Shadow Cabinet of Nigeria

The Shadow Cabinet of Nigeria, having consulted widely with the good people of Nigeria express dismay with the statements from the Presidency within the last two weeks that Mr. President will be staying longer in the United Kingdom to rest as against coming to Nigeria to have a deserved rest.

After this consultation and in line with the the prevailing mood of majority of Nigerians, especially at a time when hunger in the land is biting, we wish to make the following demands:

1. That a special panel be set up by the Senate President comprising members of the House of Representatives and the Senate across party line and representatives of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to visit the President and consult with his doctors in the UK.

2. That the handlers of President Buhari must inform him of the urgent need to speak to Nigerians for a minimum of five minutes in a special broadcast via an online media or telephone to put paid to speculations about any worsening health.

As a responsible body, we urge all Nigerians to give the Acting President maximum support, while we continue to monitor the business of government and providing a better alternative.

We wish to remind the cabals and current handlers of the President that if Nigerians are denied the good knowledge of his and anything untoward happens (God forbids), we will ensure they're prosecuted. We will not accept Yar'Adua scenario again. President Buhari is a public property and the citizens which are his employers deserve to know his status.


Finally, we wish to humbly inform and honourably advise Mr. President to consider the path of wisdom by resigning if his health has become terribly encumbered considering his old age. We urge him to resist every evil plan to force him to preside and further jeopardise his health.

We will continue to speak effectively on the state of the nation as courageous Nigerians.

Thank you.

Signed:
Ariyo-Dare Atoye, Oke Umurhohwo and Israel Ogunseye for Shadow Cabinet NGR

The Shadow cabinet of Nigeria calls on the Nigerian government to hold the South African government accountable for the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians by some angry South Africans.

The South African government's response to these malicious and inhumane acts is currently unacceptable and not drastic enough to arrest the violence being carried out on Nigerians in South Africa. We express our displeasure even more because of the inadequate and unacceptable explanation to the people of Nigeria and the government as well!

We call on the Federal Government to make it very clear to the South African government that those who have lost their properties must be attended to with utmost urgency and also to prevent the irrational and puerile acts from spreading further!

The Shadow Cabinet task the FG to make it very clear to the South African government that such unprovoked attacks would no longer be tolerated. This is to ensure that this would be the last of such unholy attacks.

The South African government must be reminded that during the rallies of Nelson Mandela in his fight for freedom, he and his supporters boycotted the buses of the white men and walked to Johannesburg. As such, boycott and suspending of South African businesses in Nigeria would not be out of place if such doltish attacks ever repeat themselves.

A situation where someone watches on helplessly as what he/she has tirelessly worked for goes up in flames calls for action, and we expect the current administration to make it clear to the South Africans.

Thank you and God bless!

Signed:
Eze Munachino Obinna and Oke Umurhohwo for Shadow Cabinet Nigeria

State Of The Nation Address - Shadow Cabinet of Nigeria

It is with deep pain and sadness we review the situation of events in our beautiful country, Nigeria.

The series of events within the last one year have shown us that there is an urgent need to have a sober reflection on our country and its mode of operation.

We are presently in a country where every well meaning Nigerian is tagged an opposition figure at every opportunity in order to render them speechless. Freedom of speech is no longer tolerated, which is a far cry from what Nigerians have come to enjoy.

The arrest of Audu Maikori yesterday is yet another case where the government muzzle freedom of speech and it is part of an extended plot to muzzle opposition and critics of government. We must collectively stand up against this plan and resist the evil plot to destroy democracy and rule of law.

The economic hardship currently ravaging Nigerians is also worrisome and should be a cause for concern from all and sundry. This is the right time for the government to remove the partisan glasses and bring in economic experts across the divides to give the President and his team a glimpse of advise or direction.

It is noteworthy that all economic policies and advise our group has formulated and shared with this administration to savage the economy from further collapse has been continuously discarded by the powers that be. The Government surely needs help but discards every iota of help it gets from well meaning Nigerians.

We are also very concerned by the disparity in
Forex rates. The issue of the present slave/master treatment in the country calls for serious investigation. A situation where some citizens are treated more highly than others in the area of foreign exchange access is detrimental and this policy should be reviewed urgently.

We as a group also condemn the way and manner CSOs and human right activists have gone quiet in the face of continuous human right violations and r**e of the constitution. We urge all citizens to use any platform available to them to continue to ask questions and hold the government accountable.

Finally, the State of the nation is being undermined by daily drama over an absentee President recuperating in the United Kingdom. Governance has been reduced to kindergarten double-play and we have become the laughing stock of the world with the presence of a home base president and a foreign base president.

The presidency must come clean on the health status of the president. A situation where some top government functionaries have turned London into a Mecca of sort and regaling us with the fitness of Mr. President with pictures is uncharitable.

The citizens and the people of Nigeria deserve and demand an urgent answer.

Signed
Shadow Cabinet of Nigeria

PS: Shadow Cabinet of Nigeria is a group of young Nigerians who collectively provide alternative policies to the government and ensure Nigerians get a better treatment from their leaders.

Fulani Herdsmen Serial Attacks: An Avoidable War Looming.

This is our second piece on the meat producing venture that has been turned to an avenue for destruction of human lives and properties. As we had earlier stated in a previous article "Fulani Herdsmen Serial Attacks: Another Unnoticed War Booming"
We will not stop echoing into ears of the authorities concerned that a premium ought to be placed on human life and dignity than that of animals.

The number of people being sent to their early graves by these bloodthirsty, heartless and barbaric group call Fulani herdsmen is on the increase daily and our leaders seem hapless to curb this menace.
In fact, in recent times, losses emanating from the cancerous activities of this group has outnumbered that of the Boko Haram terrorist group. Just this week, Channels TV brought the evils perpetrated by this wanton group to limelight, the loss was countless and the perpetrators are bent on continuing with this ignoble act.

The recent attack on the Agatu people of Benue State was a pointer to this. The erroneous excuse by the Fulani Herdsmen that they are producing food just like the farmers and therefore should not be disturbed is baseless.
The primary responsibility of any reasonable government is to provide security for the lives and properties of its citizens. But in this clime, we witness a near total reversal of the case.
After being ranked among the world deadliest groups, we expected our government to take the bull by the horn and do the needed but their response so far can more or less be described as a kid glove approach.

Is Nigeria the only country that produces beef for the entire world? If not, why are other countries not facing same challenge(s)?
Today's Fulani herdsmen, aside maiming and mutilating fellow humans and destroying farmlands, are now involved in brazen shows of daylight kidnapping(s) and armed robbery. They now have access to an assortment of sophisticated weaponry.

The most disturbing reality is that not one of the perpetrators of such heinous acts has ever been brought to book. The Governors, LGA Chairmen and village heads are most oft helpless and scared of goring the ox of the power-that-be. So let us ask our security agencies who are fond of muscling over harmless protesters why they have not made a single arrest on any attack perpetrated by these herdsmen?

Going by these developments, our leaders ought to see reasons why the old practice of TRANSHUMANCE cannot work any longer. Anyone standing on a section of our constitution that says there should not be restriction to movement of people and animals within the country to justify these deleterious acts by Fulani Cattle rearers needs to be more humane and have a serious rethink.

The crux of the matter is not about flaunting or disregarding the stance of our constitution, what we are more direly concerned about is the aftermath of transhumance which has turned an avenue to steal, destroy and kill senselessly.
Without mincing words, we ask; 'why are their atrocious acts restricted to some sections of the country (South and North Central)?' Or do they not practice transhumance in the Northwest and Northeastern parts of Nigeria?

Without being economical with the truth, we unequivocally assert that these recent attacks are a reflection of ethno-religious wars being fought under the guise of grievances resulting from land disputes. The earlier we address and tackle this issue head-on, the better and safer for our coexistence.

The good news which concerned authorities can confidently leverage on is that we now have a President who has over fifty years’ experience in cattle rearing and a Senate President that brought in white Zimbabwean farmers to his State during his tenure as governor to practice ranching. Both presidents should save Nigeria from this avoidable war.

In its entirety, we reject the suggestion of the minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh, that grasses should be planted in all States of Federation.
More so, we declare a capital NO to those calling for the revisit of the old land demarcation system. The population explosion cannot make any of these two options work. We need to utilize our comparative advantages, let beef production stay in the core North and Palm Oil production stay in the South.

Enough is enough, RANCHING is the best solution. This is what Argentina uses to generate billions of dollars as revenue while supplying large quantity of beefs around the world.

Good Governance Advocates in partnership with Shadow Cabinet of Nigeria, hereby appeal to all concerned authorities who should be involved in curbing this transhumance menace to adopt RANCHING system now.

Ifedayo Obi
For Shadow Cabinet of Nigeria
He can be reached directly via email [email protected]

Nation Building: The Need For An Effective and Credible Mainstream Opposition.

The Shadow Cabinet of Nigeria, a group of young, diplomatic and peace loving Nigerians has called on the People's Democratic Party (PDP) to get it right in selecting a new substantive national chairman. We are of the opinion that this decision is critical to the survival of the party and the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria.

In a statement signed by the group’s leader, Oke Umurhohwo, the Shadow Cabinet called on the PDP leadership to adopt as National Chairman, an individual of impeccable character, an effigy of credibility and integrity, a loyal party member that is devoid of parochial interest, sectionalism and a fellow not found wanting by every standard. He must be courageous and acceptable in his zone. He should also possess the potential to build bridges and unite party members.

Read the statement:

In times like this, It is quite understandable and reasonable to conclude that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is undergoing a most challenging moment since it formation in 1998. While many people have wrongly misinterpreted this situation, we are of the view that it is not new to global history of political party development.

We have witnessed the fall and rise of political parties in different climes. The Labour Party in the United Kingdom is a major reference point. We also acknowledge that it is the beauty of democracy for political parties to be in and out of power.

It is therefore in the overall interest of Nigerians that we all support the repositioning of the PDP to become a responsible opposition. It ability to stand firm and stay focused is very vital to deepening our democratic process.

We are however concerned that there is a desperate attempt by the current ruling party, the All Progressives Party (APC) through the Presidency to silent opposition parties and annihilate the PDP. We have it on good authorities that moles have also been procured to destabilize the PDP.

We are sincerely worried that this may spell doom for our democracy and undermine civil rule. However, we have resolved as a group to go beyond serving as a political watchdog to also strengthen the opposition parties so that democracy can flourish and serve public good.

Therefore as part of commitment to support the opposition parties in the country, we wish to urge the PDP to maintain eternal vigilance and put it house in order. Consequently as a good step forward towards electing it party's executives from the ward level leading to the forthcoming National Convention, the party should ensure the appointment of a substantive National Chairman from the Northeast that will sincerely midwife the electoral process.

This National Chairman, should be an individual of impeccable character, an effigy of credibility and integrity, a loyal party member that is devoid of parochial interest, sectionalism and a fellow not found wanting by every standard. He must be courageous and acceptable in his zone. He should also possess the potential to build bridges and unite party members.

Our take on this goes thus, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a step, it is better to factor in the favourable results of a long term approach than that of meeting an immediate need. If the North East is coming to complete its term, the period of emergence of a National Chairman should not extend beyond the party's National Convention.

We also urge the leadership of the party to further consult with the PDP founding fathers on further advices to reposition the party. While we are aware that some have defected, but the vast majority are still within the reach of the party. This is necessary to restructures the NEC, NWC and BOT.

We are aware that the PDP has announced the zoning of it 2019 Presidential slot to the North as a strategy to further strengthen it base in the North. However, we are of the opinion that the leadership should first concentrate on rebuilding and strengthening the party, learning from the many reasons why it lost power at the center. The coming convention provides a great opportunity for the PDP to rejuvenate the party back and connect with the Nigerian people.

When Spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion. More than ever, the PDP needs to assemble a united front. No father will tell his repented son to change his surname. Your decision tomorrow will either make or mar democracy in Nigeria.

Happy new month from all of us at Shadow Cabinet. May February bring you all the lovely things you desire and admire.

The Shadow Cabinet of Nigeria congratulate Governor Nyesome Wike who the supreme court yesterday affirmed as the duly elected governor of Rivers state.

Once again, the supreme court has made its stand that the judiciary is the hope of the common man.

We believe this is a victory for democracy

Buhari's APC Political Intolerance Will Not Be Tolerated

It is on record that President Muhammadu Buhari rode to power on the political tripod of fighting corruption, insecurity and unemployment (much is left to be desired of these).

However, the manner with which Buhari and the APC have been conducting the fight against the hydra headed monster called corruption is unbecoming and condemnable in saner climes.

History will not forget how Buhari's government dubiously quashed corruption cases against Late Audu Abubakar and Timipre Sylva because they were to be made the gubernatorial polls party's flag bearers in their respective state.

The recent arrest and quizzing of the PDP speak person, Chief Olisa Metuh has removed every iota of doubt that the APC is simply out to decimate and humiliate the opposition. Any government that hates criticism will remain an enemy of the governed.

This agenda of turning Nigeria to one party nation cannot stand. You cannot force your choice on others.
While we stand against corruption, its one sided fight is a show of brazen shame.

In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, "there is a higher court than courts of justice and that is the court of conscience. It supersedes all other courts."

We hereby call on all lovers of Democracy and the international community to come to the rescue of Nigeria's nascent democracy.

At this stage of our development as a people, we cannot afford to be taken back to the old, dark days.

God Bless Nigeria.

Signed:
Shadow Cabinet of Nigeria

The importance of careful, proper, continuous and timely preparation of budgets in any endeavor - personal, organizational or government - cannot be over emphasized. Budgeting is a planning mechanism of income and expenditure estimation and how they can be exploited for value creation - economic and social wealth as is the case for a country.

Budgeting can also be a roadmap towards actualizing the dreams, goals, aspirations and vision of an organization. In Nigeria, proper budgeting entails prioritizing projects that have the largest impact on the citizenry.

Also important in the budget process is a measure of monitoring the performance of budget implementation - ensuring that the maximum gain is achieved.

Critical appraisal factors to be considered in the preparation of a budget are ensuring that due processes are followed in the award of contracts, blocking of loopholes in revenue generation, best value for projects are only considered to be executed, transparency and accountability are encouraged and enforced,.

Over the years, the Nigerian income component of the budget has always been centered on the price of crude oil; the attendant consequences have always been devastating as with other countries whose budgets are based on the prices of commodities.

The forces of demand and supply have affected these income expectations, the recent being a devastating sharp, continuous and prolonged decline of these crude oil prices from second quarter of 2014.

The fact is that it is not the inability to meet budgetary expectations in capital projects but the failure to take appropriate steps towards ensuring timely and focused planning of a budget and the continuous ignorance to improve on previous budget preparation processes, taking into consideration the volatile risks prevalent in the commodity markets.

The 2015 budget was benchmarked on a crude oil price of $53/bbl and today, the average price of crude oil is $45/bbl down 15%. On the other hand, the expenditure component has always been tilted in favour of recurrent expenditures stripping availability of funds for the development of critical sectors of the economy. The dependence of crude oil also limits the income expectations and this can be seen as another reason for low allocation of funds for capital projects.

A timely and well focused budget in today´s Nigeria, especially with the prevailing condition is long overdue. Having been hit by the wave of crude oil price decline, we have seen our GDP decline to 2.84 percent in the third quarter compared to 6.02 percent in the same quarter of 2014.

We have seen continuous increase in inflation leading to increased cost of business activity, increase in unemployment and near stagnation of the economy with no clear policy direction or expectation from the government.

More so is the concerted effort of the CBN using monetary instruments to protect the naira and ensuring adequate liquidity in the economy thus placing a huge burden on its shoulders.

The expectations from all Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, political affiliations, economic, religion and social inclinations, is for a budget that is geared towards improved standard of living, wealth and value creation and safety of life.

Our expectation is for a budget that is focused on creatively developing ways for improved revenue generation with minimal associated costs through ensuring tax compliance by individual and corporate organizations.

The budget should be focused on continued and sustained use of information technology to ensure accountability, efficiency, flexibility and transparency in the entire budget process. From the payment of salaries, management of pension, to the payment for projects and subsidies. We demand for a budget that contains executable projects that are bankable.

During the two-day retreat held by newly appointed Ministers of the Federation, Vice President, Professor Osinbajo proposed a budget of 7 – 8 trillion naira laying emphases on a 2.5 trillion naira capital expenditure component with no about how it is to be funded.

While it is encouraged for extensive and massive capital projects to be executed, reckless spending and abuse must be avoided. The budget must be in line with ensuring that the tempo of national development as initiated by the past administration is sustained.

The CBN via the Monetary Policy meeting it held on the 23rd and 24th of November recently voted to reduce the CRR from 25% to 20% and reducing interest rates from 13% to 11% with a caveat that the liquidity arising from these decisions will be used for employment generating activities such as agriculture, infrastructure and solid minerals.

This is a welcome development as this will inject more funds into the real economy stimulating local economic activity and growth their by contribute towards improving the collective quality of life. The CBN should however, ensure strict compliance through continuous monitoring of these disbursements to ensure its intended purposes.

The budget should also focus on the continuous drive towards diversification of the economy, shifting away from the sole reliance of crude oil commodity to a basket of other income generation streams.

The budget must focus on significantly reducing recurrent expenditures irrespective of political, social and religious sentiments. Government must in the overall interest of the Nigerian people strengthen for maximum and effective impact, the Civil Service.

Redundant staff must be encouraged to retire while benefits are given to them. Departments and agencies that carry out duplicate activities should be merged while organizations without proper and clear objective, especially if such objectives have been overtaken by event should be scrapped.

Actions should be taken to discourage the idea of one working in a government organization as the best because this can stifle the effectiveness, productivity, capacity and profitability of an organization; boomeranging into the national economy.

The Management of government organizations should be encouraged to be self sustaining and equipped with clear targets and mandates including milestones that must be achieved. Government must be seen to mean business but with a human face.

The Budget Office must be revamped, restructured and motivated with a clear focus on monitoring, ensuring compliance and implementation of budget deliverables. This team should be under the direct supervision of an Economic Coordinator.

In addition, for excellent result and impact, Budget Offices should also be set up in each Ministry, Department and Agency of government. This team should coordinate with the Bureau of Public Procurement to further improve on their mandate. A healthy relationship between the National Budget Office and the State Budget Offices should be encouraged.

Most importantly, independent relationships, devoid of political affiliations must be fostered and nurtured, between the Federal Government and Local Government for maximum impact.

In other to build public acceptance and encourage healthy discussion, the budget properly detailing income generation and expenditure profile, budget benchmarks and milestones must be published in easily acceptable formats and disseminated.

Budget documents must be easily obtainable through the internet and an independent monitoring by interested organisations should be encouraged by the government. A robust engagement and discussion with the government at all levels must be promoted.

Finally, accountability and transparency must be encouraged and seen to be done.

We received with great shock the news of the sudden death of the Kogi APC Governorship Candidate, Abubakar Audu.

The Shadow Cabinet sympathise with the family of Audu and the good people of Kogi state

The Shadow Cabinet Of Nigeria in a state of utter shock and dismay hereby decry the coordinated bombings in Yola and Kano in the past 72 hours resulting in 49 deaths and many injured, worse still, the alleged case of 105 missing soldiers as reported in the media.

We are aware of the recent press statement by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, that no army officer is missing.

We beg to differ on this.
We have reached out to a few reliable sources within the ranks of the Nigerian military and we can confirm that things are very bad, the Nigerian press seem to be covering up a lot of things.

Could it be that the Nigerian Army and FG have colluded to quash this issue of grave concern by maintaining plausible deniability, in a bid to forestall a campaign similar to the BringBackOurGirls movement?

At this point, we demand to know the men who make up the 175 battalion, we demand a proof of life. Also, we demand undeniable proof that all vehicles, a truck loaded with over 60,000 rounds of AA ammunition and artillery pieces be accounted for.

As a matter of National emergency and urgency we charge the presidency to take the following steps:-

1. Conduct a more thorough investigation and release an official press statement confirming or denying such reports. Nigerians deserve to know the truth.

2. Inform the Nigerian people on steps being taken to ensure the safe return of our gallant and brave soldiers to their families and loved ones, in the case that this report is officially declared to the general public as true.

3. Employ every might and resource to ensure that the Nigerian Army ALIVE.

The Boko Haram insurgents have been reported as the world's deadliest terrorist organisation. Such negative and shameful development is a far cry from President Muhammadu Buhari's promise to annihilate Boko Haram within two months of assuming power.

The Chibok girls saga is yet to be resolved and at the time of this release, we have an alleged case of missing soldiers on our hands.

If this eventually turns out true, then it is a monumental embarrassment; A slap on our military might.
This cannot be handled with kid gloves.

We urge all hands to be on deck.
Our collective resolve as a people must be to shun terrorism in all it's forms.
In all sincerity and purpose, we hope that this alarming news turns out false, however, in a case where such is confirmed, our hearts and prayers go out to the families of the missing soldiers who are yet unsure of the fate of their husbands, sons, and fathers.
Moreso, we commiserate with the families of all the victims in the recent bomb blasts. We pray that they be granted fortitude to bear such immense loss.

We equally encourage our soldiers out there on the battlefield not to despair.

Nigeria will rise.

The Shadow Cabinet of Nigeria warmly felicitates with the newly inaugurated member of the Federal Executive Cabinet. We need not remind them of the herculean task of nation building that lies ahead.

All in all, we wish them godspeed and success as they tackle the challenges that lie ahead.