Jonathan, it’s too early to renege on “fresh air”

Now, to money miss road. Adjacent to the minister’s house on top of the minster’s hill there was a development I could not believe. Hold it, this house, built by Julius Berger (JB), a Nigerian construction company of German origin, which used to be one of the minister’s official residence on top of the hill, […]

Now, to money miss road. Adjacent to the minister’s house on top of the minster’s hill there was a development I could not believe. Hold it, this house, built by Julius Berger (JB), a Nigerian construction company of German origin, which used to be one of the minister’s official residence on top of the hill, was being demolished. The monetized owner from an oil producing state again contracted the same JB to rebuild a villa in its place for him. I was shocked, and asked my host about it? He said in response “it is money miss road”. That is where the topic of this article is coming from.

 

In the 2012 budget and fiscal policy, Nigerians are told by President Jonathan and the CBN Governor Sanusi Lamido, that if oil subsidy is not removed, there will be no money to pay salaries and run the government machinery. Well and good. Our question is where is the money, gone to? Is it ‘money miss road’ as usual in Nigeria?

I hesitate, but I am compelled by the past and ongoing trials of corrupt high ranking government officials and politicians by the EFCC, ICPC, SSS and the courts in Nigeria to say that there is money to pay for subsidy and run the government machinery.

A classical case of how “money miss road” across the different tiers of governments is an open secret to all Nigerians. No one should kid himself or take Nigerians and the ‘international community’ for a ride. All over the federation, invariably, a survey of the local government accounts with their banks would give a zero or negative balance.

However, the liquidity of the LG Chairmen, Directors of Admin and Finance and the Cashiers, including the Local Chiefs, is high or awash with money that has missed road. Although their money in the LG accounts with the commercial banks have missed road, if they go to the other roads leading to the Chairmen, DAF, Cashier and Chief they would find tons of money. The media and the EFCC in particular former chairmen Ribadu, Farida and now the acting Chairman Lamorde bear witness.

The same scenario is replicated in virtually all the   36 states of the federation and equally with the federal side, where in the presidency, the ministries, the parastatals their monies have found alternative safe havens, as the EFCC and other anti-corrupt agencies keep unravelling. In the bandwagon, unfortunately, security agencies, religious bodies, and worst of all the Judiciary and the media have become partners in sharing the cake. One cannot see any hope for better Nigeria.

In the 2012 budget to fund security companies the Muharram 19, 1433 or December 14th 2011of the Daily Trust says in its front page “Security beats 12 ministries combined”. The sectoral allocation provides for N921 billion for security which beats education, agriculture, power and health. In addition, another newspaper on Monday, December 12th, 2011 in its front page says “KPMG report unearths corruption in NNPC.” Corruption is the key word here in an organisation directly reporting to any sitting President and the C-in-C  and the live wire of the nation.

It is instructive to note that a southern paper reported immediately after Jonathan was sworn in as president that he contracted Israelis to protect him.

The National Assembly which represents a broad spectrum of Nigerians opposes the stance of Jonathan. To back up their position, they ask the government to publish and deal with the beneficiaries of the oil subsidy cartel. The names of the cartel Mafiosi were published in the dailies where billions were exposed and invariably where the “Money Miss Road”.  What is strange and puzzling is the disinterest of the Presidency. Instead the powers that be would rather the Money Miss Road and travel to the bank accounts of Shylocks.

It is absurd. It is the colonization of Nigeria through the back door by the US-Zionist and the capitulation to the Western imperialism. The Presidency has been advised by well meaning Nigerians, including religious leaders on both sides to include the Muslims and the Christians. They include former Heads of State, the labour unions, and other voices of reason. If, indeed, the government of Jonathan wants Nigerians to breathe “fresh air” and not foul air that is toxic like from the Fukuyama leaking nuclear power plant, then the government should listen to the voices of reason. It is too early to renege on your “fresh air” campaign promise.

Engr. Abubakar A. Fari can be reached through [email protected]