₦airaland Forum

@NLC

The issue of the strikes, protests and against an obnoxious policy, is not and industrial relations one; it is not between an employer and an employee. Rather it is one between the Nigerian People versus the Jonathan Government.
So if the issue was taken before the National Industrial Court, then it is the wrong place to shop for a black market injunction. To obtain an injunction from a court that has no competent jurisdiction is to try playing ping pong with the judiciary.

Very Apt!
Let it be known that Nigerians are not 100% dependent on NLC or TUC for this PROTEST ACTION.
If NLC and TUC and other bodies come onboard, FINE, otherwise, NIGERIAN MASSES will still take action!

Our lIves and those of our family is affected and depends on these things. We fight only for our interest and that of Nigerians. Not IMF, World Bank or the E.U.

We also serve notice that we are aware that  BETRAYAL MAY COME FROM SOME OF THESE ORGANIZATION'S LEADERS! Let them not feel too important in the scheme of things, we will simply ignore them and move on with our protest.

Lastpage

I have taken it on myself to read Mallam Sanusi’s post very well, [b]as recommended [/b]and l am posting it below again. I am also going to show the Shallowness and deceit of the post by dissecting it for everyone’s benefit.

@Mallan Sanusi

You can do all this and no one can catch it or prove it because somebody was paid to sign off on docs. And with a high enough margin there is too much temptation to be resisted and firepower for bribing officials.

When I spoke to the house of reps I told them why I was suspecting fraud. It starts from PPPRA "allocations" based on "capacity". You will find a company like Mobil with capacity for say 60,000 MT and a relatively unknown name with a capacity of say 90k MT. Red alert number 1.

In summary, this is like "over-invoicing" by govt officials! Corruption at its highest!!

Although PPPRA is supposed to give license only to marketers with a national distribution network you see names of companies where u have never seen a filling station in their name. I was a chief risk officer in UBA and in FBN for many years approving loans so I know the name of every big player in every industry that nigerian banks lend to as these are among the biggest banks in the country. I see names on the list I don't recognise either from portfolios I looked at or industry studies over the years. Red alert number 2.

Again, use of fake companies to siphon "subsidy money", perpetuated by the same GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS!

I studied the papers presented to PPPRA in a short period in 2010 (I won't tell u how I got them!). And I was surprised that on some days over 10 vessels are said to have discharged cargo in lagos on the same day-clearly the same officers stamping and "verifying" that the vessels were SEEN. Is it really realistic that on the same day 13-15 vessels can discharge in Lagos? Red alert number 3.

Again, use of over-invoicing and inflation of actual delivery figures, to siphon "subsidy money", perpetuated by the same GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS!

Why was I interested in fuel marketing. Because the two sectors that led to the near collapse of the banking industry were capital markets and oil marketing. I am not giving any confidential info out as AMCON MD has already disclosed publicly that two companies alone-zenon and AP-owned by the same businessman owed the nigerian banking industry N220b. And we all saw the amount of subsidy paid to those companies published by BusinessDay. So money had been taken, subsidy had been collected but loans were not repaid, and we couldn't see the money either as product in tank farms or in fuel stations or credit sales. So I became obsessed with trying to understand how that industry operated and the more I saw the more I hated it and I started the war against subsidies. It is actually better to do a direct cash payout or add a line item to salaries called petroleum support or transport allowance capped at say N 300b pa than to keep paying it. It goes to pay middle men, rent-seekers and corrupt officers and there is no amount of preaching that will stop this fraud so long as the policy is so badly defined. Everytime oil price goes up and everytime the naira is devalued and everytime the quantity of imports increases the "subsidy" and thus the "rent" increases and there is more gravy to go round.

Please take very strong note of the bolded parts above! Even Sanusi acknowledges this! If "Loans were collected and not paid, why has Sanusi not clamp these defaulters into jail or seize their assets, like he did to owners of Intercontinental Bank and other banks? WHy are they afraid of these ones? Why start "war against subsidies" instead of a "war against economic saboteurs and corrupt govt officials"? Is it because these are not private individuals? Is it because "the corruption money flows up to higher officials"? Tell us the truth, Mallam, please. How can you and Jonathan be so HELPLESS?
If you cannot do anything let the "masses match on these people and behead them".

So every year we "import" more and more and deplete our reserves, and the government borrows more and more to pay for subsidy and the beneficiaries are a small group of marketers, govt officials and neighboring countries which get fuel without losing forex! And while a person who applies intelligence can see what is happening you can't prove it in a court of law. If the man says he sighted the vessel and it was 20kMT u have to accept it. It was a year ago!

Is it the masses fault that you and GEJ cannot secure he nations bothers and prevent smuggling? If you increase fuel to 500naira/liter, thus it not occur to you that the smugglers will simply "add their margin" and sell at a profit since there would still be demand for fuel in those neighboring countries? Oga, l think you're smarter than this now?

From all Mallam Sanusi stated above let me make a small summary for him and his likes who appear intelligent but are actually dunce and corrupt:

1.) In no place throughout the commentary did Sanusi accuse the "common man" of stealing from the government. All his accusations were directed at govt officials, people employed by govt and he knows them. Question is: Why is it the "poor masses" who have nothing to do with the ripping-off of govt, be the one to cough out and pay for such corruption? A case of ignoring Leprosy and chasing Ring Worm!

2) We have said it and we will repeat it her: If you know the Cabal (and Sanusi has mentioned some of them), what stops you as Minister for Finance, and your President as Commander-in-Chief, with all the state powers, from arresting and prosecuting them? Why turn on weaker Nigerians who played no part? Why rob Peter to pay Paul? Is this not sheer WICKEDNESS and COWARDICE?

3.) Since Mallam Sanusi has shown us how these people over-invoice, inflate deliveries and profiteer from subsidy, does it not makes sense for him to realize that it is not the subsidy that is the problem, BUT THOSE WHO ABUSE THE SYSTEM? Why not eliminate them and let Nigerians be?

4.) It is obvious that even when Sanusi knows what is dwindling our economic reserve (as he said in the last paragraph), this man still went ahead to de-value our naira, a few weeks ago, just to satisfy his Brenton-Woods, IMF and World Bank paymasters (after he initially refused!). Why cant our leaders act in the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians, for once? Why not face the problem of corruption head-on? Or are they the Cabal itself?

5.) For a govt that cannot tackle this "fuel Cabal", what will they do if and when the same Cabal creeps into the savings from the "fuel subsidy removal" and start to use the same tactics: Over-invoicing, fake inventory, round-tripping, contract inflation, e.t.c to dwindle that savings and render the intention useless and unattainable? Will Govt now look for another scape goat in the masses and issue more punishment?

6.) Am l to believe that we are been led by daft people who can articulate "a problem" but cannot proffer the necessary solution? If they have nothing to offer, cant they just resign honorably rather than subjecting Nigerians to poverty and economic hardship?

Sanusi has by this write-up, insulted himself, GEJ and all his Ministers as incompetent fools who are not fit for purpose.
We Nigerian masses will not be used as cannon-fodder anymore!

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

Lastpage

^^^How will it be possible or let me say how would they do all the above IMMEDIATELY, if they have not succeeded in doing it for the last TWENTY YEARS?

Dem don get magic?
For example, which 'magic' will make rail and intercity-rail to appear immediately?

Genius is not acquired in a day! it builds up over time, my Broda!

What they can do IMMEDIATELY is to rescind the fuel subsidy decision.

@bayoooooo:

Are you remotely aware that there is a phrase called "PERSONAL INTEGRITY"?

For example, if l know that l cannot sleep with my friends wife, would l not do everything within my power to avoid being in a "compromising position" (like being left alone with her at night) with her?
Can l honestly excuse myself by saying "its not my fault, my friend should not have left his salacious wife with me all alone?"

Gani had it, Fela had it and a few other Nigerians.

Why must some people like Abatti always be "Men of the Belly"?
If you think the job will compromise your stand and rubbish your reputation (which he built over years as a public critic!), why dont you just SAY NO or will Segun Adeniyi be dead by now if he has not taken that job that made him a perpetual LIAR under Umaru Yar Ardua?

These are guys who are already comfortable with a job and a reputation, not some unemployed suffer-suffer youth who is very desperate for money?

Greed they say "Does not know ENOUGH of anything"!

Lastpage!

^^^^Mind you, the MORE IMPORTANT INFO l am CONVEYING is that the MASSES MUST RISE-UP SPONTANEOUSLY to demand to be treated like HUMANS, by our so-called elected Leaders.

Government is FOR THE PEOPLE and not the other way round.

If govt is responsible at any time and at all times, the idea that the masses must suffer to compensate for the greed of some CABAL and the inefficiency of those in power, SHOULD NEVER HAVE ARISEN!

1.) There are ALTERNATIVES to removing Fuel subsidy now (its all over the place and in many of my posts so l dont need to re-type them again)

2.) The "timing" is infantile-ridiculous! Except the President is under a sort of "self-destruct spell", even a 9yr old knows not to destabilize the system with civil unrest, when we right in the middle of a security dilemna (Boko Bombings) and it keeps getting worse by the day! WTF Mr. President?

3.) Fuel subsidy removal at this stage is like "Putting the Cart before the Horse". Stable Power Supply and efficiently running local Refinery are two things that needs to come first, before any subsidy can be removed. After those two are in place, removal of subsidy is a forgone issue. People will not even notice talk-less of grumbling!

4.) Mr. President must curtail his own financial recklessness. His must curtail the profligacy of his wife and his Cabinet members and most important of all, corruption in the NASS must come to an end.
The masses cant be sacrificed to save money for he nation while the four constituents named above go on and squander it like it is rain-water!

We've seen it before, We've heard it before but this time around, we aint taking none of it anymore!

Enough is Enough!

Lastpage!

The last time Obasanjo increased fuel price, all hell was to let loose and people where waiting for NLC, headed by Adams Oshiomole, to give the go-ahead.

Even Reuben Abati was firing from both Hips, the papers were full with articles (and one of them has been replicated here on NL and everywhere on the net).
While we were waiting, President Obasanjo invited Oshiomole (as NLC President and Labour Rep.) and Reuben Abatti (unorganized Labor/Journalist Rep) to Abuja to discuss on the fuel subsidy removal.
Before they left, we all have agreed that the price must be reversed or else it will be a prolong strike.

To our chagrin, both Oshiomole and Abatti started dragging their feet (negotiation is still on-going, bla-bla-bla)
We waited and waited endlessly for these two thieves to give us the go-ahead to start full steam (meanwhile, soldiers have started killing a few people over the issue).

Till today, Oshiomole never got back to us. Abatti suddenly started avoiding public debates!

Later, information emerged that OBJ gave both of them "choice plots of Land in Abuja and hefty bags of Cash"

Even Abatti has never been able to den this till today, he has been asked to clarify these assertion and he chose to keep quiet over it, till date!

Maybe someone should ask Oshiomole where and how he suddenly ran into a lot of money to finance his election as Governor, afterall, he was just NLC leader (union leader) and not some rich boy from a rich family!

Again, we are not surprised that Oshiomole eventually answered the "call of his benefactors" in government, having being nominated by OBJ (more payback) to be GEJ's mouth-piece!

Why did l recall this story?

To warn Nigerians that their hope in NLC and TUC is misplaced.
They already stabbed you in the back otherwise, THE STRIKE WOULD HAVE BEEN SPONTANEOUS

All these "setting of long date" is to allow the protest to loose steam! They just want to "appear like they are protesting".

Bookmark my words and come back here in  a few weeks time!

Lastpage

^^^Stop praying for the "dead", its not gonna wake him up neither will it alter his future!

Carry stone and throw at those Policemen instead of raking "Aaaah, they are still beating him, they wan kill him, e.t.c".


Or did we not see as North Africans carry stone and even break down walls, to get more stones and hurl at their oppressors?

Even Palestinians are known to throw stones at gun-wielding Israeli forces!

By the time you break the head or face of a few Policemen, they too will have something to nurse!

The only good you can do our dead friend is to ensure he did not die for NOTHING!

Let the PROTEST BEGIN.

Lastpage

@mbubela

how these guys sleep at night is a wonder i am yet to comprehend.
do they have consciences?
look at how swift Segun Adeniyi's rehabilitation took?
He has now resumed with his sermon on the mount.
you just wonder if these guys are human?

Na today? See Oshiomole sef naah? Was it not Oshiomole and Abati that were given Land and money by OBJ to scuttle the last  fuel increase under OBJ?
See Fani- Kayode sef, that uncouth young man who will abuse anybody's father (under OBJ's regime)!
himself don suddenly turn to "we the masses will. . . "

The Nigerian and Political c.u.m moral 419!

Dont worry urself, in this age of "technology", there are ways of unmasking any masquerade!

Mostly those ways are NOT legal sha, and needs to be done stealthily

Lastpage

First, Okonjo Iweala did threaten to resign if Jonathan bowed to pressure to rescind the Fuel subsidy decision, at the hurriedly convened FEC meeting.
I have read it in at least five different online News sources. The accounts are vivid enough for anyone to know that the story was not made up.

See two below and read yourself. (and dont expect a government paper like Daily Times to carry such report! )

http://www.republicreport.com/imfworld-bank-errand-girl-ngozi-okonjo-iweala-threatens-to-resign-if-jonathan-revises-removed-oil-subsidy-reports/


http://pointblanknews.com/new/exclusive/3387-fuel-subsidy-i-will-resign-if-you-change-your-mind-iweala-tells-jonathan.html
So, lets quit harassing Alh harem who posted the heading.

What she just did on  her Twitter page is called "DAMAGE CONTROL" cause it will show they are in disarray already and that would embolden the oppositions.

Even some of his Ministers were wondering about the "timing", l guess they dont want to "go down with him" since its obvious he is on a road to perdition!
Smart guys, they learnt one thing at least, from the Arab spring!!

Lastpage

@reindeer

I'm happy people are realising the mistake they made in choosing this clueless president over Buhari.
We can't compare somone who built the refineries to someone whose part and parcel of those who wrecked them.
Only very bigoted people cannot see that by now.
I hope the nation has learnt a lesson and refused to be deceived by the bias created in their minds against the noble General.
History tells our stories, we all know what history will say about GEJ.

Your response/conclusion is pedestrian as the issue is deeper than just Jonathan Vs. Buhari.
Even if they dont vote GEJ, They will still find it difficult to vote Buhari, "as he is", for who/what he represents in people's mind.

I would think you would address those issues (as raised above) that make people act against logic, to vote for a Jonathan over a Buhari.

Assuming those "critical issues" could be diminished if not completely removed from Buhari's personality, dont you think he will be a better-sell than the current one that evokes "serious worry" amongst those who voted for Jonathan?

Again, we seems to be choosing between " a blind man and a crippled man", none would suit our purpose, none is our "best option"!

Cheers,

lastpage

Nigerians are reputed to have a very short memory or suffer from Amnesia of some sort.
Those who oppose govt policies are known to do "somersault of the mouth" once their position changes.
Segun Adeniyi (former Aso Rock Spokesman under President Umaru yar Adua) was my hero on Thisday Newspaper, until he joined government! The rest is history!
Adams Oshiomole was everyone's darling when he was in the NLC until former President Obasanjo invited him and Reuben Abatti to Abuja "for talks". Land and Money was reported to have changed "ownership" after that meeting!
Today, Oshiomole is a Sate Governor and part of the solution/problem?

Reuben Abatti is a "breakfast must read" for me, in the Guardian Newspapers and below is Reuben Abatti before he joined/start living in Aso Rock.

Just three years ago, Dr. Reuben Abati, now Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, was so incensed by the “joke” called removal of fuel subsidy that he evinced the possibility of jungle justice for proponents of the idea in the corridors of power. Today, he has changed his mind. A man has the right to change his mind. But the people too have the right to remember; to remember where, when, and how the rain of betrayal and treachery began to beat them…

“We Shall Start Stoning The Economists In Official Corridors.” – By Reuben Abati In 2009

By Reuben Abati

READ ABATI'S ARTICLE BELOW:

It must be a joke, right? The proposed plan by the Federal Government to fully deregulate the downstream sector and remove the remaining subsidy on petroleum products. When the news first broke during the week, Nigerians were told that a committee had been set up to be led by the Governor of Bauchi State, Isa Yuguda, with a mandate to work out an action-plan and a time-table for implementation and consult with stakeholders.

The mischief and dishonesty are obvious: why set up a committee to seek the input of stakeholders when a final decision has already been taken? By yesterday, The Saturday Punch newspaper had reported that a pump price of N73 per litre may be announced within a week. The assignment of the Yuguda committee had been completed even before it had a chance to sit. A Petroleum Industry Bill, and another bill seeking to change the Petroleum Producta Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) template have also been sent to the National Assembly. Why not wait for the bills to be considered by the National Assembly?

The so-called complete deregulation of the downstream sector and the removal of subsidy may seem like a purely economic policy decision, but it is so tied to larger Nigerian questions that it ought to be more rigorously debated, and government should make haste slowly. As at this moment, Nigeria operates a partial deregulation regime in the downstream sector. Petrol and kerosene prices are regulated while diesel is fully deregulated. The regime is corruption-ridden, it is badly managed. There is no indication that a complete deregulation regime will be better managed. The problem is not one of form, but leadership.

The arguments being advanced to justify the proposed full deregulation do not make sense. All the arguments have a ring of deja vu. They are taken from the same textbooks that the economists have refused to update, the same ideas that led to the collapse of the global economy. Other countries are making a U-turn and subjecting textbook knowledge to the test of reality, Nigerian policy makers are still holding on to old paradigms. One of these days, we shall start stoning the economists in official corridors.

They tell us that in a fully deregulated downstream sector foreign investors, who have been suspicious of the Nigerian market, will be encouraged by a better pricing regime determined solely and fully by market forces. Marketers in the downstream sector will also be happier as the margins of profit will increase. The Federal Government under the new dispensation wants to privatise the country's four refineries, and it is convinced that investors will jump at the opportunity. To please us, they say as investors make more money, pump prices will reduce and the scope of price differentials will widen, enabling choice. But what is more important, the profit motive of investors and marketers or the interests of the Nigerian people?

Deregulation will not automatically guarantee the happiness of marketers and investors. Who wants to buy Nigeria's run-down refineries, with their obsolete technology anyway? And if anyone does, the profit that they seek will be automatically abbreviated by other challenges in the environment including transportation and the violence in the Niger Delta. I'll like to see those investors who would like to take on the refineries in the Niger Delta at a time when oil mutlinationals are scaling down operations and relocating their expatriate staff due to the menace of kidnapping in the Niger Delta. Besides, the Nigerian investment environment is unstable and uncertain and it is increasingly so. What if another government shows up in the future and introduces a different policy? Full deregulation as proposed translates into only one thing: higher pump prices of petroleum products and greater hardship for the Nigerian people.

It is curious that the recommendation is coming from the Federal Government Committee on the Global Economic Crisis. Elsewhere, recession has resulted in government becoming friendlier towards the people. Countries are introducing packages to stimulate the economy and to inspire hope. Prices are being slashed in order to encourage more spending, government is intervening to play a bigger role in the lives of the people in order to save nations from anomie. These same blind market forces that Mansur Muhtar and co are reinventing as the cure-all for the downstream sector is the devil in the global economic setback. Don't they know this? If PMS now goes up to N73 per litre, with the Naira exchanging as at yesterday at N173 to the dollar, with the stock market now a penny shop, with no regular power supply and no jobs, starvation wages are still being paid, companies are cutting jobs, and public officials are living large and bank directors are junketing about like a yo-yo in expensive jets, and the refineries are down, and there is very low capacity utilisation in the real sector, the only losers will be ordinary people. What should come first: full deregulation or house cleaning? I think the latter.

One major excuse offered by the Minister of Finance is that in the face of huge budget deficits, the Federal Government can no longer sustain an annual subsidy of about N640 billion in the downstream sector. In the past three years, a total of N1. 6 trillion has reportedly been spent. The question to ask is: How? Where is this subsidy that government talks about? How was it disbursed? It is not enough for government to talk about huge subsidy, it must explain what constitutes that subsidy. Now, they argue that if government can have access to this N640 billion per annum, it can then use it on infrastructural development. Well, we have heard that before.

It was the same argument that was used to raise the pump price of petrol from N11 all the way to N70, that was in those days when they used to tell us that a litre of petrol in Nigeria was cheaper than a bottle of Coke, and there has been no improvement in the quality of infrastructure since then. Muhtar says privatisation of the refineries is important and that government is determined to get it right this time. The Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Mohammed Barkindo says with local refining, cost associated with importation will be eliminated and retail prices will become cheaper. We don't think so. Because even if all the refineries were to work at optimal capacity, Nigeria would still have to import refined petroleum products to satisfy local demand. And can anybody rely on government's promise? The reality is that Nigerians no longer trust their governments.

The Minister of Finance put his finger on the matter when he lamented that the bane of the oil and gas sector is that government has been subsidising inefficiency and corruption. (Even repeated in 2012!) The PPPRA is to be reviewed because under the new arrangement, its role would have to change, but even more so, the Federal Government says, the body has been compromised. Also, the rehabilitation of the refineries, we are told, ended up putting money in private pockets, and so the Federal Government does not intend to spend one extra kobo on those refineries anymore. If the government knows all of these, why is it lamenting? It should immediately arrest those who have encouraged the inefficiency in the PPMC, the NGC, the NNPC, the PPPRA and let Nigerians know who and how the subsidy of N640 billion vanished annually without any impact on the economy and the people. The Obasanjo government once tried to audit the accounts of the NNPC. It couldn't come up with reliable figures. A proper audit of the present, operative template is advisable. Yes, there are leakages, but what exactly is wrong? First, the Federal Government must determine the actual cost of petroleum products, from production to the market. This will enable it to know the exact amount of subsidy that is required, and exactly how much has been frittered away, and by who. Perhaps if it knows the actual required subsidy, and plugs the leakage pipes, it may be persuaded to seek scapegoats elswehere. Second, sanctions must be meted out to the saboteurs when identified. Into whose pockets did the N640 billion disappear every year?

It was further argued that government intends to ensure open and free licensing in the downstream sector in order to break an existing oligopoly. But, if we may ask, who are the members of the cartels that Mansur Muhtar is complaining about? Can they be named? Could they possibly be the same persons who donate money to PDP political campaigns, or Presidential libraries and who are so neck-deep in PDP politics that their names show up every year on the National Honours List for services rendered to (sorry, for damages done to) Nigeria? Independent marketers in the downstream sector complain daily about the dominance of these powerful forces who alone exercise an undeserved monopoly in the sector. Is there any guarantee that government as it is can protect a regime of free competition? With 2011 around the corner, won't the Yar'�dua government still need the cartel in the downstream sector when it decides to raise funds for a second term project?

Again, government wants to do offshore refining. This had been recommended many times in the past, but even if the option is now adopted, has government thought its way through it? Or has this been thrown in merely as a convenient slogan after a fashion? To further simplify this matter: by cancelling subsidy for petroleum products, government wants to free more resources for its own use. I don't want to believe that the Nigerian government is cash-strapped. Is this not the same government that returns unspent money every year to the treasury? And if the lifestyle of government officials and the politicians is any measure of reality, government remains the most profitable business in the country today. If the Federal Government is looking for more funds, why doesn't it look elsewhere and try to cut its own costs and reduce the extravagance of government?. A salary cut for public officals was proposed recently, but one after the other some state Governors are already saying: "Pay cut? Count me out?" Why don't they cut the fat allowances and estacodes then? And strengthen the mechanism for checking corruption in official corridors?

About a month ago, the PPPRA had suddenly announced a surprising reduction in the pump price of petrol, from N70 per litre to N65 per litre. With the present development, it is now clear that government was playing games with the feelings of Nigerians. The reduction was meant to last for one month only. A month later, now the plan to remove "subsidy." The Nigerian Labour Congress has said that it will resist any increase in the pump prices of petroleum products, but it should do more than that. It should provide strong counter-arguments to expose the folly of the proposal and the wrongness of the timing. The National Assembly should be persuaded to act in the interest of the people and say to the Federal Executive: "No, not now".

Other countries of the world provide subsidy for their citizens. Nigerians ask: if they remove petroleum subsidy compeletely, then what is it that we are expected to enjoy as citizens? Yet, Nigeria is a petroleum producing country. The Global Recession Committee should take another look at its proposal, it should pay clozse attention to public responses. No matter how attractive the removal of subsidy in the downstream sector may be, this is not the time to do it. And this is not how to go about it. Now again we pay the price for poor leadership. What is being planned is provocative. It is an invitation to chaos.

I love Reuben Abatti to bits!
I love it even more when "men of Integrity" hang themselves on their own rope of integrity!
What a shame!

Lastpage.

Mr.9andhalf, where is the BB you promised or are you another GEJ?

^^^^Everyman has the right to "UNTIE" his tied Hands afterall, we all have and bear our fathers name!
Its not a do or die affair naah, abi?

"Better to live one day and leave good imprints on the Sands of Time than to live a hundred years and be a NOBODY with Tied Hands"!

Lastpage

@Buhari and Presidency:

First [b]Buhari and Idiagbon's Regime [/b]was poised to change the face of Nigeria for good before IBB scuttled it!

Buhari has a lot of good points BUT there are TWO things that make people (most especially Non-Northerners) WARY OF HIM!

1) Buhari appears more of a Northerner than a Nigerian:On many occasions, he has shown that he would do the bidding of the northern Oligarchy first, than tackle thm if Nigeria's interest conflicts with theirs.

2) Buhari appears more of a Muslin than a Nigerian: On many occasions too, he has played the religious card and Nigeria cannot afford a leader who places one religion over another or who cannot call the bluff of religious leaders, Christian or Muslim

Since Buhari cannot win the Presidency with only Northern votes, he has to demonstrate that He is more of a Nigerian than the current posture he portrays!

A true Nigerian Leader MUST be above RELIGION, must be above Ethnic and Tribal sentiments, must see the whole country and people as his FIRST CONSTITUENCY AND DOMAIN, before where he comes from, what language he speaks and what religion he actually practices. FAIRNESS TO ALL NIGERIANS must be his watchword.

Does Buharu fit the above billing? I leave the answer to you, you be the judge.

As a southerner, l feel Buhari is miles ahead of Jonathan in terms of experience and credibility but in truth, the marginalization of the other parts of the country in "leadership positions" (especially using the military), is what made people to vote for Jonathan (it was based on "such sentiments" and this is the price we are all paying now!).

As a matter of fact, many would wish at this moment, that the military "will come to the defense of Democracy"! if not that Non-Northerners are thinking "Hey, would that mean power goes back to the Northerners again, and God knows for how long"!
This is the quagmire of Nigerians, between the devil and the deep sea!

[b]My hope is that we would produce, somehow, a "DE-tribalized Nigerian" irrespective of where he comes from, (as long as he sees himself as a Nigerian first and feels responsible for all Nigerians first, before his clan!) who can "clean this system of all dregs, especially the recycled ones who have milked this country dry; someone in the mold of Jerry Rawlings, someone who will do the cleansing job and stand aside and is ready to behead any looter at short notice[/b]. I hate all these recycled leaders with a passion!

Believe me, within five years, Nigeria would look like another country in Asia!

Although we must not discount the "underground maneuvers" of the "West" to discredit and sabotage any good leader from Africa, thats one way to keep us enslaved, literally speaking.

In all, we the populace are the ones who can "sift and select" the type of leaders we want.
Nothing stops us from "identifying a NOBODY from somewhere and rallying behind him/her, if we feel strongly about that person's capabilities.
We should learn to put our money where our mouth is!

Lastpage.

BTW: Why did Seun lock that other "rumor thread" by Alj harem? No explanation, just a denial of posting privilege? Would it not be nice if you even post a small message telling us why you locked the thread?
Abi na "Cabal" do this one also?
You see the problem with "abuse of power and leadership" that Nigeria faces, in a microcosm here on NL? Just let people get small power and you will see the typicalNigerian in them!

I hope we will all be "matured enough" to leave:

1) Tribalism
2) Party Affiliations
3) Personal hatred, out of this discuss?

Its not about where you come from (we all buy fuel), which party you support or voted for (we all pay same amount at the pump) or how much you love/hate GEJ and Iweala (we all have looters/performers that we hate/love!)

Let us all take our pen and paper and answer the following questions:

1) Do you think it would have made more sense and reduced the effect and suffering of the poor masses "if the President decides he would repair at least two Refineries first" (or even build one new one in addition), before removing the subsidy?

2) Do you think if Electricity was stable and everyone is not completely dependent on PMS (Petrol) for all our energy needs, we would feel the pinch of the removal this much? If yes, do you not think Mr. President would have shown "love and empathy for the poor masses" if he decides that he will remove subsidy when Electricity capacity reaches around 75% of requirements?

3.) If the subsidy is not benefiting the poor masses of Nigeria as the President has said, some people obviously are the beneficiaries. Is it not more honorable for the President and his economic team headed by Okonjo Iweala, to first decapitate this "beneficiaries" (others call them Cabal!) by tackling them, after which he can remove the subsidy such that the masses would benefit from such removal?

4). Knowing how fully dependent on PMS, the whole economy is (from Transport, to Electricity for small cottage firms, to household power generation, to food preservation, e.t.c) would the President and his World bank Iweala not have shown a better understanding of the Nigerian terrain, if they have decided to "phase-in" the removal at say 20%, every six months while Nigerians adjust to it and they in-turn repair our Refineries and up-grade our electricity Network?

5) if the whole idea of subsidy removal arose out of[b] the need to "procure and save money for other infrastructures we need"[/b], do you think it makes sense, when the President met 23Billion dollars in the Excess Crude Account and just before his election, he shared this money out to the Governors and himself instead of using same to build the same "infrastructure" he is now removing subsidy for? Would that not have been less painful for Nigerians? A New refinery costs 6Billion dollars!

6.) If Mr. President and his economic Team can blow-away 23Biliion dollars realized from excess crude account, why should we think he would not also "share and loot" (since we cannot identify any development/infrastructure that the money produced) whatever savings the nation makes from fuel subsidy removal? Why should/would this be different?

7) If subsidy removal is very good for our economy, as it will eliminate waste and improve efficiency? What do you then call the squandering of the 23Billion dollars that was "saved" earlier? Is that how the savings and efficiency will come about, honestly?

Would you trust your employer if he lied to you that you need a Pay-Cut because the company was broke while you later realized that he has actually just bought a house in Dubai, from company funds? Going by Mr. President's financial allocation to his own office (Groceries for Aso Rock = 1.3Billion., Dame Jonathan Office renovation = 5Billion, Senators whooping salaries, largest contingent to any foreign function, e.t.c), do you think it is fair that it is people whose total yearly income is less that 200,000 naira (or that woman selling sweets and biscuits while trying to raise two kids to University level), are the ones who should be further taxed to fund any "savings"? Why cant the stupendously rich also tighten their belt proportionately?

9.)Governance is an agreement based on TRUST between the governed and the Governors. If Mr. President told us "We would CONSULT between now and April 2012 before making a final decision on subsidy removal", only for him to announce over a 100% increase in fuel price on the first day of the year (bear in mind that a lot of people have made so many financial outlays and expenses based on the current price and many have traveled to their homeland, based on the current Transport cost). Do you think this speaks well of someone we can refer to as "father of the Nation"?. Does this kind of behavior engender trust between Nigerians and Mr. President? Can we ever believe whatever he says again?

10) They say the "Voice of man is the voice of God". A lot of Nigerians are already traumatized by the recent lost of loved ones, be it from the sectarian/religious killings that followed the election, the Bombings from Boko Haram or even avoidable deaths on our roads, hospital, generator explosions, e.t.c. By increasing fuel price by over 100%, are you Mr. President making life better for them or are you increasing their burden? Have these people not suffered enough (from your hands and that of the terrorist and other avoidable situations) or do you think they deserve more.

Let us fear God, (even if some dont believe in Him), at least let us fear our own Conscience.

Lastpage.

Mohammed Bouazizi lost his LIFE but saved Tunisia.
On his action, a 23yr old regime was toppled.
By his blood, the Arab spring protests was watered!
By his cries, millions rallied and shoe-ed Mubarak way, after like 33years
By his cries and blood, those in Bahrain, Syria, Yemen are still strong and undeterred!

If he was alive today, l would never have heard of his NAME! I never did till he made the ultimate sacrifice!
Thus, his life was fruitful, more glorious, most popular and purposeful WHEN HE SACRIFICED IT FOR THE GOOD OF HUMANITY!

Let me ask: Of what value is the life of most "miserable Nigerians" (no offense but if you lack water, electricity, good roads, mortuary as hospital, cant afford 3-square meals, cant afford good education, sucks-in fumes from Generators 24/7, no job and your future is actually bleak while a few people in government use our collective money to buy houses overseas, THAT YOUR LIFE IS MISERABLE!)
,  . . .IF THEY CAN NOT SACRIFICE IT FOR A WORTHY CAUSE LIKE THIS?

At least like Muhammed Bouazizi, you will forever remain immortalized and respected all over the world because you did not die for armed robbery, 419, kidnapping, e.t.c but you died fighting for Justice, fighting for Liberty, fighting for FREEDOM FROM OPPRESSION, fighting for the future of your generations yet unborn.

Niegriasn, wake-up, dont rely on any NLC or Union Leadership (They are collecting bribes behind you (like Oshiomole and Abati, under Obasanjo's fuel increase) and sacrificing your life),


MUYIDEEN MUSTAPHA'S SOUL CANNOT "REST IN PEACE" UNLESS YOU CONTINUE WHAT HE DIED FOR!



LET THE PROTEST BE SPONTANEOUS! SUPPORT THIS PROTEST WITH WHATEVER YOU HAVE!

One "Anishe" posted this. Let me crave his permission to reproduce it here (all credits goes to him for it).

@Anishe

this jonathan is a bastard. plz read onWhen President Olusegun Obasanjo was in power we spent 300 billion per year on the fuel subsidy. Under the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan it shot up to 1.3 trillion naira in the last one year alone. Can someone please explain to me how it got so high in 4 years and what exactly they were subsidising with the extra one trillion naira? When the Obasanjo government left power in 2007 the country was no longer in debt and the 30 billion dollar foreign debt that Obasanjo met when he came to power in 1999 was fully paid off. Today, under the administration of Jonathan, our country is back in debt to the tune of 30 billion dollars and we are still borrowing. Can someone please tell me what the loans were used for and whether we will ever be able to pay them off? When the Obasanjo administration left power in 2007 our foreign reserves were 80 billion dollars even though when he came into office in 1999 we only had 1.5 billion dollars.

Today our foreign reserves have dropped from 80 billion dollars in 2007 to 33 billion dollars. Can someone please tell me where all the money went? When the Obasanjo administration left power in 2007 23 billion dollars was left in the Excess Crude Account after he built it up from nothing in 1999. Today we do not have one dollar left in that account because the money has been squandered and the account scrapped. Can someone explain to me who spent that money and precisely what it was spent on? By the time the Obasanjo administration left power in 2007 not one bomb had gone off in Abuja throughout his 8 years in office and neither did we shy away from confronting the evil and dealing a hard blow to the terrorists wherever and whenever it was necessary to do so. Today bombs go off at will all over the north, the President hides in the Villa and churches were targetted on christmas day in Abuja. When Obasanjo was in power we did not remove the fuel subsidy because it would have caused too much pain to the Nigerian people and because there was no safety net in place to reduce that pain. President Jonathan however did not have any such inhibitions or qualms. Just seven days after we suffered the horrendous trauma of the xmas day bombings and probably as a New Year’s Greek gift to the Nigerian people, our President finally removed the oil subsidy. He did this knowing fully well that it will lead to untold suffering and terrible hardship for the next few years for the Nigerian people, most of whom still live below the poverty line. Can someone please tell me why President Jonathan wants Nigerians to cry? Yesterday he not only said that he would “crush Boko Haram” but he also declared a state of emergency in a few local government areas in some northern states. Can someone please tell me why our President could not do this 6 months ago when some of us first advocated it and thereby save many lives? Why has it taken him so long to find the guts to confront Boko Haram and to lead the fight against them with ruthless zeal, strengh, courage and total faith in God? Why has he done so little when it comes to this matter and why has he done it so late? Does he not know that a king is meant to lead his people into battle and if necessary die for them? He has been unable to handle and contain Boko Haram and now he has removed the fuel subsidy which is something that is expressly against the wishes and interest of the overwhelming majority of the Nigerian people.

Can someone please tell me precisely what has happened to this man and what has got into his head? This government is not only weak, it not only lacks direction but it is also insensitive and callous. The removal of the fuel subsidy is the final straw: President Jonathan, the King Rehoabam of our time, has hardened his heart unto destruction, just like Pharaoh once did, and he has fallen into the trap that has been set for him by God and by his enemies. May the Lord save Nigeria from this mess and from this weak man and may the Nigerian people themselves wake up from their accursed slumber and take their destiny into their own hands. The smell of religious war, sectarian violence, regional and ethnic conflict, insecurity, untold suffering, rampant poverty and economic hardship is in the air. Nigerians are divided as never before and our country is slowly crumbling and dying before our very eyes. Who will save Nigeria? Who will stand up and say enough is enough? Who will pull us back from the brink? Who can we count on to take the bull by the horns and do the right thing? There must be a lawful and democratic change. My God let there be a change.

Think about the above commentary for a moment please.

He is just a "faceless id.ot", even his website does not convey any useful information!

Thank God his shop IS CLOSED, im for recif v-sitors sharp-sharp!

^^^^ Dont you realize that Govt will order a shutdown of Social media, including MTN BB, if it realizes that citizens are using it to mobilize against teh fuel subsidy removal? Cant you put 2-and-2 together anymore?

If the service suddenly went down when citizens need it most, will it be mere coincidence or does it take rocket science to see that a connection could be possible? Where is the transferred aggression you are referring to?

Anishe is already receiving "blessings" (very effective when it comes from strangers!) and here you are moaning and receiving criticisms!

His articulation was superb and worthy of emulation!

Lastpage!

@Udumevin_o^^^^^[/b]Without the risk of sounding offensive (and l apologize if my comments come across like that; l am in a foul mood since the new year day.), Let me ask: [b]HOW OLD ARE YOU SEF?

Where you "around" in 1986 when IBB increased fuel price?
If you were not around, l will advise you go to the nearest Library and read-up on the "reasons IBB gave Nigerians" for the removal of same subsidy.

Where you around between 1999 and 2007 when OBJ increased the price of fuel seven (7) times within his eight year govt?
Again, If you were not around,   l will advise you go to the nearest Library and read-up on the "reasons OBJ gave Nigerians" for the removal of same subsidy.

In both cases, you will discover that its always the same reason each President gave (same and Jonathan is giving us now!).

Question are: what happened to those PROMISES? What happened to the SAVINGS recouped from the removal of the Subsidy?
How many times do you remove subsidy in the life cycle of a product?
Are there no "alternatives" than this criminal doubling/tripling of fuel price?
Can any so-called "PALLIATIVE" work, when our Refineries are in a state of comatose and ELECTRICITY which would have reduced our demand for "subsidized fuel", in the same state it was when Fela Anikulapo Kuti sang "E go britee small, E go britee gaaan"!

So, why must we (or people like you) be falling for the same putrid and lame excuses, over and over again?
Is  it a case of kwashiorkor-induced, perenial amnesia?

Where is the "competition" that you are talking about going to come from?
Did you not notice that the only four Refineries we have are owned by government or have you ever seen government competing with itself?
Despite all the licenses given in the last 13years, have you seen any beneficiary build a REFINERY IN NIGERIA (instead, OBJ built one for himself in another West African country!)

Take Cement for example, despite its liberalization and privatization, did you see any "competition" bringing down the price of Cement?
Dont the producers "gang-up" to form a "Cement-Cabal" to[b] FIX THE PRICE[/b], as high as possible?
Did OBJ's deregulation and unending junketing around the world in eight years, bring any "FOREIGN INVESTOR" to Nigeria?

When will Nigerians learn? When will we wake-up and smell the coffee?
[/color]
Okay, this is Jonathan, NOT IBB or OBJ, right?
Why wold you trust a "leaders" who is a LIAR, to his followers?
Or did he not tell the nation that "He will be consulting the concerned parties" between now and April, TO DECIDE WHETHER THE SUBSIDY WILL BE REMOVED?
[color=#990000]How come he suddenly stabbed us in the back on the first day of a New Year?
Again, why would you trust this man who met 23Billion dollars in the excess crude-oil account and blew/shared it out with his cronies!
Where are the infrastructure to show for the 23 Billion dollars?
why would it be different this time around? Or does a Leopard change his spots?


Now, if YOU WERE AROUND when all these were happening and you still write the above, then l am sorry for you.

Like a blood-thirsty VAMPIRE, the Nigerian elite will ensure the wriggle out the blood of life (using poverty inducing policies like this one) out of the common man, EXCEPT THEY SAY "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH" and go out on the streets, to FIGHT FOR FREEDOM OR DIE TRYING

Nigerians: Fight this govt to a standstill or keep quiet and forever remain slaves (even your unborn children) to a few thieves like Jonathan!


Lastpage

Its until tommorow before it takes effect. I just confirmed d shuttin down of BIS on NTA network news some minutes ago. Let us wait till 2moro. BTW, didn't Jona say d romoval of subsidy ll take effect from April. I ll wait till 2moro

Shows how untrustworthy this President is!
He is a bare-face LIAR and a disgrace to that office.

If we cannot trust him on simple things like DATE, HOW CAN WE AND WHY SHOULD WE TRUST HIM ON SUBSIDY SAVINGS RUNNING INTO TRILLIONS OF NAIRA?

Too much of a Crocodile in his personality and God help anyone that trusts a CROCODILE! A swamp
version for that matter!

Viva Protester!

Lastpage

Leave Thor alone please!

He is just a naughty 6yr old boy who gained access to his brothers account when he forgot his BB in his pocket an before you could say whatzup, naughty boy has made a post on NL!

Actually, most 6yr old ain't this stupid smart and[b] full of mischief![/b]

You will grow up to become another Jonathan (with shoes dis time)

Lastpage

From now onwards, my next ten pikins will all study Petroleum Refining/Engineering!

That way, we will have our own in-house Refinery and Uncle Joe can shove his subsidy down his "dry Cabal-ar.se" for all l care!

Mtechew, Cabal my left foot!

Lastpage

@otokx

The Government is actually the CABAL

Now that we have helped GEJ to "identify" the Cabal, are we surprised that he is afraid of the Cabal?

Who would hound himself, as expected? Not GEJ, Not even our sexy Dame GEJ!

I guess its time ordinary Nigerians cut the balls of these GEJ-Cabal and fry it in red oil.
Will make a good snack, l swear!

Lastpage!

I guess fuel attendants will soon take over our babes!
Used to be people like Mr9andhalf inches! (with their BB swagger all over town)

U too sharp, see as you "wake-up" sharp sharp!

Ehrrr. . . . Mr9andhalf, the Lord has just been rlieved of another burden of speaking on such trivial things.

Can you please live up to your promise?
Dont be another GEJ that says "Till April" and then January 1st, Gbooozaaa, its =N=140!

Here comes Natasha's BB

"As the Lord leads You"!

Do l love that phrase?

Well, Mr9ndhalf would sure take his time to listen to the Lord this day as "A DAY in the eyes of the Lord, is like a THOUSAND years in the eyes of man"!

I guess l have to tell my Grandchildren to be on the lookout for that phone when it finally arrives!

@Beaf its not how long or how short that counts, it is "if it makes sense" (and l know it does) though, the decision to read everything is still your own prerogative.

Again, l think you put the whole thing on your head and try to act as the "defender of the Regime" thus you feel obliged to respond to every comment that does not go the way you want it to go.
I know its a difficult job (trying to respond to everyone) but its your choice!

BTW: I am not offended, its nothing personal, for me.

Cheers,
Lastpage

^^^ How many of our cars can use gas fuel?
Where do we buy the gas from?
Did you say Australia?

Alright, the GEJ will simply claim he needs to remove "subsidy" from GAS and the price will soar to N800/Liter!

@Beaf

@lastpage
Please, condense what you have to say, I couldn't read your post to the end. However, I'll comment on this bit:

You read this one below, as long as it was and even posted it for us to read but suddenly, you developed a phobia for reading anything above three lines!
https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria?topic=834476.msg9854306#msg9854306

Its like when you “conveniently selected the "single line" that suits you” in the post of “@largerwhenindoubt” and responded to that pronto!
You like pick and choose the part of a response you want to respond to while avoiding the cogent part? That reeks of hypocrisy!

The reason why Aramco can generate profits, employ the best and churn out patents is because it is run like a normal company. A pile of shiit like our subsidised NNPC will never ever generate money in this lifetime and the next, because the entire structure is wrong. You do not expect a man whose behaviour, no matter how bad, inept, corrupt and disgraceful, is rewarded by subsidies to suddenly begin churning out wonderful patents. Intead, he will employ his illiterate cook as treasure to thumbprint hell out of the economy. All na subsidy.

See how you make these quantum leaps in our response, from “mismanagement and corruption”, as the cause of the failures of NNPC, to SUBSIDY! Just to justify subsidy removal, abi?
Keep it up but l guess it obvious you are working overtime!

Education-focused TIPS!
All University/Higher Institution students must now revert back to the SAP-days regime of 0-1-0
*That is go for lecture in the morning on empty stomach.
*When its break time (usually between 1-2pm) go and eat BRUNCH, a combination of breakfast and Lunch;
*Eat food that would not easily digest so you dont go hungry quickly (Hard Eba, Fufu, Amala, Pounded Yam too expensive!, Gari and Beans mixture, e.t.c)
*Buy special "soles" for your school shoes, like the Boggie-shoes of the 70's; the Sole must be at least 6inches thick. You will finish your degree programme before it wears out from excessive walking!
*As part of Govt "palliatives", students are allowed to smoke Garri for dinner!
*Stock your Locker with Kulinkuli, (a product made from mashed, broken Nuts). use it to eat bread, 'smoke' Garri, and as 'snack' when reading.

Additional "Tips" for saving cost:
*Students should learn to hunt for Crabs and Squirrels at night, from nearby bush!
*Team-Up with your girlfriend to share a room, share pot of soup and generally behave like married couple (am not advocating any illegal business in the dark o!)
*Use the bottom of your rubber slippers for/as Eraser
*Hunt for un-used part/pages of Exercise and Notebooks. Bind them together to form a complete Notebook, for your lectures.
*Better still, place your phone close to your lecturer's mouth (or on his table) so you record all he says and listen to it in your room; NO need to buy Notebooks!
*Sell your notebooks and textbooks to students a year below your level (ensure you wrap them properly to ensure they can even pass for NEW)
*Suggest to your Lecturer that all assignments and project work shall henceforth be in "electronic format", no more typing, printing and binding.
*If you run out of Red Biro, go to the local butcher shop and fill a bottle with Cow Blood, use with an Ink Pen. (Please dont cut yourself just to avoid going to the butcher, your blood is expensive and un-subsidized!)
*Ensure you live about next-door to your lecture halls. No long trekking on empty stomach, you can collapse midway.
*Wear tattered dress when going home to demand for your allowance, all those designer jeans wont cut it with your parentsanymore. They will not believe you dont have money to live on.
*[s]Add a few Books to the official Book list, you can redeem them at half-price[/s]. Please dont do this, it is offensive to our parents!
*Campus Guys should stop having multiple "babes", it will ruin you eventually as you cant cope now that subsidy is gone! Babes should increase the number of their "Guys" by double since subsidy removal doubled the price of everything!
*Learn to cook your own meal in your room, get firewood from nearby (be careful not to set the whole school on fire ) and work on a project that focuses on "local stoves" or how to "make fire using Sawdust and Sand"! Who knows, you might win a Nobel Prize!

If everything fails and you cant cope, Join Boko Haram ([color=Black]and you know "where" and "who" to face, dont you?[/color]) or jump-off a bridge!

BTW: Dont do so on 3rd Mainland Bridge, that Bridge is shaky and unstable, it might just collapse under your feet and cause you small injury, in which case you will just be deformed for life! Not a very good state to be.

Cheers,

Lastpage

Tips for "office workers" will come tomorrow.