By Salamatu Sule

Security of lives and property remains first priority for a well defined society. But in a country such as Nigeria, security increasingly becomes a mirage. Like Kenya where there is a well defined database for the country’s policing system, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, the Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation said, if given the same consideration to running the policing system, the structural, institutional and individual development of the Nigeria Police Force would greatly improve. This draws attention to the leadership challenge in the Force.

With a mere mention of the security, there is always an eye on the Nigeria Police Force as the first agent of security of the people with the basic responsibility to maintain law and order. Even before Mr Hafiz Ringim tendered his resignation from the position of Inspector General of Police because he had not been able to tackle the nation’s security challenges, there was a question of what the criteria for appointment of a new IG should be in order to mend the problem that has left a lot of people with a bleeding heart. This question was pointedly asked when the CLEEN Foundation and the Network on Police Reform in Nigeria organised a forum on the 29th of November 2011 to deliberate on the theme “Leadership Appointment in the Nigeria Police Force”.

Participants at the event included civil society, development partners, and government agencies such as the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Police Service Commission, and the Nigeria Police Force. They discussed with the sole aim of fashioning dependable leadership appointment criteria at all levels in the Nigeria Police Force. Most speakers noted that the Police Force lacks professionalism and agreed that the nation’s security challenge could only be resolved when the right people are being appointed at all cadre of the Force, even at the divisional level. While many have attributed the progressive decline in security to the wider political issue of bad governance, others brought it closer home to the police as an institution. The first presenter, Professor Etannibi EO Alemika, argued that the Nigeria Police has for too long buried itself under the powerful influence of political godfathers while previous IGPs, who were supposed to be in the office managing the affairs of the citizens, resolved to dine and wine in the Presidential Villa and safeguard powerful citizens. Prof Alemika, whose presentation was hinged on the premise that the state of the Nigeria Police is fast becoming deplorable and demands urgent attention, said the needed intellectual instrument are not there for the police to use in fighting crime.

The security of the tenure for the IG’s appointment and the power to secure his position without it being politically interfered with, was an identified constraint on the appropriate exercise of his authority and mandate as a police boss fears being removed from office within a short period of time without fully understanding the functionality of a whole system. As Mr Chukwuma earlier said in a welcome remark, “The high turnover of leadership in the police and the opaque appointment procedure often adopted in selecting successors to retiring or sacked police chiefs, appear to have made it difficult for any sort of long term planning for the development of the Police Force and robbed it of competent and motivated leaders capable of inspiring confidence in the personnel.”

Expounding this, Professor Alemika went further to emphasise the role of the Nigeria Police, saying that creating other civil security agencies such as the Nigeria Civil Defence Corps and other forces probably caused the problems that the police force is encountering. He averred that the issue of functionality as to which agency should combat crime is not longer left to the Nigeria Police alone as both come to either share and perform the same functions, with less resources and reduced effectiveness. Of course, the professor of criminology lamented that the Nigeria Police are seen as Jack of all trade and master of none because it could be argued that the police lacks focus as to what task the Force is primarily supposed to handle. This constitutes a further challenge to prospects of professionalism. From the professor’s presentation one could almost come up with the conclusion that the problem facing the Nigerian Police Force could be as a result of lack of proper training or lack of appropriate academic discipline which have over the years brought about poor service delivery.

This brought about the issue of minimum qualification for recruitment into the Nigeria Police. While some of the participants were of the view that a police should at least obtain a degree, others frowned at it, maintaining that all that was needed was that discipline which would bring about effectiveness.

He identified nine competencies which the NPF must have: a. Intelligence; b. Investigation; c. Prosecution; d. Forensic and scientific aids (fingerprint, handwriting, DNA, crime scene analysis); e. Operation plan development and implementation; f. Monitoring and evaluation (development and implementation of operational plans and national strategic plan); g. Internal control, professional standards and performance measurement; h. Human resources management; and i. Research, policing information management, policy development and coordination. In his summation, Professor Alemika said: “These competencies are generally lacking in the Force, because of several factors, including the quality of leadership and management personnel.”

He was of the view that the Police Council which is provided for in the Constitution and which is chaired by the President of the Federal Republic should be given a greater role in the appointment of the Inspector General of Police and related management positions. “The leadership of the Force can be located in the three strategic leaders in the Constitution,” Prof Alemika told the enthralled audience who listened attentively as he broke it down into, “1. President in his capacity as the Chairman of the Police Council (delegated to the Minister of Police Affairs – policy leadership; 2. Chairman of the Police Service Council – human development leadership; [and] 3. Inspector-General of Police (IGP) – operational leadership.” He argued that the current approach to appointment into management and leadership positions in the Force denies it attention to human resources management, as well as denies individual officers of specialist career path and career planning.

The discussions on minimum standards for recruitment into the Police were deep and far-reaching. At the end of the discussions, the participants who came from across the country, agreed on a few points which were captured in the communiqué. They resolved that promotion in the Force should be based on clearly defined criteria embodying educational qualifications, professional police training and performance improvement that would boost competence and performance in the police service. But the options were more rigorous for appointment of the IGP. “To appoint an Inspector General of Police (IGP),” the communiqué signed by Mr Innocent Chukwuma began, “the Police Service Commission should recommend to the Police Council the three highest scoring candidates from a list of candidates examined and interviewed by a panel of examiners. The Police Council would be at liberty to appoint the most qualified candidate as the IGP. In the alternative, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria should nominate candidates for the post of IGP to the National Assembly for ratification.”

The gathering also dwelt on the criteria for being considered to fill the IGP’s office. “To qualify as an IGP, certain criteria must be put in place such as possession of a minimum of a bachelors degree, a minimum of twenty years’ service to the Force, proficiency in a core area of functional competencies of the Force such as Intelligence, Investigations and Operations, and the possession of a clean record.”

They advocated for an urgent review of the relevant sections of the Constitution and the Police Act in order to restructure the Police Force and make it an effective institution that operates within a gender sensitive democratic culture.

In spite of all the above deliberations, another IG has just been appointed. Will Mohammed Abubakar be sacked like the rest or would the issue discussed at the forum be taken seriously? Nigerians await a new dawn where issue of bad security system would come to pass, a dream that the people will come to trust the police as a true friend. With MD Abubakar, a thoroughbred officer who has handled delicate postings in Kano, Lagos and Plateau States, there seems to be light at the end of the long, unsafe tunnel. But his well-applauded appointment should be used to correct the sloppy leadership appointment processes of the past, not as an excuse to retain the shoot-and-miss methods.

Salamatu Sule is a social commentator and freelance writer who participated in the Police Station Visitors’ Week 2011.

By Nwoke Cosmos Damian

The sack of 5 governors; Timipre Sylva of Bayelsa,  Murtala Nyako of Adamawa, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko of Sokoto, Ibrahim Idris of Kogi and Liyel Imoke of Cross Rivers state today, by the Supreme Court has put an end to the issue of tenure of Governors in Nigeria, especially as it concern post election matters. In reaching their decision The Supreme Court said its judgment was based on the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria-which does not envisage a governor spending a totality of 8years in office. Technically and in law, the tenure of the affected Governors is deemed to have ended May 28th 2011 the Court ruled.  It also said allowing they Governors stay more than 8years will be a violation of Section 182 (2). The decision of the apex court is final.

While the Supreme Court judgment is expected to set a precedent to election matters, it will also on the other hand, create power tussle in Adamawa State, actuate anticipated fierce legal battles in Kogi and Bayelsa States. Cross River and Sokoto States will not experience difficulties in implementing the Court’s decision.

In Adamawa State, elections are due to hold in a few days time, precisely on the 4th of February, 2012 according the time table released by INEC, but whether the elections will be halted or not cannot be determine except INEC makes a public statement halting the exercise, otherwise it is assumed the elections will hold as planned, after all the Supreme Court did not make any consequential order asking INEC to halt planned elections in the State. However, more problematic at this time is the provisions of section 178(2) which provides that elections must be held on a date not earlier than 60days and not later than 30 days before the expiration of the term of the last office holder. Perhaps there will be need for further clarifications by the Apex Courts since the tenure of the Governors by law ended 28th May, 2011 and not 28th May, 20012!

To add salt to injury, for almost two months now, the Adamawa State House of Assembly is under locks and keys and without a recognized or substantive Speaker who naturally should have been sworn in as acting Governor the moment the Supreme Court’s judgment is announced in compliance to Section 191 (2). However, notwithstanding the absent of a speaker, assuming the House is in session, the highest ranking member in the House at this material time i.e. the Deputy Speaker would have been sworn in immediately as the Acting Governor to fill the vacuum since Government is a continuum and cannot afford vacuity.

In Kogi State, I envisage trouble. According to the ruling of the Apex Court, the governors’ tenures ended on May 29, 2011. The duo of Capt. Idris Wada and Arc. Yomi Awoniyi who won the election that was conducted before the incumbent tenure elongation on the plat form of PDP were immediately sworn in as ‘substantive’ Governor and Deputy Governor respectful, almost at the speed of light minutes the Supreme Court finished making its pronouncement. This hurry hurry is very suspicious! To confirm my suspicion, it was reported The Chief Judge of Kogi State refused to swear in Captain Idris Wada (rtd) and his Deputy. Instead the President of the Customary Court of Appeal was pressurized into swearing them in.

It was the late Lord Denning who held in UAC V. MCFOY (1962) AC 152 that “you can't place something on nothing and expect it to stand”.

The whole exercise (election) that gave Wada the impetus to swear in himself as the Governor of Kogi State was based on the premise that Alhaji Ibrahim Idris's tenure was to end May 28th 2012. Now that the supreme court has pronounced Idris’s continued stay as Governor of Kogi State null, illegal, invalid and declared Idris ought to have vacated since May 28th 2011, the election  of Wada MAY as well be a nullity. Since nothing can stand on nothing, the whole exercise that brought them this far WOULD have to be considered illogical, illegal, invalid and of no effect in the eyes of the law.

In Bayelsa it was reported Govenor Timipre Sylva was celebrating the outcome of an appeal ironically instituted by Buba Marwa (CPC Gubernatorial Candidate, Adamawa State) and INEC against him and his colleagues. Sylva’s delighted mood should be expected. PDP refused to play him as their Flag bearer in the recently concluded Party primaries, instead a certain Hon. Seriake Dickson who is widely believed to have the massive support of Jonathan/PDP NEC was adopted. Sylva went to Court, asking the court to compel INEC not to recognized Dickson and instead the court should validate the first Party Primaries which was conducted last February where he emerge the ‘authentic’ PDP candidate. His prayers did not succeed, but with the happening now his augment seem to have been reinforced with the Supreme Court ruling.

Governor Timipre Syla, like Jibrin Isa Echocho who won the first PDP party primaries conducted last year in Kogi State, also refused to cross to another party, both hoping for a miracle! And it did happen! It happened today with the Supreme Court Judgement sacking the 5 Governors and contending their tenures indeed ended on the 28th May 2011.

In a normal sense it seems impossible for Jibrin Isa Echocho to turn back the hands of time but technically, there are POSSIBILITIES, that's why those sharp men (Idris Wada and Yomi Awoniyi) quickly sworn in themselves immediately hoping to reduce those possibilities which is by the way through the PDP Leadership, INEC or the Courts of Law.

I pity Sylva and Echocho because there is no guarantee that INEC will agree to the first primaries held last year and which favours both men if PDP provide "cogent and verifiable reasons" for substitution of candidates. The options left for them is the Courts. More pathetic however, is the case of Sylva  who is believed  not to be in tune with the powers that be, out of power, he MAY not be able to show himself publicly or MAY be arrested and under prosecution as it is already anticipated in some quarters. So how can he fight from hiding or behind the bars?

Sokoto and Cross River States will relatively have their boats rocked, but with minimal effects.

As it is customary, Cross River will enjoy a relatively peaceful transition. Governor Liyel Imoke won the last and the first PDP primaries held in the State, whichever way; he’s expected to still fly the party’s flag when elections are called for. It is expected that the Speaker of Cross River State House of Assembly will assume the position of an Acting Governor and with no known crisis in the State chapter of the PDP, will help Governor Liyel Imoke gainer victory at the general polls especially with no strong opposition party.

The Situation in Sokoto State is a bit similar with that of Cross River State, but also a bit twisted. Governor Wamakko won the last PDP primaries held in the state. He also won the first one conducted in February, 2012. It is expected that the Speaker of Sokoto State House of Assembly will assume the position of an Acting Governor immediately. The party will also expect the Speaker to help Wamakko win at the general pool. Though, some party followers who believed that Jonathan/PDP should punish Wamakko because of his alleged roles during the PDP Presidential Primaries last year, where disappointed when Wamakko against all odds won the just concluded PDP primaries in the state in December. These Diehards, still believe they have another opportunity now to deny Wamakko PDP Tickets. This, to me, I think is unlikely unless off course, if Jonathan inherited Obasanjo’s unforgiving heart when it come to dealing with perceived political foes. Worst case scenario, PDP may forfeit Sokoto State if it insists on deposing Wamakko.

On the other hand, Wamakko should expect a fierce opposition as the main opposition party, the ANPP recently stepped up its games with the adoption of a young former Banker Alhaji Yusha'u Ahmed as the Party’s flag bearer and the re-absorption of the former Governor, Attahiru Bafarawa to lead the Gubernatorial Campaign.

Finally, why the Supreme Court’s Judgment today on Tenure Elongation of the 5 the Governors is believed to have buried uncertainties surrounding the issues of tenure elongation/extension of elected public officials in our political landscape, the same judgment has, in the same context, exhumed otherwise quite questions: Since most parties conducted two primaries between February 2011 and now, which Party Primaries will INEC Obey? The former or the latter?  Whether the INEC will recognize new Candidates from parties? Will INEC go ahead with the elections as already planned?

These are important questions begging for immediate answers as everyone seems to be confused. The questions now seem to lie with Jega’s INEC who must answer them accurately, otherwise it will be sent back to the sender-The Supreme Court.

Nwoke Cosmos Damian

Abuja

cosmosdamian@hotmail.com

By Patience Dassah

Christmas day (Dec.25, 2011) opens another spree of bombing in the country claiming more casualties. Bombs exploded at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla, in Niger State, in Jos plateau State and in Yobe state, killing and wounding a significant number of innocent citizens.

Barely two days later, we heard of tragic and mindless killings within a community in Ebonyi State in which over sixty people lost their lives with properties worth millions of naira destroyed and hundreds of families displaced. A similar scenario happened in Adamawa state. Presently, 15 Local Government Councils from Niger, Yobe, Borno and Plateau States are under States of emergency due to violence and insecurity. In the midst of all this, on New Year’s Day, the President announced the withdrawal of fuel subsidy and threw an already angry and frustrated nation into convulsion and pandemonium. A lot of groups rose up to the actions of government and declare an indefinite strike and took to the streets seven days after the President’s announcement.

The six (6) day strike by the Nigerian masses has been suspended, yet many questions still remain unresolved in the minds of many. One of those questions is has the strike really achieved what it wants? Many claimed they have been sold out, while others hold it was worth it since they were able to force the Government to reduce the pump price of PMS. But the big question is was it all about the pump price of fuel?

There is no doubt that the largely peaceful protests marked an important milestone in our democratic process. The level of maturity, consistency, comportment, constructive and principled expression of dissent by the majority of the protesters is especially commendable. Nigerians came out, against all odds, to express their constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of expression, and have done so passionately. Nigerians should bear in mind that the protest was not just about the price of petrol but the right to be heard, the need to be consulted on policies and the need to have good governance, fight corruption, curb wastages in government and build a democracy that puts the people at the centre of decision making. The outcome is a vindication that sovereignty belongs to the people and that Nigeria is bigger than any individual or political party.

Every one was singing remove or don’t remove fuel subsidy, how many really know what fuel subsidy is all about? To have good grasp of what these subsidy is all about, I have to educate myself too on the matter of oil subsidy and its recent removal by the government. I felt it was only right that I have an informed view in order to take a position on any matter.

I have heard the government's position on the intended use of the proceeds of fuel subsidy removal and have listened to many commentators both for and against the subsidy removal. I will not be wrong to tell you that many don’t really know what the real subsidy is, whether they are speaking for or against. Given all the explanations that President GoodLuck Jonathan and his entire cabinet have proffered and the zeal, vigor and enthusiasms with which they have gone about delivering the "facts" to the public, I am almost tempted to believe that they have something good off their sleeves to offer this Country.

We can say, from a purely economic and national development point, the removal of fuel subsidy appears to make sense, because we cannot continue to dole out our hard earn national treasure to a few people because they import oil on behalf of the government.

I will be quick to note that, it isn't just the removal of fuel subsidy that displeases Nigerians. It is firstly, the wider matter of governance and government corruption and the impunity with which it is carried out.  Nigerians are unhappy with the insensitivity of government to the plight of the people. This is evident by the fact that there were no attempts to consult widely on the subsidy removal matter before it was implemented. Furthermore, the lack of a clear and effective strategy to alleviate the obvious burden that subsidy removal will place on the people is also an evidence of government insensitivity. One could also argue that coming at a period when people are groaning under the bombings by the Boko Haram terrorist sect, the timing of the removal of oil subsidy further shows insensitivity and clear ineptitude on the part of the government.

We certainly would not be in this situation of importing refined oil and having to subsidize it if we had invested in our four refineries so that they function at full capacity, which I understand would be enough to satisfy our domestic demand. I am convinced beyond doubt that fuel importation is the best business all over the world, especially in Nigeria the 6th largest oil producing country in the world. But how can one imports fuel into a country that is producing crude oil? The simple answer to it, as far as the oil-business moguls are concerned, “more money”. And the logic to getting it is, first destroy the systems, destroy the local refineries and create artificial scarcity, set any price, Nigerians will go cap in hand begging for the fuel at any rate. An American broadcaster, "Larry King Live" once said Nigeria is the only country in the world that imports what they have and exports what they don't have, when a military dictator sent troupes to install democracy along the coastal selves of West Africa.  We don’t know who to believe, Prof Tam David West or the government.

A responsible government would lay out a credible plan to alleviate the burden that subsidy removal will bring on its people. This would have been done in good time and not as an afterthought a week later. It is laughable that President Jonathan made the launching of 1600 buses as one of his government core strategy to alleviate the burden of subsidy removal; whereas 2000 of such buses were provided for Lagosians by the government of Lagos state. 1600 buses for a country of over 167 million people? These buses will not be enough for Abuja alone not to talk of the whole country. It’s only in Nigeria that governance is not a continued process. Not long ago, a former minister of the FCT bought similar buses for transportation in the FCT, but still it did not solve the transportation challenge, yet a whole Federation is buying that meager number.  Most States in Nigeria have been unable to implement the 18,000 naira monthly minimum wage introduced by the government yet there is already a jack-up in the price of everything?

This government would have published its strategy to rein in the runaway corruption in the country. It will prosecute those who have defrauded the nation whoever they may be. It’s this same government that killed the anti-corruption agency which has been doing fairly well despite criticism from other quarters, but we should not run away from the fact that Nigeria was seen tackling corruption then, whether it is perceived to be against political opponents.

Nigerian masses are crying foul of government policies to improvise them while their excesses in government are racketing high by the day. Cutting 25 percent off the salary of the executive arm of government is too little too late. Not even a three- year old Nigerian believes that anyone in government live on his or her salary.  This will have been done in good time not a fire service approach, first of all what are the basic salaries of the Ministers and the executive? Please tell Nigerians what is the worth of the executive that their salaries will only be cut by 25%? Please do the Mathematics, a Minister earns an annual basic salary of 10M, but his allowance annually is 600M, what kind of Abracadabra is this?

The President would have been more credible if he had tackled the obscene money budgeted for running the government, travel, accommodation, gardening etc. Spending 3 million per day on food at the Presidency is pure, unadulterated corruption Mr.  President, it tarnishes your image that such a huge amount of money is spent under your watch when the vast majority of Nigerians will never earn that amount in a lifetime, yet you feel our pain.

Let’s take a glimpse into the wasteful and overblown proposed spending of the government. 1 Billion For feeding at Aso rock, another 1 Billion for fueling Generators, 58 Million Naira to buy newspapers for the VP, 500 Million for the unconstitutional office of the first Lady, We will spend close to 500 Billion on International Travels, some state governors will collect 100M as security votes MONTHLY and they will continue to enjoy immunity clause.

Meanwhile our hospitals will have no drugs, quality equipments or personnel. After the Madalla (St. Theresa’s church Christmas day) bombing and the UN Secretariat bomb blast, most of the victims were flown abroad for treatment. Can we ask ourselves why? Nigeria has some of the world’s best medical personnel yet no functional hospitals. For how long shall we continue to use state resources to send people to other countries for treatment instead of building our own health institutions? Can our president go to any Nigerian hospital when he is sick?

Our schools still have no quality to train a world class scholar, no wander they send their children to private schools and abroad to get education while the poor man cannot even send his wards to school. ASUU has been on strike and the government is doing nothing. Maybe we should take to the streets again for that strike to be called off; since that is the only language the government understands.

Our roads are still death traps, we are still local government unto ourselves, providing water, security, power and social security, yet we will still pay toll on Federal interstate roads and pay more for petroleum products.

Yet this is a country that does things to please international community rather than its citizens. Our President could not apologize to Nigerians for the hardship Nigerians went-through for these past 6 days of strike action and for the resources and lives lost, but Mr. President is bold to apologize to the international community for what they went-through during the strike. What a country? What did our government do when Nigerians are slaughtered and killed in these foreign lands? What has our government done when Nigerians were racially abused? What have they done when many Nigerians are suffering in foreign prisons? How many foreigners does Nigeria have in its prisons? Or are we saying they are saints in our country? You and I know the atrocities these people are committing, but they always get away with kit gloves, and still we are quick to apologize to them whenever they are affected by our policies in anyway. These people do not care whether these policies are to the benefit of Nigerians or not as far as they get what they want and our governments are joyously dancing to their tone.

It’s only in Nigeria that important suspects as those who are responsible for the death of many innocent Nigerians are either killed when captured, given bail, given a lenient sentence or escape from custody under security watch. Can Mr. President apologize for all these and the lives of many innocent Nigerians that have been wasted because of the Boko Haram activities? There is no commitment on the part of our government to tackle the security problem, but they are committed to removing fuel subsidy overnight. Nigerians have argued that the only benefit they derive from being citizens of this country is the subsidy on oil. We do not have good roads, or good medical facilities. Our schools are in deplorable state, so is every other infrastructure. To remove subsidy on fuel the people argued is not only a slap on the face, but a journey to the grave for most citizens.

The irony of it all is that, money supposedly saved from the removal of oil subsidy will be divided between national, state and local governments.  If these people cannot do anything with the resources they have now, how are we sure they will be able to utilized the subsidy money if we trust them with it? Who will monitor how the state governors, who are much more distrusted by the people and local government chairmen spend the money?  Most of these people have not boarded commercial planes, buses or been to the petrol stations for the past 11 years. Yet these are the same individuals calling for the removal of subsidy on fuel and claiming they feel our pains! Please someone should educate us.

All people’s desire is to understand the political and economic choices which are made in their name; they wish to participate in good governance. No economic regime is ideal and no economic choice is neutral. But these must always serve the common good.

Nigeria is changing because Nigerians are taking back their country from the grip of marauders. These stories, few as they may be, are the beginning of our song of freedom. No religion, Boko Haram, tribe or ethnicity will stand on our way and we will continue to ask, does subsidy really exist.

By Danlami Alh. Wushishi

“If you would win a man to your cause first convince him that you are his sincere friend” Abraham Lincoln.

On the 1st day of January, 2012 what ought to be a new year message from Government to her citizen turned out to be a shocking message from PPPRA, a Federal Government  Agency saddled with the responsibility of regulating the prices of Petroleum products who issued a press release on the Removal of subsidy henceforth. The information changed the tune of New Year messages among friends and relatives to enquiries on the removal of subsidy. Since that announcement of subsidy Removal on the downstream sector, Nigeria has not been the same again. Attention quickly shifted from celebration of New Year to discussions on the direction the Nation will take following the hike in pump price. The organized Labour groups spoke under one voice calling on the Federal Gov’t to revert to N65/ltr.

The fear of probable hardship came to fore when petroleum marketers immediately changed PMS to N138 and N141 respectively. And in some places the price rose up to N250, an unprecedented price in the history of Nigeria. The unceremonious hike coupled with the security challenges exacerbated the anger in Nigerians, thereby giving overwhelming support to the call by NLC/TUC for a mass protest and strike. From Kano to Lagos the slogan was “Occupy Nigeria”, even Nigerians in Diaspora were not left out in condemning the hike in pump price at the time FG was into Town Hall meetings with stakeholders in downstream sector.

In an ideal situation, Deregulation of downstream sector is a plausible policy in view of the fact that cash flow into Government Treasury will increase thereby forming the basis for the execution of projects in SURE Document. All the tiers of Government have been allocated Billions of Naira as proceeds from the subsidy Removal. But, the lack of trust by Nigerians following past experiences made them reach the conclusion that the amount to be generated will still flow into wrong Bank Account through corrupt practices. As such the proposition in SURE document that the FGN is desirous of discontinuing subsidies on prices of petroleum products because this poses a huge financial burden on the Gov-t and benefit just the wealthy is what Nigerians found difficult to believe.

The present Government suffers from distrust anaemia. This is evident from other unpopular policies reeled out in the last couple of months. For instance, the 6year single Term amendment proposal and New Number plates were stoutly resisted by Nigerians. While removal of subsidy received the most overwhelming resistance vide 6days industrial action. During this period, Government gave reasons some supported by figures articulated in SURE document all in a bid to convince Nigerians on the benefit derivable from subsidy Removal, or a comparison between PMS in Nigeria and other African Countries (not being OPEC members) and the threat that if subsidy is not removed our Economy will collapse within a couple of years, as such removal of subsidy has come to stay.

This stance further strengthened my conviction that Government ignored the principle of public relations in sending the message across to Nigerians, even when the town hall meeting/consultations were exhausted, Civil Society Organization’s intensified calls to occupy Nigeria, a step certain sections of Nigeria view as a move to frustrate the current leadership of Federal Government. Even the resolve by PENGASSAN to shut down oil wells in solidarity with NLC received threats. It is time we do away with sentiments and imbibe national spirit so that we can move forward as a Nation.

Now, the strike action and nationwide protests have been suspended following the announcement by Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar amidst criticisms from different CSO’s alleging a sellout. At any rate, the leadership of NLC/TUC should be given the benefit of doubt since no one could substantiate the numerous allegations that flood social Network sites like Facebook and Twitter that the leadership of NLC was bought over.

In addition, the Federal Government despite the suspension should also take a holistic approach towards curbing corruption in the downstream sector and other facets of our Economy. The Anti- Corruption Agencies must brace up to unravel those behind these corrupt practices. It-s not enough to pick files from PPPRA office, we must get to know those responsible for the fraud and ensure they are brought to book. We want to know the quantum of crude oil explored and the volume returned back to the country; these and many more bogged our minds. Nigerians rely on you to redeem her image amongst Committee of Nations. It is a serious indictment on us that corruption is a basis for the removal of subsidy, a crime said to be executed by a few at the detriment of more than 140 million Nigerians. In a statement credited to RMAFC Boss, Engr. Elias Mbam who said FG over inflated the amount of money it spends on subsidizing petroleum products.

They are not comfortable with the figure of N1.263tr…while Mrs. Diezani Madueke, the Petroleum Minister is also reported to have disagreed with Custom chief before same committee. We must not shy away from the truth that problems associated with downstream sector is not restricted to the cabals.

While fighting corruption is our collective responsibility, government should also cut wastages in her daily activities. The large numbers of Aides are absolutely unnecessary because some amount to usurpation of another person’s responsibility. This also is closely connected with the rising cases of insecurity across the Nation. Government must take bold step towards identifying those behind the incessant attacks. We must not allow peaceful co-existence to be shredded by a few selfish individuals.

Nigerians also at numerous “Occupy Nigeria” centres displayed bold inscriptions on placards calling for Good name and Transparency. A serious commitment by government at the three tiers that money generated would be judiciously used in the provision of infrastructure will help in restoring confidence in the minds of Nigerians. There is need to strictly comply with rules of public procurement and Fiscal Responsibility in the onward and execution of contracts.

Government must also brace up and avoid shifting blame to those not in Governments if we really want to move the nation forward. People opposed subsidy removal because of hardship it added to the age long difficulties associated to lack of basic amenities to a common man. The sooner we appreciate this fact the better. With the latest conflicting responses on the purported figures on subsidy removal before the Hon Farouk Lawan House Adhoc Committee on Removal of Subsidy, I urge President Goodluck Jonathan to revert PMS to N65 pending the outcome of the committees report vis a vis the resolution by the NASS on the wisdom of the quotation below;

“It is not enough that we do our best, sometimes we have to do what is required”. Sir Winston Churchill.

Danlami Alh. Wushishi is a Minna based Legal Practitioner. He can be reached through danwushishi@yahoo.com.