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Beyond The Kokoma Dance …Who Ordered Sale Of $5.3bn NIPP Goods?
Since the two chambers of the Nigerian National Assembly, commenced inquiries into the laughable sales of 17 containers load of hi-tech electrical equipment valued at a whopping $5.3billion, early this month, the much tax-payers have been treated to are the less pleasurable steps of Kokoma Dance. Like its Western ballroom kind, this type was very popular after the Civil War uptill the late 70’s backwards without necessarily exiting the dance arena.
But it was later considered less fanciful to other more athletic dance forms like the legendary Pop King, Michael Jackson’s Moon Walk, MC Hammer’s Dancehall steps and on Nigerian soil the admixture of highlife and pioru introduced to afro-funk by the duo of Daddy Sokey and Baba Frio of the Denge Pose music genre.
That is why it’s most amusing that a serious issue as the auctioning of 17 containers of electrical equipment meant for the establishment of power plants to increase supply to the Federal Government’s national electrification programme, should attract answers from key players that smacks off Kokoma , one step forward, two backwards.
The facts of the case are simple. As far back as 2007, government placed order for the purchase of electrical equipment at a cost of $5.3billion and which arrived the country in 17 large containers. But rather than clear such goods belonging to the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) and the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), they were left at the ports till 2009 when they were allegedly auctioned.
Now, the questions to which both the Senate and the House of Representatives along with other Nigerians seek urgent answers are: Why? Who sold the goods and to whom? Why? Who authorised the sales? Why? Who was expected to clear the goods but didn’t? Why? Now, where are the goods? Why so? There are simple questions the Nigerian Customs Service, officials of the NIPP, PHCN and the Ministry charged with the purchase of such goods should provide simple answers to.
For that purpose, the National Assembly had invited all concerned to explain their roles in the scam but the outcome has been everything but honourable. Yet, all concerned are supposedly, honourable men.
First, who auctioned the goods? The auctioneer? To this question alone, there are two different answers from two different key players. Managing Director of the NIPP, Mr John Olotu who indeed blew the lid off the scam, had in a petition to the Inspector General of Police (IGP),Mr Afiz Ringim alleged that the equipment were sold to one auctioneer who lived at No 6 Godwin Lane, Woji, Port Harcourt in Rivers State, But who is he?
On his part, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr A. J. Atte who stood in for his boss, Mr Inde Dikko Abdullahi, said to be in Vietnam for training stated that the buyer of the containers was one Johnson Adewusi of 17 Herbert Macaulay Way, Lagos on April 20, 2009.
Now, were the 17 containers bought by the same Adewusi of 17 Herbert Macaulay or the unknown auctioneer of Woji in Port Harcourt? Or is it the same auctioneer using two different addresses in Lagos and Port Harcourt?
However, in Olotu’s petition which was read by the Senate Committee Chairman on Power, Senator Philip Aduda last week Tuesday, the inquiry heard that the goods which were allegedly purchased at US$5.3billion were sold at give-away prices.
But why did it take the NIPP boss uptill now to blow up the lid of a scam perpetrated since 2009? What did he do to bring the action to the court of public opinion as he has done now? What else is he not telling us?
Not amused by the lack of answers to many more questions, the Senate Committee had last Tuesday, given the Customs seven days, within which to retrieve all the 17 containers, it was believed to have auctioned.
But this appears most unlikely, even as the deadline expires tomorrow, in view of allusions made by the Deputy Comptroller-General, when he took his turn before the Senate Committee same day. In his account, Mr Atte had on behalf of his boss told the hearing, “ no man in his sanity would go and auction government’s property of the magnitude and importance of power plant equipment without express permission of Mr President and Commander – In –Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces”.
If by Mr President, Atte means, the incumbent, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan then, the Presidency needs to tell Nigerians why? But if approval was given before his tenure, President Jonathan needs to ask the right questions now and give Nigerians all the answers.
While Nigerians await that outcome, it is important that the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, explains to Nigerians why the containers containing such vital national needs like power, not second hand clothes, should be abandoned in the ports for three years until they were sold in 2009
In giving the directive, the Senate Committee Chairman described as irresponsible and frustrating, the attitude of (some) government’s establishments and directed all key players in the scam to forward names and ranks of those involved in the illicit sales, for necessary sanctions. The Committee also directed all relevant departments to meet and brainstorm over pending containers at the country’s various ports and articulate relevant solutions on how to clear them in good time to avoid repeat of auctioning of the equipment.
The question is what happens to the Customs and other accomplices at the expiration of the seven-day ultimatum given them by the Senate to retrieve all the sold equipment? As usual, will Nigerians simply look the other way and pray, not again?
It is indeed a national disgrace, that sensitive as electricity power needs are to Nigeria and Nigerians, to manufacturing concerns and attendant job creation initiatives, to healthcare, education, industry and commerce among all others, that equipment valued at 5.3billion dollars, about N821.5 billion should be wasted the way it has.
Even more unacceptable is the fact that until these inquiries by the National Assembly, the facts were kept a guarded secret as if the items sold were sour grapes smuggled into the country as contraband. And to think that the equipment would not have boosted electricity supply and save government all the negative comments about unseriousness on matters that directly touch the citizenry is most unfortunate.
This is why Dr Okonji-Iweala as Finance Minister must tell Nigerians what went wrong, even if she might not have been directly responsible at the time. But government is a continuum and so it behoves her to ask the right questions and tell Nigerians what they need to know about the saga.
But I have a worry. The Senate’s ultimatum to Customs to retrieve the sold goods was widely publicised since last Wednesday, just as the Customs’ claim that auctioning the containers was duly authorised by Mr President and Commander-In-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
That being the case, why has the Presidency kept mum? Does this silence mean consent to the allegation? I hope not because if it turns out to be so, it will even be more unfortunate considering the fact that power has since the commencement of the Yar’Adua/Jonathan presidency been an ample part of the seven-point agenda.
And to allow such over sight, either by omission or commission would be a disservice to the land and the people’s hope of a better Nigeria under President Jonathan’s watch.
Mr Agony is that auctioned goods are like the wings of a butterfly, once touched, they never remain the same. The option? All those found culpable on the long run should be made to reproduce the sold items or replace them. Period. No more, no less.
Soye Wilson Jamabo
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Our Legacy’ll Leave Lasting Impression On Rivers People -Fubara
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will collaborate and continue to consult widely in delivering a liberated State experiencing enduring peace.
Fubara said, in doing so, he would not operate as a dictator but as a member of a team that has the best interest of the State at heart and determined to leave a lasting legacy that can be celebrated.
The governor spoke during the formal presentation of Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, as first class tradition ruler, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara stated that, during the Sixth State Executive Council meeting, N80.8billion was approved with 50 percent contract value paid already as the Government awarded the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
He said the project will be funded from the savings from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to underscore his administration’s prudence without also borrowing to complete the project.
“We are at a crossroad in our State where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a life time. So, for now, be one of those people that will be in the course to liberate and free our dear State.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our State. We will do those things that are right to develop our State.
“We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us. We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led”, the governor said.
Fubara explained that he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits in recognition of his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika, and indeed, the State, and urged him to continue to do justice to everyone.
In his speech, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom for being formally presented with the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office as first class traditional ruler.
Also speaking, former Transport Minister, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise of upgrading the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom, and pledged the support of Kirike Se people to his administration.
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We’re Determined To Leave Legacy Of Quality Education -Fubara
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has promised to give the best attention to the education sector so that standard and quality learning will never be compromised in the State.
The governor emphasised that in achieving such legacy, schools in the State will be driven with a curriculum that will equip school-aged children to become competitive, innovative and self-reliant.
Governor Fubara made the assertion while inaugurating the Governing Council of Rivers State University at Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
He said: “There is a lot of noise everywhere: people asking what we are doing; that we are not focused, and that we don’t have direction.
”But I want to tell the world that we are focused and aware that we cannot grow if our energies are not channeled to education. Not just education, but purposeful education.
”Education that is creative. Education that gives you independence. We have left the era in the world when you speak too much grammar. We are in such times when it is what you can do with your hands.
”Our purpose for education is that we should bring back our academic programmes to where, at the end of your studies, you don’t need a job but you create jobs. When one creates a job, you automatically employ others. That is what I want this council to see as their task.”
Governor Fubara noted the non-existence of public secondary schools for the male child in the Diobu axis of Port Harcourt.
He said such negligence leaves children in that area who have completed primary education, and whose parents cannot afford sending them to far away secondary schools, to roam the streets, and therefore becoming willing tools for criminality.
Governor Fubara assured that such fundamental problem will be addressed by his administration as a measure to curb the negative impression associated with Diobu axis of Port Harcourt.
The governor said he trusts in the capacity of the members of the Governing Council of Rivers State University to bring about positive change in the institution while also contributing their quota to improving the general education standard in the State.
”I charge you, not just in terms of administering the affairs of the university, but let us add something different from the normal things that we already have to see new things.”
In her response, on behalf of the other members, the Pro-Chancellor of the Governing Council of Rivers State University, Justice Mary Odili (rtd), thanked the governor for finding them worthy to serve in such capacity.
Justice Odili assured they will work assiduously as a team to solve the problems that agitate the mind of the governor and ensure their contributions form part of the legacy that will be bequeathed by his administration.
The members included Justice Mary Odili (rtd) as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council with Barrister Mela Oforibika and Chukwuma Chinwo, Esq.
Others were Adata Bio-Briggs, Esq., Dr. Jonathan Nimi Hart, Ngo Martins-Yellowe, Dr. Nancy Nwankwo, Dr. Igoni William-Park, and Mr. Ogbugbu Barisua.
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Fubara, Others Eulogise Rivers First Lady’s Mother
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu, and key stakeholders of the State on Wednesday paid glowing tributes at the Service of Songs held in honour of late Mrs Adeline Jaja, mother of the wife of the Governor, Lady Valerie Fubara, at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Mile 1, Diobu, Port Harcourt.
Speaking at the event, Governor Fubara described his late mother-in-law as a great and visionary woman who lived on truth and conviction in what she believes.
“Mama was a great woman. She wasn’t a materialistic person. When she believes in you, she’ll be all out for you. She stood for me. I feel pained that, like my own mother, she left at this moment.
”Mama believed so much in God, and the wonders of God. I thank everyone, particularly the Church. On behalf of the bereaved family, we will support the Church to immortalise her name,” the Governor said.
In his homily, Vicar of the Church, Ven. A. A. Ijon-Ama, who spoke on the gains of death, said physical departure from earth was not an ultimate end but an opening for higher and permanent gain and perfection.
He pointed out that when a man has a good relationship with God, he stands to gain more in death.
Ven. Ijon-Ama described late Mrs. Adeline Jaja as a devout Christian, who exuded deep sense of hospitality, and endowed with accommodating spirit, noting that she will be greatly missed by all.
The Vicar, who prayed for the repose of the soul of Mrs Adeline Jaja, also solicited for Divine fortitude for the family to bear the great loss, and called for the immortalisation of the deceased to keep her good legacies alive.
Some family members, who spoke at the Service of Songs, extolled the virtues of the deceased, describing her as “a great community leader, counsellor, peace maker, and caring mother, who provided for the needy, and participated actively in Church activities.
Highlights of the event were special prayers for the bereaved family, conducted by the Anglican Bishop of Evo Diocese, Rt. Rev. Innocent Ordu; remarks by key family members, choir ministration, among others.
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