All Posts in "Day: August 21, 2021"

Afghanistan, America’s Role  And What Nigeria Must Learn

By
Ishowo Oluwatosin
Around the globe, the news that Kabul fell to the hands of the Taliban shook the world, people of interest and non-interest diverted attention towards one of the biggest news at the start of a new decade, if not the biggest news of the decade. The Afghanistan conflict spanned two decades before the eventual withdrawal of military presence in the country.
Joe Biden, the President of the United States admitted in his address to his countrymen that the take over of Kabul happened sooner than expected, it means America miscalculated and held wrong assumptions. She underestimated the Taliban and trusted the political leaders of Afghanistan in negotiating the future of their country. Joe Biden said they gave Afghanistan everything militarily but failed to do one thing, that is the “will” to fight as the country was swept easily by the Taliban even before former President Ghani fled the country.
Nigeria and Afghanistan are strikingly different. as the latter history is more complex than Nigeria’s. Afghanistan is a country fraught with conflict and war, and notably a country of interest. What we share in common is the presence of extremist groups, and that is why we must share in the fear held by countries beyond us. The victory of the Taliban is a major boost to terrorism across the globe and it has been proven that guns and bombs are not enough to get rid of any rigid ideological demagogue – especially one premiered on religion.
Since 1816, after Afghanistan’s civil war, the Barakzy clan became the ruling dynasty of the country headed by Dost Mohammed Khan.  This time, both Great Britain and Russia were scrambling for influence in Afghanistan which necessitated Mohammed to pursue a medium approach in his relationship with the two powers. In the end, Britain ordered the invasion of the country, feeling that Mohammed was hostile to her and unable to resent Russia’s influence on his country.
The ordered war seeks to restore Shah Shoja, the exiled King of Afghanistan who preceded Mohammed. Shoja was restored but the local Afghans would reject him, they are not people who are comfortable with foreign presence or imposition of government on them, Shojah was rejected by the people and Britain discussed her terms of withdrawal with Mohammed’s son Akbar Khan and marched out of Kabul.
There was another battle in Afghanistan in 1878, during the reign of Shir’ Ali Khan, the third son of Dost Mohammed, who took the throne after his father’s death. Shir’, as Emir, refused British envoy’s entrance into Afghanistan at the border but allowed a Russian General into his country.
This triggered the second Anglo-Afghan war, Shir’ died a year after in exile and his son was recognized as Emir; Yaqub Khan who agreed to receive a permanent British embassy at Kabul. Until September 1879 when a British envoy was murdered in Kabul and the country was reoccupied; Yaqub abdicated the throne until his nephew took over in 1880.
Then in 1919, the third war was as a result of Afghanistan’s support for the Ottoman empire in World War I, despite that, the then ruler Habibullah avoided violence before his assassination, and his son Amanullah Khan took over the throne only to declare independence from Britain upon assuming power and this led to the third war, popularly believed to be inconclusive.
Russia in 1979 invaded Afghanistan under the pretext of upholding a treaty between them, after a Russian backed government headed by Taraki was destroyed by the Afghanistan Communist party and the eventual assassination of their imposed leader. Thus, Russia occupied Afghanistan to re-establish a government of her choice. The war went on for ten years before Russia’s withdrawal and this led to emergence of extremists’ groups in Afghanistan.
The invasion of Afghanistan by the United States of America in 2001 was indicative of her aggressive posture yet justifiable. It was a legitimate invasion on the ground that her national interest was threatened following the attack on the World Trade Centre by Osama Bin  Laden.
The refusal by Afghanistan to cooperate with the U.S in dealing with Osama, and his Al-Qaeda terrorist group, indicated that the war ravaged country had learnt nothing from her experience with Britain and Russia.
Nation-building should be the business of all nations and what the rest of world, especially the West, owes  Afghanistan is empathy, sincerity and goodwill. After all, they fuelled the crisis. So, If the Afghans desire change, they should demand and fight for it and whatever their interpretation of human rights is should be defined by them. It was never the responsibility of America or anyone to do that for them.
America could not even hide her disappointment in the collapsed government of Afghanistan, she designated the Taliban as an insurgent group, which is a total dismissal of the group’s terror activities over the years. America even unconsciously forgot that UN Security Council had designated the Taliban as a terrorist organization.
 The simple fact is America is no longer interested in Afghanistan, they have achieved their purpose. The US military remains as strong as always, it was not about weaknesses.
The take over of Kabul by the Taliban is a boost for terrorism across the globe. All terrorist organizations whether in Somalia, Nigeria, Syria, Iraq, Yemen or Afghanistan hold extremist views, share the same aspirations and common bonds.
The fear of an average Nigerian and shared sentiments by Africans must not be compromised through accommodation of the Taliban faithfuls on the continent.
The West should take full responsibility for remaking Afghanistan. The unrest in the world, particularly Afghanistan was not only designed by them, it was a template constructively followed in successive centuries and decades.
Africa, especially Nigeria must get more serious than ever and stop politicizing security, we must spend heavily on education and security to ensure Nigeria’s survival and our troops must be constantly motivated by both citizens and government.
ISHOWO, Isiaq Oluwatosin
Twitter: @Tosinishowo
Online Editor by — August 21, 2021 in Opinion 0
PIA:Policy Alert Urges  Communities  To Sue FG

PIB: Go to court, group urges host communities - Punch Newspapers
Policy Alert, a civil society organisation working on economic and ecological justice, has faulted the President’s assent to the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, urging communities to test the  provisions of the Act before the courts.
President Muhammadu Buhari had on Monday,  signed the  Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) into law amidst protests from
community groups and many other stakeholders that the Bill was
incompatible with the rights and interests of the host communities.
In a statement signed by its Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Officer, Mrs. Nneka Luke-Ndumere, the organisation described the presidential assent as “grossly insensitive and problematic.”
“It is sad that the bill has been assented to in the most controversial manner despite its many obvious flaws and its rejection by many stakeholders.For example, the controversial provision for a direct payment of 30 percent profit oil and profit gas to the Frontier Exploration Fund potentially shortchanges the oil producing states and local governments
of some of its thirteen percent derivation as it bypasses the requirement in section 162 (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended)
which provides that all revenues be channeled through the federation account.
“This is most unfair, viewed against the ceding of only three
percent of previous years’ operating expenses to the Host Communities Development Trust Fund and the punitive provision to charge costs of any damage to facilities against the community’s Fund, among other obnoxious  provisions.
The group  said  that the fact that Mr. President went  ahead to give assent to these vexing provisions only reinforces the politics of exclusion and expropriation that has for long characterized the relationship between the Nigerian state and the oil producing communities.
It expressed concern  that the
host communities’ component of the legislation flies in the face of one  of its stated objectives to address tensions between host communities and companies as it has all the ingredients for escalating rather than abating such conflicts.
It added that:“At a time when fossil fuel investments are being deprioritized
elsewhere as a result of the global energy transition, it is unfortunate
that this Act failed to provide a bridge between the current era of fossil fuel dependency and the low-carbon energy future that Nigeria
aspires to within the framework of government’s much vaunted commitments under the Paris Agreement.”
“Granted, the new legal framework introduces some predictability and clarity to the governance and fiscal arrangements in the oil and gas industry. We are also not oblivious to certain clauses that respond to some of our earlier demands, such as those providing  that the Board of Trustees of the Host Communities Development Trust  will now be determined in consultation with the host communities, with membership drawn from community members. But that is just as far as it goes. As a tool for improved benefit sharing to host communities, the Act falls flat on its face. It actually ridicules the exertions of the
host communities and advocacy groups that have clamoured over the years
for a law that yields some space for participation, direct socio-economic benefits and environmental remediation for oil-rich
communities.
“The theatre of action will now have to move to the communities and the courts of law. As implementation of the Act gets underway over the next  12 months, we urge host communities and civil society groups to begin to seek interpretation of some of its more controversial provisions before the courts.”
Online Editor by — August 21, 2021 in News 0
 Lawmaker, Monarch  Urge Youths To Shun Illicit Drugs

My True Story On COVID – 19 Palliatives, Attack On My House – Hon. Agunbiade, Lagos Majority Leader -
Mr Sanai Agunbiade, Majoriy Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, on Thursday advised youths to avoid use of illicit drugs and stop criminal activities across the country.
Agunbiade, representing Ikorodu Constituency 1, gave the advice during the 7th Annual constituency stakeholders’ meeting held at Ikorodu in Lagos,where he lamented that  abuse of drugs was fast becoming prevalent amongst adults, especially the youth.
He added that drug abuse had been identified as having a devastating effect on safety and progress of the society.
Agunbiade said the effects included gang formation, cultism, armed robbery, rape and other social disturbances.
“Drug abuse has lead some of the youths to eventually drop out of School and end up on the street as pick pocket, bag snatching and armed robbery. Drug abuse has also caused a lot of damages on their health.
“You will see some of them having complicated medical challenges like stroke, memory loss, brain damages, liver damages and so on,” he said.
He implored  stakeholders to  partner with with  the government  with a view to defeating the scourge of drug abuse in the society.
In his remarks, the Chairman, Ikorodu West Local Council Developmental Area, Mr Kazeem Sulaimon, commended the efforts of the majority leader  in developing Ikorodu community.
He advised parents to monitor their children’s movement and assist teachers to succeed in the in the fight against ilicit and drug abuse.
A representative of NDLEA, Mr Isiaka Opeloyeru, urged  parents and community leaders to collaborate together in monitoring and engaging the youths on the effect of drug abuse adding the process would curtail the menace.
He said that NDLEA was available to counsel as many communities youths as possible and appealed to them to call on the agency when for such services is needed
He also urged residents of the local government to support the government in stopping criminal activities in combatting illicit and drug abuse.
The Ayangburen of Ikorodu, His Royal Highness, Oba Kabiru Shotobi also advised parents to always check on their children’s friends to enable them correct their wrong doings before getting out of hands.
The monarch said that the use of drugs among youths was a bane in and stimulant that triggers their involvement in criminal activities.
“Drugs intake by youths is a major factor that triggers most of them to engage in vices.Parents should endeavour to monitor their wards and ensure that they don’t move with bad friend who can also lure them into it,” the traditional ruler said.
Online Editor by — August 21, 2021 in News 0
 U.S Consulate Builds Capacity Of Teachers In Oyo

US Consulate General Lagos holds program on Role of African Media – Global Patriot Newspapers
The United States  Consulate General in Lagos,says it has supported  a series of professional development workshops for 100 primary and secondary school teachers drawn from across local communities in Oyo State.
The capacity development project tagged “Ibadandun”, seeks to introduce the participating teachers to fun, creative and interactive teaching methods that enhance educational outcomes such as improved numeracy, literacy and school attendance.
Five Cowries Arts Education Initiative, 1 Million Teachers Incorporated and the American Corner Ibadan are collaborating to implement “Ibadandun” with generous support from alumni of U.S. government exchange programs.
The series of workshops will integrate a variety of hands-on activities that provide the teachers a deeper understanding of new approaches of using arts to improve classroom instruction and students’ learning.
Speaking during a workshop for  the teachers in Ibadan, Acting U.S. Consul General Stephen Ibelli, explained that integrating a variety of hands-on activities, including arts, in classroom instruction will engender critical thinking, creativity and collaborative learning.
“The U.S. Mission is fully committed to supporting a more educated population by increasing and strengthening the capacity of Nigerian teachers,” Acting Consul General Ibelli said.
He also said:“Teachers who use innovative pedagogy and interactive assessment techniques enliven the teaching-learning process for their students. Students who have effective and engaged teachers tend to perform far better than their peers.”
Acting Consul General Ibelli  commended the alumni of U.S. government exchange programs for supporting the project by serving as mentors and trainers during the 12 month-long project.
He added:“U.S. Government exchange alumni are at the forefront of promoting access to qualitative education, good governance and civic engagement throughout Nigeria. They have strong ties to their communities and with the support of the U.S. Mission, create and execute projects to address specific needs, including basic education”
Online Editor by — August 21, 2021 in Education 0
Imo State Govt, NHRC intensify  Campaign Against  Osu System

Imo State House of Assembly moves to abolish osu caste system - Daily Post Nigeria
The  traditional rulers and members of the clergy in Mbieri community of  Imo state, in partnership with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and Imo State government , have renewed the call for the abrogation of age-long Osu, Ume, Ohu, and Diala Caste System practiced in parts of Igbo land.
Chief Onyewuchi Asinobi, Chairman of the abrogation ceremony,  in a statement issues in Abuja, described the caste as  an “ancient traditional religious practice anchored on evil altars and shrines controlled by principalities and powers, and by the rulers of the darkness of this world and spiritual wickedness in high places”.
He  some  top clergies will on August 28, 2021 lead the seven concerned Mbieri communities on community and family liberation prayers and service to be held at Afor Nnudo Market Square, Umuagwu, Mbieri to end the dedications, covenants, sacrifices, idolatrous practices peculiar to obnoxious Caste practices.
He listed members of the clergy that will feature in the abrogation ceremony to  include Arch Bishop A.V Obinna, the Metropolitan Catholic Bishop of Owerri, Bishop Chukwuma Opara, Anglican Bishop of Owerri  Bishop Collins Chidi Oparajiaku,  Anglican Bishop of Ohaji/Egbema, Bishop Innocent Erimujor, Healing the Nation Ministry Int, Bishop Ngozi Durueke, He Reigns Cathedral, Bishop Blaise C. Iwuogo, New Life Evangelical Church, Bishop Stanford Nworgu, Praise Centre Cathedral  and Rev.  Dr.  Victor  Isiodu, Balm of Gilead Ministries.
Dr. Asinobi said, “A typical proscription of OSU involved a traditional religious ritual where the DIALA community gathered at the village shrine, with the Chief Priest of the land presiding over the ritual. The OSU was tied, as the Chief Priest pronounced over his head, such curses that were supposed to come upon the land. A sacrifice was made on the community altar. And the OSU was dedicated to the deity that ruled over the shrine.
“It was believed that the Osu would bear any evil burden that was supposed to come upon the land and the people; whether sickness, disease, or death. By virtue of the ritual, the OSU was regarded as one that was cursed, abominable, and untouchable. Hence he was ostracized.
“The UME was believed to have been cursed to die prematurely by the gods. Over the generations, it has been established however that the people tagged UME were simply individuals with a history of sickle cell in their family background.
“The OHU was of the slave class made up mostly of people used as collateral for debts and individuals sold by their kinsmen.  A lot of the OHU were captured in battles, whereas some were drawn from the OSU class.”
 Imo state governor, Sen Hope Uzodinma he said will lead the traditional rulers of the 7 autonomous communities of Mbieri: Umueze, Amaike, Awo, Osuji, Obazu, Ezi and Ihite  to the abrogation ceremony.
Online Editor by — August 21, 2021 in Ndigbo 0
FG  Plotting To Sweep NDDC Audit Report Under Carpet-Group

Final forensic audit report of NDDC ready by July—Akpabio - Vanguard News
Social Action ,a non-governmental organization,has  raised alarm over deliberate attempt by the Federal Government to sweep the forensic audit report of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) under the carpet.
The group hinged its claim on the failure if the Minister of Niger Delta,Godswill Akpabio to release the report after confirming receipt of same.
It recalled that following a public outcry over the monumental level of corruption exposed by the Senate Ad-Hoc committee on NDDC in October 2020 President Muhammadu Buhari inaugurated a forensic audit of the financial records of the Commission.
This was preceded by several reports of unprecedented and monumental corruption manifesting in extensive contract frauds, Procurement law infractions, non-budgetary and extra-budgetary spending, audit violations, cronyism, fiscal recklessness and flagrant disregard to procedural rules as well as other financial malpractices levelled against the management of NDDC.
It said:”The commission has failed to meet the needs and aspirations of the people of the Niger Delta. Rather than promoting the region’s development agenda in line with its mandate, the NDDC has become a cesspool of corruption for which many of its past and present leaders have not only been complicit, but have been indicted (in both past and present probes and investigations). These heavily weighted malfeasances are all in the open before citizens of Nigeria we, therefore, see no reasons why the outcome of the report should be locked in secrecy.
“With the forensic audit completed, it is the hope of Nigerians and the Niger Delta people that probity will be restored to the commission and that it will be re-positioned for efficiency. However, as an organization committed to ensuring accountability and transparency in governance, we are concerned about the bureaucratic procedure around the submission of the report which may further delay the report from being made public and its recommendations being implemented.  We hereby call on the president to promptly implement the recommendations of the audit report and anyone found wanting be prosecuted with immediate effect.
” The Ministry of Niger Delta affairs should also be mandated to make the forensic audit report available to the public as soon as possible. This will help build trust in the government and restore citizens’ confidence in the governance process.  Doing this will dispel any trepidation of any attempt to cover-up the sins of some considered to be in high places or any plans to present a watered-down version of the report”
It   implored President Muhammadu Buhari to release the forensic audit report report recently submitted to the Niger Delta Development Commission(NDDC)
The group said  NDDC is a public institution, adding that every document relating to it should be made public including the forensic audit report.
It said availing this document to the public will establish a concrete  proof that the current government has zero tolerance for corruption.
It added:”We call on the government to interrogate the forensic report with the view to bringing about the needed sanity into the commission by implementing its recommendations to the full”.
Online Editor by — August 21, 2021 in Niger Delta 0
Experts Dissect Impact of COVID-19  Pandemic On Entertainment Business In Nigeria 

UPDATED: Nigeria records 409 new COVID-19 cases, total now 13,873 - Punch Newspapers
 African music industry has been  severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic as it has forced performing artists, executives, and other key players in the industry to adapt, innovate and evolve new business and creative models.
This was the focus as MTV Base’s flagship roundtable show, Musicology which  gathered some of the brightest young minds on the Nigerian entertainment scene to discuss and explore different aspects of the music business post the pandemic.
Solafunmi Sosanya, the Senior Channels Manager at ViacomCBS Networks Africa (parent brand of MTV Base),said : “MTV Base continues to invest and inspire growth across the African music landscape with impact that extends globally. Since its establishment in 2017, the Musicology discourse has hosted several thought leaders and will continue to serve as the authority for topics that will accelerate the growth of the industry, artists and African music culture.”
Hosted by MTV Base VJ, Dadaboy Ehiz, the industry juggernauts – Joey Akan (Music Critic/Columnist and Pop Culture Commentator), Oyinkansola Fawehinmi (President, Digital Music Commerce and Exchange Limited), Lanre Shonubi (OAP, Hot FM), Motolani Alake (Editor, Pulse Nigeria), and Titilope Adesanya (Project Manager, EMPIRE; Olamide, KiDi, Fireboy DML, Yaw Tog, Kizz Daniel, L.A.X) examined and dissected the theme, ‘The Entertainment Industry Post-Covid; Way Forward’.
Exploring the early impact of the pandemic on the industry, Motolani split  the issues using three major touchpoints, saying, “There was the music part, the business part, as well as the output and promotional part. People couldn’t perform and they had to find a way to make money, so a lot of artists started producing music at an excessive rate. They couldn’t go on radio and as a result, the value of social media as a promotional tool increased.”
Titilope Adesanya offered valuable insight to the challenges faced by marketers and managers alike in positioning talent. “One very clear effect that Covid had in my space was that artists had to move their albums forward. Although this initially affected the way we promoted their works, we had to push forward after we realised the pandemic had come to stay,” she stated.
Proffering solutions to how artists can maintain their relevance post-COVID, Oyinkansola ‘Foza’ advocated for operators to look beyond the music business in its traditional form and explore creative ways of diversifying and maximising their income – with reference to streaming. Joey, however, shared a different opinion, arguing that, “For artists to beat all the restrictions posed by the pandemic, they should start organising a lot of mini (COVID-compliant) shows and local tours across different states in the country.”
Other issues addressed during the discourse include the increased value of social media as an engagement and promotional platform for artists, legalities involved in music publishing, challenges around the market share model of monetising streaming, Nigeria’s increasing appetite for album consumption, and robust debate on who belongs on the Nigerian music industry’s exclusive top 6 list.
Online Editor by — August 21, 2021 in Arts/Entertainment 0
Aig-Imoukhuede Institute Gives 50 Public Servants Scholarships

AIG-IMOUKHEDE Institute, others, to empower 50 Nigerian public servants
 
The Aig-Imoukhuede Institute, a subsidiary of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, has selected fifty high-potential men and women working in the Nigerian public service to participate in the inaugural AIG Public Leaders Programme, offered by the Aig-Imoukhuede Institute in partnership with the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford.
 
 
 
The AIG Public Leaders Programme is a unique executive training programme designed to equip future public sector leaders with the skills and knowledge they need to run their organisations effectively.
 
 
 
The lucky candidates  will learn how to lead effectively in a complex operating environment, foster collaboration within and across agencies and spearhead innovation throughout government.
 
 
 
Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman and Founder of the Aig-Imoukhuede Institute, expressed his Institute’s  pleasure to partner with the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford to offer world-class public leader’s executive education here in Nigeria.
 
 
 
He added:“At the Aig-Imoukhuede Institute, we believe that leadership lies at the heart of broader public sector transformation and so we are focused on building the capacity of the next generation of public sector leaders and equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to lead their ministries, departments, and agencies effectively.”
 
 
 
Professor Ngaire Woods, Dean of the Blavatnik School of Government, stated: “We are delighted to be extending our partnership with the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation by bringing our Public Leaders Programme to Nigeria. At the Blavatnik School, we design our executive programmes so that participants learn from world-renowned scholars, outstanding practitioners, and one another. We also take into account the current context for public sector leadership – in 2021, this means renewing public leadership for the post-pandemic world.”
 
 
Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, commended the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation for investing in the upskilling of public sector leaders. 
 
She said:”The public sector is a key driver of a nation’s economic development, and by offering this world-class executive education programme to public servants, the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation has shown a commendable commitment to the development of the nation. I congratulate all programme participants and urge them to take advantage of this unique opportunity to gain new knowledge that will help them be effective in their roles”
 
The successful candidates, who were selected through a rigorous and competitive process, will all receive academic scholarships worth 11,500 GBP from the Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation to enable them to participate in the programme.
 
The AIG Public Leaders Programme will commence in September 2021. The next round of applications is slated to open in 2022.
Online Editor by — August 21, 2021 in News 0
Forex: CBN Threatens  To Wield Big Stick On Microfinance Banks

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has threatened to revoke licences of microfinance banks dealing in foreign exchange (FX) transactions.
The apex bank conveyed  the warning in a circular signed by Ibrahim Tukur, CBN’s financial and regulation department, wherein it observed that some microfinance banks (MFBs) have gone beyond the remit of their operating licenses by engaging in non-permissible activities especially wholesale banking, foreign exchange transactions and others.
The bank noted that the such activities poses danger to the financial system, adding that it is a contravention of the Revised Regulatory and Supervisory Guidelines for Microfinance Banks in Nigeria 2012.
It added:“Given the comparatively low capitalization of MFBs, dealing in wholesale and/or foreign exchange transactions are a significant risk with dire consequences for financial system stability,” the circular reads.
“It has therefore become imperative to remind MFBs to strictly comply with the extant Revised Regulatory and Supervisory Guidelines for Microfinance Banks in Nigeria 2012 (the Guidelines).”
The apex bank said MFBs are to primarily focus on providing financial services to retail and/or micro- clients while they are “strictly prohibited from foreign exchange transactions”.
It said micro credit and retail transactions carried out by MFBs are limited to N500,000 per transaction for Tier 2 Unit MFBs and N1,000,000 for other categories.
CBN added that micro credit facilities shall constitute a minimum of 80 per cent of total loans portfolio for MFBs.
“The CBN will continue to monitor developments in the MFB sector and apply severe regulatory sanctions for breaches of extant regulations, including revoking the license of non-compliant MFBs (in line with Section 19 of the Guidelines).”
This development comes after CBN announced that it would discontinue sales of FX to Bureaux De Change operators (BDCs).
The apex bank accused BDC operators of turning away from their objectives, saying they have become “agents that facilitate graft and corruption in the country”.
CBN had said it will henceforth channel weekly allocations of dollar sales to commercial banks to meet legitimate FX demands, while mandating banks to sell forex to every customer.
Online Editor by — August 21, 2021 in Banking&Finance 0
PIA:Governors May Consider Litigation

Profile of Dr John Kayode Fayemi, Governor of Ekiti State, newly elected Chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) – Abiodun Borisade
Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF),has that court action would be their last resort in  to address  concerns over the Petroleum Industry Act
Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Dr. Kayode Fayemi,  who disclosed this in an interview with ARISE Television,reiterated the state governors’ concerns about the 30 per cent allocation for frontier exploration and the three per cent for host communities as contained in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
According to him,those provisions in the law assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari on August 16 greatly depleted the Federation Account.
The NGF chairman, who is also the governor of Ekiti State, said the governors were not carried along in the enactment of the law.
He assured that the state chief governirs would cooperate with the PIA implementation committee headed by Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva.
Fayemi commended the president for signing the Act,adding that the constitutional issues the NGF raised before the bill was passed into law were not addressed.
He said, “As a matter of fact, we have commended these major developments in our country because it is something that has been on the cards for us.So, kudos to the president for finally working with the National Assembly to get the PIA in place.
“However, we also believe that whatever we are doing should be done in accordance with the constitution so that we do not have to blame ourselves.
“The issues that governors are concerned about, and which we made clear to the National Assembly when this bill was in the process of becoming an Act, relate to ownership structure and questions of accountability and transparency so that at the end of the day, we don’t subvert the original intention behind the petroleum industries act.”
He said the forum believed the provisions of the 1999 Constitution should be adhered to with regard to concerns raised by the governors, including ownership structure, accountability, and transparency.
He punctured  federal government’s handling of repatriated loots, saying the management of such funds is not the exclusive preserve of the federal government since the monies ought to be part of the federation account originally.
Fayemi said, “This is a matter that the entire forum has discussed extensively, and we have come to certain conclusions about what is called frontier funds. Whether it is three per cent or not, our concern there is that whatever you are taking into these places is a depletion of the federation account, that money will not go to the federation account, it would be spread across the few areas that you described as volunteer basis, rather than to the entire federation.
“And we worry more about the entire federation not about selected parts of the federation. For us as governors, that is a distinction without a difference. We are talking about depletion from the federation account, whether it is three per cent or 30 per cent.
“It is money that should come to federation account, that should then be subjected to fair and equitable distribution on principles of sharing, rather than one that is going to be at the whims and caprices of this new limited company.”
Online Editor by — August 21, 2021 in News 0