₦airaland Forum

This may not be about Rivers people, but about Wike’s personal agenda.

Restructuring Nigeria’’ is a quandary. There is no concord on the complexion or dimension which the re-engineering of Nigeria should take. There has been a cacophony of arguments, but one opinion which a good number of Nigerians hold is that the orbital states that make up the country should determine, manage and control their own resources. This is reasonable.

It will be duplicitous to argue that the present complex is sustainable or rewarding. It is clearly not. We have been on this tenuous scaffolding for decades without measurable progress. Really, it makes no moral sense that the accruals from certain states are prodigalised among other states which seem not be making efforts to become financially viable. What this system has created is indolence and a predilection for sponging off the federal government.

States naturally should be self-sustaining and competitive. What is the sense in creating states that end up sticking their proboscis deep into the national wealth bank, running it down with every gulp? This charade has effectuated stunted development across the board. While the productive states do not have enough for developmental projects and have to borrow in deficit, the beneficiaries of the ‘’papa-dash-me system’’ cannot drive themselves to growth. Both the giver and the taker are suspended in a loop of unrealised potential.

States should be able to compete on the basis of innovation, education and productivity. No state in Nigeria – whether in the north or in the south – is economically unviable. But the current arrangement is sapping them of the needed oomph to drive their development.

For example, Zamfara is the state with the highest gold deposit in Nigeria. This is in addition to other minerals which are in commercial quantity -- asbestos, columbite, chronite, iron ore, manganese, marble, lithium and tantalite. This alone is enough to make the north an affluent region.

Other states in the north as well are rich in mineral resources. Adamawa has nentonite, gypsium, Kaolin and magnesite; Borno is blessed with bentonite, clay, diatomite, gypsium, hydro-carbon, kaolin and limestone; Kebbi is weathly in gold; Kaduna is endowed with amethyst, asbestos, clay, flosper, gemstone, gold, graphite, kaolin, hyanite, mica, rock crystal, ruby, sapphire, sihnite, superntinite, tentalime, topaz and tourmaline; and Kano is opulent in gassiterite, copper, gemstone, glass-sand, lead/zinc, pyrochinre and tantalite.

As a matter of fact, it is an exertion of ignorance and bigotry to say the north brings nothing to the national till. The north is blessed with tremendous resources enough to be self-sustaining. But the defective system is also holding it down. Most of the mineral resources in the north are unquickened – because of the flawed structure. So, it is only logical to say, all are victims of the impaired set-up.

According to a report by Economic Confidential, a financial intelligence magazine, six states – Lagos, Rivers, Kaduna, Ogun, Oyo, and Anambra generated more internal revenues than 30 other states put together in 2020. The report says eight states are insolvent.
The report says: ‘’Lagos remained steadfast in its number one position in IGR among the states with a total revenue generation of N418bn compared to FAA of N299bn which translate to 139% in the 12 months of 2020. It is followed by Rivers state which generated IGR of N117bn compared to its FAA of N198bn representing 58%; Ogun with N50bn compared to FAA of N88bn representing 57%; Kaduna State with N50bn compared to FAA of N124bn representing 40%; Oyo with IGR of N38bn compared to FAA of N127bn representing 29.7% and Anambra generated N28bn compared to FAA of N94bn representing 29.6%. The total internally-generated revenues of the six most viable states in 2020 at N695bn as computed by Economic Confidential was more than the entire IGR collected by the remaining 30 states put together which was less than N600bn.’’

Why should any state in Nigeria be in the red – when all of them have the latent capacitance to be economically fecund? It is lucid that the present complex discourages innovation and retard the development of the states. So, should there be a tilt towards economic independence by the states? I think so but within the bounds of the constitution.

Nyesom Wike, governor of Rivers state, asserting the right of his state to collect Value Added Tax (VAT) did a derring-do no doubt.

In August, a federal high court in Port Harcourt issued an order restraining the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) from collecting VAT and Personal Income Tax (PIT) from the state, and directed the Rivers government to take charge of the process.

The epochal judgment compelled the FIRS to file a stay-of-execution application. But the court declined to grant the application.

It is judicious that our laws are tested on matters of this character. Already some states like Lagos and Adamawa are mulling following the Rivers example. I believe this will only precipitate economic restructuring and push the states to be forward-thinking and innovative.

However, there seems to be some politics to the Rivers’ feat. Wike’s politics has always been belligerent, caustic and brash. The governor, by his utterances on the case, appears to be foe-fighting. By making infantile statements like, ‘’Rivers VAT not for Abuja people’’, and threatening to seal off FIRS offices in the state, the governor is betraying his real intentions. This may not be about Rivers people, but about Wike’s personal agenda.

I do not think any rational Nigerian will resist a process that will spur the development of the states, but Wike should desist from seeking ‘’restructuring’’ with a machete.

By Fredrick ‘Mr OneNigeria’ Nwabufo

http://saharareporters.com/2021/09/08/restructuring-nigeria-cutlass-%E2%80%93-wike-way-fredrick-nwabufo

Lalasticlala, Mynd44

Even though I'm a born again Christian from the south, I think we southerners are been insensitive with our decision to collect VAT directly to our respective states. The north on record once financed the economy of Nigeria with agriculture and other resources before the discovery of oil in the south. Is this the best way to pay back the north for all their sacrifices for our dear nation? How can we expect a northern region ravaged by banditry and terrorism to generate huge VAT like our peaceful South? Why can't we be our brothers keeper for the sake of the survival of our dear country? It amazes me that a southern region dominated by we Christians fails to follow the bible comandment of loving our neighbors as ourselves. Its unfortunate that we are letting greed becloud our sense of jugdement on this matter. I would advice the federal government to use Veto power to over rule any court judgment on state collection of VAT. Any state that insist on collecting VAT should have their governor removed through state of emergency. Nonsense

E b like say nah VAT get this week.

If maverick, petty and bullish Gov. Nyesom Wike could herald something that is revolutionary enough to bring about positive economic paradigm shift in our country, I will give a bear hug and gladly share a beer with him.

Not sure if Amaechi or Secondus will like me after that but who cares.

Common bend him hand and collect the key.

Men work, flatin00s talk.

This is not true please provide the link of the article as there was never a time in our history that the north financed the economy of nigeria.

GOTVee:
Even though I'm a born again Christian from the south, I think we southerners are been insensitive with our decision to collect VAT directly to our respective states. The north on record once financed the economy of Nigeria with agriculture and other resources before the discovery of oil in the south. Is this the best way to pay back the north for all their sacrifices for our dear nation? How can we expect a northern region ravaged by banditry and terrorism to generate huge VAT like our peaceful South? Why can't we be our brothers keeper for the sake of the survival of our dear country? It amazes me that a southern region dominated by we Christians fails to follow the bible comandment of loving our neighbors as ourselves. Its unfortunate that we are letting greed becloud our sense of jugdement on this matter. I would advice the federal government to use Veto power to over rule any court judgment on state collection of VAT. Any state that insist on collecting VAT should have their governor removed through state of emergency. Nonsense

The writer is nothing but a political writer ..

U said it's wrong to say not brings nothing to the table , instead of telling us what north brings u start talking about resources potential of the north ...what's that

He obviously couldn't fault what wike did , he tried so hard but couldn't fualt it

Now he is attacking the intention ? LMAO

mrvitalis:
The writer is nothing but a political writer ..

U said it's wrong to say not brings nothing to the table , instead of telling us what north brings u start talking about resources potential of the north ...what's that

He obviously couldn't fault what wike did , he tried so hard but couldn't fualt it

Now he is attacking the intention ? LMAO

The writer is a fool and we really need to see his face. Follow all his articles and you'll see that all he does is to launder and promote the interest of fulanis. I can bet that he's not Igbo but uses the name just to deceive people.

[s]

GOTVee:
Even though I'm a born again Christian from the south, I think we southerners are been insensitive with our decision to collect VAT directly to our respective states. The north on record once financed the economy of Nigeria with agriculture and other resources before the discovery of oil in the south. Is this the best way to pay back the north for all their sacrifices for our dear nation? How can we expect a northern region ravaged by banditry and terrorism to generate huge VAT like our peaceful South? Why can't we be our brothers keeper for the sake of the survival of our dear country? It amazes me that a southern region dominated by we Christians fails to follow the bible comandment of loving our neighbors as ourselves. Its unfortunate that we are letting greed becloud our sense of jugdement on this matter. I would advice the federal government to use Veto power to over rule any court judgment on state collection of VAT. Any state that insist on collecting VAT should have their governor removed through state of emergency. Nonsense

[/s]
Born again terrorist from the coven of Talibans. Carry on with your tomfoolery.

This punch seem to have hit nwabufo and his paymasters really hard "below the belt".

Fejoku:
[s][/s]
Born again terrorist from the coven of Talibans. Carry on with your tomfoolery.

May the holy spirit forgive you because you are making a wrong accusation

GOTVee:
Even though I'm a born again Christian from the south, I think we southerners are been insensitive with our decision to collect VAT directly to our respective states. The north on record once financed the economy of Nigeria with agriculture and other resources before the discovery of oil in the south. Is this the best way to pay back the north for all their sacrifices for our dear nation? How can we expect a northern region ravaged by banditry and terrorism to generate huge VAT like our peaceful South? Why can't we be our brothers keeper for the sake of the survival of our dear country? It amazes me that a southern region dominated by we Christians fails to follow the bible comandment of loving our neighbors as ourselves. Its unfortunate that we are letting greed becloud our sense of jugdement on this matter. I would advice the federal government to use Veto power to over rule any court judgment on state collection of VAT. Any state that insist on collecting VAT should have their governor removed through state of emergency. Nonsense

In which era did north financed the economy of Nigeria?

GOTVee:
May the holy spirit forgive you because you are making a wrong accusation

The Holy Spirit doesn't forgive whosoever lies with His name. You have incurred His wrath already so expect a heavy hand on your useless head.
So much for a born again Christian.

This writer is suffering from cognitive resonance

paramakina202:
In which era did north financed the economy of Nigeria?

Go and read your history books. The north was the backbone of Nigeria before independence

You are an economic illiterate and ahistorical!

GOTVee:
Even though I'm a born again Christian from the south, I think we southerners are been insensitive with our decision to collect VAT directly to our respective states. The north on record once financed the economy of Nigeria with agriculture and other resources before the discovery of oil in the south. Is this the best way to pay back the north for all their sacrifices for our dear nation? How can we expect a northern region ravaged by banditry and terrorism to generate huge VAT like our peaceful South? Why can't we be our brothers keeper for the sake of the survival of our dear country? It amazes me that a southern region dominated by we Christians fails to follow the bible comandment of loving our neighbors as ourselves. Its unfortunate that we are letting greed becloud our sense of jugdement on this matter. I would advice the federal government to use Veto power to over rule any court judgment on state collection of VAT. Any state that insist on collecting VAT should have their governor removed through state of emergency. Nonsense

GOTVee:
Even though I'm a born again Christian from the south, I think we southerners are been insensitive with our decision to collect VAT directly to our respective states. The north on record once financed the economy of Nigeria with agriculture and other resources before the discovery of oil in the south. Is this the best way to pay back the north for all their sacrifices for our dear nation? How can we expect a northern region ravaged by banditry and terrorism to generate huge VAT like our peaceful South? Why can't we be our brothers keeper for the sake of the survival of our dear country? It amazes me that a southern region dominated by we Christians fails to follow the bible comandment of loving our neighbors as ourselves. Its unfortunate that we are letting greed becloud our sense of jugdement on this matter. I would advice the federal government to use Veto power to over rule any court judgment on state collection of VAT. Any state that insist on collecting VAT should have their governor removed through state of emergency. Nonsense

shattap abowki

The fellow is an economic illiterate.

eastgates1:
This is not true please provide the link of the article as there was never a time in our history that the north financed the economy of nigeria.

GOTVee:
Go and read your history books. The north was the backbone of Nigeria before independence

which abowki text did u find this

Fejoku:
The Holy Spirit doesn't forgive whosoever lies with His name. You have incurred His wrath already so expect a heavy hand on your useless head.
So much for a born again Christian.

That guy you quoted is not a Christian bro, he's a head slammer but deceives those that don't know him. The moniker he uses now is not his main moniker, he created this one some months ago.

mightyhaze:
which abowki text did u find this

FYI I'm not a northerner. I was born in the southeast and brought up in the south south but currently working in the south west. So I'm a full blooded southerner

GOTVee:
FYI I'm not a northerner. I was born in the southeast and brought up in the south south but currently working in the south west. So I'm a full blodded southerner

that still don't make u a southern abowkay

BeeBeeOoh:
That guy you quoted is not a Christian bro, he's a head slammer but deceives those that don't know him. The moniker he uses now is not his main moniker, he created this one some months ago.

I'm from orlu in the east. So mind what you say on here

GOTVee:
Go and read your history books. The north was the backbone of Nigeria before independence

Which backbone?
The north was financing Eastern region or Western region?
North financing Nigeria with their groundnut money abi?

Dont mind him

Uchek:
The fellow is an economic illiterate.

.

GOTVee:
Even though I'm a born again Christian from the south, I think we southerners are been insensitive with our decision to collect VAT directly to our respective states. The north on record once financed the economy of Nigeria with agriculture and other resources before the discovery of oil in the south. Is this the best way to pay back the north for all their sacrifices for our dear nation? How can we expect a northern region ravaged by banditry and terrorism to generate huge VAT like our peaceful South? Why can't we be our brothers keeper for the sake of the survival of our dear country? It amazes me that a southern region dominated by we Christians fails to follow the bible comandment of loving our neighbors as ourselves. Its unfortunate that we are letting greed becloud our sense of jugdement on this matter. I would advice the federal government to use Veto power to over rule any court judgment on state collection of VAT. Any state that insist on collecting VAT should have their governor removed through state of emergency. Nonsense

PIB Na him cause all dis wahala wike just angry dat money generated from his state will have to be shared amount state that say they ban some items which generate money tru VAT to me if he and other state should embrace dis this it will go a long way to restructure d country

GOTVee:
Even though I'm a born again Christian from the south, I think we southerners are been insensitive with our decision to collect VAT directly to our respective states. The north on record once financed the economy of Nigeria with agriculture and other resources before the discovery of oil in the south. Is this the best way to pay back the north for all their sacrifices for our dear nation? How can we expect a northern region ravaged by banditry and terrorism to generate huge VAT like our peaceful South? Why can't we be our brothers keeper for the sake of the survival of our dear country? It amazes me that a southern region dominated by we Christians fails to follow the bible comandment of loving our neighbors as ourselves. Its unfortunate that we are letting greed becloud our sense of jugdement on this matter. I would advice the federal government to use Veto power to over rule any court judgment on state collection of VAT. Any state that insist on collecting VAT should have their governor removed through state of emergency. Nonsense

PIB Na him cause all dis wahala wike just angry dat money generated from his state will have to be shared amount state that say they ban some items which generate money tru VAT to me if he and other state should embrace dis this it will go a long way to restructure d country

I don't know the more useful idiot between this guy and Joe igbokwe.
The juju the north is using on some southern puppets is so strong that they would sell their mothers to please the north.

GOTVee:
Even though I'm a born again Christian from the south, I think we southerners are been insensitive with our decision to collect VAT directly to our respective states. The north on record once financed the economy of Nigeria with agriculture and other resources before the discovery of oil in the south. Is this the best way to pay back the north for all their sacrifices for our dear nation? How can we expect a northern region ravaged by banditry and terrorism to generate huge VAT like our peaceful South? Why can't we be our brothers keeper for the sake of the survival of our dear country? It amazes me that a southern region dominated by we Christians fails to follow the bible comandment of loving our neighbors as ourselves. Its unfortunate that we are letting greed becloud our sense of jugdement on this matter. I would advice the federal government to use Veto power to over rule any court judgment on state collection of VAT. Any state that insist on collecting VAT should have their governor removed through state of emergency. Nonsense

What brought Christian and born again into this? You sound very stupid.

For your mind everyone in the south is a Christian? Get lost!