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‘Nigeria Needs Restructuring, Social Justice’
Stakeholders at the 2nd Claude Ake Memorial Lecture have called for restructuring of the Nigerian political space based on social justice, transparency and accountability in governance.
Making public their views at the forum organised by the Rivers State Government at the weekend to celebrate the legacies left by the late Prof of Political Economy, who died in a plane crash 13 years ago, they called for urgent measures to save the country from the brink of collapse.
Chairman of the occasion and former Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, Prof George Obiozor observed that the country’s leadership derailed from the vision of the founding fathers, thereby affecting the unity and development of Nigeria.
Prof Obiozor asserted that, “leadership is everything and that, ‘ if we must salvage our country, we must face the reality”.
He blamed the poor justice system and corruption as major factors that threaten the unity of the country, while stressing the need to restructure the political system capable of attracting the support of all Nigerians willingly without force.
Obiozor added that Nigeria needs a system of shared power hinged on social justice.
He lauded the Rivers State Government for remembering Prof Ake, whom he described as one of Africa’s great scholars, who impacted on the lives of other academics within and outside Nigeria.
Delivering a paper with theme, Combating the Resources Curse: Strategies for Economic Transformation in a Natural Resource-Rich Economy, “ former President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas argued that Nigeria’s huge natural resources had turned into a problem due to poor management.
According to Dr Chambas, studies have shown that countries with less resources were more prudent than those with lots of resources.
He disclosed that about 70 per cent of Nigerians live below poverty line, while describing the country, as a paradox of poverty in the midst of plenty”.
He believed that huge part of the resources goes into few hands, which causes most of the disharmony, poverty, crime and religious problems.
Chambas cited the case of Boko Haram as an offshoot of inequity, as political domination in every sphere of the economy leads to ethnic struggles among the citizenry to gain from the resources.
The former ECOWAS president, however, recommended good governance, accountability, transparency and the rule of law as major ingredients to transform the nation.
He said Nigeria needed to take advantage of the huge economic opportunities in the global community by investing in human capacity, especially on technical and engineering skills.
In her remarks, former chairperson of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mrs Ifueko Omoigini-Okanra said the country should stop over reliance on oil revenue.
For her, it is only when the country begins to diversity its economy will it be able to make progress, why can’t we change radically or breaking this cycle”. she queried.
In a similar vein, member representing Calabar-Odukpani in the House of Representatives, Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo called for constant review of the development process as she lauded the establishment of the Sovereign Wealth Fund.
She warned that Nigeria would become a failed state if inequality and poverty continued, and warned against the marginalisation of women would further worsen the resources curse, as she recommended multiple accountability systems in the polity.
Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi, former President of Economic Community of West African State (ECOWAS), Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas and other prominent Nigerians have hailed the legacies of late Prof Claude Ake, a top political economist from the state.
Speaking at the second Prof Ake Memorial lecture titled, “ combating the resource curse: Strategies for Economic Transformation in a Natural Resources-Rich Economy’, Amaechi said Ake was a philosopher and critic who sought the best for his country.
‘For me, Prof Ake stands as one social crusader that we lost to God… and therefore, we should not allow his legacies to die.
The Rivers State Governor recalled that as a student activist in the university, he learnt a lot from the late Professor who was a strong advocate of good governance and better political structures.
When you hear me speak the way I do, it is because of the private lessons from persons like Prof Ake”, he said.
He believed that if the late political economist was still alive, he would have fought more for the betterment of Nigerians, while lamenting the worsening level of corruption in the country.
Amaechi promised that Rivers State would endow a professional chair on political theory in the University of Port Harcourt, while calling for the rejuvenation of the Centre for Advance Social Science (CASS), an institute established by Ake to propagate political thoughts in Nigeria and beyond.
On his part, former ECOWAS President, Dr Chambas described the late professor as a man who saw academics as a vehicle of ensuring social justice and national transformation.
Chambas said of Prof Ake”, he is a quintessential organic intellectual such that what he wanted for the Niger Delta was that the region take its rightful place in this great nation”.
The former ECOWAS president said, “ Ake demonstrated that we do not have to be in public office to affect lives”.
Chambas blamed the over-reliance on oil revenue and rents as the major cause of Nigeria’s economic and political travails, arguing that despite the huge resources, the country was still bedeviled by poverty and corruption. He called on the country’s leaders to toe the path of Bostwana, Indonesia and Norway who had used their resources to great advantage through transparent and accountable leadership.
The former ECOWAS chief, noted that once the state was able to meet the expectations of the citizens by establishing a meritorious civil service, accountable public institutions and ensuring social justice, it could be said to be utilising the resources well
Chambas, therefore, called for a paradigm shift through the prudent utilisation of resources, saying, “ in seeking to liberate the African people, we must harness the huge population driven by good macro-economic policies, social governance and rule of law”.
Also speaking, chairman of the occasion and former Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, Prof George Obizor said late Ake was one of Africa’s distinguished scholars.
Prof Obiozor added, Ake was a combination of realistic and idealistic scholarship, and he made a great impact on other African scholars.
The former US Ambassador thanked the government and people of Rivers State for organising the lecture and remembering the late Professor of Political Economy.
Earlier, chairman of the organising committee and Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Levi Gogo-Charles noted that the government has instituted the lecture to motivate the young ones and celebrate the legacies of the university teachers.
He stated that the theme of this year’s lecture was aimed at ensuring a shift from oil to knowledge-based economy, while hinting that in the near future, Rivers State would export knowledge rather than oil.
The State House management yesterday disclosed that its overhead expenditure amounted to N22.62billion, spread across seven cost centres.
These include the State House Headquarters, State House Operations (President), State House Operations (Vice President), Office of the Chief of Staff, Office of the Chief Security Officer to the President, State House Medical Centre, and Lagos Liaison Office.
The Permanent Secretary of the State House, Olufunso Adebiyi, revealed this during an oversight visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Special Duties to the data centre located in the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The State House Director of Information and Public Relations, Mr Abiodun Oladunjoye, announced this in a statement issued yesterday titled ‘State House to Achieve Full Digitisation by November 2024, Says Permanent Secretary, as Reps Tour Data Centre.’
During his presentation on the 2023/2024 budget implementation, the Permanent Secretary highlighted that the State House had achieved 43 per cent implementation of capital projects for 2024 and an impressive 99 per cent implementation in overhead expenditure.
“Out of this appropriated amount, so far, as of 31 August 2024, a total sum of N15.08bn has been released to us; and of the said released amount, a total of N14.9bn has so far been expended during the fiscal year, leaving an outstanding balance of N14.5bn. This represents an encouraging performance of 99 per cent,” he said.
On capital expenditure, Adebiyi noted that N51.3bn was appropriated for 2024, with N22bn spent, leaving a balance of N29.3bn, representing 43 per cent implementation.
The Permanent Secretary commended the Committee members for approving an increased budget allocation to the State House in the 2024 appropriation, particularly given the considerable demand from various cost centres during the challenging fiscal year.
“This has gone a long way in enhancing our performance as an important arm of government, especially with regards to the welfare of staff and various capital projects, such as the renovation of the residential quarters of the President, Aguda House, computerisation and digitalisation of the State House, construction of an office complex, replacement of operational vehicles, and others,” he said.
The chief accounting officer further presented the 2023 budget and supplementary budget performances.
He disclosed that N1.65bn was approved for personnel costs in 2023, of which N1.65bn was spent, leaving a balance of N439,433.66.
For overhead expenditure in 2023, N8.29bn was appropriated, and N8.27bn was expended, leaving an outstanding balance of N14.5m, marking a 99.82 per cent budget implementation.
Regarding total capital expenditure for 2023, the Permanent Secretary said N11.2bn was approved, with N10.9bn spent, representing an overall performance of 98 per cent.
Adebiyi also mentioned that the State House is set to achieve full digitisation of its operations by November 2024.
According to him, the completion of the computerisation and digitisation process would enhance efficiency, security, and the seamless operation of critical administrative functions at the State House.
The visit, led by the Chairman of the House Committee on Special Duties, Hon. Kabir Tukura, was part of the legislators’ statutory oversight to assess the performance of the 2023 and 2024 budgets of the State House.
Adebiyi also briefed the lawmakers on the ongoing renovations at Dodan Barracks, Lagos, the former seat of government.
He noted that the renovations are expected to be completed before the end of the year.
Adebiyi invited the legislators for an on-the-spot assessment of the barracks, with funds for the project and others at the Lagos Liaison Office sourced from the 2023 supplementary budget and the 2024 budget respectively.
In his remarks, Tukura expressed satisfaction with the ongoing digital transformation and commended the State House for its commitment to budgetary discipline and modernising government services.
“The 2024 budget is still ongoing, and I would say, so far, so good. The releases have been made and utilised by almost 98 per cent, and that is quite commendable.
“There are no gaps. The 2023 budget has been completed. Members have asked questions, and we have heard the responses from the Permanent Secretary. We are convinced they are doing well,” he said.
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Fubara Inaugurates Judicial Commission On Killings, Blasts In Rivers …Charges 7-Man Panel To Be Resolute, Just
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has inaugurated a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the arson, killings, and destruction of property at various Local Government Council Headquarters in the State.
Governor Fubara inaugurated the seven-member commission at the Executive Chambers of Government House in Port Harcourt yesterday.
The commission that has one month to conclude its assignment, has Hon. Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri as Chairman; Mrs. Inyingi Brown as the Secretary; and Barrister Uzor Ikenga as the Counsel.
Other members are Barrister Felicia Nwoke; Prof. Blessing Didia; Sir Samuel Egbe; and Venerable Alex Usifor.
The Governor said the recent attacks and burning of Local Government Councils’ Secretariats on the 7th October, 2024, seemed like a repeat of what was experienced in 2014, months to the General Elections of 2015 when courts were set ablaze, residences bombed and people killed, leading to the closure of courts in Rivers State.
Governor Fubara said his administration will not look away while ill-guided youths and sponsored political thugs turn the State into a theatre of violence without being made to pay for such crimes against the State.
He said, “So, I have decided to take this action to find out the immediate and remote causes of this arson, most importantly, no matter the personalities involved, we must bring them to book.
“So, this assignment is a very important. It is an assignment that, if it is not done rightly, would give the enemies of this State opportunity to continue.
“And if we are right, it is going to be the end of further destruction of public property in the State. I know it is going to be very tasking. I can assure you that there will be threats, but you have to be strong,” he advised.
Governor Fubara stated that it is long overdue to inaugurate the commission of inquiry owing to incidences that have been witnessed since his administration came on board.
He explained that sometime in the past, about October, 2023, a similar incidence was experienced, and because he had thought that everybody was of the same political family, he decided to let go.
He added that the persistence of the violence and differences between people who once had worked together have seemingly destroyed chances of settling any misgivings internally.
Governor Fubara emphasised: “It has become very clear that rather than getting close to the path of peace, this State is gradually turning into a kingdom where law and order is no longer the order of the day. And we cannot fold our hands and allow such thing to happen.
“On the 5th of October, 2024, about four days ago, we had an election in this State. Before the election, we also heard from a lot of quarters, songs of war, (and) threats but we never took them seriously because we believed that a local government election is a prerogative of the State Government. It has nothing to do with anybody anywhere that is outside the confinement of our State.
“And for that reason, we believed strongly that whatever it is, we could manage it to produce the purpose of that election.”
Governor Fubara further said: “But, it is very unfortunate that after the election, even while the election was going on, several things happened, which we managed, thinking it was going to end there.
“The day after the election, there were also more threats from people, and we also thought it was just a normal threat, believing that it was not going to be out of hand but it did.”
Governor Fubara told members of the commission that God has not made any mistake to find them suitable for the assignment given to them.
He urged them to work with the mind of actualising the purpose of the assignment, and noted that history will not forget this responsibility given to them.
Governor Fubara outlined the terms of reference of the assignment given, saying that they must: “Determine the underlying causes of the violence and identify the individuals or groups reasonable for the attacks on some Local Government Council Headquarters and the harm caused to citizens.
“Evaluate the extent of damage to property, infrastructure, and human lives and estimate the financial losses incurred.
“Examine whether the violence was politically motivated, and if so, identify the key players and their roles in instigating the violence.
“Assess the effectiveness of the security agencies’ response to the violence and identify areas for improvement.
“Investigate the actions of individuals and groups involved in the violence in the face of the relevant laws, including the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015, etc.
“Advise on adequate compensation and support for victims and their families, as well as measures to prevent future occurrences.
“Make recommendations on long-term strategies to prevent similar incidents in the future, including recommendations for policy reforms, community engagement, and conflict resolution mechanisms.
“Recommend appropriate sanctions for individuals and groups found culpable.
“Make other relevant recommendations in light of its findings which the commission may consider appropriate,” and also mandated the commission to submit its report within “one month”.
Governor Fubara said the task will not be easy on them but added that they must brace up and do what is right for the good of Rivers State.
The Senate has called for improved budgetary allocations to universities in the 2025 budget in order to check brain drain and other challenges in the universities.
The Tide’s source reports that the senate’s decision followed adoption of a motion at plenary, yesterday.
The motion, titled “Urgent Need to address challenges of increasing cases of brain drain in the Nigerian University System.” was sponsored by Sen. Ani Anthony (APC- Ebonyi).
Ani, in his motion said over the years, there has been a significant outflow of highly educated professionals in Nigeria, especially in the academia, in quests of better working conditions.
According to him, this worsened the skill gap in the workforce and is capable of hindering economic growth and development of the country.
Ani said that the National Universities Commission (NUC) report indicated that many Nigerian universities operate with less than 50 per cent of the required academic staff.
He expressed worry that the remunerations of the Nigerian university lecturers was among the poorest in the world, and it was last reviewed over 15 years ago.
This, he said cannot meet the current economic realities of the country.
He lamented that many universities in other Western African countries have better working conditions than what was obtainable in the Nigerian university system.
“I am worried over the continuous loss of experienced faculty members from our ivory towers to other countries, is capable of impacting negatively on the quality of education.
“ This reduces the effectiveness of teaching, learning and mentorship for students in our higher institutions.
“Also worried that brain drain has assumed an unprecedented posture in recent time, due to the current economic situation of the country.”
He stressed that the brain drain syndrome in Nigeria should be a cause for concern, as it threatens survival of the nation ‘s higher education, particularly in engineering, medicine and sciences.
He said the sectors were critical for the socioeconomic development of the country.
However, the Senate in its other resolution, mandated the Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFUND to liaise with relevant government agencies and work out modalities to check the spate of brain drain, in Nigeria universities.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio in his remarks said all hands must be on deck to proffer solutions to issue of brain drain, as a matter of concern in the nation’s tertiary education.
He said that the reasons for brain drain was basically economic in nature.
He expressed believe that a review of the employment of personnel in tertiary institutions would help mitigate the brain drain issue.
