₦airaland Forum

Somebody should send this link to Fani Kayode and others,

Aborisade said the idea of collecting a loan from Zenith Bank to finance the rehabilitation of tower projects in four of the nation’s airports at N6.5bn was not his but that of a former Minister of Finance, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

It was confirmed yesterday that EFCC was intended to also arrest Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, but she did not show up.

Question: Is Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala also corrupt?

We now also know why Nigerian pilots at one point were using GSM phone to contact the Air traffic control tower before landing.

First, all this looting occurred under the watch of "Mighty" Ribadu (he was well aware); in-fact, Fani Kayode and Aborisade wouldn't have been arrested today if Ribadu was still the chairman of EFCC,  They all belong to the same family and have a lot in common, trust me. 
So for God sake, please let us all forget Ribadu once and for all; he is absolutely not what you guys think, not even close.
In-fact his selectivity and feckless actions motivated many more to further loot the federal government treasury with zero hesitation and savage Nigerian democracy.
The Language was simple: Support 3rd term and loot till the moon stops shining

Back to the topic:
At least, now we all know why Murtala Muhammed International Airport looks like a junkyard.

Aviation fund: EFCC arrests Fani-Kayode, Borishade

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have arrested two former ministers of Aviation — Dr. Babalola Borishade and Chief Femi Fani-Kayode — for their roles in the disbursement of the N19.5bn Aviation Intervention Fund.

Also arrested was a former Director-General of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, Mr. Roland Iyayi.

The three men were picked up around 6.25pm on Monday after appearing before the Senate Committee on Aviation.

Borishade and Iyayi were driven out of the National Assembly premises in Abuja in a white Toyota bus marked Abuja AU 329 YAB. Fani-Kayode, who wore a striped dark suit was allowed by the operatives to ride in his black Range Rover marked LAGOS JH A20 AAA.

Fani-Kayode, who was also a former Special Assistant on Public Affairs to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, had told THE PUNCH on Sunday that he would tell the world what he knew about the N19.5bn intervention fund.

He said his decision to appear was because of the misinformation that he disbursed the whole N19.5bn.

The EFCC had on June 23 arrested Mr. George Eider, the representative of Avsatel, an Austrian firm that won tower projects’ contracts for four airports.

Borishade and Fani-Kayode had during their appearance before the committe disagreed over the disbursement of the N19.5bn,

While Borishade claimed that he did not authorise the withdrawal of any amount from the fund before he left office, Fani-Kayode said not all the money was made available to him.

Borishade had said,“The approval for the opening of the letter of Credit for the Safe Tower Project was only commitment authorised by me in respect of the Intervention Fund before I was redeployed on November 7, 2006. No withdrawal was made from this facility before I left.”

But Fani-Kayode countered him, saying, “What must be clearly understood is that not all this money was made available to me when I got there.

“What happened was that before I got into that office, a substantial part of that money had been sourced and had been spent by my predecessor in office, Dr. Borishade.

“Consequently, N8.5bn had been sourced and approximately N8.4bn had been spent from that sum before I came into that office.

“When I assumed my duties as the minister in November 2006, the sum of N11bn (which was the balance of the intervention fund) was released to me from the National Resource Development Account by the then President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, for application.”

Fani-Kayode also told the committee that there was N2bn which was not part of the intervention fund which was also jointly administered by the ministry and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria .

He said the N2bn, a soft loan from the Rivers State Government, was given to FAAN directly for the rehabilitation of the runway of Port Harcourt International Airport.

Fani-Kayode claimed that “out of the N2bn, approximately N350m was spent on things outside the runway before he assumed office.”

He said,“When I got to the Ministry, I was given the responsibility of administering N11billion (Intervention Fund) plus a further N1.63m (soft loan from the Rivers State Government ).

“The records will show that out of the N11bn that I was asked to administer, I only released approximately N3.8bn and out of the N1.63bn, I only released N1.5bn.

“The records show that consequently by the time I left the ministry, approximately N7.2bn was left in the intervention fund account and a further N133m was left out of the N1.6bn that I was given for the airport runway.”

Borishade also said he was aware that N2bn was released for the payment of the severance package of retired aviation workers.

He said the idea of collecting a loan from Zenith Bank to finance the rehabilitation of tower projects in four of the nation’s airports at N6.5bn was not his but that of a former Minister of Finance, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

Asked whether he was aware of a N45bn Bilateral Air Services Agreement Account, he answered in the affirmative but added that he did not access the sum after several memos.

The committee observed that a recent quotation from the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency indicated that the contract for the rehabilitation of the towers in the four airports could be executed with N1.03bn.

It then wondered why it was awarded for N6.5b in 2006.

Head of the Bureau for Public Procurement (Due Process), Mr. Emeka Eze, in his testimony said the bureau raised queries when it discovered that certain documentations concerning the contract were not done.

Our correspondents also learnt that EFCC operatives on Monday quizzed Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako, his deputy, and Chief of Staff over an alleged N6.8bn contract inflation.

A source said the contract was in connection with the supply of vehicles to state House of Assembly members.

The governor was accused of awarding contract reportedly without tender and making illegal deductions from local government funds.

Our correspondent gathered that another charge was that he awarded a contract to his firm, known simply as Sebori.

The EFCC was said to have acted on a petition sent by one Alhaji Saidu Halidi.

The Head of EFCC’s Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Babafemi, confirmed the development on the telephone on Monday.

But he did not provide details.

http://www.punchontheweb.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art20080701229828

Thank you very much.

It is what it is; what works effectively in the west may not work here in Nigeria.
For many years now we've sent many of our leaders all over Europe and United States to learn how to think and do things like west, but to return back home and start thinking like Nigerians within few months.

It is not what you wear that defines you, it's what is inside you that counts.
If quarter of Nigerian leaders could just be honest to their duties, be sincere and be dedicated to serve Nigeria as a nation (and not selves), I think sky is the limit for this country. Progress will be seen from far away, infact the west will start thinking like Nigerians.

FYI: there is nothing special about the west; they are common thieves just like Nigerian leaders. The only difference is one operates his stealing strategies systematically, while the other just doesn't give a shi t.

The Slave mentality is a phenomenon state of mind that still continues to indirectly echo through our African blood vessels; we must immediately discontinue this type of thinking.
There is absolutely nothing wrong in thinking like Nigerians (Nigerians are powerful and enormously blessed with wisdom); let us just come together and find a better way to eradicate corruption and I promise you that Nigeria will fly high once again.

I guess, this is another strong indication that reinforces the fact that Africans mostly want everything for nothing.
We must stand up and understand that FREEDOM isn't FREE

Tsvangirai said he believed members of Mugabe's ZANU-PF party were ready for talks and start the negotiating process.

Rubbish!

Just the fact that Tsvangirai is quickly willing to negotiate doesn't speak well of his intention as a leader. The difference between him and Mugabe is simple and clear; one is older and the other is younger.

I would have preferred Tsvangirai to either step aside and allow the world to deal with Mugabe or continue to fight for what belongs to him. But he did not only chicken out, but he's also asking to share power with the members of Mugabe's party. (so, it's all about power?) (what happen to a leader's pride and principles?)
This decision is terrible; he has simply traded his dignity as a leader and gave away his crown for absolutely nothing.
There is nobody here saying defeating Mugabe suppose to be easy, but a true leader would stand by his belief regardless of the consequences. And if Tsvangirai truly cares about Zimbabwe as a nation and Zimbabwean people he wouldn't have been negotiating for power sharing so quick.
Therefore, I do not think Tsvangirai is the right man, he just doesn't have what it takes to defeat Mugabe and I also do not see him sharing any power, unless he is ready to make Mugabe's early morning coffee and polish his shoes.

FYI: It was confirmed few weeks ago that Tsvangirai clearly won the Zimbabwe's 2008 presidential election.

So, why sell yourself so cheap?

This state will never prosper or progress as long as this organization (MEND) continues to exist on that land.

I'm sorry!

I was opportune to work on some private developmental telecommunications projects across Nigeria some years back, when we commission projects in some  places other that Niger delta, the people of the areas  showers praises, encomiums and gifts on us.

In the Niger delta, it is the opposite. We work with armed protection on project that are supposed to better the life of the people.

They kidnap contractors that are supposed to make roads for them. They kidnap Engineers that are supposed to work on electricity projects. So do you think Niger delta will ever be like Abuja with this uncouth attitude to life?

This is why I think MEND is only exploiting this opportunity to enrich and empower themselves. I do not think they're truly fighting for their people.
A question for MEND: Yes, we all understand that the government hasn't treated the people from this state appropriately, but with all this fighting, killing and kidnapping, what have you accomplished or what have you done for your people lately?

This is a complete Bullshi t; these folks (MEND) are only looking out for themselves. Believe it or not, MEND is a business; a profitable business for that matter. I will love to see their end of the year statement.

They've been fighting for many years (over 10 years) and the place (Niger Delta) still looks like Baghdad while the people (the local) continue to struggle to survive day after day.
I'm sorry, enough is enough, it's time to try a new strategy that will truly benefit the state and the people.

The Federal Government on the other hand should stand firm and do everything to disable these criminals, who are simply using silly excuses to exploit their own people.
The Fed should not entertain this rubbish, they should immediately come up with a plan to completely disable this organization (MEND).

Absolutely right on point!

big deal?!!!

I guess, couple of tall buildings and constant power supply on every other Tuesday night is good enough to entice Nigerians to come back home and foreigners to come to visit.

why not?

How come no one is asking OBJ to go talk to his buddy?
I'm sure, he can relate directly to Mugabe's current state of mind.

OBJ's third term idea is not that far from what is taking place today in Zimbabwe.

@texazzpete: you got my vote on this one.

It is never too late.
It is very important to keep in mind that one has to be extremely prudent when it comes to getting involved in politics, especially politics in other nation.
Therefore, to criticize Mandela for coming out at this point will be a sign of apparent insensibility.

I see Mandela's voice as a unique positive development, which will definitely send message not only to Mugabe, but also to other power-hungry African leaders.

It is time for all African countries to unite and be each other's keeper. We do not longer need to look up or wait for US or UK to dictate to us what is right or wrong.
Africans are competent enough to mold their own destiny.

I'm sorry; at the age of 80 and after 30 years of pure failure, I think now is absolutely the time for Mugabe to move on.
I am sick and tired of viewing the horrible images of my brothers, sisters and little kids running for their lives on CNN.

It is a shame and absolutely not acceptable; I will like to see more pressure coming from other African countries to completely disable this outrageous tyrant.

Africans are human beings and not animals; we ought to be treated with absolute respect under all circumstances.

I respect your point of view.

Sometimes it simply takes braveness to beat one at his own game, but of course, it is damn too cloudy for us to see this fact.
Nigeria today would have been in better circumstances with IBB as the president.

He said he has no reason to undermine Yar'Adua, recalling that when he was about to withdraw from the race in 2007, he wrote to former President Olusegun Obasanjo on why he was not comfortable running with his "younger brother (Yar'Adua), who is today the President.


"(Babangida) based his moral stand on the long standing brotherly relationship between himself, (Umaru Yar'Adua), and the entire Yar'Adua family. That position still remains to date, and (Babangida) has been contributing his quota and forthcoming with advice when sought. He has stated earlier that his job is to assist (Yar'Adua) and not to succeed him."

Why waste all this energy?
The man has stated and confirmed over and over that he has no interest in coming back to rule this country.

Beside, I'm not sure if it is absolutely necessary for one to live in Aso Rock to rule Nigeria.

i seriously think nigeria should disintegrate. the ethnicities within nigeria cannot live together peacefully (especially the notherners who are intolerant).
nigeria was ammalgamated because of the colonialist greed (they were more concerned about conquest than developing africa) and the notherners, despite their educational shortcommings have been made to think they deserve to rule the entity called nigeria ad infinitum, again because the colonialist british could easily manipulate them and they are naturally loyal people.
nigeria would do a whole lot better if it was disintegrated

Therefore, the northerners are the problem.

Excuse, excuse, excuse; as long as the sun shines, Nigerians will never run out of home made excuses.
I'm sorry, our problem in Nigeria is far larger than the northerners.

There is no need to finish anybody, it is absolutely unnecessary; I'm only making this statement from my point of view, and not from the point of view of the public or nairalanders.

He should have been allowed to use his magnificent knowledge/ stamina/ drive in a positive manner to set things right. He was desperate and pretty much anxious to prove himself.

Like him or hate him, the man purely represents one of the best leaders Nigeria has ever produced.

Too bad, he did not come back to set things right.

I annulled June 12 election - IBB

"(Babangida) has repeatedly said that given the circumstances at that period, it was better to take a decision, no matter how judgmental, than not to take one at all. And that he should be held responsible and accountable for whatever happened during his tenure as President," the statement said.


"That is the hallmark of responsible leadership, and not the type that would apportion blame to his lieutenants for ease of escape.


"Rather than commend such boldness, self acclaimed heroes of June 12 and their propagators, including those who actively participated in the annulment process, have been running from pillar to post to wear a new toga of saintliness.


"Nigerians should simply watch the footsteps of such felons in this democratic dispensation."


"Nigerians should learn to appreciate any intellectual property that is handed down to enrich our history, if not now, then certainly later. Individuals who have superior information could as well come forward with their own accounts and versions of the June 12 elections."


Babangida insisted that it is not enough to resort to name calling and baseless accusations "because the details do not fall into the thinking of a select vocal few who have made up their minds and position on the June 12 issue. The road to the library to provoke researches and documentations is an open one.


"When it comes to individual accounts of events, then participation becomes very necessary and essential. Nwosu was the Chairman of the defunct (NEC) and he has a responsibility to give his own account of the June 12 issue from his point of view, and not from the point of view of the public."


He said he has no reason to undermine Yar'Adua, recalling that when he was about to withdraw from the race in 2007, he wrote to former President Olusegun Obasanjo on why he was not comfortable running with his "younger brother (Yar'Adua), who is today the President.


"(Babangida) based his moral stand on the long standing brotherly relationship between himself, (Umaru Yar'Adua), and the entire Yar'Adua family. That position still remains to date, and (Babangida) has been contributing his quota and forthcoming with advice when sought. He has stated earlier that his job is to assist (Yar'Adua) and not to succeed him."

http://odili.net/news/source/2008/jun/24/229.html

If 70% of Nigerian population (Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo) could just come together as one and focus on one objective (which is to recapture the nation), I think sky is the limit; the leaders will have no other choice but to step aside.
But the problem here is the size of the country and the ethnicity issues withing the country. These factors clearly make things a little bit more difficult.
Therefore, until Nigerians are willing to accept one another and respect each other, our leaders will continue to exploit our defectiveness to the max and 20% of the population will continue to get richer and smiling at the same time,

Nigerians represent the obstacles blocking the progress of Nigeria. And we all have the key to the birth of a new Nigeria, but we're not willing to realize it.
Absolutely, no need to follow the west.

I guess, landis point is, west only gets themselves involved with things that will directly or indirectly benefit them at the end of the day. And he (landis) wonders why Nigeria could not also follow this same  pattern of behavior.

FYI:
Believe it or not, Nigerian politicians are already following this pattern of behavior, the only difference is that the energy (negative or positive) is being applied inside Nigeria and the benefit is also coming directly from inside Nigeria.
Therefore the politicians (leaders) are directly exploiting Nigeria instead of exploiting other nations for an outcome that would be advantageous directly to Nigeria as a country.

We must keep in mind that just because the WEST is getting away with this unique strategy doesn't mean it is right. You can get away with murder for sometime, but you must also be ready to face the repercussion when your strategy starts to backfire. (hello, Iraq war).
Moreover, what is perfect for Peter might not be appropriate for Paul.
Therefore, instead of trying to follow the west, I think we (Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo) should come together as one and discover an effective method to restore things in Nigeria.
And by the way, implementing a solid revolutionarily driven followership that will stand up to propagate what they believe in is absolutely not a bad idea; but the question remains thesame: Who is willing to lead?

I feel the energy!

, 1!

but who is ready? and who will lead?

That's the big question.
Nobody is willing or sincere or dedicated or bold enough to lead the crusade.

Thinking, reasoning, progressive ideas, intellectual disscuss or beautiful ideas is/are not peculiar to any tribe, nation or race be it black or white. knowledge is in abundance for all that seek it.

Any attempt to idolize the white man or promote neo-colonialist ideas in the name of worldbank, imf, or foreingn aids or watever is unpatriotic, intellectually bankrupt, morally debauchive, socially unjustifiable and a reflection of inherent inferiority complex, mentality and aura of thinking. not forgeting hypocrisy.
The ills of nigeria as a nation be it corruption, injustice, underdevelopment, poverty and lack of infastructure are not peculiar to nigeria at this time or in the past. instances or nations that have expirienced similar problems and now have a good tale to tell, applied knowledge with homegrown solutions derived from guts at the detriment of all "other things".

from the uk to the us, switzerland to dubai, saudi arabia to japan, they all have elements of corruption and underdevelopment. this may not be prevalent like ours because of their positive image projection campaign that cost billions of dollars/pounds. but there is an element of greed in every human being. the diffrence between their corruption n that of nigeria is that theirs does not invariably prevent the common man from recievin certain social and basic benefits but our own brand of corruption is a winner takes all approach. notin makes the whiteman special and or unique, notin makes him more intelligent. he only attained civilisation earlier and used it to his benefits, nonetheless he still has his problems.

there are home made suggested solutions already in nigeria and beautiful progresive, intellectually driven ideas are being proposed daily in nigeria within the corridors of power. what is however lacking is the will to aggressivly implement them, this the whiteman cannot do for us. we need a revolutionarily driven followership that will stand up to propagate what they believe in. but who is ready? and who will lead?

I refuse to think like a whiteman, I choose to think as an intellectual.

Absolutely on point!

Big names win election.

That is the most selfish propaganda I have heard from the Hillary camp.

How can they say that if Hillary is not picked no other lady should be picked. Must it be her who will shatter the glass cieling for others?

Hillary Clinton lacks grace.

Yes, Hillary lacks grace and she is also crazy, but we must keep in mind that it is no longer about Hillary or her camp. It is all about pulling for her supporters to cross over and give Obama their complete support to get the big W in November.
If Obama doesn't pick Hillary as his running mate, it will be very risky and simply dumb to pick another lady as his running mate.

Picking other lady apart from Hillary will definitely send a wrong message to Hillary's supporters and that could be the factor that determines the next president of United States. Therefore, we must be very careful not to allow our hatred for Hillary to take control.
To keep peace and simplify things, I think Obama should select an older man with enormous experience as his running mate. This will simply give him a better chance to resolve the bad blood within the democratic party.

Something tells me that Joe Biden will be selected.