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Subsidy: When vested interests take over, you cut off the head to cure headache!

Subsidy: When vested interests take over, you cut off the head to cure headache!

Profile picture

Why is the first task Bola Ahmed Tinubu, would perform is the removal of subsidy? A clear understanding of this and the correct answer will explain why everything was done to ensure that he became President, through hook or crook – willy-nilly. Much as he would want to claim, Tinubu became President, by the handiwork and instrumentality of vested interests.


He was clearly the worst out of the three main candidates that went for the election, by every indication. He was the one making all the gaffes, the one that could not maintain steady gait at rallies, the one with slurred speech, the one that was in and out of Nigeria for medical reasons. So, why would Nigerians choose him over Atiku Abubakar or Peter Obi?


Prior to the actual election, his handlers had pointed to his records in Lagos and how he transformed a known slum into a mega-city. But, the real story was told was told on the day of the presidential election, when Lagos spoke unequivocally – passing their verdict on what they really thought about the Father of Modern Lagos, as he was described.


It was that of total rejection, if not disgrace that he was denied the same state, he claimed to have transformed in the most unequivocal manner, not by outsiders or spin-doctors, but those who actually live in the state. In fact, outside the official result announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which gave victory in the state by some marginal figures, it was said that Tinubu did not win the symbolic 25 per cent in the state.


What does that say about using Lagos to campaign? With the character of voting on February 25, Lagosians, countered the narrative of Tinubu building Lagos, which discountenanced the fact that for decades, if not centuries, Lagos, had remained the pride of Nigeria, for many reasons than the Tinubu miracle. Long before Tinubu ever dreamed of coming to the city, every Nigerian had wanted to come to Lagos. Those who did, showcased it as a bragging right to those elsewhere who did not have the privilege. It was more of the reasons the Egyptian would view Cairo, the Ghanaian, Accra and Kenyan, Narobi.


So, the campaign with Lagos fell flat on its face as it should on the basis of the truth about the residents knew about the real imprimatur its former Governor left in the state. Now, the other factor he could have relied on, the ruling government of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was no less unenvious and untoward. It was indeed a no-go area and therefore, did not help either. In fact, that angle was worse, if not the worst. The shambolic government of President Muhammadu Buhari and the sufferings it offered Nigerians were enough to close that road.


So, why did Tinubu become President, regardless? The answer is what you are seeing now. Vested interests! They are the ones he has come to serve and not Nigerians. It was this vested interest that ensured that the server for the presidential election was shut down immediately they saw the first signs of verdict of the people. It was this vested interest that ensured that INEC Chairman went back 360 degrees, against what he told Nigerians, days or even hours to the election. Come to think of it, it is this vested interest that made him blame technical glitches rather than personal failures for what happened on that day. And you can be sure that the same vested interests will ensure that he keeps sealed lips over what actually transpired for the rest of his life.


For those who have an inkling on how vested interests, either as a cabal, a syndicate or a mafia works, they also know that the goading of those who lost out in the election to go to court, is not because they so much as have the littlest trust in the justice system, but the fact that they believe that they have that angle covered as well. So, it is only a judicial personnel, who would dare the consequences, in some cases, even their lives or those of loved ones, that would be bold enough to stand up to them. Everywhere in the world, where vested interests are in charge, it is a function of carrot and stick. Once you get co-opted into the system, it is either you enjoy privileges reserved for the high and mighty – money, influence and power – or you suffer the most unimaginable pains.


Read the book of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to get a glimpse of what vested interests do to those who go against them. Why do you think that Humphrey Nwosu, the man who conducted the June 1993 presidential election, which the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, went to his grave with the true story of that exercise. Why do you think that even Ibrahim Babangida, the military President, who superintended the entire regime, has also maintained sealed lips?


So, when you see a government of Tinubu announce a 300 per cent increase in the pump price of fuel, know that he is not acting because he enjoys the suffering and death of millions of Nigerians. It is a question of “either or!” If not, ask yourself, why is the government not taking other options. In the first place, does Nigeria consume 680million litres of fuel a day? How possible? But that question is a no-go area. Nobody will ask it.


Now, the beginning and end of all the arguments on why Nigerians must pay with their lives for fuel, is because it is imported. The abiding question is, why must the product be imported? Who shut down the local refineries and refused them from working despite all the money that have gone into resuscitating them? That’s where the true answer lies. But nobody will attempt to go that route in looking for solution.


In fact, the so-called financial analyst you see on television strenuously labouring to give you expert explanation on why you must pay more for fuel, could be on the payroll of the same vested interests either knowingly or unknowingly. That is how much reach they have. They are everywhere. So, they are the ones that would be quick to tell you the cost of forex needed to import fuel. But the quick question you must ask them, is must Nigerians import fuel?


Even a village hunter, without any idea of economics knows that you don’t need foreign exchange to procure crude oil and refine same in Nigeria and that the moment the local refineries are put in order, the issue of forex, which is a major factor in the entire argument, would be over. In other words, refining locally is the solution to save Nigeria from suffering and death. But going that route is undermining the interest of those intent on making billions of dollars on the blood of Nigerians.


They have already started preparing your mind. They are now telling you ahead of the coming of the so-called Dangote Fuel, that you’re not going to get it any cheaper, because the man is going to sell at global market price. It is left to you to figure out the argument. Dangote would be supplied crude from Nigeria. How are you sure that the new price regime was not announced to preempt Nigerians waiting for Dangote, so that by the time he comes and sells at N450 per litre, he becomes both a hero and overtakes Elon Musk as the richest man in the world? But one thing is sure. This is just the beginning.


Be prepared...

Profile picture

Why is the first task Bola Ahmed Tinubu, would perform is the removal of subsidy? A clear understanding of this and the correct answer will explain why everything was done to ensure that he became President, through hook or crook – willy-nilly. Much as he would want to claim, Tinubu became President, by the handiwork and instrumentality of vested interests.


He was clearly the worst out of the three main candidates that went for the election, by every indication. He was the one making all the gaffes, the one that could not maintain steady gait at rallies, the one with slurred speech, the one that was in and out of Nigeria for medical reasons. So, why would Nigerians choose him over Atiku Abubakar or Peter Obi?


Prior to the actual election, his handlers had pointed to his records in Lagos and how he transformed a known slum into a mega-city. But, the real story was told was told on the day of the presidential election, when Lagos spoke unequivocally – passing their verdict on what they really thought about the Father of Modern Lagos, as he was described.


It was that of total rejection, if not disgrace that he was denied the same state, he claimed to have transformed in the most unequivocal manner, not by outsiders or spin-doctors, but those who actually live in the state. In fact, outside the official result announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which gave victory in the state by some marginal figures, it was said that Tinubu did not win the symbolic 25 per cent in the state.


What does that say about using Lagos to campaign? With the character of voting on February 25, Lagosians, countered the narrative of Tinubu building Lagos, which discountenanced the fact that for decades, if not centuries, Lagos, had remained the pride of Nigeria, for many reasons than the Tinubu miracle. Long before Tinubu ever dreamed of coming to the city, every Nigerian had wanted to come to Lagos. Those who did, showcased it as a bragging right to those elsewhere who did not have the privilege. It was more of the reasons the Egyptian would view Cairo, the Ghanaian, Accra and Kenyan, Narobi.


So, the campaign with Lagos fell flat on its face as it should on the basis of the truth about the residents knew about the real imprimatur its former Governor left in the state. Now, the other factor he could have relied on, the ruling government of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was no less unenvious and untoward. It was indeed a no-go area and therefore, did not help either. In fact, that angle was worse, if not the worst. The shambolic government of President Muhammadu Buhari and the sufferings it offered Nigerians were enough to close that road.


So, why did Tinubu become President, regardless? The answer is what you are seeing now. Vested interests! They are the ones he has come to serve and not Nigerians. It was this vested interest that ensured that the server for the presidential election was shut down immediately they saw the first signs of verdict of the people. It was this vested interest that ensured that INEC Chairman went back 360 degrees, against what he told Nigerians, days or even hours to the election. Come to think of it, it is this vested interest that made him blame technical glitches rather than personal failures for what happened on that day. And you can be sure that the same vested interests will ensure that he keeps sealed lips over what actually transpired for the rest of his life.


For those who have an inkling on how vested interests, either as a cabal, a syndicate or a mafia works, they also know that the goading of those who lost out in the election to go to court, is not because they so much as have the littlest trust in the justice system, but the fact that they believe that they have that angle covered as well. So, it is only a judicial personnel, who would dare the consequences, in some cases, even their lives or those of loved ones, that would be bold enough to stand up to them. Everywhere in the world, where vested interests are in charge, it is a function of carrot and stick. Once you get co-opted into the system, it is either you enjoy privileges reserved for the high and mighty – money, influence and power – or you suffer the most unimaginable pains.


Read the book of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to get a glimpse of what vested interests do to those who go against them. Why do you think that Humphrey Nwosu, the man who conducted the June 1993 presidential election, which the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, went to his grave with the true story of that exercise. Why do you think that even Ibrahim Babangida, the military President, who superintended the entire regime, has also maintained sealed lips?


So, when you see a government of Tinubu announce a 300 per cent increase in the pump price of fuel, know that he is not acting because he enjoys the suffering and death of millions of Nigerians. It is a question of “either or!” If not, ask yourself, why is the government not taking other options. In the first place, does Nigeria consume 680million litres of fuel a day? How possible? But that question is a no-go area. Nobody will ask it.


Now, the beginning and end of all the arguments on why Nigerians must pay with their lives for fuel, is because it is imported. The abiding question is, why must the product be imported? Who shut down the local refineries and refused them from working despite all the money that have gone into resuscitating them? That’s where the true answer lies. But nobody will attempt to go that route in looking for solution.


In fact, the so-called financial analyst you see on television strenuously labouring to give you expert explanation on why you must pay more for fuel, could be on the payroll of the same vested interests either knowingly or unknowingly. That is how much reach they have. They are everywhere. So, they are the ones that would be quick to tell you the cost of forex needed to import fuel. But the quick question you must ask them, is must Nigerians import fuel?


Even a village hunter, without any idea of economics knows that you don’t need foreign exchange to procure crude oil and refine same in Nigeria and that the moment the local refineries are put in order, the issue of forex, which is a major factor in the entire argument, would be over. In other words, refining locally is the solution to save Nigeria from suffering and death. But going that route is undermining the interest of those intent on making billions of dollars on the blood of Nigerians.


They have already started preparing your mind. They are now telling you ahead of the coming of the so-called Dangote Fuel, that you’re not going to get it any cheaper, because the man is going to sell at global market price. It is left to you to figure out the argument. Dangote would be supplied crude from Nigeria. How are you sure that the new price regime was not announced to preempt Nigerians waiting for Dangote, so that by the time he comes and sells at N450 per litre, he becomes both a hero and overtakes Elon Musk as the richest man in the world? But one thing is sure. This is just the beginning.


Be prepared...

10TH Senate Leadership: My Appeal To PDP Senators

10TH Senate Leadership: My Appeal To PDP Senators

By Bolaji O. Akinyemi. 



Since the beginning of this Republic in 1999, the preference for People's Democratic Party by the people of South Eastern Nigeria has been proven time and time again!


 Their rejection of APC's Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 was almost total which invented the 95% 5% political formula. It denied the Region of Senate Presidency because the region practically had no representation in 8th Senate. If not for bigandry of power, 2019 would have followed the pattern of 2015!


Opposition is the grace that beautifies democracy. Its dynamism saw APC to power. No one can take it away from APC. They provided the most informed opposition laced with media propaganda to push PDP out of power!


 Reflecting on the Attempt by PDP led administration of President Goodluck Jonathan to remove petroleum subsidies and how the then National Leader of ACN and Now President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu provided inspirational leadership to tackle PDP on its betrayal of people's contract from which PDP never recovered, is of essence to all PDP Senators to guarantee the survival of Nigeria as one, united country and at finding the way forward for their party to come back to power in the future!


Successful removal of subsidy practically on the first day of Bola Ahmed Tinubu in office shows the impotence of opposition politics in Nigeria presently. 


The docility of PDP as the leading opposition party since the advent of APC to power in 2015 is very disturbing! In fact, some political pundits are of the opinion that the PDP is too elitist to play the role of opposition while some APC top brass believe the most opposition recently have come from the so called Obidients. 


 Some other individuals have provided better opposition to APC administration than PDP as a political party! 


 This doesn't augur well for the development of democracy and its institutions. PDP therefore owe it a duty to democracy; having the leading number of opposition Senators, a trust the electorate has conferred on them to hold sacred this responsibility. Will they let it slip to LP or get on the game to provide opposition; galvanise LP, APGA, NNPP and others in the Senate for the sake of protecting Democracy!


Inevitably, positioning for proactive and pragmatic opposition is more importantly for all PDP Senators now and they should make that their primary responsibility! 


PDP Senators should put in context the solo effort of BAT in the regionalized pump price of PMS against what is available in OPEC nations. 


Making a case for this administration as far as subsidy is concerned is double speaking and no man of conscience should have a part in that.


This subsidy removal is a remote assurance of a successful tenure. To hail any successful outcome of this Government at the end of 4 years with the luxury of subsidy removal allowed her which was denied others will be unfair. Let this be on record.


The future of PDP as a party hangs in the balance, the side to which this will tilt is entirely up to PDP Members in the National Assembly, they either trade their personal aggrandizement for the future of their party, or eat up their political careers through blind pursuit of avarice.


My interpretation of the body language of the judiciary through the ongoing election petition suggests a judiciary system functioning from a bat right side pocket.


 Letting BAT have his way at putting the NASS in his left pocket through interfering in the politics of who and who emerges as their leaders will prove to be a costly mistake if ever allowed to happen!


Sentiments are snares in politics, but could be an effective ace at pushing odds through, in any political engagement if employed by strategy.


I stand to be corrected, it appears to me that the new Government is already showing signs of authoritarianism which if not checked will end our democratic experience in a one party system or end it finally.


It will be a disservice to Nigerians and to democracy if the Government is allowed to successfully edge us towards the path of a failed democracy.


The choice of Akpabio by BAT is hinged on the contract that saw him step down for BAT. 


While it is okay for BAT to reward Akpabio, should it be with a decision that is exclusively the right of 108 members of the Senate to make?


It is quite considerate for APC to zone the Senate Presidency to the South East or South South, but micro Zoning it Akpabio is nothing other than exhibiting impunity of power over the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and taking every single Senator elected by the people for granted!


My trip to Umuahia to witness the inauguration of Dr Alex Otti as the Executive Governor of Abia state brought me face to face with the reality of the need to immediately and deliberately integrate the region into national structure of Government in the interest of giving the people of South East the opportunity to see prospects in one, big and united Nigeria. 


I cared less where goes the Senate Presidency provided it's not tied to the apron of BAT led presidency, but not after my historical trip to Umuahia. The vortex of political conflagration in the region is capable of destroying our dream of one united Nigeria. 


I will write of my experience in an article to be titled, "Biafra; a Republic within Republic", but for now, let me present to the PDP Senators the urgent need to reassure that region and suck them in. The military occupation of the South East is embarrassing to the spirit of democracy, which abhors a police state, not to speak about militarization of social and public space.


The event of Otti's inauguration was a flicker of hope to democracy. My road trip from Lagos to Umuahia was like travelling through a region at war to see the enthronment of democracy. The crowd at the stadium was unprecedented. All gates to the stadium were shut few hours into the programme to prevent the sea of heads on all the streets leading to the stadium, from gaining access, which of course could cause a stampede.


 The crowd were however content with being around the venue and remained on the streets till the event was over! A big endorsement for the people's Government and their Governor. No doubt, Otti is who they voted for. And what they ordered, Democracy delivered!


Amazing however was waking up to the intimidation of the celebration of Biafra Day on Tuesday 30th of May. I was to leave Umuahia that day with my wife but couldn't because banks were closed and we were advised not to leave Umuahia for Owerri as we have to pass through Mbaise which is among pockets of communities in the South East hosting the minority IPOB sympathizers against the wishes of the majority for democratic participation in a one big and greater nation proven by what we witnessed at Otti's inauguration!


May I appeal to Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the 10th Assembly to put their country Nigeria first, and consider South East for Senate Presidency. This may be needed activation of a suck in process of the Republic within a Republic.

By Bolaji O. Akinyemi. 



Since the beginning of this Republic in 1999, the preference for People's Democratic Party by the people of South Eastern Nigeria has been proven time and time again!


 Their rejection of APC's Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 was almost total which invented the 95% 5% political formula. It denied the Region of Senate Presidency because the region practically had no representation in 8th Senate. If not for bigandry of power, 2019 would have followed the pattern of 2015!


Opposition is the grace that beautifies democracy. Its dynamism saw APC to power. No one can take it away from APC. They provided the most informed opposition laced with media propaganda to push PDP out of power!


 Reflecting on the Attempt by PDP led administration of President Goodluck Jonathan to remove petroleum subsidies and how the then National Leader of ACN and Now President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu provided inspirational leadership to tackle PDP on its betrayal of people's contract from which PDP never recovered, is of essence to all PDP Senators to guarantee the survival of Nigeria as one, united country and at finding the way forward for their party to come back to power in the future!


Successful removal of subsidy practically on the first day of Bola Ahmed Tinubu in office shows the impotence of opposition politics in Nigeria presently. 


The docility of PDP as the leading opposition party since the advent of APC to power in 2015 is very disturbing! In fact, some political pundits are of the opinion that the PDP is too elitist to play the role of opposition while some APC top brass believe the most opposition recently have come from the so called Obidients. 


 Some other individuals have provided better opposition to APC administration than PDP as a political party! 


 This doesn't augur well for the development of democracy and its institutions. PDP therefore owe it a duty to democracy; having the leading number of opposition Senators, a trust the electorate has conferred on them to hold sacred this responsibility. Will they let it slip to LP or get on the game to provide opposition; galvanise LP, APGA, NNPP and others in the Senate for the sake of protecting Democracy!


Inevitably, positioning for proactive and pragmatic opposition is more importantly for all PDP Senators now and they should make that their primary responsibility! 


PDP Senators should put in context the solo effort of BAT in the regionalized pump price of PMS against what is available in OPEC nations. 


Making a case for this administration as far as subsidy is concerned is double speaking and no man of conscience should have a part in that.


This subsidy removal is a remote assurance of a successful tenure. To hail any successful outcome of this Government at the end of 4 years with the luxury of subsidy removal allowed her which was denied others will be unfair. Let this be on record.


The future of PDP as a party hangs in the balance, the side to which this will tilt is entirely up to PDP Members in the National Assembly, they either trade their personal aggrandizement for the future of their party, or eat up their political careers through blind pursuit of avarice.


My interpretation of the body language of the judiciary through the ongoing election petition suggests a judiciary system functioning from a bat right side pocket.


 Letting BAT have his way at putting the NASS in his left pocket through interfering in the politics of who and who emerges as their leaders will prove to be a costly mistake if ever allowed to happen!


Sentiments are snares in politics, but could be an effective ace at pushing odds through, in any political engagement if employed by strategy.


I stand to be corrected, it appears to me that the new Government is already showing signs of authoritarianism which if not checked will end our democratic experience in a one party system or end it finally.


It will be a disservice to Nigerians and to democracy if the Government is allowed to successfully edge us towards the path of a failed democracy.


The choice of Akpabio by BAT is hinged on the contract that saw him step down for BAT. 


While it is okay for BAT to reward Akpabio, should it be with a decision that is exclusively the right of 108 members of the Senate to make?


It is quite considerate for APC to zone the Senate Presidency to the South East or South South, but micro Zoning it Akpabio is nothing other than exhibiting impunity of power over the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and taking every single Senator elected by the people for granted!


My trip to Umuahia to witness the inauguration of Dr Alex Otti as the Executive Governor of Abia state brought me face to face with the reality of the need to immediately and deliberately integrate the region into national structure of Government in the interest of giving the people of South East the opportunity to see prospects in one, big and united Nigeria. 


I cared less where goes the Senate Presidency provided it's not tied to the apron of BAT led presidency, but not after my historical trip to Umuahia. The vortex of political conflagration in the region is capable of destroying our dream of one united Nigeria. 


I will write of my experience in an article to be titled, "Biafra; a Republic within Republic", but for now, let me present to the PDP Senators the urgent need to reassure that region and suck them in. The military occupation of the South East is embarrassing to the spirit of democracy, which abhors a police state, not to speak about militarization of social and public space.


The event of Otti's inauguration was a flicker of hope to democracy. My road trip from Lagos to Umuahia was like travelling through a region at war to see the enthronment of democracy. The crowd at the stadium was unprecedented. All gates to the stadium were shut few hours into the programme to prevent the sea of heads on all the streets leading to the stadium, from gaining access, which of course could cause a stampede.


 The crowd were however content with being around the venue and remained on the streets till the event was over! A big endorsement for the people's Government and their Governor. No doubt, Otti is who they voted for. And what they ordered, Democracy delivered!


Amazing however was waking up to the intimidation of the celebration of Biafra Day on Tuesday 30th of May. I was to leave Umuahia that day with my wife but couldn't because banks were closed and we were advised not to leave Umuahia for Owerri as we have to pass through Mbaise which is among pockets of communities in the South East hosting the minority IPOB sympathizers against the wishes of the majority for democratic participation in a one big and greater nation proven by what we witnessed at Otti's inauguration!


May I appeal to Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the 10th Assembly to put their country Nigeria first, and consider South East for Senate Presidency. This may be needed activation of a suck in process of the Republic within a Republic.

Labour Party's Alex Otti sworn in as Abia State’s Governor

Labour Party's Alex Otti sworn in as Abia State’s Governor


The Labour Party produced it's first governor in Abia State as Alex Otti and Ikechukwu Emetu were sworn in as Governor and Deputy Governor, respectfully.


The event which witnessed a tremendous crowd of supporters, friends and party officials had in attendance virtually all former leaders of the party across the party lines. 


National chairman of the Labour Party, Bar. Julius Abure led a strong delegation of party leaders to the occasion. They include National Women Leader, Dudu Manuga, National Treasurer, Oluchi Opara, National Youth Leader, Prince Kennedy Ahanotu, National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, and a host of other National Executive Committee members. Former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi and his wife were among the numerous guests that graced the occasion. 


At exactly 12:20 pm, the governor, Alex Otti took an oath of office officiated by the acting Chief Judge of the state, Justice Lilian Agbai. He pledged to defend the constitution and promised to be governor for all Abians and to do justice to all. He also pledged to work for the benefit of all Abians.


The Labour Party produced it's first governor in Abia State as Alex Otti and Ikechukwu Emetu were sworn in as Governor and Deputy Governor, respectfully.


The event which witnessed a tremendous crowd of supporters, friends and party officials had in attendance virtually all former leaders of the party across the party lines. 


National chairman of the Labour Party, Bar. Julius Abure led a strong delegation of party leaders to the occasion. They include National Women Leader, Dudu Manuga, National Treasurer, Oluchi Opara, National Youth Leader, Prince Kennedy Ahanotu, National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, and a host of other National Executive Committee members. Former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi and his wife were among the numerous guests that graced the occasion. 


At exactly 12:20 pm, the governor, Alex Otti took an oath of office officiated by the acting Chief Judge of the state, Justice Lilian Agbai. He pledged to defend the constitution and promised to be governor for all Abians and to do justice to all. He also pledged to work for the benefit of all Abians.

Peter Obi’s Address to Nigerians on the Eve of the Consumption of a Civilian-Led Coup By Mohammadu Buhari, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Yakubu Mahmood, APC and Other Nigerian Political Elites

Peter Obi’s Address to Nigerians on the Eve of the Consumption of a Civilian-Led Coup By Mohammadu Buhari, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Yakubu Mahmood, APC and Other Nigerian Political Elites













“For all Nigerians, this is a time for deep reflection. It is also a time to re-examine our assumptions, even as we reaffirm our hopes. Let us calmly review our aspirations, in order to recalibrate our expectations and pin down the causes of our missed opportunities and disappointments. We stand at that critical moment in time when, as a people, we must collectively come to grips with the reality of our injured destiny as well as the reasons for that injury. It is for us to reassess our plight as a young democracy and identify clear pathways to a better and greater future for us all. As we await the verdict of the election tribunal, I urge all Nigerians to use this opportunity to renew their commitment to the Nigerian ideal. That ideal remains noble and worth every sacrifice we can make.


Nigeria remains our only patrimony and it is a patrimony we must protect, rather than violate. We have no other nation but this, so let us remain committed to rescuing and rebuilding it.


The judiciary is part of the democratic enterprise and a critical governance tool for determining the propriety of the decisions and actions of every citizen and every institution of state. To that extent, and for that reason,


I urge everyone to treat it with the respect and dignity it deserves.


We expect that the Nigerian judiciary will use the election cases now before it to reaffirm its independence and integrity. It has to do so, for all our sakes and for itself.


Nigerians must, therefore, remain peaceful and law abiding. No matter the depth of anyone’s reservations about what is going on in the polity today, no matter the real and imagined provocations, and no matter the disagreement out there,


we should remember that this will not last forever.


I remain committed, and untiring, in my determination to work with like-minded fellow Nigerians to end the curse of missed opportunities and squandered hope that has become our lot here.


I will never shrink from that original commitment, because I firmly believe that we must change from the present politics of criminality, and corruption, in order to make a new Nigeria possible.


I call on fellow Nigerians, especially the youths to remain steadfast, calm, patient, and peaceful. Our journey may be long and difficult but it is worth it in every way. Victory is assured.


We have to work together to move our beautiful country from corruption and criminality to a center of productivity rather than aimless consumption.


I am aware of some evil designs being hatched against me and my supporters in the coming months. Efforts will be made to taint my image. Campaigns of calumny are being perfected to defame my character and diminish my hard-earned integrity.


These schemes will aim at degrading our support base and confusing the public. But, no evil campaign will alter the substance of my character; nor diminish my patriotic commitment to a better Nigeria.


It is about the future of our youths. it is about ending the Years of Locust.


In all of this, I thank Nigerians, our great party (LP) and the media. The latter, as the Fourth Estate of the realm, has remained a trusted ally.


This Estate must continue to guide our people on the immense promise of a future in a new Nigeria.


God bless Nigeria and protect the troops keeping us safe in this season of vaulting insecurity.


Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria. -PO













“For all Nigerians, this is a time for deep reflection. It is also a time to re-examine our assumptions, even as we reaffirm our hopes. Let us calmly review our aspirations, in order to recalibrate our expectations and pin down the causes of our missed opportunities and disappointments. We stand at that critical moment in time when, as a people, we must collectively come to grips with the reality of our injured destiny as well as the reasons for that injury. It is for us to reassess our plight as a young democracy and identify clear pathways to a better and greater future for us all. As we await the verdict of the election tribunal, I urge all Nigerians to use this opportunity to renew their commitment to the Nigerian ideal. That ideal remains noble and worth every sacrifice we can make.


Nigeria remains our only patrimony and it is a patrimony we must protect, rather than violate. We have no other nation but this, so let us remain committed to rescuing and rebuilding it.


The judiciary is part of the democratic enterprise and a critical governance tool for determining the propriety of the decisions and actions of every citizen and every institution of state. To that extent, and for that reason,


I urge everyone to treat it with the respect and dignity it deserves.


We expect that the Nigerian judiciary will use the election cases now before it to reaffirm its independence and integrity. It has to do so, for all our sakes and for itself.


Nigerians must, therefore, remain peaceful and law abiding. No matter the depth of anyone’s reservations about what is going on in the polity today, no matter the real and imagined provocations, and no matter the disagreement out there,


we should remember that this will not last forever.


I remain committed, and untiring, in my determination to work with like-minded fellow Nigerians to end the curse of missed opportunities and squandered hope that has become our lot here.


I will never shrink from that original commitment, because I firmly believe that we must change from the present politics of criminality, and corruption, in order to make a new Nigeria possible.


I call on fellow Nigerians, especially the youths to remain steadfast, calm, patient, and peaceful. Our journey may be long and difficult but it is worth it in every way. Victory is assured.


We have to work together to move our beautiful country from corruption and criminality to a center of productivity rather than aimless consumption.


I am aware of some evil designs being hatched against me and my supporters in the coming months. Efforts will be made to taint my image. Campaigns of calumny are being perfected to defame my character and diminish my hard-earned integrity.


These schemes will aim at degrading our support base and confusing the public. But, no evil campaign will alter the substance of my character; nor diminish my patriotic commitment to a better Nigeria.


It is about the future of our youths. it is about ending the Years of Locust.


In all of this, I thank Nigerians, our great party (LP) and the media. The latter, as the Fourth Estate of the realm, has remained a trusted ally.


This Estate must continue to guide our people on the immense promise of a future in a new Nigeria.


God bless Nigeria and protect the troops keeping us safe in this season of vaulting insecurity.


Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria. -PO

Tinubu's Inauguration : Peter Obi's words for Obidents, I'm going to be facing all shorts of allegations in the coming months ( VIDEO)

Tinubu's Inauguration : Peter Obi's words for Obidents, I'm going to be facing all shorts of allegations in the coming months ( VIDEO)

 



This is Peter Obi last words today as he spoke to all Obident about 100,000 people across all social media apps. *Do not in any way fill dammed we are in a long Journey but it's Possible*

 



This is Peter Obi last words today as he spoke to all Obident about 100,000 people across all social media apps. *Do not in any way fill dammed we are in a long Journey but it's Possible*

NIGERIA AIR: HOW SIRIKA RENTED AIRCRAFT FOR 'STATIC DISPLAY'

NIGERIA AIR: HOW SIRIKA RENTED AIRCRAFT FOR 'STATIC DISPLAY'

By Ismail Adebanjo


IN his desperation to remove shame of failure and convince his principal, President Muhammadu Buhari, that he succeeded, Minister of Aviation, Alhaji Hadi Sirika, made a last minute deal with Ethiopian Airlines, to repaint two of its aeroplanes for a STATIC DISPLAY in Nigeria on Friday May 26.





According to our findings, this was to justify his promise to deliver Nigeria Air before May 29.


To achieve the desperate plot, Sirika had to enter into a quick agreement with his associates in Ethiopia Airlines to rent two of the aircraft on their inventory to be used to convince Nigerians that he delivered.


According to our investigations, the two aircrafts were flown to Turkey were they were repianted and furnished in Nigeria's colours before they were sneaked into Nigeria for a static display which would hold at 4pm on May 26. They are due back in Addis Ababa after the static display. 


Already, Sirika's office had sent out invitations to government officials, emirs and stakeholders to grace the static display, which would hold in Abuja.


Investigations into Sirika's desperation to close the deal which had raised many questions, show that the Minister had wanted to armtwist the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to wave all registration processes and grant the airline a licence to operate in Nigeria despite not meeting regulatory requirements. 


However, the Authority, it was gathered, insisted on strict observation of the mandatory registration processes.


According to NCAA regulations, an applicant for an Airlines Operators Certificate (AOC) must show proof of ownership of at least three aircraft, which must also be registered in Nigeria.


The NCAA insistence on strict observation of the process, we gathered, irked Sirika because his rented aircraft do not meet the requirement.


According to regulatory sources, the two rented aircraft are registered in Ethiopia and not in Nigeria as required by law.


However, Sirika was said to have begged to be allowed to fly them into Nigeria for DEMONSTRATION FLIGHT before President Buhari and his incoming successor in order to clear the shame of failing to deliver.


Though NCAA turned down the request, Sirika deviced a new terminology unknown in the industry to insist that the aircraft would be used for STATIC DISPLAY only.


According to our sources, one other hurdle facing Sirika's Nigeria Air is that it is just at the second stage of its license acquisition process, which is manual submission.


Our source said Sirika wanted the processes waived in order to remove shame of failure on him and the government.


It was further gathered that insistence by NCAA on due process forced Sirika to attempt the sack of the NCAA Director General. However, his move failed because of new regulations in the NCAA Act, which legally mandated an action by the Senate and board of the agency before the DG could be sacked.


We further learnt that his desperation to force the hands of NCAA on the project got the ire of global aviation regulatory body, the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO), which warned Nigeria of dire consequences should the aviation regulation procedures be waived in favour of Nigeria Air.


Specifically. ICAO was said to have told Nigeria that it would be catastrophic for it to breach regulations for Sirika.


However, the leadership of other regulatory agencies, which were not protected by law like the NCAA, were not so lucky as Sirika fired them for insisting that due process must be observed in the creation of Nigeria Air.


Sirika's desperation has also raised questions about the actual owners of Nigeria Air. While the minister had said that Ethiopian owns 51 percent equity of the airline, industry experts are asking for full disclosure as to the value of the 51% equity.


They also want to know the share capital of the airline and have full disclosure on what other equity stakeholders contributed to it.


According to an industry operator "the minister's desperation clearly points to something shadowy. He should have put a lot things to rest by telling Nigerians who the equity stakeholders are and the monetsry value of their shareholding in the airline.


"He said that Nigeria owns only 5%. That means we are a minority shareholder. So, why are the majority shareholders not fighting for their investment to see the light of day? Or, did they just throw away the value of 51% equity shareholding? These are questions that Sirika has refused to ask which has made many Nigerians to believe, that the desperation he has shown so far, including disobeying valid court orders, are indications that this project may be his own personal slice of the cake".


Another aviation expert stated that Sirika may be moving fast to clean the shame that comes with failure in fraudulent schemes.


According to him, "the man is simply running about in a desperate show of shame and to deceitfully hoodwink President Buhari and make him feel that Nigeria Air has been achieved. It would also amount to deceiving the incoming government to believe that Nigeria Air was actually handed over to it. This is nothing else but fraud.


"The minister has been on this project for God-knows-how-long. He has waisted several billions on it without result. Now, he is in desperate chase for validation on a project that is not even on the table. Nothing else could be more fraudulent and I believe the government of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu understands the game they bare up to".



By Ismail Adebanjo


IN his desperation to remove shame of failure and convince his principal, President Muhammadu Buhari, that he succeeded, Minister of Aviation, Alhaji Hadi Sirika, made a last minute deal with Ethiopian Airlines, to repaint two of its aeroplanes for a STATIC DISPLAY in Nigeria on Friday May 26.





According to our findings, this was to justify his promise to deliver Nigeria Air before May 29.


To achieve the desperate plot, Sirika had to enter into a quick agreement with his associates in Ethiopia Airlines to rent two of the aircraft on their inventory to be used to convince Nigerians that he delivered.


According to our investigations, the two aircrafts were flown to Turkey were they were repianted and furnished in Nigeria's colours before they were sneaked into Nigeria for a static display which would hold at 4pm on May 26. They are due back in Addis Ababa after the static display. 


Already, Sirika's office had sent out invitations to government officials, emirs and stakeholders to grace the static display, which would hold in Abuja.


Investigations into Sirika's desperation to close the deal which had raised many questions, show that the Minister had wanted to armtwist the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to wave all registration processes and grant the airline a licence to operate in Nigeria despite not meeting regulatory requirements. 


However, the Authority, it was gathered, insisted on strict observation of the mandatory registration processes.


According to NCAA regulations, an applicant for an Airlines Operators Certificate (AOC) must show proof of ownership of at least three aircraft, which must also be registered in Nigeria.


The NCAA insistence on strict observation of the process, we gathered, irked Sirika because his rented aircraft do not meet the requirement.


According to regulatory sources, the two rented aircraft are registered in Ethiopia and not in Nigeria as required by law.


However, Sirika was said to have begged to be allowed to fly them into Nigeria for DEMONSTRATION FLIGHT before President Buhari and his incoming successor in order to clear the shame of failing to deliver.


Though NCAA turned down the request, Sirika deviced a new terminology unknown in the industry to insist that the aircraft would be used for STATIC DISPLAY only.


According to our sources, one other hurdle facing Sirika's Nigeria Air is that it is just at the second stage of its license acquisition process, which is manual submission.


Our source said Sirika wanted the processes waived in order to remove shame of failure on him and the government.


It was further gathered that insistence by NCAA on due process forced Sirika to attempt the sack of the NCAA Director General. However, his move failed because of new regulations in the NCAA Act, which legally mandated an action by the Senate and board of the agency before the DG could be sacked.


We further learnt that his desperation to force the hands of NCAA on the project got the ire of global aviation regulatory body, the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO), which warned Nigeria of dire consequences should the aviation regulation procedures be waived in favour of Nigeria Air.


Specifically. ICAO was said to have told Nigeria that it would be catastrophic for it to breach regulations for Sirika.


However, the leadership of other regulatory agencies, which were not protected by law like the NCAA, were not so lucky as Sirika fired them for insisting that due process must be observed in the creation of Nigeria Air.


Sirika's desperation has also raised questions about the actual owners of Nigeria Air. While the minister had said that Ethiopian owns 51 percent equity of the airline, industry experts are asking for full disclosure as to the value of the 51% equity.


They also want to know the share capital of the airline and have full disclosure on what other equity stakeholders contributed to it.


According to an industry operator "the minister's desperation clearly points to something shadowy. He should have put a lot things to rest by telling Nigerians who the equity stakeholders are and the monetsry value of their shareholding in the airline.


"He said that Nigeria owns only 5%. That means we are a minority shareholder. So, why are the majority shareholders not fighting for their investment to see the light of day? Or, did they just throw away the value of 51% equity shareholding? These are questions that Sirika has refused to ask which has made many Nigerians to believe, that the desperation he has shown so far, including disobeying valid court orders, are indications that this project may be his own personal slice of the cake".


Another aviation expert stated that Sirika may be moving fast to clean the shame that comes with failure in fraudulent schemes.


According to him, "the man is simply running about in a desperate show of shame and to deceitfully hoodwink President Buhari and make him feel that Nigeria Air has been achieved. It would also amount to deceiving the incoming government to believe that Nigeria Air was actually handed over to it. This is nothing else but fraud.


"The minister has been on this project for God-knows-how-long. He has waisted several billions on it without result. Now, he is in desperate chase for validation on a project that is not even on the table. Nothing else could be more fraudulent and I believe the government of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu understands the game they bare up to".



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