Adios Umaru Yar’Adua…..Bienvenido “Saint” Goodluck Jonathan

The shenanigans that engulfed the nation’s political landscape was brought to an abrupt end last week. The death of President Umaru Yar’Adua drew to a close, the political uncertainty that eclipsed the nation for almost six months. Whatever anyone says, one thing is certain, President Umaru Yar’Adua is gone. The questions about him turning up at next Friday’s Jumat service or jogging up and down the stairs are now history. A new chapter has now been opened in the nation’s history book from the 5 May 2010.

Whether Umaru Yar’Adua is a good or bad leader is now totally irrelevant. Engaging in endless discussions dissecting the Yar’Adua administration or personality will not put food on the table of 150 million Nigerians. Writing hypocritical and sycophantic eulogies about Umaru Yar’Adua or portraying him as “least corrupt” Nigerian President will not provide jobs for the 21 million unemployed youths roaming the streets of Lagos, Port Harcourt or Zaria. To describe Umaru Yar’Adua as an “epitome of humility” or Apostle of “Rule of Law” is now redundant statement. It’s not our tradition to speak ill of the dead, however, heaping unnecessary and hypocritical praises on the dead also makes no sense!

Our attention should therefore now be focused on the “new chapter” that is currently being written. We cannot change what is gone. However we do have an opportunity to shape the future.

We need not remind ourselves that the system that produced Umaru Yar’Adua as President is still very much alive and kicking. It’s Umaru that is dead not the “system”. And while the masses hue and cry over Yar’Adua’s death, the system is busy oiling its machinery and gearing up for the next election.

So what has changed? If Nigeria can be described as a car travelling on the highway, one can say that only thing that has changed in the last six months is the car driver. The car is still very much the same. We have a “new” reluctant driver, who seems to have no sense of direction. This new driver is been guided by the same old GPS system. The same system that has been in operation for the past 11 years, without taking us anywhere.

Since Goodluck Jonathan assumed office, praise-singers and adulators have been busy heaping praises on him. The calls for him to contest the 2011 election have been coming from left, right and centre. But, why all these unnecessary praise singing? What has Jonathan done in the last three months that makes him more worthy of the exalted office of the President than Dele Momodu or Omosule? What policy has he implemented that makes him the “messiah” we have been waiting for? Yes he reconstituted the Cabinet and “sacked” the INEC Chairman Maurice Iwu. And so! The decision to sack the Cabinet and Iwu were only coincidental with public agitations. There were not really taken in the public interest. Let’s not be deceived, Jonathan needed to break the backbone of the cabal that held sway during the Yar’Adua administration and consolidate his hold on power. Also, while he thinks about his next move, he needed to make sure that he’s in absolute control of whoever is in charge of INEC.

As I write, any criticisms of Goodluck Jonathan are now perceived by the Pro-Jonathan loyalists as symptoms of “Pull Him Down” syndrome.. When the issue of allegations of corruption against his wife, Patience, are brought to the public forum, the Jonathan apologists are always quick to remind us that “no Nigerian politician is clean”. When we ask that allegations of corruption against Patience be fully investigated, we get told that “he who is without sin should cast the first stone”(!). When we say, Goodluck Jonathan has no moral right to fight corruption, they reply, “nobody is a saint”.

I have no issues with GJ apologists, as everyone is entitled to his/her opinion. However, I find it quite nauseating that those who are not interested in the allegations of corruption against Patience Jonathan are the same people asking that James Ibori should be sentenced to death by firing squad. Those who say “he without sin….”, are the same calling for the probe of Yar’Adua cabal. These are the same people calling for the investigation of allegations of corruption against Gov. Fashola. We cannot say we want leaders with integrity, but turn around to say “no Nigerian politician is clean”. The minimum that can be demanded from any leader is “integrity”.

I heard someone say recently that “Nigerians should now be satisfied because Jonathan is now the President”. Let me say this. The clamour for transfer of power to Goodluck Jonathan was a matter of principle and not personality.. It was not about Goodluck Jonathan becoming President. Just as the June 12 pro-democracy activists will tell you that the June 12 struggle was not just about MKO Abiola. It was about support for rule of law and democratic sustainability. At that time, it was imperative that we adhere strictly to provision of the Constitution. So for anyone to make such a statement is not only patronising but insulting.

Let Goodluck Jonathan run for the office of the President if he chooses to. After all it’s his prerogative. And thank God we are in a democracy. However, one thing is clear, we are watching. Let him not use the power of incumbency as a rigging tool. Any attempt by his administration to fight corruption must be transparent and genuine. The EFCC should not once again be turned into a tool for fighting perceived political enemies. His appointment of the next INEC Chairman should not be for the sole purpose of perpetuating himself in power.

There’s no doubt, one thing Pres. Goodluck Jonathan has in his favour right now is public goodwill. It’s therefore important that it takes advantage of this, positively. There’s enough time between now and next general elections for him to lay good solid foundation for credible elections and infrastructure development. If he provides decent power supply and appoints credible people at INEC, Nigerians – irrespective of tribe and religion – will line up behind him come 2011.

The question on everyone’s lips now is, will this new driver dump the GPS system and take us to a new destination? You will have to agree with me that the new driver himself was a passenger cum co-driver. He had no plan to be in the car in the first place, hence his reluctance to take over when the car was about to crash. So taking an independent decision devoid of interference from the GPS system will be a tall order.

Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Sworn In As 14th President of Nigeria

Watch Video

Save Nigeria Protest! London! New York! Abuja! and Canberra (Australia)!

London protest . starts 12pm Tuesday 12th January 2010 Trafalgar square, move to parliament square- then ends at Nigerian High Commison , Nigeria House


9 Northumberland Avenue, London, WC2N 5BX encouraged to come with Nigerian flag. Homemade banners, dress warm . contact 07984212553 or e mail info@nigerialibertyforum.org.uk  London Metropolitan Police will provide security.

Key point for Protest, Where is Musa Yar'Adua

Nigerians are no terrorists

Stop the criminalisations of Nigerians,

Fight against corruption

and add as you may wish



Australia!

Australian protest: Nigerian High Commission, Canberra. 26 Guilfoyle Street, Yarralumla, ACT 2600

Ph: +61 2 6282 7411. Time: 12 PM. Tuesday 12th January 2010. Contact Abiola Falayajo Jr. abifas@hotmail.com  for more details.



Abuja



Tuesday 12th January 2010

The Time Is Now!

The Time Is Now!

On the 23rd of November 2009, rumours abound that the President of Nigeria Mr. Umaru Yar’adua had been flown to Saudi Arabia for the third time this year. Following strong rumours that he was in actual fact dead, the information minister Mrs Dora Akunyili and the special adviser on media affairs, Segun Adeniyi, informed Nigerians three days later that the President was suffering from acute pericaditis , a heart condition but assured us that he was recovering and would return to the country within a week. The duo also publicly stated that a letter had not been sent to the National Assembly informing them of the President’s absence and confirmed that an official handover would not be necessary as the president was expected to return within two weeks.



Since that date we have had various conflicting messages from the presidency which include; “the president has made a full recovery and will be back within a couple of weeks” , “the president can rule from anywhere for a whole year and even contest the 2011 election from wherever he is”, “all necessary documents are being sent to Saudi Arabia for approval and have been returned signed” etc.



These comments have been issued intermittently through the media by the Minister of Justice Mr. Michael Aondoakaa, Minister of Information Mrs Dora Akunyili, the Secretary General to the Federation Mr. Mahmud Yayale, the President’s sister, mother and brother. At one point the Minister of Justice even promised that a video conference would be arranged so that Nigerians can see that the President is recovering rapidly. None of these promises have materialized and the foreign media and online news blogs have repeatedly stated that the President will not be returning in the nearest future and that in fact he is in a vegetative state.



Various pressure groups including the G53 have called for the resignation of the President but the calls were condemned by the government and instead the Senate President and the Vice President continually called for prayers for the recovery of our ailing President. During this period the Vice President has chaired the weekly Federal Executive Council meetings and approved the award of contracts and other necessary documents.



Today Nigerians were informed that the principal secretary David Edevbhie travelled to Saudi Arabia and has obtained the President’s signature on the N353 billion supplementary appropriation bill. This news has come as a total shock to Nigerians who are incensed by the apparent fraudulent nature of this claim. The time has come to ask the Nigerian government to treat Nigerian citizens with respect and on that basis we demand a response to the following:



1.  Full disclosure on the true position of the President’s health which can be effectively communicated by televising a video conference with him in Saudi Arabia so that Nigerians can determine whether or not he is in a fit state to review and sign a 400 page document.





2.  Why has the President not signed a letter to the National Assembly informing them officially of the President’s absence and giving the Vice President the authority to act on his behalf as provided in the constitution under S.145.





3.  How does the Presidency intend to swear in the new Chief Justice on the 31st of December 2009 when the tenure of the current Chief Justice will expire since there is neither a president nor an acting president in office?





4.  What is the legal basis of all the approvals that the Vice President has signed in the past month considering that there has been no official handover? What section of the constitution permits this?

Nigerians are no longer prepared to sit back and accept unconstitutional acts perpetrated by government officials in whom we have placed our trust to represent our collective interests.





Signed:



Sola Adeyeye



Kayode Ogundamisi Nigeria Liberty Forum



Roz Ben-Okagbue Good Leadership Nigeria



Emeka Aneke Kick Corruption out of Our Beloved Country



Nigerians Support Justice Uwais Electoral Reform Committee Report



Seyi Osiyemi Heal Nigeria



Meekam Mgbenwelu Debate and Review Group



Feyi Fawehinmi



Rosanwo Babatunde Global African Dialogue (GADO)



Kayode Ajulo Egalitarian Mission, Africa



Babatunde Ogala Esq.



Mohammed Salihu



Anthony Omokhdion



Kachi Eluigwe Heal Nigeria



Blessing Agada Heal Nigeria



Ehimofe Odewale



Ahmed Ogunlaja Good Leadership Nigeria

G-53 Gives One Week Ultimatum Over President Umar Yar'Adua

The Group of 53 recently called the attention of Nigerians to the unheathy development of President Umaru Yaradua going on medical trip abroad without handing over to the Vice-President as stipulated by the constitution.While sympathising with the President and wishing him quick recovery,we did ask the president to consider it a patriotic duty to resign and allow his Vice to carry on the business of state.

In torrents,all manners of "patriots" of convenience descended on us calling us names.

Today,the same set of "prayer warriors" are reportedly in power play of succession while still prescribing hypocritical prayers for the people.

Quite a number of developments have taken place since our call which have vindicated our stand that Nigeria should not totter on without a head:

1)The 2009 Supplementary Appropriation Bill addressing critical issues in the Niger Delta among others and duely passed by the National Assembly cannot be signed into law because of the absence of the President;

2)The Amnesty Programme being personally coordinated by the President has run into a hitch and has led to protests by ex-militants and resumption of hostilities by MEND;

3)The 2009 National Honours list cannot be signed because the office of the president is not functioning;

4)The appointments of the new President of the Court of Appeal and the Chief Justice of Nigeria have been confirmed but they cannot assume office because their oath of office that should constitutonally be administered by the President cannot be carried out in his absence.Technically,two out of the three arms of government are presently headless;

5)Though we are aware that the Federal Executive Council has been meeting under Vice President Jonathan Goodluck but by virtue of Section 114 of the 1999 Contitution which says ony the President can preside over such meetings,contractions who are taking approvals from such meeting are running a risk as decisions taken at such meetings are void;

6)Critical meetings of ECOWAS of which our president is chairman have been cancelled.Of Particular note were the meetings on Niger and Guniea where the Constitutions of both countries have been suspended by dicators.


In the light of the foregoing,we call on President Yaradua to immediately comply with section 145 of the constitution which requires him to write to the Senate President and the speaker of the House of Representatives that he has proceeded on medical vacation so that the Vice President can assume Presidential powers and run the country while he is away.

We do not think this country should carry on this way beyond the next SEVEN DAYS





Signed for the Steering Committee of G-53

Yinka odumakin.(O8033004665)

Osita Okechukwu(080397388870)

Engr.Buba Galadima(08037000159)

The Perfidy of 'Sardauna of Sokoto' Foundation

Barely two months after N10billion was raised at the launching of the First Lady Cancer Centre, businessmen, state governors and politicians again gathered in Kaduna for another session of naira rain. However this time, it was for launch of the Late Sarduana of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello Foundation.

According the organisers, the objective of the Sardauna Foundation is to undertake research on the life and legacies of the late Sardauna, in the areas of values in service, leadership, development strategies, education, religious and ethnic tolerance, transparency and accountability. And according to media reports, the sum of N5.4billion was realised at the event, with Kano state government donating a sum of N779million (!). Other northern states were also noted to have donated between N200-N250 million each.

I have so much respect and admiration for the Late Ahmadu Bello. In fact, if one-third of all the northern state governors followed the legacies of the Late Sardauna, northern Nigeria is likely to be one of the best places to live in the world. It is on record that Sir Ahmadu Bello led northern Nigeria to great heights with zeal, audacity, momentum and focus.

During his reign as Premier, he established the largest University South of the Sahara (Ahmadu Bello University), the largest Polytechnic in Africa (Kaduna Polytechnic), one of Africa’s biggest conglomerate (Northern Nigeria Development Corporation), one of Africa’s biggest printing press (New Nigerian Newspapers), one of the leading banks (Bank of the North Ltd) in Africa etc.

However, when I read about how taxpayers money are been doled out and frittered away by elected politicians at ‘social events’, I can help it but cringe. It pains me to the bone marrow that our leaders can squander the state resources ‘willy nilly’ on useless and silly projects without been questioned.

This is not the first time, when monies from state coffers are donated towards advancement of individual causes that serve little or no public benefit. We see monies thrown at libraries, foundation, pet projects that lack any clear purpose. These projects serve as conduit for our greedy and corrupt leaders to siphon taxpayers’ money.

Tell me, what does Sarduana Foundation mean to millions of children that die yearly due to preentable diseases? What does Sarduana Foundation mean to millions of Almajiris begging on the streets of Lagos and Abuja? What does Sarduana Foundation mean to dilapidated hospitals in the north? What does Sardauna Foundation mean to millions of northerners that have no access to pipe borne water? What does Sarduana Foundation mean to the average northerner that cannot afford a single meal a day? What does Sarduana Foundation mean to millions of northerners who are homeless? What does Sardauna Foundation means to millions of unemployed youths in the north?

Now going back to the actual donations, there are few questions we need to ask the state Governors. Now that N5billion has been realised, how is it going to be spent? Who are the administrators of the Sardauna foundation? Who will hold the administrators accountable on how the money realised will be spent?

It is high time we as individuals need to start holding our leaders accountable for their actions. I cannot imagine my State Premier donating $7m of taxpayers’ money towards a foundation, irrespective of whom the foundation is set up. And by the way, were these donations appropriated in the state budget? Did the state legislative assembly approve such expenditure?

Truth be told, we do not need to raise N5.4billion before we research the legacies of the Late Sarduana. His legacies are there for all who care to see. However, what has the northern leaders done in the last 43yrs to improve on the legacies of the Late Sardauna? What is the state of university/polytechnic he left behind? What happened to the NNDC? Where is New Nigeria newspaper? What happened to Bank of the North?

The Late Sardauna was not allocated money from the ‘Excess Crude Account’, yet he built schools, media empire, financial institutions. The Late Sardauna did not enrich himself through dodgy and sham foundations. He did not coerce government contractors into donating money for pet projects that did not serve any public good. I do not think he was junketing overseas for medical treatment while local hospitals in the North remained non-functional. I also do not think he was sending his children overseas for education, while the educational institutions in the North remain perpetually shut down.

If these northern states are so rich that they can raise N5.4billion, then Gov. Fashola shouldn’t have had to go through the pain of repatriating the Almajiris begging on the streets of Lagos back to the north.

Let make no mistake N5.4billion is a colossal amount of money, irrespective of the currency. If N5.4billion is spent on Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, it might at least reduce Pres. Yar’Adua overseas medical trips. The money is enough to save future generations in the north from dying from illnesses such as Malaria and Polio etc.

Madam Turai Yar'Adua Cancer Centre Naira Rain

It was “naira rain” about three weeks ago at the launching of the International Cancer Centre Abuja (ICCA) by Nigeria’s First Lady, Hajia Turai Yar’Adua. The Cancer Centre is expected to provide services in the areas of cancer diagnosis, treatment and research. The proposed centre is also expected to have an initial capacity for 128 in-patient beds and 20 terminally ill patients.

According to media reports, over N10 bilion was raised at that fundraising. The highest donor was Aminu Dantata, who donated a whooping sum of N1.2 billion. Others included business mogul, Aliko Dangote who also donated the sum of N1 billion on behalf of the Dangote Foundation. Niger State Governor, Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu who stood in for the Governors’ Forum, made a donation of N720 million, while 15 members of the National Assembly donated a total sum of N7.5 million amongst others.

There is no doubt that cancer is a serious public health problem in Nigeria, and regrettably, its management has not been satisfactory due largely to the adverse effects of unfavourable economic factors. This experience is similar to that in other African countries which have similar economic problems. But whilst the provision of cancer treatment facilities in Nigeria is not being questioned, the long term viability Hajia Turai’s pet project remains unclear.

When I read about the project launch, the first question on my mind was, I hope this would not be another failed pet project of a Nigerian First Lady. As we know, the track record of such pet projects is abysmal. We are now used to Nbillions donated to various pet projects at federal and state level without any commensurate result. In fact, the lifespan of such projects are only as long as the tenure of their promoters. Before, it was Maryam Babangida’s Better Life for Rural Dwellers, then came Mariam Abacha Family Support Programme, and Stella Obasanjo’s Child Care Trust. Despite the amount of donations showered on all these projects, I’m yet to see any infrastructure that has survived beyond the tenure of these women.

Personally, I think it is important to challenge the principle behind Hajia Turai’s project. Firstly, what is the purpose of this Cancer centre, when there are major hospitals, with cancer treating facilities that are grossly underfunded? It is on public record that there are only four active radiotherapy centers giving a ratio of one machine to about 30 million people, as against the recommended one per quarter million by the World Health Organisation. The available spectrum of anti-cancer drugs is also very limited and such drugs are not readily available. Imaging facilities for staging patients with cancer, such as computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are difficult to come by, and when available the cost of such studies puts them out of reach of the average citizen. So why can’t the N10 billion be channelled towards providing adequate facilities at existing public hospitals? Secondly, what is the purpose of locating such a centre in Abuja, a city with a population of just approximately two million? Research has shown that cancer is most prevalent in the low socio-economic class of the society. And these are the same people who cannot afford the cost of basic medical care. In a civilized society, efforts are made to locate health services within close proximity of the working class. Therefore we need to ask Hajia Turai, for whose benefit is the Cancer Centre in Abuja? Is it for the rich and affluent of Abuja or poor masses living in Lagos, Port Harcourt or Kano?

Thirdly, I’m also not sure on whose behalf the donations from the State Governors were made. Were they personal donations or from the state coffers? I want to believe it is the former rather than the latter. If it is from the state coffers, it raises serious questions about probity and accountability. It is ludicrous for any State Governor to make donations from the treasury to a project that lacks any financial governance. By the way, who is the First Lady accountable to? The office of the First Lay is not recognized in our constitution and therefore cannot have funds appropriated to it in the budget. Therefore, who monitors how taxpayers donated by state governors are spent? And now that N10 billion has been realized how can we be sure that the entire money will be spent? I will note that to date, Hajia Turai has not told us the actual cost of the Cancer Centre project, and she is sitting pretty with N10 billion – some of which are likely to be taxpayers’ money,

Fourthly, what will be governance/management structure of the Cancer Centre? Will it be managed privately or handed over the Federal Ministry of Health? How will centre be financially maintained in the longer term? How can we be sure that ‘world class’ Cancer Centre will not be another morgue in 10 years time?

There is no point in any First Lady raising Nbillions for project that is destined for doom from word go. Our First Ladies should instead use their influence to build institutions that will outlive individuals. The problem in our health sector is not lack of hospitals. If all the hospitals in Nigeria are adequately funded, we may probably not need a dedicated Cancer Centre.