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No Instant Solutions To Nigeria’s Problems -Tinubu …Describes Clark As Eagle Of Nigeria …As Gowon, Jonathan Hail Clark
President Bola Tinubu has appealed to Nigerians to bear with his administration following the pains occasioned by the removal of petroleum subsidy.
He said that at the end of the sufferings today, tomorrow would be better.
Speaking in Abuja yesterday during the unveiling of a 688 page book, “Brutally Frank”, an autobiography of the former Federal Commissioner for Information and South South Leader, Chief Edwin Clark, the President said that the solution to Nigeria’s problem cannot be like instant coffee.
Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, noted that what the country was going through is akin to the pains of childbirth, which usually turn to merriment after the pain.
He, however, admitted that the country is going through a difficult stage, but assured that the problems would be surmounted, just as he was optimistic that the palliatives o Nigerians by the Federal Government would help in softening the hardship and trauma.
The 25 Chapter book revolves around the journey of Clark as a classroom teacher, a commissioner, minister, a Senator and national activist spanning over seven decades.
The President described Clark as someone who belongs to that very rare form of extra ordinary men, describing him as the Iroko of South South and the Eagle of Nigeria.
Akume said, “since he came in, he has demonstrated enough for the management of this diversity through appointment of person, citizens to key strategic positions, which explains why the former governor of Ebonyi said, for the past many years, no south east indigene have been appointed to the position of Minister of works. That is part of management of this diversity.
“And he has also asked me to tell this gathering that we are going through a difficult phase in the history of this country. But this pains, are pains of birth, birth of a new nation. And that if you want to celebrate a child, a baby, then the mother must go through some pains. But at the end of the day, there is joy. There is merriment when the baby arrives. And we will certainly be there.
“Solutions to problems can never be as instant as coffee. But we must certainly be there.
“I know the removal of fuel subsidy has created some things. And that is why palliatives are being put in place of 100 trucks, fertilizers have been sent to the States, 100 trucks of grains have been sent and more are coming and more buses are also coming.
“We can endure this for a moment. What we’re going through today is for a better tomorrow. Nations are great because citizens have hope. They have hope that tomorrow will be better than today.
On Clark, Tinubu said, “Your Excellencies, it is stated that there is no need introducing a man who needs no introduction. Chief E. K. Clark is a household name throughout this country and I recall at a personal level when I was in secondary school, my governor then was the late Jedi Gomwalk, while his governor was Major Ogbemudia and because the two governors were very close the name Clark was constantly mentioned in our circles and eventually when I went to Jos to do my HSC, the name became even sound.
“But let me say, Chief E. K. Clark, the president respects your person, he recognises the fact that you are part of the Nigerian legend. You are the Iroko of the South South, the Eagle of the nation. And you believe in the unity of this country. And it has been demonstrated in your book personally written by you.
“One wouldn’t be surprised because your boss, our father, General Gowon believed so much in the unity of this country and its territorial integrity. And that is why in 1971, when the war ended and sometime in 2015, President Obama had to appeal to Nigerians not to do anything to undermine the integrity of our country and to respect the wishes of the people. He By working your mantra to keep Nigeria one is a task that must be done.
“Chief E. K. Clark belongs to that very rare form of extra ordinary men, Patriot who had at any point in time, would be relied upon to stop any efforts that could lead to the dismemberment of this country. We are greater when we are introduced as Nigerians than when we are introduced on the basis of ethnic particularism.
“Your Excellency, this country’s structurally complex and structurally difficult but can never be difficult to manage. And that is why the President said I should tell you our polarities, our diverse cultures, languages, our religions constitute a source of strength.”
Earlier in his remarks, former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, with whom Clark served in his governor as the Federal Commissioner for Information, praised Clark, saying he was his confidant and the voice of the government who fearlessly defended the government and projected its image.
According to Gowon, even though the foremost South South leader, was a person of strong character, he put forward his views respectfully, adding that Clark, who is the only surviving member of his cabinet, was helpful to explaining government policies and enhancing national unity.
Gowon, who was the chairman of the occasion, said: “I can assure you I’ve never had any difficulty or argument with him. It was most amicable and respectfully given. However, considering a strong personality, there were of course times that he would vehemently disagree with his colleagues, commissioners and military officers and worked hard to convince them of why his own position is better than theirs”.
Gowon who wrote the forward of the book and was the Chairman at yesterday’s event, described the author as a foremost Nigerians who has done his part in the growth and development of Nigeria as a country.
As a flashback, Gowon said that he appointed Clark as Minister of Information in the then military government in order to have what he described as a perfect replacement for Anthony Enahoro at the time.
The former Head of State said, “The need to fill in the void created by Enahoro’s exit was what gave Clark the job of minister in the government which I headed. He became my confidant and the voice of the government, fearlessly defending the government and projecting its image. I found comfort in always discussing government and other issues with Clark most amicably. However, considering his strong personality, there were times that he would vehemently disagree with his colleagues commissioners and military officers and worked hard to convince them on why his own position is better than theirs and any other.
“He was helpful not only in explaining government policies and programmes but also in the effort to rebuild our unity in the country. I also found him useful in our vision of building a common identity within the West Africa sub-region. I therefore found his personality and persuasive skill an asset in visiting various West African countries to canvass the need for us to have a common sub-regional body which today is known as the Economic Community of West African States.”
On the book, the former Head of State said that “it is a very useful chronicle of what had transpired in Nigeria during his (Clark’s) lifetime of service. I am hopeful that the younger generations will be better informed on our experiences which has brought the country to what it is today, on which our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu represents the centre of our common aspirations of peace, unity and progress.”
Also speaking, former President Goodluck Jonathan who noted that Clark’s name should be one of the few Nigerians written in letters of gold for his invaluable contributions to the unity and progress of the country, said: “In fact, Clark is one of those few Nigerians that his name should be written in letters of gold in our political history book. And not because he’s my father but I knew his contribution. When I set up the 2014 National Conference, there was a debate about percentages of 70 percent or two third or a quarter or whatever that could make them to come up and agree on something.
“And most of the resolutions were not voted, people agreed. And from the information I got, Clark was one of the fathers that worked behind to make sure that north, south, east and west agree on most of those things.”
In his keynote address, the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio who was represented by the Minister of Works Designate, Dave Umahi, called on leaders to emulate the South South leader, adding that his devotion to the cause of justice was what stands him out from the pack.
Former Governor of Edo State, Prof Oserheimen Osunbor who reviewed the book hailed Clark for his rich memory but not without pointing out some flaws ranging from factual errors to wrong spellings.
Osunbor said, “At times, the language is intemperate such as using the word ‘stupid on page 359.This is obviously in anger but not appropriate in a book. The most serious shortcoming is the author’s copious reproduction, reference to and reliance on the statements and opinions of other people many of which may be unreliable and unverifiable.
“An example of this is at page 559 where he quotes in extenso excerpts from Mallam El-Rufai’s book “The Accidental Public servant. In the relevant portion, the author refers to a discussion at Aso Villa between President Olusegun Obasanjo, Senate President Ken Namani and others as they mulled the idea of stopping live television broadcast of the Senate debate of the Third Term. Chief Tony Anenih is quoted to have said that he will get Professor Osunbor to move the motion.”
Clark was quoted as following, “The following day, we learnt that Professor Osunbor went to the clerk of the Senate and asked that a motion be raised of urgent national importance, with no topic. This allowed – any senator can move to table a motion of urgent national importance” with no further detail. The clerk put the motion in the order paper. On the appointed day, Professor Osunbor fell miraculously ill and had to be admitted to hospital, so there was nobody to raise the motion”.
Among those that attended the event are prominent political and traditional rulers including Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, who was the chief launcher; Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi; wife of late former Head of State, Maryam Abacha; traditional rulers including Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; Amanyanabo (King) of Twon-Brass, and the first Military Governor of Rivers State, Alfred Papapreye Diete-Spiff; Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero, and Attah Igala, Àtá Matthew Opaluwa, Segun Awolowo, among others.
Among the governors present at the occasion were those of Edo, Delta, Bauchi, Taraba, and Plateau states, Deputy Governor of Delta State; Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly; former Governors Adamu Muazu and Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege; former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah, former Governor of Anambra State, Chukwuemeka Ezeife; Mike Ozekhome, SAN, Mike Okiro, Steve Oransanya, Solomon Arase, Representative of the Esama of Benin, among others.
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.
