₦airaland Forum

Abubakar Audu is such bad news that even his estranged wife contested against him! The ACN should accept defeat and move on!

So sad! May her gentle soul rest in peace!

Okay, they will be producing only Diesel because the Diesel Market is fully deregulated otherwise, if they venture into PMS, it is impossible for them to sustain their business under the current fuel regime in Nigeria!

However, I wonder how they will only produce Diesel without distilling PMS!!!

Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State has said his administration does not wait for the payment of federal allocation before it pays its workforce.

Aregbola, who was speaking at a dinner he had with bankers and financiers as part of the activities marking his first year anniversary, reiterated that any state in the country that is waiting for the federal allocation to pay its workforce is doomed.

The governor, also suggested that all the states in the federation, should try as much as possible to look for another ways of running its government rather than rely solely on federal allocation.

He further stated that the state has paid the November salary of its workforce without the payment of the October federal allocation by the Federal Government to any state in the federation, adding that all the states of the federation rejected the October allocation because of illegal deductions made by President Goodluck Jonathan through the creation of Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF).

Aregbesola urged the banks to support the developmental plan of the state government financially, assuring them of his administration readiness to provide maximum security for lives and property in the state, stressing that the state had recorded the lowest crime rate in Nigeria.

Explaining to the gathering that, the politicians particularly the chief executive of every state made a campaign promises during electioneering campaign to fix every sector of the state but to deliver would the problem after assumption of office due to financial problem.

He lamented the state of the finance of the state by his predecessor in office, who he alleged left a debt of about N18.3 billion for frivolous six stadia across the state.

He stated that within a year in office, his government has changed the financial fortune of the state from N300million to N600million Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and payment of the debt loan through the access of N25million bond from the bank with the monthly servicing of less than N100million, instead of N800million used to service the former loan.

He promised the people of the state to use federal allocation accrue to the state for developmental projects while sourcing for another way to run his day to day administration, instead of using the allocation to pay the workers wages, allowances, and salaries.

His words: “Less than a year in office, I have been able to save N35billion and increase the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) without putting unnecessary tax burden on our poor people but we achieve this through the blockage of leakages in our revenue generation, your (banks) cooperation will be the survival for our economic and ethical revolution as well as our governmental programmes.”

In his address, the State Commissioner for Finance, Economic planning and Budgeting, Dr. Wale Bolorunduro, had explained that the present administration in the state has set the machinery in motion to enhance the economic base of the state, adding that the state government is targeting N1million monthly for its revenue generation internally in the 2012 fiscal year.

He reiterated that the state needs meaningful financial mechanism to recreate economic activities of the state, saying Aregbesola had passionate tendency for development of the state through the creation of wealth and jobs for its teeming population.

Bolorunduro regretted the recent armed robbery attacked on the banks across the state, noting that the state has collaborated with other security operatives to forestall any future attack and the state governor had also ordered for the supply of five APC machines to the state.

While speaking at the event, the representative of the Group Managing Director, Skye Bank, Mr. Ayo Abina, observed that there is no way the government could do its programmes successfully with the state of financial status of the states in the federation without partnering with the banks to facilitate some projects.

Abina called for the understanding and legal frame work between the government and the collaborating bank, saying the era of business as usual had gone in the banking sector in Nigeria.

Source: http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/aregbesola-i-don-t-need-federal-allocation-to-pay-workers/103799/

Rubbish PointBlank news!

Kx:
Without derailing the thread, what i find funny and "laffable" is the very open way the secret service is going about
revealing the identity of her spokes woman.

Does FBI,CIA,KGB,MI5 etc make the identities of their operatives this public?

Haba! Don't you know the Director of the CIA? He is David H. Petraeus! "Funningly", I found it using "Google"      

You may even see more here: https://www.cia.gov/about-cia/leadership/index.html

FBI nko? Go here: http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/history/directors

Me

^^^Ameachi's case was different. He won a valid primary and his name submitted to INEC within the stipulated time but was removed at a time when it is illegal for any political party to substitute its candidate except in the case of death.

Sylva has not won any Primary election and he did not get the party's nod. Apart from Ben Bruce Murray, others have not told us why they were disqualified by their party. Sylva should tell us so that the public can speak for him!

^^^ Well, in my view, Konduga was arrested since Nov. 3, Information may have been extracted from him given 72 hours (if we assume that the BH Convict did not want to talk initially). I believe the SSS had ample time to cross check the intel they received from BH Convict before going for Senator Ndume.

However, one will ask, how did the BH Convict get phone numbers of senior govt officials. Although, it has been reported that Governor of Niger refuted that he ever got any threat messages but the AGF has not refuted receiving any such messages which will mean that the convict is actually saying something worth listening to. But we wait further investigations,

Aloy have you noticed that many northern leaders both political and religious has never commented on BH?

Lets hope that this time our judiciary will do a good job!!!

84 Billion NGN! Amosun, are you kidding me?

COMPAQ:
Mr kalokalo

very well though out response. It is obvious that you possess sound logical and intellect and that you are very economically sound. I am in support of deregulation also for the LONG term survival of this country. No doubt withough corruption, we'd be better placed to administer subsidy properly, but those arguing that way are only wishful thinkers. A concise analysis of the Nigeria situation suggests that corruption is not going anywhere anytime soon. Therefore we must take on board the policy that serves us best with public sector corruption in mind and that is to bring about private sector transparency, initiative, proactives, investment, technological know how etc. There are lots of things that the private sector gives an economy like ours that the public sector can't do in 2-30 years, transparency, accountability, proactiveness, efficiency, access to modern technology etc are some of them

That is not to say that the private sector is perfect or is free from corruption, but i can safely say the private sector is 100 times better than govt. NITEL provided us with 500,000 lines in about 40 years, GSM provided 100mln in 10! NITEL consumed govt funds, GSM has contributed massively to govt funds, I only knew old people who worked in NITEl but GSM has employed thousands of young graduates, I have never seen our refineries advertise for vacancies, but Shell, Total, NLNG etc regulalry advertise in the papers! And so many more similar stories exist.

The most pertinent of kalokalos questions is question 4. How are we really sure that Nigerian refined petrol will be cheaper than imported petrol? We simply assume that it would be because in the past govt simply allocated crude to NNPC. but in a dregulated system, refiners would have to pay about the same international price for crude. And with the multiple pipline breakages, hostage taking and bunkering we have here in Nigeria, the costs may indeed be more expensive than imported crude, where there are no logistical nightmares in the transportation of crude to and from refineries.

This fuel subsidy issue need to be debated at the highest level and by the sharpest minds so that all the issues, even the minutest ones, can be identified and analysed and solutions proferred. Nairaland is not really the place for such debate because to be honest most people on the forum are not specialised and logical enough to debate properly.

Like I have always said there will be some short term pain, but Nigeria will benefit in the long run. Some people may loose their jobs and never find new ones, but other younger ones will get jobs and it's better to provide a 28 year old man with a job, than keep a 62 year old on the job. What matters is the macro economics and not necessarily the micro (at every individual level).

I don tire to type, nuff said,

May God bless you Sir! Deregulation is the right way. The truth is that the NLC or labour Unions know this but they are just afraid to loose their jobs! Again, like I said earlier somewhere, it is impossible for any level of Government (including the FG) to build an run a refinery under the current arrangement in Nigeria.

Indorama bought the Eleme Petrochemicals in 2006 and as of today, they have stabilized the Plant and are beginning to expand their operations. Notore bought NAFCON and they are still in business today.

The way forward is complete deregulation but the gains far outweigh the seemingly season of pains. If we want to enjoy our "oyel" from upstream, midstream, downstream and backstream we must deregulate now.

Lets' forget all these cries of no road, power, health. This is the way to go. Believe you me. If Nigeria has waited to fix NITEL, we will still be at 500,000 Lines for 160 Mln Nigerians for 51 Years! Where is Mtel that had an automatic license?

Deregulation all the way and may God help GEJ and help us too!

debosky:
There are a number of factual inaccuracies in the article, though the main thrust of the article rings true - there is an unbelievable amount of dishonesty and shady dealings in the 'subsidy' being provided.

For example, this issue of Domestic Supply Obligation (DSO) is clearly untrue - since the introduction of the PPRA, the NNPC has been forced to buy crude for domestic refining at the international prices, not at any subsidized price.

The issue of 'depot' charges is a familiar one - the lack of capacity at Atlas Cove and the frequent disruptions have forced importers to build their own depots and jetties and charge back for it. This is not necessarily a 'fraudulent' charge, but is clearly another product of the grossly inefficient distribution network in the country.

kalokalo has raised a number of very valid comments about the subsidy - many of which are not addressed by the author of the initial article.

A grossly inaccurate statement. The author himself acknowledges that the PHRC was not finished till 1989 so how could the 'downward spiral' have started in 1986?

The truth is, arbitrary central price control is a haven for corruption in Nigeria because of the lack of transparency. It will always provide opportunity for patronage and outright stealing from the Nigerian state.

May God bless you and Kalokalo and may OUR DEAR GOODLUCK EBELEMI JONATHAN carry through these reforms!

I dey laugh in OBJ style

Ogbeni and his "political" statements. ACN should call this man to order oh!

Mr. Chuks:
Flesh and blood did not reveal that to you. I understand your P.O.V. but the question I have for you is that wouldn't life be easier if people could just be straightforward about things? If she had told me all this I would have understood. But even when I kept asking if there was another guy in the picture, she said there was no one.

I've moved on. But I'm sorry for her because one thing ladies don't know is that if a guy is aware that you are in a serious relationship and still chooses to flirt with you, with no regard to your partner or respect for what you claim to have with someone else, then the chances that he will do same with another lady while dating you is almost 100%.

I've learnt my lesson. Had to finally break the sad news to my siblings this evening. I feel lighter now though  

Good! I wish you well brother. Move on! When you say "NO" to a woman, keep it. Move one, DO NOT ACCEPT HER AGAIN IF YOU LOVE YOUR LIFE AND WANT TO LIVE LONG, [size=14pt]MOVE ON![/size]

musawisdom:
Don't 4get electricity wil be charged double next year. Removal of fuel subsidy, new number plate. I think it is time to group some militant in southwest to terrorise this jonathan system of oppressing masses govt

    Today, I become General Rolchi        

I will even do a Thanksgiving prior and after taking the awards!

kings112:
A whole niger delta state dat is sopoz 2 pay more than 18000.
Just tek a look at my imo state, rochas pay 20 000 as minimum wej.
A round of aplos 4 owele rochas.

Owelle RAO will soon default!

OK! 2012 is around the corner! Lets watch and see!

ajadek:
If nigeria refuse to apreciate obj,i apreciate him alot, who ever talk against obj is traitor/ingrate, i never meet him one on one but he still remain best president so far,a king maker,hero.

God Bless You for Me! Well spoken!

NLNG – a friend indeed! (2)
On November 4, 2011 · In Tonye Princewill

By Tonye Princewill

THAT’S not all the LNG boys have done – not by a long shot. If you have doubts, ask the people of Abua, Ekpeye, Ogba, Ikwere, Okrika and Kalabari towns, here in Rivers State, where the company has built schools and supplied educational materials, including desks or the hospitals and equipment they have been running.

While you’re at it, make some inquires about NLNG’s community relations activities in the crucial areas of culture and finance. I refer, of course, to its micro-credit scheme for small businesses and training of young entrepreneurs, as well as its sponsorship of Port Harcourt’s choral competition.

But NLNG is a multinational. With a staff of 405 (298 permanent, plus 107 contract workers), it has offices in Abuja, Port Harcourt, London and Bermuda. It is the largest industrial concern on the African continent and the second largest LNG plant in the world. So you wouldn’t expect, either its largesse or its impact to be limited to Rivers State; and it is not. NLNG supports the Maritime Academy at Oron, Akwa Ibom State and is helping the Federal Government to create a viable ships registry.

It also sponsors the National Prizes for Literature and Science.

What you would have expected is that if Rivers or any other state could get its hands on this magic lamp it would do so. If our state was not the legitimate home of NLNG, Governor Amaechi would probably have devised another way to get hold of it. As well he should! Here is a company that took out $1.6 billion loan and nurtured it into an industrial behemoth that generates seven percent of Nigeria’s Gross Development Product. NLNG is the proverbial “pot of gold”, at the end of the revenue rainbow – pouring a reported N30 billion a year into the Lagos State treasury.

Rivers State, which has a much more accommodating tax regime, expects an annual take of about N2 billion. But money isn’t everything. Character is just as important for a corporate citizen, as it is for an individual. NLNG is an equally alluring asset in this regard.

“The company,” notes Business World’s Chris Uba, “is reputed for transparency and due process in all its activities.” In light of its enormous value, as a composite asset, some controversy was bound to accompany the relocation. The main issue critics have raised is the timing. The original plan was apparently to relocate over a period of two years.

But a critical article in the New York-based Sahara Reporters avers that Chima Ibeneche, the MD, considered this unfeasible: Because the maintenance of C & C Towers (a block of converted residential apartments on Victoria Island, which a series of property audits declared unfit) was now too expensive.

The company had opted, initially, to await completion of its permanent Port Harcourt headquarters, at a temporary location in Lagos State. Once again though, Ibeneche, a seasoned administrator, apparently saw danger looming.

I have not been privileged to discuss NLNG’s decision with him. But certain essential elements can be logically inferred from my own background as a businessman and a member of Rivers State Government’s Economic Summit. With the cost of transport and accommodation on the rise everywhere, the longer the Port Harcourt move was delayed, the costlier it would have become.

Procrastination may also have complicated matters politically, since the forces arrayed against management’s decision could then have regrouped. Prodding management as well was Ibeneche’s scheduled retirement in 2012. As a political infighter, he must surely have known that the relocation project ran a risk of being scuttled after his departure – and, as a precaution, made it an emergency exercise, with a 60-day time-limit. 

“Ibeneche retires in January 2012,” wrote the hostile Sahara Reporters staff, “just two months from now, and his decision seems accentuated by a desire to utilize all the funds accruable from this rushed relocation not to a permanent office in Port Harcourt, but to a temporary one”.

Some employees, especially contract workers, resisted destination Port Harcourt. Fortunately though, management’s acumen, along with the loyalty and nobility of spirit, which NLNG’s PENGASSAN (Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria) leaders exhibited, carried the day.

When the industrial history of the Niger Delta is written, the heroism of PENGASSAN officials, the courage of Ibeneche and Chief Long-John, the eloquence of Mbanefo and the diligence of Aka Nwokedi, Human Resources Manager, certainly deserve a prominent place in it. The precedent which NLNG has set, by virtue of its return to Rivers State, is a beacon on the shores of our much revered region-a guiding industrial light, beckoning to other estranged enterprises.

The unemployed of the Niger Delta are sending SOSs to these firms, crying out for their compassion. NLNG has responded to the entreaties-demonstrating, by its example, that a friend in need is a friend indeed!

Source: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/11/nlng-a-friend-indeed-2/


30 Billion Naira now coming to Rivers State!    

They have been recovered, Praise the Lord!

http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/customs-recovers-auctioned-nipp-equipment/101864/

Even in the Supreme Court, GEJ will win massively! Why? CPC is contesting the results where GEJ had the most support, How possible can they prove a thing here!

Carry go GEJ!

Very Painful that this happens in Nigeria.

Oh! Thank God, we need people like this to take up the challenge of leadership in Nigeria.

No school in the list from Bonny Island?

Wikileaks

Very soon, it will become irrelevant, it is really a beer parlour gossip!

COMPAQ:
No need to fool ourselves!! Too many products have been underpriced for too long in Nigeria. If you travel abroad for 1 week and witness 24hr power you'll be willing to pay for it at even N20. Funny enough, most of the people here run generators at high cost (petrol, servicing, repairs, noise pollution, inconvenience etc) but keep complaining when the govt talks about increasing the tariff.

If you have a 5Kva gen (5000Va), multiplied by a factor 0f 0.8, then it generates about 4000watts. A 5Kva gen consumes about a full 25litre gallon for about 10hrs. At N65per litre that is N1625.

Generating 4000watts for 10hrs means you are generating 40,000watt hours or 40Kwhrs which is what PHCN calls 1unit and charges N11 for.

It therefore means that your cost per Kwhr from gen is N1625/40 = N40.60 per Kwhr.

Recall also that most of that electricity is actually wasting, as it is very unlikely that anyones uses the full capacity of the gen. At most you'd be using about 60% of the 4000watts, meaning about 40% of that cost is even being wasted.

Let's use our heads and think when we criticise the rate increase.

All this does not even account for the benefits of having 24hr power such as peace of mind, better healthcare, improved sleep, better lifestyle, ability to shop in bulk and stock the freezer etc) which cannot be easily quantified in naira and kobo.

You have spoken well,

BY DANIEL IDONOR

ABUJA – In what appears to be a mini state of emergency for Plateau State, President Goodluck Jonathan has ordered the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshall Oluseyi Petinrin “to take full charge of the security situation in Plateau State”.

The move which is contained in a statement issued by Dr Reuben Abati, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, is coming at the end of a marathon meeting of the National Security Council, held yesterday.

“In keeping with his avowed resolve to ensure the full security of lives and property across the country, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Monday in Abuja directed the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshall Oluseyi Petinrin to take full charge of the security situation in Plateau State immediately and take all necessary actions to stop the recent spate of killings in the state”, it said.

President Jonathan has also directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Pius Anyim Pius to bring up all pending reports by recent committees set up by the Federal Government on the Plateau for immediate review and implementation.

to the statement, “following a meeting of the National Security Council, President Jonathan also directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Pius Anyim Pius to bring up all pending reports by recent committees set up by the Federal Government on the Plateau for immediate review and implementation”.

The President has summoned the Plateau State Governor, Chief Jonah Jang to a crucial meeting today, and further directed the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, to take prompt action to address the plight of internally displaced persons in Plateau State.

He further renewed his call on all parties involved in the crises in Plateau State to embrace tolerance, dialogue and compromise to ensure the success of ongoing efforts to achieve a lasting resolution of their differences.

Source: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/09/jos-chief-of-defence-to-take-charge-of-security/

Sorry, 100 days, I was pissed with the 100 achievement in 100 days!