LEGISLATIVE MUSINGS: ISSUE #1 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTONOMY

EGHEOMHANRE EYIEYIEN FOR SENATE 2015 (EDO CENTRAL SENATORIAL DISTRICT - ESANLAND)

LEGISLATIVE MUSINGS

ISSUE #1.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTONOMY

I have read some posts and comments on Facebook praising the ten APC Governors for rejecting autonomy for Local Governments (LGs) through a proposed amendment of the Nigerian Constitution. Some have argued that giving the statutory revenue allocation directly to LGs as eing proposed would undermine our federalism and impose a unitary system of government. This they say would give the Federal Government control over the LGs.

I disagree.

Local Governments actually already have constitutional autonomy. The problem is that State Governors have rendered most LGs ineffective at best and, in some cases, entirely redundant by illegally diverting funds due to them to other uses. Most Local Government Chairmen, even when the Governors allow elections at the LG level, are treated as mere political appointees of the Governor and stay in office at the pleasure of their State Governor. Our Governors have subverted the Nigerian Constitution which they swore oaths of office to uphold.

Local Governments should be protected from the undemocratic and despotic tendencies of our "Governors-General".

All Local Governments should open accounts with the Central Bank of Nigeria and, after the monthly Federal Accounts Allocation Committee meetings, the Accountant-General of the Federation should simply advise the CBN to credit the LGs with the funds due to them. This will significantly shield Local Government Councils from being manipulated by their Governors; and, hopefully, enable them perform their constitutional duties to their people.

Esan di fure!

Nigeria di fure!!

EGHEOMHANRE EYIEYIEN FOR SENATE 2015: MY MANIFESTO - ISSUE NUMBER THREE: QUALITY PUBLIC HEALTH CARE

ISSUE NUMBER THREE: QUALITY PUBLIC HEALTH CARE

A few weeks ago, I saw an advertisement in one of our national daily newspapers which underscored for me how really bad things have become in our health care system: an Indian hospital was advertising its services in Nigeria for Nigerians! The hospital wanted to be the first choice of Nigerians who were going to India for sundry medical reasons. India has become the place to go for all types of surgeries, organ transplants, treatment of various cancers and other diseases which had defied solution in our numerous University Teaching Hospitals and other “tertiary” medical institutions. And India is a developing country.....like Nigeria.

As has been the case since the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) started publishing the Human Development Index (HDI), Nigeria’s 2013 HDI statistics and the World Health Organisation’s World Health Statistics 2013, tell a woeful story about our health sector:
Human Development Index

Read more about the Human Development Index

v Expenditure on health, public (% of GDP): 1.9%

v Under-five mortality (per 1,000 live births): 143

v Maternal mortality (deaths of women per 100,000 live births): 630

v Life expectancy at birth (years): 52.3

v Population without access to improved drinking water: 39%

v Population without access to improved sanitation: 69%

v Medical personnel per 10,000 people:
Physicians: 4; Nurses and Midwives: 16.1; Dentists: 0.2; Pharmacists: 1.

 

In summary, Nigeria is presently one of the worst places to be born and to live in the world. Our infants are dying needlessly; our young mothers are dying too. It is a true miracle when a woman survives child-birth and has her baby alive!

The World Health Organisation noted in its World Health Statistics 2013 Report that unsafe water supplies and inadequate levels of sanitation and hygiene are two of the main preventable risk factors that are associated with increased mortality and morbidity in developing countries such as Nigeria. It stated in the report that “unsafe water supplies and inadequate levels of sanitation and hygiene increase the transmission of diarrhoeal diseases (including cholera); trachoma; and hepatitis”. Consequently, it is essential that there be synergy between our National Health Policy and our National Water Policy. The provision of safe drinking water nation-wide must be a critical element of our health care strategy.

Nigeria must improve funding for health care and ensure that we not only retain our medical professionals but attract those in the diaspora who left the country in search of greener pastures.

As a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I will advocate and push legislation to ensure that at least 20% of the Annual Budget of the Federal Government is devoted to the health sector. The increased funding that shall become available shall be used in improving facilities at public hospitals and to enhance the remuneration of our medical personnel so as to ensure parity with their peers who have similar qualifications and experience in western countries. I shall also promote the provision of safe drinking water nation-wide as an imperative for the good health of our peoples.

Like India is today, Nigeria can become the preferred destination for medical tourism within the next ten years if we commit ourselves to build and maintain world class hospitals and bring back our numerous medical professionals who are the leading lights in many health-care facilities in Europe and North America.
We can do it.

Esan di fure!

Nigeria di fure!!

EGHEOMHANRE EYIEYIEN FOR SENATE 2015: A DIALOGUE ABOUT SOME SALIENT ISSUES FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT

A dialogue about some salient issues for Constitutional Amendment:

This dialogue was initiated by my Facebook friend, Stephen Dieseruvwe, in response to my Facebook post of Monday, 29th July, 2013, in which I said in part:

"Many people have asked me why I chose to run for the Senate in 2015 instead of trying to serve my people in another capacity in the political terrain. My answer: Senator Odion Ugbesia.

Senator Ugbesia has been warming the seat in the Senate (when he shows up) and collecting the illegal salaries and allowances which is widely believed to be about US$3million per annum. I have said repeatedly that the present pay of legislators is illegal and cannor be justified when about 70% of Nigerians wallow in poverty. It is contrary to the remuneration specified by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), the only statutory body that can fix the remuneration of public servants. I reiterate that I will not be part of this day-light robbery of Nigerians by their legislators when I am elected a Senator by God's Grace. I will only accept the NSIWC-approved pay for legislators. Please quote me on this."

 Stephen Dieseruvwe:

"Egheomhanre Eyieyien, you have spoken well on the Jumbo Salaries of members of the National Assembly - Senate and House of Representatives. Apart from you rejecting the "illegal and armed robbery" salary, how would you impress it on 'your colleagues' to do the same?.
Due to the current stand of the Senate on a number of issues in the Review and Amendment of the Nigerian Constitution, what are your views on the following?:
1. Abolition of State Independent Electoral Commissions;
2. Abolition of States and Local Government Joint Account;
3. Removal of the immunity clause;
4. Autonomy of Local Government;
5. Independent Candidacy in elections."

 Egheomhanre Eyieyien:

"Stephen Dieseruvwe, one cannot control the mindset and behaviour of adults; one can only try to influence them. I hope other like-minded legislators in the National Assembly would be emboldened by my rejection of the illegal pay of Senators (and full disclosure of the actually salaries and allowances to the public) to do the same. Many cowards are challenged and encouraged to act brave when they say someone else take a courageous stand.

My thoughts on the issues you raised:

1. Abolition of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs):

I am in support of the abolition of SIECs. The overwhelming influence of State Governors in Nigeria is a threat to democracy. Governors have undermined the Constitution and usurped the functions of Local Governments and stolen their funds; they have compromised the State Houses of Assembly; and the dependence of SIECs on Governors is evident.

Even my Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, who I had praised for performance has shown that he can't even tolerate a very popular candidate of an opposition party (PDP) winning the Chairmanship of my local government, Esan North East LGA. Most people in Uromi voted for Hon. John Yakubu, who I publicly endorsed for a second term after I returned from Uromi and saw some of the good things he had done; but Gov. Oshiomhole did not allow "one-man-one-vote" in Esan North East LGA simply because he wanted to "win" in Chief Anthony Anenih's local government.

The Independent National Electoral Commission can be strengthened through legislation to ensure true independence (e.g. Appointment of the INEC Chairman by the National Judicial Council) and it can handle ALL elections in the federation.

2. Abolition of States and Local Government Joint Account:

Supported for same reasons as in item 1 above.

3. Removal of the immunity clause:

Not supported. The legislators in the Federal House of Representatives were merely being vindictive and immature by removing the immunity clause for the President, Governors and their deputies since they have no such privilege.

But I will initiate a Constitutional amendment that allows a three-man panel of Justices of the Supreme Court to decide if there is a prima facie criminal case against the President, Governors and their deputies to warrant the immunity clause being inapplicable so as not to pervert the cause of justice with all the kleptomaniacs in some State Houses.

4. Autonomy of Local Government:

Supported. See 1 above.

5. Independent Candidacy in elections:

Wholly supported. I am still undecided about a political party to join since they all are the same. I really wish I could run for the Senate as an independent candidate."

Esan di fure!

Nigeria di fure!!

EGHEOMHANRE EYIEYIEN FOR SENATE 2015: MY MANIFESTO - ISSUE NUMBER TWO: FREE AND QUALITATIVE PUBLIC EDUCATION UP TO THE TERTIARY LEVEL FOR QUALIFYING STUDENTS

ISSUE NUMBER TWO: FREE AND QUALITATIVE PUBLIC EDUCATION UP TO THE TERTIARY LEVEL FOR QUALIFYING STUDENTS

As one whose father endured great hardship to give himself an education culminating in his being a 1973 graduate of History of the University of Ibadan and being a beneficiary of his immense sacrifice to give me the best education available at the time, I know the value of a qualitative education.

All my formal education was in public schools: Government School, Uromi, Edo State; St. Patrick’s Primary School, Yaba, Lagos; King’s College, Lagos; and the University of Benin, Benin City. The tragedy is that, today, I would not like my children to attend the same great schools I attended because they would not get the same quality of education I received in my days.

Education is the foundation for a great future. Education is empowerment to succeed in an ever-increasingly challenging world. Education should not be a privilege. Education is a basic right. I believe that very Nigerian child should be educated by the Nigerian state at the expense of the state up to the tertiary level for those students who meet the admission criteria for our universities and polytechnics.

As a matter of priority, I will sponsor a bill in the Senate for the reform of our educational system to ensure that Nigerian children are given free and qualitative education up to the university/polytechnic level and that Nigerian teachers are both well trained and well paid for the great task they are burdened with: the education of our posterity.

For the avoidance of doubt, I want to make clear that the new education policy means that SCHOOL FEES WOULD BE ABOLISHED AND MADE ILLEGAL FOR NIGERIANS in all public schools. In addition, one free meal shall be provided during school hours to all children of public primary and secondary schools across the country while the students in the tertiary institutions would be paid bursary by the Federal Government equivalent to the 50% of the official national minimum wage.  I will initiate an amendment of the Nigerian Constitution to make funding for education a first-line charge on the nation’s consolidated accounts and to ensure that it represents at least 10% of the Budget of the Federal Government.   

I am convinced that Nigeria has the financial resources to meet the additional costs this new education policy would entail. The problem is not the dearth of funds; the problem is the LACK OF POLITICAL WILL TO MAKE QUALITY EDUCATION FREELY AVAILABLE TO ALL NIGERIANS, THE HYDRA-HEADED MONSTER OF CORRUPTION and GROSS SYSTEMIC INEFFICIENCIES which create leakages such that the billions of Naira voted annually for education by all levels of government never actually get used for the purpose budgeted.

Nigeria should be subsidising the education of its youths rather than subsidising the importation of fuel which it should really be exporting. 

We can and we must secure the future of our youths by guaranteeing them first class education that would make them world-beaters!
 

Esan di fure!

 

Nigeria di fure!!

EGHEOMHANRE EYIEYIEN FOR SENATE 2015: UNDERSTANDING MY POLITICS

Many people still wonder what kind of politician I am. The more polite cynics have called me naïve. Others have used very colourful words to describe me.

Those who have been following my writings (available on my Facebook Timeline, Facebook Notes and here, my blog: http://eghes.blogspot.com/) would see that I am trying to push some ideals and values in the hope of elevating the quality of our politics. Politics in Nigeria till date is about patronage, god-fatherism, lucre, greed, power...-mongering, personality cults, and the self. We have come to believe it cannot be different. So educated, enlightened, exposed and value-driven people (maybe like you!) shun politics. They see it as corrupt and corrupting. And, sadly, they are actually right!

Our problem is kakistocracy: the government of the worst of the people! Our best brains and morally upright folks never go into politics. They wait till they are tapped for public office as appointees of the kakistocrats and we call them "technocrats"!! This must change if Omoseona (my son) and your children will have a Nigeria whose passport is worth carrying.

Esan di fure!

Nigeria di fure!!

EGHEOMHANRE EYIEYIEN FOR SENATE 2015: MY MANIFESTO - ISSUE NUMBER ONE: ZERO TOLERANCE FOR CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA

ISSUE NUMBER ONE: ZERO-TOLERANCE FOR CORRUPTION IN NIGERIA.

CORRUPTION IS THE BIGGEST THREAT TO NIGERIA'S POSTERITY. IT IS MUCH DEADLIER THAN EVEN BOKO HARAM!!

Corruption has had a great toll on our economy, our infrastructures, our people and our institutions. The economic and social costs of corruption in the public and private sectors of Nigeria
since attaining political independence in 1960 is possibly well over US$2Trillion!! It is a monstrous cancer that continues to erode our nation, our psyche and our potentials. It is a blight on our nation and a threat to the future of our children and generations yet unborn.

By God's Grace, when the good people of Edo Central Senatorial District (Esanland) choose me to represent them as a Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2015, I shall be a Champion of Zero-Tolerance For Corruption.

Consequently, I hereby declare publicly and before God Almighty, the Father of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, that:

1. I shall make public all the monies being illegally paid to a Senator. The present pay which is reportedly about N29million per month (no one knows the actual sum because of the opaque manner in which legislators handle their salaries and allowances) is scandalous, obscene and repulsive. It is a shame that public funds are doled out in that profligate manner in the midst of the dirt poverty in which about 70% of our people wallow.

2. I shall only receive the remuneration duly approved by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission and publish same accordingly.

3. I shall publish my Asset Declaration Form upon being sworn-in as a Senator and do so on the 29th of May in 2016, 2017 and 2018 and 2019 by God's Grace.

4. I shall not use public office to illegally enrich myself, my spouse, my children, my sibling, relatives, friends, associates and allies.


I have made bold to declare my commitment to integrity here in unmistakable terms and I invite all of you to hold me accountable for what I have said here publicly when I am in the Senate by God's Grace.


Esan di fure!

Nigeria di fure!!

EGHEOMHANRE EYIEYIEN FOR SENATE 2015 FINANCE COMMITTEE INAUGURATED

In accord with my commitment to a New Righteous Order in Nigeria's polity and the principles of Righteousness, Equity and Truth which are cardinal components of my political philosophy (CREST), I am pleased to announce that I have constituted THE EGHEOMHANRE EYIEYIEN FOR SENATE 2015 FINANCE COMMITTEE (EESFC). The mandate of the EESFC is to manage my Campaign Funds responsibly and transparently by acting as a body to which I am accountable with regard to all funds raised for my Senatorial bid. All expenditures shall be done only with the prior approval of the EESFC who shall also be the operators of all my Campaign bank accounts:

The members of the EESFC are:

Opeyemi Agbaje (Chairman);
Pastor Mrs Toyin Jaiyeola;
Julius Agenmonmen;
Agu Imo; and
Danjuma Samdi.

Below are the profiles of the committee members: 

Mr. Opeyemi Agbaje holds a first degree in Law from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile-Ife and two Masters Degrees in Law and Business from the University of Lagos and IESE Business School, Spain respectively. He is a former Senior Fellow and Head of Department of Strategy, Entrepreneurship and Business Environment at the Lagos Business School. Mr. Agbaje worked for over twenty years in the Nigerian banking industry which he left as an Executive Director in 2004 to set up Resources and Trust Company Ltd. of which he is the CEO. He writes a weekly column "Economy, Polity, Society" in Nigeria's Businessday newspaper. He is the Producer and Presenter of the syndicated television programme, The Policy Council with Opeyemi Agbaje, which airs weekly on Channels TV, Lagos Television, and BEN TV in the United Kingdom.

Pastor Mrs. Toyin Jaiyeola had a distinguished banking career (including being a pioneer staff of Guaranty Trust Bank) before she left the industry to establish the International Christian Business School of which she is the CEO. An ordained Minister of the Gospel of Christ, she served as a Pastor in House On The Rock (HOTR) until when she got married and joined The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM). She is an Executive Life Coach, Business Mentor and a Management and Leadership Trainer of repute.

Mr. Julius Agenmonmen is the Founder and CEO of BrandLife Ltd., a foremost Nigerian company committed to providing world class marketing services in the areas of brand activation, field marketing services and branding. The company was incorporated and started business in 2008 and has since then been working with a number of blue-chip companies. A 1985 graduate of Political Science from the University of Benin, Benin City, Mr. Agenmonmen, was the Clerk of the Students Union Congress of the University. He is a well known and respected marketing and customer service professional with vast experience in brands, brand building, brand activation and field marketing services. He has about 21 years experience working for Unilever across different markets and continents. He resigned as a General Manager in Unilever to establish Brandlife.

Pastor Agu Imo, a lawyer by training, is the Chairman of Cyrus (Woodcrafters) Ltd. Founded in the year 2000, Cyrus is a furniture and joinery company that specialises in the manufacturing of furniture and joinery products in its state of the art, ultra-modern computer-operated production facility situated in the Yaba area of Lagos. A sports enthusiast and sports administrator, Pastor Imo has served in several sports development organisations. He is passionate about Nigeria and its transformation through Kingdom Principles.

Mr. Danjuma Samdi is a 1987 graduate of Law from the University of Maiduguri and he obtained a Masters Degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos in 2002. He is the Principal Partner of Samdi and Associates, a law practice, and serves as a Director on the Boards of several companies which operate in different sectors of the Nigerian economy. 

 

Esan di fure!