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CSJ Says There Is Nothing to Show for Fuel Subsidy Removal
CSJ Says There Is Nothing to Show for Fuel Subsidy Removal
…Asks Tinubu to Copy Abacha, Jonathan’s PTF, SURE-P
By: Michael Mike
Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) has called on all tiers of government in Nigeria to take concrete and targeted steps to mainstream social justice into all processes, mechanisms and instruments of governance.
The organisation while alleging that President Bola Tinubu’s subsidy removal has had nothing to show, asked the present administration to copy the Gen. Sani Abacha’s Petroleum Trust Fund and President Goodluck Jonathan’s SURE-P created to soften the hardship of removal of fuel subsidy.
The call was made in commemoration of the World Day of Social Justice 2024 with theme: “”Bridging Gaps, Building Alliances.”
The CSJ, in a statement on Tuesday by its Lead Director, Eze Onyekpere said the theme indicates that there is no better time than now for the government to bridge the gap of increasing poverty, hunger and degraded living conditions occasioned by the rising cost of living.
Onyekpere also said: “This is also the time to bridge the inequality gap against the background of the ostentatious and opulent lifestyles of top level public servants and elected officials. While the average Nigerian has been subjected to misery, the ruling class revel in a competition to mismanage and abuse public resources.
“With increased resources available to the three tiers of government arising from the removal of fuel subsidy and floatation of the Naira, there was a public expectation under the Renewed Hope Agenda that these new resources would be invested for the public good in education, health, housing, roads and other infrastructure. Rather than investing the resources to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor and build a national alliance and consensus for development, the leaders have cornered all the resources for their personal gain as there is nothing to show for the increased resources available to the government.
“Promises of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu era had remained pipe dreams and none has been fulfilled.”
He noted that the Abacha presidency era had the Petroleum Trust Fund while the Goodluck Jonathan era had SURE-P for the investment of fuel subsidy removal gains, but lamented that: “The Bola Ahmed Tinubu presidency has nothing to show. Rather, we have witnessed a bloating of the cost of governance and frivolous expenditure.
“The three arms of government have not demonstrated any sense of patriotism to bridge the gap of injustice, inequality and poverty in Nigeria. On the part of the Judiciary, we have witnessed the brazen attempt of senior judges to install/appoint their relations by all means as judges of the various courts. The executive and legislature have refused to cut down the cost of governance and re-channel the bulk of the public resources to cushion the effects of poverty. It is alarming, that in the face of the current hardship plaguing the nation, the President still maintains a bloated retinue of staff with increased personnel cost, while the legislators went on a spending spree in the procurement of SUVs worth 160 million each for its members. The legislature also scandalously increased its budget. The government refuses to pay the promised wage award of N35,000 to civil servants whereas the minimum wage still remains a paltry N30,000.”
He said: “We call on the government to use this occasion to reflect on implementing life-saving measures that would bridge the gap of inequality experienced by 133 million multi dimensionally poor Nigerians. It is not too late for the Federal Government to review and course correct on its stringent policies such as the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira which has resulted in run-away inflation and high cost of living.”
Onyekpere added that: “Against the background of the foregoing, CSJ proffers the following recommendations: Bridge the gap of poverty by drastically reducing the cost of governance and redirect more public resources to meet the needs and welfare of the poor; The President should review the economic team and build alliances with competent citizens in all political affiliations who have proven capacity to proffer solutions that will reposition the economy; Social welfare programs should be created to benefit poor and vulnerable Nigerians who are currently grappling with the economic hardship plaguing the nation.
“Principal officers of the three arms of government should be rededicated to service delivery and effective implementation of mandates as well the tenets of social justice – the national interest above the self-interest.”
CSJ Says There Is Nothing to Show for Fuel Subsidy Removal
Bwala’s appointment: Tinubu has large heart, says Ndume
By: Our Reporter
Former majority leader of the Senate, Mohammed Ali Ndume, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Daniel Bwala as special adviser on public communications and media.
Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, a position that places him as Bwala’s Senator, noted that Tinubu has demonstrated that he is a leader with large heart through Bwala’s appointment.
Bwala served as the spokesman of the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar during the 2023 President election campaigns.
“I wish to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Daniel Bwala as his special adviser to the President on public communication and media. This gesture deserves serious applause particularly in view of the roles played by Bwala in recent past.
“Bwala’s appointment is a rare demonstration of large heartedness in leadership, a quality that is difficult to find in many leaders today,” Ndume stated.
Recall that Bwala is among the recent persons appointed by President Tinubu to serve in the prestigious position of special Adviser to the President on public communication and media.
Ndume advice Bwala to seek forgiveness from the Vice President Kashim Shettima whose appointment made him to leave APC because he is a Muslim and work with him closely to as your second Principal to promote the renewed hope agenda of Mr President.
You should also learn from Sunday Dare and Ononuga who are long and loyal associates of Tinubu who always defend the policies of Mr President without being abusive and offensive.
You should also learn from the likes of Hadiza Bala and Nuhu Ribadu NSA who defend and market Tinubu’s policies backed by facts and figures.
Finally you should also link up with our people at the grassroots because charity begins from home.
Finally I wish you success in your new assignment.
Bwala’s appointment: Tinubu has large heart, says Ndume
DG of Great Green Wall, Borno State, Participates in COP29 Summit
By: Our Reporter
Amb. Usman Aliyu, the Director General of the Borno State Agency for the Great Green Wall, is representing Nigeria at the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan.
His selection to join the Nigerian negotiation team highlights his exceptional contributions to climate action, following his distinguished performance during a UNFCCC-EU training in Abuja, which earned him sponsorship from the European Union.
Amb. Aliyu’s participation underscores the commitment of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s administration to combating climate change and fostering sustainable development. His efforts focus on climate finance, large-scale reforestation, and enhancing the resilience of vulnerable communities, which are critical to addressing environmental challenges in Borno State and beyond.
“Representing Nigeria at COP29 is an opportunity to advocate for practical solutions to the pressing climate challenges facing our region,” said Amb. Usman Aliyu.
This involvement positions Borno State as a leader in integrating local initiatives with global climate goals, promoting long-term sustainability and resilience for its communities.
DG of Great Green Wall, Borno State, Participates in COP29 Summit
EMAN honours Zulum with distinguished award and honorary fellowship”
By: Our Reporter
The Environmental Management Association of Nigeria (EMAN) has conferred the Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, with an Honorary Fellowship and Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to environmental management and sustainable development.
The award was presented during EMAN’s 2024 Annual Conference and General Meeting held on Wednesday 13 November at Grand Cubana Hotel in Abuja.
Themed “Building Resilience Against Land Degradation and Climate Change in Nigeria,” the event drew prominent personalities, including the National Project Coordinator NEWMAP, Mr. Andy Ayuba Yalak; Director-General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Innocent Barikor and Professor Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja Aisha Sani Maikudi represented by the Dean School of Environment and representative of Chairman Senate Committee on Environment.
Governor Zulum’s recognition by EMAN marks the first time the association has presented this prestigious award to a Chief Executive.
The honor underscores Zulum’s commitment to effective environmental management, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
This is the fifth fellowship award conferred on the Governor in the past five years, following recognitions by the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers, the Nigerian Institute of Architects, and the National Postgraduate Medical College.
Represented by his Senior Technical Assistant, Honourable Umaru Bako, Governor Zulum highlighted key environmental achievements under his administration. These include:
Strengthening the Borno State Environmental Protection Agency (BOSEPA) through increased funding.
Timely and effective management of recent flood disasters.
Establishing a Directorate of the Great Green Wall to combat desertification.
Full participation in the Agro-Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) program.
Ongoing infrastructure and human development initiatives aimed at fostering a climate-resilient society.
Expressing his gratitude, Governor Zulum stated, “I am extremely delighted with this honor and assure you of my administration’s unwavering commitment to protecting the environment and building a resilient future for our society.”
EMAN, as Nigeria’s leading professional body for environmental management, continues to recognize and encourage exemplary contributions towards environmental sustainability.
EMAN honours Zulum with distinguished award and honorary fellowship”
Bwala’s appointment: Tinubu has large heart, says Ndume
DG of Great Green Wall, Borno State, Participates in COP29 Summit
EMAN honours Zulum with distinguished award and honorary fellowship”
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