“The fate of the nation then lies in the hands of the faithful” Time Magazine, September 26, 2011. Page 27. By removing oil subsidy from 1st January 2012 contrary to the promised date of 1st April 2012, the government has proven once again never to be trusted. Please find below the reasons to resist oil subsidy removal.
1. The first is fraudulent payment on phoney import of PMS. The product is fraudulently certified as imported into Nigeria but is actually diverted to other countries in West Africa . Meanwhile, the documentation is perfected by criminal elements in Customs, Directorate of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Pipeline and Products Marketing Company (PPMC) and Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA). They not only collect the subsidy (which actually is outright theft), they also connive to collect demurrage on product that really never entered the Nigerian market. The reality is that what we actually consume in Nigeria may not be up to half of what the records or statistics say we consume.
2. The second fraud is the Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF). PPMC used to have a network of pipelines and depots across the country. Supply envelopes were created around each depot in a way that ensured all parts of the country are covered. Each supply envelope is divided into zones. Actual transportation cost was calibrated according to zones within each supply envelope. The objective here was to ensure that products sell at the same price throughout each depot's supply envelope regardless of the distance of consumption from supply.
3. The third was also Bridging, the system whereby products are moved by road across depots as may be permitted in what was meant to be exceptional cases such as when repair is being carried out on the pipeline or at a depot. Over time and driven by fraudulent intent, what was designed to augment became the routine practice. Products would be released from Atlas Cove in Lagos ostensibly for bridging to say Kano or Sokoto but would actually be sold at nearby stations while the documentation is perfected and bridging allowance is paid.
The products were also meant to be sold at equal prices at all locations nationwide. When the refineries were working and the pipeline/depots were also functional, the products were pumped through pipelines from the refineries to the various depots from where they were picked for distribution within the supply envelope covered by each depot. In principle, the Eastern axis was meant to be supplied by the Port Harcourt Refinery 1. The Northern axis was meant to be supplied by the Kaduna Refinery. The Midwest and Middle Belt were meant to be supplied by the Warri Refinery while the Western axis was meant to be supplied by products shipped to Atlas Cove from Port Harcourt Refinery 2. This refinery was also meant to export products to West African countries.
All marketers were given a price structure by PPMC which routinely (and frankly unprofessionally) decided the marketers' margin and overhead allowance, the transportation allowance and the dealers' margin. Such a terrible system it was! The standard Transportation allowance was decided based on what was required to move products from the depot to Zone 3 within the depot's supply envelope. Transporters moving products to Zones 1 and 2 are paid less than the standard allowance while the balance was meant to be paid into PEF by the marketer. Transporters moving products to Zones 4 to 9 are paid the additional cost of transportation from PEF. Most of the consumption in around each depot occurs in Zones 1 to 3, usually up to 70%. The fraud: sell all products within Zones 1, 2 and 3 but collect PEF allowance as if almost all products were sold in the outer zones. This has been on for a very long time.
We can imagine why all the various adjustments and maladjustments occurred over the years especially during the military era when the fraud was mostly perpetrated, actively promoted and culturally institutionalized by high ranking Generals and Administrators. We can also see why all refineries eventually had to be crippled and pipeline network/depots of PPMC had to be paralyzed. From Point No 1 to 3 were some of the arguments to remove “oil subsidy” by the Finance minister.
To Remove “Oil Subsidy” actually means to punish Nigerians for the failure of government to effectively fight corruption in the oil industry. Therefore, the masses should be penalized for government’s weaknesses. Does President GEJ have any guarantee that the so called money to be realized from the oil subsidy removal will be used judiciously? What about President GEJ announcing to the entire world that subsidy will be removed on April 1 2012, only for him to remove it on 1st January 2012. Does that not speak volumes? Government has again proven not to be trusted. What happened to Petroleum Trust Fund after Obasanjo took over? What will happen to the Kolade committee after his tenure? Why set up Belgore committee to dialogue with the Nigerian Labour Congress/Trade Union Congress while the subsidy had already been removed? Why behave like an autocrat. How can the President cushion the effects economic problems to be caused by the oil subsidy removal? How will the poor and unemployed Nigerians survive this attack by the government? The list is endless. Nigerians should resist the oil subsidy removal, till this policy is reversed. May God bless Nigeria .
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An Activist and Citizens Journalist.
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Total State of Emergency is Needed Urgently.
President GEJ has declared state of emergency in some parts of the country (Borno, Yobe, Niger, and Plateau State). However late, it’s a step in the direct direction. Total state of emergency is needed urgently. Mr. President should immediately initiate bill to make aiding and abetting terrorism a capital offence with capital punishment. Law makers should reconvene immediately due to the deplorable situation in the country. Furthermore, Mr President should extend the state of emergency to the following sectors:
1. Nigerian refineries. This is with the view to start refining crude in Nigeria immediately
2. War against corruption
3. Incessant kidnapping in the South Eastern part of the country/insecurity.
4. General insecurity
5. Infrastructures (roads, hospitals, schools, bridges, electricity etc).
6. Unemployment.
7. High cost of running his government, that is recurrent expenditures.
The list is exhaustive, but starting with the above items will be a welcome development. May God bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta
An Activist and Citizens Journalist.
Facebook: C.v.Akuta
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
1. Nigerian refineries. This is with the view to start refining crude in Nigeria immediately
2. War against corruption
3. Incessant kidnapping in the South Eastern part of the country/insecurity.
4. General insecurity
5. Infrastructures (roads, hospitals, schools, bridges, electricity etc).
6. Unemployment.
7. High cost of running his government, that is recurrent expenditures.
The list is exhaustive, but starting with the above items will be a welcome development. May God bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta
An Activist and Citizens Journalist.
Facebook: C.v.Akuta
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
Enough of Shedding Igbo Blood(s).
Please find below lists of Madalla bomb blast victims of 25th December 2011 at Niger State. Madalla bomb blast victims at the national hospital: Anthony Okoronkwo, Comrade Dike A. Williams, Emmanuel Dike, Richard Dike, Lilian Dike, Lynda Chioma Ubiukwu, Uche Queen Obiukwu, Chidinma Cynthia Obiukwu, Linderlin Ifeoma Obiukwu, Ann-Chinedu Aigbadon, Chiemeri Nwachukwu, Cecilia Ebeku, Oluebube Faustina Pius, Chidera Sylvia Pius, Florence Nwachukwu, Eucharia Ewoh, Joseph Daniel, Inspector Titus Eze, Obasi Jonathan Onyebuchi, Ehiawaguan Peter, Uche Esiri, Sgt. Kadiri Danjuma, Paulina Koju, Chukwudi Umeh, Christiana Kadiri, Esther Agbo, David Agbo, Helen Okolo, Mercy Agbo,John Agbo, Obiukwu Uche Stella, Ebuka Abuyi, Celestine Aniowo, Michael Sunday, Lucy Unji, Chiamaka Obiukwu, Favour Dike, Chimaobi Dike, Favour Egbo, Maria Obodugo, Kosisochukwu Egbo, Nzubechukwu Pius, Obodo Linus, Austin Ogbuagu, Chuks Ajuwe,Esther Ibu, Blessing Philip,Isaac Ibu,Kenedilins Aloysus.
Madalla bomb blast victims at specialist hospital, Gwagwalada
Innocent Okoronkwo (Intensive Unit), Chima Ohazurume, Justina Uche, Chinyere Amaechi, Ifeanyi Emenaha, Fidelia Onugwu, Chinyere Anthony, Sadiq Idris, Onyinye Peace Eneh, Clara Umozor,Pauline Okoronkwo,Uche Bonaventure, Uche Michael, Lawal Abubakar, Victor James.
Victims at General Hospital, Suleja
Owen Sylvester,Dalamin Isah (Passer-by),Ali Sani (Passer-by)
Victim at Major Hospital Kwamba
Edeh Christiana
Victims at Delight Hospital Suleja
Roseline Okeke, Chisom Eucharia Okoye
Victims at Suzan Hospital, Suleja
Chukwuebuka Obiakor, Jennifer Obiakor, Chidera Obiakor, Batrice Otogo
Victims at Daughters of Charity, Kubwa
Oliver Ogbonna, Remy Ofoha, Francis Rapheal
Victims at diamond Crest hospital, Zuba
Gabriel Christiana, Michael Nwanze, Achunike Okolo, Favour Ugochukwu, Nzube Pius. Source:http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/features/newsonthehour/2011/dec/30/newsbreak-30-12-2011-001.html
From the names above, it’s clear that over 80% of the victims are Igbos. Earlier this year (2011) Vanguard newspapers of 12th January 2011 (online version) reported that the Igbo community lost 40 members from the Jos crisis of that month (the author has lost count of different Jos crises). From my own personal experiences: One of my uncle’s house was completely burnt down in one of the disturbances in Kano in 2004. My own immediate younger sister escaped death in one of the disturbances in Jos, Plateau State. The list(s) is endless. The trends are consistent. From the 1945, 1953, and 1966 pogrom where over 50,000 Igbos were killed thru the civil war (over 1 million Igbos died) till date, the Igbos have always been the targets. This is for no just cause. Lost properties, assets, etc cannot be quantified in monetary terms. The Igbos have also been punished is several ways (abandoned properties issue, giving of £20 to every Igbo person after the war, despite any amount he/she had before the war). Meanwhile, the Igbos have made the most sacrifices than any other tribe for the unity of the country.
As in the 1945, 1953, and 1966 pogrom against the Igbos where the federal government appeared helpless to defend and protect Ndiigbo, the subsequent governments have also followed similar trends, particularly in the Northern States where Igbo’s have consistently been killed since the end of the war till date. Simply put, the Igbos are endangered species. As you read thru this piece, please purse and observe a minute silence, for the souls of the innocent Igbo people and other Nigerians killed for nothing sake.
Enough is enough. No more shedding of Igbo bloods. Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu once said that, if the price of nationhood is constant shedding of bloods, then let us not be a nation. Well, since the government cannot protect its citizens and Ndiigbo in particular, then Igbos have no choice but to protect themselves with all means necessary. Igbos should remember that self-preservation is the strongest human instinct. This is the time for the Igbos to sink all their differences and unite for the purposes of securing the safety of their lives and properties all over Nigeria. The Igbos must rise up together to face this challenges or continue to be killed every time. What affects one Igbo person directly, affects all Igbos indirectly. I therefore call on all Igbos, (All Ezes, Ohanaeze, all Igbo communities home and abroad, all Igbo unions home and abroad, etc) to immediately seek the ways out of these constant killings.
Perhaps, Igbos should start relocating their businesses and families out of the Northern region, reject youth service postings in the Northern region etc. This is because, they are simply the first targets to be killed at the slightest disturbances that does not concern them. Life first before anything else. However, the government must pay compensation to all those innocent families that lost their loved ones. The fault is not theirs. America and United Kingdom paid compensation to the various families of 9/11 (September 11, 2001) and 7/7 (7th July 2005) terrorist attacks in New York and London. May the souls of those innocent people that were killed, rest in peace. May God also bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta
An Activist and Citizens Journalist.
Facebook: C.v.Akuta
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
Madalla bomb blast victims at specialist hospital, Gwagwalada
Innocent Okoronkwo (Intensive Unit), Chima Ohazurume, Justina Uche, Chinyere Amaechi, Ifeanyi Emenaha, Fidelia Onugwu, Chinyere Anthony, Sadiq Idris, Onyinye Peace Eneh, Clara Umozor,Pauline Okoronkwo,Uche Bonaventure, Uche Michael, Lawal Abubakar, Victor James.
Victims at General Hospital, Suleja
Owen Sylvester,Dalamin Isah (Passer-by),Ali Sani (Passer-by)
Victim at Major Hospital Kwamba
Edeh Christiana
Victims at Delight Hospital Suleja
Roseline Okeke, Chisom Eucharia Okoye
Victims at Suzan Hospital, Suleja
Chukwuebuka Obiakor, Jennifer Obiakor, Chidera Obiakor, Batrice Otogo
Victims at Daughters of Charity, Kubwa
Oliver Ogbonna, Remy Ofoha, Francis Rapheal
Victims at diamond Crest hospital, Zuba
Gabriel Christiana, Michael Nwanze, Achunike Okolo, Favour Ugochukwu, Nzube Pius. Source:http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/features/newsonthehour/2011/dec/30/newsbreak-30-12-2011-001.html
From the names above, it’s clear that over 80% of the victims are Igbos. Earlier this year (2011) Vanguard newspapers of 12th January 2011 (online version) reported that the Igbo community lost 40 members from the Jos crisis of that month (the author has lost count of different Jos crises). From my own personal experiences: One of my uncle’s house was completely burnt down in one of the disturbances in Kano in 2004. My own immediate younger sister escaped death in one of the disturbances in Jos, Plateau State. The list(s) is endless. The trends are consistent. From the 1945, 1953, and 1966 pogrom where over 50,000 Igbos were killed thru the civil war (over 1 million Igbos died) till date, the Igbos have always been the targets. This is for no just cause. Lost properties, assets, etc cannot be quantified in monetary terms. The Igbos have also been punished is several ways (abandoned properties issue, giving of £20 to every Igbo person after the war, despite any amount he/she had before the war). Meanwhile, the Igbos have made the most sacrifices than any other tribe for the unity of the country.
As in the 1945, 1953, and 1966 pogrom against the Igbos where the federal government appeared helpless to defend and protect Ndiigbo, the subsequent governments have also followed similar trends, particularly in the Northern States where Igbo’s have consistently been killed since the end of the war till date. Simply put, the Igbos are endangered species. As you read thru this piece, please purse and observe a minute silence, for the souls of the innocent Igbo people and other Nigerians killed for nothing sake.
Enough is enough. No more shedding of Igbo bloods. Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu once said that, if the price of nationhood is constant shedding of bloods, then let us not be a nation. Well, since the government cannot protect its citizens and Ndiigbo in particular, then Igbos have no choice but to protect themselves with all means necessary. Igbos should remember that self-preservation is the strongest human instinct. This is the time for the Igbos to sink all their differences and unite for the purposes of securing the safety of their lives and properties all over Nigeria. The Igbos must rise up together to face this challenges or continue to be killed every time. What affects one Igbo person directly, affects all Igbos indirectly. I therefore call on all Igbos, (All Ezes, Ohanaeze, all Igbo communities home and abroad, all Igbo unions home and abroad, etc) to immediately seek the ways out of these constant killings.
Perhaps, Igbos should start relocating their businesses and families out of the Northern region, reject youth service postings in the Northern region etc. This is because, they are simply the first targets to be killed at the slightest disturbances that does not concern them. Life first before anything else. However, the government must pay compensation to all those innocent families that lost their loved ones. The fault is not theirs. America and United Kingdom paid compensation to the various families of 9/11 (September 11, 2001) and 7/7 (7th July 2005) terrorist attacks in New York and London. May the souls of those innocent people that were killed, rest in peace. May God also bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta
An Activist and Citizens Journalist.
Facebook: C.v.Akuta
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
No Group Has Monopoly of Violence.
The danger and consequences of not containing Boko Haram and other violent groups might mean the beginning of balkanization of Nigeria. Imagine if a fanatical Christian group(s) or if OPC, MEND, MASSOB etc starts bombing mosques or starts violent agitation for Northerners to leave their area alongside what Boko Haram is doing. Action is equal to reaction, violence begets violence, and no group has monopoly of violence. Mr. President, all heads of security agencies, all stake holders etc should take a look at Sudan, Somalia, Lebanon, and former Yugoslavia. A lot can be learnt from the countries mentioned above in order to save Nigeria. However, it will not be a bad idea to commence restructuring of Nigeria peacefully.
The moment of truth has come. Either the President defeats Boko Haram or individuals/groups will defend themselves with any means necessary. No one will like to be killed. As it is, people/groups should henceforth be on their guard always and report any suspicious movements. High level of surveillance should be kept by all. Our leaders should better act now or forget about Nigeria, because bombing and general insecurity is out of control. My sympathy goes to all the innocent Nigerian that was killed today (25th December 2011). May their soul and other departed souls rest in peace. May God bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta
An Activist and Citizens Journalist.
Facebook: C.v.Akuta
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
The moment of truth has come. Either the President defeats Boko Haram or individuals/groups will defend themselves with any means necessary. No one will like to be killed. As it is, people/groups should henceforth be on their guard always and report any suspicious movements. High level of surveillance should be kept by all. Our leaders should better act now or forget about Nigeria, because bombing and general insecurity is out of control. My sympathy goes to all the innocent Nigerian that was killed today (25th December 2011). May their soul and other departed souls rest in peace. May God bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta
An Activist and Citizens Journalist.
Facebook: C.v.Akuta
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
Remove Subsidy on Corruption Before Removing Oil Subsidy.
President GEJ, please remove the subsidy on corruption before thinking of removing oil subsidy. Nothing more, nothing less. As a matter of fact, if you successful remove the subsidy on corruption, then there will be no need to think of removing oil subsidy. The sufferings are too much. Adding more pains thru oil subsidy removal will be detrimental and catastrophic. May God bless Nigeria
Chinedu Vincent Akuta
An Activist and Citizens Journalist.
Facebook: C.v.Akuta
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
Chinedu Vincent Akuta
An Activist and Citizens Journalist.
Facebook: C.v.Akuta
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
Ojukwu Is Not Dead.
“For those who know him, no word is necessary; for those who do not know him, no word is sufficient” W.T. Horngren. (An American Author). For those who know Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu (Ikemba Nnewi) no word is necessary, for those who do not know him, no word is sufficient enough to describe him. When I first heard the news of his death very early in the morning of today, Saturday 26th November 2011, I began to pray let it not be true. The news kept coming and coming. I had no choice but to place a call to a friend who had the opportunity of visiting him in the hospital when he was alive. Sadly my friend confirmed my worst fears, that Ikemba was actually dead. Few days ago (November 4th 2011) I had the privilege of wishing him happy birthday.
Ojukwu has left an indelible mark. No one can occupy his position. Ojukwu is synonymous with the Igbos as the Igbos are synonymous with him. He was to Igbos what Moses was to the Israelites in the Holy Bible. You cannot die because you live in the hearts and minds of your people (Ndiigbo). Your legacies and ideas will live forever. According to late John F. Kennedy (former American President) “A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on”. Your legacies are carved in stone and you will forever remain in the minds of Ndiigbo and entire Nigerians.
As a young man, I took an exceptional interest in Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. I tried to study History at University of Nigeria Nsukka , because Ikemba studied History, however, providence took me to a different course. I read all most, all the newspaper/magazines interviews Ikemba gave before I left Nigeria . During my last visit to home, I collected his book; Because I Am Involved. I have read this book more than eight times and I am not yet tired of reading it. I read over 15 books on the Nigeria-Biafra civil war.
The greatness of a man is measured by what he lived and died for. You lived your life fighting for fairness, equity, justice, and peace. You stood for Ndiigbo at the dark moments. On the concept, Biafra, here is what Ojukwu said, “The concept, Biafra, was a line drawn for a persecuted people to have a beacon of hope, a line drawn so that a fleeing people can at least hope that once they cross it, they have arrived at a goal, a line drawn so that a hated and persecuted people can at least know that once they reach there, they would have love and succor. This is why there was no declaration of that line as a republic until certain acts of war were initiated against the persecuted people.” (Because I Am Involved, P 170). On fighting the Igbo cause, Ojukwu said, “I have had my belly full of wars. I will always fight for the welfare of the Igbos, though this time around on a table of dialogue”, “In Aburi, I stated the Igbo case and I will continue to do so wherever it is necessary” (Because I Am Involved, P 170). There is no way we can forget Ikemba Nnewi, therefore you’re not dead.
Ojukwu generated more controversies more than any other Nigerian. Many often, he has been mis-quoted, mis-interpreted and mis-trusted. Yet his views, visions and solutions to Nigeria ’s problem remain one of the best, if not the best. I consider myself lucky, having lived to witness his existence/passage on earth.
Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu is an enigma, a legend, a hero, a leader, a patriot, and above all, the General of the people’s army. Rest in peace our great leader.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An Activist and Citizens Journalist.
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com
Ojukwu has left an indelible mark. No one can occupy his position. Ojukwu is synonymous with the Igbos as the Igbos are synonymous with him. He was to Igbos what Moses was to the Israelites in the Holy Bible. You cannot die because you live in the hearts and minds of your people (Ndiigbo). Your legacies and ideas will live forever. According to late John F. Kennedy (former American President) “A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on”. Your legacies are carved in stone and you will forever remain in the minds of Ndiigbo and entire Nigerians.
As a young man, I took an exceptional interest in Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. I tried to study History at University of Nigeria Nsukka , because Ikemba studied History, however, providence took me to a different course. I read all most, all the newspaper/magazines interviews Ikemba gave before I left Nigeria . During my last visit to home, I collected his book; Because I Am Involved. I have read this book more than eight times and I am not yet tired of reading it. I read over 15 books on the Nigeria-Biafra civil war.
The greatness of a man is measured by what he lived and died for. You lived your life fighting for fairness, equity, justice, and peace. You stood for Ndiigbo at the dark moments. On the concept, Biafra, here is what Ojukwu said, “The concept, Biafra, was a line drawn for a persecuted people to have a beacon of hope, a line drawn so that a fleeing people can at least hope that once they cross it, they have arrived at a goal, a line drawn so that a hated and persecuted people can at least know that once they reach there, they would have love and succor. This is why there was no declaration of that line as a republic until certain acts of war were initiated against the persecuted people.” (Because I Am Involved, P 170). On fighting the Igbo cause, Ojukwu said, “I have had my belly full of wars. I will always fight for the welfare of the Igbos, though this time around on a table of dialogue”, “In Aburi, I stated the Igbo case and I will continue to do so wherever it is necessary” (Because I Am Involved, P 170). There is no way we can forget Ikemba Nnewi, therefore you’re not dead.
Ojukwu generated more controversies more than any other Nigerian. Many often, he has been mis-quoted, mis-interpreted and mis-trusted. Yet his views, visions and solutions to Nigeria ’s problem remain one of the best, if not the best. I consider myself lucky, having lived to witness his existence/passage on earth.
Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu is an enigma, a legend, a hero, a leader, a patriot, and above all, the General of the people’s army. Rest in peace our great leader.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An Activist and Citizens Journalist.
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com
Happy Birthday Ikemba Nnewi, Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu.
Dearest Ikemba Nnewi, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, today (November 4th 2011) marks your 78th birthday. Kindly accept my birthday wishes and prayers for your quick recovery. The solutions to our problem as a nation, which you recommended at Aburi (Aburi Accord) Ghana in 1967, remains valid today as it was then in 1967. You have shown the light and the people will follow. Once more, accept my birthday wishes.
C.V.Akuta
UK.
C.V.Akuta
UK.
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