A functionalist explanation of the purchase of the new Nigerian Presidential Airbus A330 Aircraft.

A Structural Functionalist explanation behind the purchase of the new Nigerian Presidential Airbus A330 Aircraft.

By Tom Okure, Ph.D
ICMS, Inc Reports
Date: August 28, 2024

Introduction 

Nigeria's new presidential jet has been trending as a topic, in the regular and social media space. The controversy surrounding the government's decision in favor of purchasing a new and bigger plane stems from the fact that the Nigerian economy is in bad shape. Initially, the government denied making the purchase, but presidential aides laid the foundation and reason to acquire a new plane to add to the existing presidential fleet, noting that the primary plane used by the president for frequent international travel was old, had safety problems, and needed frequent costly repairs. Consequently, presidential aides argued that the old plane which is 19 years old needed to be replaced in favor of a more reliable and adequate plane to convey the president to his frequent international engagements. The 19-year-old smaller presidential jet (Boeing BBJ 737-700) was a brand new aircraft that was bought by former Nigerian president Obasanjo. Suddenly, against the backdrop of previous denials, the Nigerian public was on Monday, August 19, 2024, introduced to Nigeria's new (but used) lavished 160 billion Niara presidential jet, an Airbus A330 Aircraft. Some analysts say the new presidential jet which is so much bigger than any existing plane in the current presidential fleet, will require more expensive operational costs and maintenance.

This article offers a structural-functionalist perspective as an alternative and a better explanation for understanding the policy reasoning behind the controversial purchase of the new Nigerian Airbus A330 Aircraft. Nations act in many ways that defy understanding unless one digs deeper into the unobvious (latent) reasons underpinning their actions. This writer argues that the reason behind the purchase of the new (but used) Nigerian Presidential jet cannot be explained based on the pronouncements of the Tinubu’s aids justifying the purchase, but rather from the latent functions underlying the Nigerian government’s policy decision. This writer argues that the latent function of this new aircraft is symbolic, and prestigious, making the Nigerian government look modern and commensurate with the status of Nigeria as a major oil producer and global leader.

Nigeria's Channels Television

Various expressions of approval and disapproval abound in the social media community. Prominent Nigerians including Ezekwesilli fault the Tinubu administration and the national assembly for making such a ridiculous policy decision to spend such a huge sum of money to buy a plane when the Nigerian population is suffering economic hardship. In the social media space, an X user @Fdmlearn said it wasn’t right that Nigerians were being told to undergo economic pain while the government was buying a new plane for the president. So many citizens appeared very angry and concerned over the government's action, especially because the planes' acquisition and unveiling to the public occurred less than two weeks after thousands of Endbadgovernace protesters had taken to the streets across the country to protest rising hunger and the suffocating high cost of living. One social media critic stated: “Wait so despite the Tinubu-led Government telling Nigerians to bear the economic hardship and wait for a better tomorrow, they were busy paying cash for a new private Jet to add to the presidential fleet that has over 6 aircraft already?”.

President Tinubu was elected in 2023 to head Africa’s most populous country. Since his ascension to power, he has introduced many difficult and unpopular economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, which have had adverse consequences such as high inflation alleged to be over 30% currently. President Tinubu argues that his reforms are necessary to cut government spending and stimulate long-term growth.

 A Better Understanding of Nigerian Government Policy Decision Making

Why did President Tinubu's administration purchase this controversial and alleged luxurious Airbus A330 Aircraft? The answer to this question is best understood from the perspective of the latent function of this aircraft in the reasoning of the Tinubu administration. Having a big presidential plane represents a kind of latent doctrinal formula or assumption adopted from rich and powerful nations like the United States, China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, etc, a statement of political ideology expected by the international community from an economically powerful and modern nation. The problem here is that the public does not see the whole picture and reasoning behind why African governments do what they do. Opponents of the purchase say that lawmakers did not approve the purchase, because it was not mentioned in this year’s budget. A social media commentator not understanding the latent function of this plane stated: “Let's tell ourselves the truth. Tinubu's new Airbus presidential aircraft purchase for N150 billion at a time of penury, hunger, and want shows how wicked, selfish, self-indulgent, and insensitive to the plight of the average Nigerian he really is.” Another commentator in X (formerly Tweeter) stated in favor by noting @Timi_The_Law "he supports the president’s decision as the plane is not personal but belongs to the office of the president. “Tinubu's decision to buy a new plane is the right one. The plane belongs to the office of the president, and future presidents will enjoy it,” he posted. These statements mirror the manifest function of the Airbus A330 Aircraft as perceived by the administration supporters of the purchase. But are their perspective of the reasoning behind the purchase correct? This writer disagrees.  

It is reasonable to assume that most economically powerful oil-rich OPEC nations are expected to look and act rich; Nigeria is no exception. 

Nigeria's Channels Television

While the Nigerian public may see the actions of the Tinubu administration as selfish, self-indulgent, and insensitive to the plight of the average Nigerian, this writer argues that it is reasonable to conclude that our Nigerian political leaders see themselves as oil-rich and governing a fast economically growing nation seeking to become an industrial nation. The public pronouncements of political leaders echo this vision of becoming a great nation. Our leaders have grandiose economic development plans such as the Lagos Calabar multibillion-dollar coastal highway under construction. As witnessed by Nigeria's counterpart OPEC nations like Dubia and Suadi Arabia, an oil-rich country thinks big and acts big in all its actions. Looking like them, like other oil-rich nations and powerful economic nations like China, Japan, and the United Kingdom (UK) is the guiding principle that properly explains many of the actions of Nigerian policymakers even when they appear wasteful, unaffordable, and insensitive to the suffering of the poor masses.  

The government doesn't see the huge expenditure for this plane as wasteful. In a statement on X, President Tinubu’s media aide Bayo Onanuga said the new plane would actually save money. He noted that “The new plane, bought far below the market price, saves Nigeria huge maintenance and fuel costs, running into millions of dollars yearly,” according to his statement.

According to a BBC news report, "The new presidential jet was recently released to the Nigerian government after it was seized by a Chinese firm, Zhangson Investment Co. Limited, which obtained a Paris court order to seize some Nigerian government assets following an investment dispute with Ogun state in south-west Nigeria." The new (but used) 15-year-old plane is touted to have an elaborate configuration for VIPs and replaces the country’s 19-year-old Boeing BBJ 737-700. The difference in the ages of the new and old planes is four years. It is reasonable to argue that the choice of the new plane is not in its newness, but perhaps rather lies in its huge size and luxurious interior befitting of Nigeria as the giant of Africa. 

From a functionalist perspective, this writer argues that Nigeria's presidency believes that to be considered a modern oil-rich nation it must do big things, and have a big plane with all the elaborate configurations for VIPs. Whether the country’s 19-year-old Boeing BBJ 737-700 that the new presidential jet replaced had safety problems or was expensive to maintain did not feature properly as the policy rationale to replace it. What is very important to understand here is the fact that the 15-year-old new Nigerian presidential plane is symbolic of the expectations of a modern presidential fleet in form, and serves the demands and expectations of the international community which Nigeria is an active part of.  

Concluding Remarks

Screenshot taken from:
News Nations Television 

Facts obtained in media reports show that Nigeria's new presidential jet is not a new plane but a 15-year-old-plus-used plane. This new plane allegedly is supposed to replace the existing 19-year-old smaller presidential jet that has been effectively performing well and in use until recently when presidential aids started feeding the public with news about its safety.

This article has attempted to provide an alternative potential latent unobvious functionalist explanation from mainstream analysis for the Nigerian government's decision to purchase the new Nigerian Airbus A330 Aircraft. This author has argued that Tinubu's administration's action is commensurate with the trend of many other oil-rich nations that have taken similar actions like the Nigerian government to symbolize and show off their wealth and economic power. Nigeria's policymakers believe that this plane is a necessary aspect of Nigeria's development into a powerful economic nation. The writer wonders why the public is surprised about the plane purchase, especially because unknown and unobvious to the public, before the huge investment was secretly made, Presidential aides laid the foundation leading up to the purchase, by justifying the expenditures for it for safety reasons even in the difficult economic circumstances that the country is facing.

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All rights reserved by Tom Okure, Ph.D. CEO of Inter-Continental Mgt. Systems, Inc. (or ICMS Inc.). ICMS, Inc., is a multifaceted business and management consulting firm with its head office in Albany, New York        

Nigerian Central Bank (CBN) Provides Regulatory Guidelines On New Diaspora Remittances Policy

Regulatory guidelines on Nigeria's new diaspora remittances policy. 

ICMS, Inc. Reports 
By Tom Okure, Ph.D.

COMMENTARY 

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Mr. Godwin Emefiele in a press conference on December 3, 2020 formally provided further regulatory guidelines on Nigeria's new diaspora remittances policy. 

Godwin Emefiele, Governor of CBN

We in the Diaspora applaud the new remittance policy and the action of the Central Bank of Nigeria to improve the foreign exchange earnings of Nigeria derived from diaspora remittances into Nigeria estimated to be as high as 26 billion US dollars annually. Nevertheless as the saying goes: “The test of the pudding is in the eating.”

While the policy intentions of the central bank and the Nigerian government are very noble, the failure of many government policies in Nigeria are usually in the implementation of the policies. There are vested institutional interests and black market agents who will resist this policy and are already showing their opposition to this good intention policy designed to help the economy.   

We will shortly see and report back to our readers on weather this policy is working by examining the practical application of the policy. A key question for our examination is whether the Nigerian Banks entrusted with the implementation of this innovative policy will have the dollars readily in the proper denominations to give the recipients of the overseas transmitted funds? From practical experience of many individuals operating domiciliary accounts, it is sometimes difficult to withdraw or have access to one funds because the banks usually claim or complain that they do not have the funds to give the funds owners immediately. 

Who is to be blamed for the abandoned status of Four Point by Sheraton hotel at Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State

Update on the status of Four Point by Sheraton at Ikot Ekpene

ICMS, Inc Commentary
by Tom Okure, Ph.D
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Governor Emmanuel Udom of Akwa Ibom state is facing an economic development dilemma. He needs to establish his own foot print and legacy in the state by initiating and building significant development projects like roads and bridges, magnificent buildings, factories etc., while at the same time completing many famous and uncompleted projects that he inherited from his predecessor former governor Godswill Akpabio. Accusations have been mounting for some time now that Udom is deliberately abandoning many planned projects that the administration of Akpabio undertook like the Tropicana Plaza in Uyo, the dualiization of Uyo/Ikot-Ekpene Federal road, the multi-million dollar Ibom Specialist Hospital in Uyo etc.

In responds to the mounting accusations from critics of his development approach, governor Udom has begun a campaign to set the record straight. Recently, governor Udom during a recent briefing of attendees at the monthly state house prayer session emphasized to his audience that, what the former governor commissioned as a completed Four Point Sheraton was just the building, which does not amount to a hotel. But is this really the case? Many in attendance during the spectacular ceremony of the commissioning say they beg to differ with the governors assertion and statement to the extent that they witnessed what appeared to be a fully functioning hotel or were we deceived?  

Four Point by Sheraton hotel Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State

In his defense regarding the controversy and status of the hotel, governor Udom blamed those who are accusing him of abandoning projects started by Akpabio of not understanding the differences between a building and a hotel. He indicated that his administration needs an additional $7.2 dollars or about N2, 577, 600, 000 Naira at the current exchange rate, to transform the commissioned the Four Point by Sheraton building at Ikot Ekpene into a hotel.

For background, the Four Point by Sheraton building is located at the old site of the former federal prison, Ikot Ekpene which was situated in the heart of the city. The federal prison was demolished and relocated out of town to make room for the Four Point hotel which the city planners believe was essential to accord the ancient town of Ikot Ekpene a befitting image, facelift and boost it as a tourist destination enhancement within Nigeria deserving of its status as the first experimental local government area created by the British colonial government in Nigeria and West Africa.

On Tuesday May 26, 2015, the 4 Points by Sheraton Ikot Ekpene, was commissioned by the outgoing governor Godswill Akpabio. During the commissioning event, Akpabio showed off the spectacular building and its amenities to the invited guests which included the current Governor Emmanuel Udom who at the time was the governor elect and was awaiting to be sworn in as Akwa Ibom State governor. In his usual boastful way and while showing off existing facilities around the hotel, former governor Akpabio, who is now Akwa Ibom State senator had praised the contractors for delivering the project on time. 

Swimming pool area at Four Point by Sheraton at Ikot Ekpene,

The hotel is a 14-Story Oval shaped building, consisting of 146 rooms, 14 suites, a 600-seater banquet hall, six meeting rooms, swimming pool, terrace, fountain, a presidential wing, etc.

One may recall that in 2016, the Akwa Ibom State government had indicated that it had designated Starwood Hotels as the manager to be of this hotel. Government statements also indicated that the hotel would be fully open and operational by April of 2017. Starwood Hotels, we were told was the manager designate because of its experience managing hotels in Akwa Ibom State as exemplified by  the well renowned Le Méridien Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort in Uyo.

Former governor Akpabio (left) and current governor Udom (right) relaxing during
the commissioning of the hotel in Ikot Ekpene on Tuesday May 26, 2015. 

While responding to his critics who have accused him of abandoning the Four Point by Sheraton building in Ikot Ekpene, governor Udom said that he needs “7.2 million US dollars to turn that building into a hotel. And as at today, I have deposited the sum of 4 million US dollars, leaving a balance of 3.2 million US dollars and I am still looking for the 3.2 million dollars to pay so I can turn that building you see into a hotel. It is not yet a hotel."

Recommendation and Concluding Remarks

Part of the problem of abandonment and incompletion of projects in the state and many parts of the country stems from the existing approach used to fund large capital projects. The state government lacks proper long term capital planning foresight which should be incorporated into the capital budget of the state government.  The state government fails to build into the government capital budget for projects a contingency budget to accommodate unforeseen circumstances (like the fall in oil revenues) as has been experienced throughout the country. In industrial countries in Europe and the United States infrastructure projects are funded from dedicated funding revenue streams (mainly through the issue of dedicated bonds issued for a specific project). In New York State budgeting many specific programs and projects are funded through what is referred to as Special Revenue Funds (SRF). Initial funding for specific infrastructural projects can begin by issuing specific capital bonds guaranteed by the Federal government as a debt to the state. When the specific bond funded project is completed, it could be utilized to generate specific revenues to repay the long term bonds associated with the project.  

Read more about Four Point by Sheraton at Ikot Ekpene:

4 Points Sheraton Ikot Ekpene: Akpabio- Commissioned Building Not Hotel
Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State Nigeria

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All rights reserved by Inter-Continental Mgt. Systems, Inc (ICMS, Inc). The information included in this publication may not be used, reproduced, transmitted, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written permission from Tom Okure, Ph.D. of ICMS, Inc.

2017 Rhino Charge

2017 Rhino Charge

A unique annual fund raising event in Kanya which raises money to safeguard Kenya's mountain water towers and forest ecosystems, through the use of electric fences designed to shield local farmers from crop raiding wildlife. This year 65 teams try to reach 13 Guard posts located in the bush, in the shortest distance possible.


Watch and learn about this noble event:

Economic Recession Woes Deepens in Nigeria

ICMS, Inc Reports
Tom Okure, Ph.D
February 28, 2017

Nigerian projected growth rate for the full year of 2016 was -1.51% according to report data from the National Bureau of Statistics.  More specifically, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) declined in the fourth quarter of 2016 by -1.30%; the oil sector witnessed a production decline of -12.38% on a comparative year on year basis; the agriculture sector experienced some growth at 4.03% in the fourth quarter of 2016 which reflects a nominal reduction of 4.54% growth in the third quarter.

The manufacturing sector declined over the year by 4.32% even though it reflected a quarter to quarter slight growth of 1.89%. The services sector, which experienced a growth rate of 4.78% in 2015 and which accounted for 53.55% of GDP in 2016, mirrored a decline in growth by -0.82% over the year.



Read the details:

4TH QUARTER 2016 NIGERIAN GDP REPORT ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL BUREAU OF STATISTICS

Execution of Nigerians by Foreign Countries is Appalling

ICMSINC Commentary
July 29, 2016

By Tom Okure, Phd

Execution of Nigerians by Foreign Countries is Appalling and Unacceptable.

Indonesia executed three Nigerians and an Indonesian citizen today for drug related crimes despite the worldwide outcry over the executions. This is not the first time or second time this has happened. While the peddling of illegal drugs is bad and a crime worldwide, executions of drug criminals is not the solution and has not been proven to be a deterrent. The European Union (EU) bands the death penalty and forbides the execution of prisoners. Executions are babaric and has no place in a modern and civilized nation which Indenosia aspires to become.

Indonesian Firing Squads

The Nigerian Government should protest to the Indonesian government over these barbaric execution by a firing squad. At the minimum, the government of Nigeria ought to recall it's ambassador to Indonesia in protest. As we attempt to restructure our economy and government in general, we must standup to decency and reject mistreatment of Nigerians by foreign countries. We cannot have our citizens executed at will by countries likes Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. Life imprisonment is a better option.

Do Page Likes Still Matter on Facebook?

Did You Know That ….Your Facebook
Likes end up or become part of your profile. Likes are quantified and matched against other users to determine patterns and correlations, relations between your interests that can provide detailed insights into what type of person you
are and the type of things you are interested in…...Now You Know

Read more on this subject at:  Do Page Likes Still Matter on Facebook?

Is Epigenetics Weird or Awesome Science:….Do Our Genes Have a Memory?

ICMS,Inc Educational Series

Posted by Tom Okure, Ph.D
Dated January 30, 2016

Epigenetics Research....Could what you do in your lifetime affect the lives of your grandchildren many decades from now?

The standard scientific view has been that the human DNA transmits all our heritable information and that nothing an individual does in their lifetime will be biologically passed to their children.

Background and Epigenetics Research

EPIGENETICS

Epigenetics evolved as a broad research field in the mid-twentieth century by famous scientists including Conrad H. Waddington and Ernst Hadorn that concentrated on combining genetics and developmental biology. In 1942, Waddington coined the term epigenetics, supposedly derived from the Greek word “epigenesis” which originally described the influence of genetic processes on development.

In plain language, the term epigenetics refers to the study of biological mechanisms that can switch genes on and off.  Scientist say epigenetics controls genes. Certain conditions in our environment can supposedly cause genes to be silenced or expressed over time. Stated differently, it means our genes can be turned off (becoming dormant) or turned on (becoming active). Scientist say epigenetics is everywhere in our environment in what we eat, where we reside and who we interact with, when we exercise and sleep and even as we age. 

Do our genes have a 'Memory?

The events in our lives (good or bad) eventually can cause chemical modifications around our genes which can turn those genes on or off over time. In certain diseases such as cancer or Alzheimer’s, various genes can be switched into the opposite state, away from the normal/healthy state. Epigenetics, is the study, in the field of genetics, of cellular and physiological phenotypic trait variations that are caused by external or environmental factors that switch genes on and off and affect how cells read genes instead of being caused by changes in the DNA sequence. (Wikipedia)

Epigenetics research seeks to describe dynamic alterations in the transcriptional such as:

Could the genes of our children be shaped
by our ancestors' life experiences?

Could our genes and that of our children be shaped in part by our ancestors' life experiences? Do our genes have a 'Memory'? Does the lives of our forbearers or grandparents: the food they ate, the air they breathed, and their environment and even what they saw directly impact our lives decades later, in spite of the fact that we never experienced these things ourselves. 

According to the new insights of behavioral epigenetics, traumatic experiences in our past, or in our recent ancestors’ past leave molecular scars adhering to our DNA (See Grandmas experiences leave epigenetic mark on your genes). In short, grandparents of Jews who were chased from their Russian shtetls; Chinese whose grandparents lived during the devastations of the Cultural Revolution; young African immigrants whose ancestors survived massacres; adults of all races who grew up with parents who are alcoholic or abusive potentially have just more than memories embedded within their genes. Is that weird or awesome science? You decide.

Read More:

What is epigenetics - fundamentals

The Ghost in Your Genes

Grandma's Experiences Leave a Mark on Your Genes

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All rights reserved by ICMS, Inc. The information included in this publication may not be used, reproduced, transmitted, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written permission of Dr. Tom Okure. Contact us at icmsinc@aol.com.

Biafra is dead and will remain dead

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo who spoke in Abuja recently during a round table discussion organized by Nextier Advisory, a public sector advisory firm stated that:

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo

 “only those who did not experience the Nigerian civil war would embark on such a malevolent exercise….. “No right-thinking person who has experienced the horror of war will ever agitate for more wars. Most wars stem from real and perceived injustices and dissatisfaction and invariably wars emanate from a desire to correct or redress such situations. Our civil war wasn’t any different.” ~ Former President Obasanjo 

Comments By Dr. Tom Okure:

I completely and totally agree with the remarks by former President Olusegun Obasanjo who recently directed his remarks to the protagonists of Biafra. Why? The youth that are agitating for the revival of Biafra lack a sence of thier history and the consequences of war. When it come to war, "any war" the best option is to avoid it.

Those who started the civil war that engulfed Eastern Nigeria did not pay the price for that war, it was the common people of Biafra, mostly children, the poor who suffered from starvation and homelessness. Most of the influential people responsible for perpetuating that conflict fled Biafra to greener pastures with their children when the tide turned against Biafra. My family (The Okure Family) among others and my beloved hometown Ikot Ekpene that paid a hefty price for that civil war and still bears the scars of that brutal civil war till today.

We all are stakeholders in Nigeria’s future and those who fail to learn from their past are condemned to repeat the mistakes of the past. We cannot let agitators and selfish and corrupt politicians drag Nigeria into the path of war again.

General Gowon

To keep Nigeria one is a task that must be done. General Yakubu Gowon was Nigeria's head of state at the time and prosecuted the Nigeria civil war with the slogan that bore his name and still holds true today….GOWON: meaning “Go On With One Nigeria.” Let’s keep Nigeria One. And that is my take on the issue. 

Read more ...http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/01/bombshell-biafras-dead-obasanjo-insists/

Abuja Nigeria: Court of Appeals Nullifies Akwa Ibom State Governorship Election, Orders Fresh Election Within 90 Days.

ICMS, Inc News Journal

By Tom Okure, PhD
Date: December 19, 2015
___________

According to media sources in Nigeria, a five man panel of the Court of Appeals sitting in Abuja, Nigeria has ordered a fresh governorship election in Akwa Ibom state. The lead judge of the panel, Justice Adedotun Adefope Okojie who delivered the court decision on Friday November 18, 2015 in Abuja indicated that the court’s decision was based on what the court termed “substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act.”

The appellate court also set aside the decision of the October 21, Election Petition Tribunal for the governorship election by nullifying the entire prior election in the state and ordering fresh elections in the state within 90 days.

The appellate court noted that the governorship elections in the state was not properly conducted as required by the law.  It indicated that the onus was on the respondents, Governor Emmanuel (PDP) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prove that there was substantial compliance. It also stated among other things, that the election tribunal was wrong by laying the whole burden of proof on the petitioners, saying “whichever way one looks at it, facts show that votes recorded at the end of the election were far in excess of the total number of accredited voters.” Consequently, according to the reasoning of the Appeals Court, the tribunal was wrong in holding that non-compliance was not substantial to warrant the nullification of the entire election.….Watch Video and Read more:

Other links Related To This News:

Nigerian Vanguard
PDP Kicks as a Court Nullifies Akwa Ibom Governship Election

Nigerian Daily Post

Court Of Appeal Rules Against Akwa Ibom Governor/

Premium Times

Appeal Court Sacks Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel and Nullifies Entire Election

Sportlight on two important claiming tactics being changed regarding your social security benefits

ICMS, Inc Commentary and News Sportlight On Social Security Law
By Dr. Tom Okure
Date: November 4, 2015

U.S Congress

Two important claiming tactics are being changed regarding your social security and will result in millions possibly losing out on their benefits. The first major change is occurring in the “deemed filing” rule. More precisely, the change in the new law would make it so that deemed filing applies beyond full retirement age instead of applicable to only before full retirement age.

Another important change in the proposed law will affect the suspension of benefits claiming tactic currently in place. What this means is that for those individuals who suspend benefits more than 180 days after enactment of the proposed bill, the following facts will apply according to the bill that is being passed in Congress and is expected to be signed into law by President Obama:

• There will no longer be the option to retroactively unsuspend benefits (i.e., get a lump sum for benefits that would have been receiving during the period of suspension if you decide to unsuspend).
• You will no longer be able to receive benefits on anybody else’s work record while your benefits are suspended.
• Nobody else will be able to receive benefits on your work record while your benefits are suspended.

For background, the United States Department of the Treasury had cautioned Congress that it must raise the nation’s debt ceiling by Nov. 3 in order to avoid risking a default on the country’s debt. As a consequence, Congress recently reached an agreement with the White House to increase US spending by $80 billion through September 2017 and increase the federal government’s borrowing limit until mid-March 2017.

It is as part of the budget deal reached between Congress and the Whitehouse to prevent a default on the country’s debt that resulted in the elimination of this two very popular Social Security claiming strategies, which includes the file and suspend tactics.

Read more about the changes about to take effect in the near future…Key Social Security Strategies Hit By Budget Deal

Amazing Wood Cutting Machine

Amazing Wood Cutting Machine

This is an amazing piece of wood cutting machinery and invention. Nevertheless the efficiency and effectiveness of this machinery is worrisome to the extent that it can wipe out (or harvest) an entire forest of trees that took so many years to grow in just a few minutes or hours.

If this tree/wood cutting machinery is used to harvest tress planted in a sustainable growth forest within a carefully planned Resource Based Economy, it could be a very good thing, otherwise this is a dangerous and eco-unfriendly equipment.

What’s your take on this Amazing tree cutting machine?

Nigeria's President Buhari Appoints New Senior Special Assistants (SSA), SGF, Chief of Staff and Others.

Former Senator Ita Solomon Enang from Akwa Ibom State appointed as Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on National Assembly Matters (Senate). 

By Tom Okure, Ph.D
August 27, 2015

President Muhammadu Buhari

The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina in a statement on Thursday August 27, 2015 announced that President Muhammadu Buhari has approved a list of several new appointments.  

The list of appointees includes a native of Akwa Ibom state, former Senator Ita Solomon Enang as the President's Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on National Assembly Matters (Senate).  

Senator Ita Solomon Enang

Mr. Ita Enang is a career Nigerian politician who represented the Itu and Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State in the House of Representatives from 1999 to 2011.  In the 2011 Federal elections, he was elected Senator for the Uyo (North East) Senatorial District of Akwa Ibom State. Other appointments announced are:

• Hon. Suleiman A. Kawu as the President’s SSA on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives)
• Babachir David Lawal as Secretary to the Government of the Federation
• Abba Kyari as Chief of Staff to the President
• Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (rtd.) as Comptroller General, Nigerian Customs Service
• Kure Martin Abeshi as Comptroller-General, Nigerian Immigration Service

All the appointments are effective immediately according to the press statement.

The new Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Lawal is from Hong Local Government Area in Adamawa State. He is a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and holds a Bachelor of Engineering Degree. He previously worked with the Delta Steel Company, Aladja, Nigerian External Telecommunications Limited and Data Sciences Limited. In 1990, he established his own ICT and Telecommunications consulting firm.  He is a member of the Nigeria Computer Society, the Nigeria Society of Engineers and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria.

The new Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari holds a Bachelors and Master’s Degree in Law and Sociology which he earned from the University of Cambridge and the University of Warwick respectively. He previously worked in various capacities for the New Nigeria Development Company, New Africa Holdings, African International Bank, United Bank for Africa, Unilever and Mobil.

Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (rtd.) the new Comptroller General of Customs, was a former military administrator of Kaduna State from 1996 to 1998. He holds Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Criminology. 

Mr. Martin Abeshi, the new Comptroller General of Immigration is a native of Nasarawa State. He has a Master’s degree in Public Administration and joined the Nigerian Immigration Service as an Assistant Comptroller in 1989

____________________________

All Rights Reserved by ICMS,Inc.

Dr. Okure is a writer, author, business/management consultant, economic development and public policy advisor, commentator and change advocate. Dr. Okure is the CEO of ICMS,Inc a New York State based management/business consulting firm and Global Master Servicing Agent (MSA) which provides referral, advisory, training, diagnostic and assessment and speaker services

Today’s Thought Starter

Thought of the day
August 25, 2015

No country developed or developing can afford to be isolated and to be disconnected from the global economy as all nations are economically inter-connected and affected by global events such as the recent crash of major world stock markets in China, Japan, USA, Mexico, Brazil etc., and the significant drop in mineral and world crude oil prices to the lowest level in six and a half years. ~
Tom Okure, Ph.D

Reaching the mountain top in your line of business

Did You Know That: 

You have to be daring and willing to take the risk if you want to reach the mountain top in your line of business ~ Tom Okure, Ph.D

Now You Know !

Inter-Continental Management Systems, Inc., (or ICMS,Inc)

OUR MISSION...
To be a prime catalyst and facilitator for your business/organization's sustainable growth and success through our cost effective technical assistance and policy advisory services, strategic analysis and assistance for capacity building.

WHAT WE DO... 
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Nigerian National Youth Service Corps announces new policy exempting pregnant women, nursing mothers and post-graduate students from national service

NYSC Program: Policy Update

By Tom Okure, Ph.D

July 24, 2015

NYSC Exempts Pregnant Women, Nursing Mothers and Postgraduate Students From National Service

Photo credit: Nigerian Vanguard Newspaper

After a two-day pre-mobilization workshop held in Kaduna, Nigeria for the 2015 Batch “B” NYSC program, Brig-Gen. Johnson Olawumi, Director-General of the NYSC, announced a new NYSC policy which exempts pregnant women, nursing mothers and post-graduate students from national service because according to NYSC, they would not be able to effectively participate in the four main programs of the NYSC which includes mobilization, orientation, primary assignment and winding-up passing out parade.

This policy announcement closes a major loophole and programmatic weakness utilized by prospective corps members, especially pregnant women and nursing mothers whereby they would obtain medical waivers etc. enabling them to be absent from the critical

Photo credit: Nigerian Vanguard Newspaper

program stages of the national service, only to reappear later for posting to their various places of primary assignments.

NYSC Program Scheme


The NYSC scheme was created in a bid to reconstruct, reconcile and rebuild the country after the Nigerian Civil war. The unfortunate antecedents in our national history gave impetus to the establishment of the National Youth Service Corps by decree No.24 of 22nd May 1973 which stated that the NYSC is being established "with a view to the proper encouragement and development of common ties among the youths of Nigeria and the promotion of national unity". 

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Read More:

Vanguard News: NYSC bars pregnant women, nursing mothers, post graduate students from service

NYSC Official Website

Nigeria's President Buhari's Four Days Visit to the United States

President Buhari's Visit to the United States

Author: Tom Okure, Ph.D
Date: July 20, 2015

President Buhari arriving in the USA for a
four day visit to the United States 

Nigeria’s President Buhari is on a four-day visit to the United States, the first such visit to
Washington since taking office in May 2015 in a rare peaceful transition of power in Nigeria.

United State President Obama and Nigeria’s President Buhari today discussed investment opportunities between both countries and repairing corruption in the Nigerian government.

Welcoming formalities upon arrival in the United States

Buhari’s visit to the USA marks a positive change in United States/Nigerian relations. Nigerian president is being received in Washington prior to Obama’s planed Africa trip and signals the importance the United States places on the relationship.

US  President Obama and Nigeria's President Buhari
meeting in the White House

Both countries experienced difficult relations during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

The relations was stressed under Jonathan, who unsuccessfully struggled to defeat Boko Haram terrorist during most of his term as Nigeria’s president. Jonathan’s administration did not also take kindly to the United States open criticism of corruption in his government and consequently cancelled a planned United States training program for Nigerian troops to combat the insurgency of Boko Haram in Nigeria.

Today Buhari had breakfast with Vice President Joe Biden and later met with diplomats from West African countries, World Bank executives, and United States Congressional members. President Buhari is also scheduled to hold a town hall meeting with Nigerians on Tuesday July 21, 2015

Related Links

Nigerian President Buhari Meets With Obama Amidst Struggles Against Boko Haram
Significance Of Nigerian President Buharis US Vsit

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All rights reserved by Inter-Continental Mgt. Systems, Inc (ICMS, Inc). The information included in this publication may not be used, reproduced, transmitted, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written permission of ICMS, Inc. The author Dr. Tom Okure is President of ICMS, Inc, a multifaceted business and management consulting firm with its head office in Albany, New York. Dr. Okure is a writer, author, business/management consultant, public policy commentator and change advocate.

Nigeria’s President Buhari Announces The Appointments of New NSA and Military Service Chiefs

NIGERIA'S PRESIDENT BUHARI ANOUNCES THE APPOINTMENTS OF NEW SERVICE CHIEFS AND NSA 

July, 13, 2015
Source: Femi Adesina 
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity

Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the following appointments: 

• Major-General Abayomi Gabriel Olonishakin - Chief of Defence Staff; 
• Major-General T.Y. Buratai - Chief of Army Staff 
• Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas - Chief of Naval Staff 
• Air Vice Marshal Sadique Abubakar - Chief of Air Staff 
• Air Vice Marshal Monday Riku Morgan - Chief of Defence Intelligence 
• Major-General Babagana Monguno (rtd.) - National Security Adviser 

The new Chief of Defence Staff, Maj.-Gen. Olonishakin (N/6901) hails from Ekiti State. Until his appointment as Chief of Defence Staff today, he was the Head of the Nigerian Army Training and Doctrine Command in Minna, Niger State. 

The new Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Buratai hails from Borno State. Until his new appointment today, he was the Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force which has its headquarters in Ndjamena. Maj-Gen. Buratai has previously served as Commander of the Nigerian Army's 2nd Brigade in Port Harcourt and Commander of the Nigerian Army School of Infantry in Jaji, Kaduna State. 

The new Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Ibas (NN/0746) hails from Cross River State. He enlisted into the Nigerian Defence Academy as a member of the 26th Regular Course in 1979 and was commissioned as a Sub-Lieutenant in 1983. His previous appointments include: Naval Provost Marshal, Chief Staff Officer, Naval Training Command, Chief of Administration, Naval Headquarters, Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command and Chief of Logistics, Naval Headquarters. Until his appointment as Chief of Naval Staff, he was the Chief Executive Officer of Navy Holdings Limited. 

The new Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar (NAF/1433) hails from Bauchi State. His previous appointments include: Chief of Standards and Evaluation, NAF Headquarters; Chief of Defence Communications and Air Officer Commanding, NAF Training Command. Until his new appointment today as Chief of Air Staff, he was the Chief of Administration, NAF Headquarters. 

The new Service Chiefs will hold their appointments in an acting capacity until confirmed by the Senate. President Buhari thanks the outgoing Service Chiefs and National Security Adviser for their services to the nation and wishes them well in their future endeavours.

Commentary

A few hours before the announcement of the new appointments, Femi Adesina who is the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity had annouced that Buhari had dismissed the existing National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki, and the current service chiefs of the army, air force and the navy and would annouce their replacements shortly.

 Dismissed Military Service Chiefs

The service chiefs whose current appointments are terminated are Usman Jibrin, Chief of Naval Staff; Alex Badeh, Chief of Defense Staff; Kenneth Minimah, Chief of Army Staff and Adesola Amosu, Chief of Air Staff.

Footnote:  

One may recall the directive from the All Progressives Congress (APC) when they were in opposition to the PDP on its members in the Senate chamber to resist the screening the service chiefs until the political crisis in Rivers State was resolved by the federal government.

Related link: President Jonathan Swears Nigerias New Military Chiefs

The Word "GAY" Did Not Originally Mean Homosexual

The Word "GAY" Did Not Originally Mean Homosexual

Date: July 6, 2015

Atribution and Source: http://www.todayifoundout.com/

Just Hear Me Out: ......The Word "GAY" Did Not Originally Mean Homosexual.......In the the 12th century...The word "GAY" originally meant something to the effect of “joyful”, “carefree”, “full of mirth”, or “bright and showy”.

In the 17th century the word GAY began to be associated with immorality. By 1955, the word GAY had acquired the added definition and reference to homosexual males. Enlighten your senses by learning more about the historical origins of the word "Gay"...http://www.todayifoundout.com/…/how-gay-came-to-mean-homo…/…

The Dead Sea

Did You Know That: the lowest place on earth is the Dead Sea, estimated to extend 1,312 feet below sea level.  Objects, even people float in the Dead Sea. Why? Scientist say that the Dead Sea water pushes objects (people) upward to float because the floating objects are lighter (less dense) than water.

The Dead Sea is a very highly salinated lake which borders Jordan, Israel and Palestine and is saturated with salt and the salt water is denser (heavier) than normal water. While it is true that people can float in regular water, it is even easier to float in the salt water of the Dead Sea because it is denser…… Now You Know ~ Dr. Tom Okure