Can’t President Goodluck Jonathan be trusted to communicate with Nigerians?



 

It is very alarming to me that President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria needs to have an “army” of communications staff.

1.      Labaran Maku, Federal Minister of Information and Communication to President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria.

2.      Reuben Abati, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria.

3.      Doyin Okupe, Senior Special Assistant for Public Affairs at Office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 

Why is this needed? It seems to me that it is excessive to have this many staff people with the same job. Is the President that big of a liability that this many people need to be on staff to create, filter and script his communications?
 

If this is true, why is he in office? I am worried that we have this many communications people on staff. It is clear that there are many needs for changes to be made within the Nigerian government. It seems that some of these communications positions should be eliminated and changed to more productive positions to bring about the necessary changes. Not more staff to protect the President.



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OKOROCHA ADMINISTRATION AND THE ZENITH BANK LOAN SCANDAL

Not too long ago, the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) wrote a petition to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) accusing Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State and his team of taking an unauthorized loan that runs into many billions of naira from Zenith Bank using the monthly allocations for the 27 local govern...ment councils in the state as collateral for the loan.

 Consequently, the Imo State Commissioner for Finance, Deacon Chike Okafor and the Accountant General of the state, Mr. George Eche were arrested and detained by the EFCC in relation of the accusation. These government officials were later granted administrative bail.
As an offshoot to the alleged controversial loan, there was another petition to the Attorney-General of the Federation against the Imo House of Assembly accusing the state legislature of authorizing Governor Okorocha to borrow 45 billion naira from Zenith Bank.

 On the 10th of January, 2013, the Imo State Government through an official press statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information Mr. Chinedu Offor, debunked the above allegation. For a better appreciation here is an excerpt of the press statement:

 ‘The attention of the government of Imo State has been drawn to the report of the detention of the Commissioner for Finance, Deacon Chike Okafor and the Accountant General of the state, Mr. George Eche by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The report also alleged that both government officials were arrested for obtaining a 40 Billion Naira loan from Zenith Bank on behalf of the state government. The allegation in its entirety is false, unfounded and another campaign of calumny designed to divert attention from the probe of the former PDP administration in the state. We make bold to state categorically that the government of Imo state under His Excellency, Owelle Rochas Okorocha never obtained 40Billion Naira loan nor misappropriated the state funds as alleged. Instead, the present government has paid up all loans collected by the past administration including the 6.4 Billion Naira loan by the former Gov. Ohakim just two months to 2011 election for which EFCC is yet to investigate…’

 In a related development, The Clerk of the Imo State House of Assembly, Chief Chris Duru was also quizzed by the operatives of EFCC over a purported resolution by the state legislature granting approval to the Imo State Executive to obtain N45 billion loan facility.

 Consequently, the Imo State House of Assembly denied the allegation that it gave approval to the Imo State Government to obtain loan of N45 billion from the Zenith Bank Plc. The Chairman, House Committee on Information, Chief Acho Ihim, during a press briefing dismissed the allegation, stressing that the state legislature did not authorise the executive to obtain N45 billion.
‘The truth of the matter is that at no point did the House authorize the executive to obtain N45 billion loan and it had since confirmed that the executive did not obtain any such loan from Zenith Bank or indeed any other bank’.

 Chief Ihim, who is representing Okigwe State constituency in the Assembly stated that the clerk of the House informed the EFCC operatives that there was no resolution by the state legislators authorising the state government to obtain a loan of N45 billion from Zenith Bank.
‘The legislature is the only arm of government empowered by the constitution to grant approval for the executive to secure loans and other facilities. And the Imo State House of Assembly stands willing to approve any it considers necessary for the good governance of Imo State’, Ihim summed up.

When I first heard the stories about the controversial loan, I did not believe the petitioners. I took everything as part of the usual plots by political opponents to discredit the government in power.
However, during the 29th May 2013 Democracy Day Celebration in Owerri, the Imo State Government lined up a lot of activities to mark the 14-year of unbroken civilian rule in Nigeria. The highlight of the celebration in Owerri was very grand. Incidentally, the event gave the Governor Okorocha the opportunity to give an account of his stewardship to Imo people for the two years he had piloted the affairs of Imo State.

 Governor Okorocha’s speech at the occasion had a lot of hope-rising policy statements.
However, I was not comfortable when the governor in his speech, said the following:
‘We never took any N100B loan; it’s not true rather what we did was we took N50bn from Zenith Bank…’.

 When I heard this, I knew that the governor had landed himself and his government into a deep shit. This is because of the implication of the statement.
The controversial Zenith Bank allegation was an allegation the Okorocha-Led Administration had earlier denied in its entirety. However, with this Governor’s latest confession, it goes to establish the truth of the Zenith bank loan scam.

 I have always wanted Governor Okorocha to succeed in office. That was why I stopped criticizing him strongly and adopted the advisory approach in talking about the challenges of his government. That was also why I accepted working in his government the 10 months I did.
On a more serious note, just like the Governor driving himself to official functions, I have also always detested Governor Okorocha not reading prepared speeches when making policy statements. Extempore speaking is not a show that one is intelligent. It is not the best global practice for statesmen. Even government officials of the owners of English language most a times read prepared speeches. Government is a serious business and not razzmatazz. Therefore, Governor’s speech is expected to be prepared by professional speech writers who are abreast with the policy/thrusts of the administration. The implication of certain statements should be weighed before they are churned out to the public. This is because words that come from the mouth of a statesman like a Governor is policy statement and are bonds. Such are meant to be believed. It also form part of what the statesmen is accessed with. Therefore, consistency in the position of governments on issues of public interest is very sacrosanct. It shows that the government is organised, serious and should always be taken into great confidence.

 Interestingly, former Governor Sam Mbakwe whom Governor Okorocha claims to be competing with achieved all he could in Imo State mainly from loans he obtained on behalf of Imo people and he made it clear to the understanding of everybody. Therefore, there is nothing wrong in government taking loan from banks to cater for the people. But in the case at hand here, I do not see the reason why Governor Okorocha and his team should be involved in a game of hide-and-seek over a loan he obtained on behalf of Imo people. What is the government trying to hide from the public because clear conscience fears no accusation? There is nothing wrong in accepting ab-initio that the state government obtained a loan. This is an insult to the sensibility of the people and their mandate. It is an act that is short of acceptable civilized practice especially for somebody like Okorocha who wants to rule the country.

 On the other hand, there was no need for Governor Okorocha to talk about the Zenith bank in his speech at the 2013 Democracy Day event because he was no longer under pressure to do so. This is because it is an issue the state government had already taken an earlier firm stand. Moreover, the matter had long shifted to EFCC and the anti-graft body is still investigating it.

 Therefore, the above positions and inconsistent statements from different highly placed government officials in Imo State on the Zenith bank loan scandal have presented Okorocha and his team as liars, fraudsters, immature, a people enmeshed in corruption, lacking in transparency and accountability. This has really opened the administration to great ridicule and is trying to prove the opposition right. The implication is that the people may now be tempted to see all the opposition say as right. This is not good for an administration people sacrificed a lot to vote in. It baffles me why both the present Governor and government should appear irresponsible to the people.

 Incidentally, Imo people are so educated, sophisticated and enlightened that they should not be taken for granted. They record every statement the Government says and the things it does.
Therefore, like the JPROS scandal, Imo people need further explanations for the inconsistent positions over the Zenith Bank scandal. They also deserve unreserved apologies for this act of disappointment and the time to do it is now before it is too late.
Article by: Emperor Nnabuihe Iwuala Esq.
Emperor N. Iwuala & Co. (Akuoma Chambers)

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Nigeria Government Aid... Needs Accountability

The president of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, at the Nuclear Security Summit, in 2010. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This article is a powerful illustration of yet another shortcoming that exists in President Goodluck Jonathan government of Nigeria. While I applaud the government for finding ways to attempt to provide support for those that are affected by tragedy, they are going about it in a very ineffective manner.

 

The first problem is that they are looking to provide financial support (Ref: http://www.channelstv.com/home/2013/04/25/jonathan-shares-n5-7-billion-to-victims-of-2011-post-election-violence/ ) for individuals who experienced tragedy during the  post-election violence of 2011, over two years ago. While I am sure these individuals can use the money now, why has it taken this long for the government to extend the aid?

 

Another significant flaw I see is the tracking of this aid. In Nigeria there is no public database that consistently accounts for individuals ( Ref: http://chiedufelix.blogspot.com/2011/06/national-crisis-nigeria-country-without.html ). I am referencing a system of social security numbers like are used in the US and other civilized countries. While I know there are flaws with respect to the social security number system, in the US, it is a fairly effective way of tracking the identities of individuals. It seems as though anyone can come forward and claim to be part of these tragedies in Nigeria. While this is reducing the amount of aid available to those who truly deserve it, it also invites dishonest people to cash in on the tragedies of others.

 

In the developed countries and the US there are federal protections that are put into place immediately for individuals that are victims of natural disasters, terrorist attacks, etc. These individuals receive monetary relief, housing assistance, mortgage protections, etc. The aid is able to be dispersed in a timely, organized manner that ensures that it “lands in the correct hands.”

 

Another disturbing part of this story is that Nigeria has to borrow substantial money with respect to infrastructure improvements. Why is the government not planning ahead? There should be money allotted for each area of the budget. The government shouldn’t have to borrow for certain items while paying for others. Who decides what to pay for? Are the funds guaranteed from one year to the next? Are there any planning and organizational efforts surrounding government spending and allocation or are these merely “fly by the seat of the pants ideas?”

 

I continue to worry about many of the problems that exist in Nigeria. The government spending seems to be up to the whim of the current administration. Where are the checks and balances? Who is regulating the spending? Who is monitoring the revenue? I believe that it is imperative that the citizens of Nigeria demand fiscal accountability for their country. 

Amnesty For Terrorists... The Nigerian Government's Strategy

We live in a world in which terroristic attacks (both domestic and international) are all too common. The US government has worked relentlessly to pursue individuals that choose to commit these horrific acts. These individuals are held accountable to the highest extent of the law. The US government unremittingly pursues Justice for these acts.

 

 

Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols are responsible for the Oklahoma City bombings that occurred on April 19, 1995. These bombings claimed 68 lives, including 19 children under the age of 6 and injured more than 680 people. Nichols is currently serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole. McVeigh was executed in June of 2011.

On December 25, 2009 Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab attempted to detonate plastic explosives on a Northwest Airlines flight. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the attempted murder of 289 people.

James Eagan Holmes is currently awaiting sentencing for his actions. On July 20, 2012 Holmes killed 12 and injured 58 in a shooting spear inside an Aurora, CO theater.

The above examples are simply a sampling of the approach the government takes to pursuing justice against those that commit these horrible acts of terrorism. Unfortunately, the Nigerian government does not embody the same pursuit of justice. It sickens me to know that the Nigerian government brokers deals with Boko Haram terrorists ( Ref. link: Nigeria President Goodluck Jonathan Names Boko Haram Amnesty Committee Members http://t.co/RlXD8pXir5  ). The deals that they broker are not plea bargains, they are in fact offers of amnesty. This is absurd and frankly inexcusable. The Nigeria government of President Goodluck Jonathan takes the stance that in order to stop the Boko Haram, Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb affiliates in Northern Nigeria and other terrorism from occurring, they need to offer the terrorists amnesty. To me this action, not only promotes new and current terroristic individuals and groups to continue with these violent actions, it also sends a message to the families of victims that they don’t matter…that the government doesn’t care about the lives lost.

The Nigerian government needs to significantly change their practice. They must fully pursue terrorist activities. They must hold those responsible accountable and punish them to the fullest extent of the law.

Presidential Duty & The Boston Marathon Terror

Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are with the people of Boston today. I would like to commend President Obama on his immediate response to this horrific act. While Americans should be able to expect the response from the president yesterday, this is not the same for Nigerians. Regardless of the political party or who is the president when crisis arises, our President Barack Obama and others before him always responds.

 

 

In Nigeria, there is often no acknowledgment regarding crises that occur. The only time that the President Goodluck Jonathan visits victims that are injured seems to occur only when it is of benefit to the President. As president you are supposed to be serving the citizens of the country. Being visible and paying respects as well as offering support is a major responsibility that must not be taken lightly. I would implore the President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria to study the actions of President Barack Obama as well as our USA past presidents to learn how to respond. It is your duty and responsibility!

Jude Agbaso... Pocket Padder



English: Map locator of Nigeria. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Deputy Governor of Imo state Nigeria, Jude Agbaso has crossed our radar for almost two weeks. One of the duties of Jude Agbaso is serving as Commissioner of Works. In his position Jude Agbaeso is responsible for awarding contracts for government work. It seems as though Jude Agbeso is using his governmental authority to pad his own pocket. This is very disturbing. Jude Agbaso solicits and accepts kickbacks from companies to ensure that they are the ones who are awarded the contracts. This action is despicable. What is even more outrageous is that his actions are well known. By the way Jude Agbaso has an outstanding felony warrant in the US for fraud. He fled before he was able to be apprehended.

The system of awarding contracts needs a serious overhaul. It is essential that the decision to award a contract is based on the best value for the government versus the largest kickback that the government official can obtain. The system for obtaining contracts should follow a process similar to the one outlined below.

Jude Agbaso Deputy Governor Imo State Nigeria

 

1.      The scope of the project should be advertised

2.      Companies can submit proposals for fulfilling the project

3.      The company names will be removed

4.      A panel of individuals (with various experiences) will review all of the bids

5.      The panel will chose the proposal which best meets the needs of the work being proposed

This process ensures that multiple perspectives are used when choosing the company to provide the work. This process also ensures that a company is chosen based on quality versus their connections or other ties they may have.

I implore Governor Rochas Okorocha to take two actions immediately.

1.                  Stop defending Jude Agbaso’s actions

2.                  Fully cooperate with the investigation and provide all information as requested by the review panel

Joel Brinkley: Nigeria's squandered opportunity

Just outside President Goodluck Jonathan's office sat 17 ambulances, just in case he or one of his aides fell ill. They were seldom if ever used.

No actual health-care facility nationwide had as many, and in fact a few still have none at all. But as soon as a Nigerian newspaper took a photo of the ambulances and published a story about them, they suddenly disappeared -- probably to an underground garage.

Jonathan is president of Nigeria, which should be among the world's most prosperous nations. After all, it produces an estimated 2.4 million barrels of oil each and every day. With oil now selling at $93.61 a barrel, that's $224 million in income daily. And yet many hospitals can't afford to buy an ambulance. The reason, in my view: Nigeria is the most corrupt nation on earth.

Sure, Transparency International lists almost three dozen states as more corrupt -- Chad, Haiti, Laos, Yemen, Cambodia and the like. But are any of those nations as wealthy as Nigeria -- taking in $81 billion annually, just from the sale of oil? No, not even one of them. So Nigeria steals and squanders more money than any other nation, making it the world's most corrupt, by that measure.

Nigerian journalist Musikilu Mojeed finds all this so discouraging.

"With its geopolitical power, economic resources and middle class," he laments, "no country (with the possible exception of Saudi Arabia and Egypt) has the power to change the course of black/African civilization like Nigeria." After all, Nigeria is Africa's most populous state -- and large, twice the size of California.

So Nigerians are living an opportunity squandered -- particularly now. Egypt is in turmoil. In just the last few days, in fact, many Egyptians have been calling for a military coup -- anything to rid the state of its widely despised Muslim Brotherhood government. And a new report by the World Economic Forum ranked Egypt the least safe and secure tourist destination among 140 tourist nations evaluated.

Egypt has lost its place as the Arab/African worlds' leader, and Saudi Arabia never had it. So for Nigeria, the time is ripe. But its leaders seem interested only in stealing the state's money to make themselves rich beyond imaging. Think about it: $81 billion a year just from the oil, while most every local government official still tells his people the nation just doesn't have enough money to fix the roads, schools or hospitals. (Roads are in such terrible shape that government officials generally travel any distance by helicopter.)

And Nigeria's people -- well, they are as mistreated as any on earth. In only nine nations -- among them Liberia, Sierra Leone and Somalia -- do more mothers die during childbirth. And in only 10 states, including Chad, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe, is the average life expectancy lower. Right now the average Nigerian's average life span ends at 52. That may be why the median age of Nigerians is just 18.

A few months ago, the Economist Intelligence Unit published an evaluation of the best places for babies to born in 2013, given their probable welfare as children and the chance for a safe, comfortable, prosperous life. Switzerland, Australia and Norway were the top three. The United States came in at 16th, largely because "babies will inherit the large debts of the boomer generation."

Dead last: Nigeria. "It is the worst place for a baby to enter the world in 2013," the report said.

Even with all that wealth, only just over half the population has access to clean drinking water, and one-third to a toilet, UNICEF says. Two-thirds live below the poverty line. Only one child in four who contracts pneumonia is given antibiotics, and only about half the population is literate.

The CIA also cites endemic "soil degradation; rapid deforestation; urban air and water pollution." All this in a county whose gross domestic product stands at $236 billion a year, in the same league as Denmark, Chile, Israel and the United Arab Emirates -- prosperous, successful states to be envied.

Goodluck Jonathan is certainly aware of all of this. After all, taking the oath of office, he swore to "devote myself to the service and well-being of the people of Nigeria. So help me God."

Well, just last week he demonstrated who he really is and what he stands for when he pardoned a former state governor who'd been convicted of embezzling state funds and laundering the money. That pardon triggered a broad, angry uproar.

Good luck, Mr. Jonathan. It's time you were impeached.

(Joel Brinkley is the Hearst professional in residence at Stanford University and a Pulitzer Prize-winning former correspondent for The New York Times.)

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