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Home Blog Page 5399

Don’t defend illegality in Imo State

By
Stanley Alieke
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0

The act of the Imo State government sending legal practitioners and government spokesmen to media stations to defend the gestapo style of arrest of Uche Nwosu is unbecoming. The arrest has no legality in it in totality, the process of the arrest is unconstitutional and fundamentally wrong. 

You can not just abduct a citizen in a public place while shooting several shots with the risk shooting worshipers, causing panic and pandemonium and making people go run helter-skelter running over each other so as not to get shot. 

There are rules of engagement even in international armed conflict; some of the rules of engagement as regulated by the international humanitarian law is that you are not permitted to attacked a person in a midst of civilians, if a suspect is extremely dangerous and armed, the rule of engagement is to disengage him first and make sure that civilians are cleared off the areas to avoid huge impact of collateral damage. This is international armed conflict between two warring nations or countries.

When you want to arrest a citizen, the law enforcement agents involved in the operation should bear in mind that their foremost function as an agency of the state as provided in the police act is protection of lives and properties. Protection and safeguard of lives should be their watchword. 

Opening fire in church premises on Sunday afternoon while effecting the arrest of unarmed civilians is totally unprofessional and the officers involved in that operation should be made to face the music of the law.

Before we ask ourselves what is the reason for the arrest, what was Mr. Uche Nwosu accused of, it is pertinent to condemn in totality the process involved in the arrest, if we don’t condemn this and call for redress then who knows who next the police can arrest maybe in the mosque or church premises or other public places while releasing several shots in the air to the risk of worshipers or innocent citizens around. 

Nobody, absolutely nobody should support this process of arrest even if you are affiliated to the Nigerian police or the IMO state government or you are a long standing enemy of Mr. Uche Nwosu, everyone should objectively condemn what’s wrong and that’s why we are rational human beings.

Endless Verification Of Pensioners In Imo State, Nigeria

By
Fred Nwaozor
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0

The last time I checked, a certain set of individuals in Imo State – the Eastern Heartland – was apparently confused and stranded, and hence needed to be rescued by well-meaning Imolites.

The troubling and disturbing aspect of the aforementioned scenario is that the people in question are invariably referred to – by all and sundry – as ‘Senior Citizens’.

This topic is indeed discussing the teeming Imo pensioners whose story as a group has ostensibly become so ugly, pitiable, appalling and touching, to anyone who truly loves humanity, and the survival of the human race in general.

I’m equally not unaware that this set of individuals is seriously passing through the same ordeal in various other states across Nigeria. The reason I’m more concerned about that of Imo is simply because I am a resident of the State, Owerri precisely.

These retirees, otherwise known as senior citizens, have unabatedly been subjected to ridicule, penury and unspeakable anguish by those who are constitutionally meant to protect them, or cater for their collective welfare.

It’s not anymore news that since the assumption of duty of Senator Hope Uzodinma as the Governor of Imo State, there has remained verification upon verification of these innocent retirees.

Till date, most of them have not been paid a penny since the emergence of this administration, yet they do not presently know what their fate entails.

The affected ones as regards non-payment of pensions, and even backlog of arrears, are currently requested to once again tender their particulars and retirement documents to the concerned government offices such as the Office of the State Head of Service and the Owerri Municipal LGA Headquarters, as the case may be.

This would be the umpteenth time they would be subjected to such form of slavery in a State where they are ordinarily supposed to be safeguarded and duly catered for.

Each day, the affected pensioners wallow in agony, thus reportedly end up cursing the government and its officials. You ought not to apportion blame to any of them if they eventually cast spells on a government that’s apparently playing pranks on their persons.

If I do not have Imo pensioners in my ancestral home, I would have remained sceptical over the myriad of wails and complaints of the retirees, because on a daily basis, the government claims that no pensioner in the State is being owed by the present administration.

My parents, who are still very much alive and hearty, are Imo pensioners. It suffices to say that I’m gathering my information from the horse’s mouth. In other words, I’m not exaggerating.

My dearest Mum was paid last in April, 2020 while my Dad is yet to receive a kobo from the Uzodinma-led government. Still, one so-called media aide would shamelessly come out to misinform Imolites – and the public at large – on the true state of the matter.

More painful is that, whenever they are being asked to re-submit their valid documents, the government or those in authority would never consider how they could manage to cover an enormous distance towards appearing at the designated offices in Owerri, the State Capital city.

They would even be requested to include their bank Statement of Account, not minding that such a document requires charges from the financial institution. How can an account that is showing a red alert be able to service such charges? Knowing full well that virtually every salary account is a Current Account, most of the balances in these pensioners’ accounts are in minus form owing to the unending sub-charges occasioned by the various commercial banks in Nigeria.

The short-lived Emeka Ihedioha-led administration took cognizance of this very aspect, as mentioned above. This was the reason it ensured that any retiree who was critically ill or bedridden was captured at their respective homes. Every Imolite was a living witness to this particular arrangement.

None of those retirees who were in sick bed was allowed to cover any iota of distance for he/she to be captured or verified during the short reign of Chief Ihedioha.

However, Ihedioha wasn’t a saint, therefore I’m not trying to eulogize or pour encomium on him, nor am I a fan of his person. Come to think of it; during his reign, it took the administration over four months to electronically verify the pensioners and none of them was paid the arrears owed them.

Chief Ihedioha assumed office in May, 2019 but the retirees started earning their pensions between September and October same year. No one was paid for the months when the verification exercise was conducted; that is, between May and August, 2019.

They were even meant to be paid the arrears owed by the Rochas Okorocha-led administration, because by law, government remains a continuum. This is to assert that it has seemingly been a deceit all-along by our so-called political leaders.

You cannot owe these old people and still wish and pray to be happy or live a happy life. It’s worth noting that if their blessing isn’t with you, either as a person or entity, you will never excel in your endeavours; hence, you will continue to float like a flying boat.

It is more disheartening to hear that the national leadership of the Nigerian pensioners called on the Governor a few weeks back and ridiculously appreciated the State’s number-one citizen for clearing the arrears of pensions owed the Imo retirees. How did we get here?

In the advanced society, or western world, the senior citizens are being pampered by their governments. In such a clime, everything about them is being taken care of by those in positions of authority. But here, the reverse is completely the case; they are even apparently seen as ‘witches and wizards’.

Sometimes, my beloved Mum would keep malice with me, saying I’m very close to the government, hence sees me as one of those owing her. Of course, you shouldn’t blame the old woman whose case has obviously become so pathetic. Ever since she meritoriously retired, she is yet to receive a dime as gratuity, and she served the State as a Health personnel.

I pray my mum won’t curse me someday, believing I am part of the government that doesn’t want her to live or stay alive. I’ve taken time to explain to her that Fred Nwaozor has creditably done his bit; just that the government is acting adamantly and seems lackadaisical.

I’m waiting for those who have reportedly been receiving their pensions to come and tell me their cheering stories. In fact, my mum wouldn’t like to hear – or even overhear – such a story, because that would definitely add more salt to her injury.

I equally reportedly learnt that some of the Imo workers are passing through similar ordeal. The truth is that we can’t continue to rob Peter to pay Paul. There are no two ways about it.

At this juncture, I plead with Governor Uzodinma to come clean with a view to holistically doing the needful towards averting the wrath of the Almighty. I candidly mean well for him and his administration, thus more interested in constructive criticism.

He might have been misinformed by his allies and sycophants, hence the compelling need for the Governor to move closer to the facts sheet. 

Make 2022 A Year of Symphonic Innovation in Your Business

By
Ndubuisi Ekekwe
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0

In 2022, do not just innovate. Bring symphonic innovation in your business. Symphonic Innovation is innovation that is not domain-specific, but is anchored on a unified and harmonious approach in the deployment of business components to accelerate productivity gains and cushion competitiveness.

With Symphonic Innovation, you do not deploy and launch for one technology area like blockchain only to be tripped by AI or big data; you launch with a mindset that these technologies are like extended musical compositions which must be carefully organized to make the orchestra an unforgettable experience.

Oh yes, you do not “fix” marketing without considering that the product is broken. You see the big picture and then engineer an amazing playbook.

I wish you a great new year of symphonic innovation. 2022 will be amazing

Buhari Signs N17.127 Trillion 2022 Appropriation Bill into Law for Nigeria

By
Samuel Nwite
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0

President Muhammadu Buhari has signed the N17.127 trillion 2022 Appropriation Bill into law, amidst the controversy of increment made to the Bill by National Assembly. Buhari signed the Bill together with the 2021 Finance Bill on Friday, just on time to stick to the January to December fiscal year constitutional provision.

At the event, which was graced by Senate President Ahmed Lawan, House Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila and members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), Buhari said the 2022 Appropriation Bill provides for aggregate expenditures of N17.127 trillion, an increase of N735.85 billion over the initial Executive Proposal for a total expenditure of N16.391 trillion, according to a statement issued by the State House.

The President explained that N186.53 billion of the increase however came from additional critical expenditures that he had authorised the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning to forward to the National Assembly.

‘‘The Minister will provide the public with the details of the budget as passed by the National Assembly, and signed into law by me,’’ he said.

However, Buhari expressed his reservation over the changes made to the 2022 Executive Budget proposal, describing it as “worrisome.” He explained that he only signed the Bill to implement the 2022 budget from Jan. 1.

The president said he would revert to the National Assembly with a request for amendment as soon as the Assembly resumes “to ensure that critical ongoing projects cardinal to this administration do not suffer a setback due to reduced funding.”

‘‘I signed the 2022 Appropriation Bill into law to enable its implementation to commence on 1st January 2022.

‘‘However, I will revert to the National Assembly with a request for amendment and/or virement as soon as the Assembly resumes to ensure that critical ongoing projects that are cardinal to this administration, and those nearing completion, do not suffer a setback due to reduced funding.’’

The Executive had placed the 2022 expenditure ceiling at N13.98 trillion, lower than the 2021’s N13.98 trillion, but it was jacked up by the lawmakers.

He highlighted some areas of the 2022 Budget Executive proposal which have been tampered with by the National Assembly.

‘‘It is in this regard that I must express my reservations about many of the changes that the National Assembly has made to the 2022 Executive Budget proposal.

‘‘Some of the worrisome changes are as follows:

‘‘Increase in projected FGN Independent Revenue by N400 billion, the justification for which is yet to be provided to the Executive;

‘‘Reduction in the provision for Sinking Fund to Retire Maturing Bonds by N22 billion without any explanation;

‘‘Reduction of the provisions for the Non-Regular Allowances of the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Navy by N15 billion and N5 billion respectively.

‘‘This is particularly worrisome because personnel cost provisions are based on agencies’ nominal roll and approved salaries/allowances;

‘‘Furthermore, an increase of N21.72 billion in the Overhead budgets of some MDAs, while the sum of N1.96 billion was cut from the provision for some MDAs without apparent justification;

‘‘Increase in the provision for Capital spending (excluding Capital share in Statutory Transfer) by a net amount of N575.63 billion, from N4.89 trillion to N5.47 trillion.’’

The President expressed worry over the development as he has emphasized during the presentation of the 2022 Appropriation Bill, that the fiscal year 2022 would be very crucial in his administration’s efforts to complete and put to use critical agenda projects, as well as improve the general living conditions of our people.

As such, he also expressed concern in the reductions in provisions for some critical projects, including N12.6 billion in the Ministry of Transport’s budget for the ongoing Rail Modernisation projects; N25.8 billion from Power Sector Reform Programme under the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning; N14.5 billion from several projects of the Ministry of Agriculture, and introducing over 1,500 new projects into the budgets of this Ministry and its agencies, according to the statement.

Among the things the president expressed his reservations on are:

‘‘Inclusion of new provisions totaling N36.59 billion for National Assembly’s projects in the Service Wide Vote which negates the principles of separation of Powers and financial autonomy of the Legislative arm of government.

‘‘The changes to the original Executive proposal are in the form of new insertions, outright removals, reductions and/or increases in the amounts allocated to projects.

‘‘Provisions made for as many as 10,733 projects were reduced while 6,576 new projects were introduced into the budget by the National Assembly.

‘‘Reduction in the provisions for many strategic capital projects to introduce ‘Empowerment’ projects.

‘‘The cuts in the provisions for several of these projects by the National Assembly may render the projects unimplementable or set back their completion, especially some of this Administration’s strategic capital projects.

‘‘Most of the projects inserted relate to matters that are basically the responsibilities of State and Local Governments, and do not appear to have been properly conceptualised, designed and costed.

‘‘Many more projects have been added to the budgets of some MDAs with no consideration for the institutional capacity to execute the additional projects and/or for the incremental recurrent expenditure that may be required.’’

The National Assembly has the custom of increasing Executive’s proposed budget, a move that has always pitied against the executive, delaying the passage of the budget.

Buhari said that it was surprising that despite the National Assembly increasing projected revenue by N609.27 billion, the additional Executive request of N186.53 billion for critical expenditure items could not be accommodated without increasing the deficit, while the sum of N550.59 billion from the projected incremental revenues was allocated at the discretion of National Assembly.

Full statement

Friday, 31st December, 2021
PROTOCOLS

I am delighted to sign into law today the 2022 Appropriation Bill as well as the enabling 2021 Finance Bill.

  1. I would like to thank the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and indeed all the Distinguished and Honourable Leaders and Members of the National Assembly for the expeditious consideration and passage of these Bills.

  2. I also appreciate the continuing cooperation and commitment of the Ninth National Assembly to the restoration of a predictable January to December fiscal year, as provided for in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

  3. The Finance Bill 2021 is particularly critical for the successful implementation of the 2022 Budget. Its passage further underscores our firm commitment to regularly support federal Appropriation Bills with Finance Bills designed to facilitate their implementation.

  4. I equally appreciate the continued mutual understanding, collaboration and productive engagements between officials of the Executive and the Legislative arms of government which have made this expeditious consideration as well as passage of the Bills possible.

  5. We must continue to sustain this partnership in the interest of our people in order to ensure the effective implementation of the budget and realization of its laudable objectives.

  6. As you will recall, I laid the 2022 Appropriation Bill before the Joint Session of the National Assembly on 7th October, 2021, and forwarded the 2021 Finance Bill thereafter. This Administration remains committed to the early presentation of the annual appropriation bill to the National Assembly to ensure its passage before the beginning of the fiscal year.

  7. As the 2023 Budget is going to be a transition budget, work will start in earnest to ensure early submission of the 2023-2025 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper as well as the 2023 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly.

9. Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are to cooperate with the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, more specifically with the Budget Office of the Federation, to realize this very important objective.
  1. The 2022 Budget that I just signed into law provides for aggregate expenditures of N17.127 trillion, an increase of N735.85 billion over the initial Executive Proposal for a total expenditure of N16.391 trillion. N186.53 billion of the increase however came from additional critical expenditures that I had authorized the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning to forward to the National Assembly. The Minister will provide the public the details of the budget as passed by the National Assembly, and signed into law by me.

11. As I mentioned during the presentation of the 2022 Appropriation Bill, the fiscal year 2022 is very crucial in our efforts to complete and put to use critical agenda projects, as well as improve the general living conditions of our people.

  1. It is in this regard that I must express my reservations about many of the changes that the National Assembly has made to the 2022 Executive Budget proposal.

  2. Some of the worrisome changes are as follows:

Increase in projected FGN Independent Revenue by N400 billion, the justification for which is yet to be provided to the Executive;

Reduction in the provision for Sinking Fund to Retire Maturing Bonds by N22 billion without any explanation;

Reduction of the provisions for the Non-Regular Allowances of the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Navy by N15 billion and N5 billion respectively. This is particularly worrisome because personnel cost provisions are based on agencies’ nominal roll and approved salaries/allowances;

Furthermore, an increase of N21.72 billion in the Overhead budgets of some MDAs, while the sum of N1.96 billion was cut from the provision for some MDAs without apparent justification;

Increase in the provision for Capital spending (excluding Capital share in Statutory Transfer) by a net amount of N575.63 billion, from N4.89 trillion to N5.47 trillion. Nevertheless, provisions for some critical projects were reduced. These include:

Reduction of N12.6 billion in the Ministry of Transport’s budget for the ongoing Rail Modernisation projects,

Reduction of N25.8 billion from Power Sector Reform Programme under the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, and

Reduction of N14.5 billion from several projects of the Ministry of Agriculture, and introducing over 1,500 new projects into the budgets of this Ministry and its agencies.

Inclusion of new provisions totaling N36.59 billion for National Assembly’s projects in the Service Wide Vote which negates the principles of separation of Powers and financial autonomy of the Legislative arm of government.

The changes to the original Executive proposal are in the form of new insertions, outright removals, reductions and/or increases in the amounts allocated to projects.

Provisions made for as many as 10,733 projects were reduced while 6,576 new projects were introduced into the budget by the National Assembly.

Reduction in the provisions for many strategic capital projects to introduce ‘Empowerment’ projects. The cuts in the provisions for several of these projects by the National Assembly may render the projects unimplementable or set back their completion, especially some of this Administration’s strategic capital projects.

Most of the projects inserted relate to matters that are basically the responsibilities of State and Local Governments, and do not appear to have been properly conceptualized, designed and costed.

Many more projects have been added to the budgets of some MDAs with no consideration for the institutional capacity to execute the additional projects and/or for the incremental recurrent expenditure that may be required.

  1. It is surprising that despite the National Assembly increasing projected revenue by N609.27 billion, the additional Executive request of N186.53 billion for critical expenditure items could not be accommodated without increasing the deficit, while the sum of N550.59 billion from the projected incremental revenues was allocated at the discretion of National Assembly.

  2. I signed the 2022 Appropriation Bill into law to enable its implementation to commence on 1st January 2022. However, I will revert to the National Assembly with a request for amendment and/or virement as soon as the Assembly resumes to ensure that critical ongoing projects that are cardinal to this administration, and those nearing completion, do not suffer a setback due to reduced funding.

  3. Despite the lingering adverse effects of COVID-19 on budget implementation, I am happy with the success recorded in the implementation of the 2021 Budget. The sum of N3.94 trillion that was provided for the implementation of capital projects by MDAs during the fiscal year has been released fully.

  4. To enable MDAs to complete the implementation of their 2021 capital projects and optimize the impact of the capital budget on the economy, they have been allowed to continue to expend the funds released for their 2021 capital budgets till 31st March, 2022. I deeply appreciate the understanding and speedy action of the National Assembly on this matter.

  5. As the 2022 Budget will be the last full year budget to be implemented by our Administration, its effective implementation is very critical for delivering our legacy projects, promoting social inclusion and strengthening the resilience of the economy.

  6. The Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning will implement all measures required to ensure timely and targeted release of capital votes. All Ministries, Departments and Agencies are to effect early commencement of project implementation, while ensuring productive use of funds provided for achievement of the objectives set for their sectors.

  7. Considering the incidence of new COVID-19 variants globally, we will ensure timely implementation of measures provided for in the 2022 Budget to contain the spread of the virus and protect our people. We continue to count on the collaboration of the State governments in our effort to protect the lives and livelihood of our people.

  8. To achieve the laudable objectives of the 2022 Budget, we will further intensify our revenue mobilization efforts. I am optimistic about our ability to finance the budget considering the positive global oil market outlook and the continuing improvement in our non-oil revenues.

  9. To achieve our revenue targets, revenue generating agencies, and indeed all MDAs must ensure prompt and full remittance of collected revenues. Relevant Agencies must also ensure the realization of our crude oil production and export targets. I also appeal to our fellow citizens and the business community at large to fulfill their tax obligations promptly.

  10. However, being a deficit budget, the specific Borrowing Plan will be forwarded to the National Assembly shortly. I count on the cooperation of the National Assembly for a quick consideration and approval of the Plan when submitted. All borrowings will be judiciously utilized and invested in our future growth and prosperity.

  11. MDAs are to liaise with the Bureau of Public Enterprises and/or the Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission to explore available opportunities for public-private partnerships, concessions as well as climate finance arrangements to fast-track the pace of our infrastructural development.

  12. I thank the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, the Minister of State, Budget and National Planning, the Budget Office of the Federation, and all who worked tirelessly and sacrificed so much towards producing the 2022 Appropriation Act that I signed today.

  13. Let me conclude by commending the understanding, sacrifice and resilience of our people during these challenging times. As a Government, we remain committed to improving the general living conditions of our people. We will continue to implement measures aimed at moderating the unintended negative effects of policies on the citizenry.

  14. I thank you most sincerely for your kind attention. May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

David Onaolapo Makes Generous Donation to Tekedia Institute Scholarship Fund

By
Ndubuisi Ekekwe
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0

Good People, join me to thank David Onaolapo for donating $7,000 to fund 50 young people to Tekedia Mini-MBA.

I looked at how many scholarships we offered in 2021 and can boldly write that no public university in Nigeria matched us. I want to thank David and all our donors for their generosity. Our promise is to continue to do what we do best: design, develop and deliver world-class business education at the least cost possible.

As always, non-profit YouthUp Global will work on this to select the recipients.

But instead of just picking only those on the web, if you are an NGO in any part of Africa with the capacity to identify young people for our program, reach out to YouthUp so that we can have more diversity. YouthUp has networks across Africa.

This will focus on rural teachers across Africa in primary and secondary schools; your principal or headmaster must send you a letter of attestation.

To David, Tekedia Institute thanks you – and we wish your business open markets and more territories in 2022 and beyond.

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