Business

An Open Letter to President Muhammadu Buhari written by Barr.Whyte Habeeb

Published

8 years ago

September 29, 2016

DEAR PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI

I would be right to say that you were elected because we got tired with lying and looting personnel in the realm of governance. Our country desperately needs an honest leader at that period. To the glory of God, we got you and our criticism of you should be to avoid the mistakes of GEJ days. As much as we cannot afford a stray administration, we want you to know that we all know that change is not just a word, and it takes collective action. I would not join the bandwagon of those that assume that criticizing a shortcoming of your administration is an expression of regret for ever supporting you. Of course, we must do criticism but what our government needs as at now is criticism that is founded on intellectualism devoid of bigotry, hatred or ethnic sentiments.

Mr. President, I must say as a matter of obvious fact that you are not winning the war against corruption. We have heard various persons been arrested and money been recovered. If am not mistaken, money recovered and money returned willingly by indicted persons its to a tune of millions of dollars. The money with all due respect has had no single impact in our economy. I do not know if the money retrieved are been kept for another purpose or to be added to the little in our foreign reserve. Sir, it would be good if these monies are pumped into the economy. The monies could be used to run bigger part of the 2016 budget that is not working effectively well. I want to say again that the war against corruption which happens to be the focus priority of your administration would be better appreciated if it is brought down to the local levels. Mr. President, I must say that as at now in Nigeria, the rate at which young Nigerians drops out of school to do illegal things to make money is alarming. At first, we thought it would be reduced to the bearest level but sir, the corruption fight is not felt at this level at all. Education should be a priority of young Nigerians not the compulsory money must be made by all means attitude. If this government is truly working and winning the fight against corruption, we should not be having large numbers of our youths involving internet fraud, robbery and kidnapping.

Sir, I am afraid of what tomorrow holds for this country especially the rate at which our youths are making it big illegally. I wonder if at the age of your retirement from office, what persons would you be seeing managing the affairs of the country. The various fraudsters that the anti corruption war did not catch up with? Please think about this sir. I must say that the security personnel and the financial institutions are also aiding young Nigerians in this regard. This is the bitter truth your Excellency. If truly you think you are winning the war, you are not anyway close to it sir.

Sir, I want to tell you that your Ministers are not performing to expectation at all. We all assumed that they would best fit into their various portfolios.

However, the reverse is the case. Sir, a change in your cabinet setting would not be a bad idea at all. It would rather be a blessing to Nigerians and to your esteem person as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I know that over time in the Nigeria Ministerial appointment is basically on the basis of compensation to political allies that have performed or under performed in their various political leadership settings. When these politicians that are Ministers do not give us the right qualities demanded from the various offices they held, I think the best thing to do is to reshuffle the cabinet. I remember the good days of Olusegun Obasanjo, he brought the then Mallam El-Rufai who changed the face of Abuja. He also brought in the likes of Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Madam Obiageli Ezekweseli and the host of others. I must point out categorically that these persons were not product of politics as at the time they were appointed by the then President. They were technocrats and professionals who have a mastery of their various disciplines. They indeed created an impact in Nigeria’s governance.

In fact, they were fantastic and Nigerians can testify to that. In essence sir, you need professionals that can handle the economy well. You would agree with me that Akinwunmi Adesina of the Goodluck Jonathan’s administration stood out as the best performing Minister. Adesina was a professional during his appointment and not a politician. He brought his skills and he changed the agriculture sector of the Nigerian economy. You need people like this. You don’t need persons that keep telling or reminding Nigerians that the last administration is the cause of their inefficiencies. That excuse is not tenable anywhere in the world. Some of the present crops of Ministers need to be relieved of their duty for the sake of reviving Nigeria. The needful must be done in this regard.

To wrap this up sir, I quickly want to address the issue of the sale of our National Assets. The only excuse that has been given for the sale of some of these assets is that your administration needs money to run the 2016 budget. Sir, I find this barbaric because this is barely four months to the end of 2016. As you can see that from the beginning of this year, we had no budget running the affairs of this country and Nigerians are surviving through the grace of God. This is not really the kind of change we voted for neither is it the one we wished for. It seems to me sir that some of your advisers do not understand the current economic issues. They are too quick to mix the reality and the fiction of their economic mindset together. Sir, how can the sale of our national assets address economic recession? Sale of our national assets can only address the issue of inefficiencies in the way we manage the performance of these assets and ultimately unlocking the value of these assets in the long run. The benefit of the sale will not come in the short-term. If by any means, the supposed cash flows and value that would be realized are already impaired by our current economic and political realities. Hence your Excellency, the sale of non performing national assets, not assets like NLNG, should be done when we have positive economic indicators and the right economic framework.

Your Excellency, I would be glad if you consider to do the needful on all issued raised. It is important and a matter of fact urgent. Don’t allow self centered people that are in your government destroy this country. Where boasting ends, their dignity begins.

Thanks.

( is a Lawyer, United Nations Award winner, Africa International Arbitration Award winner, Coca cola/ The Nation Campuslife Award Winner, Promasidor Runner-up for the Best Future Writer in Nigeria, i-Hustle Campaign Initiative Ambassador and Editor Egba Youth Awards Foundation.

Email: [email protected]

@whytehabeeb‎

Business

UBA GMD Calls for Public-Private Collaboration, Joins Aviation Minister to Commission New MMIA Departure Section

Published

8 hours ago

December 22, 2024

Sahara Weekly

UBA GMD Calls for Public-Private Collaboration, Joins Aviation Minister to Commission New MMIA Departure Section

The newly renovated departure section of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, refurbished by United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, was officially commissioned on Friday, December 20th, 2024.

The laudable project, which marks a transformative moment in Nigeria’s aviation sector, underscores UBA’s unwavering commitment to national development and highlights the immense value of strategic public-private partnerships (PPPs).

The ceremony was graced by distinguished stakeholders, including the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN; the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; other Directors, and Heads of Agencies operating at the Airport.

Speaking at the event, UBA’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Oliver Alawuba,lauded the collaboration that brought the project to fruition as he emphasised the need for public and private institutions to come together to build and revamp the nation’s assets.

“This renovation is a testament of UBA’s belief in the transformative power of investing in national assets. By modernising our airports, we not only enhance infrastructure but also position Nigeria as a global hub for tourism, trade, and investment,” he stated.

Alawuba took time to highlight the broader economic impact of such initiatives, urging increased private-sector participation in national development. “Public-private partnerships like this demonstrate what can be achieved when we unite for a shared vision of progress and investing in infrastructure catalyses economic growth, improves travel experiences, and creates opportunities across various sectors of the economy,” he added.

Alawuba reflected on the power of unity and collaboration, quoting Helen Keller: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” The commissioning of the renovated departure section serves as a reminder of what strategic partnerships can achieve in driving national development and elevating Nigeria’s global standing.”

While commissioning the project, Keyamo commended UBA for executing the project, a feat he termed a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s aviation sector. “This renovated departure section exemplifies the bank’s commitment to elevating aviation infrastructure, improving passenger experiences, and fostering international partnerships. It is a proud moment for the ministry and all stakeholders involved, and I thank the management of UBA for pioneering this initiative,” he remarked.

The minister highlighted other key achievements of his ministry, including compliance with the Cape Town Convention, the launch of a consumer protection portal, and advancements in major infrastructure projects such as the second runway at Abuja Airport and solar energy integration in airport operations.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, commended UBA and other stakeholders for their contributions, adding, “This project reflects FAAN’s dedication to delivering world-class aviation infrastructure. The enhanced departure section not only elevates passenger experiences but also strengthens Nigeria’s competitive position in global aviation,” she said.

She called for more private-sector participation, emphasising that “partnerships like these are essential to transforming the aviation sector into a beacon of excellence.”

The newly renovated departure section boasts cutting-edge facilities designed to enhance efficiency and passenger comfort. This upgrade reaffirms the Murtala Muhammed International Airport’s status as a critical gateway to Nigeria and a major hub for international travel in Africa.

United Bank for Africa is Africa’s Global Bank. Operating across twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology. UBA is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally.

Business

Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

…As Dangote Refinery partners MRS to sell PMS at N935 per litre nationwide at its retail outlets

Sahara Weekly Unveils That The Foremost entrepreneur and President of the Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the positive impact of the naira for crude swap deal on the Nigerian economy, which has led to reduction in prices of petroleum products in the country.

To provide succour to Nigerians, Dangote recently reduced the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N970 to N899.50 at its Refinery loading gantry and provided generous credit terms to marketers.

“To ensure that this price reduction gets to the end consumer, we have signed a partnership with MRS to sell petrol from its retail outlets nationwide at N935 per litre” he added. This price has already commenced in Lagos, and it will be offered nationwide from Monday.

In his statement, he called on other oil marketers such as the NNPC Retail and all other marketers, “to work with us to ensure that Nigerians enjoy high-quality petrol at discounted prices.”

According to him, “The Dangote Refinery is for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians. We will therefore continue to work with various value chain players to deliver high quality petrol at cheaper prices. Our aim is for all Nigerians to have ready access to high quality petroleum products that are good for their vehicles, good for their health, and good for their pockets.

Recall that in September, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) under the leadership of Mr. President approved the sale of crude to local refineries in Naira and corresponding purchase of petroleum products in Naira. The move, which commenced on October 1, led to reduced pressure on the dollar and ensured the stability of the local currency.

Dangote thanked Nigerians for their unwavering support and the government for creating an enabling environment for the domestic refining industry.

Business

Port Harcourt Refinery Stays Active: NNPC Denounces Sabotage Rumors

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Port Harcourt Refinery Stays Active: NNPC Denounces Sabotage Rumors

NNPC Debunks Shutdown Rumors, Confirms Port Harcourt Refinery Fully Operational

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has dismissed reports circulating in certain media outlets claiming that the Old Port Harcourt Refinery, which was re-streamed two months ago, has been shut down.

In a statement released by Olufemi O. Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, the company clarified that the refinery is fully operational. The statement noted that the facility’s operational status was recently verified by former Group Managing Directors of NNPC during a site inspection.

“Preparation for the day’s loading operation is currently ongoing,” the statement confirmed, emphasizing that allegations of the refinery’s shutdown are baseless and intended to create panic or artificial scarcity in the fuel market.

NNPC Ltd urged members of the public to disregard such misleading reports, labeling them as the work of those seeking to exploit Nigerians.

The Old Port Harcourt Refinery has been in operation since its re-streaming, and the company remains committed to ensuring stability in the supply of petroleum products across the country.