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Niger Delta Leaders Have Failed the People – Enang
Senator Ita Enang has been a Legislator in most of his political career. He was first elected Councillor and later served in Akwa Ibom House of Assembly before proceeding to the House of Representatives and ultimately, the Senate, where he served for two terms. The former Presidential Liaison Officer (Senate) who serves as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Niger Delta Affairs in this interview to mark the nation’s 60th Independence anniversary bares his mind on some critical issues in the polity. Excerpts.
This is the diamond age of Nigeria’s independence, how will you assess the journey so far?
I think we done very well, we thank God that we are able to stay together as one country, although in a different heart the things in our hearts and our consciousness are different they were still bond together by geography and international dialogue the leaders of the country have done very well, they’re respected leaders, we started by bloodshed, the different coups and ethnic suspicions, which led to the 1964,1965,1966 and 1967 challenges of the country and now we are able to stay together.
One of the greatest achievement is that we have been able to have democracy running consecutively for the last 21years, so we congratulate Nigerians. I want to say that we would have done better as a country.
We are self governing, we are a democracy but we are not independent. The only thing we can call independent is we are independent of foreign rulers but we are not independent as a country, because we have not yet produced what we can eat or we have not yet refined our petroleum, we don’t add enough value to our petroleum.
In agriculture, we are not self- sufficient in technology, we are are not deploying the technology of other countries into our country and yet don’t explore the democratic resources into the technological advancement of our citizens.
In terms of our currency, we have not done well at all. In the ‘80s the naira was stronger than the Dollar and Pounds. In the ‘80s the dollar exchange was about $3 or $4 dollars to one naira, the Pounds was two pounds to one naira, how do we get to where we are? So we have to go and see again how we can re-invent our country and make sacrifices.
The other problem is that individuals and persons in government don’t see themselves as serving the public. Persons in government and public offices see it as an opportunity to make money, as an opportunity to show up they don’t see it as an opportunity to develop the country or to add value to the country. Most persons in public offices don’t see their Nigeria with like the British, European and Americans see their countries.
They do not see public offices as an opportunity to grow the country, to add value to the country, create employment. People in public offices see it as an opportunity to make money, to show up, to say, I have arrived. These are part of the things we lost, which we will not gain in our 60 years of independence but I am praying to God that under the leadership and the hand of President Buhari, who also says to me “do the right thing go and do the right thing, you will account to your God.” Let all public officers follow the example of President Buhari, who believes in doing the right thing, they will account to their God
You were Chairman of House committee on Rules and Business, while in the House, from your experience, what can you tell us about the role and performance of the legislature in Nigeria since independence?
I want to congratulate the Nigerian people again for the 21 years of democratic rule. In the existence of the legislature, it does appear that the public still takes the legislature as the opposition party, but the legislature has done well because the legislature is the conscience of the people. I am very grateful to the legislature because its the legislature that brings out things that are happening in different Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
A president or governor will not know when there is crime or corruption in any office, he will not know when money is been appropriated, he will not know when things are not going well in any of the ministries, where money has been misappropriated he will not also know where programmes that are to be executed are not well executed, as they were meant to be other than the legislature through over sight function, through the process of public hearing.
And of course, the legislature has to come to stay. Something is getting very wrong with the legislature and I want to say with the greatest respect to the present legislature, the 7th Assembly, the 8th Assembly and the 9th Assembly. I was a member of the 7th Assembly in the Senate.
At the time I was in the Senate, the standard had started getting down. You will have a situation where you bring a bill on the floor, you don’t have the bill debated, you don’t have the essentials of the bill debated and and you don’t have situation where you have votes and proceedings produced, you don’t have the situation where you have the handsards showing the debate on any bill to know the thinking of the legislature.
In Law, one of the best means of knowing when the judge is based on interpretation of any law and is not guided by any precedent, he will want to say, what was the intention of the legislature and sometimes when you want to know the intention of the legislature, you go to the handsards of the legislature , and the handsards of the legislature is showing the drain and flow of debate, it’s that flow of debate that the judge will take, read and know, this was the thinking of the legislature. But now you will go to the legislature, you won’t find the handsards, sometimes they don’t produce the vote and proceeding.
Take for instance, we have the CAMA act, a lot of people say they do not see or know because there was no dated debate on it and even the vote and proceedings were not produced because not everybody had it.
Now take for instance, what is happening in Imo state today and what I’m saying is not really applicable to the National Assembly but to the State Houses of Assembly, the state houses of assembly have been reduced to parastatal of the governors.
Take the example of Imo state, they passed the administration of criminal justice Act and according to social media, and the sponsor of the bill, what was presented to the governor for signature is different from what was passed on the floor, which can not happen, which is a criminal action.
In 2002 or 2003, when there was an injection of something wrong into the electoral Act under Obasanjo administration, when there is something into the Act before it was forwarded to the president, so the legislature is gradually going low , because, when you take the vote and proceeding argument, in the Assembly of 1999 to 2003, and take the one of 2003 to 2007, take the one of 2007 to 20011 you will see contributions, you will see men who were prepared for the legislature, you will see the argument of lawyers, engineers, architects, doctors different professionals, you will see what people did
now if you pick those things, you will not see what even a sponsor of a bill will do, therefore the national assembly and the legislature should go back, thank God I urge the Senate president who is the longest serving member, he was with me in the house of representatives from 1999 to 2007, in 2007 he left to the Senate I was the One that continued in the house of representatives in 20011, as of today he spent one year on the floor of the legislature as a Senate president let him recall as it’s working and then bring back that level of intellectual argument.
How will you describe the situation in the Niger delta since 1960?
Niger Delta shouldn’t be weeping and wailing today. It appears raped by the very country it has helped but it is more raped by the indigenes of the region because the things that come for the development of the Niger Delta through different struggles have gone into the hands of the leaders of the Niger Delta, who have found opportunity to be in government.
They have not done well for the citizens. Look at the derivation principle, it was supposed to be for the development of the Niger Dtelta but it is given to the Governors and the governors use it to compete among them selves who Will fly the newest private jet.
I saw a post the other day and I wept, which Said, compare the convoy of President Buhari with the cars and convoy of a particular governor in Niger Delta. I wept because when you see the cars of a governor in the Niger Delta, then you will see that the region is not suffering from the hand of the country but it’s suffering from the hand of it’s citizens. Go and look at the local content fund, look at how the oil companies are treating the area.
The Governors should set up a special purpose vehicle that goes to develop Niger Delta with the derivation money at least if they want to give this thing, give only 20 percent to the Governors to develop the Urban areas, let the 80percent go to the development of Niger Delta oil producing communities.
There are times that we have stoppage of oil production. It’s because some communities want just a primary school, they want Just a road and a market, if you go to Ogbosi community, the ogba kingdom in Ogba LGA in Rivers state, you will find soldiers always surrounding and protecting the gas plant there.
The gas plant that feeds this country. The gas plant from there is going to be joined by the gas pipe line in delta to take gas through the West African gas pipe line, it is that gas that is coming to Ajaokuta and it’s being linked to Kaduna and Kano, contract has been awarded worth over $2billion. Yet the community, where this gas comes from – Ogbosi, is asking for primary school; Is asking for a market; Is asking for a one kilometer road. What these people are asking for does not even amount to revenue that accrues from from one hour production of gas
By David Torough, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has directed the relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances that led to the tragic incident at the Children’s funfair in Ibadan, which resulted in the loss of lives and injuries.
Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga, in a statement stressed the importance of determining whether negligence or deliberate actions contributed to this painful development, ensuring a transparent and accountable process.
The president, who expressed profound sadness over the tragic incident on Thursday, extended condolences to the government and people of Oyo State, as well as to the grieving families who have lost their beloved children.
The statement read, “In this moment of mourning, President Tinubu stands in solidarity with the affected families and offers prayers that the Almighty God will grant peace to the souls of those who have departed in this unfortunate event.
“President Tinubu has urgently directed the relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances of this tragedy thoroughly. He emphasises that it is imperative to determine whether negligence or deliberate actions contributed to this painful incident, ensuring a transparent and accountable process.
“The President urges the Oyo State Government to take every necessary measure to prevent such a tragedy from reoccurring.”
The president wants a comprehensive review of all public events’ safety measures, strict enforcement of safety regulations, and regular safety audits of event venues.
He called on event organizers to prioritize the safety of all attendees, especially children, just as he stressed the importance of integrating professional security, protocol, and logistics at events to ensure the utmost safety of all participants.
According to the president, “Our children’s safety and well-being remain paramount. No event should ever compromise their safety or take precedence over their lives.”
So far, police have confirmed that 35 children died while six others were critically injured.
According to a statement by the Oyo State Police Command through the spokesman, Adewale Osifeso, yesterday, the organisers of the event, including the main sponsor, Naomi Silekunola, the estranged wife of the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and her media partner, Agidigbo FM, the principal of the school, and five others, have been arrested in connection with the tragedy.
The police stated that the event was organised by the Wings Foundation and media partners Agidigbo FM, without proper permission or safety measures in place.
The police said they have commenced an investigation into the incident and have promised to bring those responsible to justice.
By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has revoked the land title of former President Muhammadu Buhari for nonpayment of statutory fees.
A public notice issued yesterday by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) showed that titles for 762 plots of land in the Maitama district of Abuja were revoked over failure to pay charges for Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O).
A former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen was also affected.FCTA also threatened to withdraw the Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) of 614 other individuals and companies if they fail to pay outstanding bills for their plots within two weeks.
The FCTA notice read, “The Federal Capital Territory Administration wishes to inform the allottee(s)/title holder(s) of plots of land in Maitama 1 who have failed to make payment for their Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills that their Right of Occupancy to the land/property has been withdrawn.”
According to the administration, this action was taken under Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978, which empowers the minister to revoke Right of Occupancy for non-compliance with payment obligations or breach of other allocation terms.
The Cs-of-O of the Muhammadu Buhari Trust Foundation owned by former President Muhammadu Buhari; former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Walter Onnoghen; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen; Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume; his wife, Regina; and Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna were revoked.
Also affected are: former and serving lawmakers: the Senate Chief Whip, Tahir Monguno; former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chibudom Nwuche; former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin; former House of Representatives member, Nnenna Ukeje; Andy Uba and Smart Adeyemi, both former senators.
Wike, who assumed office in August 2023 has consistently emphasised his commitment to enforce order in Abuja’s land administration.
It was however a tough task for men of the Department of Development Control who were on mission to pull down unapproved structures.
Soldiers allegedly following the orders of an Army General on Wednesday evening attacked Development Control officials who were in Sabon Lugbe, Abuja to remove illegal structures in the area.
The officials were to remove the fence of a building on Plot 416 said to belong to one Major General.
An official of the department narrated their ordeal: “During this operation, there was an incident that happened at Plot 416 Sabon Lugbe that belongs a Major General.
“When the assignment was going on, the Major General got information…He sent two soldiers from his house to ascertain the situation.
“On getting to the scene, the soldiers who drove a vehicle wit covered number plate blocked the way out of the house to prevent the enforcement team from coming out of the premises, threatening that somebody must die today.
“Private Jamilu [second name unknown] went straight to the caterpillar operator, cocked his rifle and pointed straight to him to come down or risk being shot immediately.
“He politely came down but was grabbed by the two soldiers who squeezed his neck with his clothes, beat him mercilessly and tore his shirt.
“Private Jamilu pulled his rifle and fired the four tyres of the caterpillar flat. He then called the Major General to come along with more soldiers for reinforcement, and he came with them in numbers.
“He ordered his men to take Sector Sodangi and his site officer to his house, beat them even right from outside alongside six enforcement officials who were also taken hostage for hours.
“Three Hilux vehicles were taken to the Major General’s house while the remaining vehicles that they could not lay hands on had their tyres flattened with gun shots.
“On receiving the information, the DPO Trademore came to the scene but the Major General refused to take compliments nor listen to her. She left and said she would come back.”
Director of the department, Mukhtar Galadima did not respond to our reporter’s enquiries. Also, the Director of Press, Office of the Minister, Anthony Ogunleye couldn’t be reached.
This is not the first time officials of the department have suffered attack. It has been a hazard they confront frequently in the course of their work.
By Ubong Ukpong & Eze OkeChukwu, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu yesterday presented his administration’s ambitious N47.90 trillion budget estimates for 2025, assuring the people of the administration’s readiness to continue stimulating the economy through targeted fiscal stimulus packages, public expenditures, and non-inflationary spending.
While presenting the budget titled, “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity,” to a joint session of the National Assembly, the president reiterated his unwavering commitment to rebuilding Nigeria and ensuring a prosperous future for the nation.
A breakdown of the proposed 2025 budget allocations showed the following: Defence and Security, N4.
91 trillion; Infrastructure, N4.06 trillion; Health, N2.48 trillion; and Education, N3.52 trillion.He said, “As we embark on implementing the 2025 budget, our steps are deliberate, our decisions resolute, and our priorities are clear.
“This budget reflects a renewed commitment to strengthening the foundation of a robust economy while addressing critical sectors essential for growth and development.”
On national security, Tinubu assured the public that his administration had “significantly increased funding for the military, paramilitary, and Police Force to secure the nation, protect our borders, and consolidate government control over every inch of our national territory.”
He said his government would continue to equip the security forces with the modern tools and technology necessary to safeguard the country.
“The officers, men, and women of our Armed Forces and the Nigerian Police Force are the shields and protectors of our nation.
“Our administration will continue to empower them to defeat insurgency, banditry, and all threats to our sovereignty,” the president noted.
On infrastructure development, the president explained, “When we launched the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, it was with the conviction that infrastructure remains the backbone of every thriving economy.
“We are accelerating investments in energy, transport, and public works. By leveraging private capital, we hope to complete key projects that drive growth and create jobs.”
Tinubu shared his administration’s commitment to improving human capital development, revealing that the government had disbursed N34 billion to over 300,000 students via the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
“In the 2025 Budget, we have allocated N826.90 billion for infrastructure development in the educational sector, including allocations for the Universal Basic Education (UBEC) and nine new higher educational institutions,” he said.
For healthcare, Tinubu emphasized the importance of Universal Health Coverage initiatives and announced an allocation of N402 billion for infrastructure investments in the health sector, with an additional N282.65 billion for the Basic Health Care Fund.
He added that his administration would continue its efforts to reduce medical import dependency and ensure quality healthcare for all Nigerians.
On corruption, Tinubu asserted, “Our nation faces existential threats from corruption and insecurity and suffers from many past poor choices. These challenges are surmountable when we work collaboratively to overcome them.
“We must rewrite the narrative of this nation together, with every leader, institution, and citizen playing their part.”
He urged Nigerians to look towards a brighter future and to support greater investment in the private sector, saying, “The time for lamentation is over. This is a time to act.”
He stressed that the 2025 budget proposal lays the foundation for peace, prosperity, and hope, emphasizing that his administration’s journey of economic renewal and institutional development, which began 18 months ago, is well underway.
He said that Nigeria’s economy is responding positively to the fiscal stimulus measures, with growth projected at 3.46 percent in the third quarter of 2024, up from 2.54 percent in the same period of 2023.
He shared the 2025 budget’s revenue targets, with a proposed N34.82 trillion in revenue and N47.90 trillion in government expenditure, including N15.81 trillion for debt servicing.
The president projected inflation would decline from 34.6 percent to 15 percent, with an improved exchange rate of N1,500 per US dollar and crude oil production pegged at 2.06 million barrels per day, stating that, “This is an ambitious but necessary budget to secure our future.”
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio in his opening remarks said, “Your Excellency, we commend you on your groundbreaking tax reform initiative.
“The four tax reform bills—the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024; and Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024, represent a monumental shift in our fiscal landscape.
“It is disheartening that those who have not taken time to understand these bills are the loudest critics.
“I urge all Nigerians, especially those in public office, to engage with these vital reforms thoughtfully.
“This initiative marks the first comprehensive tax reform since Nigeria’s independence, presenting a transformative opportunity for rejuvenating small and medium enterprises and enhancing the livelihoods of ordinary Nigerians.
“These reforms will not only improve Nigeria’s revenue profile but also create a more conducive and internationally competitive business environment, transforming our tax system to support sustainable development.
“We will not kill any reform that you have forwarded to us for consideration Mr President but rather engage Nigerians to see the merits in them.”
In his vote of thanks, the House of Representatives Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas said the government needs to reflect on the fiscal realities of Nigeria’s economy, especially the budget-population ratio of the country, when Nigeria is compared with other countries in Africa.
The Speaker noted that the Tinubu administration has taken bold and decisive steps to reform the economy in the past 18 months, stressing that removing fuel subsidies, unifying foreign exchange rates, and introducing innovative economic policies have laid a solid foundation for sustainable growth and development.
Abbas said while these reforms have demanded short-term sacrifices, they are acts of courage and patriotism.
He cited examples from China’s market reforms, India’s liberalisation, and South Korea’s industrialisation which, he stated, affirm the enduring benefits of such bold action. “These lessons inspire confidence that Nigeria’s ongoing reforms will foster economic growth, reduce poverty, and ensure long-term prosperity,” he stated.
The Speaker stated that the Tinubu administration’s reforms have “disrupted the status quo, sparking resistance from vested interests,” noting that, “Yet these courageous measures underscore your resolve to prioritise the welfare of Nigerians.”
The Speaker noted that the proposed 2025 budget of N49.7 trillion— a 35 percent increase over 2024— is “ambitious and commendable.”
He said the projections of 4.6 percent Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, a crude oil price of $75 per barrel, an exchange rate of N1,400 to the dollar, and oil production of 2.06 million barrels per day are bold but achievable.”
He added, “However, Nigeria’s fiscal realities warrant critical reflection. Despite being Africa’s most populous nation with over 220 million people, our 2024 national budget of $36.7 billion remains modest compared to countries like South Africa, with a budget of $160 billion for its 60 million citizens; Egypt, with $110 billion for 110 million people; Algeria, with $60 billion for 45 million people; and Morocco, allocating $50 billion for its 37 million residents.
The Speaker assured the president, “This is not merely your budget; it is a national project requiring collaboration across all arms of government,” adding that the parliament will work to ensure its timely passage, provide legislative support for critical reforms, and conduct robust oversight to guarantee transparency and efficiency in its execution.
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