WikiLeaks implicates Nigeria's political elite in oil theft

At the end of last week, WikiLeaks released a US diplomatic cable saying certain members of Nigeria's political elite as well as soldiers have profited from large-scale oil theft in the Niger Delta.

The November 2009 cable sent by then US Consul-General Donna M. Blair, stated: "Oil theft, widely referred to as 'illegal bunkering' in Nigeria, represents significant economic activity with serious ramifications for Nigeria's economy, security, democracy and environment."

The cable went on: "No other, major oil-producing country ... loses as much revenue from illicit oil bunkering as Nigeria, largely because the political elite, militants, and communities profit from such operations."

Oil bunkering remains widespread, with little known about the shadowy process of how the illegally obtained oil, invariably by drilling into pipelines, is stored or distributed. The cable suggested that a Joint Military Task Force (JTF) charged with quelling militancy in the Delta at the time was also involved.

The cable concluded: "Various experts have estimated the volume of oil theft at between 100,000 and 250,000 barrels per day or as much as 91 million barrels per year. This amounts to billions of dollars in lost revenue for the Nigerian treasury every year."

For more news and expert analysis about Nigeria, please see Nigeria Focus and Nigeria Politics & Security.

© 2011 Menas Associates

President Jonathan confirms intention to run for presidency

On Tuesday 7th September, President Goodluck Jonathan confirmed his intention to run for the presidency in the 2011 general elections. The announcement was made in an exclusive meeting with a group of governors who were elected under the platform of the People's Democratic Party (PDP).

The governors' meeting, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, was attended by the following governors:

Danbaba Suntai - Taraba State

Isa Yuguda - Bauchi State

Godswill Akpabio - Akwa Ibom State

Rotimi Amaechi - Rivers State

Liyel Imoke - Cross Rivers State

Timipre Sylva - Bayelsa State

Sullivan Chime - Enugu State

Gabriel Suswam - Benue State

Emmanuel Uduaghan - Delta State

Ihedi Ohakim - Imo State

Murtala Nyako - Adamawa State

Aliyu Akwe Doma - Nassarawa State

Babangida Aliyu - Niger State.

Although specific details of the meeting are yet unknown, sources said that the governors confirmed their support for Jonathan's candidacy, and some offered to be zonal co-ordinators of his campaign.

Sources have stated that the President will make the long-awaited formal public declaration of his intention on the 18th September. His disclosure came three days earlier than the expected date of 10th September, which had been announced by Presidential Adviser on Legislative/National Assembly matters Mohammed Abba-Aji.

For more news and expert analysis about Nigeria, please see Nigeria Focus and Nigeria Politics & Security.

© 2010 Menas Associates