President Jonathan Condoles with Channels TV, Others on Kano Incident

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
President  Jonathan Condoles with Channels TV, Others on Kano Incident
President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed his condolences to all victims, including the management and staff of Channels Television, following the multiple bomb blasts and acts of violence which rocked the city of Kano on Friday, in which seven persons were confirmed dead and others wounded. Among the seven persons killed in the incident was a reporter with Channels Television in Kano, Mr Enenche Akogwu. Mr Akogwu was reportedly shot and killed while on duty during the exchange of fire between men and officers of the Nigeria Police and the terrorists at the Farm Centre Police Station, Kano.

President Jonathan who said he was greatly saddened by the incident which  led to the loss of lives of innocent Nigerians,  pledged to get to the root of the incident while assuring the management and staff of
Channels Television which lost its Kano-based correspondent and indeed all Nigerians, that those behind these acts of terrorism would  be made to face the full wrath of the law.

He commended the media as the Fourth Estate of the Realm for living up to its constitutional and noble responsibility in these critical times and assured all journalists that  "the Federal Government will continue to partner with the media in a robust and patriotic manner in the drive to build, institute and sustain the administration's transformational values and programmes for our dear country  and indeed Nigerians."

The President further commended the media for its historic role in protecting constitutional democracy and the rule of Law in Nigeria and promised to ensure that those who lost their lives in the Kano incident do not die in vain as those behind the acts of violence will be apprehended and speedily dealt with in accordance with the Laws of the land.

The President said: "It is with a heart  full of sadness  and pain that I convey my condolences on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria to  the families, friends, associates and relatives of all those who lost their lives in the acts of violence in Kano on Friday. These are honest and patriotic Nigerians who were brutally and recklessly cut down by agents of terror. As a responsible Government, we will not fold our hands and watch enemies of democracy, for that is what these mindless killers are, perpetrate unprecedented evil in our land. I want to re-assure Nigerians, the international Community, and members of the fourth estate of the realm, who lost one of their colleagues, a reporter with Channels Television,  that all those involved in that dastardly act would be made to face the full wrath of the law."


Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
21 January 2012

Fuel Subsidy Removal: MY STAND and Candid Opinion – 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 decided to 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, stabilize the economy and afterwards privatize 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

Just in case you thought he was freestyling! Here is President Goodluck Jonathan's speech to the Nation

Here is the advance copy of another national broadcast slated for 9:00 PM Nigerian time by President Goodluck Jonathan tonight.
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, which 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.
Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR
President
Federal Republic of Nigeria
January 7, 2012
EMBARGOED: NOT FOR BROADCAST BEFORE 9.00PM, JANUARY 7, 2012  

#OCCUPYNIGERIA (London Edition)

Police clears Nigerians in London for 'Fuel Subsidy Removal' peaceful rally.
Date: This FRIDAY, 6th, Jan, 12
Venue: London Charing Cross Station
Time: 12.30.
Info/General Enquiries: 07436296907, 07436307574, 07852171675, 07438348346.
Pls tell every Nigerian (and friends of Nigeria) you know and remember to dress warm.

#FuelSubsidyRemoval: Lagos Protest

Today in Lagos, Nigeria the #OccupyNigeria, #FuelSubsidy Removal protest took place from the Nigeria labour Congress Tejuosho Yaba to Ikorodu road (Fadeyi, Onipanu, Palmgrove, Anthony, Maryland) and the final bus stop was at the Gani Fawehinmi Part at Ojota, Lagos and the protesters were received by the late activist wife.

Seun Kuti, Dede Mabiaku, Banky W

There were bonfires at several points on the road.
Celebrities, Youth Activists, Musicians came out to protest against #FuelSubsidy removal. People like Dede
Mabiaku, Jesse Jags, Banky W, Seun Anikulapo-Kuti, Sisters Soul, Gbenga Sesan, Tolu Ogunlesi, Femi Falana, Ayeni Adekunle, Bayo Omisore, Funmi Iyanda, MsJazzified, Anino, Biola Adebajo, Bukunyi Olateru, Olamide Akintobi and other young Nigerian youths.
We only hope that all of these great people's effort will be worth it and not be in vain.

Report on #Fuelsubsidy: Response from People on Fuel subsidy removal

Just barely few hours ago, it was announced that Goodluck Jonathan has removed Fuel Subsidy starting from Today January 1st, 2012 and the price per litre is #141.

Here is the response from contacts via BBM about the new price, fuel scarcity etc

All filling station from Ikeja thru to Abule Egba down Egbeda and around shut......wat happened to d fuel on ground......Naija we hail thee.

In Ohafia Abia stations, pple still selling at same

Abuja Metro all filling stations shut down. NNPC area of Abuja in Wuse all shut down.


In Ikeja massive Queue in stations all stations not selling.

Pandemonium in Lagos mainland all roads blocked with massive queue at stations with no fuel sold.

Lagos Island same, except some areas in Badore-ado odo in lekki still selling earlier on.

Reports from Ibadan and Ogun states reports same petrol stations shut down and pandemonium in states.

There are reports that public transports are increased by N50 by commuters in some lagos areas.

In Kano there are no fuel sale for the last 2 months as reports say hoarding has begun since then.

In onitsha situations no different.

Kaduna learnt some stations @kaboro sold at N77 earlier today but has since shut down all.

Ijeshatedo, and all environs all fuel stations shut down.

I guess there is protest or chaos looming by people who are now pushed to the wall. We voted Goodluck the man without the shoes? Goodluck to us all from NOW!!!


Source: Segun Alli

2012 Fiscal year budget breakdown

Capital Expenditure: N1.32 Trillion Recurrent (non debt) Expenditure: N2.472 Trillion
Statutory Transfer: N398 Billion
Debt servicing: N560 Billion
Other sectors
Security: N921.91 Billion
Power: N161.42 Billion
Works: N180.8 Billion
Education: N400.15 Billion
Health: N282.77 Billion
Agriculture: N78.98 Billion
Water Resources: N39 Billion
Petroleum Resources: N59.66 Billion
Aviation: N49.23 Billion
Transportation: N54.8 Billion
Land and Housing; N24.9 Billion
Niger Delta: N59.7 Billion
Science and Tech: N30.84 Billion
FCT : N45.59 Billion
Communication and ICT: N18.31 Billion
Capital Expenditure 28%, Recurrent Expenditure 72% and some parliamentarians applauded? BTW, no provision for fuel subsidy! Via Baby Canary

EiE Nigeria's Statement on the Federal Government’s Games with Fuel Subsidy

Despite the concerns raised by different groups and individuals, President Jonathan will, tomorrow, present the 2012 Budget to the National Assembly excluding the provision for fuel subsidy.  

In her two appearances before the Senate Joint Committees on Appropriation, Finance and Petroleum Resources (Downstream) for the public hearing on “The Operations of the Fuel Subsidy Scheme in Nigeria,” the Minister of Petroleum represented the Federal Government’s position as follows:

 The fuel subsidy structure is inefficient, costing us N600bn (~$3.75bn) in 2010 and N1.3 trillion (~$8.125bn) from Jan – October 2011. The Federal Government cannot continue to pay as it’s unsustainable. By removing the subsidy, the savings will be used to provide critical infrastructure and services.
Currently, only a small percentage of Nigerians (the marketers, middle & upper-class Nigerians) benefit. When removed, more Nigerians will benefit.

In the words of a Yoruba proverb, the Federal Government has, yet again, left leprosy to treat ringworm. While we understand that the current cost structure is unsustainable, Nigerians 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. 

Issues to Consider

    A lazy, thoughtless approach

    The government clearly finds it easier to undertake an unwise blanket removal of subsidy than engage in the discussion of trimming the inefficiencies in fuel subsidy management and in the running cost of government. The language is also deliberately confusing – one minute it’s ‘deregulation’ and the next it’s ‘fuel subsidy removal’.

    How much subsidy?

    The Interim Report on the Process and Forensic Review of NNPC by KPMG states “Based on our analysis, subsidy over-deduction for 2007, 2008 & 2009 was estimated at N2 bn, N10.3 bn and N16.2 bn respectively. A rough estimation of subsidy payment on product losses for the period under review (2007-2009) is estimated at N11.8 billion.”

    Clearly, the subsidy management regime is fraught with waste, graft and insincerity; evidence that the ‘N1.3 trillion’ does not accurately reflect the amount of petrol imported or consumed by Nigerians.  

    A matter of trust?

    To counter the argument that Nigerians do not trust the government to wisely manage the ‘savings’ from the removal of the fuel subsidy, the government is planning a subsidy savings management program. The details were shared by the Vice-President in a meeting with some civil society organisations on Friday, December 9th. Why has this plan not been made public? The questions and concerns that arise are obvious ones:

        How does the government plan to calculate ‘fuel subsidy removal 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?

        The Obasanjo regime wound down the widely acclaimed PTF because it served as a duplication of the work of the ministries.

        We agree with this approach.

        Setting up a new body means an increase in recurrent expenditure for staffing, salaries, pensions, cars, running costs etc. This is UNACCEPTABLE.

    No Effect on the Poor

    The government’s assertion that the subsidy removal would have little effect on the poor is quite simplistic. The resultant increase in the price of PMS would drastically increase the cost of food, transportation and doing business, shutting down many small enterprises which directly or indirectly depend on the price of petrol remaining low. The middle class is the engine of growth by way of consumption and the SMEs that create jobs. Any strain on them is negative for the economy.
    

The Way Forward

The government should take a more measured and sustainable approach that takes into consideration all stakeholders in the Nigerian project. They need to:

    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. Expenses such as (a) the Vice-President’s residence awarded to Julius Berger at N7 bn ($43.75m) with a request for N9 bn ($56.25m) more; (b) disbursement of N250 billion per year in ‘security votes’ to the President and Governors; and (c) a N1.7 trillion wage bill (2012 Budget) are criminal and unstainable!

    Reduce Cost of Subsidy

    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 this year’s 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”, clean up the NNPC/PPPRA to plug waste and leakages, and tackle smuggling.

    Restore or Sell the Refineries

    This is of critical concern and priority. Increasing the capacity of our refineries would reduce the amount of fuel that needs to be imported into the country. How much has been spent on repairing the refineries in the last 12 years?

    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. Imagine how much fuel import dependence we can curb if this government fulfills the often-repeated promise of improving power supply in Nigeria!

Why has the government not presented a policy document or engaged openly and directly with Nigerians on this issue? Why the rush to remove the subsidy when other holes have not been plugged?

Enough is Enough Nigeria will continue the conversation by hosting a public Town Hall Meeting within the next 10 days to discuss the issue. In a country that provides no social services and the average citizen provides all basic utilities – water, electricity, and security; the government cannot remove the bread from our mouths while it continues to feed fat on its princely cakes.

We will engage in words and action. Enough is enough!

2011 Recap Series: Top 10 Denials

Bode George

A Pinch...begins its Top 10 series this week, kicking off with the Top 10 denials of 2011.

10. "I didn't say it." – SA to the president on strategy, Oronto Douglas, claiming that it was another Oronto Douglas, not him, who confessed to a US embassy official that President Jonathan was part of the problem of the Niger Delta.

9. "I never threatened Mr. President." – Gov. Sylva of Bayelsa State denying "his" voice on the recorded tape which has "him" threatening to kill the president and his wife.

8. "I'm not a crook. I'm not a criminal." – Ex-convict Olabode George rejecting any association with crookery or criminality.


7. "There is no cabal." – Petroleum Minister Diezani Madueke denouncing her earlier self for believing in the existence of cabals in the subsidy industry.

6. "Single tenure was not my idea." – President Jonathan trying to sell the idea of single term by pointing accusing fingers at those who sold the idea to him.

5. "PDP is no longer a den of killers." – Atiku Abubakar proclaiming the PDP killer-free on his return there to contest and lose the 2011 elections.

4. "It is the work of my detractors." – Gov. Orji of Abia absolving all Abians of the ABSU rape incident but pinning it on his Abian detractors.

3. "I am not a fool. He is." – Former Presidents Babaginda and Obasanjo arguing over which of them was a bigger fool.

2. "I am not a lion. I am not a king. I am not a general." – President Jonathan denying all animalistic, monarchical and militaristic tendencies in him.

1. "I voted for Goodluck, I did not vote PDP." – The culprits know themselves.

Compilation by - Baby Canary and Stanley Azuakola