- As Buhari tells Biafra agitators: ‘Drop the idea of Nigeria’s break-up’
The Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has indicated a willingness to donate land for the purpose of developing a ‘Ship House’, as part the State Government’s efforts to drive economic growth in the State.
The Governor, who indicated this while speaking as a Chief Host of the All Shipowners Gala Night organized by the Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN), however said he would only meet the verbal request, on conditions that the group puts the request in writing, and forward it to his office.
“As a government, we are committed to do everything on our capacity to ease the process of doing business because this is the only way to attract investment to the critical sectors of the economy”, Governor Ambode who spoke through his able Special Adviser on Commerce, Hon. Labinjo indicated further, highlighting a strong belief that the Maritime industry is indeed, set for a significant rise.
Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority, Hadiza Bala Usman cutting the tape on behalf of the Hon. Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, to flag off the inauguration of the Shipowners Association of Nigeria (SOAN) 100 Cadets Training Berth Scheme, at a Gala night organized by the Association in Lagos recently. Standing by her is the president of the Association, Mr. Greg Ogbeifun.
“Let me use this opportunity to inform you that the Maritime Industry is set to witness a major boost with the impressive progress we have recorded on the $2.6 billion Badagry Deep Sea project, which on completion, will be the largest in Africa. We are encouraged by the interest already shown by international investors who are willing to partner with the State government to make the project a reality.
“The Nigeria Maritime Industry, of which Shipping sector plays a vital role in its development, is widely acknowledged to be in need of far reaching reforms in order to align with global best practices. The Industry has great potentials to be a major revenue earner and driving force for economic growth and development.
“For these potentials to be fully harnessed, there must be a convergence of ideas among stakeholders including the Shipowners Association on how best to move the industry forward in the best interest of the economy and private investors.
“I believe one of the basic issues revolve around the need for government to create the enabling environment through the design and implementation of appropriate policies, incentives and the provision of the required infrastructure”, the Executive Governor concluded, tasking the Ship owners to resolve to forge “a strong partnership and make necessary sacrifices, that will bring about a quick turnaround of our economy”.
In her contribution at the occasion, the Amazon of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chief Dr. Nike Akande also expressed a strong desire to see the LCCI and SOAN working more closely, together.
“We believe that the Nigerian economy offers tremendous opportunities to ship owners, especially the indigenous ones. We need to work together to harness these opportunities by ensuring that appropriate policies are put in place to ensure a more inclusive Maritime sector.
“The outlook of 2017 is better than the experience of 2016. The Nigerian economy still has strong fundamentals- the market size is large, the population is big, the people are enterprising and our natural resources are in abundance. There is therefore a good reason to be hopeful and positive about the future “, she stated further, paying special tribute to the Shipowners, particularly the women members, because in her words: “To be a ship owner is certainly a big deal ; but to be a woman ship-owner is even a bigger feat”.
In the meantime, President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday reiterated the essence of the unity of Nigeria, urging those contemplating its break-up to have a rethink.
He made the call while speaking at a meeting with the Council of South-East Traditional Rulers at the State House, Abuja.
Buhari, according to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, warned that the question of having another country out of Nigeria was misplaced.
“The question of having another country out of Nigeria is going to be very difficult. From 1914, we have more than 200 cultures living with one another. God had endowed this country with natural resources and talented people. We should concentrate on these and be very productive,” the President said.
Addressing specific issues raised in the address by the traditional rulers, the President gave the assurance that the South-East will also benefit from the new railway architecture being put in place by his administration.
On their request for more representation for the South-East in his government, the President said that he was “very conscious of the sensitivities of the South East”, on account of which, he gave the region’s four out of five states senior ranking ministers in the Cabinet.
He appealed to the traditional rulers to persuade their people to give his government a chance and to continue to serve as beacons of culture and traditions of their people.
He assured the delegation that kidnapping and cattle rustling, which he described as “unfortunate” will be the government’s next target, now that “we have managed to calm down the North-East.”
In taking note of the profuse commendation for his administration’s war against corruption and insecurity by the traditional rulers, President Buhari expressed frustration at the endless nature of some ongoing trials, citing some of the cases as going far back to the tenure of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
“We are asking the judiciary to clean itself. Nigerians are tired of waiting. They want some actions,” he stated.
The President said he hoped that the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria and Attorney-General of the Federation will come to some form of agreement by which specially designated courts will give accelerated hearing to some corruption cases that are pending, arguing that “we want Nigerians to know we are serious.”
Chairman of the South East Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty, Eze (Dr) Eberechi N. Dick (JP), requested for roads and other projects among other issues, and assured the President of their support for his leadership and programmes.
According to a copy of the presentation to the President at a obtained by our correspondent, Dick urged the President to consider some of the demands made by Biafra agitators including the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Stressing that they are not against one united Nigeria, the group said there was need for the government to look at some of the grievances.
He said: “On the issue of the agitation by some of our youths like IPOB and others for a Biafran Republic. We have continued to engage and preach to them that every problem of the nation can be best resolved through peaceful dialogue and respect for the rule of law.
“While, we re-assure Your Excellency of our total belief in one united and indivisible great nation of ours called Nigeria, we also want to call the attention of the federal government to some of their mentioned grievances for serious considerations, which includes:
“Neglect of the South East in the Amnesty Programme, deplorable state of Federal Roads and other infrastructure in the South East.
“Relegation of oil Producing States of the South East in NDDC projects and exclusion of the South East in key federal appointments.
“Anti-nationalistic treatment of Igbo people by other Nigerians. We also want to call the attention of Your Excellency to the criminal activities of kidnappers, some cattle herdsmen which are posing serious security challenges to the people of South East.
“In the recent times, so many lives and properties worth billions of naira have been lost. While the Governors and Traditional Rulers of the zone have been managing the situation, we want to call on the federal government to use all the instruments of power and resources available to you to come to our aid and rescue.
Additional report from Nation
