LAGOS — The Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, has raised an alarm over the plan by the Federal Government to hand over the nation’s maritime security to a private firm owned by an ex-militant warlord, wondering whether this is part of the agenda being pursued in recent times by a group that has been championing parochial nationalism in the wake of the fuel subsidy debate.

In a statement in Lagos, yesterday, by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party queried the rationale behind the memo presented to the Federal Executive Council this month, seeking the council’s approval for a so-called strategic concessioning partnership between NIMASA and Global West Vessel Specialist Agency, GWVSL “to enforce regulatory compliance and surveillance of the entire Nigerian maritime domain.”

The action raises more serious concern when viewed against the background of the government’s decision to withdraw a bill before the National Assembly, that would have created a Maritime Security Agency, MASECA, to carry out the same functions now being outsourced to a private firm under a suspicious concessioning plan.

It said: “Let us say here that while there is nothing wrong in the use of concessions to provide and maintain infrastructure, it is totally unacceptable, even unprecedented especially in a fragile federation as ours, for any government to hand over the security of its entire maritime domain to a private firm.

“It is unconscionable that a decision that will have far-reaching implications for trade, security, ports and shipping will be taken so lightly, without a rigorous national debate.
“It is particular dangerous for a country like Nigeria, where 70 per cent of all her resources, including oil, are on water.

The security implications are so grave that no nation seeking to remain one, indivisible entity will try it. It takes the provision of maritime security out of government’s direct control, and encroaches on the role of the military (the navy in this case) to protect the territorial integrity of the nation.

‘’We are particularly worried about the web of intrigue involved, and will like to pose the following questions: What informed the withdrawal of the bill to create MASECA as a government agency that would have handled maritime security? Is it by coincidence that the memo on this ‘strategic partnership’ was pre-approved by the President? Why would a government so willingly abdicate its responsibility of ensuring the security of its maritime domain? What were the ministers thinking when they approved this dangerous memo? What is the agenda of the President in allowing this to happen?’’

The party said several recent developments have made it more urgent to call the partnership between NIMASA and Global West to question.

‘’In the wake of the fuel subsidy debate, parochial nationalist groups from a certain part of the country have threatened everything from taking full control of their resources to secession. They have even warned that President Goodluck Jonathan could be the last President of a united Nigeria. Against this background, it should jolt all right-thinking people that the nation’s maritime security is being taken over by a private entity. It does not help matters that that entity belongs to someone who has openly aligned with one of these parochial groups. That is why we asked what the President’s agenda is concerning this ‘partnership’,’’ it said.

ACN dismissed as self-serving the argument proffered for going into the partnership, including that the government is unable to raise the 103 million US dollars needed to be invested over a 10-year period for the provision of the requisite operational platforms; that the concession will create 1,375 direct job opportunities and 1,620 indirect jobs, and that the amount accruable to the government over the concession period will be around 124 billion naira. More worrisome, the party said, is the fact that the concession will last for an initial period of 10 years, renewable for two terms of 5 years each (which is another 10 years).

‘’We are compelled to ask: If an investment of 103 million US dollars will fetch the government 124 billion naira and create so many jobs, why can’t the government raise – or even borrow if necessary – the amount to invest? Is anyone really convinced that this federal government that is awash in cash – going by the profligate 2012 budget – cannot raise 103 million US dollars for a project that bothers on national security?

‘’While seeking answers to these and other questions, we call on the National Assembly to immediately step into the matter, in view of its national security implication. We also call on all Nigerians to show interest in this issue, which has far-reaching implications for the country’s continued existence as one entity. We note that it is in consideration of the national security implication of maritime security that made the drafters of the MESECA bill to put the agency directly under the presidency,’’ ACN said.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/01/acn-condemns-plan-to-hand-maritime-security-to-private-firm/

Hmm, smell something! Kinda shady deals going on, same way they were condenming subsidy removal.

People have the right to self -determination but doing it in an abusive manner can be very counter-productive, Secretly trying to pull the rug from the feet of others will definitely lead to a serious backlash and no amount of visit to Ikenne will stop that.

The Lagos state Government should probe this shifty concession and also begin to take its water way security serious.

I think taking it serious means giving it to a private firm, since Government is barely serious.

I don't see anything great in the concessioning of maritime security to a private firm, so long as they are Nigerian and they are capable.

This appears to be another fight between the nigerdelta and the south west for economic control, the fuel subsidy was one that really showed everybodys hand in plain sight.
Th SW would definately prefer a government agency to run it because that is where they have full leverage that has been built over years, while the Niger delta are trying to force their way in using their control of political space,

Everybody is fighting for their personnel interest, nobody should be decieved that one party has the national interest at heart,

I don't see anything great in the concessioning of maritime security to a private firm, so long as they are Nigerian and they are capable

this creek mumu say as long they are capable. you need to take your participation to food section, your responses will be much appreciated over there. W

Parisgoodman:

I think taking it serious means giving it to a private firm, since Government is barely serious.

I agree with you here, Governments forte is not in running businesses, this is a worldwide established fact, I usually find it quite funny when the same people calling for a reduction in size of Govt insist on govt participation in several business ventures.
Th US used private security contractors in IRAQ, its not a totally new phenomenon.

if we accept maritime control in hands of private firm, what else should we accept to be privatized, the federal police force?   Yeah, how about give police force concession to Abu Qaqa, he can patrol and enforce law over land since MEND loyalists will patrol water.

I dont know how they reason in that creek i tell ya!  must be the water they drink and swim in. . . lol

Negro_Ntns:

this creek mumu say as long they are capable. you need to take your participation to food section, your responses will be much appreciated over there. W

Using words like Creek mumu, drunken fishman, shows how you SWers view us from the NDelta, no problems, keep looking down on us,

dont take it personal dude. . . this is politics, national politics! It is not like the country is having a sweeheart moment right now, you know. . . everyone is beginning to identify his fatherland. I have no love for anyone in support of deploying boots and guns on my soil. . . .much more give them concession of my backwaters. Hell no!!

DaLover:

I agree with you here, Governments forte is not in running businesses, this is a worldwide established fact, I usually find it quite funny when the same people calling for a reduction in size of Govt insist on govt participation in several business ventures.
Th US used private security contractors in IRAQ, its not a totally new phenomenon.

Precisely!
We must not holla for smaller, more devolved govt; only to cry foul when it actually happens.
What is even stranger, is ACN is making a call for the NASS to wade into a matter that is 100% the Presidents purview (like the fuel subsidy). What do they hope the NASS will do?

DaLover:

Using words like Creek mumu, drunken fishman, shows how you SWers view us from the NDelta, no problems, keep looking down on us,

He is only behaving like the drug pushing, certificate forging thug, Tinubu that some of them think is a leader. Why a normal person should think they are superior to anyone beats the imagination.

Negro_Ntns:

dont take it personal dude. . . this is politics, national politics! It is not like the country is having a sweeheart moment right now, you know. . . everyone is beginning to identify his fatherland. I have no love for anyone in support of deploying boots and guns on my soil. . . .much more give them concession of my backwaters. Hell no!!

I feel you, I felt the same way when someone from SWern part of the country sent boots and guns to raze Odi village, remember that majority of the backwaters belong to NDelta, at least thats what the maps say.

. . . .and will this private firm have a subordinate power over the Nigerian Navy?  
. . . .and if a Yoruba man become President next and decide to privatise the air patrol and borders with an OPC loyalist?
. . . .and if a Hausa man become President and decide to privatise police with ex bokoharam loyalists and post them to the SS?

You all must work to protect your interest but at the same time use wisdom to safeguard your preservation in a Nigerian nation post Gej rule.

Your SS campaign leader, Beaf, has no such sense and foresight to think ahead or see the interwoven dynamics of regional and national politics/ The quicker you all depart from his madness the better for you. I hope you will not become the new ibo of Nigeria after Gej. They are in their predicament now because they lacked foresight to appreciate strengths and the value of partnership.

Well handing the water ways of a country to a firm probably without a history has security implications,add that this to the clannish body language of those in power then you know this is beyond concessioning,we might as well give lease right to a private firm to man our land borders cos the Nigerian customs has failed,you cannot hand our sea ways to your  militants
I know this won't survive in the national assembly but its another indication of how simplistic the calculations of these guys are.
Like I said earlier the Lagos government and even the Ondo government need to pay attention to this.

This Man and his friends in Aso Rock should be bold enough to ask for sovereign conference rather than all these dangerous and childish manoeuvrings.
Those who are seriously watching are not those you hurriedly went to appease @ Ikenne

^
The Ikenne meeting was about calling a Sovereign National Conference, so why don't you add your voice and make it real, since you feel so insecure about a simple arrangement? Let it not be about demanding more money from Abuja.

True federalism. Efrybodi hansa im papa name.

DaLover:

I agree with you here, Governments forte is not in running businesses, this is a worldwide established fact, I usually find it quite funny when the same people calling for a reduction in size of Govt insist on govt participation in several business ventures.
Th US used private security contractors in IRAQ, its not a totally new phenomenon.

The response above is very silly indeed. You would have made a point if you could say US is using private security firm to secure its own maritime areas.
I am beginning to suspect that recent happenings especially bombings and some governmental policy are centrally coordinated by certain group who think it is time the country is divided.
We should remember how they also try to annexe parts of Benis, itshekiri and other peoples' land to the Ijawland. This is still an ongoing tussle.
Boko Haram might actually be Mend2,

You have your man there tell him to ask for it if he's bold enough and stop causing pain to ordinary nigerians by forming to be generally clueless.
Kano people cannot be depending on him to protect them while he's busy looking at how Boko haram could help fast track his heart desire.
NB. I do not believe Jonathan is capable of such high level deceit,manoeuvrings but certainly the talking points,actions are coming from people deeply embedded in his circle but from my readings,these people are smart but politically,they are very naïve.

why didnt they start the SNC call with their neighbors, the SE leaders?  Why come to West for SNC meeting when they could have taken that to Abuja. . . .these elders have witnessed different republics in Nigeria and know the West disposition.  What has Ooni and HID gotta do with SNC?  Albeit, they have a lot to do with unleashing political dogs to bring Gej down.  The visit was to amend with West/

Look, AYM just did the same thing last week in Ibadan visiting OPC over a three or four day meeting and in attendance with Afenifere.  Everyone know who has the power to destabilize the country politically and they are careful not to offend or ruffle feathers unecessarily.

Negro_Ntns:

. . . .and will this private firm have a subordinate power over the Nigerian Navy?
. . . .and if a Yoruba man become President next and decide to privatise the air patrol and borders with an OPC loyalist?
. . . .and if a Hausa man become President and decide to privatise police with ex bokoharam loyalists and post them to the SS?

You all must work to protect your interest but at the same time use wisdom to safeguard your preservation in a Nigerian nation post Gej rule.

Your SS campaign leader, Beaf, has no such sense and foresight to think ahead or see the interwoven dynamics of regional and national politics/ The quicker you all depart from his madness the better for you. I hope you will not become the new ibo of Nigeria after Gej. They are in their predicament now because they lacked foresight to appreciate strengths and the value of partnership.

Did you see my earlier post?

DaLover:

This appears to be another fight between the nigerdelta and the south west for economic control, the fuel subsidy was one that really showed everybodys hand in plain sight.
Th SW would definately prefer a government agency to run it because that is where they have full leverage that has been built over years, while the Niger delta are trying to force their way in using their control of political space,

Everybody is fighting for their personnel interest, nobody should be decieved that one party has the national interest at heart,

How did you think the oil industry got to be controlled by the SW? it will keep being turn by turn until full resource control is achieved, those with oil under thier land should mine it and pay tax, same for those with cocoa, or whatever, thats the simple way forward.

Send army tank into lagos to later realise how stupid the decision was -(you cannot be fighting 2 enemies especially the one you hardly can read his moves.)

Then rush to Ikenne to douse public anger and the people you gathered though powerful(falae,Ooni,Hid) have got little or no political power.

All =political naivety

oh, so you people thought Asari DOkubo's support for GEJ was for free?
anyway, this is not the first time he's doing 'SECURITY CONSULTANCY'. think he's doing that for shell et al already

Ufeolorun:

Send army tank into lagos to later realise how silly the decision was -(you cannot be fighting 2 enemies especially the one you hardly can read his moves.)

Then rush to Ikenne to douse public anger and the people you gathered though powerful(falae,Ooni,Hid) have got little or no political power.

All =political naivety

Dude, if you think the SS will ever call a meeting with Tinubu, then thats a dream too far. That man opened his mouth to hurl racist insults at a whole section of the country and one that has been long suffering. Just think of your suggestion as a wild joke, I don't even know how to stop laughing about it.

How did you think the oil industry got to be controlled by the SW? it will keep being turn by turn until full resource control is achieved, those with oil under thier land should mine it and pay tax, same for those with cocoa, or whatever, thats the simple way forward.

. . . .and guess who has advocated that resoursecontrol?  Yorubas!  The West has continously said people need to have full control of their resources but there is a power struggle in the SS and SE that makes that impossible.  Before Gej became president voices in the SS was splintered into factions.  His presence atthe center has given a convergence of interests but has not removed the greed.  You have saboteurs in your SS/SE region who are scared of loosing out in the event that oil resource control is given to the indigenes.  It is better to prtray and blame others for it, . . . like they blame Yoruba sitting on their oil, than to localize the problem as an SS issue.

I think this move will move Nigeria closer to leaner government. Creating another government agency to run maritime security is akin to creating another inept ministry that will only go cap in hand to government for funding rather than generating any. So far the private security firm has the competence and capability, why not.

Those who see conspiracy in every move are either paranoid or are simply worried others are catching up with their practice. Whichever the case, the move remains a good one and ACN is just crying wolf where none is in sight. Wonder the kind of clowns that run that party!

This mumu ACN no dey think straight at all. Who collects tax in lagos state, Is it not a private firm?

Negro_Ntns:

. . . .and guess who has advocated that resoursecontrol? Yorubas! The West has continously said people need to have full control of their resources but there is a power struggle in the SS and SE that makes that impossible. Before Gej became president voices in the SS was splintered into factions. His presence atthe center has given a convergence of interests but has not removed the greed. You have saboteurs in your SS/SE region who are scared of loosing out in the event that oil resource control is given to the indigenes. It is better to prtray and blame others for it, . . . like they blame Yoruba sitting on their oil, than to localize the problem as an SS issue.

Thats what they say with thier mouths, but when push comes to shove they show true colours, remember the national confab organised by OBJ, the SS and SE clearly wanted resource control, and recommended it be started from 10% to 50% over a five year period, the North and SW resisted, until the SS and SE member had to stage a workout, The SS and SE had a very clear unified voice on the issue, Lets not decieve ourselves, we are tired of people pretending to fight for so called national interest only to be gently stabing you in the back and killing you slowly,
Ok, why is ACN insisting on Maritime Security Agency, MASECA?? if a private ex-militant is too much to handle? navy nko?
Stop pretending to care, that all I am asking, I actually prefer a wolf to a wolf in sheeps clothing, At least I am on guard at all times

This policy, if implemented, will move us decisively in the direction of the disintegration of the Nigerian state by 2015.

It simply means MEND will have an open license to import colossal quantities of small arms and especially, heavy artillery with which to prosecute a secessionist bid the minute Jonathan is denied access to a 2nd term in office in 2015.

I wont be surprised if this scheme actually originated from the American security agencies, they've probably figured that a compact Niger Delta Republic will be easier to manage for oil, than a big ugly Nigeria fraught with unpredictable political/security dynamics.

Beaf:

Dude, if you think the SS will ever call a meeting with Tinubu, then thats a dream too far. That man opened his mouth to hurl racist insults at a whole section of the country and one that has been long suffering. Just think of your suggestion as a wild joke, I don't even know how to stop laughing about it.

I thought GEJ did the same.Who called SW leaders rascals?
Only God knows who wrote his PhD thesis.
With the direction the nation is heading,nobody doubts that a "drunken Fisherman" is in control.

ziddy:

This policy, if implemented, will move us decisively in the direction of the disintegration of the Nigerian state by 2015.

It simply means MEND will have an open license to import colossal quantities of small arms and especially, heavy artillery with which to prosecute a secessionist bid the minute Jonathan is denied access to a 2nd term in office in 2015.

I wont be surprised if this scheme actually originated from the American security agencies, they've probably figured that a compact Niger Delta Republic will be easier to manage for oil, than a big ugly Nigeria fraught with unpredictable political/security dynamics.

But the Port in question is in Lagos!!!!
ACN has a moral right to raise alarm as any failed policy in Lagos Port will affect the state first before any other region.
Port security must not be conccessioned to a private firm owned by a former militant.
It is morally and ethically wrong

While not trying to justify the propriety or otherwise of this particular govt policy, it suffices here to point out the duplicity and hypocracy of  "LIE" Mohammed; our town crier that would never see anything wrong with similar criminalities of his ACN party.

perhaps "LIE" Mohammed would prefer the contract to be given to Alpha Beta Consult who has better experience in fleecing public funds.

"LIE" Mohammed,  you are a big fool; the ACN equally know this.  that is why you will never be considered for any reasonable post in the party except the publicity Secretary where you would continue to make nuisance of yourself.

If you are that intelligent as you would want us to believe,why were you not considered good enough to fly the party's flag as either the Gubernatorial or senatorial candidate in your home state,  Kwara?

Why can't Tinubu even impose you on Lagosians at least Lagos is his fiedom?

The simple answer is You are a FOOL.

Go and get a life