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November Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor

July, 2007
NigerianNews Letter to the Editor

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July 21, 2007

Dear Editor

Re: Bluestar pull off refineries deal

I hope this piece gets your attention.

It is sad to know that Blustars has finally pulled out of the sale of refineries. The effect of the decision for this economy can only be imagined. It is unfortunate that Nigerians exhibit unnecessary sentiments which the few selfish money bags in Nigeria easily capitalise on. The refineries have been under NNPC Management for 40 years with 10 different administrations and non was able to provide enabling environment for NNPC to properly managed the refineries, doesn’t that sound strange? I can bet it that Yar’dua administration will not be enough for NNPC to turn the refineries around. Apart from the fact that world over, government is moving away from running business enterprises, it is even more imperative in Nigeria, where corruption is endemic. Let me quickly congratulate Messers Dangote and his fellows in Bluestar for taking a strategic decision to pull out of the deal. It will only take a lunatic businessman to put his money on those refineries, that are poorly maintained, obsolete, with corruption ridden manpower. As if those were not enough, the state of the Niger Delta is enough for a sane investor to think twice about investing there. Nigerians including NLC do not see that Dangote and his group were doing us a favour by buying into the refineries. Let's paint a scenario here, if Warri Refinery was owned by a private investor, and as it happened last year, when the crude supply line was vandalised, which has kept the refinery out of operation for 18 months, what would become of such investment. Yet people were only looking at why it is only Dangote that is buying the national assets. We would not talk about those Nigerians who are safe keeping their wealth, both stolen and earned in Swiss banks, or those who are only interested in holding government import licences, after all why didn't those who got licences to build refineries do anything in 60 months. Now that NLC has prevented subsidies from being removed from petroleum products, resisted sales of refineries but want 15% increase over their salaries, they need to realise that the economy does not work that way. By the time government continues to support inefficient organisations such as NNPC and NEPA, there will not be enough fund to cater for other social services, especially Security, which is why all over the country today, no where is safe. Robberies and killings prevail across the length and breadth of the nation. If people expect miracles, they better think twice. With police manpower strength of 300,000, if they are paid average salaries of N20,000 per month, that will translate to about N6,000,000,000 per month without talking about kitting and procuring arms/ammunition for them. No wonder Government is trying to woo the private sector to participate in funding the police, despite the fact that private companies pay taxes of all forms to the various levels of government. Nigerians, especially labour leaders and the press, as well as other opinion leaders should look at issues in a broader view rather than undue sensationalism. If we want the country to develop, we need to move away from undue sentiment. It is almost clear that serious investors would not be all that interested in our privatisation process and that means a lot for the country. I would imagine that people would still cry by the time PHCN unbundled companies are offered for sale. Whereas every one wants power supply to be stable. I also know that those compatriots in PHCN will claim that they can turn NEPA around if given the support, after all the monies spent over the years. Thank God for OBJ, even if Nigerians elite are not happy that mobile phone is now for every tom, dick and harry. I remember in those days of 090, how my boss then used to carry it as the ultimate luxury. Even for those who think that getting their wards out of the country is the solution, it is a lie, such wards will still be second class citizens and they will still be under valued, simply because they have Nigeria origin. We are all better-off by making this country great, such that where you are on the globe, you will be respected.

Let me run off for my business. While I hope Nigerians will look at issue from a more wholistic perspective rather than being naively sentimental.

Abudu Mallami
A Private Citizen

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July 19, 2007

Dear Editor

RE-   Send Corrupt Ex-governors To the Gallows-UAD

In response to Mr. Abiodun Aremu’s position on suspected corrupt ex- governors, published in the Daily Independent of Thursday July 19, 2007, I do not argue that his option of killing them if found guilty be removed from the table. But it violates U.N. Treaty and God’s position on issues of human life.

The problem of Nigeria appears so simple. We have the laws and checks and balances. These measures, amongst others, including state power, should be put to play if we expect us to grow. A sacrificial lamb(s) in this manner won’t solve our woes.

But without missing words, those apprehended must be tried according to the laws of the country, and if found guilty must be put to jail without reservations.

OMOCHO, Anthony
U.S. America

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Dear Sir

Accreditation of Medical School of Madonna University Okija

How possible can you I know if the Medical College of Madona University Okija is accredited by NUC? This will enable me take a decision on my wards admission.

I will be grateful if you assist me.

Orji Ochy
Civil Engineer
 

Editor Note:

Please if any of our readers have the answer, let us know by sending answer to editor@nigeriannews.com

Editor