₦airaland Forum

By Our Reporters
ABUJA—The Senate, yesterday, joined the House of Representatives in asking President Goodluck Jonathan to revert fuel pump price to N65 per litre. In a closed door session, the senators urged the Senate President, Senator David Mark to convey the message of the upper chamber to President Jonathan within 24 hours.

This came as the nationwide protest called by the organised labour against the removal of subsidy on petrol which commenced on Monday was hijacked on its second day by hoodlums in Ogun, Kaduna, Oyo and Edo states even as the Nigeria Labour Congress vowed that the protests will continue indefinitely until the Federal Government reverts the pump price of petrol to N65.

The Federal Government also yesterday declared that it was still ready for dialogue with organised labour, saying that “the option of dialogue is still open”, as it cautioned the security agencies against the use of force against protesters.

In Abeokuta, miscreants yesterday hijacked the protest rally held in Abeokuta, Ogun state capital against the removal of fuel subsidy and allegedly molested and extorted money from people in the state capital.


A Protester at Agidingbi Road Ikeja, Lagos. Photo: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor.
The Police commissioner in the state, Nicholas Nkedeme was not spared by the hoodlums who barricaded various places within the metropolis when his cars were stopped, while some policemen escaped being lynched by the angry mob. The lucky policemen were said to had been stopped by some protesters along Abiola way and attempted to descend on them before the Area commander identified as Oyekunle Adegboyega pleaded with them before the mob allowed them to go. The Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi while commenting on the activities of the miscreants, during a radio programme,said, ‘even the police commissioner was stopped , but until we pleaded with them before we were allowed to pass” .

“So the agitators should be reasonable and objective in their protests. Those who are violent, I think the law will take its course on them. “Obstruction of traffic like that is out of the context.” In a similar development, there was a heavy bonfire few metres away from the former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s corporate office in Abeokuta, Ogun state capital. The Office located along Quarry Road, Ibara and tagged Agbeloba House is the headquarters of the Obasanjo Farms Holding (OBH) Limited. Youths made bonfires with used tyres and some woods to make the busy road, about 200 metres and which is also about 1000 metres from the family house of the Ogun state governor, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun impassable.

Curfew imposed in Oyo, Kaduna

It was a similar story in Kaduna as miscreants attempted to hijack the peaceful protests and clashed with the security forces which led to the killing of a 23-year-old Abdulgafar Mohammed Hadis.

An eye witness told newsmen that Hadis was shot on the head at Enugu Road, Old Panteka as youths went on rampage to condemn the increase in petrol price.

According to him, the deceased was rushed to Biba Hospital, Tudun Wada, from where he was later referred to 44 Army Reference Hospital, where he was confirmed dead.

“While the soldiers were asking the protesters to calm down, near the Government House, the policemen came and started firing tear gas cannisters at them. Shortly after this, they started shooting at us with live bullets. One of their bullets hit the young Hadis on his head. The boys wanted to get to Government House and protest”.

There was tension in the state in the evening as Air Force and police helicopters hovered all over the metropolis following false rumours that Muslim youths were attacking Christians in some parts of the town.

Former Military Administrator of Kaduna State, Colonel Hameed Ali (rtd) coordinated the protest. At the Waff Road, hundreds of youths however threw stones at police patrol vans and motorcycles, destroying their head lamps in some cases just as the police responded by throwing cannisters of tear gas at them just as some of them shot into the air to disperse them.

The demonstrators were occasionally supplied with bread and sachet water which were brought to them in Jeeps without number plates.

The same situation was reported within a radius of 500m from the Sir Ibrahim Kashim Government House, Kaduna before they were ordered to return to the Luggard Hall Round About which is the only place earmarked for the protests.

A statement issued by Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Bala M. Nasarawa said

“We have realised that the strike over the removal of subsidy has been hijacked by persons other than those committed to the cause. The demonstration which began yesterday peacefully, today turned violent. People were harassed, intimidated, and installations vandalised. In view of this unfortunate situations, the Kaduna state security council has no choice than to impose a 24 hour curfew in Kaduna metropolis and its environs wit effect from 9pm today (Tuesday) 10th January 2012. This measure becomes imperative in order to safeguard lives and property of innocent citizens. Government is urging all citizens of the state to remain calm, lawful and stay at home until further notice.

…Also in Oyo

Also in Oyo State, the state government resolved to impose curfew when the protests were getting out of hand. The curfew which was declared yesterday was imposed on the state from 7pm to 7am.

The Secretary to the State government, Alhaji Akin Olajide in a statement said the curfew was with immediate effect. According to the statement, the curfew became necessary to protect the security and lives of the people of the state.

The government noted that some hoodlums and miscreants, under the sponsorship of some politicians, had been hiding under the present anti-fuel subsidy removal protest to threaten the security of the state, especially at night.

On the first day of the strike, some of the government property in Ibadan North West Local Government were destroyed by some miscreants who mixed with protesters.

To checkmate destruction of property and protect lives, the government explained it had to declare the curfew.

It noted further that government had instructed security agencies in the state to apprehend and prosecute anyone who contravened the curfew.

“While the government appreciates the rights of the citizens to protest, the protection of lives and property of citizens is imperative,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, some protesters numbering about 2,500 yesterday forced a popular radio broadcaster in Oyo state, Kola Adegoke to join them in the protest.

Kola Ladoke who broadcasts for Splash FM, was held hostage at Olomi area of the city.

He said, “Some of them said that if they delay me and prevented me from being heard on my radio programme, it will go a long way to tell the government how embittered they are to the oil subsidy removed from petroleum products.

The protests in Ibadan were more serious than the first day of the strike.

Unlike the Monday when some commuters could still meander and take alternative road, all roads including the local ones were barricaded yesterday.

At Eleyele, a water tanker of the Nigerian Army was delayed for some irate youth who were playing football on the major road.

The driver of the truck had to plead with them before they allowed him to pass.

Most of the roads were deserted and blocked by the youth. Some commercial motorcyclists popularly called okada riders were turned back.

Police go tough in Edo

Also the Edo State Police Command has directed all police officers of the command to deal decisively with any body found to be blocking the roads, making bonfires and attacking innocent and law abiding citizens of the state.

In a statement personally signed by the state commissioner of police, David Omojola, he said the directive was to give full effect to the stay at home directive issued by the state councils Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), adding that it was to check further deterioration of the security situation in the state.

He warned parents and guardians not to allow their children or wards to be used to foment trouble, as any caught in the act will be treated as a common criminal and dealt with appropriately.

The statement regretted that Monday protest in the state witnessed violence, looting, arson and attacks on persons, which were not in consonance with the Labour movement.

Protests to continue indefinitely —Omar

The President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Comrade Abudulwaheed Omar yesterday declared the protest would be sustained and continue until the federal government reversed the pump price of petrol to N65 per litre.

He spoke at a rally held at the AP Plaza/Chicken House Junction along Adetokumbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse II of the federal capital.

The decision to halt the procession at that point did not go down well with many of the protesters, especially the youths among them as they insisted that they must march on the Eagle Square.

Omar’s address was interrupted several times by youths chanting “Eagle Square”, while others chanted that they must march straight on Aso Rock Villa and chase away President Goodkuck Jonathan from office.

“We have superiors as I heard you asking us to proceed to the Eagle Square, we must make sure we follow instructions and procedures, you have fulfilled your own part by bringing more people today.

“We will continue to come out everyday until government reverts this obnoxious price back to N65 per litre. They have been calling us to call off this strike but we will do that under only one condition, which is to revert to N65. This strike has recorded a huge success as international radi stations have been broadcasting to the world”, Omar said.

The President General of the TUC, Com Peter Esele also tried hard to dissuade the protesters from marching on Eagle Square.

His words: “Let me ask you a question, our marching out to Eagle Square will it make any difference?

“Another question, did anybody contribute money for this rally? Did we give any of you money to come here? We are here because of the increase in N65 per litre of fuel,  This is the only thing in Nigeria that two presidents are presiding over two protests.

“As we protest, it is our responsibility to ensure that no life is lost and if we even march to President Jonathan, it will not make any difference. Yesterday we counted over 20,000 protesters but today [Tuesday], we have recorded over 40,000 protesters and by tomorrow you will bring 100,000 protesters do you promise? “Yes, protesters chorused”. You are our source of inspiration and we are drawing strength from you”.

The protesters who started out at the popular Berger Junction sailed through Herbert Macauley Way, Kashim Ibrahim Way, Aminu Kano Crescent to Ibrahim Babangida Way to arrive at the rally venue which was the same point where NLC and other labour leaders addressed the protesters on the first day.

Numbering several thousands, the protesters generally conducted themselves peacefully. They were escorted by 12 civilian Power Bike Outriders, heavily armed security officers in mufti and four pick-up vans fully loaded with stern-looking soldiers.

FG cautions security agencies against use of force

Federal Government yesterday warned security agencies in the country to be professional and exercise utmost restraint on the on-going protests

The Minister of Youth Development and Acting Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi observed that the excessive use of force by some security agents which has led to the death of few young Nigerians and caused injuries to some others is very unfortunate and regrettable.

In a statement signed in Abuja by the Special Assistant to the minister on media, Julius Ogunro, the minister noted that the right to protest is fundamental in a democracy therefore the Police and other security agents have a responsibility to protect this right.

Oil workers threaten to shut upstream production

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, yesterday threatened to shut down the upstream sector of the oil industry should President Jonathan continue to pay deaf ears to the cries of Nigerians.

This came as Labour accused the Presidency of importing former militants and other armed thugs from neighbouring states into Abuja under the banner of “PDP Transformation Movement”, attack and main anti-subsidy removal protesters, declaring that labour had concluded plans to report President Jonathan and Inspector General of Police, IGP, Affiz Ringim to the International Criminal Court, ICC, for the Monday killing of armeless protesters in the country.

Labour and Civil Society Coalition, LASCO, umbrella body for Labour and its civil society allies that is coordinating the strike and mass protest, warned that from today, the ongoing strike and mass action would take a new dimension if government refused to address Nigerians’ demand.

Fuel subsidy strike: Dialogue window still open—FG

THE Federal Government yesterday declared that it is still ready for a dialogue with organised labour over industrial face-off following the removal of fuel subsidy by the government, saying that “the option of dialogue is still open”.

Minister of Labour and Productivity, Mr Emeka Wogu, who spoke to State House correspondents after a meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan, in Aso Rock, said “I think each side is exploring the need to talk”.

He said: “When I said that the option of dialogue is till open, it implied that we are exploring that option and labour is equally that option. I don’t believe in putting one as a senior partner and the other as a junior partner. In this issue, there are three senior partners within the doctrine and principle of tripartism; the NLC/TUC on one side representing the trade union, government on one side because it could be government at the federal level or state. Then the employers consultative association, NECA”.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/01/revert-to-n65-senate-tells-jonathan/

diluminati:
Now everywhere is Bitter, north, south, east, west! So the op came on too early.

nope the east is fine with it. Get your facts right

^^^^^^^ Thanks for your reply. I very much appreciate your explanation I hope you would not mind if I can just take a bit more of your time

Before I start I just want to reinstate my position that subsidy has to be removed but not now.

1. Surly you have to agree with me that before the purpose removal to even the governors 6 months ago; there must have been thoughts of it more so Iweala was there around 2005 and she must have know if the subsidy was sustainable or not right.

If yes then during Jonathan which started from 2010, she could have told GEJ to start building a refinery around the period she got the job. Also I have to add that the issue here is trust

Another adage "Once bitten twice shy"  You to be honest with you, we (nigerians protesting) don't trust the government and I believe we are right to believe so.

Subsidy removal was never a bad idea. the problem comes when the government would start telling us stories few months down the line and I no go lie the thing go pain me no be small.

Right now, the FG spends 1 billion (993 million naira) on just food for GEJ and sambo. Such wasteful spending does not sound correct to our ears at all.  I can go on and on and on on such ridiculous spending plan. But funny the FG want to use others to save up then they themselves cannot cut down on the spending.

Also since 6 months ago according the Iweala there was a meeting about the removal of subsidy, why did the FG not start the building of refinery immediately (5 months) so when people like me ask what the money would be used for, the evidence would be there for us to see.

All the initiative Iweala said could have started maybe in a small scale and then they would present it to the people that they want to go larger and such they need more money of which would come from the subsidy.

Again, talking of reduction in transport, would that not be subsided ? If yes then by how much in the subsidy money ?

Diesel subsidy has been removed we don't still have refinery so what makes me an average man think that GEJ would be different from OBJ, Yaradua ? Sorry Jmaine but I am just being critical here in my thinking. Each successive government had promised heaven and earth and still we are in the same situation.

Let me just let you know that the protest is not even about subsidy again but about corruption and that is why we saw youths visit Otedola, Tinubu and co houses yesterday. No one wants to be fooled again by the government.

recently Madueke bought a house in Austria worth 20 million euros or 25.5 Million Dollars. I am sure you know that such money is not from shell or what ever but from corruption and Now you want to tell me that such a woman would turn around and make things move It is sad.

Lastly, Now Nigerian or should I say "I" really want to see the visible development before the removal. The FG can't just wake up one day and tell us that she would turn Nigeria into a better place by using the money from subsidy correctly.

Moreover you spoke of corruption but the people the FG are going to give the money to are also corrupt so why not protest now so people can see what the average man is thinking ?

Just the very last thing. Can you tell me why the FG has not explained to us the money from the removal of subsidy from Diesel and Kerosene.

Because I remember when subsidy was removed from agriculture, the infrastructure (port harcourt i think) was already in place before the removal by OBJ and it was the exact same issue about benefit thieves, smugglers etc

why can't the same be in GEJ

Thanks for you time

^^^^^^^

Jmiane you never answer my question o

I said

1. now that the prices are deregulated and if the cost of production of petrol (PMS) is whatever and the oil company tells the FG 200 naira per liter. How much would NNPC sell it for ? 200 naira as well remember they have no storage capacity and 30% capacity in the refinery.

2. I believe or should I say I want to believe that having our own refinery would make us immune to external prices of crude oil. I mean if we drill our oil at X amount and refine it at Y amount. I would expect the cost of a liter of oil to be X + Y +Z where Z is the extra amount due to logistics in transportation etc.

Thus lets say it cost 131 dollars a barrel today and 200 dollars a barrel tomorrow, It should not affect us since we are not buying the crude oil. Again another adage says "A man that grows yam and still buys pounded yam is a fool"(I hope I am right ) But I am sure you know what I mean; unless I am not really understanding it and I am willing to learn.

3. The Fg would still pay them since it has no capacity to store her own PMS. The Fg still need to store it in private own reservoirs and can be at the rate of 3 naira per liter stored

Also they would also cheat the FG by claiming wrong figures as the example I made earlier.

4. Also you mean from 2010 to 2011 the price of subsidy jumped from 600 billion to 1.3-1.6 trillion. That is about 100-200 % increase. I am sure the FG can explain those figure better. Abi we dey bath with petrol for Nija (I read your link) I think we need to becareful because even with the percentage increase as your link suggested would not amount to 1.3 trillion naira because if there is an increase by 27 % which means the new subsidy should be 825 billion naira.

And also increase in crude oil in the global market should not affect us if we have our refinery.

[quote author=Ayo-olu12 link=topic=843301.msg9937775#msg9937775 date=1326230131]Nchara, as much as I despise boko haram, they have already asked igbos to leave the north, yet many would rather die than do so. So please stop the chest beating. Many igbos are addicted to the north and SW, and won't leave even at the point of death. I'm sure that if nigeria were to break up today, its the igbos that will have the hardest time returning to/staying in their region.[/quote]you have said it all

Division my a55

a large market is needed for traders especially the yoruba/igbo/hausa

The way Nigeria is is very very beneficial for all of us. Now the question is why are there some agents of division in Nigeria aka USA, UK,IMF, World bank, Isearl etc why beaf and co

[size=14pt]1. They want to sell old rusty weapons to us so we can kill each other and they make money off it just as they decieved Ojukwu to think he was a super hero

2. They want to occupy the oil rich region since they know they are stu.pid and would allow greed to get in the way of common sense. That is why groups like MEND could have High class weapons within few months

3. They want Ghana to be the new regional power in west africa since they Have oil now. Nigeria oil will soon finish

4. They want cheap labour from refugees and yes they would get it.[/size]

sheyguy:
Ss / se are protesting and we shld avoid tribalising this issue, the[size=25pt] Gej our ss and se brothers r trying to protect does not give a fvck abt them[/size] and above all is confused. Those shouting sw and north are the problem shld not forget folks like andy uba and cecilia ibru. We are in this mess together. Like the guy i hate to like, beaf will always ask, why are the state and LG not working accross all region?

THANK YOU

these people are only doing themselves a GREAT and I mean GREAT disservice

But let the dust clear first before I give Nigerians A FULL ANALYSIS

^^^^^^

Shut up

alj harem:
my nigerian people talk say[b] " pesin why the gods wan destroy, they make mad first"[/b]

[size=23pt]it is the shock that middle belt and south south are protesting that is what is scaring them that they are alone in this madness called Tribalism[/size]

also they talk say " a yam owner that still buys pounded yam is a fool"

ennf said

2mch:
Na oyinbo. She no know the geography. rotflmao. I bet she wrote it herself. smdh. 1.35 of the regions in support. while 4.65 against

my nigerian people talk say[b] " pesin why the gods wan destroy, they make mad first"[/b]

[size=23pt]it is the shock that middle belt and south south are protesting that is what is scaring them that they are alone in this madness called Tribalism[/size]

also they talk say " a yam owner that still buys pounded yam is a fool"

ennf said

who is fooling who. smh

Wislet:
Saw this write up and decided to share.

A lot of undiscerning Nigerians are flummoxed why
Ndigbos, the South-South and the Middle-belt are not
actively participating in the so called 'Occupy Nigeria'
hoax.

Why should the Igbos, South-South and Middle-
belt participate in protests against fuel subsidy
removal? How many Igbos, South-Southerners and Middle-beltans are major oil importers?

The cabals
benefiting from the oil subsidy are mostly the Hausa-
Fulanis and the Yorubas. The Dangotes, the Dantatas,
the Sawoes, the Danjumas, the Jubrils, the Aremus, the
Kayodes and the Babangidas are all from either the
core North or the South-West. They are the ones who make billions of Dollars from fuel subsidy. They are the
ones who after collecting subsidy, divert the product
meant to be delivered in the North to Niger Republic,
Chad and Benin. They are the ones who are among the
richest in the African continent. They are the ones who
boast of the richest black African. They are the ones sponsoring the protest against subsidy removal.

Majority of the common man/woman on the street
fighting against subsidy removal is doing so in his/her
genuine but ignorant conviction that he/she is doing
the right thing. He/she believes they are saving
Nigeria. But the truth is far from that: they are just being used as expendable pawns by the super-rich cabal.

If President Jonathan Goodluck had hiked the price of
petrol to N200.00 per litre but continue to pay the
cabals the exact sum on subsidy, you won't have seen any
of them standing up to join the people in any protest. In
short, they would have called him the best thing to happen to Nigeria. But because President Goodluck
Jonathan is hitting hard on their pockets via subsidy
removal, they are all crying out.

Savant minds should
start asking themselves these questions:

(1) Those who
sponsor Boko Haram, where do they get their income
from? Those super-rich cattle herdsmen, where do they get their money from? Why is it that the richest
Nigerians are Hausa-Fulanis? Abi na them go school
pass or sabi business pass?

(2)What tribe has the majority
of oil-block holders?

The removal of fuel subsidy is not
only an economic policy, it is also a security measure to
stymie the funds of Boko Haram sponsors.

Don't just join the bandwagon in their frenzy screams like one
diligently striving to be a fool. Take time to ponder the
hidden meaning of things; also endeavour to
understand the subtle and covert nature of power-play.

The Igbos, the South-Southerners and the Middle-
beltans understands this.

The Igbos have paid the price with their blood and are still paying it even today at the
hands of Boko Haram.

The Middle-beltans are the
bulwark against the encroachment of radical
Islamism; they are the ones being slaughtered in Jos.

The South-Southerners are the ones who stand
helplessly and watch others grow fat and super-rich on their oil.

But the scenario has changed today. Only a
South-South man could tackle the mammoths and
behemoths. Only a South-South man would have the
guts to want to right the wrongs. President Goodluck
Ebele Jonathan, be rest assured that I support you. Be assured that I and my family are ready to die for this cause if it comes to that. I want
to be able to say to my kids that "I fought and fell but
conquered so you could stand." May God continue to
protect you and bless all Nigerians. Mauritori te
Salutemus: I who is about to die salute you.

so kwara, kogi, benue, nassarawa, abuja and niger is not the middle belt ?

so delta and edo are not south south ?

I have said it that u people are deluded

trust me you people are on ur own

Instead of people asking why there is no security for the people in the country they are fighting about tribe ?


dumb people

mikeansy:
Are people still debating this crap?

In Lagos there are Igbos on strike, in the South East, the few that are Teachers or Civil Servants were on strike. This is the fact.

Now if the debate is why did Business Men not close there shop? well that has never happened and will never happen. This attitude is common amongst Business men all over the world. It just happens that majority of the people in the East are in Trade.

I have been making this point yesterday and nobody has been able to show that historically SouthEast traders used to lead protests against Presidents whether it is IBB, Abacha or OBJ but all of a sudden under GEJ they no longer do. Nobody since yesterday has been able to produce undeniable facts to this effect. This thread is running to over 8 pages now.

What exactly is the hate on this thread all about other than the preducises that has been instilled in the avergae Nigerian against Igbo man. Some of you go to Europe and America and accuse whitemen of Racism but the level of Racism you guys indulge in is beyond this world. You can all engage in hate all you like, call this strike 10 times. Nobody will lock up their shop for you. You dont feed this people.

And if it is about becoming President, hold it. Nigeria is definitely functioning perfectly without Igbos in position of leadership. So we are very pleased with that.

All of you need some soul searching!

why are we not going to respond ?

the ideeiot called tony is inciting hate on others and u expect others to keep shut ?

Now you laugh but when others incite hate on Igbos you would frown right ?

Hypocrisy has no end

ceah:
@Alh_Harem, please tell your friend this thread is not for debt, you can start another thread for that.the essence of this thread is Occupy Nigeria update Across The Nation,

Ok sir

mactonnyso:
This yoruba led Protest is becoming suspicious to other nigerians. IBO Christians are targeted and killed in the North, no comment from the SW
All they are interested is start a big Propaganda to discredit GEJs govt. because as one of them wrote in  Punch newspaper
they will  bring this govt down, since no SW holds the top 5 position in government.

But they forgot that recently OBJ enjoyed his 2 terms at ASO ROCK and enriched his tribes men. they should just wait till 2015.
But i commend the ibos now for their stand on this one. Ibos no de Carry last this time!

You expect the yorubas to protest for you ? LOL HISTORY IS ABOUT REPEATING ITSELF.

You expect a people you people keep describing to Nigerians and foreigners as cowards, dirty, two-face and back-stabber to protest for the killing of you people ?

You expect a people that you laugh at when one of them die to protest for the killing of Igbos ?

Ain't you meant to ask the government why is not protecting your people ?

ain't you meant to ask the government why you lifes and properties are not safe ?

why ain't the governors of the SE asking this questions ?




That comment on Punch was made by an Igbo guy using yoruba IDs like you people ALWAYS do but Karma always favour the honest.

talking about governmental position

Figuratively, out of 865 top positions, North-West has 218 (25%); North-Central cornered 154 (17.80%), North-East, 139 or 16.07 %; South-South, 158 (18.27%), South-West, 167 or 19.31%; and South-East, 123 slots (14.22 %).

So you see you are an ideeiot that just made a fool out your self

it is only an ingrate or a complete iddeeiot that would call his president such names

whitehawk:
@alj harem,

a) Nigeria did NOT pay US$34 billion to foreign creditors else there would have been to celebrate OBJ and NOI for at that time.

LOL who spoke of Nigeria paying 34 billion dollars to foreign creditor ? 28 BILLION WAS WRITTEN OFF BY THE PARIS CLUB THANKS TO IWEALA AND THE REMAINING 6 billion dollars or so was paid by OBJ.

All this I am not saying from my head, these are IWEALA WORDS  and I know she is correct

http://www.nigerianmuse.com/important_documents/?u=Iweala_Understanding_Nigeria_debt_situation.htm

whitehawk:
b) The government should NOT be in the business of building refineries. Our telecomms improved when the government got out that business. private sector is saving public education system.

Why why why why   . why can't our government build refinery ? Or are they that corrupt ?

Building a refinery would make such such events happening today would NEVER happen again. At least Just one of the capacity of 450,000 liters each day should enough to make the "cabals" struggle since they make their money using the diffence.

The government want the private sector to build the refinery but they would invest 2 billion dollars just so the government can tax them and tell them that the deregulatory price is still capped at so and so amount?

Also would it not be better if the government can have one of theirs so they would NOT STILL BE PAYING SUBSIDY

IF THE PRIVATE REFINERY TELLS NNPC THAT IT IS 2000 NAIRA PER LITER AND THE DOES NOT HAVE ENOUGH, WOULD THEY NOT PAY AT THAT PRICE AND STILL IT IN NNPC AT 141 NAIRA PER LITER. WHO IS LOSING ?

By building a refinery, the government has protect itself and THE PEOPLE from capitalistic people.

whitehawk:
c) Concerning oil tanks and oil storage. Actually there are PIPELINES and NNPC Storage depots in place at Ejigbo (Lagos) Ore, Mosinmi etc.
But the operative s and the executives in NNPC won't allow those to work so that they can collect money on transport using trailers.

Can you imagine

thus we say that NNPC is our problem and are the ones allowing corruption to stay.

Now the next step is to remove those leaders in NNPC and replace them with non-corruptible people like how they found Ribadu.

Also build more storage tanks

whitehawk:
Why was Obasanjo able to pay off our national debt worth billions of dollars while retaining fuel subsidy?
  OBJ, a good man, did not PAY off our National debts. The debts were FORGIVEN / WRITTEN OFF by our Creditors.  Ngozi Okonjo- Iweala helped with the negoatitions.[/i]Why was Obasanjo able to build up our foreign reserves into billions of dollars while subsidy was still on? [i]The price and volume of crude oil increased significantly during OBJ's 8 years. Since the reserves were low when he came in, logically they went up.[/color]Why did Obasanjo still launch some projects, like satellite, while subsidy was on? Because he had more revenues from privatised telecoms, crude oil prices and crude oil volumes, Govt assets privatised.[color=#990000]Why was subsidy money in the billions while others were in government but went into trillions just few months into Jonathan`s government? The budget was Governments intentions. The process was hijacked the fraudsters - customs officials, oil marketers, businessmen, NNPC officials etc and they generated VAST AMOUNTS OF FICTITOUS DOCUMENTS for oil that NEVER came in. Please read CBN Governor Sanusi Lamido's presentation to the Village/ Townhall meeting.
Why were the implicated subsidy beneficiaries(oil cabals) not punished by Jonathan? He will have to use the EFCC and the Judiciary. But they are THOUSANDS of people involved. The EFCC can still prosecute the criminals.

1. Nope the we had 2 debts

Nigeria's external debt in 2005 during OBJ ERA was US$34 billion. About[b] $28 billion or 85% of the debt is owed to the Paris Club of 15 creditor nations. Only 8% of the debt is owed to multilateral institutions such as the African Development Bank and the World Bank whilst the balance of 7% is owed to the London Club of commercial creditors and holders of Promissory Notes. Nigeria does not owe the IMF any money. [/b]The first fact therefore is that Nigeria's debt problem is really "a Paris Club debt problem"

Now OBJ paid the rest of the debt
while iweala asked the paris club to write off the debts

http://www.nigerianmuse.com/important_documents/?u=Iweala_Understanding_Nigeria_debt_situation.htm

Please get you FACTS RIGHT !!!!

2. Nigeria's foreign reserves rose from $2 billion in 1999 to $43 billion on leaving office in 2007. During Jonthan our reserve drop to $32.3 billion. What was it used for ? Subsidy ? Please don't make me laugh

Obj paid the subsidy and paid our foreign reserves so you have no excuse here.


Lastly, I don't think you people get it yet



1. So the cabals are more powerful than the people of Nigeria and the President ?

2. How do you deal with cabals, is it not by building a refinery and thus you as the government would be able to regulate your price thus reducing or even stopping their profits and also rendering them useless commercially by removal of the subsidy ? Not having anything in place and then remove subsidy would do more harm than good in IMO. These cabals are still making their profit with or without the subsidy money so stopping subsidy would not end Onado ko ?

3 Why was subsidy money in the billions (400-600) while others were in government but went into trillions (1.3-1.6) just few months into Jonathan`s government?

You see, what the government is doing is running away from the issue which would still bite us later. With or without subsidy, the cabals make billions THAT IS A FACT !!!

AN Oil benefit thief are the following

1. An exporter of crude oil

2. An importer of refined petrol

3. A reservoir owner

Now if the government remove subsidy without refinaries, he can simply export it and tell the government the price which he used to pay the foreign refinarires and the GOVERNMENT (NNPC) HAS NO CHOICE BUT TO PAY HIM

2. NNPC has no capacity to store Petrol for more then 2 weeks and that is why we use to have fuel scarcity until the PRIVATELY OWN RESERVOIR CAME INTO BEING. thus they cheat the FG by lying to them and store petrol at about 3 Naira for a liter.

Another example of the cheating

if the FG stores 1 billion barrels of petrol with them, after 1 year they would tell the FG that the remaining petrol is 700 million barrels thus stealling 300 million which they would sell in the black market but the FG has already paid them for 1 BILLION barrels.

Now you see that the removal has not stopped ANYTHING OTHER THAN TO ENRICH THEM MORE AND GIVE THEM MORE POWER OVER OUR ECONOMY.

THEY CAN EVEN FORM A COOPERATION AND DICTATE TO THE FG HOW MUCH THEY WANT TO BE SELLING IT IN THEIR STATIONS AND THE FG HAS TO PAY FOR IT SINCE THEY CANNOT REFINE THEIR OWN OIL.

THE FG BUILDING A REFINARY WOULD BE A VERY GOOD SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM IN THE OIL INDUSTRY.

THUS THEY CAN REGULATE THEIR OWN PRODUCTION AND CAPITAL.

PHIPEX:
Based on the info I know, the govt is not broke that it can not take on some of the issues u raised, the issue is that a project that ordinarily should take a yr to complete takes years, If you'v passed through Enugu-Onitsha rd you will understand better. As to taking on the cabals, I still don't know why some people are shielding them but that question should be directed to the EFCC, if u listened to the Reps on Sunday you will understand that the Cabals are more Powerful than we think afterall even the House dread to take them on. Remember that its this same people that you want our Immigration officers to withstand at our borders.

I understand your point and that is why people are protesting.

1. So the cabals are more powerful than the people of Nigeria and the President ?

2. How do you deal with cabals, is it not by building a refinery and thus you as the government would be able to regulate your price thus reducing or even stopping their profits and also rendering them useless commercially by removal of the subsidy ? Not having anything in place and then remove subsidy would do more harm than good in IMO. These cabals are still making their profit with or without the subsidy money so stopping subsidy would not end Onado ko ?

3 Why was subsidy money in the billions (400-600) while others were in government but went into trillions (1.3-1.6) just few months into Jonathan`s government?

You see, what the government is doing is running away from the issue which would still bite us later. With or without subsidy, the cabals make billions THAT IS A FACT !!!

AN Oil benefit thief are the following

1. An exporter of crude oil

2. An importer of refined petrol

3. A reservoir owner

Now if the government remove subsidy without refinaries, he can simply export it and tell the government the price which he used to pay the foreign refinarires and the GOVERNMENT (NNPC) HAS NO CHOICE BUT TO PAY HIM

2. NNPC has no capacity to store Petrol for more then 2 weeks and that is why we use to have fuel scarcity until the PRIVATELY OWN RESERVOIR CAME INTO BEING. thus they cheat the FG by lying to them and store petrol at about 3 Naira for a liter.

Another example of the cheating

if the FG stores 1 billion barrels of petrol with them, after 1 year they would tell the FG that the remaining petrol is 700 million barrels thus stealling 300 million which they would sell in the black market but the FG has already paid them for 1 BILLION barrels.

Now you see that the removal has not stopped ANYTHING OTHER THAN TO ENRICH THEM MORE AND GIVE THEM MORE POWER OVER OUR ECONOMY.

THEY CAN EVEN FORM A COOPERATION AND DICTATE TO THE FG HOW MUCH THEY WANT TO BE SELLING IT IN THEIR STATIONS AND THE FG HAS TO PAY FOR IT SINCE THEY CANNOT REFINE THEIR OWN OIL.

THE FG BUILDING A REFINARY WOULD BE A VERY GOOD SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM IN THE OIL INDUSTRY.

THUS THEY CAN REGULATE THEIR OWN PRODUCTION AND CAPITAL.

maki:
Nice one,
South-south it's time to face odili,ibori and co,

My Izon people don't be left out.

This people have used all form of tactics to blind us while they are corrupt

DON'T LEFT OUT IZON. IT IS TIME TO TAKE BACK NIGERIA FROM THIS PEOPLE CALLED OUT LEADERS

PHIPEX:
@ alj harem
You have a nice post up there and what I can make out of it is that we are all frustrated by these cabal but is it not better we state our issues clearly from the outset rather than hiding under subsidy removal to vilify people who are also fighting tooth and nail to better our lot?  There is no argueing the fact that the govt could hv handled the situation better but to paralise economic activities and ask for a reversal of a policy that previous administrations had dreaded to implement is wrong. Now that the protest has started, Let NLC marshal out its grievances clearly and it must include the cutting down of the excesses in allowances of our legislative arm. It will take an Angel to convince me that Ngozi, Sanusi and Jonathan are removing this subsidy in other to steal it. These are not ordinary politicians, if we cricify them now cos they are implementing an umpopilar policy is it Bakare and his group that are just fighting for their interests that we will accept?

THE GOVT SHOULD FIGHT THE CORRUPTION IN THE SYSTEM IN ADDITION TO SUBSIDY REMOVAL.

You people should answer these questions and I will be a pro- FG:

Why was Obasanjo able to pay off our national debt worth billions of dollars while retaining fuel subsidy?
Why was Obasanjo able to build up our foreign reserves into billions of dollars while subsidy was still on?
Why did Obasanjo still launch some projects, like satellite, while subsidy was on?
Why was subsidy money in the billions while others were in government but went into trillions just few months into Jonathan`s government?
Why were the implicated subsidy beneficiaries(oil cabals) not punished by Jonathan?

Anybody who speaks up against this policy of subsidy removal will immediately be called an agent of "oil cabals", "agent of Boko Haram", "agent of IBB, Atiku, Ciroma" etc, by Jonathan apologists on this blog.
You people should answer these questions and I will be one of your members:


Why was Obasanjo able to pay off our national debt worth billions of dollars while retaining fuel subsidy?
Why was Obasanjo able to build up our foreign reserves into billions of dollars while subsidy was still on?
Why did Obasanjo still launch some projects, like satellite, while subsidy was on?
Why was subsidy money in the billions while others were in government but went into trillions just few months into Jonathan`s government?
Why were the implicated subsidy beneficiaries(oil cabals) not punished by Jonathan?
Let me stop here. Answer these questions satisfactorily and I will join you in canvassing support fr subsidy removal.

Anybody who speaks up against this policy of subsidy removal will immediately be called an agent of "oil cabals", "agent of Boko Haram", "agent of IBB, Atiku, Ciroma" etc, by Jonathan apologists on this blog.
You people should answer these questions and I will be one of your members:


Why was Obasanjo able to pay off our national debt worth billions of dollars while retaining fuel subsidy?
Why was Obasanjo able to build up our foreign reserves into billions of dollars while subsidy was still on?
Why did Obasanjo still launch some projects, like satellite, while subsidy was on?
Why was subsidy money in the billions while others were in government but went into trillions just few months into Jonathan`s government?
Why were the implicated subsidy beneficiaries(oil cabals) not punished by Jonathan?
Let me stop here. Answer these questions satisfactorily and I will join you in canvassing support fr subsidy removal.

Anybody who speaks up against this policy of subsidy removal will immediately be called an agent of "oil cabals", "agent of Boko Haram", "agent of IBB, Atiku, Ciroma" etc, by Jonathan apologists on this blog.
You people should answer these questions and I will be one of your members:


Why was Obasanjo able to pay off our national debt worth billions of dollars while retaining fuel subsidy?
Why was Obasanjo able to build up our foreign reserves into billions of dollars while subsidy was still on?
Why did Obasanjo still launch some projects, like satellite, while subsidy was on?
Why was subsidy money in the billions while others were in government but went into trillions just few months into Jonathan`s government?
Why were the implicated subsidy beneficiaries(oil cabals) not punished by Jonathan?
Let me stop here. Answer these questions satisfactorily and I will join you in canvassing support fr subsidy removal.

nagoma:
Some I'd.iots are desperately trying to derail the popular struggle against bad leadership by resorting to tribal jingo and manipulation of the truth. Are you saying that the 7 persons shot and killed in kano yerterday were killed by Igbo soldiers?

gbammm

i feel sorry for nigeria

1. Yes the system/ government is corrupt. In fact the country is teeming in corruption

2. Yes subsidy has to go and everyone supports the FG for that

3. Before the removal of subsidy, build our refinery so we would not have this same issue in the future. If we have our refineries working, we would not be paying subsidy to anyone and we can control the prices of our crude oil as a Nation.

4. Before removal of subsidy , CUT THE COST OF GOVERANCE not just by 25% because the bulk of the money made in government is not through salaries but be over PRICED projects. An average senator in Nigeria collects more than Obama the american president.

5. Now remove subsidy.

Other things people are protesting for because it was a build up of anger since 1970 and this was the opportunity for a revolution are

1. protest against corruption and the arrest of these people

2. protest against boko haram and killing of Christians/igbos

3. protest against the NEGLIGENT of the Niger-delta

4. Building of the Niger Bridge. Must the bridge collapse before we maintain and build the next ? Since we can save lives, why not do it now.

Now what is the point of thinking ahead when there is still corruption and non-accountability in the government ?

What is the point of thinking ahead when the next administration would tell us about removal of subsidy again ?

IS THINKING AHEAD NOT BUILDING OF REFINERIES ?

Is thinking ahead not protesting against corruption ?


In Nigeria today, we have No light, No security, No shelter, No good roads, No good water, No refinery even though we are oil producing, Total neglect of infrastructure, Total neglect of the Niger-delta, Total neglect of the Niger bridge, Total neglect of people dying in the North, Lack of accountability, Lack of credibility, Lack of industrial growth apart from Oil which the entire country is dependant on, Lack of economic growth apart from the telecommunication sector by OBJ.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I would also what to use this medium to address people thinking it is an ethnic thing.

I have heard various people saying the protest is against "GEJ" "minority" and other sentimental words to describe the protest.

I would like to educate the people about the politics behind what is happening according to my understanding and I would really appreciate if I can also learn more from other posters home and abroad.

In 2010, Sanusi made speech to the House of reps (HOR) that they were thieves and they are the ones sucking Nigeria dry due to the huge sum of money paid to them monthly. The HOR shut him down and called him all sort of names.

In 2011, Sanusi during the channels debate said 1.6 trillion naira is paid to this people out of 1.8 trillion naira thus 200 billion Naira is left for development of the country.

This people are the senator, governors, HOR, HOA, chairmen and the business men that were labelled as oil benefit thieves.

Now people Imagine 200 billion left for 150 million people in 36 states out of total of 1.8 trillion Naira. Yes I am sure people would agree with me that subsidy has to go !!!!

All am doing here is to make people political aware of the situation right now and lets not forget the Iweala and the IMF factor.

Now people are NOT and I repeat NOT angry at the removal of the subsidy I mean at such rate the paying of subsidy is not sustainable. It has to go at one point or the other, either through GEJ or the next administration. Yes I respect GEJ and Sanusi for thinking ahead of time. That is very commendable but the Issues that cause the subsidy corruption are not yet addressed.

In the future the issue would come up again so what is the point ?.

PHIPEX:
Does thisnow mean that we are all supporting subsidy removal? If yes, I can now join the protest against corruption. JONATHAN IS NOT OUR PROBLEM.

I have said it times without number that the problem is not GEJ

1. Yes the system/ government is corrupt. In fact the country is teeming in corruption

2. Yes subsidy has to go and everyone supports the FG for that

3. Before the removal of subsidy, build our refinery so we would not have this same issue in the future. If we have our refineries working, we would not be paying subsidy to anyone and we can control the prices of our crude oil as a Nation.

4. Before removal of subsidy , CUT THE COST OF GOVERANCE not just by 25% because the bulk of the money made in government is not through salaries but be over PRICED projects. An average senator in Nigeria collects more than Obama the american president.

5. Now remove subsidy.

Other things people are protesting for because it was a build up of anger since 1970 and this was the opportunity for a revolution are

1. protest against corruption and the arrest of these people

2. protest against boko haram and killing of Christians/igbos

3. protest against the NEGLIGENT of the Niger-delta

4. Building of the Niger Bridge. Must the bridge collapse before we maintain and build the next ? Since we can save lives, why not do it now.

Now what is the point of thinking ahead when there is still corruption and non-accountability in the government ?

What is the point of thinking ahead when the next administration would tell us about removal of subsidy again ?

IS THINKING AHEAD NOT BUILDING OF REFINERIES ?

Is thinking ahead not protesting against corruption ?


In Nigeria today, we have  No light, No security, No shelter, No good roads, No good water, No refinery even though we are oil producing, Total neglect of infrastructure, Total neglect of the Niger-delta, Total neglect of the Niger bridge, Total neglect of people dying in the North, Lack of accountability, Lack of credibility, Lack of industrial growth apart from Oil which the entire country is dependant on, Lack of economic growth apart from the telecommunication sector by OBJ.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I would also what to use this medium to address people thinking it is an ethnic thing.

I have heard various people saying the protest is against "GEJ" "minority" and other sentimental words to describe the protest.

I would like to educate the people about the politics behind what is happening according to my understanding and I would really appreciate if I can also learn more from other posters home and abroad.

In 2010, Sanusi made speech to the House of reps (HOR) that they were thieves and they are the ones sucking Nigeria dry due to the huge sum of money paid to them monthly. The HOR shut him down and called him all sort of names.

In 2011, Sanusi during the channels debate said 1.6 trillion naira is paid to this people out of 1.8 trillion naira thus 200 billion Naira is left for development of the country.

This people are the senator, governors, HOR, HOA, chairmen and the business men that were labelled as oil benefit thieves.

Now people Imagine 200 billion left for 150 million people in 36 states out of total of 1.8 trillion Naira. Yes I am sure people would agree with me that subsidy has to go !!!!

All am doing here is to make people political aware of the situation right now and lets not forget the Iweala and the IMF factor.

Now people are NOT and I repeat NOT angry at the removal of the subsidy I mean at such rate the paying of subsidy is not sustainable. It has to go at one point or the other, either through GEJ or the next administration. Yes I respect GEJ and Sanusi for thinking ahead of time. That is very commendable but the Issues that cause the subsidy corruption are not yet addressed.

In the future the issue would come up again so what is the point ?.

In case people have forgotten, this was the election result last year

[img]http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSmkYcdO2THnQEc2E4PidVw5fbIoU2a51tl8YPKWJkf0q97_x-ymQ[/img]

Feraz:
and what makes you think it ain't the same people. . . . .c'mon, i know you to be better than this

true talk brother

nwannem udo. my mistake

Feraz:
pls, an individual does not equal to the SE

I really hope so you know. The amount of discouragement and making fun of the dead people in illorin, kano and lagos from the Igbos on Nairaland and other unline forums is unbecoming and annoying

it is better to stay clear than discourage others

naijaking1:
Answer= the core north and SW are yet to fully accept the result of last year's presidential election.

the MB and the SW voted for GEJ

so what result ?

[img]http://desmond.yfrog.com/Himg877/scaled.php?tn=0&server=877&filename=7s5ep.jpg&xsize=640&ysize=640[/img]