagari abandoned the (OFN) and started his Green Revolution campaign. When Buhari came to power he abandoned both schemes started by his predecessors. When Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida came, he introduced the Mass Mobilization for Social and Economic Reliance (MAMSER) which also aimed to increase agricultural productivity. IBB also introduced Structural Adjustment Program (SAP). Part of Structural Adjustment Program policies entailed the deregulation of the agricultural sector by abolishing the marketing boards and the elimination of price controls. IBB relaxed most of the restriction on foreign investment put in place by his predecessors.
Buhari suspend all democratic activities, cancelled all the 6 second republic political parties and scraped the Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO). IBB legalized the formation of political parties in 1989. In 1992 he established the National Electoral Commission (NEC). He later decreed two political parties into existence. The parties were Social Democratic Party (SDP) and National Republican Convention (NRC). Abacha dissolved all democratic structures left behind by IBB. He banned political gatherings, annulled the parties (SDP and NRC) and dissolved the National Electoral Commission. Abacha later lifted the ban on political activities. 5 Political parties emerged under his tenure. The 5 political parties later endorsed Abacha for their presidential candidate. A new electoral commission was established by Abacha.
Abacha took the opposite of IBB’s economic policies. He turned away the suggestions of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He imposed control on the economy, stabilized the exchange rate between naira and dollars and banned the free repatriation of the export revenue. General Abdulsalam Abubakar cancelled all political parties under Abacha. Started his transition program and finally handed over to Obasanjo.
Nigerian first ladies were not left behind in these policy inconsistencies. Mrs. Maryam Babangida started the Better Life Programme for Rural Women. It’s interesting to note here that, no rural woman was involved with this project. Yet it was them that it was meant to help. Mrs. Maryam Abacha introduced her Family Support Project. Late Stella Obasanjo brought her Child Care Trust Project. Presently Mrs. Yar, Adua is having her pet project called, Women and Youth Empowerment Foundation (WAYEF). Various wives of state governors and local government chairmen have various pet projects. These projects a times duplicate the functions of some government ministries. The are in reality wasteful projects and waste of public funds. Suffice it to say that, there are no constitutional provisions to fund the pet projects of first ladies yet governments still fund them. Nigerians need to be aware of this.
On assuming power, Obasanjo cancelled most of the contracts/projects started by Abacha and Abdulsami Abubakar. He instituted probe of Abacha government. Each government policy, program or project cancelled means loss of government revenue. It brings with it destabilization. It sets the people and the nation back wards especially when people have invested money, time and other resources into it. These policy inconsistencies were also being replicated in all the states of the federation including the 774 local government areas in Nigeria. No sector or ministry was spared. Today is one policy, tomorrow is another one.
On assumption of office, President Yar’Adua reversed most of the privatization exercises carried out by Obasanjo. He came along with his 7 point agenda. Just recently the federal government revoked its sale of NITEL to TRANSCORP. Their reason for doing so was that TRANSCORP failed to perform and that she lacked the resources and technical competence to run NITEL. The question is why didn’t they discover this on time. It’s obvious that some people might have benefited from the sale of NITEL to TRANSCORP. In the same manner, the federal government has just suspended its gas export projects.
Our leaders should learn to continue policies started by their predecessors in so far as it’s in the national interest. Rather than starting new ones that will be abandoned by another administration, there should continuity. As I write this piece, there more abandoned projects scattered all over the country. Nigeria has the highest rate of abandoned government projects in the world. The sights of uncompleted projects should be an embarrassment to our leaders.
President Yar’Adua has taken a positive step towards continuing a policy started by the Babangida administration. He is seeking to re-establish the Centre for Democratic Studies (CDS). Under the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s administration, there was a Centre for Democratic Studies headed by Prof Omo Omoroyi. I will support leaders who can continue on their predecessor programs without having to start fresh ones.
Am also not too surprised due to these policy inconsistencies because our rulers (past and present) have not been true leaders. When true leadership emerges, the interest of the masses will be taken into consideration when starting projects that are meant for them. Let’s do away with all these policy inconsistencies and white elephant projects which will end up being abandoned. May God bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta
An activist and leader of “Support Option A4 Group” Leicester-UK
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
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