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Buhari Administration Making Nigeria more Divided – Ayu

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Former President of Senate in the botched Third Republic, Dr Iyorchia Stu in a rare interview speaks on Nigeria’ s journey to nationhood since  Independence in 1960. Ayu, a radical Academic, who also served as Minister at  four different times  similarly opened up on his tenure as Senate President, the performance of the Buhari administration and more.

 


How will you assess our level of development so far?


it depends on where you are taking off, if you are somebody who experienced the state of  nigeria in the fifties,  you can say we have moved forward, because development has so many parameters, there is physical development, manpower development and cultural development.

  Let me talk on few of them ,some of us that were born in fifthies before independence, it was very difficult to travel from point one to the other because there were no roads at all , the rail lines were rickety,  of course they worked,  there were hardly water ways,  both river Niger, River Benue and the coaster areas.  Interms of transportation, we have improved on road network, we hardly improved on the rail system and the water system deteriorated. We also improved in the area of road transportation, so many private airlines came on board, so there’s development to some extent. If  you come to education, we had only few secondary or primary schools in most areas today there are  so many primary, secondary schools and universities, by the time I went to university, there were only five universities in Nigeria today we have over one hundred and twenty or fifty  universities in Nigeria there were hardly any polytechnics then, there are so many of them now, whether we argue that the quality has declined definitely, there’s a step forward and we can improve on it. 

There are so many other areas that Nigeria has moved forward, even though we haven’t moved as fast as people expected because if you take  the first development plane 1962 to 1966, which was modified  later to 1968, you will find out that we started at the same level if not better than  the Asian Tigers, particularly a country like South Korea.

Today,  south Korea, whether in the area of manufacturing, manpower development quality has moved ahead of us so we have every reason to lament. We  went through a very difficult civil war, 30 months and killed many Nigerians, not many countries would have  survived that type of experience but will survived it.

There is a good and bad and ugly in the last 60 years of our life and I think in the last ten to eight years, we have gone through another traumatic experience of terrorists, who are literally destroying Nigeria, many of them come from outside the country,  the disintegration in the North Africa and have infiltrated Nigeria and recruited a lot of  people like if you go to the North-East today or even the Northwest, places like katsina and Zamfara you will find out that the people are completely terrorised ,they can’t sleep so many people have been killed, its  literally as if we are in a civil war,  the same thing in the North Central and other places.

 Psychologically, Nigeria has never been as divided as we are today, the leadership is incompetent, particularly the current government, many Nigerians have called on President Buhari to be more decisive in dealing with the security situation, the platform whom he was selected and it’s almost unanimous that he has  failed woefully, he has not handled the security situation not even in his own State. 

 So it has given the impression that, and some of his policies for example  nearly all the appointments,  you have to be a muslim to be in government, it has never been like this before. For example, of 28 ministers in the northern part of the country, only two are Christians and with inconsequential ministries, special duties and women affairs,  the rest are muslims. 

Names of security personnel when they’re anounced is always a muslim and this has given Nigeria the impression that there’s no future and I  think is likely because of bad leadership but my plea to Nigerians is that this bad leadership will not be there for ever that is the beauty of democracy.

  In a democratic setting, whether you like it or not you will go at a particular point and another leadership will take over and I believe they’re a lot of good Nigerians who will provide qualitative leadership to this potentially great country, and lift it forward, because even if you look at the industrialization,  with the founding fathers of Nigeria started in the 50s and 60s and even president Shehu Shagari pushed it forward, what you find is complete destruction of that base.

Even in the petrochemical industry, whether in the automobile industry in every industry,  because if you don’t have a visionary leadership that knows what to do,  a leadership that’s clear a leadership that sees every Nigerian as a brother or sister, a leadership that is myopic can not move us forward it has to be a leadership that’s all inclusive , so I believe that there is still Hope for this country.


As  a one time Senate President, how Will you assess the functions of the legislature in Nigeria since the Independence? 

The Legislature has gone through a lot of trauma given our peculiar political history you know very well that at anytime the military takes over the first line of attack is the scraping of the legislature, so the legislature has not grown the way it should have grown, for the last 50 years, a  small group of military officers dominated and manipulated the development of this country largely negatively and what has suffered mostly is the legislature.

I remember that, when I was elected Senate President in 1992 the military hardly allowed us to do anything the only thing will did during that period was fighting the military in all their attempt to curt us and make sure that they stayed in power permanently.

We resisted it and that led to my removal as president of the Senate because I refused to be party or collaborate with the military to deny president Abiola his victory. I believe the legislature as currently constituted is very young , it has only been there in  any stretch of time for about 20years.

 It is not perfect, its not doing the best it should do but it’s better than military decree coming from one individual. Nigeria has a certain degree of representation, a number of them are very  very serious about the development of their individual areas and I have seen the number of them have ensured that the projects go to their communities.

So,  much as Nigerians will be frustrated with the legislature,  I don’t think giving the short time they have  been there,  is gradually a learning process. I think over time it will improve and should never go back to the period where one individual sit with an unelected people and give us decrees, we should try to improve the legislature rather than trying to scrap democracy, because when you talk of democracy, the real democracy is the legislature.

 
There have been calls for reduction of cost of government, one such way should be by making nigeria unicameral  legislature instead of presenting two chambers for them, what’s your take on this giving Nigeria’ s  economic  situation?


It’s  ignorance, largely because people don’t understand that entire amount of money you spent on the legislature does not compel to one single ministry spent either ministry of Works or Ministry of Defence, which is controlled by the executive, the cost of government is not just the legislature, the cost of government is actually the  way  the executive arm of government spend the resources of the country year in year out. 

I can give you the specific example. Lagos -Ibadan road, every year billions are budgeted for Lagos – Ibadan road, nobody ever sees the completion of that road and nobody sees the development of the road where does the money go to? And if you compare what the legislature always does  and the amount spent on the legislature, is very tiny amount compared to the total expenditure, so if you want to control the cost of governance,  we have to be more transparent,  everywhere make sure that the resources budgeted for specific projects go for those projects, then Nigerians will not complain about the cost of the  legislature because I don’t believe that the legislature spends money.

There is no where in the world that the legislature is cheap even in the united state that we keep citing, the legislature is expensive because you are dealing with a large number of people who are elected and you have to make sure they do their work.

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FG Invests $617m in Creative Enterprise Fund

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By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

Federal Government has invested $617million in Digital Economy and Creative Enterprises as initiative to foster entrepreneurship and innovation in the digital economy and creative industries.

The Special Assistant to the President on Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Ayo Adeagbo who disclosed this during his address at the African Fashion and Arts Award Business and Mentorship Summit held in Abuja yesterday said the initiative tagged the iDICE fund offered access to start-up capital and resources for the nurturing of talent in Nigeria.

While describing the formation of the Ministry of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy by the president as a “remarkable investment”, Adeagbo added that the Minister of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hanatu Musawa should ensure the building of greater pathways for young talent to reach their global potential

“After the inauguration of Mr President, one of the remarkable investments he made into the country was the creation of a ministry to handle the affairs of art, culture and creative economy.

“The ministry, ably led by Hon. Hannatu Musawa has achieved significant strides in less than a year for the benefit of our creatives and the nation as a whole.

“Some pivotal actions taken include the significant $617 million investment in Digital Economy and Creative Enterprises (iDICE), known as the iDICE Fund – an initiative that aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation in digital technology and creative industries.”

While unveiling the enterprise, the minister made it known that the fund offers access to start-up capital and resources essential for nurturing talent in Nigeria.

The Acting Director of the FCT Department of Arts and Culture, Kayode Aiyegbusi, who also represented the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud noted the importance of a synergy between the private sector and the government to grow the creative economy, adding that while the government would continue to create the enabling environment, to allow the industry to thrive.

Similarly, the convener of the AFAA, Kingsley Amako, described the creative industry as “the next oil boom”, and encouraged youths to develop their skills, build capacity and learn to produce and market their products, noting that the AFAA provided a platform for their recognition.

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Reps Query OAGF Over N15bn Payment  to Remita

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By Ubong Ukpong, Abuja

Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the House of Representatives yesterday queried the payment of N15 billion to Remita, a payment platform from the Office of the Accountant General for the Federation (OAGF).

The committee accused the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Commercial Banks of complicity in the sharing of the N150 billion remittance.

Rep.

Bamidele Salam, Chairman PAC made the allegation at the resumed investigative hearing on revenue leakages in Abuja.

Salam said that the payment of N15 billion to Remita from the OAGF from 2016 to 2018 was questionable, adding that the OAGF paid the money without agreement or contract.

He described the payment as illegal. “The money is an illegal payment. There was no budget provision, so where did they source the money from?” the chairman queried.

He said, “The CBN also shared in the money. The money is an illegal payment. There was no budget provision so where did they source the money from?

 “Ordinarily, that whole sum of VAT ought to go to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) but what they are doing in this transaction is that they will now add that VAT to the N150.

“They will add it up, and take it to the CBN,” he alleged.

He said, “System Spec and Remita, both collect revenue for the federal government, will share 50 percent, while the banks and the CBN will also have their share.”

He said that by the time the committee finishes its reconciliation, “I am very sure that hundreds of billions of naira will be the VAT component that was not remitted to FIRS.”

According to him, each bank ought to take the money and directly remit it to FIRS.

“Now Remita is saying that those collecting should calculate the money that has been shared. How do we track this kind of money?” he asked.

The PAC chairman warned the Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue (FIRS), Mr Zacch Adedeji against disregard for the committee, stressing that Adedeji’s actions amounted to contempt of parliament.

Salam said that for four times the committee invited the FIRS chairman but he failed to show up.

According to him, “In addition to writing him officially, we have also made sure that such letters were delivered personally to his mail box and his WhatsApp number.

“And we condemn and describe it as irresponsible and arrogant, and we tell him that there will be consequences if he continues this contempt of parliament.”

He said that several letters had been written him without responses, adding that the Value Added Tax (VAT) that the federal government should be collecting on Remitta had not been collected by FIRS.

The Director of Banking Services of the CBN, Mr Ahmed Abdullahi said they deemed it fit to source for an alternative way of remitting revenue and Remita and System Spec were selected because they had been rendering similar services to banks.

According to him, Remita was engaged in 2011 and operations commenced in 2012 with system module names. The CBN only finalised the transaction

He said that the fees charged under the TSA were in line with the structure of banking. The volume of revenue collection that passed through Remita was N86 million.

Mr. Oyewole Adewale, Chief Accountant, TSA Department, representing the Accountant General for the Federation, accused the CBN of not honoring its letters to reconcile the revenue accrued to the country through TSA.

He said the OAGF had developed a system where all revenue generated by the Ministries of Departments and Agencies of Government (MDAs) could now be monitored without any interference.

Mr Aderemi Atanda, the Director of Remita Payment Services Ltd., while reading the summary of the TSA collection record, said that 10, 20, and 50 percent were shared among CBN, commercial banks, and Remitta.

He said that collections are not static, they vary.

“From 2015 to 2016, it was N4.2 million, and the fee paid was N8.5 billion; in 2016, N1.3 billion was paid.”

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Tinubu Makes Numerous Promises at Slain Soldiers Burial

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President Bola Tinubu has directed the military to within the next 90 days ensure that all the benefits of the 17 officers and men of the army killed in Okuama on March 14 be paid to their families.

Tinubu said that government would provide a house in any part of the country to each of the families of the four officers and 13 soldiers.

He said that all the children of the deceased would enjoy a Federal Government scholarship up to University level.

He described the officers and soldiers as patriotic, brave and gallant Nigerians.

The president said that the deceased gave their lives to defend and protect the Nation against internal and external threats.

At the burial ceremony of the officers and soldiers on Wednesday in Abuja, Tinubu said that their death serves as a rallying point for Nigerians to condemn crime and criminality.

“They went as peacemakers and peacekeepers, seeking to bring an end to the hostilities between the two communities.“They didn’t go with tanks, machine guns and other weapons. They were on a mission of peace.“The officers and soldiers who lost their lives that day were patriots, brave and noble men who gave their lives to defend and protect our nation against internal and external threats,” he said.The 17 military personnel killed included Lt.-Col. Ali, Maj. D.E Obi, Maj. S.D. Ashafa, Capt. U. Zakari, Staff Sgt. Yahaya Saidu, Corporal Danbaba Yahaya, Corporal Kabir Bashir, Lance Corporal Abdullahi Ibrahim, Lance Corporal Bulus Haruna, Lance Corporal Sole Opeyemi, and Lance Corporal Bello Anas.The rest were Private Alhaji Isah, Private Clement Francis, Private Abubakar Ali, Private Adamu Ibrahim, Private Hamman Peter, and Private Ibrahim Adamu.Tinubu said that the deceased have all been awarded posthumous national honours.“The four gallant Officers have been awarded Member of the Order of Niger (MON). And the 13 courageous soldiers who also lost their lives have been Awarded Officer of the Federal Republic Medals.“As Commander-In-Chief, I do not take the contributions of members of our Armed Forces for granted. I recognise your valour and bravery.

“I honour your unflinching commitment to making our country safe from criminals, bandits, kidnappers and insurrectionists.”The President urged the officers and men of the military not to be deterred by these setbacks and be prepared to continue to work for peace and harmony.Tinubu also called on Nigerians to rededicate themselves to rebuilding communities and making them places where love, tolerance and harmony reigns.“Leaders at all levels, especially community leaders and traditional rulers, must work to strengthen the bonds that unite us. We must end the cycle of violence and bloodletting.“I want to make it clear, once more, that those who committed this heinous crime will not go unpunished. We will find them and our departed heroes will get justice.“The elders and chiefs of Okuoma also have a duty to help the military in fishing out the gunmen who committed the barbaric crime against our men.”The president commended the Armed Forces for their restraint in choosing not to carry out any reprisal attacks in Okuoma or its neighbouring communities.“We must all ensure that the innocent people of Okuoma are not made to bear the punishment of the guilty and wicked among them.”

On his part, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, said the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army who were gruesomely murdered in Okuama Community in Delta on March 14, left behind 10 widows three of whom are pregnant and 21 orphans.Lagbaja made this known at the burial of the 17 personnel comprising one Lieutenant Colonel, two Majors, one Captain and 13 soldiers, on Wednesday at the National Cemetery in Abuja.According to him, the Okuama killing has added to the care of the Nigerian army and, by extension, the Nigeria state, 10 widows, three of whom are four, five, and eight months pregnant, 21 orphans, and many other dependents, including parents.“While commiserating with the families of these gallant soldiers, I assure them that the Nigerian army and the good people of this country will not leave them in the cold.“We shall do all within our power to provide succour to them and preserve the memories of their departed loved ones,” he said.Lagbaja said he considered his toughest job to be putting fine men and women in harm’s way, sometimes knowing that they might not return to their families and loved ones.He added that his men, correspondingly and intriguingly, know that in spite of the equipment, training, and other forms of preparations, sometimes some may not make it back alive, while some may return handicapped.According to him, “when soldiers die in the hands of the enemies of the State, we take it as dying for what the nation has considered a just cause; we celebrate them as gallant heroes.“But when they are gruesomely murdered by the very people they are trained, equipped, and took an oath to protect, it is highly demoralizing.“It is no longer news that 17 of the Nigerian Army’s finest men, whom we have come to bury, were murdered in a reprehensible manner on March 14 in the Okuama community of Delta State while they went on a legitimate peace-making mission.

“It grieves my heart that it took our search and recovery effort over 72 hours to recover some vital organs of the decapitated and disembowell bodies of my men that were scattered all over the Okuama community by the community youths and their friends.“I consider it the most barbaric act any citizen or community can commit against the authority of the state, and I must place on record that a lot of restraints have been exercised so far in our search and recovery efforts for missing arms, ammunition, other equipment, and body parts.“I assure the President and all Nigerians that the Nigerian Army remains committed to its constitutional responsibilities and will not be deterred by setbacks such as witnessed in the Okuama community.“As tasked by the President and Commander-In-Chief of our Armed Forces, the Nigerian Army, with the assistance of its sister services and other security agencies, is committed to bringing the perpetrators of the Okuama murder to book and recover all service and personal belongings taken from the murdered troops.“The Nigerian Army will continue to seek the cooperation of all well-meaning Nigerians, particularly in the affected area, towards swift and successful conduct of our search and recovery operations,” he said.The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, said the fallen heroes exemplified the very best of service to nation and love for country.Musa said they were the vanguards of peace, the guardians of freedom, and the sentinels of security, adding that their selflessness and unwavering dedication to duty would forever be etched in their hearts and memories.He assured the families of the deceased officers of the support of the nation and the armed forces in every way possible, urging them to find solace in the knowledge that their loved ones made an indelible mark on the nation’s history.The defence chief said the military would honour their memory by continuing the fight against those who sought to undermine the peace and security of the nation.

“We will remain steadfast in our resolve to build a nation worthy of your sacrifice.“The loss we feel today is immeasurable, but we must not allow it to dim the light of hope within us.“Instead, let us use this moment as a rallying cry to come together as a nation, to support our armed forces, and to work tirelessly towards a Nigeria free from the grip of violence and insecurity.“We owe it to these fallen heroes to honour their memory by redoubling our efforts to create a safer and more prosperous nation for all.“Let us build a nation where every citizen can live without fear, where communities can thrive, and where our children can grow up knowing the true meaning of security and stability.“To the men and women who continue to serve in the armed forces, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your dedication to duty.“Your commitment to defending our nation, even in the face of great peril, is truly commendable,” he said.Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and governors of Delta, Bayelsa, Kano, Kogi and Imo states amongst others attended the burial ceremony.

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