Our 10-Point Demand: Enough is Enough Nigeria's Official Reaction to the Called-Off Labour Strike

"Protest is beyond Labour. It is a matter for the Nigerian people.”
-       Abdulwaheed Omar, NLC President

In the last 2 weeks, the spirit of a Nigerian Dream birthed in the hearts of all sincere patriots was renewed. We salute the Nigerian people who have risen up with one voice to make it clear to our rulers that Enough is Enough! What we saw was not a strike made powerful on the strength of the labour unions. What we saw was a popular but peaceful protest of the Nigerian people, many employed but even more unemployed, disadvantaged and oppressed, giving notice to a civil but clearly un-democratic government, that it will no longer be business as usual in Nigeria. The decision by the Federal Government to deploy the military to key States to stifle the constitutional right of Nigerians to peaceful protest while a key suspect in the Boko Haram killings on Christmas Day is allowed to escape speaks powerfully to the politicization of the issue and the government’s perspective on security.

We at Enough is Enough Nigeria (EIE) want to inform the Nigerian people, who have spoken so clearly and made such sacrifice to have their collective voice heard, that Labour took the decision to accept the Federal Government’s proposal and call off the protest without due consultation and support from a broad range of civil society groups that coalesced to create the groundswell of the popular civil action of the last week as they claimed at yesterday’s press conference. We urge all Nigerians to ensure that the unique opportunity of the solidarity and sacrifice of the last week are not lost to the unilateral and ill-considered decision of the NLC/TUC leadership.

In particular, it is important for Nigerians to honour the memory of those brave compatriots who lost their lives in the course of last week’s protests all across Nigeria. The least we should do in honour of their sacrifice is to ignore the call from the leaders of organized Labour and continue to resist “democratic slavery” until our
collective voice is heard.

In this vein, we have set forth the following demands in the public space directed at the Federal Government and the Legislative Arm of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

WE DEMAND:
1.      The appointment of two independent international firms that have not been involved in any of the previous audits of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, NNPC and other state owned entities in the Nigerian oil sector, to carry out a forensic audit of subsidy payments over the last five years. The report of this audit should be the subject of a public hearing at the National Assembly.

2.      That the voice of the people must be heard in the proceedings of the Justice Alfa Belgore Commission. Therefore, a broad range of civil society groups must participate in the proceedings of the Commission as a necessary element that can confer any form of legitimacy to its expected output. The Commission’s Report must be submitted and adopted before the 2012 Budget is approved.

3.      Government must publish the roadmap for the complete deregulation of the oil sector. Removal of subsidy is only one element of the deregulation process and certainly not the first step. Following the example of the power sector roadmap, the oil sector deregulation roadmap must commit to specific action and time frames and responsibility must be vested in identified institutions and individuals.

4.      The latest version of the Petroleum Industry Bill must be passed into law within the minimum time provided by the Constitution and the rules of the National Assembly.

5.      The vicious cycle of turn-around maintenance of government owned refineries MUST stop. The refineries should be sold or concessioned to private investors, if this last round of discussions with the original builders for TAM is unsuccessful.

6.      Full disclosure of salaries and allowances at all tiers of government and a review of same with clear parameters, full disclosure of ALL presidential and parliamentary aides, advisers and assistants. We demand at least a 50% cut across the board in legislative salaries, allowances and overheads of running the National and State legislatures. The Lagos State review of remuneration in the judiciary can serve as a guide. The cost of our federal and state legislatures is an outrage. In the long term, we need to create a part-time single chamber Federal legislature that pays sitting allowances.

7.      The Federal Government should take immediate steps to achieve an outright reduction of at least 25% in its bloated personnel costs in 2012 and a sustained outright reduction in recurrent expenditure of
at least 10% year on year, over the next 3 years. Of the N2.748trn proposed recurrent expenditure in the 2012 budget proposal of the Federal Government, N1.64trn or 72% represents salaries and allowances of Federal public servants. We do not yet know their exact number. Therefore, the federal and state governments must eliminate “ghost workers” and all fraudulent salary and pension payments, rationalize their head-count to minimise duplication and waste, which should include the speedy review and implementation of the Report from the Presidential Committee on Restructuring and Rationalisation of Federal Government Ministries and Parastatals.

8.       Massive investment in road and rail mass transit infrastructure, under government-enabled conditions but private sector ownership and management. In addition, the importation of passenger buses or CKD components for their local assembly should be made duty free and the operations of mass transit companies, partnerships or sole proprietors, should be tax free for five years, during which prices should have normalised. The same incentives should apply to rail and all other forms of mass transit.

9.      That the National Assembly send back the 2012 Budget for review, in light of the duplications and criminally high line items.

10.     A clear plan of expenditure on the post-January 1st ‘savings’. With the subsidy removed, at a price differential of N76 on N141, the Federal Government ‘saved’ N2.66 bn ($16.625 million) per day. As of yesterday (Day 16), it was N42.56 bn ($266 million).

Finally, it would be difficult, if not impossible, for the Honourable Minister of Petroleum Resources to oversee/supervise the investigation of allegations in which her office features prominently. We expect that the honourable thing to do in this situation would be step aside from the office pending the conclusion of the investigations.

The above points represent our demands on behalf of the many silent and voiceless Nigerians that we met on the streets of Nigeria in the last 2 weeks. They demand a government that is structured for effectiveness, above board with integrity and mindful of their daily struggles for existence. We commit to remain a clear voice on their behalf and in this task we will not fail or falter.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

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Fuel Subsidy Removal: MY STAND – Asiwaju Dayo Israel

Friends, over the last few days, I have been bombarded with series of phone call, text messages and Blackberry messages from friends, admirers and fans across all sectors across the world. The concerns have been the same "what is your opinion on the fuel subsidy issue" and "why have you been silent". A more disturbing message came from a young lady I have so much respect for, who asked, "are you one of those whom GEJ (Goodluck Ebele Jonathan) paid to keep quiet about fuel subsidy".

Out of concern that my silence can be mis-interpreted, I decidedto make a short statement coming at a very timely moment – seeing that the President just yester night addressed the nations on some of my main concern.

First, I am a bit surprised that people are unclear about my position on this issue after the very significant role I played in the 11-11-11 youth hunger strike at the Unity Fountain in Abuja alongside Mr. Martin Obono, Wale Salami, Mr. Wale Ajani, Wale Rotimi $ many others - a day we ended up being harassed by Men of the State Security Service with dogs and guns out of the Unity Fountain. A very daring but peaceful action that got global attention and was reported by MSNBC, CNN, BBC African amongst others.

The truth is my position remains unchanged, albeit my strategy however is different.

This is my position. I respect President Goodluck Jonathan as a person especially being a student of Leadership who regularly learn and interact with leaders, I know that Leaders are subject to various decisions that they are not able to fully explain to the electorate and are caught between hell and the deep blue sea. A full read of Segun Adeniyi's - Politics, Power and Death - would give you an idea of what happens behind the corridor of power, especially in moments like this.

However, I am not in support of the removal of fuel subsidy without a few prior steps by the Government which was what President Jonathan just did in his broadcast yester night, although it appears as medicine after death which I believe would make people doubt him more.

I believe although the removal of subsidy is a necessary step, yet it must not come before the following:


1. A major cut by all arms of Government from Federal to Local not just in overhead which might also have impact on job security but even in the areas of miscellaneous. Talking about cutting cost. The cuts must go beyond basic salaries into allowances. Mr President should learn from the UK's austerity cut system but ensure the cut doesn't eat into the necessary developmental initiatives, an error of the Cameron govt.

2. I remain of the opinion that beyond cutting cost, Government at all level must tackle corruption before subsidy is removed. As a matter of fact, I remember when Mallam Lamido Sanusi identified corruption in the private sector; he didn't close down all banks and tell Nigerians to stop banking. Rather he published the names of the cabals milking the banks, went after them with full presidential support, sacked the bank MD's and today the sector is more transparent and efficient. Peradventure Sanusi should be appointed to clean up the NNPC/Subsidy mess with full support from Mr. President.

3. Furthermore, for subsidy to be removed, I believe the Government must immediately begin the campaign for the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill and if the effort put into subsidy removal is put into the Passage of the PIB, we would produce better result.

4. Furthermore, Government must focus on getting our refineries back on ground. That way, the removal of subsidy would not even need any campaign or advocacy. Yes investors won't want to set up private refineries pending, yet government can start with investing the cuts from the various arms of govt into repairing our refineries. I have heard the argument that should not be in the refining business. However the government can get the refineries back on trap, stabilise the economy and afterwards privatise the functioning refineries if need be.

These are some of my candid opinions even as I open myself to learn more about the intricate details of the whole issue.

In conclusion, I must add that the introduction of about 1600 buses in my opinion would do little to ameliorate the effect of subsidy removal. For a start, the burden goes beyond transportation. Even at that, 1600 buses equal about 2 per local government, and considering the population of my local government, we would need more than 10 buses – the Lagos BRT scheme is a witness to this. As I write I am running on generator, of which I went to the gas station myself having to pay 130% increase at least in the price we would usually have had to pay.

Lest I forget, as an environmentalist, I am one of those who believe that subsidy of fossil fuel must be removed and the saving channelled into the production of bio-fuel to protect the earth and mitigate against the effect of climate change. However, the debate for subsidy removal in Nigeria is not about the environment but about Survivability vs. Sustainability. And as I earlier said, even if such would be done, my listed point above should be put in place.

Finally, Government must be clear on the basis of subsidy removal, is it to clean the corruption in the sector (then I advise the Sanusi style) or is it to generate funds (then govt must tell the electorate what happened to the Abacha, Tafa Balogun and other recovered Loot, and how they have been channelled). As a matter of fact, if it’s about generating funds for infrastructure, then it’s important that government also show the books that reflect the fact that our revenues from oil and foreign aids cannot put those things in place.

As an endnote, I would say that my silence is not of cowardice but as a Young Change Agent who is privileged to have the ears of many of our leaders, I also have at my disposal the benefit of diplomacy and inside lobbying which sometimes have more effect than what protesting might afford me. I have tried protest on 11-11-11, I believe adopting lobbying and diplomatic negotiation is also essential at this stage.

It took Esther and Mordecai to save the Jews. In 2 Samuel 4:1 Mordecai went out to the street to protest, weeping bitterly and crying loudly, while Esther was playing her role in the palace, even though she wasn’t that powerful enough to command the King, she was tactical enough (risking her life) to prayerfully approach the king who showed her favour and the two working together – From the street and in the palace, were able to save the Jews.

Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.


Dayo Israel
Young Nigerian Change Agent
Former Deputy Senate President of the Nigerian Children's Parliament
Coordinator, Nigerian Youth in Diaspora Organisation

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NATIONAL BROADCAST BY PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR, ON THE DEREGULATION OF THE DOWNSTREAM PETROLEUM SECTOR SATURDAY, JANUARY 7, 2012

Dear Compatriots,
1. A week ago, I had cause to address Nigerians on the security challenges we are facing in parts of the country, which necessitated the declaration of a state of emergency in 15 Local Government Areas in four states of the Federation. That course of action attracted widespread support and a demonstration of understanding. With that declaration, government had again signaled its intention to combat terrorism with renewed vigour and to assure every Nigerian of safety.

2. The support that we have received in the fight against terrorism from concerned Nigerians at home and abroad has been remarkable. We believe that it is with such continued support that progress can be made on national issues. Let me express my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has expressed a commitment to support us as we strive to improve on the country’s security situation, and build a stronger foundation for the future. The recent mindless acts of violence in Gombe, Potiskum, Jimeta-Yola and Mubi are unfortunate. I urge all Nigerians to eschew bitterness and acrimony and live together in harmony and peace. Wherever there is any threat to public peace, our security agencies will enforce the law, without fear or favour.

3. This evening, I address you, again, with much concern over an issue that borders on the national economy, the oil industry and national progress. As part of our efforts to transform the economy and guarantee prosperity for all Nigerians, Government, a few days ago, announced further deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector. The immediate effect of this has been the removal of the subsidy on petrol.

4. Since the announcement, there have been mixed reactions to the policy. Let me seize this opportunity to assure all Nigerians that I feel the pain that you all feel. I personally feel pained to see the sharp increase in transport fares and the prices of goods and services. I share the anguish of all persons who had travelled out of their stations, who had to pay more on the return leg of their journeys.

5. If I were not here to lead the process of national renewal, if I were in your shoes at this moment, I probably would have reacted in the same manner as some of our compatriots, or hold the same critical views about government. But I need to use this opportunity as your President to address Nigerians on the realities on the ground, and why we chose to act as we did. I know that these are not easy times. But tough choices have to be made to safeguard the economy and our collective survival as a nation.

6. My fellow Nigerians, the truth is that we are all faced with two basic choices with regard to the management of the downstream petroleum sector: either we deregulate and survive economically, or we continue with a subsidy regime that will continue to undermine our economy and potential for growth, and face serious consequences.

7. As you all know, the subject of deregulation is not new, we have been grappling with it for more than two decades. Previous administrations tinkered with the pump price of petroleum products, and were unable to effect complete deregulation of the downstream sector. This approach has not worked. If it did, we would not be here talking about deregulation today. I understand fully well that deregulation is not a magic formula that will address every economic challenge, but it provides a good entry point for transforming the economy, and for ensuring transparency and competitiveness in the oil industry, which is the mainstay of our economy.

8. As a President, elected and supported by ordinary Nigerians, and the vast majority of our people, I have a duty to bring up policies and programmes that will grow the economy and bring about greater benefits for the people. Let me assure you that as your President, I have no intention to inflict pain on Nigerians.


9. The deregulation of the petroleum sector is a necessary step that we had to take. Should we continue to do things the same way, and face more serious economic challenges? Or deregulate, endure the initial discomfort and reap better benefits later? I want to assure every Nigerian that whatever pain you may feel at the moment, will be temporary.

10. The interest of the ordinary people of this country will always remain topmost in my priorities as a leader. I remain passionately committed to achieving significant and enduring improvements in our economy that will lead to sustained improvement in the lives of our people.


11. I am determined to leave behind a better Nigeria, that we all can be proud of. To do so, I must make sure that we have the resources and the means to grow our economy to be resilient, and to sustain improved livelihood for our people. We must act in the public interest, no matter how tough, for the pains of today cannot be compared to the benefits of tomorrow. On assumption of office as President, I swore to an oath to always act in the best interest of the people. I remain faithful to that undertaking.

12. To save Nigeria, we must all be prepared to make sacrifices. On the part of Government, we are taking several measures aimed at cutting the size and cost of governance, including on-going and continuous effort to reduce the size of our recurrent expenditure and increase capital spending. In this regard, I have directed that overseas travels by all political office holders, including the President, should be reduced to the barest minimum. The size of delegations on foreign trips will also be drastically reduced; only trips that are absolutely necessary will be approved.

13. For the year 2012, the basic salaries of all political office holders in the Executive arm of government will be reduced by 25%. Government is also currently reviewing the number of committees, commissions and parastatals with overlapping responsibilities. The Report on this will be submitted shortly and the recommendations will be promptly implemented. In the meantime, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies must reduce their overhead expenses.

14. We are all greatly concerned about the issue of corruption. The deregulation policy is the strongest measure to tackle this challenge in the downstream sector. In addition, government is taking other steps to further sanitize the oil industry.

15. To ensure that the funds from petroleum subsidy removal are spent prudently on projects that will build a greater Nigeria, I have established a committee to oversee the implementation of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme. I sincerely believe that the reinvestment of the petroleum subsidy funds, to ensure improvement in national infrastructure, power supply, transportation, irrigation and agriculture, education, healthcare, and other social services, is in the best interest of our people.

16. Fellow Nigerians, I know that the removal of the petroleum subsidy imposes an initial burden on our people, especially the rising cost of transportation. Government will be vigilant and act decisively to curb the excesses of those that want to exploit the current situation for selfish gains. I plead for the understanding of all Nigerians. I appeal to our youth not to allow mischief-makers to exploit present circumstances to mislead or incite them to disturb public peace.

17. To address the immediate challenges that have been identified, I have directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government to embark immediately on all projects which have been designed to cushion the impact of the subsidy removal in the short, medium and long-term, as outlined in the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme Document.

18. Tomorrow, 8th January, I will formally launch a robust mass transit intervention programme to bring down the cost of transportation across the country. The programme will be implemented in partnership with state and local governments, labour unions, transport owners, and banking institutions, and supported with the provision of funding at zero interest rate as well as import duty waiver on all needed parts for locally-made mass transit vehicles, which will create additional jobs in the economy.

19. We will keep these incentives in place for as long as it takes. I want to assure you that Government will not rest until we bring down the cost of transportation for our people. Let me thank the transporters’ associations that have agreed to reduce transport fares. I have directed the Minister of Labour and Productivity to work with these associations to come up with a sustainable plan to guarantee this within the shortest possible time.

20. In addition, I have ordered the mobilization of contractors for the full rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt –Maiduguri Railway Line and the completion of the Lagos-Kano Railway Line. I have also directed the immediate commencement of a Public Works programme that will engage the services of about 10, 000 youths in every state of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory. This will create an additional 370, 000 jobs.

21. Government has taken these decisions in the best interest of our economy, so that we not only have benefits today, but to ensure that we bequeath even greater benefits to our children and grandchildren.

22. Let me assure Nigerians that every possible effort will be made to ensure that we march forward, with a collective resolve to build a Nigeria that can generate greater economic growth, create and sustain new jobs, and secure the future of our children.

23. This Administration will aggressively implement its programme to reposition and strengthen our economy, while paying adequate attention to the immediate needs of our citizens.

24. I assure you all that we will work towards achieving full domestic refining of petroleum products with the attendant benefits.


25. As I ask for the full understanding of all Nigerians, I also promise that I will keep my word.

26. Thank you. May God bless you; and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

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ENOUGHISENOUGH NIGERIA CONDEMNS THE DECEIT OF THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT: #CUTGOVERNMENTWASTE NOT #FUELSUBSIDY

“THE YOUNG ILORIN PROTESTER WILL NOT DIE IN VAIN” - ENOUGHISENOUGH NIGERIA CONDEMNS THE DECEIT OF THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT: #CUTGOVERNMENTWASTE NOT #FUELSUBSIDY

Yesterday, news came in – now confirmed - that a 22-year-old Nigerian, Mustapha Muyeedeen Mofoluwasho Opobiyi, was shot down during the Ilorin, Kwara State protests in another unacceptable case of police brutality. While young Nigerians across the country are joined together in mourning for this terrible and entirely avoidable loss of another one of us, it lends an even greater urgency to the widely condemned removal of the infamous fuel subsidy through a press release by PPPRA.

The Federal Government of Nigeria would be mistaken to assume this will discourage other young Nigerians from taking to the streets or wherever else it takes to stand down this wrong-headed decision – if anything, the reactions will only be strengthened in his memory. And it only adds to a litany of woes that the Federal Government of Nigeria has unleashed on its citizens since it began its deceitful handling of this matter. In between talks of the removal taking effect as of the 2012 budget (April); and recent utterances by the President, the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Petroleum Resource

s that consultations will continue; it is obvious that they deliberately misled Nigerians.

In typical fashion of a bloated-government, a 22-member committee has been set up to manage the imaginary savings. Will these savings be the theoretical cost of the subsidy – minus cost of corruption - or the current (inflated) figure? Also, how does the government intend to remit same to this proposed quasi-government agency? Will this necessitate the setting up of another special account, in the manner of the Excess Crude Account? Setting up a new body means an increase in recurrent expenditure for staffing, salaries, pensions, cars, running costs etc. This is UNACCEPTABLE.

In addition, a review of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE) document shows at least 5 projects that contracts have already been awarded for. A recurring contract is the Lagos – Benin Road; the same road that the current Minister of Petroleum Resources cried at the deplorable state as Minister of Transport in 2007. The Mambilla Power Plant was awarded under the Obasanjo Administration, mobilization funds were released and the Yar’Adua Administration cancelled the contract. The funds are yet to make it back to the federation account.

It is also instructive that the President has belatedly set up a committee to ‘resolve’ the crisis arising from the fuel subsidy removal. We request that no well-meaning Nigerian opposed to the removal should attend any such “arrangee” meeting. The message from the Nigerian Government is simply that they can afford to waste money and Nigerians should pay for it.
Nigerians are resilient, but we can no longer afford to pay for government’s inefficiencies. It’s too expensive (financially; productive man hours and human lives) and it’s also NOT sustainable.

The Only Way Forward
1. Return to Status Quo. Pump price returned to N65.
2. Reduce Cost of Governance. The government must drastically cut down the cost of maintaining public and civil servants – security votes, multiple advisers, fuel guzzling convoys, excessive foreign travel and estacodes etc.

• How can we build another house for the Vice-President at N7 bn ($43.75m) and an additional N9 bn ($56.25m) is being requested to complete it?
• They disburse N250 billion per year in ‘security votes’ to the President and Governors and they can spend it as they choose
Items in the 2012 budget:
• approximately N1 billion to ‘feeding’ the President and the Vice-President
• N1.7 trillion wage bill for the Federal Government
• N675 million on power related expenses at the Villa and VP’s residence
• N1 billion on miscellaneous expenses include honorarium & sitting allowances; welfare packages and publicity & advertisements. These expenses are criminal and unsustainable.
3. Plug the holes in the oil sector
• No one knows the exact amount NNPC makes or the exact amount of fuel consumed per day in Nigeria, hence the figures being touted and which give rise to the N1.3 trillion last year are not accurate.
• Why does NNPC get 445,000 barrels of crude a day that it can’t refine?
• In 2006, there were 3 marketers; we now have 77. According to BusinessDay, “the increase has also been linked to [the 2011 elections] and it has been suggested that the subsidy programme became an avenue for patronage extended to those with political connections.” Significant savings can be made on the bandied N1.3 trillion if the government will prune out the “briefcase marketers”.
• Tackle smuggling.
• Our refineries operate at 30% capacity. Billions have been earmarked for upgrades and maintenance over the last 12 years, with no impact. Increasing the capacity of our refineries would reduce the amount of fuel that needs to be imported into the country.

4. Provide Power
• According to a 2009 report by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Agency (NERC), Nigerians spend N797 billion yearly to buy fuel for powering generators.
• In 2010, President Jonathan said the cost of fuel (to power generators) was $13 billion.
• NERC’s estimates 32% of generator fuel is PMS. This means Nigerians spend about $4.19 billion or N646 billion on petrol, while the rest goes to diesel.
• With this unnecessary hike in pump prices, the cost of maintaining generators in Nigeria will also increase almost 150%. Imagine how much fuel import dependence we can curb if this government fulfills the often-repeated promise of improving power supply in Nigeria!
In the words of a popular adage, the Federal Government has, yet again, left leprosy to treat ringworm Enough is Enough Nigeria has put structures in place to join other pro-democracy forces to ensure that the democratically elected government of Nigeria is truly a government of the people, by the people, for the people.

ABOUT ENOUGH IS ENOUGH NIGERIA
EnoughisEnough Nigeria (www.eienigeria.org) is a coalition of individuals and youth-led organizations committed to instituting a culture of good governance and public accountability in Nigeria through advocacy, activism and the mobilization of the youth population as responsible citizens. The coalition includes The Future Project; Paradigm Initiative Nigeria; Education as a Vaccine (EVA); Kudirat Initiative for Democracy (KIND); RISE Networks; Chocolate City Group; EME and Light Up Nigeria.

EiE Nigeria created the RSVP (Register|Select|Vote|Protect) Campaign to leverage technology, especially social media to mobilize significant participation from citizens in the 18-35 age bloc in the 2011 elections and beyond

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