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.
Yar’Adua may be ‘smuggled’ into Nigeria at night : From Tribune
Yar’Adua may be ‘smuggled’ into Nigeria •To be flown in at night; to douse tension •We can’t guarantee his safety - Doctors
A last ditch effort to return ailing President Umaru Yar’Adua to the country from Saudi Arabia has been perfected by members of the kitchen cabinet, in a bid to end the massive agitation against his prolonged absence, sources have said.
According to Nigerian Tribune sources, members of the kitchen cabinet plan to return Yar’Adua to Nigeria between Monday and Wednesday night, ostensibly to calm the growing tension over his absence.
It was gathered that necessary arrangements had been concluded, pending the final conclusion of travel arrangements.
But sources further said that there was a snag in the plan at the weekend after the doctors treating the president declared that they could not guarantee that he would successfully make the long-haul trip.
It was gathered that the president was unhappy when he was told that he would be transferred to Nigeria any moment from now.
The decision was said to have been communicated to him on Saturday. A source said that his countenance changed and it was apparent that the trip back home at this time would be against his wish.
Sources said that confusion set in on Sunday when the doctors treating the president declared that it would be unwise for the president to undertake a five-hour journey in his present condition.
Although it was gathered that the wife, Hajia Turai Yar’Adua, also agreed to the planned trip on Saturday, a source said that she started having doubts on Sunday, when she started nursing fears that anything could happen.
But it was gathered that the president’s wife had not called off preparations to fly the ailing president to Abuja.
Sources also said that the doctors confirmed that they were still conducting tests on the president and that there were some drugs he needed to take under close watch but that they would not obstruct the decision to transfer him to Nigeria.
“The doctors were blunt and they declared that they were prepared to hands off if they (first family) insist on taking the president to Nigeria. They said it would be at his peril and that even with air ambulance, they cannot guarantee anything,” a source said.
It was also gathered that the kitchen cabinet had contemplated purchasing an air ambulance if that would ensure the president’s transfer to Nigeria.
Sources, however, said that, the kitchen cabinet was insisting that he should return at night so as to hide the true state of his health from Nigerians.
They also plan to keep him indoors, where they plan to arrange a national broadcast via the radio.
Meanwhile, members of the kitchen cabinet of President Yar’Adua are confused on how to handle the communication on the motion passed by the Senate last week, which urged the president to comply with the provisions of Section145 of the constitution.
The kitchen cabinet, it was learnt, had started consultations on the motion passed by the Senate last week which urged the president to comply with the provisions of Section145 of the constitution.
It was further gathered that the kitchen cabinet was tinkering with the option of either allowing the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, to communicate with the National Assembly over the matter or sending the motion to Saudi Arabia to secure the president’s comments before a response is sent to the National Assembly.
There have been meetings among members of the kitchen cabinet since the letter arrived on Friday.
“But there are two options, whether to allow the SGF to communicate the National Assembly or take the motion to the president in Saudi Arabia. That is just the confusing thing about it,” a source said.
Sources said that the kitchen cabinet was confused on how to handle the communication, especially in view of the ruling of the Federal High Court which indicated that section 145 did not make it mandatory for the president to transmit the vacation letter.
The presidency had received the motion from the National Assembly on Friday, after the Clerk of the National Assembly (CNA), Prince Yemi Ogunyomi, transmitted the motion to the office.
It was confirmed that the Principal Private Secretary to the President, Mr. David Edevbie, who received the letter on behalf of the president, on Monday, met with Alhaji Ahmed, to discuss the way forward.
Another round of consultation was said to have begun between the Principal Secretary and the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mike Aondoakaa, at the weekend, soon after Edevbie received the communication from the National Assembly.
The Senate had, on January 27, passed a unanimous resolution, which urged President Yar’Adua to transmit a vacation letter to the National Assembly in line with Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution.
According to the motion, “the Senate urges the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federation, His Excellency Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, GCFR, to formally notify the National Assembly of his medical vacation pursuant to Section 145 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999.”
The lawmakers also resolved to direct its committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution to propose an amendment to Section 145 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 to resolve the flaws exposed by the present circumstance.
Once the motion is complied with, power would automatically be transferred to the vice-president, who would assume office as acting president.
http://www.nigeriamasterweb.com/paperfrmes.html
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Resident doctors carpet Yar’Adua for seeking treatment abroad
The Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria, on Monday, carpeted President Umaru Yar’Adua for seeking medical care outside the shores of the country.
The doctors said the President’s sojourn in Saudi Arabia where he has been receiving treatment for acute pericarditis, an inflammation of the outer membrane of the heart, for the past 71 days constitutes a “moral burden and disservice” to the country.
The NARD’s President, Dr. Olayinka Atilola, told journalists in Ibadan that ordinary citizens who may develop similar health problem like the President has no hope except they too can run for help outside the country as the President.
Atilola stressed that it might be a deliberate policy by the leaders to neglect the health sector since they would always junket abroad for ailment that could be treated in a primary health centre.
He said, “It is a moral burden and disservice for the President of a country to seek medical treatment in a foreign country, irrespective of his health condition.
“What happens to other 139.999 million people, especially those that have no such means? It means that they can go and die. We have the human resources to turn around the fortunes of the health sector, but there is no political will.”
Meanwhile, the doctors have warned of a looming crisis in the health sector if the government fails to implement the negotiated Consolidated Medical Salary Scale.
Addressing a press conference, in Ibadan, Atilola said that feelers from the NARD branches across the country indicated that the Federal Government had reneged on the January, 2010 implementation date.
He said that the association had fought a long drawn battle with the Federal Government before it agreed to a separate salary scale that distinguished doctors from other health workers and civil servants.
On September 30, 2009, which was the ultimatum given to the Federal Government to implement the CONMESS, he said that a circular was issued the same day acceding to the demands to avert the planned strike by the doctors.
Atilola said that the first danger the association noticed, suggesting that the Federal Government might not be sincere, was when the implementation date was shifted forward to January 1, 2010.
In December, last year, he said other health workers also successfully negotiated new salary scale with the government which reduced the relative superior salary of doctors to other health workers to negligible proportion.
He vowed that doctors would resist any attempt to place them almost at par with other health workers without considering the longer years his members spent in medical schools and their higher responsibilities.
The NARD boss said, “It was a gentleman agreement and we agreed. But, our reservation is that if the agreement between the FG and Academic Staff Union of Universities could take immediate effect, why was NARD’s shifted forward?
“In December 2009, the FG signed a separate agreement with the health workers, which stamped out the relativity in our salary scales. That may cause a major crisis in the health sector this year.”
“The Federal Executive Council had approved doctors’ CONMESS and implementation should attract automatic approval. It has nothing to do with budget signing.
“We are peace-loving and we believe we should continue to play a paramount role in the emancipation of Nigeria health sector provided the facilities are there. But, if they treat us with impunity, we shall react with impunity.
“This country is being run with lack of sensitivity to the basic needs of the people and violation of agreements. This government has demonstrated irresponsibility to its citizens and doctors are about to display their own. This is a preliminary warning.”
Atilola also carpeted President Umaru Yar’Adua for seeking medical care in a foreign country, a development he described as a “moral burden and disservice” to the country.
According to him, if the President took advantage of his position to travel abroad for medical attention, it meant that ordinary citizen also having the same ailment with him had no hope.
Although individuals with the means reserve the right to travel abroad for treatment, he said for leaders to climb on the bandwagon underscored the prostrate state of the country’s health sector.
The doctors said the President’s sojourn in Saudi Arabia where he has been receiving treatment for acute pericarditis, an inflammation of the outer membrane of the heart, for the past 71 days constitutes a “moral burden and disservice” to the country.
The NARD’s President, Dr. Olayinka Atilola, told journalists in Ibadan that ordinary citizens who may develop similar health problem like the President has no hope except they too can run for help outside the country as the President.
Atilola stressed that it might be a deliberate policy by the leaders to neglect the health sector since they would always junket abroad for ailment that could be treated in a primary health centre.
He said, “It is a moral burden and disservice for the President of a country to seek medical treatment in a foreign country, irrespective of his health condition.
“What happens to other 139.999 million people, especially those that have no such means? It means that they can go and die. We have the human resources to turn around the fortunes of the health sector, but there is no political will.”
Meanwhile, the doctors have warned of a looming crisis in the health sector if the government fails to implement the negotiated Consolidated Medical Salary Scale.
Addressing a press conference, in Ibadan, Atilola said that feelers from the NARD branches across the country indicated that the Federal Government had reneged on the January, 2010 implementation date.
He said that the association had fought a long drawn battle with the Federal Government before it agreed to a separate salary scale that distinguished doctors from other health workers and civil servants.
On September 30, 2009, which was the ultimatum given to the Federal Government to implement the CONMESS, he said that a circular was issued the same day acceding to the demands to avert the planned strike by the doctors.
Atilola said that the first danger the association noticed, suggesting that the Federal Government might not be sincere, was when the implementation date was shifted forward to January 1, 2010.
In December, last year, he said other health workers also successfully negotiated new salary scale with the government which reduced the relative superior salary of doctors to other health workers to negligible proportion.
He vowed that doctors would resist any attempt to place them almost at par with other health workers without considering the longer years his members spent in medical schools and their higher responsibilities.
The NARD boss said, “It was a gentleman agreement and we agreed. But, our reservation is that if the agreement between the FG and Academic Staff Union of Universities could take immediate effect, why was NARD’s shifted forward?
“In December 2009, the FG signed a separate agreement with the health workers, which stamped out the relativity in our salary scales. That may cause a major crisis in the health sector this year.”
“The Federal Executive Council had approved doctors’ CONMESS and implementation should attract automatic approval. It has nothing to do with budget signing.
“We are peace-loving and we believe we should continue to play a paramount role in the emancipation of Nigeria health sector provided the facilities are there. But, if they treat us with impunity, we shall react with impunity.
“This country is being run with lack of sensitivity to the basic needs of the people and violation of agreements. This government has demonstrated irresponsibility to its citizens and doctors are about to display their own. This is a preliminary warning.”
Atilola also carpeted President Umaru Yar’Adua for seeking medical care in a foreign country, a development he described as a “moral burden and disservice” to the country.
According to him, if the President took advantage of his position to travel abroad for medical attention, it meant that ordinary citizen also having the same ailment with him had no hope.
Although individuals with the means reserve the right to travel abroad for treatment, he said for leaders to climb on the bandwagon underscored the prostrate state of the country’s health sector.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Yar’Adua: No room for offshore president –Court Saturday, January 30, 2010
•Says constitution did not compel Yar’Adua to hand over to Jonathan
The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Dan Abutu, has declared it was against the spirit of the Constitution for President Umar Musa Yar’Adua to perform his presidential functions outside the shores of the country.
Besides, the court went further to hold that it was unconstitutional for the office of the President to be held in abeyance.
Justice Abutu gave this verdict in his judgment in the suit filed by the Incorporated Trustees of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), its President, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) and Ibrahim Eddy Mark (General Secretary).
The court, however, held that Section145 of the 1999 Constitution did not impose a duty on the President to transmit a written declaration to National Assembly whenever he is proceeding on vacation or is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office.
In the suit, the plaintiffs are challenging the refusal of President Umar Yar’Adua to write the National Assembly before embarking on a medical vacation in Saudi Arabia in line with Section 145. He is yet to return since November 23.
Justice Abutu dismissed the argument of the Attorney General of the Federation and Justice Minister, Mr. Michael Aondoakaa (SAN) that the plaintiffs lacked the locus standi to initiate the action.
He, however, held that Section145 of the 1999 Constitution did not impose a duty on the President to transmit a written declaration to National Assembly whenever he is proceeding on vacation or is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office.
According to him, no word or parenthesis imposing an obligation is used in the section.
“In the instance case, neither the word may or shall have been used. No word shows that that the president has a duty to transmit a written declaration,” the judge said, adding: “The duty of a court is limited to the interpretation of a status. Justice must be dispensed in accordance with law. I’m unable to come to conclusion based on the word used in the constitution that the president has a duty to transmit a written declaration to the National Assembly before proceeding on a vacation.
“That the president omitted to transmit a written declaration to the leadership of National Assembly is not a violation of the Constitution. There is no mandatory requirement to transmit a declaration to the National Assembly”. He held that Vice President Goodluck Jonathan could discharge the functions of the president as because the condition precedent has not been met.
He held that the doctrine of necessity cannot be invoked in the absence of the condition precedent. There is no basis for the court. While responding to the judgment, Aondoakaa said: “Every organ of government must recognize the Vice President as performing both the executive powers of the president delegated to the vice president on Mr. President’s behalf.”
The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Dan Abutu, has declared it was against the spirit of the Constitution for President Umar Musa Yar’Adua to perform his presidential functions outside the shores of the country.
Besides, the court went further to hold that it was unconstitutional for the office of the President to be held in abeyance.
Justice Abutu gave this verdict in his judgment in the suit filed by the Incorporated Trustees of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), its President, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) and Ibrahim Eddy Mark (General Secretary).
The court, however, held that Section145 of the 1999 Constitution did not impose a duty on the President to transmit a written declaration to National Assembly whenever he is proceeding on vacation or is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office.
In the suit, the plaintiffs are challenging the refusal of President Umar Yar’Adua to write the National Assembly before embarking on a medical vacation in Saudi Arabia in line with Section 145. He is yet to return since November 23.
Justice Abutu dismissed the argument of the Attorney General of the Federation and Justice Minister, Mr. Michael Aondoakaa (SAN) that the plaintiffs lacked the locus standi to initiate the action.
He, however, held that Section145 of the 1999 Constitution did not impose a duty on the President to transmit a written declaration to National Assembly whenever he is proceeding on vacation or is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office.
According to him, no word or parenthesis imposing an obligation is used in the section.
“In the instance case, neither the word may or shall have been used. No word shows that that the president has a duty to transmit a written declaration,” the judge said, adding: “The duty of a court is limited to the interpretation of a status. Justice must be dispensed in accordance with law. I’m unable to come to conclusion based on the word used in the constitution that the president has a duty to transmit a written declaration to the National Assembly before proceeding on a vacation.
“That the president omitted to transmit a written declaration to the leadership of National Assembly is not a violation of the Constitution. There is no mandatory requirement to transmit a declaration to the National Assembly”. He held that Vice President Goodluck Jonathan could discharge the functions of the president as because the condition precedent has not been met.
He held that the doctrine of necessity cannot be invoked in the absence of the condition precedent. There is no basis for the court. While responding to the judgment, Aondoakaa said: “Every organ of government must recognize the Vice President as performing both the executive powers of the president delegated to the vice president on Mr. President’s behalf.”
No sign of President’s imminent return in Villa From Punch NP 30th Jan 2010
Although there were unconfirmed reports that ailing President Umaru Yar’Adua might return to the country this week, there were no indications of preparations for his arrival in the Presidential Villa as at Friday.
All through the week, activities continued at the normal pace in Aso Rock, and government officials and presidential aides did not give any hint that their principal was being expected soon.
No extra security measures around the complex were observed by our correspondent and presidential guards were not seen readying the convoy that normally welcomes, and escorts the President from the airport.
Although security within the Presidential Villa was not slack, it remained at the usual level all through the week, just like in the past days since Yar‘Adua travelled to Saudi Arabia for medical attention.
Our correspondent observed that the situation in the Presidential Villa was normal, with no noticeable increase in the pace of activities or visitors in the complex. Presidential aides were reporting to their offices as usual, but their conduct and activities did not offer any suggestion that they were expecting their boss anytime soon.
There were also no signs of preparations around the First Lady‘s office.
Staff of German company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, which handles a long-standing maintenance contract in the Presidential Villa, have also been going about their normal duties in the complex.
Expectations of Yar‘Adua‘s imminent return were heightened on Tuesday as rumours of his arrival spread in Abuja. The expectation was so strong that there were feelers from the House of Representatives that some lawmakers nominated to go and visit the President in Saudi Arabia might not be going after all.
The six-member team was allegedly told that the trip was no longer necessary as Yar‘Adua was on his way back.
However, on that Tuesday, our correspondent could not observe any sign of preparations for Yar‘Adua‘s return in the Presidential Villa.
But the most telling indication that Yar‘Adua was not being expected back in the country was Vice-President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan‘s trip to Jos, Plateau State, where he inspected areas affected by the recent sectarian crisis.
”I am really not aware that the President is coming back now; I can‘t confirm that,” a source in the Presidency said in response to our correspondent‘s enquiries concerning the matter. Also, the Federal Executive Council rose from its meeting on Wednesday without giving any indications that the President was on his way back.
Although the Council passed a resolution that Yar‘Adua was not incapable of discharging the functions of his office, it was silent on his return date.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi, and the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice-President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ima Niboro, could not be reached for their comments as calls made to their telephones were not picked.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Opposition demands proof that sick leader is improving
Nigeria's most vocal opposition party, the Action Congress, wants proof of government claims that President Umaru Yar'Adua's health is improving. Its spokesperson told RFI that the ruling party is behaving as if it does not have to account to the Nigerian population.
Garba Shehu, who speaks on behalf of Action Party leader and former Nigerian Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, says the President’s refusal to appear before the people of Nigeria, is detrimental to national well-being.
“The story is that he is getting better. So why can’t he present himself before the television, or record a message?" he asks. "We have just come through the New Year and traditionally the head of state would do a national radio address to the citizens."
Yar'Adua has not been seen nor heard from him since he left the country for medical treatment in Saudi Arabia on 23 November.
The Action Congress is calling for a dated video recording of the President, sitting or standing, from his hospital room.
The move was also prompted by last week’s 2009 Supplementary Budget, which the President reportedly approved and signed. But the Action Congress says it is concerned that there is no proof it was actually Yar'Adua who signed.
The party is urging the President to legally transfer his powers to Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan, in line with the Nigerian constitution.
In one of the three lawsuits challenging the government's position on the issue, the Nigerian Bar Association is asking the Federal High Court to compel the Attorney-General to answer questions relating to Yar’Adua's health.
On Tuesday the court, in Abuja, directed the three plaintiffs to consolidate their cases to force Yar’Adua to hand over power to Jonathan while he remains in Saudi Arabia.
Shehu says that Nigeria is fortunate to have a judicial system that can often be very “activist”.
“The courts in the land have the capacity to force an unwilling President to do the right thing by handing over to a deputy,” he says. "As it is now, we are just in a limbo."
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Yar'Adua's Presidency Over; President Is Brain Dead
San Francisco, Jan 9, (THEWILL) - As earlier reported by THEWILL two weeks ago, Nigeria's President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua who had suffered a stroke at the King Faisal hospital is reportedly brain dead but the President's kitchen cabinet continues its aggressive ploy aimed at keeping the ailing Umaru Musa Yar'Adua in power at all cost. The president continues to lay helpless on a hospital bed in a VIP suite at the King Faisal hospital in Jeddah.
Last week the group floated a lie that the ailing President called three top government leaders including the Vice President. Inside sources say the President has not made any phone calls since his evacuation from Abuja. What happened was that someone placed a call from the President's phone to the three leaders but the caller did not have any conversations with the listeners.
A reliable source confided in THEWILL that the Vice President accepted that he got a call from the President just to protect the Presidency. Recall that Prof. Dora Akunyili, Nigeria's information Minister announced that the Vice President informed ministers at the Federal Executive Council meeting that the President called but said the VP did not give the details of their conversation. The fact is that there was no conversation in the first place hence he could not give them details.
The group has been putting pressure on some governors especially Kwara State governor and chairman of the Governor's Forum, Bukola Saraki, who is also nursing a presidential ambition to sell the dummy to his colleague that he had a word too with the President. Also recall it was Bukola who lied to Nigerians at the wake of the President's hospitalization in Jeddah that they met with him at the hospital, a tale which we have confirmed to be false.
The talk that the president is also recovering is another lie that the group has been feeding Nigerians through politicians especially the Nigerian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Alhaji Abdullah Aminchi. The ambassador has been singing the President's recovery like a broken record even before he was admitted at the hospital.
48 DAYS AND COUNTING, STILL NO PROOF OF LIFE
The kitchen cabinet continues to play its hide and seek with Nigerians over the President's health. On Wednesday an official of the King Faisal hospital told the BBC last that the President was no longer at the facility but ambassador Aminchi countered saying the President was at the VIP section of the hospital. The alleged signing of the 2009 Supplementary Budget is another scam that the group has been trying to sell to Nigerians without any success. THEWILL and a cross section of Nigerians have repeatedly called on the Presidency to show us proof to no avail.
Recall that in 2007 during his presidential campaign when the President collapsed and was speculated to have died, president Olusegun Obasanjo called him and put him on speakerphone to debunk the reports of his death, but the Presidency has refused to do the same because like we earlier reported the President is still in intensive care at the hospital.
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