Atiku’s Border Promise: Between political expediency and Nigeria’s national interest
By Okey IBEKE Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s promise to reopen Nigeria’s land borders if elected president in 2027 may appeal to traders and border communities who depend on cross-border commerce. But the promise raises a more important question: what exactly does he intend to reopen? The Federal Government has challenged the premise of the […]
Of Boko Haram, strike and subsidy removal (2)
WHY did NBA not protest the recent burning of churches and slaughtering of Christians in Damaturu, Madalla and Jos just to mention a few? Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, former Military President of Nigeria was quoted recently as saying that the present crisis in our country is caused by President Jonathan’s inexperience; that they (meaning the Northern […]
Akwa Ibom 2012 budget and fiscal discipline
By Usen Akpan REcently, Governor Godswill Akpabio signed the state’s 2012 appropriation bill, in compliance with section 121 (1) of the Nigerian constitution state. But beyond the yearly ritual, his avowed practice of fiscal discipline since 2007 gives hope for tomorrow. The latest budget has a total figure of N407billion. In 2011 fiscal year, Akwa […]
Fuel Subsidy : Illogic, incoherence and national discourse
Like in war, the first casualty in national discourse anywhere is the truth. Despite the perchance to murder truth, truth is constant as the Northern Star. This massacring of the truth is not because people are dishonest fundamentally. It is a bye product of several factors which include lack of objectivity, jaundiced view of issue(s), […]
Of Boko Haram, strike and subsidy removal
THIS is clearly one of the worst periods in Nigeria’s history. It is reminiscent of Professor Wole Soyinka’s “season of anomie”. This is a time when almost everything in Nigeria appears to be heading towards anarchy.
Nasarawa: Gov Al-Makura’s attempt at a fresh start
DOES the 2012 Appropriation Bill recently presented to the Nasarawa State House of Assembly for consideration by the state governor, Alhaji Umaru Tanko Al-makura present any new lease of life for the people of the state?
Charting a new course in Osun State: A total governance approach
THE draft 2012 budget presented to the Osun State House of Assembly by the Ogbeni Governor is the first to be presented conceptualized and formulated by the Action Congress of Nigeria government in Osun State. Fiscal discipline and performance planning represents a central thrust in the conceptualization of the Budget.
Who is stealing by sign posts?
IN the words of Othman Dan Fodio, conscience is an open wound, only truth can heal it. The take away from this axiom is that evil strives in societies where people lack the courage to tell and defend the truth. What is playing out with the above captioned article concerning the unfortunate attack on the Federal Government’s recent efforts at ensuring its roads in Edo State are rehabilitated is reminiscent of a jig saw between truth and falsehood.
Oil subsidy removal and a way forward (2)
IN the first half of this article, which appeared in a number of national dailies just before the just suspended industrial action over oil subsidy removal, I had argued against hitting the barricades and advocated a Government-Labour dialogue as an option for amicable solution.
How Labour unions inflict pains on Nigerians
DR. Goodluck Jonathan, in exercise of his powers as President of Nigeria, decided to remove subsidy on petroleum products. A clear evidence of this act was the non-provision for subsidy in the 2012 budget estimates he sent to the National Assembly.
Fuel subsidy and the Jonathan’s cabal
NOTWITHSTANDING President Goodluck Jonathan’s pledge to consult widely in respect of the earlier proposed removal of subsidy on petroleum products, the president and his clique went on the new year day to impose a heavy and unsustainable price on the product, by announcing the withdrawal of the phanton subsidy.
