Wednesday, 30 May 2012
Tuesday, 29 May 2012
SUBSIDY: FINANCE MINISTRY WILL PAY ONLY VERIFIED MARKETERS - IWEALLA
Federal Ministry Of Finance News Release: Speculation that prudence in subsidy payments will cause fuel scarcity wrong - The Federal Ministry of Finance has a responsibility to ensure that subsidy payments are made in a prudent and transparent manner. In line with this focus, the Ministry will continue to pay all marketers whose
claims of fuel importation have been verified as genuine.
The next meeting of the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee in June will provide the occasion for resumption of payments.
While it is ready to work with relevant agencies for the common good of Nigerians, the Ministry will not be stampeded into making hasty payments on deliveries that have not been substantiated or verified.
Against this background, the Ministry categorically rejects the idea that a prudent approach to verifying and making payments will lead to fuel scarcity.
Indeed, to say that the Ministry’s efforts to learn lessons from the past and reform the way payments are made will lead to fuel scarcity is simply not the case.
The Ministry’s approach to the subsidy regime can best be appreciated against the backdrop of the following facts:
1.Based on PPPRA and NNPC’s claims, 451 billion of the N888 billion subsidy budget for 2012 has already been spent on arrears for 2011.
2.Since the NNPC/PPPRA’s estimate for the 2011 arrears was N232 billion, this means that more than double the projected amount has already been spent and those agencies are is still bringing in more claims.
This is clearly not sustainable and the Ministry has a responsibility to ensure that the lapses that may have led to this unhealthy situation are not repeated. That is the least that the Ministry owes the Nigerian people.
In line with the directive of the President, the Ministry will continue to work towards the improvement of the fuel subsidy regime based on the lessons learnt from our recent experiences.
The Ministry is determined to put in place a strong framework for the fuel subsidy regime that is both transparent and sustainable.
The ministry’s approach to improving the subsidy regime is predicated on the following core objectives:
1.Ensuring that the country’s finances are managed in a manner that clearly protects the interests of the Nigerian people
2.Putting in place a system that ensures that only the genuine claims of genuine marketers are honoured
3.Performing its functions in an efficient and proactive manner to ensure that Nigerians get fuel at the right time and at the right price.
Paul C Nwabuikwu
Senior Special Assistant to the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance
May 29, 2012
"STOP THE ARREST AND EXTRA JUDICIAL KILLINGS OF SUSPECTED BOKO HARAM MEMBERS" - NORTHERN GROUP
Press Statement By A Coalition Of Concerned Citizens On Security Situation In Kano State Of Nigeria
"OUR STAND: Ceasefire and Dialogue:
We call on the Federal Government and members of the so called Boko Haram, in the interest of peace, to as a matter of urgency. Stop arrest and extra judicial killings of suspected Boko Haram members and declare a general amnesty for them as it is inconceivable that they will ever come out of their hideout for any discussion if their members are been arrested and or killed all over."
PREAMBLE:
As a result of events following the chain of coordinated bomb attacks on security installations within Kano City on Friday January 20, 2012, a coalition of Kano based Religious Organizations, Civil Societies, Professional Community Development Organisations found it necessary to reflect on the state of things and contribute in identifying the causes and proffering lasting solutions to the quagmire that has engulfed the city and the nation in general. Unfolding events since then have been stressing the need for a collective action to arrest the situation.
CONDOLENCE
It cannot be belated to pass our special condolence message and commiserate with His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr) Ado Bayero the Emir of Kano, His Excellency Engineer (Dr.) Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, the Executive Governor of Kano State and the entire people of Kano State on the deaths, injuries, sufferings and loss of property that resulted from these tragic events.
Furthermore, we commend the residents of this historic city for their patience, understanding and cooperation with the relevant authorities especially at the time when commercial activities in the State and by extension the entire region have been paralyzed, movement within the city and its environs has become difficult and a sense of fear, confusion and helplessness has overtaken a large number of the residents. We pray to Allah for His continued protection against recurrences, forgiveness to the dead and quick recovery for the injured.
In the same light, we wish to appreciate the concerns, supports and condolences expressed by numerous groups and individuals in this trying and difficult situation. May Allah the Merciful reward all of them abundantly and protect the entire Nation from any similar recurrence.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
Since the 2009 Federal Government clamp down on followers of Muhammad Yusuf in Maiduguri and other North Eastern States which led to the arrest and extra-judicial killing of the sect leaders and death of hundreds of his followers, the level of attacks targeted against security installations and personnel has spiralled upwards, leading to the death of hundreds of victims, mostly civilians caught in the crossfire.
With the introduction of bombs on October 1, 2010 in Abuja which was claimed by a militant group from the Niger Delta a new dimension was added to violence in Nigeria. Since then, the pattern of attacks attributed to this militant group in the North took another perspective with the suicide bomb attack at the Force Headquarters as well as the UN building in Abuja, followed by attacks in several places. After each of these incidents a purported spokesman claims responsibility via 'teleconference' or sometimes a video clip placed on the YouTube.
In response, several measures were taken by the government culminating in the declaration of 'partial' state of emergency in 15 Local government areas in 4 states in Northern Nigeria.
Kano City, and the State in general, despite having the largest population of southerners and non-Muslims in particular, has been quite peaceful despite incitements by western electronic and print media. In fact, even during the 2009 clamp down on the Boko Haram sect members, no major incidences were recorded in Kano City. This is a scenario worth cherishing.
Furthermore, during the nationwide protests against fuel price hike, Muslims and Christians stood side-by-side and did not allow their peaceful coexistence to be eroded by any external influence. Equally worthy of note is that the January 2012 attacks did not target any places of worship or locations dominated by any particular tribe or religious groups. That is why the bulk of officially declared 186 victims were civilians caught in the crossfire, many of whom are Muslims of Kano State origin. Unfortunately, this comforting aspect was upset with the Bayero University Kano (BUK) incidence of April 29, 2012 in which Christian Worshipers were attacked and the May 16, 2012 bombing of an Islamic school at Ja’en quarters of Kano city.
CONCERNS:
Having thoroughly discussed and analyzed the situation of Kano State in particular and the nation in general, it has been concluded that the problems in Kano cannot be meaningfully addressed except in context of the overall social justice and security problems in the North and the Nation in general.
Similarly, a critical analysis of the direct and remote causes should be done to be able to properly diagnose the situation and take adequate steps to remedy the problems.
Thus, we wish to raise the following issues each of which plays an important role in determining the way forward, even if by way of emphasizing what have been observed by many before us.
Justice and Security: Nigeria has been described as a rich nation of poor people. Figures released by National Bureau of Statistics have shown that poverty level in Nigeria ranges from 51% in a few states to 80% and above in most other states, this calls for urgent measures to address the illiteracy, unemployment and poverty among the youths, in the Nation and the North in particular, because so long as these issues are not resolved adequately, there will be abundance of youths ready to join any group or persons, irrespective of their ideologies and agenda. No less significant in this regard is the insistence on running Nigeria as a secular (rather than multi-religious) state whereas the Nigerian society is clearly religious. This contradiction further exposes the restive youth to taking the unconventional ways of what they perceive to be a religious cause.
High-Handedness, Extra-Judicial Measures and Poor Approach to Security: It has been observed that the measures being taken by the security personnel in addressing the current situation are becoming counter-productive. Extra-Judicial killings, torture and other inhuman treatment, destructions of mosques, houses and properties cannot solve but will rather aggravate the problem. In particular the following issues need to be looked at:
Humiliating and inhuman treatment of road users at checkpoints to the extent that the Emir of Kano Alhaji (Dr) Ado Bayero had cause to complain to the new Military Commandant in Kano.
On several occasions in Kano, security agencies used to raid places long after an attack and end up killing and arresting mostly innocent passersby. See for example How Soldiers Killed Three at a Filling Station in Kano (Daily Trust, March 13, 2012); how SSS Kills man and injures his brother in Kano (Daily Trust, April 18, 2012); or how soldiers brutalized Kano people at Dorayi quarters (Daily Trust, May 15, 2012), among other examples.
Death of Key Suspects in Mysterious Circumstances: after the 2009 extra-judicial killing of Muhammad Yusuf in the hands of the police and ensuing violence that followed, it is worrying to note that the pattern is still repeating itself with all key links to the militant group dying in detention or in mysterious circumstances. These include:
The shooting to death of Babakura Alhaji Fugu by unknown gunmen after having discussions in Maiduguri with ex-President Obasanjo stating conditions that could lead to the end of violence.
The death of Abu Mohammed, a 'factional leader' of the sect, in detention after been arrested in Zaria.
The death of 11 youths arrested by security operatives from their houses, only to be found dead and the military claiming that they were killed in a shootout with suspected militants?
In fact "Amnesty International Says the Joint Task Force (JTF) in the city (Maiduguri) has been behind dozens of unlawful killings there, further stirring the unrest. A report by the human rights watchdog says houses have been raided and burned." (Reuters – cited in Daily Trust Wed Feb 1, 2012).
Conflicting Positions on Dialogue: it is rather sad that while the authorities as high as the President and his Vice are expressing willingness for dialogue, other lesser authorities are saying government will not dialogue with supposed terrorists. These include the Presidential Adviser on Security, Andrew Azazi, Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang, and the Chief of Army Staff.
Christian Terrorists and would be Suicide Bombers: there have been several reported cases of Christians arrested with explosives or attempting to burn down churches or public buildings. Many of such cases have been documented by other associations and individuals. In the third week of May 2012 alone, no less than three such cases have bee reported by National Dailies.
The Question is: What has been done about the suspects? What would have been the reaction had the botched attempts above been successful?
Christian Leadership and Unguarded Utterances: Despite these glaring facts, the Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN), under the leadership Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, has been making inciting remarks capable of affecting national cohesion such as claiming that: “I am of a very strong opinion that there is a grand design to Islamise Nigeria. If there was any time that design was true it is now. Look at it, open your eyes and see for yourself. It is happening right in front of us.'” (25 Nigerians to watch in 2012. Then Nation, Jan 1, 2012). This made the Jama'atu Nasril Islam (JNI) to urge the Federal Government to "call the president of CAN to order before he causes religious crisis in the country, through his unguarded utterances which have started eroding the long built mutual respect between Muslims and Christians. …." But rather than seeing reason and treading the path of caution, even after the arrest of John Akpava with weapons, at Ministerial press briefing session, Mr. Kenny Ashaka, Media Assistant to CAN President, accused the JNI of being desperate and hasty to cover up members of Boko Haram (This Day, May 23, 2012).)
Unfolding events are however proving the CAN leadership wrong:
On Sunday 29/2/2012 at COCIN Church, Jos, a 'suicide' bomber was 'assisted' in gaining access to the church premises and detonating the explosives by a Christian member of the church resulting in the death of 8 persons and injury to 38 others. The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) identified Mr. Adams Joseph Ashaba, as the Boko Haram suicide bomber, who allegedly masterminded the bombing of the Church of Christ in Nigeria (COCIN) in Jos, the Plateau State capital on February 26, disclosing that he was actually a member of the Church (Jos Church attack: Suicide bomber, COCIN member –Defence HQ. The Sun, Tuesday March 6, 2012)
On the same day in Bauchi State eight (8) members of COCIN Church, all of whom are Christians were apprehended with explosives attempting to burn down the church. In fact, even after that, it took some effort before the Police could arrest them as some Christians tried to prevent their arrest! (Christians tried to bomb church in Bauchi, police say. Daily Trust, Monday, 27 February 2012)
The arrest of Augustine Effiong of Akwa Ibom origin who confessed to participating in the BUK bombings, among others, should be lessons for caution by the CAN leadership. Equally important is the Christian fellow who issued threat letters to the American Embassy, the University of Benin and the University of Lagos.
Illegal Arms Shipment and Buildup: It is of grave concern that at this period of trials, huge quantities of weapons, ammunition and military gear are been imported in to the country by unknown persons. Several such cases have been reported including the one detected in Ghana. But of particular concern are:
The case of Gary Hyde and Karl Kleber, a Brition and a German respectively, in the UK over the shipping of 40,000 AK47 assault rifles, 30,000 rifles and 10,000 9mm pistols in addition to 32 million rounds of ammunition to Nigeria.
On Friday (March 8, 2012) 11 cartons of explosives weighing 95Kg illegally imported from South Africa by Miero Marble Granite and Stones Limited in Kaduna State, with one Mr Michael Awara Ernest as the representative to collect the explosives were intercepted at the cargo terminal of M. M. I. Airport, Lagos.
Also, The 23 Armoured Brigade, Yola, Adamawa state on 17-03-2012 arrested a syndicate including a woman and a pastor who specialise in gun running and sale of military gear to men of the underworld.
Also, Reuben Joel who is attached to the anti-terrorism unit of the Nigeria Police Force in Aba, Abia State has also been nabbed for trafficking in military and police uniforms in terrorist cells.
Against all caution and wise advice, the Federal Government instead of passing the bill on Coastal Guards in to law, handed over the manning of our South Eastern Coasts to a private company established by a known ex-militant with close ties to the Special Adviser to the President on Maritime.
Questions:
What are these 80,000 guns going to be used for? Who is behind this massive arms importation and for what purpose and why is it that the names behind these dealings are almost always Christians and the destinations towards the North?
What is the National Assembly doing about these cases (in Ghana and UK)?
Where are those weapons and who ordered for their import?
Given all these revelations and the above unfortunate developments regarding our coastal areas, how secure is the country against illegal arms shipment and what prevents ex-militants from using this as an opportunity to arm themselves, especially at a time when Niger Delta militants have resumed attacks against the Police and Army in the Niger Delta and Pipeline vandalization and oil bunkering are going on unabated?
Nigerians are yearning for answers to these questions.
External Influence: it is disturbing to note that for a long period some foreign governments have been working covertly and overtly to see to the disintegration of this country based on concocted figures and skewed logic. In particular, it has been observed that the United States of America has been working tirelessly and preparing for the realization of their collective dream of a world without Nigeria. In this light, we strongly believe that actions by the National Security Adviser, Andrew Azazi, seeking for American support against internal challenges are not well placed. America will do anything to see to the disintegration of Nigeria. How then can we trust them in solving a problem they have been actively trying to create?
OUR STAND:
Ceasefire and Dialogue: We call on the Federal Government and members of the so called Boko Haram, in the interest of peace, to as a matter of urgency,
Stop arrest and extra judicial killings of suspected Boko Haram members and declare a general amnesty for them as it is inconceivable that they will ever come out of their hideout for any discussion if their members are been arrested and or killed all over.
Enter in to genuine dialogue with the members of the Boko Haram Sect which should be easy since the SSS has declared that it has arrested their "spokesman".
Ceasefire: We call on the members of the Jama'atu Ahlis Sunnah lid Da'awati wal Jihad to in the interest of peace and progress observe a ceasefire and enter in to a dialogue with the Federal Government so as to find a solution to the endless bloodshed.
Changes in Security Measures: we call on the Federal and State Governments to modify the current security measures, particularly in Kano State. In particular we call for the removal of the check points on the main roads within Kano City, as they have stifled commercial activities in their vicinities, are becoming bottlenecks to traffic movements and may hinder even the activities of the security personnel at times of emergency.
The relocation of all Police Stations in the middle of residential buildings to more safe and strategic locations that are located on main roads as their presence is only adding additional difficulty to the neighborhoods in addition to the chances of civilian casualties in case of any mishaps.
Compensation to victims: Since the Federal Government is supposed to be in charge of the lives and security of all citizens of the nation, and it is a direct fallout of the lack of social system that led to these unfortunate happenings, all victims of the attacks or their relatives, should be adequately compensated from the purse of the Federal Government, including servicemen and women who lost their lives or limbs in providing security to the society.
Commendation: We commend all the residents of Kano (Muslims and Christians alike) and the North in general, for their maturity, understanding and cooperation in these trying times.
We demand an unreserved apology from the President of CAN, Pastor Oritsejafor, on his utterances and deliberate generalization, which, if not for the tolerance and fatherly approach of Muslim leaders under His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar III, would have degenerated into a full pledged religious crisis with its attendant problems and dangers.
Condemnation of Western Interference: We condemn in strong terms the meddling of some Western powers, most especially the USA, in our internal affairs and the way they are fanning the ambers of disunity in our midst and call on the Federal Government to take decisive measures to establish its true sovereignty and wade off the shackles of neo-colonialism especially in security, economy and political issues concerning our country.
True Federalism: Nigerian Constitution should be reviewed to include provisions which will allow Nigeria's multi-religious, multi-ethnic groups conduct their affairs in accordance with their cultural norms and values and observe their religious injunctions freely. In essence, since majority of Nigerians are religious, why should we continue operating a secular Constitution?
We pray to Allah the Almighty to give speedy recovery to those who sustained injuries, give the relatives of all the deceased the fortitude to bear the loss and replace the losses incurred by all victims of this tragedy. May He protect our dear city and the Nation in general.
Signed:
Dr. Musa Muhammad Borodo
f. Religious organizations
Alhaji Bala Abdullahi,
Kano Civil Society Forum
f. Civil Society Organizations
DR. IBRAHIM MUAAZAM MAIBUSHIRA Safinatul Khairi Community Development Association
f. Community Development Organizations
Barrister Usman Shuaib Zunnuraini, Muslim Lawyers Association of Nigeria (MULAN)
f. Professional Organizations
AVERTING VIOLENCE IN EDO POLL
Edo State governorship election is another litmus test for electoral democracy in Nigeria. Ahead of the poll scheduled for July 14, the Southsouth state is not at ease. The campaigns are hot, from Benin, the capital, to the interior parts of the state. The ruling Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and its main rival Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are also locked in media wars. On daily basis, there are accusations and counter-accusations of assassination plots, rigging and general insecurity.
Monarchs and other prominent indigenes are worried by the tension unleashed by political combatants. Royal fathers have been making spirited appeals to politicians on both divides to abide by the rules of the game. So far, their counsels may have fallen on deaf ears. Clashes between rival supporters have left scores injured, as politicians recruits miscreants to disturb public peace.
The ACN the campaign has been issue-oriented. Governor Adams Oshiomole, who is assiduously working to secure a fresh mandate, is eager to present his score card in the neighbourhood at colourful rallies. The ruling party said the former Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) chief has impressed the people with his brilliant performance in the last four years. But his main challenger, PDP’s Charles Airhiavbere, a retired General, has objected to the claim. He is also leaving no stone unturned to succeed the comrade-governor. Although observers contend that he is handicapped by the past failure of the PDP in the state and dearth of the Federal Government projects since 1999.
In the last four years, the PDP has been engulfed in crisis in the state. Its leaders have engaged themselves in a battle of supremacy. When its candidate in 2007 election, Prof. Oserhieme Osunbor, was deposed by the Court of Appeal for getting to power through the back door, the ego of political god-fathers was further bruised. Fixing Gen. Airhiavbere became the ultimate priority, although the party remains disunited. Another minus to the opposition platform is that its chieftains have been defecting to the ACN across the local governments.
However, the electoral climate is cloudy in the state. Campaigns have been marred by hooliganism, arson, and teleguided thuggery. Barely a month ago, the governor’s convoy was attacked on the road. A vehicle rammed into it, claiming the lives of three reporters attached to the Osadebe Government State House. Oshiomole, who told the whole whole word he was the target, escaped. His party pointed accusing finger at PDP agents, urging the police to investigate the incident. The rival party immediately absolved any of its members of complicity, alleging the governor drove without a valid license. Security agents are still combing the state and fishing for information.
Few weeks later, the governor’s private secretary, Mr. Olaitan Oyerinde, became a casuality. He was murdered. Oshiomole cried foul, saying that the PDP was on the rampage in its desperation to capture the state through whatever means, including violence. PDP chairman Dan Orbih, said his party had no hand in the killing. He fired back at the ACN, urging the ruling party to look inward for the rain of terror in the state.
During the failed registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state, a man suspected to be a PDP agent was arrested for carting away a Direct Data Capturing (DDC) machine. The ACN also alleged the PDP was conniving with electoral officers to register non-residents, under-aged and thugs, who they intend to use to manipulate the forthcoming election in its favour.
Now, arrangements are underway by the PDP leadership to storm the state for a mother of all rallies. A committee, headed by Vice President Namadi Sambo is said to be working out the logistics for the Edo project. Already, another PDP chieftain from Osun State, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, said the Edo project is critical to the party’s survival. Sources said that Edo PDP relies on the presidential might and heavy funding to unseat the ACN. In fact, President Goodluck Jonathan is said to be interested in restoring the lost glory of the party in the state. Also, there have been reports about an intelligent report which gave the President the assurance that the PDP would bounce back into the Government House in a free and fair election.
However, the ACN described the PDP’s thinking as wishful, reminding the President that the foot soldiers of the PDP failed woefully from delivering the state to Dr. Jonathan in the last general elections. The party also said the plot to capture the state by PDP would fail because it is an unwanted party.
Lamenting the growing insecurity, the ACN said it is not unconnected with the PDP’s desperation to rig the poll as it did in 2007. The party urged the Police Inspector-General (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar to investigate the murder, assassination attempts and violence being perpetuated by unpatriotic elements ahead of the governorship election.
ACN spokeman Dan Owegie maintained that desperate Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders in the state perceived the forthcoming poll as a do-or-die affair, thereby heating up the polity. He also urged the police boss to investigate the extent of PDP’s culpability in the failed registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), especially the attempt by suspected PDP agents to cart away DDC machines.
Owegie complained the PDP chair has embarked on virulent and provocative media attacks on Oshiomole at a time the people are rooting for his second term ambition, alerting the PDP is bent on promoting violence before and during the election.
He alleged that the investigation of the slain governor’s private secretary, Mr. Olaitan Oyerinde, the attack on the governor’s convoy, and other forms of political violence in the state followed the meeting conveyed by the PDP godfathers, where the controversial decision to unleash mayhem on the state was taken without sparring thoughts for the future.
Owegie said that it is curious and ironical that the PDP governorship candidate has been promising to provide security for Edo people at a time his party is disrupting the peace of the state.
The publicity secretary said the attack on the governor and the ACN in the state has been accompanied by moves by the PDP to rig the poll, as revealed by opposition party’s desperation to manipulate the voter register update.
He said: “It is disheartening that a politically spent force, who cannot win a polling booth in Yorubaland, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, had boasted that Edo State is crucial to the PDP and that its national leadership will relocate to the state to ensure that they win the state at all cost.”
Owegie implored the IGP to thoroughly investigate the assassinations and manipulation of INEC by the PDP and make the report of the findings public. He said Oshiomole’s N10 million promise to any person who can assist in unraveling his private secretary’s murder should not cause panic in the PDP if its members are innocent, he said.
The party chieftain urged those playing god in Edo politics to remember that they would not escape the wrath of God. He described the PDP chair’s remark that the truck that rammed into the governor’s convoy and killed journalist belonged to the ACN as worrisome, more so that the investigation into the incident has not been concluded.
Owegie maintained that the arrest of the alleged PDP agent with the DDC machine before the commencement of registrations, showed the PDP had perfected its rigging strategies.
He said the ACN is ready for free a free and fair election, urging the PDP candidate to come into the ring to test his popularity without relying on the rigging tactics of the PDP, which is bound to fail. Owegie added: “We are all interested in the on-going investigation and we urge the police to be professional in getting to the bottom of the mindless assassinations, murder and failed manipulation of the electoral process without fear or favour”.
Culled from the Punch
OSHIOMHOLE SUES MAGAZINE FOR N250M OVER SEX ALLEGATION
Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole on Monday dragged News of the People, a soft sell weekly magazine before a Benin High Court, asking for N250m as damages, for alleged libel.
Oshiomhole, in suit No B/556/2011, against Dockland Communications Limited, publishers of News of the People magazine, alleged that the content of a material published by the magazine in 2011, on the front page and page 19, with the headline, 'Oshiomhole's sex power exposed: Impregnates young girl six months after death of wife', libeled his person.
He further alleged that the defendant, among other things falsely wrote that he bought the said girl a jeep, that he was interfering in the academic activities of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, on behalf of the girl, that he used sexual performance enhancement drugs and that he had performed traditional marriage rites precedent to marriage between him and the said girl.
Oshiomhole, whose suit is before Justice (Mrs.) Efe Ikponmwonba, alleged that the said edition containing the libellous piece was widely circulated, to coincide with preparations for one of his daughter's wedding.
Asked by his lead counsel K.O. Igiebor why he was demanding damages, the governor, who testified as Principal Witness 1, said the publication caused him and his children psychological trauma, six months after the death of his wife.
He said, "When I called a brother governor to sponsor my daughter's wedding, the governor said he was confused, and asked me if I was the one doing the marriage or my daughter.
"He added that he was reading a magazine which said that I was about getting married to a university student, and that the said wife-to-be was already pregnant."
Culled from the Punch
A NIGERIAN’s THOUGHT: MOYO OKEDIJI
Manifesto for a Nigerian Revolution
Good morning, fellow serfs, bondsmen, bondswomen and slaves on this southern slave plantation called 9ja. Before it was named Nigeria, our land used to be called the Slave Coast by European expansionists seeking to enrich themselves by all means possible. They succeeded in enslaving us, body, mind, and spirit.
Within the five centuries of our enslavement on this inhuman slave plantation, we have gone through several masters. They have all exploited us, destroyed our bodies and wrecked our minds. They have turned us all into Mumus who obey and hardly question.
Our present yokes are clapped on our necks by people who look exactly like us, talk like us, walk like us, but whose yokes are not less painful than those devised by European slave owners.
I salute you all, as you continue your slavery on this difficult plantation where “monkey dey work baboon dey chop.”
I salute your fortitude as you smile under the whip of humiliation; as you bear your bondage without flinching; as you labor relentlessly, with bad compensation, poor food, impoverished, in deplorable housing; as you shift from place to place on ramshackle Okada bikes, the better to serve your callous masters.
I salute you as stumble from post to post with a blank stare on your face; as you look on, helpless and hopeless as your children study in substandard schools; I salute your fortitude as you fall sick daily on this plantation where no one cares whether you live or die.
I continue to salute you, but when will you refuse to bear this yoke around your neck, even as you aid your masters in placing the same yokes around the necks of your own children, and the children of your children, from generation to generation, family to family, village to village, city to city, from one ethic group to another? When will you wipe this stupid grin off your face, embrace the challenge of your time, and take control over your destiny?
What a torture to be in Nigeria! How frustrated I feel! For the first time in a long while, the things one takes for granted--24/7 electricity, hot water bath, internet connection at will, a laptop that functions all the time--all these basic items become luxury commodities.
Yesterday I went to Akure. In a city where there is no regular pipe-borne water, they have a water fountain displayed in the city center. And the people are happy. They say their town is the "Little London." What a load of hogwash.
Nigerians take these denials as a matter of fact, and think you're crazy for complaining. A dear friend even said "Go back to America if you don't like the way we live here." Is it morally right for anyone to accept these degrading living conditions in the 21st century? When will Nigerians realize that it is their right to insist upon a decent and dignifying way of life? Who wants to live in a dump like this! And why isn't everyone up in arms against the authorities, and taking it meekly like a sheep? "Suffer, suffer for world, enjoy for heaven?"
Why are they raising our kids in darkness? What are they hiding under the shade of a blackout? Please turn on the light and let the people see what is going on in this country!
Most of the problem is with the people who sit around and accept the situation as it is. The solution lies in making a serious demand, standing by that demand, and not going away--however long it takes--until the demands are met. We are not asking for too much to demand electricity, and portable water on our tables.
What can we do at this point? Are we to just sit down like Mumus while these clueless politicians continue to discuss matters that are irrelevant to our fundamental needs and desires?
They expect that you will simply grumble and fold your hands after you've said your bit. But you are not as powerless as you imagine. You are not alone. You are part of millions of people in the same plight as yourself. You are part of the suffering and silent 99% of the people being strangled by only 1% of the citizenry.
The system needs to be swept into the dumps where it belongs. Do whatever you need to do to ensure that this system does not abort your future.
In a country that produces one of the largest volumes of crude oil in the world, in a country that flares gas 24/7, what excuse does the government have for not ensuring that we have electricity? But more than anything else, why are people just sitting down, buying generators, and rubbing their hands together like they are Mumus? Did someone drug us into a stupor here?
When will you realize that your masters are not going to free you from this slave plantation, and that only you can free yourselves?
The fact is that there are many organizations in this country that are empowered to mobilize members who belong to the oppressed 99%. We have the Labor Union, Student Union organizations, Road and Transport Workers Unions, Associations of University Teachers and other tertiary institutions, Associations of Doctors, Nurses, Radiographers, and other medical workers, Civil Service associations, Market Women organizations, Associations of Teachers at the secondary and primary school levels, Christian and Muslim organizations, Associations of Traditional Healers, Associations of Bank workers, Association of Okada Pilots.....There are many organizations whose members are suffering and belong to the 99% of suffering masses.
As members of these organizations and associations, you must ask your leaders to mobilize members to ask for the right to enjoy electricity supply 24/7, and without any compromise. You deserve it. You must ask your leaders to mobilize members and demand for portable water 24/7. It is your right, and you deserve it. Your country is wealthy enough to afford these basic amenities. But your politicians think you are too stupid to ask for your right.
If the leaders of your organizations are too docile, scared, or intimidated to ask for these rights, impeach them and elect those who are bold and courage to fight for your rights.
The leaders of your organizations will not act and make these demands unless you, as a courageous follower, insist that they act.
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