The Presidency was in disarray on Wednesday following President Umaru Yar’Adua’s unexpected return to the country earlier in the morning, with Acting President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and the ministers yet to see him.
Also, the United States on Wednesday expressed concern that the President’s return could lead to another political logjam.
So far, the Jonathan has only heard that Yar’Adua was back through the President’s aides, who briefed him on the development.
Also, rather than see Yar’Adua, the Acting President was billed to have a meeting with the First Lady, Hajia Turai Yar’Adua, for undisclosed reasons, later on Wednesday evening.
In the meantime, the Acting President is awaiting a briefing with the President at a yet to be determined date.
Further indication of confusion was suggested in a statement from the President, which referred to Jonathan as Vice-President instead of Acting President.
Admitting that Yar’Adua was still recuperating, the statement from the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi said Jonathan will “continue to oversee the affairs of state”.
A statement, by the US Under Secretary of State on African Affairs, Mr. Johnnie Carson, said the US government hoped that the President’s return to Nigeria was not an attempt by his senior advisers upset the stability of the country and “create renewed uncertainty in the democratic process.
While also expressing concerns about the president‘s health, the statement said: ”We hope that his health is sufficient to enable him to fully resume his official duty. Nigeria needs a strong, healthy, and effective leader to ensure the stability of the country and to manage Nigeria‘s many political, economic, and security challenges.”
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Nigerian President Yar’Adua Returns as Deputy Retains Power
Feb. 24 (Bloomberg) -- Nigerian Vice President Goodluck Jonathan will remain the acting leader of Africa’s top oil producer while ailing President Umaru Yar’Adua continues recuperating after his return to the capital, Abuja, today.
Yar’Adua was discharged by doctors in Saudi Arabia, where he had been receiving treatment for a heart ailment for three months, and “his health has greatly improved,” presidential adviser Olusegun Adeniyi said in a statement.
Jonathan, who was appointed by parliament as acting president on Feb. 9, met the Cabinet today and said he had been briefed by the president’s aides about Yar’Adua’s return, Information Minister Dora Akunyili said.
Yar’Adua, 58, was flown to Saudi Arabia on Nov. 23 for the treatment of a heart condition and has not been seen in public since. His failure to properly transfer power to Jonathan prompted parliament to act in order to head off a constitutional crisis in Africa’s most populous country.
The U.S. today expressed concern over the possible impact of Yar’Adua’s return to Nigeria.
“We hope that President Yar’Adua’s return to Nigeria is not an effort by his senior advisors to upset Nigeria’s stability and create renewed uncertainty in the democratic process,” U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Johnnie Carson, said in a statement e-mailed by the U.S. Embassy in Abuja.
Nigeria is the fifth-biggest source of U.S. oil imports. Royal Dutch Shell Plc, Exxon Mobil Corp., Chevron Corp., Total SA and Eni SpA run joint ventures with the state oil company that together pump more than 80 percent of Nigeria’s crude.
Running Mate
Jonathan, 52, an ethnic Ijaw from the oil-rich Niger River delta state of Bayelsa, won praise for quickly sending troops to contain last month’s violent clashes in the north central city of Jos. More than 300 people died in the fighting between Christians and Muslims, according to the police.
Jonathan, who holds a doctorate degree in zoology from Nigeria’s University of Port Harcourt, ran in the 2007 presidential elections as Yar’Adua’s running mate. They won the ballot, which local and foreign observers described as flawed because of widespread violence, underage voting and ballot snatching.
“Nigeria needs a strong, healthy, and effective leader to ensure the stability of the country and to manage Nigeria’s many political, economic, and security challenges,” Carson said in the statement.
Yar’Adua was discharged by doctors in Saudi Arabia, where he had been receiving treatment for a heart ailment for three months, and “his health has greatly improved,” presidential adviser Olusegun Adeniyi said in a statement.
Jonathan, who was appointed by parliament as acting president on Feb. 9, met the Cabinet today and said he had been briefed by the president’s aides about Yar’Adua’s return, Information Minister Dora Akunyili said.
Yar’Adua, 58, was flown to Saudi Arabia on Nov. 23 for the treatment of a heart condition and has not been seen in public since. His failure to properly transfer power to Jonathan prompted parliament to act in order to head off a constitutional crisis in Africa’s most populous country.
The U.S. today expressed concern over the possible impact of Yar’Adua’s return to Nigeria.
“We hope that President Yar’Adua’s return to Nigeria is not an effort by his senior advisors to upset Nigeria’s stability and create renewed uncertainty in the democratic process,” U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Johnnie Carson, said in a statement e-mailed by the U.S. Embassy in Abuja.
Nigeria is the fifth-biggest source of U.S. oil imports. Royal Dutch Shell Plc, Exxon Mobil Corp., Chevron Corp., Total SA and Eni SpA run joint ventures with the state oil company that together pump more than 80 percent of Nigeria’s crude.
Running Mate
Jonathan, 52, an ethnic Ijaw from the oil-rich Niger River delta state of Bayelsa, won praise for quickly sending troops to contain last month’s violent clashes in the north central city of Jos. More than 300 people died in the fighting between Christians and Muslims, according to the police.
Jonathan, who holds a doctorate degree in zoology from Nigeria’s University of Port Harcourt, ran in the 2007 presidential elections as Yar’Adua’s running mate. They won the ballot, which local and foreign observers described as flawed because of widespread violence, underage voting and ballot snatching.
“Nigeria needs a strong, healthy, and effective leader to ensure the stability of the country and to manage Nigeria’s many political, economic, and security challenges,” Carson said in the statement.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Senate Proclaims Jonathan Acting President
Vice President Goodluck Jonathan assumed office as acting president on Tuesday more than two months after President Umaru Yar'Adua left for medical treatment in Saudi Arabia. Below are excerpts from his speech:
ASSUMING POWERS
"As we all know, our dear President, His Excellency, Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, has been receiving treatment in Saudi Arabia for some time now. Naturally, his absence from the country has generated considerable interest and a heated national debate.
"Today, the National Assembly passed a resolution mandating me to act as President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
"In following the extant provisions of the 1999 constitution to arrive at this decision, the leadership and members of the National Assembly have shown great courage, statesmanship and patriotism. I salute them all ...
"The circumstances in which I find myself assuming office today as Acting President of our country are uncommon, sober and reflective. More than ever therefore, I urge all Nigerians as a people of faith in God, to pray fervently for the full recovery of our dear President and his early return.
CHALLENGES AHEAD
"It is now time for us to move on in a more determined manner to tackle the various challenges which we face as a nation ...
"We see a need to prioritise on a few of the most critical areas which continue to plague our effort at engendering meaningful economic growth and development.
"Some of these critical sectors include power, infrastructure, security, generation of employment and business opportunities for our teeming young men and women."
NIGER DELTA, RELIGIOUS UNREST
"The Federal Government will take every step necessary to consolidate the gains of amnesty in the Niger Delta and execute the post-amnesty programme. I therefore appeal to all concerned to be patient, as there can be no meaningful development without peace and security.
"As regards the Jos crisis, government will endeavour to sustain the peace and find a lasting solution to the recurring crisis in Plateau State.
"In the meantime, culprits of the heinous crimes committed in the recent incident will face the full weight of the law. I want to restate that government will not tolerate the culture of impunity that is fast becoming an unwelcome part of our socio-political life."
CORRUPTION AND GOVERNANCE
"One of the cardinal commitments of this administration is our commitment to good governance, accountability and transparency. We shall continue to pursue these policy objectives with all the seriousness they deserve.
"In particular, the war against corruption will be prosecuted more robustly. We will therefore strengthen the capacity of the anti-corruption agencies and give them a free hand to prosecute the anti-corruption war.
"Let me once again commend the people of Anambra State, for the successful conduct of the recent gubernatorial election. This has shown that Nigerians can conduct free, fair and credible elections.
"The Anambra Election has however exposed some weaknesses in our electoral system, and government is determined to plug these loop holes as we approach the next General Elections in 2011. I want to reassure all Nigerians and our friends around the world, that our determination to ensure that the sanctity of the electoral rights of our people shall not be compromised."
Senate Proclaims Jonathan Acting President
Vice President Goodluck Jonathan assumed office as acting president on Tuesday more than two months after President Umaru Yar'Adua left for medical treatment in Saudi Arabia. Below are excerpts from his speech:
ASSUMING POWERS
"As we all know, our dear President, His Excellency, Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, has been receiving treatment in Saudi Arabia for some time now. Naturally, his absence from the country has generated considerable interest and a heated national debate.
"Today, the National Assembly passed a resolution mandating me to act as President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
"In following the extant provisions of the 1999 constitution to arrive at this decision, the leadership and members of the National Assembly have shown great courage, statesmanship and patriotism. I salute them all ...
"The circumstances in which I find myself assuming office today as Acting President of our country are uncommon, sober and reflective. More than ever therefore, I urge all Nigerians as a people of faith in God, to pray fervently for the full recovery of our dear President and his early return.
CHALLENGES AHEAD
"It is now time for us to move on in a more determined manner to tackle the various challenges which we face as a nation ...
"We see a need to prioritise on a few of the most critical areas which continue to plague our effort at engendering meaningful economic growth and development.
"Some of these critical sectors include power, infrastructure, security, generation of employment and business opportunities for our teeming young men and women."
NIGER DELTA, RELIGIOUS UNREST
"The Federal Government will take every step necessary to consolidate the gains of amnesty in the Niger Delta and execute the post-amnesty programme. I therefore appeal to all concerned to be patient, as there can be no meaningful development without peace and security.
"As regards the Jos crisis, government will endeavour to sustain the peace and find a lasting solution to the recurring crisis in Plateau State.
"In the meantime, culprits of the heinous crimes committed in the recent incident will face the full weight of the law. I want to restate that government will not tolerate the culture of impunity that is fast becoming an unwelcome part of our socio-political life."
CORRUPTION AND GOVERNANCE
"One of the cardinal commitments of this administration is our commitment to good governance, accountability and transparency. We shall continue to pursue these policy objectives with all the seriousness they deserve.
"In particular, the war against corruption will be prosecuted more robustly. We will therefore strengthen the capacity of the anti-corruption agencies and give them a free hand to prosecute the anti-corruption war.
"Let me once again commend the people of Anambra State, for the successful conduct of the recent gubernatorial election. This has shown that Nigerians can conduct free, fair and credible elections.
"The Anambra Election has however exposed some weaknesses in our electoral system, and government is determined to plug these loop holes as we approach the next General Elections in 2011. I want to reassure all Nigerians and our friends around the world, that our determination to ensure that the sanctity of the electoral rights of our people shall not be compromised."
Yar’Adua Calls Jonathan, Bankole And Mark
President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua surprised his aides and deputies when he placed a call on Tuesday evening to Vice President Goodluck Jonathan, Speaker Dimeji Bankole and Senate President David mark informing them that he was “fine and would return soon.”
A presidency source told The Times of Nigeria that the “President placed the call to assure them that all was well and that he will be back to the country to resume duties very soon.”
Yar’Adua reportedly enquired about the well being of the House from the Speaker and told him to send his greeting to the members. The call lasted for a few minutes according to the usually reliable presidency source.
Yar’Adua’s conversation with the Jonathan and Mark were similar with Bankole’s.
“He thanked both leaders for their handling of the country’s affairs during his long absence and assured them that he will return soon to his duties.” The source said.
He is expecting to make similar calls to political leaders and former Heads of State.
Yar’Adua has been absent from office for 44 days so far while attending to his health in Saudi Arabia.
There have been calls from different quarters for him to resign or hand over powers to his deputy as Acting President.
Monday, February 8, 2010
When the centre no longer holds
When I signed off this column four weeks ago, I did so on the note that President Umaru Yar’Adua and his largely confused team should end the dangerous act of ruling the country from Saudi Arabia. It was clear that with the roadblock in virtually all economic activities at the end of last year, no thanks to an absentee President, starting the year 2010 on the same note could spell disaster for an economy as sick as Nigeria’s.
It was, however, a rude shock that despite the deepening crises in all key sectors of the economy, I resumed from a four-week vacation to meet an even more confused, or better put, insensitive, cabinet wandering through Jeddah and Abuja without a solution to a simple matter under the Constitution like handover of power. Yet, the President’s health is obviously not improving after 73 days in King Faisal Specialist Hospital. Despite promises that he would return to work in January, with or without life support machines as widely speculated, his seat in the Villa is still empty.
No rational Nigerian would think that the lawmakers or the Federal Executive Council are oblivious of the economic implications of Yar’Adua’s prolonged absence; after all, some of those ‘lucky’ to have found their ways to these seats, in spite of marked ‘greed,’ are intellectually sound. The apparent dilemma for many of the citizens’ representatives is balancing self interest with that of the nation.
With public sector activities almost grinding to a halt, fuel crisis mounting, power sector almost unable to light a bulb and the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta signalling the resumption of hostilities, Nigeria may pass for a country in a war situation. When these are added to pains from corrections going on in the banking sector, uncertainty in the political environment, local and foreign investment scare and rising unemployment, hope for survival becomes dimmer.
Is it not then callous for anyone, in this unmistakable chaotic situation, to insist that the leadership vacuum in the country is in order, and that the President could take a permanent leave if he so wishes? Yet, those who should know add insult to citizens’ injury with embarrassing pronouncements that question their competence as leaders. It is incredible that the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Michael Aondoakaa, said recently, amid calls from various interest groups for the President to step aside, that it was not mandatory for him to hand over power.
He said it was a unanimous decision by “men of high integrity” that Yar’Adua, not minding his inability to attend to crucial national issues as a result of his protracted sickness, was fit to discharge his duties as President. What manner of integrity? With the situation on ground, many of our supposed leaders might have unwittingly exposed themselves as opportunists in the corridors of power, who have refused to be sensitive to the plight of this nation.
That Nigeria has managed to survive despite the lack of purposeful leadership for 49 years confirms the fact that the country is blessed, both in human and natural resources. But I am afraid of the consequence of stretching its population and resources advantage beyond bearable limits.
Zambia was, at independence in 1964, described by the World Bank as a country with one of the richest economies in sub-Saharan Africa. About 45 years later, it became one of the poorest with the greater part of its population wallowing in abject poverty. What happened to the bright prospect? The lack of competent leaders to initiate and implement viable policies capable of taking post-independence Zambia to the next level, threw its economy into the abyss.
It is time Nigerian leaders shifted towards responsible governance to save the country the horror of watching while world economic featherweights dictate the tune. Why, for instance, will a President hold on to power when he is incapacitated by ill health? Whose interest is he protecting? The country’s or his associates’? And what is the motive of apologists that have insisted on leadership-by-correspondence despite the odds? Is it sentiments? That will be a stupid consideration where the well-being of 140 million citizens is concerned.
Reports have it that it is a cabal that is afraid of losing relevance with a change of government, however temporary, that has continued to swallow pain killers for the President’s headache. This is in addition to allegations that some close relations of the President want him to hold on to power, no matter the turmoil created.
Whatever the case, the economy cannot continue to suffer while a minute percentage of the population continues to play a selfish game of wits with the economy. It is clear now that if no one is empowered to act in the capacity of the President in the next few days, the centre may no longer hold. Already, the house is divided. Our own dear Information Minister, Dora Akunyili, who, right from her pre-NAFDAC days, had distinguished herself as a stickler for rules until her latest appointment, is on the march to stardom again.
She dared the tiger where men failed on Wednesday with a memo, reportedly seeking for the President to hand over to Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan until his return from Saudi Arabia. Although the memo was rejected in an acrimonious situation created by Yar’Adua’s apologists, the event shows that this government may disintegrate if Yar’Adua remains in Jeddah and no one steps into his shoes without further ado.
Whether this was a last minute attempt by the information minister to redeem her waning reputation in a largely corrupt government in preparation for greater heights, or a genuine concern for an ailing nation, that singular act from an appointee of the President is commendable, particularly when one considers the fact that apologists are only saving their soup pots.
However, Nigerians, I am sure, would rather not wait for another presentation of the same memo to see the end of this nightmare. The President should leave now. Haba!
It was, however, a rude shock that despite the deepening crises in all key sectors of the economy, I resumed from a four-week vacation to meet an even more confused, or better put, insensitive, cabinet wandering through Jeddah and Abuja without a solution to a simple matter under the Constitution like handover of power. Yet, the President’s health is obviously not improving after 73 days in King Faisal Specialist Hospital. Despite promises that he would return to work in January, with or without life support machines as widely speculated, his seat in the Villa is still empty.
No rational Nigerian would think that the lawmakers or the Federal Executive Council are oblivious of the economic implications of Yar’Adua’s prolonged absence; after all, some of those ‘lucky’ to have found their ways to these seats, in spite of marked ‘greed,’ are intellectually sound. The apparent dilemma for many of the citizens’ representatives is balancing self interest with that of the nation.
With public sector activities almost grinding to a halt, fuel crisis mounting, power sector almost unable to light a bulb and the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta signalling the resumption of hostilities, Nigeria may pass for a country in a war situation. When these are added to pains from corrections going on in the banking sector, uncertainty in the political environment, local and foreign investment scare and rising unemployment, hope for survival becomes dimmer.
Is it not then callous for anyone, in this unmistakable chaotic situation, to insist that the leadership vacuum in the country is in order, and that the President could take a permanent leave if he so wishes? Yet, those who should know add insult to citizens’ injury with embarrassing pronouncements that question their competence as leaders. It is incredible that the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Michael Aondoakaa, said recently, amid calls from various interest groups for the President to step aside, that it was not mandatory for him to hand over power.
He said it was a unanimous decision by “men of high integrity” that Yar’Adua, not minding his inability to attend to crucial national issues as a result of his protracted sickness, was fit to discharge his duties as President. What manner of integrity? With the situation on ground, many of our supposed leaders might have unwittingly exposed themselves as opportunists in the corridors of power, who have refused to be sensitive to the plight of this nation.
That Nigeria has managed to survive despite the lack of purposeful leadership for 49 years confirms the fact that the country is blessed, both in human and natural resources. But I am afraid of the consequence of stretching its population and resources advantage beyond bearable limits.
Zambia was, at independence in 1964, described by the World Bank as a country with one of the richest economies in sub-Saharan Africa. About 45 years later, it became one of the poorest with the greater part of its population wallowing in abject poverty. What happened to the bright prospect? The lack of competent leaders to initiate and implement viable policies capable of taking post-independence Zambia to the next level, threw its economy into the abyss.
It is time Nigerian leaders shifted towards responsible governance to save the country the horror of watching while world economic featherweights dictate the tune. Why, for instance, will a President hold on to power when he is incapacitated by ill health? Whose interest is he protecting? The country’s or his associates’? And what is the motive of apologists that have insisted on leadership-by-correspondence despite the odds? Is it sentiments? That will be a stupid consideration where the well-being of 140 million citizens is concerned.
Reports have it that it is a cabal that is afraid of losing relevance with a change of government, however temporary, that has continued to swallow pain killers for the President’s headache. This is in addition to allegations that some close relations of the President want him to hold on to power, no matter the turmoil created.
Whatever the case, the economy cannot continue to suffer while a minute percentage of the population continues to play a selfish game of wits with the economy. It is clear now that if no one is empowered to act in the capacity of the President in the next few days, the centre may no longer hold. Already, the house is divided. Our own dear Information Minister, Dora Akunyili, who, right from her pre-NAFDAC days, had distinguished herself as a stickler for rules until her latest appointment, is on the march to stardom again.
She dared the tiger where men failed on Wednesday with a memo, reportedly seeking for the President to hand over to Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan until his return from Saudi Arabia. Although the memo was rejected in an acrimonious situation created by Yar’Adua’s apologists, the event shows that this government may disintegrate if Yar’Adua remains in Jeddah and no one steps into his shoes without further ado.
Whether this was a last minute attempt by the information minister to redeem her waning reputation in a largely corrupt government in preparation for greater heights, or a genuine concern for an ailing nation, that singular act from an appointee of the President is commendable, particularly when one considers the fact that apologists are only saving their soup pots.
However, Nigerians, I am sure, would rather not wait for another presentation of the same memo to see the end of this nightmare. The President should leave now. Haba!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Yar’ Adua: Nigeria mocked in South Africa
The refusal of President Umaru Yar’Adua to hand over power to Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan has turned Nigeria into a laughing stock at an international conference in Cape Town, South Africa.
One of the speakers at the Mining Indaba Conference and a global economist, Dr. David Hale, told participants on Tuesday that Yar’Adua was very ill and might pass on within six months.
He was not done with the comment as he went on to add that Nigeria would prepare for another election in six months after the expected passage of the President.
He said, “In Nigeria, the President has been in Saudi Arabia for nearly three months for medical treatment and he refused to hand over to the vice-president, even though the people are calling for it.
“He is suffering from acute heart problems and should be dead in six months. So, in Nigeria, there should be a new election in six months after the death of the President.”
The remarks by Hale, who is the Chairman of David Hale Global Economics, surprisingly elicited loud laughter from the participants and protests from members of the Nigerian team at the event.
Delivering the keynote address titled “Global Outlook,” Hale also said that Nigeria, which needed at least 20,000 megawatts for stable electricity supply, however, regretted that the nation was only able to generate 2,000MW.
In a country by country analysis, the respected economist said that Nigeria’s poor power supply made it a difficult environment to invest in.
Hale, whose clients include investment management firms, major hedge funds and multinational companies, is based in Chicago, United States.
He is a member of the National Association of Business Economists and the New York Society of Security Analysts.
The participants comprised mining executives from across the world, investors, analysts, financiers, journalists, policy makers, etcetera.
Speaking at the Nigerian Day at the Indaba Conference, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, Senator George Sekibo, described Hale’s comments as unfortunate and highly condemnable.
Sekibo said that Nigeria would make its displeasure on Hale’s comments known to the organisers of conference and demand an apology .
According to him, the Nigerian government will be advised to also take up the matter diplomatically when the delegation returns home.
Sekibo said, “It is important for participants at the conference to note that Nigeria has taken giant strides in mining, especially in the last few years; that is in addition to providing the much needed infrastructure for investors’ participation.
“We assure you that Nigeria is stable. There is not going to be any war anywhere, there is not going to be any division anywhere.
“Mr. President is not feeling very well now, every person can have such a situation. And I believe he will come out of it. Nigeria will still stand as a very strong country.”
Another member of the Nigerian team, Alhalji Suleiman Kassim, also condemned the claim by Hale that Nigeria’s total electricity output was only 2000MW.
Kassim, who is the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, explained that Nigeria was generating over 3000MW and was hoping to increase it to 6000MW.
He maintained that since Indaba was a professional conference for stakeholders in the mining industry to relate, it should not be exploited by “uninformed political commentators” to deride a sovereign nation.
Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Mohammed Abba-Aji, is to appear before the Senate on Thursday (today).
The Peoples Democratic Party caucus in the Senate is also scheduled to meet at the official residence of the President of the Senate, Mr. David Mark.
Mark, who announced this during plenary on Wednesday, did not give reasons for Abba-Aji’s invitation.
It was, however, gathered that it was a fallout of the closed- door session which the Senate held with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, on January 21, 2010 over the President’s health.
Abba-Aji is expected to, among other things, answer questions as to whether or not the President asked him to transmit a letter to the National Assembly on his behalf.
A national newspaper (not THE PUNCH) had reported that the President wrote a letter to the National Assembly in line with the provisions of Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution before he travelled to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
One of the speakers at the Mining Indaba Conference and a global economist, Dr. David Hale, told participants on Tuesday that Yar’Adua was very ill and might pass on within six months.
He was not done with the comment as he went on to add that Nigeria would prepare for another election in six months after the expected passage of the President.
He said, “In Nigeria, the President has been in Saudi Arabia for nearly three months for medical treatment and he refused to hand over to the vice-president, even though the people are calling for it.
“He is suffering from acute heart problems and should be dead in six months. So, in Nigeria, there should be a new election in six months after the death of the President.”
The remarks by Hale, who is the Chairman of David Hale Global Economics, surprisingly elicited loud laughter from the participants and protests from members of the Nigerian team at the event.
Delivering the keynote address titled “Global Outlook,” Hale also said that Nigeria, which needed at least 20,000 megawatts for stable electricity supply, however, regretted that the nation was only able to generate 2,000MW.
In a country by country analysis, the respected economist said that Nigeria’s poor power supply made it a difficult environment to invest in.
Hale, whose clients include investment management firms, major hedge funds and multinational companies, is based in Chicago, United States.
He is a member of the National Association of Business Economists and the New York Society of Security Analysts.
The participants comprised mining executives from across the world, investors, analysts, financiers, journalists, policy makers, etcetera.
Speaking at the Nigerian Day at the Indaba Conference, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, Senator George Sekibo, described Hale’s comments as unfortunate and highly condemnable.
Sekibo said that Nigeria would make its displeasure on Hale’s comments known to the organisers of conference and demand an apology .
According to him, the Nigerian government will be advised to also take up the matter diplomatically when the delegation returns home.
Sekibo said, “It is important for participants at the conference to note that Nigeria has taken giant strides in mining, especially in the last few years; that is in addition to providing the much needed infrastructure for investors’ participation.
“We assure you that Nigeria is stable. There is not going to be any war anywhere, there is not going to be any division anywhere.
“Mr. President is not feeling very well now, every person can have such a situation. And I believe he will come out of it. Nigeria will still stand as a very strong country.”
Another member of the Nigerian team, Alhalji Suleiman Kassim, also condemned the claim by Hale that Nigeria’s total electricity output was only 2000MW.
Kassim, who is the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, explained that Nigeria was generating over 3000MW and was hoping to increase it to 6000MW.
He maintained that since Indaba was a professional conference for stakeholders in the mining industry to relate, it should not be exploited by “uninformed political commentators” to deride a sovereign nation.
Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Mohammed Abba-Aji, is to appear before the Senate on Thursday (today).
The Peoples Democratic Party caucus in the Senate is also scheduled to meet at the official residence of the President of the Senate, Mr. David Mark.
Mark, who announced this during plenary on Wednesday, did not give reasons for Abba-Aji’s invitation.
It was, however, gathered that it was a fallout of the closed- door session which the Senate held with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, on January 21, 2010 over the President’s health.
Abba-Aji is expected to, among other things, answer questions as to whether or not the President asked him to transmit a letter to the National Assembly on his behalf.
A national newspaper (not THE PUNCH) had reported that the President wrote a letter to the National Assembly in line with the provisions of Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution before he travelled to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
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