₦airaland Forum

*Group calls for total overhaul of the civil service*

_Says present system is anti business and cannot be productive_

A leading Pro Democracy group has called on the state government to de-construct and re-construct the civil service for efficient service delivery and maximization of human capacity.

The group also said that, the current operational model of the civil service doesn't encourage excellence and productivity.

In a statement by Abdulrazaq Hamzat, the convener of Kwara Must Change, the group stated that, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are government business centers that should function with utmost professionalism, efficiency and productivity, but unfortunately, the reverse is currently the case.

According to Hamzat, the civil service is the least efficient in terms of customer service, it is the least efficient in terms of professionalism, it is the least efficient in terms of quality service delivery and it is the least efficient in terms of productivity, adding that, promotion in the service is strictly based on politics and connection, making service delivery and customer satisfaction a secondary priority.

Hamzat explained that,
"Basic functions of the service cannot be done rightly and seamlessly because the priority of those at the saddle is not to deliver quality service or promote government business, but to advance their personal interest, using their respective offices as a launching pad"

"In the process of advancing this personal interest within the system, government businesses suffers neglect and abandonment, clients and customers are given bad experiences and many public inquiries are left unattended". Hamzat said.

Speaking further, the kmc convener stated that, the current operational model in the civil service is anti business and anti excellence and the only way forward is to de-construct and re-construct the system, putting right people at the right place and rewarding efficiency and productivity.

He maintained that, government needs to de-construct and re-construct the system by embarking on large scale inter MDAs transfers, training capacity building especially on customer service delivery, professionalism in service, efficient corporate engagement etc.

Kwara Must Change therefore call on the government to take urgent steps in reorganizing the civil service for productivity.

End

*PeacePro urges President Buhari to make direct intervention in Ethiopia*

_Says AU and UN can't do it alone_

A Non Governmental Organization, Foundation for Peace Professionals also known as PeacePro has called on Nigeria's President, Muhammadu Buhari to make direct intervention in Ethiopia crisis to halt further destruction of the second most populous country in Africa, noting that the crisis needs the direct intervention of an African brother.

PeacePro also stated that, African Union and United Nations working together to de-escalate the crisis from a diplomatic perspective cannot do it alone.

Reacting to the escalation and regionalization of the Ethiopian crisis, Executive Director of PeacePro, Mr Abdulrazaq Hamzat stated that, the dimension the crisis is taking is getting scary and President Muhammadu Buhari needs to make a direct intervention to halt further destruction.

According to Hamzat, "The Ethiopian crisis, which started as a military confrontation to restrain and subdue military aggression has metamorphosed into a bitter and uncontrollable crisis, where bombing airports and universities are now seen as war strategy"

Hamzat explained that, the unfortunate crisis is not only limited to Ethiopia and its northern regional government, but now involving Eritrea and even Sudan, making the likelihood of further regional escalation more deadly.

In his words, "President Buhari cannot afford to seat on the fence, while our Ethiopian brothers burned their country into ashes, with the possibility of drawing other neighboring countries into the bitter confrontation".

Hamzat maintained that, the role of Nigeria in Africa is not that of onlooker, but that of a stabilizer and brother, arguing that the country must live up to its regional responsibility.

PeacePro therefore concludes that, while AU and UN are working on addressing the issue from a diplomatic perspective, President Buhari must make a direct intervention as a brother, who will not watch his brothers destroy each other.

End

Duties and Obligations of a Nigerian Citizen

The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, which captures the rights of every Nigeria in section 14, also contains a very clear list of duties and responsibilities for the citizens of the country.

Here is the direct text taken from the Nigerian constitution:

“It shall be the duty of every citizen to:

(A) abide by this Constitution, respect its ideals and its institutions, the National Flag, the National Anthem, the National Pledge, and legitimate authorities;

Note: It is not only the duty of government to abide by the Constitution, it is also the duty of citizens to do same. The question, therefore, is that, do you follow the Constitution? Do you respect the ideas of the Constitution and its institutions? If you do not, for one reason or the other, it means you do not have the moral justification to accuse those in government of not doing same.

(B) help to enhance the power, prestige and good name of Nigeria, defend Nigeria and render such national service as may be required;

Note: Do you help enhance the name, power and prestige of Nigeria or you outdo each other in dishonouring and bringing it down? Do you protect its honour and dignity or you tear it apart?

(C) respect the dignity of other citizens and the rights and legitimate interests of others and live in unity and harmony and in the spirit of common brotherhood;

Note: Every Nigerian have a right to live everywhere they choose, do you accord them their due rights and previlege or raise unnecessary political sentiment to deprive them of their due? Do you promote unity or tribal bais? Do you recognize the constitutional spirit of common brotherhood or you create undue segregation?

(D) make a positive and useful contribution to the advancement, progress, and well-being of the community where he resides;

Note: What is your contribution to the positive development of your community and the well-being of the people? Based on the spirit of the constitution, you and not the government, has control over your positive growth in such society.

(E) render assistance to appropriate and lawful agencies in the maintenance of law and order;

Note: How have you assisted the police and all other agencies in maintaining law and order?

(F) declare his income honestly to appropriate and lawful agencies and pay his tax promptly.”

Note: Do you declare your income honestly to the appropriate authorities and do you pay your fair share of the taxes?

All of the above are some of the duties and responsibilities of citizens to the nation.

It is my opinion that, only citizens who perform their duties can become leaders who do same. If you do not perform your duty as citizen, you lack the moral justification to accuse leaders who do not do same.

And finally, your constitutional rights goes side by side with your constitutional responsibilities. You can not love one and hate the other. They have to go side by side.

So, if you want to enjoy your rights, carry out your responsibility.

Abdulrazaq Hamzat

*Olawepo-Hashim Pays Tribute To Rawlings, Bàlàrabe*

…Says Africa Has Lost Great Sons

LAGOS- Nigerian businessman and former Presidential candidate of the People’s Trust, PT, in the 2019 general election, Mr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has paid tribute to former President of the Republic of Ghana, Flt. Lt John Jerry Rawlings and former Governor of old Kaduna state, Alhaji Abdulkadir Bàlàrabe Musa, who he described as great sons of Africa.

In a statement made available to journalists by his Chief Press Secretary, Hassan Ibrahim, Mr.Olawepo-Hashim recalled that while he was on exile in Ghana in 1989, late Rawlings was a good host who provided him with shelter.

According to him, “I pay my tribute to two great sons of Africa who passed away in the last two days – Flt Lt John Jerry Rawlings ( rtd) former President of the Republic of Ghana and Alhaji Abdulkadir Balarabe Musa ,former Governor of old Kaduna State.”

“Both were distinguished in their love for Africa’s development and their belief and hope for positive change in Africa.

“I was a personal beneficiary of President’s Rawlings kindness and solidarity with the African course. in 1989.President Rawlings provided accommodation and protection for hundreds of African Youth and students, fleeing persecution from their home governments in decent state guest houses through the office of the All African Students Union (AASU).”

“AASU enjoyed diplomatic status in Ghana under his government. Africa has lost a good man.”

“Bàlàrabe was a political icon and champion of ordinary Nigerians including the elite who truly desired a corruption free Nigeria.”

“As the first democratically elected governor of Kaduna state, late Bàlàrabe Musa was quick in changing the fortunes of his dear state and had within a short span, achieved a developmental stride in old Kaduna state which was unprecedented.”

“Bàlàrabe would be remembered for his fearless approach to issues of governance and his constant remarks against under the table deals which had made politicians at all levels to tread with caution.”

“Nigeria has,indeed lost a statesman,” he said.

dollarstays:
ethiopia pls listen to peacepro....it is not easy here in nigeria o....the war between government of NG and its masses has lead them to even consider arming the FRSC.... So ethiopians can imagine we nigerians are already warlords

Peace is priceless

*PeacePro calls for restraint as Ethiopian govt declare military confrontation with regional govt*

_Says Ethiopia can't become another war zone_

Following the declaration of military confrontation against regional Government by the Federation Government of Ethiopia, a Non-governmental Organization, Foundation for Peace Professionals also known as PeacePro has called on the Government and people of Ethiopia, particularly the people of northern region, under the leadership of Tigray People's Liberation Front to resist the temptation of turning the beautiful Ethiopia into another war zone in Africa.

PeacePro also stated that, both federal and regional Government in Ethiopia should immediately desist from military confrontation and instead, seat on a round table to discuss like brothers about their areas of disagreement.

In a statement by the Executive Director, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, PeacePro stated that, nothing will ever justify violence and military confrontation between brothers, arguing that the recent attacks on both people and government facilities in the country cannot be justified.

According to Hamzat, launching military attack against people or government facilities by either of the conflicting party is a self destructive behavior, that will take the country further away from development as well as rob the nation of the mild and impressive progress it has recorded in recent time.

Hamzat stated that, PeacePro understands that the decision to declare a military confrontation should be a very difficult decision for both parties, especially after tireless efforts in ending decades of confrontation with neighboring Eritrea, noting that miscommunication and outright lack of political understanding have misrepresented both parties before each other.

"While it is saddening that after making appreciable progress in your peace move with Eritrea,leading to ending hostility between both countries, the alleged attack on Ethiopian military facilities using Eritrea military uniform,with the aim of setting both countries against each other again is highly regrettable".

However, irrespective of the disagreement, setting the country on fire through military confrontation cannot be a solution and we urge the people and Government of Ethiopia, particularly the regional Government of the north to resist the temptation of escalating this crisis.

"Let us avoid unnecessary violence that offers nobody any good" Hamzat said.

He called on the African Union and elder statemen in the continent to avert the impending catastrophe in Ethiopia.

*PeacePro urges US govt to support Okonjo Iweala for WTO's DG*

_Says global concensus is better than global competition_

A Non Governmental Organization, Foundation for Peace Professionals also known as PeacePro has called on the United States Government led by President Donald Trump to support global concensus candidate, Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala for the position of Director General of World Trade Organization.

PeacePro also stated that, as a democratic nation and leading voice in global affairs, US government needs to join the rest of the world in supporting Okonjo Iweala's candidature, not to be seen wielding veto against a global consensus and promoting unnecessary rivalry and unhealthy competition.

In a statement by the Executive Director of PeacePro, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, he explained that the United States of America is a leading and important country in global affairs and its decisions will affect how other countries will conduct themselves in global matters.

According to Hamzat, United States of America has several diplomats of global repute advising the country's leadership on global issues and these high caliber diplomats understand the importance of global concensus in decision making, aswell as the consequences of unnecessary wielding of veto power on issues that do not threaten their country's interest.

Hamzat maintained that, "it is in US interest to support a global citizen like Okonjo Iweala, who is not only eminently qualified for the job, but also has the required international exposure and experience to serve global interest.

He further explained that, global interest should not be jeopardized because of the individual interest of each nation, arguing that unnecessary competition at the global level often lead to chaos and hostility, thereby making global peace and cooperation a tall dream.

Hamzat therefore urges US government to lead the way in adopting Okonjo Iweala as the concensus candidate for WTO, assuring that, he believes President Trump will eventually join the rest of the world in supporting Okonjo Iweala's candidature, considering US relationship with Africa and its strategic working relationship with Nigeria.

End

Group urges AU to play more active role in Libya’s rebuilding

A NON-governmental organisation, Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro), has hailed the ceasefire agreement facilitated by the United Nations (UN) between the two factional governments in Libya.

It urged the African Union (AU) to play more active role in the reconstruction process, describing the ceasefire as the beginning of peace-making in the North African country.


PeacePro also urged the two factional governments to work out their country’s harmonisation and never return to the era of violent confrontation.

In a statement by its Executive Director, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, PeacePro stated that with the latest permanent ceasefire agreement between the conflicting parties, a decade of violence in Libya is halted, giving the country an opportunity to make peace and begin the process of reconstruction and transformation.

Read Also: Police intercept Libya-bound traffickers


Hamzat said: “We welcome the ceasefire agreement facilitated by the United Nations (UN) and we urge the African Union (AU) to play more active role in the reconstruction process.”

He explained that the responsibility of permanently resolving the Libya’s crisis and getting the country back on its feet cannot be left to the United Nations alone, arguing that “the passive or nominal role of the African Union is not good for the continent”.

PeacePro, therefore, called on Libyans to forget their bitterness and forgive each other.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/thenationonlineng.net/group-urges-au-to-play-more-active-role-in-libyas-rebuilding/amp/

*Play more active role in Libya's reconstruction, PeacePro urges AU*

_Welcome cease fire agreement_

A Non Governmental Organization, Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro) has hailed the cease fire agreement between the two factional Governments in Libya, describing it as the beginning of peace making in the North African country.

PeacePro also urges the two factional Governments to work out their country's harmonization and never return to the era of violent confrontation.

In a statement by Abdulrazaq Hamzat, the Executive Director of the organization, PeacePro stated that, with the latest parmanent ceasefire agreement between the conflicting parties, a decade of violence in Libya is halted, giving the country an opportunity to make peace and begin the process of reconstruction and transformation.

According to Hamzat, we welcomes the ceasefire agreement facilitated by the United Nations and we urge the African Union to play more active role in the reconstruction process.

Hamzat explained that, the responsibility of parmanently resolving the Libya's crisis and getting the country back on its feat cannot be left to the United Nations alone, arguing that the passive or nominal role of the African Union is not good for the continent.

PeacePro therefore call on all Libyans to bury their bitterness and forgive each other.

End

**All police are Sars- PeacePro*

_Urges FG to declare national emergency on police_

A Non Governmental Organization, Foundation for Peace Professional (PeacePro) has declared support for the ongoing #endsars mass protest currently going on across the federation, advising the protesters to exercise their right to peaceful protest without infringing on the rights of others or allowing the protest be hijacked by those who do not share in their motive.

The organization also said that victims of police brutality cannot be told how to cry, adding that the declaration ending sars as made by the inspector general of police doesn't translate to ending police brutality in the country.

In a statement by its Executive Director, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, PeacePro explained that, the ongoing protest against Special Anti Robbery Squared (Sars) is just a symbolic representation of the police, noting that the real motive of the protest is to demonstrate public disdain against the rot in Nigeria Police Force and calling for an end to police impunity.

According to Hamzat, government has misunderstood the real meaning of the ongoing protest, noting that the misunderstanding of the endsars protest is an indication that there's wide disconnection between the government and the people and the earlier the gap is bridged, the better for the country.

Hamzat also explained that, in the eyes of the youth, every police officer is sars, because all police stations in the country are taking money for bail without any consequences, even when bail is free is boldly written all over them.

He also added that, all police officers coercing motorist for bribe on highways are also seen as sars by the people and only a commitment to fundamental reforms can win public confidence.

In his words, "EndSars protest didn't end when sars was said to be disbanded because the protest is against police and not sars and because all previous declaration by government often ended up as mere rhetorics"

"All across the federation, people are languishing in police cells because they can't afford to pay bribe and many have lost their lives in the process without any remedy other than mere statement from government" he said.

Hamzat maintained that, any attempt to forcefully end this protest will backfire on government because this is the first opportunity Nigerians have to cry and preventing them from crying may not be the best option.

PeacePro therefore call on the authority to declare a national emergency on the police, with the aim of developing a new and people oriented operational model.

End

Constituency projects expected from Kwara North Senator, Pharm Sadiq Umar- Kwara Must Change

Kwara Must Change is looking forward to judicious implementation of zonal intervention projects from Pharm. Sadiq Umar, a distinguish senator representing Kwara North Senatorial District and we urge all members of the public within the constituency to encourage proper implementation of the projects.

Kwara Must Change understands that, in 2020 zonal intervention projects budget, Federal Government of Nigeria has made provisions for Six (6) constituency empowerment projects to be carried out in Kwara North, where Senator Sadiq Umar is the representative and the total sum of Two Hundred Million Naira (N200million) has been budgeted for this purpose.

The Six (6) projects expected to be executed in the constituency of Senator Sadiq include the following:

1. Empowerment and training on irrigation farming in Kiaima, Edu and Patigi with budgetary provision of N25 million

2. Training and empowerment of women on entrepreneurship in Kwara North with budgetary provisions of N25 million

3. Provision of solar powered street light and rehabilitation of electric street light in Kaiama and Moro with budgetary provisions of N30 million

4. Renovation of schools and examination halls in Patigi and Baruten with budgetary provision of N30 million

5. Drilling and installation of hand made borehole in selected communities in Kwara North with budgetary provisions of N50 million

6. Construction of small bridges and box culvert for rural roads in selected communities in Kwara North with budgetary provision of N85million

While we understand that some of these projects are already in the pipeline, we urge Distinguish Senator Sadiq Umar and the implementing agencies to ensure adequate execution of the projects.

Kwara Must Change

Constituency projects expected from Kwara Central Senator, Dr. Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe- Kwara Must Change

Kwara Must Change is looking forward to judicious implementation of zonal intervention projects from Dr. Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe, a distinguish senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District and we urge all members of the public within the constituency to encourage proper implementation of the projects.

Kwara Must Change understands that, in 2020 zonal intervention projects budget, Federal Government of Nigeria has made provisions for Six (6) constituency empowerment projects to be carried out in Kwara Central, where Senator Oloriegbe is the representative and the total sum of Two Hundred and Thirty Five Million Naira (N235million) has been budgeted for this purpose.

The Six (6) projects expected to be executed in the constituency of Senator Oloriegbe include the following:

1. Training and Sensitization of Youths on the use of ICT for empowerment in Kwara Central with budgetary provision of N30 million

2. Training of youths and women on Cassava and Poultry production in Kwara Central with budgetary provisions of N15 million

3. Provision of borehole and repair of dysfunctional borehole in Kwara Central with budgetary provisions of N50 million

4. Provision of school materials for primary school pupils in Kwara Central with budgetary provision of N15 million

5. Supply and installation of transformer In Kwara Central with budgetary provisions of N40 million

6. Training of youth and empowerment in Ilorin East with budgetary provision of N85million

While we understand that some of these projects are already in the pipeline, we urge Distinguish Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe and the implementing agencies to ensure adequate execution of the projects.

Kwara Must Change

Constituency projects expected from Kwara South Senator, Arch Lola Ashiru- Kwara Must Change

Kwara Must Change is looking forward to judicious implementation of zonal intervention projects from Arch Lola Ashiru, a distinguish senator representing Kwara South Senatorial District and we urge all members of the public within the constituency to encourage proper implementation of the projects.

Kwara Must Change understands that, in 2020 zonal intervention projects budget, Federal Government of Nigeria has made provisions for Four (4) constituency empowerment projects to be carried out in Kwara South, where Senator Lola Ashiru is the representative and the total sum of Two Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N250million) has been budgeted for this purpose.

The Four (4) projects expected to be executed in the constituency of Senator Lola Ashiru include the following:

1. Training, Skills acquisition , empowerment and provision of tools for unemployed youths and women in Kwara south with budgetary provision of N50 million

2. Training and Empowerment of out of school children in Kwara South with budgetary provisions of N100 million

3. Provision of startup grant for women and youth in Kwara South with budgetary provisions of N50 million

4. Upgrade and development of Owu fall at Owa Kajola, Ifelodun LGA and construction of access road and up scaling of Wromala water fall in Idofin, oke-ero with budgetary provision of N50 million

While we understand that some of these projects are already in the pipeline, we urge Distinguish Senator Lola Ashiru and the implementing agencies to ensure adequate execution of the projects.

Kwara Must Change

*8 reforms priority for Nigeria Police*
By Abdulrazaq Hamzat

1. AK47 should go off the street

Problem: It is an abnormality for Nigerian Police officers to be carrying AK47 around on the streets as if we are in a war zone. World over, small conceable pistol is what police carry, well hidden somewhere in their uniform to avoid giving the public a militarized state of mind. Making AK47 a part of our daily life experience indicates that everything is wrong with our policing and it injures public phychology.

Solution: AK47 should go off our streets, because Nigeria is not a dumping ground for military waste of some other countries.

2. Improved Staff Strength

Problem: There are about 370,000 police officers in Nigeria to 200 million population. If 200 million people is divided by 370,000 police officers, that will be 540. This means that, 1 police officer is given the responsibility of protecting 540 people, which may not be possible.

Solution: Based on the current strength of the police, there's need to recruit double the current number of police officers for the police to operate optimally.

3. Equipments and Capacity Building

Problem: Chronically under-trained, the police are too often unequipped to deal with local security issues, forcing the army to be drafted in. The army is now deployed in thirty of the thirty-six states, mostly doing police work and undercutting the credibility of the NPF.

Solution: Police need to be trained properly and provided with basic equipments such as computers in all divisions and police stations to enable them conduct onspot verification of identity, electronic investigation, data capturing, exchange and verification of information between stations and divisions etc.

4. Ending VIP deployment

Problem: Unable to perform its basic functions to safeguard the community, the police are often used for VIP protection, thereby shortening the number of men to be deployed for community policing.

Solution: Police should end VIP deployment. A special agency for VIP protection should be created and all payments generated from this agency should go directly to government purse.

5. Weed out criminal elements in the police

Problem: A significant number of men of Nigeria Police Force have criminal records.

Solution: Weed out criminal elements in the police. Deal with the estimated 10,000 officers with criminal records hired between 2001 till date.

6. 200% increase in budgetary provisions

Problem: Police is grossly underfunded. No funding for operational logistics, investigation and others, leading to bribery and corruption.

Solution: Improved budgetary provisions to the tune of at least, 200% of the current budget.

7. Independent prosecution of rogue officers

Problem: Many rogue officers involved in extra judicial killings and violation of human rights you have not been properly prosecuted.

Solution: Police should not investigate itself. Set up an independent prosecuting agency for the trial and prosecution of rogue officers.

8. Compensation to victims of police brutality

Problem: Too many Nigerians have become victim of police brutality.

Solution: Provide adequate compensation to victims of police brutality

Abdulrazaq Hamzat

*Olawepo-Hashim advocates police reform, justice for victims of police excesses*

Politician and businessman, Mr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim has canvassed for an efficient police services run by well-trained men and women, motivated, and well paid, consistent with acceptable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), towards accountability, and the protection of citizens Fundamental Human Rights.

Olawepo-Hashim, incidentally a notable civil rights leader, and a 1989 Amnesty International Prisoner of Conscience stressed in a reaction to the ongoing ENDSARS protest that the action of heroic Nigerian youths is a noble one, deserving prompt attention.

But while the conduct of the protesters has been civil and peaceful, the politician regretted the widespread report of fatalities caused by police violent response to peaceful protests, aside the hauling of scores of peaceful protesters into police cells.

He stated: “I condemn the excessive use of force to handle what is otherwise a peaceful protest and commend the protesters for breaking a two-and-a-half-decade long silence in the face of myriad of injustice in the land. As one who has been a victim of such brutality in the hands of Nigerian security forces as students’ leaders in the 1980’s; I know what these current event means”

The veteran advocate of civil justice acknowledged the response of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, to end SARS and ensure the redeployment of men of that dreaded unit but insisted that something more comprehensive is urgently needed. Olawepo-Hashim insisted that “nothing must be done to apply force in crushing the on-going nationwide peaceful protests. As a matter of fact, under our laws, it is the obligation of the Nigerian Police to offer protection for peaceful protesters, not persecute and kill them. I urge the police authority to ensure the immediate release of all detained protesters and to investigate and bring to book all those involved in the brutal murder of protesters”

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Other than that, “there must be accountability for the murder of these young Nigerians, and no one should attempt to sweep the issue under the carpet as it is the usual practice. I offer my heart-felt sympathies to the families, colleagues and friends of the deceased protesters”

He called on the National Assembly not to be silent in the face of the on-going nationwide protest and indeed, all true leaders of the people cannot be dead quiet at this time.

Olawepo-Hashim added: “The snare is broken! The Lord Himself is taking a way ‘the hearts of stones and replacing them with the hearts of flesh that will be sensitive to humanism, social justice and equity. The youth of Nigeria are taking the lead as they have already done historically in returning the nation to her true identity – lovers of justice, that who we truly are!’”

He concluded that the important work that law enforcement officers undertake every day to keep citizens safe must be appreciated by all and should recommend all disciplined service men for respect and honour, but this essential and noble duty should not always be at the expense of professionalism. This occasion must never be another event of police versus the people but police working with the people for better policing.

*Kwara Express shutdown because of fraud- Management*

_Says there's ongoing review and investigation_

The management of Harmony Transport Services Limited (Kwara Express) has said that the transport company was temporarily shutdown because of fraud and gross indicipline by the staff.

The management also noted that, there's ongoing efforts to review and investigate the company with the aim of remodeling it for profitability and sustainability.

In a statement by the holding company of Kwara Express, the Group Managing Director of Harmony Holdings Limited, Mr Abdullahi AbdulMajeed stated that, Kwara Express is one of the companies owned by Harmony Holdings Limited and the company has been temporarily shutdown because of systematic fraud being perpetrated by staff of the company over the years and their stiff resistance to positive change.

According to the GMD, the systemic fraud being perpetrated by staff of Kwara Express made it impossible to run the business profitably right from the time it was a public corporation before the business was acquired by Harmony Holdings which is the investment management company of the Kwara state government. He observed that despite its being transformed from a public corporation to a private limited liability company, the same challenge is still confronting the company which is occasioned largely by lack of corporate governance, accountability, ineffective cost structure and gross indicipline of staff , which is now being investigated.

Abdullahi AbdulMajeed explained that, in this period of covid 19 pandemic, when resources are scarce and government is looking for alternative sources of revenue, all government businesses must be made to function optimally and profitably and Kwara Express cannot be an exception, adding that the government of Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has given Harmony Holdings all necessary support to turn the company around for good. Worthy of mention is the bail out provided by His Excellency, the Executive Governor to pay salaries to some companies of Harmony Holdings including Kwara Express during the lock down induced by the Covid -19 pandemic inspite of the fact that workers did not work for a period in excess of three months.

He therefore assured that the report of the Committee set up to review and investigate Kwara Express's activities will determine the future of the company positively.

He urged the workers to eschew their age long resistance to change and reforms in the company adding that lack of transparency, accountability and productivity which their disposition reinforces has been the binding constraint to the growth and development of the company. He stressed the fact that we can no longer allow the actions and inactions of less than 200 people to continue to deprive over 3 million Kwarans of the benefit of having an excellently run state owned transport company.

Abdullahi AbdulMajeed
Group Managing Director
Harmony Holdings Limited

ClassicMG:
I want to get something clear, the old jebba road is it federal or state road ?

Federal

xcellentgraphic:
Thank you kwara must change....and kudos to kwara state govt....I love a govt with transparency ideology.

Indeed

How Kwara spends it's monthly allocation

Allocation: N4Billion
Salary: N2.9Billion
Loan Service: N650million
Balance: N450million

Kwara Must Change observes that, the above is the summary of how Kwara State spend it's monthly federal allocation, and this means that, more than 80% of the allocation goes into salary and loan servicing for 1% of the population, which the civil service represents.

The above figure is at N18,000 minimum wage. When the N30,000 minimum wage is implemented, all federal allocation coming to the state will be consumed in paying salary of 1% of the population.

We must then ask, what happens to the needs of the 99% of the population that doesn't work with or earn from government?

At the moment, the balance of N450million from federal allocation and the IGR balance is being used to finance all ongoing projects such as:

1. All ongoing road projects

2. All counterpart funds such as the UBEC, RAMP etc

3. All ongoing school renovations and rehabilitations

4. All social investment programmes such as school feeding, owo ishowo, owo arugbo and others

5. All hospital renovations

And many others

However, it is our candid opinion that, such financial model and expenses are definitely not sustainable and If nothing drastic is done now to arrest the situation, the state maybe in financial crisis before the next decade.

With the continuous decline in federal allocation, the bogus civil service wage bill without corresponding productivity will certainly weigh the state down sooner than later and government must take proactive steps to address the issue, if we are to redirect the trajectory.

This is even more expedient because, if the state is to pursue alternative revenue sources, it requires substantial investment before returns.

However, in a situation where state lacks fund to make such diversified investment, how can it generate revenue through alternative sources?

Kwara Must Change is therefore calling on the state government to review its financial approaches to safeguard the future of the state.

Kwara Must Change

*The desperate Governor*
By Abdulrazaq Hamzat

In the early 2000, Lagendary Fuji artist, Pasuma Wonder released a smashing hit album, titled Americana.

For those not so familiar with Fuji music, Americana was that album, that almost everyone in the Fuji world can't resist its calling, when the sound invites their dancing step.

The album, which Pasuma released after his US tour was really captivating, not because of philosophy or deep lyricism that Fuji is usually associated with, but because of the ryhtm, style of composition, beat and how it made you move, even in your subconscious mind.

The album is a classical example of entertainment per excellence and every lover of Fuji music, including those who may not necessarily like Pasuma will testify that indeed, the album was irresistible.

No wonder, the oganla of Fuji later nicknamed himself, the entertainer.

After the success of Americana and Pasuma's undisputable lead standing in the Fuji world, many thought Americana would be his most creative piece of art and critical acclaim project, but the Kwara born artist proved many wrong, when he followed up with another smashing hit album titled "Desperado".

In Desperado, Pasuma sings (Translated from Yoruba):

"If I told you that I am desperate, I am really desperate to grow and achieve success, I am desperate to travel around the world, but I am not desperate to kill, neither am i desperate to overthrow, I am the desperado enjoying life".

In "Desperado", Pasuma basically redefined a popular concept, in the way it had to be rightly defined.

He made us understand that, being desperate could be positive or negative, depending on your reason for desperation, hence is reason for saying he's desperate to grow and achieve success and not desperate to kill.

In Kwara State, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has practicalized desperation in its finest form.

While some people might define "desperate" as feeling hopeless that a situation is so bad as to be impossible to deal with, every wise person know that, beyond hopelessness, "desperate" is having a great need for something to be done and in the past 15 months that Abdulrahman has been in the saddle, we have seen the governor's desperation to develop Kwara in every facets of life, with over 150 ongoing road constructions and rehabilitations, ongoing rehabilitation of schools and hospitals across the 16 local government, ongoing development of modern infrastructures, and other land mark plans, such as the state development plan for major cities such as Ilorin, Offa, Omuaran and others.

In the governor's desperate attempt to empower people at local level, increase their economic capacity and end destitution that is responsible for creating a place like ile arugbo, he didn't only domesticate federal government's social investment program, he expanded the scope of the program and institutionalized it through Kwara State House of Assembly, code named Kwara State Social Investment Programme (KWASSIP), giving 100,000 people what they described as owo isowo(trade capital), over 20,000 elders what they described as owo arugbo (elders' benefit) and several other benefits to different categories of people to stimulate local economy, especially in a post covid 19 era.

The desperation of the governor didn't end with stimulating local economy and restoring personal dignity, it also propelled him to visualize Kwara on global map of art and technology, leading to the conception of various projects like the technology hub, virtual art center and other related projects that can increase the state's skills and economic capacity.

To Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Kwara State cannot afford to waste any opportunity to empower more youths through acquisition of improved mondern facilities and providing skills based capacity building that can catapult them to center of global relevance.

All observers of the state of harmony will confess that, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq is hungry for success and with his sheer desperation, he has elevated women from obscurity to relevance, empowered youth and brought them out of relegation to the center of decision making, returned governance to local community through community based budgeting priority, but he has also emboldened civil society for improved accountability.

To say it differently, governor Abdulrahman can simply be described as a desperado and indeed, he's desperate to remove Kwara from squalor and gradually, he's suceeding.

*Abdulrazaq Hamzat is the Convener of Kwara Must Change*

*Good things that happened before in Nigeria*
By Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim

In 1950, Olorunimbe was the first Mayor of Lagos, while Mazi Mbonu Ojike was his deputy, just as Chief Ekwuiyasi from Ogwashi Ukwu represented Benin West in the Western House of Assembly in 1952, and a Fulani man, Mallam Umaru Altine became the first mayor in Enugu in 1956, in an election he twice ran for.

Other than this, in 1957 Felix Okonkwo, was a special member of the Northern House of Chiefs in Kano, while Mallam Umaru Yushua, the Sarkin Hausawa or Chief of the Hausas in Onitsha, was elected a member of the Eastern House of Chiefs in 1957.

Additionally, Aba, an Igbo society, voted Margret Ekpo, a non-Igbo, in 1961, just as Abakaliki voted Chief Eyo Bassey to represent them in parliament.

There are more.

Alh. Ibrahim Abubakar Imam from Maiduguri represented Tiv land Gboko in the House of Representatives, and Chief John Umolu from Etsako represented Port Harcourt in the Eastern Region House of Assembly.

In the South West, as well, Obafemi Awolowo led the campaign for Ernest Ikoli, an Ijaw man to defeat Chief Akinsanya in a Lagos election.

Nnamdi Azikiwe also led the NCNC to a clean sweep of legislative seats in Lagos, and an attorney in Calabar, Atta Mumu, from Ghana represented Calabar in the parliament.

This fact has been well documented by well-meaning Nigerians, and it is my intention to return us to this glorious era of detribalization.

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Lol

*True federalism or true governance?*
By Abdulrazaq Hamzat

In 1965, Nigeria was operating regionalism, in which every region was controlling its own resources when the first set of violent agitators picked up arms to express their grievances and confront the state violently. This was before the first military coup that eventually pushed the country into civil war.

While the military boys were scheming to topple the democratically elected government, it turned out that they were not alone. Some young people in Niger Delta were already warming up to confront the state due to what they perceived as marginalization within their own region.

The lost of hope, in the prospect of a better living, especially in the Niger Delta region ravaged by extreme poverty in midst of wealth propelled a young Ijaw activist named Isaac Boro into forming the first militant group to confront what he described as ‘’poor governance and economic deprivation of his people’’.

Niger Delta region at the time agitated for their own separate state without success, yet continued to feel suppressed by the leadership of the region. There was true federalism, without true governance.

In the declaration of what is today known as 7 days war, Boro stated that “Economic development of the area is certainly the most appalling aspect. There is not even a single industry. The only fishery industry which ought to be situated in a properly riverine area is sited about 80 miles inland at Aba. The boatyard at Opobo had its headquarters at Enugu … Personnel in these industries and also in the oil stations are predominantly non-Ijaw,”

He went further to state that, “most of the youths were so frustrated with the general neglect that they were ready for any action led by an outstanding leader to gain liberty…. we were clenched in tyrannical chains and led through a dark alley of perpetual political and social deprivation. Strangers in our own country!

Inevitably, therefore, the day would have to come for us to fight for our long-denied right to self-determination”. He said.

Boro and others recruited young men to their cause under the umbrella of an organisation known as Niger Delta Volunteer Force (NDVF). They eventually set up a military camp at Taylor Creek and on February 23rd 1966, the militants moved out from their Touton Ban camp with Boro, Onwonaru and Dick as their divisional commanders to confront the state.

The above history tells us that going back to the same regional structure or what some people described as true federalism that produced the first set of militant group will not bring forth anything different, if true governance that was missing in the first republic is not incorporated as well.

The aspiration of the Nigerian people across all ethnic and religious background is not tied to the kind of structure we operate; but the kind of governance we deliver.

Whether restructuring or not, regionalism or true federalism, resource control or anything else, what is important is putting food on the peoples table and giving them reason to hope in a better tomorrow.

In recent time, we have seen highly placed individuals backing the call for restructuring.

Just few days ago, some colleagues requested to know my reaction to the call for restructuring by former Lagos Governor and APC national leader, Bola Tinubu.

They had also requested for my view on the same subject when former Vice President Atiku Abubakar declared his support for restructuring and they want to know whether or not, I find Atiku and Tinubu’s argument convincing enough to throw my full weight behind the call.

However, my position remains the same. Restructuring will not put food on the table. It will not stop the corruption; neither will it stop the impunity.

To the best of my understanding, structure is not our major challenge at this time, people’s orientation and attitude to leadership is. Restructuring will not change anything in Nigeria. What will change the situation is being discipline and responsible. Take out discipline and responsibility, restructuring becomes useless.

Restructuring will not prevent Goodluck Jonathan, Rotimi Amaechi, Allisson Madueke and others like them to lead South South cluelessly. The greed in the heart of Kalu, Ngige, Ohakim and their likes would not change in their leadership of South East. Atiku, Alimodu Sheriff, Goje etc would still be selfish leaders in North East. Elrufai, Yerima, Lamido etc would still be the same highhanded leaders of the North West. David Mark, Bukola Saraki, George Akume, Dino and others would still offer their slave and master kind of leadership in North Central, while Tinubu, Aragbesola, Fashola and Fayose would still be the less compassionate leaders in South West. What would change? Nothing.

Restructuring will not stop the monitization of election. They will still be buying and selling elections. It will not stop rigging. It would not stop the corruption, mismanagement of public funds and abuse of offices. Restructuring will not stop tribalism; neither will it stop religious sentiments and nepotism. Additionally, restructuring will not stop agitation; neither will it bring good governance.

Meanwhile, if for any reason, there becomes need to restructure Nigeria. The kind of restructure that may be impactful is a restructuring that will change our bicameral legislature to unicameral, thereby scraping the wasteful senate. This will help reduce cost of governance.

Another impactful restructuring, will be to replace state of origin with state of residence. That will enhance unity and allow people to freely make every part of the country home without any form of hindrances. Then again, we can restructure to give more power to the local government than the state. This will allow rapid development at the local level, thereby reducing over population in the city, since most of the advantages derived in the cities would be available at the local level, with more opportunities.

Provided these are not what advocates of restructuring mean, restructuring don’t worth it

*Abdulrazaq O Hamzat is the Executive Director of Foundation for Peace Professionals*