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THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-West has promised to take on the governor of Osun State, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, for breaching the constitution by not presenting the 2013 budget before the end of last year as stipulated by the constitution.

The party, in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Zonal Publicity Secretary, Kayode Babade, said the provisions of section 121 (1) of the constitution was clear on when a governor can legally present budget proposals to the state House of Assembly.

Section 121 (1) of the constitution says “the governor shall cause to be prepared and laid before the House of Assembly at any time before the commencement of each financial year estimates of the revenues and expenditure of the state for the next following financial year.”

‘’As of today, January 1, 2013, Mr Aregbesola has not presented his 2013 budget proposal to the state House of Assembly as demanded by the constitution.

“It is clear that Mr Aregbesola, by his attitude to the law, has thrown Osun State into constitutional crisis. Any budget he presents now cannot be lawful just as it will be illegal for him to spend a kobo of public funds on anything this year.

“We will go to court on this for judicial rescue of our state from the present reign of lawlessness,” the party said.

The PDP further said it was “embarrassing to Osun state and very unfortunate that Aregbesola is the only governor out of the 36 governors in the country who did not present the 2013 budget before the end of last year as dictated by the constitution.

“Even his colleagues in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Edo and Ekiti complied with this law. Some of them have even signed their appropriation bills into law. Aregbesola has refused to toe the line of sanity.

“We urge all well meaning Nigerians to show interest in the lawlessness going on in Osun state. Every day, impunity and barefaced illegality take the place of legal governance.”

“Nigerians should note that as against the law, Aregbesola ruled Osun State like a sole administrator for over eight months without a single commissioner.

“Instead of doing what the law says, Mr Aregbesola has just forced the 30 local governments in the state to borrow N502 million each, making a total of N15.060billion which he is helping them to spend on some ill-defined projects.

“He has also just spent N35 million on New Year fireworks (bangers) in a state that is one of the poorest in the country.

“We will not keep quiet and we urge all lovers of the Rule of Law not to be silenced by the propaganda of the government of the day in Osun state.”


http://tribune.com.ng/news2013/index.php/en/component/k2/item/2188-non-presentation-of-budget-s-west-pdp-berates-aregbesola

The committee of Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme, SURE-P, headed by Dr. Christopher Kolade has accused both state and Local governments for inability to give account of funds received

thereby frustrating the aim of the programme.
So far over the sum of N135 billion have been released by the Federal government since the inauguration of the programme in July. Adding that over N70 billion have been apportioned so far for road construction.
While addressing pressmen in Lagos, during the weekend, Nze Nwankpo, Special Adviser to the President on Technical Matters and Secretary, SURE-P, said the committee gets N15 billion monthly from the Federal Government, representing 42 percent of the total subsidy fund, while the rest goes to states and local governments.
Unsure about judicious use of SURE-P funds given to states and local governments, Mr. Chike Okomu, representing persons with disability in the committee said: "The SURE-P is operational within the three levels of government: the Federal, state and local governments.
"I want Nigerians to ask the states and local governments what they are doing with their SURE-P funds. If the states and local governments should utilise their SURE-P fund very well, it would go a long way in reducing infrastructural deficit in the country. Local governments are supposed to use SURE-P fund to tar their roads. Many of the states are using the SUPE-P to further their nest of corruption."
On the question of infrastructure, Nwankpo said SURE-P has two components, roads and railways, adding that six federal roads, one in each region as well as rail constructions, one in South and one in North, are under construction.
He said: "Some of the roads we took over have been undergoing construction for over 10 years now and the values have increased by over 300 per cent. What we have done is to increase funding for these roads and have a time frame for the completion of the projects.
"More than N70 billion of the fund has gone into the construction of the roads. These include the Shagamu-Benin Road, East-West Road, Onitsha-Enugu-Port Harcourt Road, Kano-Maduguri Road and Lagos-Lokoja Road."
"Also, the Federal Government is to disburse N5 billion as its counterpart funding for the construction of the second Niger Bridge, which is expected to be completed before the end of Mr. Jonathan's tenure."

http://www.ipaidabribenaija.com/news/item/12548-sure-p-funds-states-lg-lack-proof-on-expenses-dr-christopher-kolade

YEYE Oodua, Chief (Mrs) H.I.D. Awolowo on Friday hosted Ondo State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko at her residence in Ikenne where she described him as a real Awoist.

Chief (Mrs) Awolowo, who expressed delight for the visit, said she was happy Governor Mimiko was re-elected by the people of Ondo State.

She said although she could not take a tour of the state to see for herself the transformation wrought by the medical-doctor-turned politician, she nonetheless followed his achievements through reports she read about the Mimiko-led administration before, during and after the October 20 election.

She described Governor Mimiko as being a real Awoist not minding the number of politicians who appropriate the title unjustifiably, saying we now know who the true Awoist is.

She recalled one of the songs with which Awoists were recognised, intoning, “We are the scions of Awolowo. Ostrich is the avian king; lion the king of the jungle. Hitherto had they pretended to be Awo followers. Mimiko is real Awoist.”

Mimiko in his speech said that truth and robust journalistic output of the Tribune titles are the core essence of the newspaper’s staying and flourishing power in the media industry.

Mimiko was in company with a retinue of cabinet members including the Chief of Staff, Dr Kola Ademujimi, Information Commissioner, Mr Kayode Akinrinmade, his counterpart in the Environment Ministry, Chief Sola Ebiseni and others.

According to him, “Tribune’s staying power is not only because of the quality of the output of Tribune but also because God saw through the heart of the man that founded the Newspaper, Chief Awolowo- the purity of his heart in terms of serving the interest of our people. That contributes to the staying power of Tribune. The Newspaper is an enduring legacy of our sage left behind.

“On behalf of the people of Ondo State, we say thank you. You may not immediately know what you have done for us. You have shown to us that although money has value, Awolowo represented something worth more than money- truth and its perception in the struggle to liberate our people. To this we remain committed.

“For us, the struggle for the emancipation of Nigerians, especially the Yoruba kingdom over which Chief Obafemi Awolowo superintended as Premier is a continuous struggle and we believe every politics that should be called progressive in Nigeria must take a cue from the fundamental tenets of Chief Awolowo’s politics.

“It is using the instrumentality of government and all endeavour to make life more abundant for our people, especially those living on the margins of society, those for whom the circumstances of birth and socio-economic circumstances are not favourable. That is what we believe in in Ondo State and that is what we will continue to pursue unequivocally.

“You have convinced us that the cause we are pursuing is right. Whether one likes it or not, you and your newspaper represent the very quintessence of progressive politics in Nigeria.

“More importantly Ma, we thank God for your life and for holding the fort. You are strong in faith and you have been the keeper of that tradition. We are very proud to be associated with you and the Tribune Newspapers,” he said.

While wishing Chief (Mrs) Awolowo ‘Caleb anointing,’ the governor prayed to God to grant his host more years in good health.

http://www.tribune.com.ng/news2013/index.php/en/component/k2/item/2386-mimiko-is-real-awoist-—hid-awolowo

By Chineme Okafor

The Presidential Task Force on Power (PTFP), Friday  said that President Goodluck Jonathan did not lie on the nation’s current power generation figures.
PTFP stated in a statement in Abuja that contrary to a report published by an online media which erroneously misinterpreted the President's press briefing held last November, the president actually clarified that the country was experiencing transmission challenges with its generated power.

The statement quoted the Chairman of PTFP, Beks Dagogo-Jack to have said that during the press briefing: "The President made mention of the 5000 megawatts (MW) generation profile achieved and immediately went on to clarify that owing to transmission constraints not all of this can be evacuated for now.

It is important to note that since that interview we have achieved over 6,300 MW in available generation and have hit a peak of 4517MW in evacuated power. So where is the lie? "

Dagogo-Jack further explained that:"There was a difference between the impressive increase we have recorded in available generation which is in itself a worthy progress and the actual power we can wheel on any given day based on the transmission and gas limitations."

While referring to the article as "a mischievous misinterpretation of what Mr. President said and meant and a disrespect to the office of the President, Dagogo-Jack also said the average generation profile, which signifies the power that can be generated and made available on a given day, is well over 5,000MW just as the average evacuated power profile, which is power actually evacuated to consumers on any given day, is approximately 4,400 MW.


He stated that both figures were well below 3000MW in 2010 when President Jonathan came into office and advised the author and others in his position to endeavour to be civil in their language when addressing the office of the president especially when they are unsure of the facts.

"Such persons should not allow themselves to be used by detractors who are envious of the very remarkable strides already recorded in power under the leadership of President Jonathan. The truth of significant improvement in power supply since 2010 is not a hidden fact," Dagogo-Jack stated.

He noted that the progress made since 2010 in transiting Nigeria's  near moribund power industry into a viral private-sector driven and fully regulated market is not a hidden fact, adding that it is the President's political will and close-marking which have brought about this ongoing progress.

http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/power-jonathan-was-right-on-5-000mw-generation-says-dagogo-jack/135419/

market in the World
THURSDAY, 03 JANUARY 2013 00:00 GODFREY OBIOMA

Nigeria was the third most rewarding stock market  globally in 2012 behind Egypt and Kenya, as investors harvested 35.45 percent yield- to- date return on investment from the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

According to a study by Meristem Research, the bulk of the returns came from NSE 30 selected stocks with 44.61 percent YtD return, Food and Beverages, 42.27 percent and banking, 23.91 percent.

The companies that offered the returns, according to the study, included the Paints & Coatings Manufacturers Nigeria (PCMN), with 276.92 returns to close at N1.9 per share, Presco with YtD of 96.08 percent to finish at 17.00 , Airline Services Limited, with 92.63 returns and closing price of N4.18 per share, Zenith Bank 60.02 return and price of N19.49 and UTC, which rewarded investors with 50 percent at the price of N0.75 per share.

The Nigerian Stock Exchange All Share Index finished the year at 28,078.80 with market capitalisation of N8.974 trillion.

The Egyptian stock market was the most profitable, with YtD of 49.56 percent, Kenya, second with 39.32 percent return to investors. YtD from the Ghana Stock Exchange was 35.45 percent, while South Africa returned 23.81 percent to investors.

The US Dow Jones Average closed the year with YtD of 6.40 percent, NASDAG Composite Index 13.95 percent, UK FTSE All share index 8.61 percent, France FAC 40 index 14.80 percent and German Dax index, 29 percent.

YtD from China’s Hang Seng was 23.90 percent, India BSE 30 index 25.82 percent and Japan Nikkei 225, 22.94 percent.

The return profile shows that African markets  were most attractive by return standard,followed by markets in the Asia/ Pacific regions.

It shows that returns in matured markets of Europe and America are thinning out , a situation that leaves African and other emerging markets as viable alternative markets.

Analysts say if the trend continues in the New Year, increased migration of investors to emerging and frontier markets like Nigeria, other African countries and the Asia markets will be witnessed.

Victor Ogiemwonyi, CEO, Partnership Investment and Investment Company, said the capital market growth momentum would continue in 2013.

He attributed the growth recorded in 2012 partly to the regulators’ hard work. “They have put in place needed reforms that are now responsible for the gradual return of confidence to the market”, he said.

According to Ogiemwonyi, the outlook for 2013 is very positive. “I expect the market to do better than average in the New Year.

The factors that will influence things include the rising confidence and the liquidity that will follow, especially with the year starting with an approved budget.

The gradual return of investors will see the market rise in the first quarter and slowly correct any spike that may be too far from the average”, he predicted.


http://www.businessdayonline.com/NG/index.php/news/76-hot-topic/49782-nigeria-emerges-3rd-most-profitable-stock-market-in-the-world

Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji


A former manager with Intercontinental Bank Plc (now Access Bank), Olayinka Sanni; and the Personal Assistant to Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Oyebode Atoyebi, have been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over a case of conspiracy, stealing and forgery amounting to about N1.5 billion.

Sanni, a chartered accountant and operator of SIDAW Ventures, a Bureau de Change, was alleged to have fraudulently transferred various sums of money from more than seven customers of the bank into the account of SIDAW ventures owned and operated by him without the customers’ consent.

According to Eagleonline.com, Sanni allegedly transferred N65 million from the account of Babington Junior Seminary, N40 million from P.W. Nigeria Limited’s account, N15 million from Mikano International’s account, N20 million from Viju Industries Limited’s account, N306 million from the account of Falana & Falana Chambers and Fafun Nigeria Limited and N1.2 billion from Murhi International Limited into his SIDAW Ventures account without the consent of the account owners.

Besides, Sanni also collected $461,200 USD from one Chukwurah Nkiru, who sold it to him for the equivalent of N76,559,200, but was not paid.

Sanni is also embroiled in a foreign exchange scam where his SIDAW Ventures account was used to handle N104,405,000 where only N72,229,000 worth of foreign exchange was paid to the customer, leaving a balance of N32,185,000.
This is being hotly contested between his firm and the customer.

Atoyebi was arrested for complicity and conspiracy with Sanni for allowing his passport-sized photograph and name to be used to open an account in SIDAW Ventures Limited in the name of Akanmu Babatunde.

With this fictitious name, Sanni brokered many shady deals and duped many innocent people.
The two suspects will soon be arraigned in court.


http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/n1-5bn-scam-ikuforiji-s-bank-manager-aide-arrested/135316/

US: Nigeria Faces Formidable Challenges Consolidating Democratic Order

04 Jan 2013

Tokunbo Adedoja


United States has said that despite the fact that Nigeria conducted successful elections in 2011, the nation faces formidable challenges in consolidating democratic order.

US perception of Nigeria’s political situation was made known on Wednesday in the latest US Bilateral Relations Fact Sheets, which replaced the Background Notes series - a collection of works by the State Department highlighting facts about the land, the people, history, government, political conditions, economy, and foreign relations of nations.

The latest Fact Sheets said these “formidable challenges” include terrorist activities, sectarian conflicts and public mistrust of the government.
In the Fact Sheets, US also noted that Nigeria had yet to develop effective measures to address corruption, poverty and ineffective social service systems, and mitigate the violence.

It specifically cited the Nigeria-US Binational Commission-which came into existence in April 2010 - as the platform on which the two countries hold bilateral talks on key areas such as good governance, transparency and integrity, energy and investment; Niger Delta and regional security, and agriculture and food security.

In terms of its assistance to Nigeria, US said it “seeks to help improve the economic stability, security and well-being of Nigerians by strengthening democratic institutions, improving transparency and accountability and professionalising security forces.”

Apart from that, the Fact Sheets noted that US assistance to Nigeria also “aims to reinforce local and national systems; build institutional capacity in the provision of health and education services and support improvements in agricultural productivity, job expansion in the rural area and increased supplies of clean energy.”

In another development US hinted that the option of designating Boko Haram as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) had not been taken off the table.

Responding to a reporter’s question on whether US was closer to designating the sect as an FTO, State Department spokesperson, Victoria Nuland, said: “We’ll continue to look at that, as we have for a number of months. I think there’s always a question in these circumstances whether that’s the most effective way to deal with the organisation.

“As you know, we have named most of the kingpins of Boko Haram in individual sanctions to keep them from being able to benefit from the US economy, et cetera. But there’s also a question of whether some of the lower-ranking folk could be split, et cetera. So we’re continuing to look at what makes most sense.”

By Tokunbo Adedoja

United States has said that despite the fact that Nigeria conducted successful elections in 2011; the nation faces formidable challenges in consolidating democratic order.

US perception of Nigeria's political situation was made known on Wednesday in the latest US Bilateral Relations Fact Sheets, which replaced the Background Notes series - a collection of works by the State Department highlighting facts about the land, the people, history, government, political conditions, economy, and foreign relations of nations.

The latest Fact Sheets said these "formidable challenges" include terrorist activities, sectarian conflicts, and public mistrust of the government.

More to follow…

http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/us-nigeria-faces-formidable-challenges-consolidating-democratic-order/135294/

jmaine: The guy answered you na.....He said you should go and ask GEJ what they (Governors) did with their funds since it is his duty to police them .. .

Just imagine the uselessness of his response.....

my brother this are the kind of fools who call GEJ clueless!

[quote author=mosun_ade]Una no dey tire? This is early 2013. This is getting too ridiculous. When an adult spends his time starting topics that adds nada to his life but to just keep wipping up sentiments, then, something is wrong somewhere. Seriously speaking now.[/quote]don't mind the op he did the same thing in 2011 he would soon have heart attack and his still bitter that GEJ defeated his weak candidate in the last presidential election just leave him to his stupidity we that voted him in have no regret! Abeg make I enjoy PHCN light joor

egift: Correct the truck load of errors you uploaded above before regarding others as illiterates. By the way, Jonathan is dolling out state funds without bothering if they were utilized accordingly - and you want us to go police them without asking Jonathan what happen to the funds he squeezed out from the suffering masses with ill mated policies that have no empathy on the suffering and pains of my fellow citizens.

is this the answer to the question they asked u earlier? Let me repeat it for u in case u missed it ,what has your state government done with over 300 million naira they collect every month from the sure-p account? and stop beating around the bush!!

Hardfact: Good attempt there.

To all pro GEJ elements in the house, waiting for your response 'cos I personally find it difficult pinpoint any.

shay ur name is hardfact but it is on record that it was your governors including the once under deceit party AC.N which am sure u support!!all supported and infact asked the FG to remove subsidy so for the OP to claim that it was GEJS decision alone shows how ignorant u people are here is a link of what am saying and if think am wrong then prove me wrong like ur name suggest with hardfact!

http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/fg-governors-agree-on-removal-of-fuel-subsidy/99978/

jmaine: I have never heard of it .. .Please Genius Seanet02 .. .educate us more . . . . . .

my brother he has nothing to educate u with! As usuaul they are building up the lies they would tell when power improves more this year that is what they are known for but thank God that nigerians are wiser now. U can imagine one of them claiming that the ore-benin express road is been fixed by the EDO state governor one of their classic propoganda for the year ended 2012

mdsocks: Are we so daft that we dont know the difference between a power injection sration which steps down power from the national grid to local 11kva supplies and a power station which generates electricity.
At the op...ok we don hear oo...how many mega watts of electricity is it generating...?

my brother if u have noticed it is only the brainwashed Ac.N goons that are celebrating as u can see they don't knw the difference between power injector station and power generation station just leave them to wallow in their ignorance!! Before they turn on you with abuse cause they hate to hear the truth cause the party is built on a foundation of deceit,lies, and propoganda! Just look at the cost they used in building just one injector station!

taharqa: http://www.punchng.com/business/business-economy/subsidy-savings-fg-states-lgs-share-n248-85bn/

The FG has FULFILLED the promise made to Nigerians early this year to SET ASIDE the funds saved from the removal of subsidy and distribute same to all the Tiers of Govt, in order to fund SPECIFIC infrastructure projects (like Rails, Roads and Bridges) and Job Creation measures (like Graduate Internship Scheme). This promise have been/ is been Kept.

Now, what has the states including the ACN controlled ones(who have received at least an average of #300million EACH month) done with their own part of the subsidy money. What projects or programmes have they used the subsidy money they have received to do? Shee, they are puking their mouths into FG's share??

don't waste ur precious time educating illitrates leave dem to continue in their ignorance while their state and local government continue to collect sure-p on their behalf without doing anything they should check the article u provided above and tell us what has their state government don't with the one they've collected

Toba Suleiman

Former Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, Monday  warned some members of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) to desist from campaign of calumny against his person and other notable politicians in the state.

But ACN’s Director of Media and Publicity, Mr. Tai Oguntayo, said it was wrong for Fayose to allege that ACN was behind his present problem, when he was already having a running battle with members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state over his ambition.

A statement by the Ayo Fayose Campaign Organisation (AFCO) and signed by its Director of Publicity and Research, Mr. Idowu Adelusi, in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, called on security agents to dig deep and unravel those behind the pasting of derogatory posters concerning him and a member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Opeyemi Bamidele, across major towns in the state.

“Two days before Opeyemi Bamidele’s poster surfaced in major towns across the state, campaign posters of His Excellency, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, purporting that he wanted to contest on the banner of Labour Party (LP) littered the whole state. This, to us, is an act of cowardice, as the posters were pasted in the night.

“When Fayose wanted to contest election on the platform of the LP in 2011, he did not hide anything. When he came back to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and was to hold a thanksgiving service and be formally welcomed to the PDP, he pasted his poster in the daytime for all to see.

“Now that he is seeking the ticket of the biggest party in Africa to contest the 2014 governorship election, he did not paste his posters at night. In fact, records show that it was the ACN that sent its supporters out to attack those helping to paste his posters. Those that were arrested are still in court facing criminal charges.

“Opeyemi Bamidele said he knew those behind the pasting of his posters and we are sure the culprits are within the ACN, as keen followers of events in the political circle in Ekiti State know that all has not been well with the party since the 2011 general elections. We know the roles some people in Kayode Fayemi’s government are playing to whittle down his political influence, as theirs has been on the slide because of their actions and inactions.

Meanwhile, Oguntayo has said rather than accusing other parties for his ordeal, he should look inward within the PDP, saying ACN had much to do for the people of the state than pasting of posters.

While noting that the ACN had no problem with Bamidele, who is a member of the party and who had not declared that he had defected from the party, Oguntayo urged Fayose to reconcile with his party, which according to him has not accepted him back into the party.

“Ekiti people by now have known the pretenders calling themselves vanguards of democracy. They have nothing to offer and their stock in trade is cheap blackmail and propaganda,” the statement stated.
The organisation added that the ACN, knowing that its days in Ekiti were numbered, was ready to hold on to straw even when drowning in the ocean.

“Ekiti people would no longer allow these politicians full of deceit to play any further pranks on them. Come 2014, they will show them the exit door from the Government House in Ado-Ekiti. If the ACN could do this to Opeyemi who is of their own, it shouldn’t sound funny what it has done to Fayose,” the statement added.

The organisation, therefore, called on security agents to be on the alert, as the Fayemi-led administration and his party have shown their intolerance for opposition, despite the fact that real politicking had not started.

http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/fayose-warns-acn-against-campaign-of-calumny/135019/

Akinwunmi Adesina Lifted Agriculture to Commanding Heights

Akinwunmi Adesina

It did not come as a surprise when President Goodluck Jonathan appointed Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina to man the agriculture portfolio.  He is a technocrat, who is knowledgeable in the field of agriculture.

The minister has been able to pursue the sector’s transformation agenda targeted at producing at least 20 million metric tonnes of food for the country by 2015 and generating about three million jobs from the entire value chain of the sector.

Under his leadership, Nigeria commenced the exportation of cassava chips, which has also resulted in the production of high quality cassava flour for bread. In fact, with him in the saddle, the sector attracted about  $8 billion of private sector investment in 2012 alone.

In addition, his ministry developed a new programme christened the ‘Nigerian Agricultural Entrepreneurs’. The initiative is expected to lead to the creation of 760,000 young commercial farmers in the country in the next five years. These emerging young farmers would require capital from the banking industry in the neighbourhood of N3 trillion.

There are also plans by his ministry to create marketing co-operations. The marketing co-operations, which will be run privately, will play the same role the marketing boards played in the past.

2 ,Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Instituted Fiscal Discipline in Governance

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

The appointment of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance was greeted with high hopes and expectations.  Nobody doubted that she would perform because of her pedigree as the finance minister in the former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo-led administration, as well as her expertise as the former Managing Director of the World Bank.

About one-and-a-half years on, she has lived up to expectations. She has entrenched fiscal discipline in the management of public finances, which has helped in growing Nigeria’s Excess Crude Account and in turn the external reserves.
When it was apparent that some dubious petroleum marketers were feasting on the nation’s resources, Okonjo-Iweala instituted a probe committee headed by the Managing Director of Access Bank Plc, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, with the aim of exposing the culprits and in the long run putting an end to corruption in the subsidy regime.

Against all odds, the courageous move by the minister paid off as it was quite revealing and has instilled some sanity in the administration of subsidy. More importantly, it has cut down significantly the amount spent on fuel subsidy from N2.19 trillion as at the end of the 2011 fiscal year to slightly over N1 trillion this year.
Besides, the commencement of the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), which had been vehemently resisted by the state governors, stands to her credit. The SWF took off in October with a seed capital of $1 billion and the appointment of a board and management team.

The job creation initiative by the Federal Government - Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria (YoUWiN) - is also a testimony of her determination to create jobs. The initiative popularly called YoUWiN! is an innovative business plan competition aimed at job creation by encouraging and supporting aspiring entrepreneurial youths in Nigeria to develop and execute business ideas that will lead to job creation. So far, YouWiN has created 1,200 awardees.

3, Idris Umar Brought Railways Back to Life
Idris Umar

As Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Audu Umar remains one of the key policy makers in the transport industry. Umar, hitherto a member of the National Assembly, is not a neophyte in government.

Umar, in 2012, stepped up efforts to deliver on the mandate given to him. However, none of these deliverables was as noticeable as the rehabilitation of railway tracks across the country. Umar has given impetus in the provision of mass transit buses and rehabilitation of railway lines. The Lagos-Kano railway line was launched with fanfare a few days ago with the movement of soldiers to Lagos. More railway lines and the provision of modern coaches fitted with air conditioning are expected in the months ahead. Not a few Nigerians have expressed delight that the railway that had gone moribund for years is now back on track.

For their dogged determination – singular and collective – to overcome the odds and deliver on their job descriptions, Akinwuni Adesina, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Stella Oduah and Idris Umar, are recognised as THISDAY Persons of the Year.

http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/idris-umar-brought-railways-back-to-life/135011/

At last the spokesman of the killer party has accepted that it was their members that went on killing spree during the presidential election they are no longer in denial!!.

MANY of the Ministers in the cainet of President Goodluck Jonathan are currently anxious for fear of removal, following the preparedness of the President to increase the tempo of governance in 2013.

Sources within the power circles confirmed that the President has shown readiness to implement the review of ministers’ performance in line with the performance contract as well as the report of the review committee which x-rayed the ministers in 2012.

 Sources said that the President and his inner cabinet believe that there would be no room for excuses in 2013, a year seen as crucial to the legacies of the President.

A source said that though the President  has not made up his mind on whether to seek reelection or not, one important issue is the fact that whether he contests or not, he must have some things to show as legacies of the first four years by 2015.

The President had mentioned during the last Presidential media chat and other discussions that 2013 would be a different year and most of his aides believed that he meant that there would be no room for excuses.

It was gathered that the President has delayed the appointment of substantive Ministers of Power and Defence in line with his 2013 agenda and that very shortly, those who have been found wanting in the administration, whether as ministers or heads of parastatals and agencies would be shown the way out.

“The President has completed a review of the report of performance of most of his appointees, when you hear him talk that 2013 will be full of achievements, he is actually thinking of hitting the ground running in the New Year,” a source said, adding that many of those who were just tolerated in 2012 would not survive the purge of 2013.

“There is the fact that the President needs to place his legacies on solid foundation. It is not about 2015 but about the fact that he is able to put some things in, within the time frame granted him by Nigerians to lead,” another source said, adding that the President is fullly aware of the fact that he needs to justify the mandate  given him by Nigerians in 2011.

It was also gathered that besides the fact that the report of a presidential review panel on performance of ministers has indicted a number of ministers as non-performing, some people have also been bombarding the Presidency with teams of lobbyists in an attempt to upstage one minister or the other.

One strategist said that the issue has to do partly with the 2015 battle.

“Some of the lobbysists are concerned with the need to get some ministers off the road ahead of 2015 so as to make the battle for 2015 easier in their home states and others just want to surplant some Ministers so as to change the structure of the power game ahead  of 2015,”  a source stated.

It was gathered that anxiety had gripped  a number of ministers in the last days of 2012 following indications that the President was set to change the face of his cabinet  but the President used the occasion of the last Federal Executive Council meeting to reassure them.

“With his determination to make things happen in 2013, Jonathan is certain some people have to go and that can only be a matter of time,” another source said.

http://www.tribune.com.ng/news2013/index.php/en/component/k2/item/2089-performance-report-anxiety-grips-ministers-•as-jonathan-revs-up-governance-in-2013

By Senator Iroegbu and Yemi Akinsuyi

With barely 48 hours to the new year, a communal clash erupted in Gwako town at Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) over boundary-related disputes on farmlands,  with two people confirmed dead, 1,500 people displaced in 27 affected communities.

The clash which occurred yesterday drew the attention of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and FCT Administration (FCTA) to jointly activate their Search and Rescue teams.

It was the prompt intervention of the two agencies including security personnel from the police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the military that helped to curtail the escalation of the crisis which started Saturday as a result of encroachment of herd of cattle into farmlands in the area, before it escalated to a major fight Sunday.

The FCT Police Commissioner, Mr. Aderenle Shinaba, who confirmed the story said his men were still in the area to ensure that there would not be re-occurrence or retaliation from the Fulanis on the people.

The FCT police boss also confirmed the arrest of 15 suspects in connection with the clash.

The Director General of NEMA, Mr. Muhammad Sani-Sidi, commended the FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, who visited the scene of the clash appealed to the warring parties to live peacefully with one another and eschew any form of violence as we enter the New Year.

Sani-Sidi, who disclosed that two lives were lost and 27 communities affected, said that over 1500 internally displaced people are currently squatting in a temporary camp on the permanent campus of the University of Abuja in Gwagwalada area.

In the same vein,  Mohammed who led the FCTA team and other government agencies to assess the impact of the incident appealed to the communities to remain calm as the government would ensure that the causes of the crisis would soon be addressed to enable them return to their homes.

He also asked NEMA to provide more amenities to the victim in the camp and constituted an emergency team for conflict resolution and relief distribution to the affected communities.

Commiserating with  about 200 Fulanis, who were taking refuge at the University of Abuja permanent site, the NEMA DG said: “I urge you to take heart and not take any action that will be seen as a reprisal. President Goodluck Jonathan has already been briefed about the incident. I therefore enjoin both communities to live in peace and harmony with one another.

“We assure the displaced communities that all measures would be taken to ensure the security and protection of lives and properties.”

Mohammed, who also visited the scene with FCT Police Commissioner and Commander of the Guards Brigade, and other top FCTA officials announced that relief materials including food, water, mattresses and blankets have already been sent to them and they will continue to be looked after by FCTA and NEMA.

On his part, the Sarkin Fulani, who spoke on behalf of the Fulani Communities, commended the FCT Minister and Jonathan for their timely intervention.

Meanwhile, the FCT Minister has called a meeting today.

http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/two-killed-1-500-displaced-in-fulani-gwari-clash-in-abuja/134959/

THE Okrika National Youth Movement said, on Friday, that personal issues rather than altruistic national agenda are behind the attacks launched by Mujaheed Dokubo-Asari against President Goodluck Jonathan and his government.

Dokubo-Asari had, at a press conference held in Abuja and separate media interviews, criticised President Jonathan for neglecting the South-South region, adding that a clique had hijacked the president. He said that the neglect of the South-South by Jonathan could cost him a second term in office in 2015.

He also claimed that the said clique controlling the president caused the feud between Jonathan and former President Olusegun Obasanjo.  

But the Okrika Youth Movement in a statement signed by its president, Mr  Anthony Amieyefori, and secretary, Comrade Ibiyoma Lloyd, said that the former militant was fighting a selfish battle  and that he had decided to voice out having failed to get a renewal of the contract for pipeline security granted him and some former militants.

The group said: “Asari owns a pipeline security outfit to stem the rising wave of piracy on the Niger Delta waters but failed to work for the objectives for which the contract was given after millions of dollars have been paid to him.

“In spite of the shameful failure above, he and those in his category have mounted series of pressures on the presidency, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, as well as the petroleum minister for the renewal of such contracts. This is most unfortunate and goes to show that unlike Government Ekpomupolo (Tompolo) whose Oil Facility Surveillance Company is working in the Delta axis to rid the state of oil thieves, Asari’s supposed struggle is about self and self alone.”

The group also linked recent outbursts of the ex-militant to alleged attempts to get one of his favourites appointed as Niger Delta  minister, adding that the cold shoulders he had received from the presidency led to the recent outbursts.

According to the group, the declarations of Dokubo-Asari were not representative of the views of the people of the Niger Delta, whom the group said were firmly in support of President Jonathan and his policies.

The group further wrote: “We are convinced that another vital reason for Dokubo-Asari’s attack on President Jonathan is not unconnected with his consistent lobby on behalf of his friend, a presidential aide whom he (Asari) wants appointed as Niger Delta minister.

“Therefore, we implore all Nigerians to ignore Asari and regard his vituperations as products of a helpless lobbyist, who is acting the script of personal interests and those of his friends who have personalised every opportunity arising from their supposed struggle for the people of the Niger Delta.”

“In a nutshell, Asari’s comments do not reflect the opinion of the Niger Delta people as he speaks for himself and he is acting the orchestrated script of some unseen over-ambitious persons within the presidency.”


http://www.tribune.com.ng/news2013/index.php/en/component/k2/item/2011-why-dokubo-asari-is-fighting-jonathan-—group

ocelot2006: Aaaand there it is. The 3rd excuse.

my brother am waiting for their 4th excuse for increase in power! Maybe by 2015! He would publish a book with a title 3million excuses why nigeria has constant Electricity. To discredit. GEJ

Meanwhile I dey enjoy nepa light for my area for ajah lagos

Kamanda: Rubbish!
How does GDP put food on the table of the common man or provide jobs for the army of unemployed.

Abeg second base jare!

what this means is that your standard of living as a nigerian has increased by 6.48 percent!. I don't expect it to put food on your table what it simply means is that NIGERIA UNDER GEJ made more money.and if u can tap into the transformation agenda of this government(instead of u critizing and waiting for the FG to give u job when ur local govertment that collects allocations from same FG on ur behalf can't then ur on a long thing)like me who taped into this governments agricultural sector tranformation I knw what am getting just being a NIGERIAN CITIZEN!

[quote author=Osiris.211]The only ediot I see going down by the day is the clueless and confused silver back gorilla in aso rock.

You fools should protest the appointment of Lawrence Anini aka Tony Aneni, the thief that stole 300 billion naira meant for Benin-Ore and yet Jonathan Goatluck sees nothing wrong in appointing him.[/quote]I don't have to exchange words with u cause I knw u don't live in eti osa continue with ur dillusions. But those that live in this areas knw what am talking about ur just a payed buttlicker on nairaland! so ur opinion don't matter to me or any other etiosa local govt area residence who pay 2 tolls just to get to VI!. Those who they stole a 2 lane road provided by jakande without world bank loan or any PPP arrangement!!! In return gave Us an interlocked bush part as an alternative! Those are the people that their opinion matters and not a PPP paid agent like you!

CBN forecasts 6.61 per cent overall growth for 2012

THE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in real terms, in the third quarter of 2012, stood at N243.26 billion, representing 6.48 per cent growth, against 6.39 per cent it recorded in the second quarter of the year and 7.37 per cent in the corresponding period of 2011.

This showed 0.09 per cent quarter-to-quarter increase and 0.89 per cent decrease when compared with the third quarter of 2011.

Also, CBN has projected a better GDP growth of N263.93 billion in fourth quarter, representing 7.09 per cent growth and 0.61 per cent increase over the third quarter, which will translate to the overall GDP growth of 6.61 per cent in 2012.

The forecast was based on projected increase in lending activities by banks, favourable oil sector indicators, improved power supply across the country and increased consumer demand during the year-end festivities.

The marginal improvement in this year’s third quarter GDP report over the second quarter was attributed to increase in the contributions of the wholesale/retail trade sub-sector and the industrial sector, which rose from 1.45 per cent to 1.76 per cent and 0.23 per cent to 0.33 per cent respectively.

According to CBN’s third quarter Bulletin, the available data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), showed that the improvement was however constrained by the slowdown in relative contributions of other sectors like agriculture, services and building and construction, when compared with the second quarter performance.

http://www.theguardianmobile.com/readNewsItem1.php?nid=9413

Cunninlingus: Islam's Latest Contributions to Peace

2012.12.28 (Musari, Nigeria) - Islamists tie up fifteen women and children, then slit their throats while shouting praises to Allah.

2012.12.27 (Charsadda, Pakistan) - Four children are injured when radicals set off a bomb outside a rival mosque.

2012.12.27 (Tarin Kot, Afghanistan) - A religious policeman helps his Sunni brothers slaughter four fellow officers in their sleep.

2012.12.27 (Quetta, Pakistan) - A Christian girl is shot execution style through the head.

2012.12.27 (Bouira, Algeria) - Two children, ages 12 and 14, are ripped to shreds by an Islamist bomb.

2012.12.26 (Vladikavkaz, Russia) - A moderate mufti is assassinated by Islamic radicals.

and yet their chief supporter and their “ numero uno" wants to rule Nigeria!!!

[quote author=Osiris.211]^
But commissioning cassava bread and conversion of military aircraft to kabukabu is an achievements to you fools. what a dunce.[/quote]. I guess ur one of the beneficiaries of the PPP lagos.like all of u u who are like a puppet in the hands of ur PPP masters Tinubu ur puppet master anybody who critizes our PPP administration is a pdp agent!.don worry we would protest with our votes in eti osa come 2015!

. I guess ur one of the beneficiaries of the PPP lagos.like all of u u who are like a puppet in the hands of ur PPP masters Tinubu ur puppet master anybody who critizes our PPP administration is a pdp agent!.don worry we would protest with our votes in eti osa come 2015!

And ACF is busy blaming GEJ for their woes
http://www.theguardianmobile.com/readNewsItem1.php?nid=9439

This ACF guys are all clowns I wonder why they didn't make it to nairaland hall of fame! Very funny bunch

AREWA leaders have blamed the political and social predicament facing the region on the failure of the Federal Government to improve the welfare of the people and also guarantee freedom and rights of citizens, saying that this has accounted for the current state of siege in the North.

The buck-passing arising from the dwindling political fortune of the region and the insecurity pervading the geographical area was part of the outcome expressed in the communiqué issued by the northern elders after a two-day symposium held at Arewa House, Kaduna.

In the communiqué issued and read by a one-time member of the House of Representatives, Dr. Usman Bugaje, the Arewa leaders lamented that “the weakening nature and perhaps the failure of the Nigerian State to protect lives and property as well as its inability to provide basic social services and guarantee freedom and rights of citizens cumulatively accounts for the current state of siege in which the North now finds itself.”

According to Bugaje, “the systematic erosion of cherished values of honesty, tolerance and integrity that were once the hallmark of public service in the North have resulted in bad governance, disregard for the rule of law and general decadence.”

He also noted that “Social indicators and statistics for all human development perspectives show the dismal crises in education, health, water and sanitation services, thereby placing the region far below its counterparts in the country,” pointing out that “the effect of the current insurgency of Ahlas Sunna li dawa’ati wal Jihad and other forms of insecurity have impacted negatively on the socio-economic, political and the religious life of the people.”

The Arewa leaders further argued: “Economic growth and development, commerce and trade in both formal and informal sectors of the northern states are being stifled with multiplier on the larger national and African sub-regional economies. The general conduct of the JTF and how the fundamental rights of the citizens of the north are being violated in clear breach of the rules of engagement. It is expected that the JTF will strictly abide by the professional terms of engagement in the interest of peace.”


http://www.theguardianmobile.com/readNewsItem1.php?nid=9439

A party that corverted a public 2 lane road constructed without toll by jakande to their private property because they added 1 lane and huge roundabout! Built 3 toll gate on the same stretch of road that is not more than 50km and are planning to collect toll gate for 30yrs.