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President Buhari |
By Ogwazu
Nnamdi
As
a I child, I came in contact with bail out when a relative was held behind bars
and my Dad making efforts to secure his release. In that case, it turned a
point of reference as every demand on my dad met the response of having used
what is left in the House to secure the release and so, we became used to same.
It
was later as we moved through the academic ladder that one realized that
bailout differs, and the sphere continues to widening by the day.
So
when President Mohammud Buhari harkened to the voice of Nigeria Governors Forum
for a bailout , I imagined what a one-chance bus looks like especially in a
time of anguish. Indeed, opening our national vault for these few Nigerians who
by their schemes found themselves at the top was a story that would be narrated
someday to our children. Yes! Pregnancy that was safeguarded from the prying
eyes of the few who still ask questions has come in the open as Salaries
payment became a herculean task.
Though,
the immediate Past Administration had opened up on the huge sum borrowed to pay
salaries of Federal Workers towards the winding down exercise.
Consciously,
our nation is one that is run on emotions, sympathy and one form of attachment
or the other.This may have moved the President to join in the Mourning as moved
by the his Party, All Progressives Congress Governor’s Forum ordering for a release whether appropriated or not.
As
much as I would not fight against the release of bailout funds on the podium of
insensitivity, and also realizing that numerous home faced hunger and
deprivations occasioned by mounting salary arrears. Neither would I take to a
combat as our Financial Experts,and the Management gurus are torn in for or
against. The supporters hinged their argument on lubricating the economy rather
allow same get into some macroeconomic issues that would spell doom for Nigeria
However,
I have come to realization that a man who never bothered to know when the sun
rises may wait until setting of the sun to spread his washed clothes then
contend with the ordour .
Interestingly,
I have never heard of any month without Federation Accounts and Allocation
meeting (FAAC) and the decision being to
invest same wisely among stakeholders was to invest the proceeds . This may
mean taking from savings of the past to meeting the demands of running
government while hoping to use the savings later. What do we actually observe in the system if not rushing to Abuja for the monthly
allocation and dispensing same. So, why should there exist unpaid salary let
alone twin issues of arrears of unpaid salaries?
Mr
President, it would have done us good taking the longer route in enquiring to
know when our common calabash changed colours especially now the national
elections are over. The situation is suspect as it may mean that we are not
ready for good governance.
On
another hand, some Public officials seems to have found the route of dwindling
revenue as excuse but, one still notices numerous waste from the very system.
Have these Lords reduced excessive convoys and spending on trivialities,
unwanted baggages as aides and support Staff? What about Parties and
celebrations that can only take place with public resources but could be
jettisoned when private resources? I have be waiting for some ex-governors’
birthday celebration without success and more, remembrance of their late
parents and grand Parents as done while in office.
Mr
President, the question before you is, despite the N660 billion States’
Commercial debts as reported recently outside numerous deceitful, Contractual
obligations, have the States stopped seeking for loans? It is reported that
Rivers and Abia State within the first month of new Administration got
approvals for N30 billion respectively while Benue, Kwara , Ebonyi and few
others picked between N5 billion and N10
billion towards salary payments. Why would the approval of Edo State bumper loan scale through the fence
of your office and Legislature easily, and Lagos state on the verge of taking
more billions? The case of Imo State is in the realm of speculations as none
including the Legislature and the supposedly concerned government Staff could
point at the figures rightly.Yet, the new bailout as sought would see these
debts pushed upto 2034 at above 14%. While applauding the interest, I may want
to know why one man’s profligacy would be tied to my childrens as 2034 is 19
years ahead,enough to see a new born graduate.
Obviously,
the bible informs us on the fate that befell unproductive slave when the
Productive ones were commended and rewarded with greater task. So, I feel that
we may have rushed to reward poor judgment as these loans that brought States
to their kneel remaining non productive. Though, some persons in their inner
Court whisper that these monies served unquenchable greed of a few. Have you
looked at Contract sum and attendant variations though kept secrets most times.
Precisely August 17,2015, the Nation Newspaper reported that the Vice
Presidents official building contracted at N7 billion would require additional
N13 billion to complete despite paying
substantial amount earlier.
Frankly,
the bankers may have found the States as places of easy funds as it takes
convincing the helmsmen into taking facilities and then sit-back to craft
Standing Irrevocable Orders of Payment that enables them draw from the States monthly Allocation endlessly.
Sometimes, I begin to ask myself on the advertised role of banks as Investment
Advisors.
Indeed,
we would soon get into another round of bailout since we choose to gloss over
threats to our existence as a nation. Why have we jettisoned putting in place
effective governance structure that curbs waste and unsustainable Projects? Why
do we still put governance as a game of guesses and hunches in a dynamic World
overtaking indolent with great speed?
Mr
President! This nation can be salvaged if we think critically and enthrone
values.
(Nnamdi, A
Journalist and National Commentator writes
from Owerri, he can be reached on ndogwazu@gmail.com, 2348038224575)
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