₦airaland Forum

Jonathan and Okonjo should take dat advice as friendly fire becos people are now pissed off with the sluggishness of their administration. Need to move faster and hit targets.

CAMEROONPRIDE: soldiers this is the gendarmerie not even the police ..and not the military ......on daily basis everything is peaceful in Cameroon those actions are very rare[url][/urlhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5dwnUBuD1o&feature=colike this is a true riot

Mehn shut the fuxk up. U miss road? This is Naija Land, abi u want to claim it too?


Only problem be say, Nigerians run tings here and i guarantee that like ur ancestors run leave Naija, u will run and leave dis site. passerby! Oloshi! Anuofia!

He urged agitators to be mindful of the need for good neighbourliness between Nigeria and Cameroun.
“Nigeria does not have a new position. Nigeria’s position is in conformity with the judgment of the International Court of Justice,” Maku said.

For dis cowardly statement, u are losing my vote come 2015. Never heard so much rubbish in my life. Cameroon that attacked and killed Nigeria Military and recently civilians, u are talking friends.

Fuxk ICJ as a tool for imperialism. Fuxk the Federal Gov as an institution dat believes itself to be above its electorate. Fuxk the government for being so dull. Fuxk Cameroon, want no friendship with dem.

On the 5000 notes any economist will tell you that inflation rates needs to be curb not encourage.Time for u dunces to leave government because u are a bunch of fooooools.

Bakassi youth vow to surpass Boko Haram

Warn the federal government to act now or face chaos
ARTICLE | SEPTEMBER 19, 2012 - 2:17AM | BY IFERI ETUK

Enraged youths from the Bakassi area of Cross River State continued beating war drums on Tuesday, vowing to surpass the Islamic militant sect, Boko Haram, if the government failed to appeal its ceding.

The Bakassi community is seeking an appeal against the International Court of Justice 2002 ruling that gave Bakassi to neighbouring country, Cameroun. The window for such appeal is 10 years lapsing October 10.

“What is happening now in the northern part of the country is a child's play because we will ensure justice is given to us,” a youth leader from the area under the aegis of Cross River State Political Network, Michael Nku, said during a protest at the National Assembly.

“We will perpetuate more mayhem than what Boko Haram is presently doing in the north."

Whether the threats are empty or backed by capacity remains to be seen.

But the federal government has ignored such warnings and dismissed past threats from Bakassi agitators the Ogonis as merely “attention seeking.”

Both areas have declared self governance and the Bakassi youth announced last month the launching of a new radio station and state paraphernalia including coat of arms and anthem.

At least one hostage case has been recorded in the area since the clamour started.

“Bakassi as a people have always been Cross Riverians in particular and Nigerians in general and they speak Efik, bear our names and share in the culture of the Efiks,” Nku said.

“Bakassi is a Local Government in Nigeria and no such entity ever existed in Cameroun.”

The House deputy media committee chairman, Victor Ogene, who received the youths, said the House will take a decision on the matter later.

yawa don gas...

Oh, it is on...

Recess Over, What Would Engage Attention of House Members?

16 Sep 2012
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National assembly

After eight weeks of recess, the House of Representatives will resume sitting on Tuesday. In this report, Onwuka Nzeshi looks at some of the issues that are likely to engage the attention of the lawmakers…

It’s been so long a recess and so dull a season in the last two months but at last, the hallowed chambers of the House of Representatives will come alive again on Tuesday, September 18, 2012. The lawmakers will on that day resume plenary after their annual vacation. Many of the lawmakers had travelled overseas to spend the holidays with their families while some were in their constituencies, devoting time to attend to the needs of their constituents.

The legislators, on resumption, are expected to return to the numerous unfinished businesses they left behind in the chamber and their various committees. It could be a long shopping list based on the various assignments pending at the desks of the over 80 Standing Committees. However, the focus in this piece will be on the key issues of national importance.

No doubt, the lawmakers will renew their agitation for the full implementation of the 2012 Appropriation Act, commence consideration of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) and resume work on the amendment of the 1999 Constitution. The legislators are also expected to confront the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) over the proposed restructuring of the nation’s currency and the introduction of the N5000 note. THISDAY also learnt that the House will renew its agitation for the Federal Government to approach the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for a possible review of the court’s judgement on the Bakassi Peninsula.

Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Victor Ogene, who confirmed the Tuesday resumption, debunked speculations that the House was considering an extension of the holidays for another one week. In a statement made available to the House of Representatives Press Corps, Ogene disclosed that while the recess lasted, the various committees of the House and individual members were not idle but had been usefully engaged in legislative activities outside the chambers. According to him, the lawmakers have been carrying out constituency outreach programmes where they interfaced with their constituents on the proposed constitution review process, the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) as well as oversight on the 2012 budget. Ogene hinted that these three issues among others would likely engage the attention of the House in the next couple of weeks.

2012 Budget
Already, House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has instructed all standing committees of the House to undertake a through appraisal of the status of implementation of the 2012 Appropriation Act and report their findings on or before resumption.

“This directive is in tandem with the unyielding desire of the 7th House of Representatives to ensure appropriate and timely implementation of the budget, so as to not only fast-track infrastructural development in the country, but also to re-flate the national economy currently bogged down by official lethargy,” Ogene said. The leadership of the House had earlier in the week ordered a fresh audit of the 2012 budget. In a letter addressed to the chairmen of all Standing Committees, the House directed the committees to ascertain the level of implementation of the budget in the respective Ministries, Departments and Agencies under their purview. The one-page letter signed by the Deputy Leader of the House, Hon Leo Okuweh Ogor, read in parts: “In this regard, you are to request all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) that you oversight to submit the status of all releases of funds; how much has been accessed; contracts awarded and general implementation status of the 2012 Appropriation Act.

“The above requested information should, after collation, be submitted to the office of the House. Leader on or before September 18, 2012.
“You are to ensure strict compliance as the information collated will form the basis of the decisions of the House on resumption.”

The House had at its last plenary, before embarking on the recess in July, passed a resolution urging President Jonathan to direct the Minister of Finance to ensure the release of all funds due to the MDAs in respect of the 2012 Budget and ensure full implementation of the budget by September. The resolution was the product of a controversial motion that saw some members of the House threatening to consider “drafting articles of impeachment” against President Jonathan if the budget did not hit a hundred per cent level of implementation by the time the lawmakers resumed from their annual vacation. Although the impeachment threat was not part of the prayers of the substantive motion, the mere suggestion of the move has propelled the executive arm of government into taking several actions geared towards fast-tracking the implementation of the 2012 budget.

2013 Budget
Besides the implementation of this year’s budget, the lawmakers would also be looking forward to receiving the 2013 Appropriation Bill. Under the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007, the President is expected to lay the estimates of revenue and expenditure of the following year before the two chambers of the National Assembly by the end of the third quarter of the current year. Minister of Finance and Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, had pledged the commitment of the executive arm of government to lay the budget before the National Assembly before the end of this month. However, some critics have raised issues on the procedure, describing it as putting the cart before the horse. This is because the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) which ought to be presented before the budget is yet to get to the National Assembly.

Constitution Amendment
During the break, the House Ad-Hoc Committee on Constitution Review demanded from President Jonathan the timely transmission of executive bills on the amendment of the constitution to the National Assembly. This, according to the committee, will enable the parliament do a thorough job on the amendment process before 2015 general elections.
Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, gave the advice while speaking at the presidential retreat for civil society organizations and professional associations on the ongoing process of amending the 1999 constitution.

Ihedioha, said by the second quarter of 2013 the House is expected to have concluded work on the constitution review. He disclosed that the House would ensure the participation of the greater majority of Nigerians on any issue that would be brought up for possible amendment so as to build consensus on such issues. The Deputy Speaker said plans were on the way to organize public hearings across the six geo-political zones while a central public hearing would be held in Abuja to bring the process, as close as possible, to Nigerians. Ihedioha said at the last count, the House Committee on Constitution Review had received over 124 memoranda from the public bordering on various burning national issues including national security, devolution of powers, structure of the federation, fiscal federalism, indigeneship and residency rights as well as, justice sector reform.

Currency Restructuring
The legislators are also expected to confront the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) over the proposed restructuring of the nation’s currency and the introduction of the N5000 note.

The House had in the wake of the policy announcement summoned CBN Governor Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi to appear before the committee and explain its plans . Chairman, House Committee on Banking and Currency, Hon. Chukwudi Onyereri, who issued the summon said the lower chamber would not take a position on the currency restructure proposal until it had been fully briefed on the policy. He said though the House fully respects the principle of separation of powers enshrined in the constitution, the autonomy of the Central Bank as provided by the Central Bank Act 2007 as well as the Banking and Other Financial Institutions Act, the Banking and Currency Committee had a responsibility to the Nigerian People to engage the executive arm of government on issues that may have far-reaching consequences on the populace and the national economy. According to him, the Nigerian people deserved to know whether there is a short, mid-term and long-term strategy that will bring any benefits to the system as a result of the introduction of the N5000 note.

“We will keep an open mind while engaging the management of the Central Bank to have a full picture and understanding of the thinking at the Central Bank and the reasons for this action. Our constituents have already inundated us with reports, petitions and write-ups with arguments on both sides of the policy divide, but we believe that at this time the most effective and prudent response for the committee would be to get a full briefing on the policy from the Central Bank after which we will take a position,” he said.

On the other hand, the Senate Committee on Banking, Currency and Other Financial Institutions had opposed the proposal and directed the CBN to suspend the project. According to the upper chamber, the project was a wastage of resources and would neither benefit the Nigerian people nor the economy.

Bakassi Peninsular
There are also indications that the House will renew its agitation on the need for the Federal Government to approach the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for a possible review of the court’s judgement on the Bakassi Peninsular. Just before the recess, the House passed a resolution demanding a review of the ICJ judgement ceding the Bakassi Peninsular to the Republic of Cameroon.

The House charged the Federal Government to commence the process of the review of the judgement as well as prevail on the United Nations to conduct a plebiscite on the disputed territory to give the people of Bakassi an opportunity to self determination.

The Bakassi territory was ceded to Cameroun ten years ago in controversial circumstances. As part of the implementation of the ruling of the international court, Nigeria and Cameroun signed a treaty known as the Green Tree Agreement. In a motion of urgent national importance sponsored by Hon. Essien Ekpenyong Ayi, member of the House representing Bakassi/Calabar South/Akpabuyo Federal Constituency, Cross River State, the lower chamber of the parliament cautioned that time was fast running out on the matter as the ten-year window allowed for reviews of judgements passed by the ICJ would elapse on October 10, 2012. Ayi argued that the ICJ ruling delivered on October 10, 2002 was unacceptable to the natives of Bakassi as the court did not take into consideration all the issues at stake.

“We the people of Bakassi, up till today, reject the International Court of Justice judgement whose focus was on oil and not the people. We reject the cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment meted out on us by the omission of the Federal Government of Nigeria to exhaust all remedies open to Bakassi.

“New facts have emerged showing that the ICJ reached its judgement in error. One of these facts is that the 1913 Anglo-German Treaty relied upon by the ICJ to cede Bakassi to Cameroon is in breach of Article 6 of the General Act of Berlin Conference that enjoined European powers ‘to watch out over the preservation of the native tribes and not to take over or effect transfer of their territory’.

National Security

Although, the suicide bomb attacks by the Boko Haram appear to have subsided save for the recent attacks on telecommunication equipment and facilities across some states in the North-east and North-west zones, the lawmakers may reopen discussions on the emerging threats to national security. During the break, the Bakassi imbroglio sparked off a near violent reaction from the natives of the disputed territory. A group that called itself the Bakassi Liberation Front claimed it had declared the Peninsula an independent territory with its own national flag, anthem and a radio station.

About the same time, a similar declaration of autonomy occurred in Ogoniland, Rivers State. These wranglings against the Nigerian state are potential threats the lawmakers cannot ignore as they return from their recess.http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/recess-over-what-would-engage-attention-of-house-members-/125078/

Nigeria: Bakassi - Soon Gowon, Obasanjo May Be Tried for Treason - Anya
Tagged: Cameroon, Central Africa, External Relations, Governance, International Organisations, Legal Affairs, Nigeria, West Africa
BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE, 18 SEPTEMBER 2012
Comment
INTERVIEW

Photo: Vanguard
Bakassi protests
PROFESSOR Anya Oko Anya, 75, pioneer chairman of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) and 1992 National Merit Award winner is sad over Nigeria's handling of the Bakassi Peninsula and insists that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) would reverse its 2002 judgement ceding the territory to Cameroon if the Nigeria appeals the verdict with prevailing facts and documents.

He wants former heads of state, retired Generals Yakubu Gowon and Olusegun Obasanjo, who signed off and ceded the territory respectively to Cameroon to take part in the recovery efforts because they might be charged with treason in future. Excerpts:

The Bakassi matter

Relevant Links

Bakassi Belongs to Nigeria - Claim
Why We Lost Bakassi to Cameroun
Why Bakassi Belongs to Nigeria - Experts
Soyinka Tasks FG Over ICJ Ruling On Bakassi
Why Nigeria Should Appeal ICJ Verdict On Bakassi - Maiyaki
Bakassi is a very unfortunate development for Nigeria. It is also not a very good advertisement for our leadership. Nations develop military power. The whole armed forces is established to protect the territorial integrity of the nation. Serious nations don't cede their territory except in war; in peace time, no nation cedes its territory.

ICJ judgement can't stand

There are three reasons why the International Court of Justice judgment on Bakassi cannot stand. The reasons are historical, international law and the concept of patriotism.

History -The Efiks are a major tribe in Nigeria and historically have been on the Atlantic Coast. Bakassi has always been part of the Efiks without a war. In 1884, the British entered into a treaty with the Efiks, which included Bakassi. There would not have been a treaty if there was no ownership.

International law

It does not make sense to cede any part of Nigeria. Arnold Smith, former Commonwealth secretary general is alleged to have said in his memoirs that he was surprised at the ease with which General Yakubu Gowon appeared ready to handover Bakassi to Cameroon. He was alleged to have raised the matter with Gowon, who told him that he wanted to make sure that Biafrans are denied access to the sea in case of a future war. That shows hoe serious he was about ending the war and reconciling Nigerians.

Gowon is said to have said it wasn't true. Anyway, Gowon could have wished to cede Bakassi to Cameroon but he could not have effected it and he did not effect it for two reasons.

One, the matter of delineation of boundaries and ceding of territory must be bound by an agreement and a treaty. A treaty cannot be valid or binding on a nation unless it is approved or ratified by the sovereign authority, which in most cases is the Parliament. Under Gowon, no treaty was presented to the Supreme Military Council, SMC, which wielded executive and parliamentary powers at the time. So, there was nothing that could have been effected.

Then came President Olusegun Obasanjo, who signed the Bakassi Green Tree Agreement, GTA. His case was worse because it was during a civilian era and the National Assembly was in place. A Head of State can reach an agreement with a foreign power but that agreement has to be approved by the National Assembly, which has the sovereign authority.

Beyond that, subjecting yourself to the authority of the ICJ is by choice, it is not mandatory. That is why the US does not recognise the ICJ on any matter of national interest. So, why did Obasanjo agree to go to the ICJ? It was not necessary and mandatory.

There is an opinion that either now or in the future, Gowon and Obasanjo would be accused of and tried for treason because you don't give away your territory.

Turkey came and seized part of Cyprus because it has not been recognised by anybody. The world cannot allow it or else the world would be an unstable place.

Another dimension to the treaty of 1884 between the Kings of Calabar and Great Britain is that it was concluded between two sovereign people and it pre-dated the Vienna Convention of 1885. So, the 1913 agreement with Germany has to return to the source, 1884, which does not support it. In international law, laws follow earlier laws, which set precedent.

So Bakassi has always been administered as part of Nigeria. The people of Bakassi took part in all election before and after independence. They were not treated as part of Cameroon as the 1913 agreement claimed. Even if it was in the trusteeship agreement, there is a clause that says you cannot change the trusteeship agreement without going to the people through a plebiscite or referendum to determine where they want to go. The right to self-determination still exists. You must consult the people of Bakassi and that has not happened. You can't just remove them from their ancestral land and settle them elsewhere as if they are stones.

Lack of compassion

There is a surprising dimension to the whole issue. The dimension is that those of us, who claim to be Christians like Gowon and Obasanjo, should have compassion, an important character of a Christian is compassion. If you have compassion, you will ask: have been compassionate towards our brothers and sisters in Bakassi? The answer is no. It is not only Gowon and Obasanjo, even the press and other Nigerians are guilty because they have treated the matter as if it is not a matter of great interest.

That shows we have not learnt lessons from the civil war and because we have not recognised those lessons we are repeating them. We treat problems affecting other parts of the country as 'it is their problem, it is not our problem.' We cannot continue treating problems like that if we want remain as a united country. In a united country, a problem affecting one part is treated as a collective problem.

The press has not shown much interest. In the effort to evict Bakassi people from their ancestral home, Nigerians have not asked themselves what they would do if they were in Bakassi's shoes.

We have to learn a lesson from the US, who are prepared to go to war over one American citizen. Even when an American commits a crime, they will fight that the American should be repatriated and tried at home under American law.

Bosnian war, America mobilised to Bosnian to rescue on American. If you have a country that is prepared to go to war because of you, why won't you give your life for that country? We are talking about patriotism and reward of citizenship. By donating Bakassi, your territory to another, what are you telling Nigerians? You are telling Nigerians that no Nigerian is worth anything. How do you expect the citizen to be patriotic in that circumstance?

We must defend our territory and recover Bakassi. Looking at the map of Africa, we often say God has shaped Africa like a gun and Nigeria is the trigger and in Nigeria, the actual point where the trigger is, is Bakassi. It is important to recognise the significance of that. Bakassi is so strategically located that anybody who controls power there can control the Southern Atlantic.

Why is France, Britain and US so interested in Bakassi? Nigeria with the potential to develop into a major power will be in a position to control what happens in the Southern Atlantic, therefore

The solution

The Nigerian government must immediately respond to what has happened by inviting the ICJ to revisit the Bakassi issue. The bases for such requests are:

First, ICJ expects you to come back if you are not satisfied within 10 years of th judgment, which will expire in October.

Secondly, the decision of the ICJ was not even unanimous. Three dissenting judges -Madagascar, Senegal and Jordan, faulted the judgment of their colleagues. If it were a split decision then, you will win now if the ruling is appealed with facts and developments that were not available then.

We should approach the appeal with our A Team, a competent team to handle the case. With due respect to Chief Richard Akinjide, the issue of Bakassi were not issues he had first hand experience. Even if he had, he needed insight because the matter had legal, cultural, historical and strategic dimensions. So, the Nigerian team should have had the best that Nigeria has in those areas.

An authority in Nigeria and in the world on the history of Bakassi; the interactions of people of that area with the metropolitan authorities; interactions of traders that live in the area is Dr Walter Ofonagoro. His Ph.D Thesis at Colombian University dealt with the treaties in that area.

I understand that when the matter reared its head during late General Sani Abacha era, Abacha sent Ofonagoro to the United Nations with source documents to show that Cameroon had no leg in Bakassi and matter died until Obasanjo came. The question is, did anybody consult Walter before going to the World Court? I doubt.

Finally, one must say there is a huge political dimension to the problem, which the current Nigerian government must be aware of.

The political dimension is while it could be easy for Gowon and Obasanjo to take a decision relating to Eastern Nigeria in a whimsical and cavalier manner, politics will not favour President Goodluck Jonathan, to take that kind of decision because he is an easterner. An easterner cannot be at the helm to rubber stamp the donation of an eastern territory to a foreign country. It is a dilemma for Jonathan. Even if he fails, history will record that he tried.

Dealing with issues like this intellectual power. Nigerian governments don't pay enough attention to harnessing the intellectual power of the nation. We must do so in this case because we don't have an alternative to Bakassi.

We must appeal to Gowon and Obasanjo to be involved in the crusade for restoration of Bakassi to Nigeria. It is a matter of simple personal interest. It is beginning to happen where people, in other parts of the world, are called to account for what they did 20, 30 years after they left office. They can say, 'I made mistake, how do we solve the Bakassi problem?' The problem will not vanish, future generations will ask questions.

http://allafrica.com/stories/201209180330.html

From the minute you have renowned academicians like Prof Soyinka saying on Bakassi: "people must decide where to belong." U sense the game may be up for Cameroon, as Nigeria now prepares to establish itself as the regional power base and the giant of Africa.

Soyinka on Bakassi: people must decide where to belong
By Emmanuel Oladesu 3 hours 56 minutes ago
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•Prof. Soyinka (left), Dr Braithwaite, Dame Kuye and Dr Okei -Odumakin...yesterday.
•79th birthday lecture for Braithwaite holds in Lagos
Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka yesterday flayed the Federal Government for trading off the disputed Bakassi Peninsula without regard for the wishes and interests of the people.
He said the controversy has not ended because the inhabitants, who were not consulted, were seriously injured, pointing out that the United Nations has respect for the people’s dignity and feelings.
Soyinka also spoke on the evils of capitalism, berating the state, which he described as an entrepreneurial arm of the society, for creating inequitable relationship between workers and employers of labour.
The eminent scholar delivered a lecture in Lagos titled: “Corporate gains and human deficits”. The public lecture organised by a non-governmental organisation, ‘Women Arise’, was part of activities marking the 79th birthday of the revolutionary lawyer, Dr. Tunji Braithwaite. The event, which held at the Oranmiyan Hall, Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja and chaired by Prof Akin Oyebode, was witnessed by former Kaduna State Governor Alhaji Balarabe Musa, former Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) President Mrs. Priscilla Kuye, National Chairman of the National Conscience Party (NCP), Mr. Yinusa Tanko, rights activists Debo Adeniran, Mallam Shetima Yerima, Mr. Kunle Ajibade, Mr. Femi Kuti and Yeni Kuti.
Braithwaite, who was accompanied by his medical doctor -wife, Simisola, cut his birthday cake, amid cheers by well-wishers.
Former University of Ado-Ekiti Vice Chancellor Prof. Oyebode hailed the decision of the group, led by Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, to honour Braithwaite, stressing that it is better to celebrate heroes when they are still alive. Paying tribute to the celebrator, the legal scholar observed that, despite his noble birth, he joined the struggle for the liberation of the masses.
Dr. Okei-Odumakin described the celebrator as a great activist, legal surgeon, role model and lifewire of the rights movement, adding that he is a man of constant conscience.
Soyinka revisited the Bakassi Peninsula controversy, saying that it is a testing ground for corporate integrity. He lamented that the disputed settlement in Cross River State was traded off between Nigeria and Cameroun.
The retired university don doubted if the wishes, feelings and interests of the people were considered by the International Court of Justice sitting in The Hague, Netherlands. He said the attachment to the land by the displaced people superseded the government’s desire to trade off the settlement.
Soyinka rejected the argument of stakeholders that military action could resolve the hurdle, warning that it could herald protracted litigations.
He said: “There must be a plebiscite to decide where the people want to be. What the people of Bakassi want for themselves. Do they want to be Nigerians or Cameroonians. The people must be given a voice to express themselves”.
The Nobel Laureate spoke on the evil of capitalism, which, he said, is characterised by the deadness of human feelings, adding that since it cannot put on a human face, its practice had led to upheavals and rupturing of the society.
Alluding to the scenario in Pakistan where 200 workers who were locked up in a workplace to prevent work shift evasion died in a fire, he decried the societal laxity and penchant for accumulation which made the system to thrive.
Soyinka lamented the killing of the cottage industry in the North by smuggling, recalling that since the garment industry was shut down, unemployment had soared in the region.
He said unemployed youths have become willing recruits into armed robbery and extreme religious indoctrination.
Soyinka juxtaposed the class division in capitalism with the apartheid experience in South Africa, noting that citizens whose psyche has been affected have never shown positive attitude to many who aided the historic liberation struggle.
He said during these harsh times, the lowering of the unemployment ration, in Nigeria, South Africa, Namibia and other poor countries could boost security.
The literary icon warned that danger would continue to loom as kidnapping has become a lucrative business undertaken by members of movements claiming to be fighting for genuine causes.
Soyinka said it was also worrisome that sects indulge in using the name of God to inflict pains, agony and sorrow on fellow citizens, warning that Nigeria may be on the verge of disintegration.
He berated the acts of “corporate terror”, which has manifested in increased activities of “the destroyers of Northern Nigeria”.
Stressing that havoc had been wreaked on the country since the outcome of the last presidential election, Soyinka added: “Boko Haram targets the masses, okada men and children. Complacency is no more an acceptable virtue. Armed robbers stopped a moving bus and raped passangers, including children. NYSC members are killed by animals.
“Boko Haram has not really waged war against the state, but against the populace. The sect is wasting human asset as it has manifested in attacks on universities.”
Soyinka paid tributes to Braithwaite, saying that he is a stubborn, principled and great man.
Oyebode, who spoke before the Nobel Laureate, said: “If Soyinka belongs to a wasted generation, then, I may belong to a lost generation because my generation came after his generation.”
He hailed Braithwaite’s consistency, doggedness and commitment to a better Nigeria. He said his notable and enviable contributions as a lawyer and radical politician who intended to exterminate rats and mosquitoes from the country since the Second Republic were worthy of recognition.
Oyebode stresed: “He had a mission to exterminate rats and mosquitoes from Nigeria. What he meant by that were the ‘10 percenters’, and exploiters who had let Nigeria down. Although, the Nigeria Advanced Party (NAP) did not fulfill its mission, he made his impact. But rats and mosquitoes have continued to fester. Corruption is on the increase.
“Common thieves found their ways into the corridors of power. Ibori could not be convicted in Nigeria. He escaped Nigerian justice, but he could not escape British justice.”

From the minute you have renowned academicians like Prof Soyinka saying on Bakassi: "people must decide where to belong." U sense the game may be up for Cameroon, as Nigeria now prepares to establish itself as the regional power base and the giant of Africa.

France should know better than to get in our bad books while we deal with Cameroon.

Some Nigerian Prophet are liars and fools. Wat is dis man saying? GEJ can't think for himself? Never heard so much rubbish in my life. God only cares about GEJ and not the rest of us? Wat about the Next Nigeria President after GEJ? We should wait until he/she enters power before God speaks to you about dem. Political Preacher. Dis Pastor should be the next President.

The first of several topics titled; "Bakassi Belongs To Nigeria – Fresh Facts Reveal" should be on the front page as a national issue critically being considered in the National Assembly.

Can the Federal govenment start proceedings to re-integrate Bakassi into Nigeria, or is it when hateful Cameroonians kill all the Nigerians that Federal Gov will wake-up to our calls?

Can the Federal govenment start proceedings to re-integrate Bakassi into Nigeria, or is it when hateful Cameroonians kill all the Nigerians that Federal Gov will wake-up to our calls?

Get well soon. First Lady of Nigeria.

Can the Federal govenment start proceedings to re-integrate Bakassi into Nigeria, or is it when hateful Cameroonians kill all the Nigerians that Federal Gov will wake-up to our calls?

Seun does deserve a National Award. Nairaland has provided a means for Nigerians at hom and abroad to re-evaluate themselves and country. The smart ones have learnt alot.

^ Great vision for Anambra State. We also need passenger terminals alongside the Cargo. Possibly four runways airport.

^ if GEJ miss dis one, den it is sorry.

Good development. Nigeria is getting there.

lwkmd! Port Harcourt no dey shame. Oil rich city like dat. ndo!

Nigeria: Our Mistakes On Bakassi - Representative Bature
Tagged: Business, Governance, Nigeria, West Africa
BY ABBAS JIMOH, 16 SEPTEMBER 2012
Comment
INTERVIEW

Umar Bature is the member representing Sokoto North/South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, as the chairman House Committee on Foreign Affairs and a member of the Committee on Defence in this interview, he spoke on Nigeria's mistakes on Bakassi peninsula and the House's stand on budget implementation. Excerpts:

The House of Representatives seems not to be on the same page with the Presidency over merger of government ministries and parastatals, what would you have done instead?

This is not correct. We have always been in tune with government and support efforts at reducing the size of government and cutting unnecessary cost in governance. We believe there are lots of duplications in the parastatals and ministries as they have overlapping roles. We are waiting for them to finish because it will require some passages and amendments of laws.

Has the government made overtures to the National Assembly on the civil service reforms?

My understanding is that the committee headed by Mr Steve Orasanye has been given the mandate to work on and until they produce the white paper which will lead to other processes like drafting amendment or repeal bill to effect that, some agencies will no longer exist by law.

What will be the issues on the front burner when the House resumes plenary?

The issue of budget implementation will be number one. Then the issue of Bakassi which has been on the public discussion in the last couples of weeks. They will be on the front burner.

What is the present position of the House on budget implementation?

I am not aware that the House has stepped down its stance on budget implementation. There will be consequences if the House stance on the budget implementation is not met and I am not sure there is any shift on that.

Where did Nigeria get it wrong on the Bakassi issue and where do you think Nigeria can exploit to get things in her favour?

Nigeria got it wrong by agreeing to subscribe to the judgement. If we didn't subscribe to the judgement, this would not happen. No country gives its territory away for whatever reason.

What is your take on the introduction of N5, 000 notes?

I agree that the CBN has autonomy to run the economy, but the CBN cannot run as an island in Nigeria. The bank should have ensured that there is wide consultation on the issue. Whether it is right or wrong is not an issue to me, the issue is that there is no enough consultation with stakeholders before decision on such issue of that magnitude is taken.

Apart from the House summoning the CBN governor, it also appears that majority of Nigerians are opposed to this N5, 000 notes because of fears it will raise inflation and rubbish the CBN cashless policy?

I agree the CBN has autonomy to act on the economy, but they cannot act in isolation. People do not know the reasons for CBN's action as they should have known. Now the House is saying come and tell us, but we believe it is a wrong move at this time. So he should come and convince us. If the necessary things have been done, we would not have been in this controversy. I personally do not agree to this introduction of higher denomination because we are learning from other advanced economies to better our own. Why are they taking the currency to that higher level?

There is renewed agitation for the review of revenue sharing formula by the Northern governors, what is your take on this?

There is a bit of contradiction here. One is that the timing is wrong. They should be sincere to themselves. Is the call for review of revenue sharing formula what the North needs now?

There is also the agitation for the scrapping of the joint state/local government accounts...?

Cuts in-The constitution recognises three tiers of government. Why we have failure of governance today is that a particular tier of government is taking over the roles of another tier of government. The constitution has provided for local government.

Will you support state creation and establishment of state police?

Not at all, I don't support state police and I don't support state creation.

What is your comment on the discovery of oil in the North, including Sokoto State?

I am yet to see the figures. These are issues not to be discussed until you see the facts. When I see the data, we can see for ourselves. I know there were delineations of various oil blocs in Chad Basin and Benue, but what have the NNPC and DPR said? Let us wait for them.

Some leaders from South-South have endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan for 2015 election?

That is their own opinion. They have the right to endorse who they like. When 2015 comes, Nigeria's president will emerge.

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Reclaiming Bakassi Peninsula
on SEPTEMBER 17, 2012 · in EDITORIAL
4:00 am
1
ON October 10, 2002, the Internation- al Court of Justice delivered a historic verdict awarding sovereignty over the Bakassi Peninsula to the Republic of Cameroun.

Exactly 10 years later in October this year, by the terms of the 2005 Green Tree agreement, Nigeria’s cession of its erstwhile territory would be completed unless, by the rules of the Court, she raises fresh issues for a re-visit.

Across the nation there is a groundswell of opinion that our past leadership were unpatriotic, inhuman and incompetent in the entire processes of mortgaging the territory to win the civil war and approach the ICJ for its verdict.

All the way from the negotiations by the colonial authorities to the use of the territory as a gambit for war games, interests of the people of the Peninsula were never taken into account. Even the lawyers and attorneys hired to argue the case at the ICJ were people, who had no passionate attachment to the cause and flunked miserably.

Besides, the Nigerians who agreed to relocate to Cross River after the cession of their ancestral land to another country were promptly abandoned. Those who chose to stay under Camerounian authority have been victims of savage attacks and humiliation by the Camerounian forces.

Frustrated, indigenes of the Peninsula have now decided, with support of their kinsmen in Calabar Cross river State, to “takn their destiny in their hands.’’

The Bakassi Self-determination Front (BSDF) has since emerged and a pirate radio known as ‘’Dayspring’’ launched as part of the drive towards self-rule.

We are in full support of all efforts to ensure that the wrongs of our past leaders are corrected through the total reclamation of Bakassi Peninsula. We are happy with the House of Representatives, which has taken bold steps towards pushing the Federal Government to return to the ICJ for a re-visit of this shoddy verdict.

Under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Bakassi Peninsula is still listed as part of the 774 local government councils in Nigeria. The Constitution has not been amended to cede this territory to any external country. And our Constitution is superior to any treaty or court verdict.

Rather than resort to the ICJ, the United Nations should promptly organise plebiscite to enable the people of the Peninsula to determine their future. They can decide to stay in Nigeria, go to Cameroun or assume a separate sovereign identity. Anything short of this will not be acceptable to us.

Bakassi people are Nigerians fully protected by the constitution. No individual has the right to barter them off to external interests in pursuit of personal glorification. To reclaim Bakassi Peninsula is a task that must be done!

Northern Woes: ‘Blame Successive Leaders’ Division’

Sun, 16/09/2012 - 4:21am | MIDAT JOSEPH Interviews Features


AlhajiYahaya Mahmood is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). In this interview with MIDAT JOSEPH, the Kaduna-based legal luminary who is the Principal Solicitor of Arewa Chambers blames North’s dilemma on divisions amongst the region’s former leaders and strongly believes that there is need for a national conference, adding that those asking for State Police have their own motives and also speaks on other topical issues.

Despite objections, it appears the Central Bank of Nigeria has finally decided to introduce 5,000 naira note next year. What is your view on the matter?
The Nigeria Labour Congress, the Nigerian Bar Association, ICAN, former President Obasanjo, some renowned economists and the National Assembly have opposed the plan and argued that it will definitely cause inflation. They also argued that Nigerians do not like coins.

Soon, the coins will vanish and pure water will sell for N50. And Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and General Murtala Mohammed, on the coins will be replaced by GamboSawaba and Madam Kuti (on the new 5,000 note). And the CBN has not successfully explained the contradictions in introducing cashless economy to control money laundering and introducing the 5,000 notes. The Senate and House of Representatives will now see the danger in giving the CBN too much autonomy.

Do you support the call for the CBN to subject its budget to NASS approval?
The 1999 constitution did not exempt any parastatal or department of government from budget control. If the presidency, the armed forces and security agencies prepare and defend their budgets, why not the CBN? It is all hangover of military ways of doing things. We end up building powerful individuals instead of institutions. The CBN governor said he obtained the approval of the president. So, to hell with finance minister, National Assembly and the rest of us.



What is your view on state police?
What we need is efficient, better trained, well equipped, independent and people-oriented police force. When that is done, they will be less corrupt and be people-friendly. Those asking for state police have their own motives.

The NBA and House of Representatives have called on the Federal Government to seek a review of the ICJ judgment on Bakassi....
Both the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Minister of External Affairs have been quoted as saying that Nigeria will not seek a review of the decision, the country will respect every clause in the Green Tree Agreement and the Bi-National Commission is in operation and effective.

The ICJ judgment on Bakassi was in October, 2002, so we have only one more month to ask for a review. It is not just a matter of domestic politics. It involves security and international diplomacy.

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja struck out Justice Salami’s appeal on whether it is the Federal High Court or the Industrial Court that has jurisdiction. With a new CJN and Head of NJC, and new N BA leadership, what is your advice on the way forward?
In the interest of all concerned and I say this with all sense of responsibility, Justice Salami should apologize to former CJN, Katsina-Alu and to NJC. He should not have gone to the press. He should not have sued the CJN and NJC. He should then withdraw the cases from court and take one of the two honourable options. Retire or accept appointment to the Supreme Court. This is my sincere advice.



Governor Kwankwaso of Kano State wants a revisit of the on-shore off-shore dichotomy. What is your take on that?
Most of those who opposed what he said do not know the facts. In 2002, Attorney-General of the Federation engaged Chief Rotimi Williams and Alhaji Abdullahi lbrahim, SAN, to file a suit in the Supreme Court on behalf of the Federal Government against the 36 States. The claim was for the court to say or determine what is the boundary of each of the littoral states for the purpose of calculating the amount of revenue accruing, i.e. 13% pursuant to S.162(2) of the 1999 constitution.

The states were Akwa-lbom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo and Rivers. The states filed counter-claims which are not relevant except the claim asking the Federal Government to render an account of monies in the Federation Account. The Supreme Court held that the powers and authority of the Federal Government over the entire maritime belt or territorial waters of Nigeria are beyond doubt; consequently, the littoral states lack control of or authority over territorial waters of Nigeria.

That judgment began the on-shore off-shore debate. In 2004, the National Assembly, through an Act, abolished or abrogated the dichotomy, in essence, setting aside the judgment. If the littoral states have been judiciously using the 13% on the host communities, the matter would have been settled by now.




In addition to the 13% derivation, we have Ministry of Niger Delta, Amnesty (began by late President Yar’Adua) and NNDC. Now, we are told by a Senate Committee that Federal Government has more projects in the Niger Delta than in the entire Northern states.

And each littoral state gets almost 10 times what, for instance, Benue and Sokoto state get monthly. A political solution should be found. But as a lawyer, I tell you that the 2004 Act is unconstitutional. The Northern States can go back to the Supreme Court. But President Jonathan should not allow that. He should be just and settle the matter politically.

But Niger Deltans are asking for True Federalism?
There is nothing like true federalism. No two countries practice similar or identical federalism in all aspects. It is not just a matter of resources. Because of many years of military rule, we are so used to unitary system. That is why the Federal Government is into so many things which should have been handled by states and local governments. Let me tell you what worries me.

The 1999 constitution gives the same powers it gives to the Attorney-General of the Federation to Attorneys-General of States.

So, truly speaking, where EFCC charges a former state governor for stealing a state’s funds under state laws, the State Attorney-General should have powers to take over or terminate the prosecution. We also need to separate offices of the Accountant-General and Auditor-General of the Federation and that of the Federal Government.

What is the way forward? How do we tackle all these problems?
Simple; we need sincere leaders who are ready and willing to listen to honest advise. We need to change the political system - winner takes all - expensive system, etc. We need to get our past leaders to work with the present leaders to solve our problems.



That will not happen if General Buhari who was head of state in 1983 and General Babangida who left in 1993 are still struggling to return to Aso Rock. Why is the North in disarray in terms of politics, security and economy? Because General Gowon, President Shagari, General Buhari, General Babangida, General Abdulsalam, General Danjuma and General AliyuGusau, cannot sincerely sit together and advise on the way forward.

We need a national conference, not sovereign; in the absence of clear leadership - one that will produce an ideal system, a leadership and a followership. Then, we will have a nation. And a leadership is not about building roads, bridges and schools, or awarding contracts.

It is about planning a future, preventing conflicts and leveraging human development. To an lgbo trader, Hausa farmer or Yoruba worker, it is immaterial that the federating units were brought together by colonial fiat or force.
[url] http://leadership.ng/nga/articles/34975/2012/09/16/northern_woes_blame_successive_leaders_division.html[/url]

This is actually the koko of topics for the opening. Just hope FG listen for once.

THISDAY also learnt that the House would renew its agitation on the need for the Federal Government to approach the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for a possible review of its judgment on the Bakassi Peninsula that paved the way for Nigeria’s ceding of the oil-rich peninsula to Cameroun.

PIB, Budget to Top House Agenda on Resumption

14 Sep 2012
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National Assembly Complex


Onwuka Nzeshi



Fresh and old issues are to engage the attention of the House of Representatives as it resumes plenary on Tuesday after its annual vacation that lasted eight weeks.

THISDAY checks revealed Thursday that the lawmakers, on resumption, are expected to take steps to ensure the full implementation of the 2012 Appropriation Act, in line with their resolution before they went on recess that the executive should ensure effective implementation of the budget before they return from recess.

The House is also expected to receive the 2013 Appropriation Bill, commence consideration of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) and resume work on the amendment to the 1999 Constitution, all pending issues before the recess.

THISDAY also learnt that the House would renew its agitation on the need for the Federal Government to approach the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for a possible review of its judgment on the Bakassi Peninsula that paved the way for Nigeria’s ceding of the oil-rich peninsula to Cameroun.

Also, one of the controversial issues the House will tackle after resumption of plenary is the plan by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to restructure the nation’s currency and introduce the N5,000 banknote.

The CBN on August 23, had unfolded plans for a new currency regime, under which the N5,000 note will be introduced while the N5, N10, N20 and N50 notes will be minted in coins.

Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Victor Ogene, confirmed yesterday that some of the issues would top the House agenda when it resumes on Tuesday, even as he dispelled speculations that the House was considering an extension of the holiday for another week.

Ogene, in a statement given to reporters in Abuja, said while the recess lasted, the various committees of the House and lawmakers were usefully engaged in legislative activities outside the chambers.

According to him, the lawmakers have been carrying out constituency outreach programmes where they interfaced with their constituents on the proposed constitution review process, the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) as well as oversight on the 2012 budget.

Ogene hinted that these three issues, amongst others, would likely engage the attention of the House in the next couple of weeks.

Already, House Speaker, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has instructed all standing committees of the House to undertake a through appraisal of the status of implementation of the 2012 Appropriation Act and report their findings to the House on or before resumption.

“This directive is in tandem with the unyielding desire of the 7th House of Representatives to ensure appropriate and timely implementation of the budget, so as to not only fast-track infrastructural development in the country, but also to re-flate the national economy currently bogged down by official lethargy,” Ogene said.

In a letter addressed to the chairmen of all standing committees, the House directed them to ascertain the level of implementation of the budget in the respective ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) of government under their purview.

The House had at its last plenary, before embarking on the recess in July, passed a resolution urging President Goodluck Jonathan to direct the Minister of Finance to ensure the release of all funds due to the MDAs in respect of the 2012 budget and attain full implementation of the budget by September.

The resolution was the product of a controversial motion that saw some members of the House threatening to consider “drafting articles of impeachment” against Jonathan if the budget did not attain 100 per cent implementation by the time the lawmakers resumed from their annual vacation.

Although the impeachment threat was not part of the prayers of the substantive motion, the mere suggestion of the move propelled the executive arm of government into taking several actions geared towards fast tracking the implementation of the budget.

http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/pib-budget-to-top-house-agenda-on-resumption/124950/

Another timbrel the president must play, and quickly too, is Bakassi. Quite frankly, Nigerians and history want Bakassi. IT MUST NOT GO. Hope the president has heard.

This is to the point. Obama needed to kill Bin laden to prove a point. if GEJ want to be re-elected by does doubting thomas, then he should get back Bakassi for Nigerians. This will prove his commitment to Nigerians not the International Imperialist.

Nigeria want a strong and take charge leader with a humble charisma.

"[size=14pt]Another timbrel the president must play, and quickly too, is Bakassi. Quite frankly, Nigerians and history want Bakassi. IT MUST NOT GO. Hope the president has heard.[/size]"
https://www.nairaland.com/1048735/2015-real-boosters-jonathan-re-election

Please Front page.

https://www.nairaland.com/1048735/2015-real-boosters-jonathan-re-election