Editorial
Alleged N15trn public fund loot: Time to turn the table towards fulfilling campaign promises
The endemism of corruption in Nigeria has leaped to the height of woe which have weakened the fabrics of the entire society. The spread of the malady has taken a forceful shoot from the political down to the private spheres in the Country. Corruption with its character in Nigerian has grown to become a phenomenon of cultural decadence that finds its expression in virtually all spheres of life in Nigeria. It has extended its tentacle to become a subject of deficient orientation gaining grounds across the Country. The roots of the orientating spread has been linked to the preponderance of the ill within the political space, particularly among those who are in the class of leaders in the Country.
The reports of high profile corruption among political leaders, who are supposed to be at the vanguard of exemplary conduct of integrity and accountability, is a pointer to the spread of corruption and its inclinations across the Country. The permeating influence has been argued to be waxing stronger with the perception that since those who are custodian of the laws of the land are themselves corrupt cankerworms, then the inclination to corrupt tendencies is justifiable for followers who are supposed to be guarded by the examples of leaders in public offices.
The profile of corruption over the years and the attendant effects in deepening underdevelopment and agony in the Country got Nigerians to the elastic point where they resolved to throw out a ruling party in Government in 2015. The saga of deep corruption profile during the time of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in government was visited with a resistance, particularly with what people perceived as a situation drawing Nigeria behind the status of development it should have attained. The development had culminated in the end of the 16 years of the PDP in government as Nigerians settled for an opposition party that promised an end to corruption once it assumes office. However, the profile of both corruption and the attendant underdevelopment have further waxed deeper with worsened records over a short period. The inability of the present ruling government to address both issues of corruption and its underdevelopment sibling as promised during its manifestos and campaigns, has given the then ruling party the upper hand to become critical in comments against the now ruling party. This is found tolerable since the profile of corruption and its clustered chains of effects under the ruling party have been recorded to be waxing deeper.
The reports of an alleged looting of over N15 trillion public funds in the last few years, had generated reservations as to whether the ruling government is really fighting corruption as claimed. Taking a critical position against the pointer, the PDP, on Tuesday had urged President Muhammadu Buhari and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to clear the air on the controversies surrounding the alleged looting of the over N15 trillion public funds in a few years. In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, the PDP had said that it has uncovered plots “by current APC leadership to blackmail and ridicule President Buhari by pushing out fake performance claims, like those contained in the press statement by its caretaker committee on Tuesday, January 5, 2021, which was designed to rubbish Mr. President, highlight his failures and deflect attention from the atrocities of the APC.” The party had said: “Such fake narratives will not help the APC as our party has details of their nefarious leaders, including APC governors, ministers, certain aides of Mr. President, as well as APC fronts in agencies of government, and would not hesitate to make such public at the fullness of time. The APC had become rattled because of pressure from the PDP and other well-meaning Nigerians asking President Buhari to go after APC leaders as well as Presidency officials involved in the reported stealing of N9.6 trillion ($25 billion) oil revenue as detailed in the leaked NNPC memo. APC leaders are having sleepless nights because the dragnet would soon catch up with all of them involved in the reported stealing of N1.1 trillion worth of crude using 18 unregistered vessels; the looting of over N2 trillion in hazy oil subsidy regime, including a criminal under-recovery for unnamed West African countries as well as illegal tax per liter of petrol running into trillions of naira. APC leaders are also jittery because they would soon explain how they siphoned N500bn Social Investment Programme and the N16bn meant for Mosquito Net Project, as exposed by First Lady Aisha Buhari in addition to the N90 billion stolen from the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, in a racket in which certain top APC leaders were alleged to have received N3 billion each.
“Very top officials in the Buhari Presidency have gone under over their alleged involvement in the looting of N33 billion National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, fund as exposed in the findings by the House of Representatives that the funds were never used for the provision of emergency food for victims of insurgency in the Northeast among other items as claimed. Some known APC leaders are now running amok over their involvement in the siphoning of the N48 billion meant for the rebuilding of six northeast states ravaged by insurgency as well as the looting of N25 billion from the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS, among others. This is in addition to those fingered in the relooting of repatriated funds, the alleged extortion of N1.2 billion from poor beneficiaries of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN’s Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, the fraud allegation in the EFCC leading to the suspension of its acting Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, as well as the looting of billions of naira Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC. Having stripped our national coffers, the APC is now using its illegal caretaker committee to attempt to set the narrative of the empty treasury to validate their further looting of funds meant for the 2021 budget. By now, the APC ought to know that such narratives cannot fly when Nigerians are already aware that its leaders stashed away over N15 trillion stolen from our national coffers. We, therefore, invite the new mouthpiece of the APC, Senator James Akpanudoedehe, to find something more meaningful to do with his time as Nigerians are no longer swayed by APC’s lies and propaganda. Under the PDP, people like Senator Akpanudoedehe progressed under the robust economy and a secured nation where the system worked. If Akpanudoedehe meant well, he should be apologising for the failures of his party and the devastation it has brought to our country. He should be apologising to victims of the bandits imported by his party. He should have been apologising for the looting by his party leaders as well as President Buhari’s failures, which have brought economic hardship and untold devastation to our nation,” the PDP had alleged.
It is a call of duty for the ruling government to gear up efforts towards the rising profile of corruption in the Country. The worsening rank of Nigeria in the corruption index does not present Nigeria healthily in the international realm. The profile is a stench robbing off on the image of the Country and its citizens. The domestic effects of this endemism is a cankerworm eating deep into the fabric of the Nigerian society. The weakening of this fabric by the preponderance of corruption is a strong factor in the fulcrum of woes troubling cohabitation in the Country.
The time for the Government to come up with convincing mechanisms to tackle the preponderance of corruption in the Country is no later than now. It is essential for the President Buhari-led administration to begin an overhauling process to sanitise the public system of governance from corrupt inclinations. Pragmatic moves towards remodelling of the operational system of the public service should be brought to bear. The administration should not stop at hunting all those who have cheated on all Nigerians by looting public funds for personal self-aggrandizement. Efforts should be strengthened towards profound investigations into all suspected corruption cases to bring those found wanting to book. It is important that such campaign should be devoid of political leaning and party interests.
The preponderance of corruption is devouring the fabrics of the Nigerian society. Its wings are fast spreading across all spheres of life in the society. The effects of the ills have sowed destabilising forces into the entire Country. It is therefore paramount for the President Buhari-led administration to wake up to one of the pillars of its campaign promises, which succinctly states the crumbling of the strong holds of corruption in the Country.
No underdeveloped country likes the appellation but adjectives are sometimes self-generated. Diseases ravage them, as well as, poor government accountability. Nigeria, for instance, has recently been under the heat of an ancient disease, Cholera. Cholera is caused by poor hygiene, occasioned by lack of social amenities, such as, potable drinking water, poor healthcare services, poverty, among others.
The disease is usually endemic in underdeveloped countries like Nigeria.
Mostly affected are people living in slums, ghettos and the likes.
For Nigeria to still be found under the above described bracket simply points to poor leadership.
Otherwise why would a country that ranks amongst the highest oil producers in the world be associated with slums and ghettos.
At sixty three Nigeria is still grappling with underdevelopment, to the extent that its citizens suffer from cholera.
As at the last count over twenty five states have been affected by the cholera outbreak, no thanks to the Nigerian government.
Why won’t they? After all, there is no potable drinking water, no adequate health care services, no food due to the high cost of living as against the pitiable per capita income of the citizens, among others.
These social amenities can only be provided by a responsible government, which to the best of our knowledge, Nigeria is lacking.
How do you reconcile a situation where citizens provide their own water, hospitals, roads, electric power and other infrastructures. And because the government is idle and does not know what to do it indulges in all manner of corruption, the result is that the citizens wallow in abject poverty to the extent of coming down with diseases like cholera.
When last have we heard of an epidemic like cholera breaking out in developed countries of the world? It is unthinkable! The reason is that these nations are where reasonable people lead and are qualified to be called leaders.
What do we have in Nigeria? Direct opposite, of course. Yet still the political class live like lords and are proud to be worshipped by the pauperised populace. Why won’t such society become a breeding ground for bacteria, viruses and other disease causing agents?
It is unsurprising that Nigeria could fall victim to the cholera epidemic in this century, where several lives are lost and still counting.
As at the last count, about 90 percent of Nigerians are living under the poverty line,with abysmal per capita income. Why won’t there be a cholera epidemic?
Majority of the boreholes in the country today do not meet quality standards of such amenity and because government has failed in its responsibility of providing potable water,its health agencies saddled with the responsibility of regulating standards,which includes potable drinking water cannot carry out its oversight function of regulating private boreholes.
How do you regulate what you cannot produce? The result is catastrophe, resulting in unwholesome water being churned out for public consumption. We know of some boreholes being sunk close to soakaway pits and yet people drink from them.
It is common sense that when inflation becomes so high in a given society, people tend to cut corners in what they consume in regard to their purchasing power. It is also important to mention that illiteracy plays an important role in preventing diseases like cholera. How often have government organs charged with the responsibility of sensitising the people on healthy habits and hygiene done their jobs?
For God’s sake, cholera is preventable and curable. The suffering is pointless, self-made, government-induced. Even the smaller and poorer countries in Africa have since outgrown diseases like cholera. And Nigeria, touting to be a giant of Africa still suffers from teething problems.
Our government at all levels should sit up and do the needful as leaders. Citizens should equally discharge their civic responsibilities. There is no sense in dwelling in unhygienic habits,which end up endangering our lives.
If the government cannot provide public toilets, individuals or groups should come together and provide the same, bearing in mind that the consequences of open defecation come, government officials and families may not be affected. We are yet to see where epidemics like cholera ravaged the Government Reserved Areas (GRAs), where their officers and their families live.
No amount of window dressing can save us. The Kenyan example is recent. The Nigerian populace must rise from its slumber and demand of its government that which it needs.
The revival of Nigeria’s interest in energy transition, power, climate change and green economic solutions has raised high expectations within the extractive industries.
The recent constitution of a Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions and the appointment of focal persons was a fundamental step to redefining the country’s necessary next steps going forward.
Before this development, hopes on the way forward after the country’s participation at the Dubai Summit remained unclear to many.
The new development was therefore viewed by industry analysts as a major reinvestment of political and social capital into the global debate by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.
It is noteworthy that the Presidential Committee and the appointed focal persons were handed specific mandates and responsibilities of coordinating and overseeing all policies and programmes on climate action and green economic solutions required to revive, redefine and reposition the country’s interests.
With the United Nations’ projection that Nigeria’s population will rise to about 400 million people in the next 20 years, an unprecedented increase in energy demand and the obvious pressure that will bring to bear on energy financing in developing countries, including Nigeria, the work of the Committee is both important and urgent.
The utmost importance is the urgency to review existing plans, especially in the context of understanding content, context and the comprehensive nature of the issues involved, the associated risks and the potential opportunities.
By its work and nature of operations, NEITI is equipped to support the country’s engagement in the areas of provision of access to credible information and data. This will be required to drive forward-looking analysis, underpin dialogue on policy responses as well as promote evidence-led public debate.
In addition, credible information and data are also essential in policy formulation, analysis of the legal and fiscal framework governing the extractive industries, climate change and greenhouse emissions.
Data is equally important in addressing climate change-induced environmental problems, public education and enlightenment that supports public understanding of government policies related to the energy transition agenda.
For instance, NEITI’s recent report on the oil and gas industry disclosed a total unremitted revenue of gas royalty payments of $559.8 million and another unremitted sum of $828.8 million from unpaid gas flare penalties.
A close look at these figures revealed that more gas resources were flared during the period than utilised, thereby posing serious dangers to the global zero emissions agenda and Nigeria’s commitment to the net zero emissions by 2060.
Apart from gas flaring, other major sources of dangerous emissions, massive environmental pollution and damage to the ecosystems include oil theft, illegal bunkering and refineries, pipeline vandalisation. Data from NEITI Reports between 2009 and 2021 disclosed that Nigeria lost 619.7million barrels of crude oil, valued at $46.16billion, or the equivalent of N16.25 trillion between 2009 and 2020.
In addition, Nigeria lost about 4.2 billion litres of petroleum products from refineries, valued at $1.84 billion at the rate of 140,000 barrels per day, from 2009 to 2018.
During the Ongoing Energy Week, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Lokpobiri Heineken has disclosed that the economic downturn confronting the country can be addressed by the oil and gas sector.
According to him, the oil and gas sector has been a significant contributor to Nigeria’s economy and relying solely on this sector to solve economic challenges in terms of expanding the sector to include petrochemicals, refining, and manufacturing can create new revenue streams and reduce dependence on crude oil exports.
While investing in new technologies and infrastructure can boost oil and gas production, leading to increased revenue thereby improving the economy.
He encouraged local content and value addition in the sector creating millions of jobs and stimulating economic growth. Effective management of oil and gas revenues, such as investing in sovereign wealth funds, can provide a cushion against economic shocks. Encouraging local procurement, services, and manufacturing in the sector can create economic linkages and stimulate growth.Fostering a business-friendly environment to attract investment and drive growth.
The Minister added that adopting a comprehensive approach that includes both the oil and gas sector and other sectors, Nigeria can more effectively address its economic challenges.
In the power sector, the Minister of power, Adebao Adelabu emphasised on the need to “achieve our 30 percent Renewable Energy target. I urge you to consider the significant benefits of investing in renewable energy projects in Nigeria. Our country boasts abundant resources, particularly solar, wind, and hydro energy, providing a remarkable opportunity for sustainable growth. The renewable energy market has grown tremendously in the last decade, with over $1 billion leveraged by Multilateral Development Banks.”
“By channelling investments into these renewable sources, we can effectively meet our carbon emission targets while playing a crucial role in combating climate change.
“As demonstrated by our recently completed $550 million Nigeria Electrification Project, investing in renewable energy helps reduce carbon emissions, enhance energy security, and support economic development. Additionally, to complement the NEP, the $750 million DARES project would provide electricity to 2.5 million people in Nigeria by deploying solar home systems and mini-grids.”
These investments will propel Nigeria toward achieving its desired energy mix and transition targets as he reaffirmed unwavering commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2060.
It is critical that decisions and programmes at ongoing energy week will usher in a new dimension that will assist in shifting from the crude oil dominated energy to gas focused economy.
Ritual killings have plunged Nigeria into a state of fear and despair, claiming countless lives and leaving families shattered.
This barbaric practice, driven by the misguided belief that human body parts can bring wealth and power, has become an appalling reality across the nation. It is a gross violation of human dignity and a stain on our societal fabric.
Recent data from the National Human Rights Commission paints a grim picture, with over 200 reported cases of ritual killings between 2018 and 2020 alone.
The victims are often the most vulnerable members of society — children, women, and the elderly. They fall prey to individuals consumed by greed and superstition, who perpetrate these heinous acts under the guise of ancient rituals.
The root causes of ritual killings are complex and intertwined with socio-economic factors. Poverty, lack of education, and unemployment create fertile ground for exploitation by ritualists who promise quick riches through ghastly means.
These beliefs are reinforced by myths and superstitions, perpetuated by a few for personal gain at the expense of innocent lives.
The victims of ritual killings leave behind heartbreaking stories that devastate their loved ones and communities.
In 2020, a tragic example was the abduction and murder of a seven-year-old boy in Lagos, whose body was found mutilated with vital organs removed.
Similarly, a young woman’s life was brutally cut short, and her body was desecrated with the removal of her breasts and genital organs, allegedly for ritual purposes. These heinous crimes leave behind inconsolable families and a society torn apart by fear, grief, and outrage.
Law enforcement agencies in Nigeria face daunting challenges in combating ritual killings. Investigations are hindered by a lack of forensic evidence and witness testimonies.
There are disturbing allegations of influential figures shielding perpetrators from justice, further complicating efforts to eradicate this scourge.
To effectively tackle this crisis, Nigeria must adopt a multifaceted approach. Firstly, law enforcement agencies need adequate resources and training to conduct thorough investigations and prosecute perpetrators without interference.
Secondly, educational initiatives must debunk myths surrounding ritual killings, promoting values that emphasise the sanctity of human life. Economic empowerment programs are crucial to provide viable alternatives to vulnerable individuals susceptible to the lure of quick wealth.
Traditional and religious leaders also play a pivotal role in eradicating these practices.
They must actively condemn ritual killings and educate their communities about the devastating consequences of such acts. Society at large must unite in condemning these crimes and supporting victims’ families through advocacy and practical assistance.
Furthermore, the judiciary must ensure that those responsible for ritual killings face swift and severe punishment. By securing convictions and imposing stringent penalties, the justice system can deter potential perpetrators and provide closure to grieving families.
It is important for Nigeria to act decisively against ritual killings. The future of our nation depends on safeguarding the sanctity of human life and ensuring justice for all.
Let us unite in our resolve to root out this evil and build a society where every individual can live without fear of falling victim to such atrocities.
As we move forward, let us hold our leaders accountable for their actions and demand concrete steps to end ritual killings. Together, we can create a Nigeria where human life is cherished and protected, free from the shadows of ritualistic violence.
Nigeria is grappling with the scourge of ritual killings, which poses a significant threat to human life and dignity. Law enforcement agencies face formidable challenges in investigating and prosecuting these cases due to lack of forensic evidence and eyewitness testimony.
Furthermore, allegations of complicity and protection of perpetrators by powerful individuals or groups hinder justice.
To combat this menace, a multifaceted approach is imperative. Firstly, law enforcement agencies must be empowered to investigate and prosecute ritual killing cases effectively, without interference or influence. Secondly, education and economic empowerment programs can address the root causes of this problem by providing alternatives to poverty and ignorance.
Thirdly, engaging with traditional and religious leaders is crucial to debunk myths and superstitions driving ritual killings.
Society must come together to condemn ritual killings, support victims’ families, and promote cultural values that emphasise human life’s sanctity and dignity. Parents, guardians, and community leaders must guide young people and instil positive values to prevent their involvement in ritual killings.
Strengthening security and judicial response is critical, with thorough investigations, increased patrols, and effective prosecution leading to convictions and appropriate punishments.
We can create a society where human life is valued and respected. Holding leaders accountable for their actions and inactions is essential, demanding concrete steps to address this issue and ensure justice for victims and their families.
Let us act now to honour the memories of those lost and protect our children from this senseless violence.
NRC suspends train services in Delta, Kogi
Tinubu meets Edo APC gov candidate, others in Abuja
