IduwiniVoice

Protest: ‘You caused it all’ – Dele Momodu writes Tinubu

By Tobouke JEMINE

Dele Momodu, the publisher of Ovation Magazine, has openly criticized President Bola Tinubu for the current hardships faced by Nigerians, which have led to a planned nationwide protest.

In a letter posted on X (formerly Twitter), Momodu highlighted the struggles of ordinary Nigerians and accused Tinubu of failing to manage the complexities of running a country compared to a state.

He expressed disappointment in Tinubu’s stance against allowing peaceful protests, a right they both enjoyed during military regimes.

Momodu urged Tinubu to seek guidance from civil liberties advocates and avoid authoritarian measures, emphasizing the importance of upholding democratic rights.

Dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR),

I hope this letter finds you well. Firstly, let me commend your initiative in deploying an app to track Ministers’ performance, a step towards greater accountability and efficiency in governance, if only this is not like every other lip services.

I am writing to advocate for the urgent need for Energy Federalism in Nigeria, a strategy that could revolutionize our energy infrastructure and drive socio-economic development across the nation. Building upon the success of your app initiative, I propose a National Energy Federation Program/Project aimed at decentralizing the national grid into six standalone regional/geopolitical zone grids.

This program would involve inviting Multinational Companies to negotiate and replicate the type of Oil Mining Contracts in Power Supply, Oil Refining, and Rail/Road Constructions in coastal areas, fostering development, energy self-sufficiency in each zone, and taking a major step at resolving the centennial Niger Delta (coastal) Development Question.

For instance, agreeing with the operators of Qua-Ibo Oil Terminal to build an integrated Refinery and Powerplant close to their terminal, with rail, highway, and power transmission infrastructures connecting it to the North-East, could ensure energy (electric power and petroleum products) supply and infrastructure development in that region. Similar projects could be initiated for other regions, such as dedicating that in Bonny Oil Terminal to the North-Central, Brass Oil Terminal to the South-East, Forcados Oil Terminal to the South-South, and Escravos Oil Terminal to South-West.

The above leaves the currently generated power to the North-West, thereby suring up power supply. Moreover, mandating each of these Refineries to supply a portion of its output to the North-West.

To facilitate further/efficient funding of this program Mr. President, an Energy Investment App accessible to all Nigerians would democratize investment in these vital projects. This app would grant access to all Nigerians who are interested to invest, no matter how much or how little in this program and make a return on investment.

While this proposal may seem ambitious, it can be implemented through a phased approach, beginning with a pilot scheme in one geopolitical zone and scaling up gradually until all geopolitical zones gets reasonably improved power supply.

Permit me to mention that, the potential for human capital development from procurement, construction to operational phases cannot be overstated, presenting unprecedented opportunities for employment and skills enhancement.

Furthermore, this strategy can be replicated in other sectors of our national economy, amplifying its impact and fostering holistic development.

I urge you therefore, Mr. President, to consider this proposal seriously, as it has the potential to address longstanding energy challenges while driving inclusive growth and development across Nigeria, while not burdening the already choked up federal government expenditures.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Prince (Dr.) Peretengboro Klintin Bibaikefie,
CEO, IduwiniVoice Media Ltd.

OPEN LETTER TO HIS EXCELLENCY, BOLA AHMED TINUBU (GCFR), PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, OVER THE SORRY STATE OF POWER SUPPLY IN THE MIDST OF ABUNDANT FINANCIAL AND MATERIAL RESOURCES TO GENERATE ENOUGH POWER; A CASE FOR COST OF CONSTRUCTION OF GEOMETRIC POWER, ABA VERSUS ANNUAL SPENDING ON PILGRIMAGE SUBSIDY.

Dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR),

I write to ask pertinent questions, questions who’s answers holds so much in their bowels in shaping our collective destinies. This has become imperative as certain individual/small groups efforts have repeatedly negated our hitherto erroneous believes that nothing good can work in Nigeria. Mr. President, permit me to narrow this discussion to the area of Power Generation and Distribution.

In the wake of recent revelations regarding government spending, it has become increasingly clear that Nigeria is at a crossroads. The stark contrast between the allocation of funds for projects like the Geometric Power Plant in Aba and the substantial subsidies for Hajj and Christian pilgrimages demands urgent attention and reflection. Mr. President, this country cannot continue to fund tourism embarked upon by individuals who just want to have a feel of what it means to live in a country where systems work well.

The Geometric Power Plant, constructed at a paltry cost of $800 million, only about ($10 billion), yet represents a significant investment in infrastructure aimed at addressing Nigeria’s chronic power shortages. With the ability to power entire regions, this project holds the promise of economic growth, job creation, and improved quality of life for millions of Nigerians. However, juxtaposed against this ambitious endeavour is the revelation that the Federal Government has allocated a staggering ₦90 billion ($7.2 billion) for Hajj subsidies this year alone. We have not added that spent on Christian pilgrimage.

Let’s put this into perspective: ₦90 billion could finance the construction of nine similar power stations in different states across the country. Nine opportunities to alleviate the burden of power scarcity, stimulate industrial growth, and propel Nigeria towards a brighter, more sustainable future. Instead, these funds are directed towards subsidizing a religious pilgrimage (religious tourism), leaving critical infrastructure projects underfunded and unrealized.

What does this say about us as a people? What does this say about those of us in government? What does it say about our priorities as a nation? And what does it say about us as a people?

First and foremost, it underscores the need for greater accountability and transparency in our government spendings. Taxpayers have a right to know how their hard-earned money is being utilized, and they deserve assurance that it is being invested wisely for the collective benefit of society. The allocation of funds should reflect the pressing needs and aspirations of the Nigerian people, rather than serving narrow interests, religious frivolities or political agendas.

Furthermore, it calls into question the misplaced priorities that continue to plague men and women of our dear country. While there is no denying the significance of religious observance, it is imperative that such practices do not come at the expense of critical development initiatives. Nigeria is blessed with immense potential, yet it remains shackled by inadequate infrastructure, systemic corruption, and a lack of visionary leadership. We cannot afford to continuously squander our precious resources on frivolous endeavors while essential services languish in neglect.

Ultimately, this revelation serves as a wake-up call for all of us Nigerians. It is a reminder that we have a collective responsibility to hold ourselves and leaders accountable, demand greater transparency, and advocate for policies that prioritize the common good. The future of our nation depends on our ability to transcend narrow interests and work together towards a shared vision of progress and prosperity.

In conclusion Mr. President, the disparity between the cost of the Geometric power plant and the said example of Hajj subsidies shines a spotlight on the urgent need for reform and reevaluation of priorities in Nigeria. It is time for our governments at all levels to demonstrate true leadership by investing in projects that will empower our people, strengthen our economy, and secure a brighter future for generations to come. The questions begging for our sincere answers:
What kind of governments do we have?
What kind of country do are we building?
And what kind of people are we?

May God Almighty continue to guide our hearts towards discernment, to enable us sieve substance from the mix of frivolities.

I’m Prince (Dr.) Peretengboro Klintin Bibaikefie
Editor-in-chief and CEO of IduwiniVoice Newspaper and IduwiniVoiceTv.