The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • ‘A soldiers’ soldier at 80’  

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi pays tribute to 80 year-old Gen. Alani Akinrinade for his pro-democracy activities, military professionalism and commitment to the rule of law and the cause of national unity.

    I’ most delighted to contribute this tribute to a leader who has affected me positively in my own growth trajectory, General Alani Akinrinade as he clocks eighty. His spartan reputation loomed large even before the privilege of meeting him. He was the intrepid barnstormer in the 3rd Marine Commando that played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s eventual victory in the Civil War. He was also the General Officer Commanding the First Division, who told Colonel Bukar Sukar Dimka that it was in his best interest to change his mind about the 1976 coup before he marched down south with his troops to overrun him and his band of coup plotters. Soldiers talked about him in hushed tones but with bated breath and barely concealed admiration. Contemporaries regard him as the quintessential exemplary soldier. It was no surprise that he went on to attain the highest levels in his chosen career – first as Chief of Army Staff and subsequently as Chief of Defence Staff under President Shehu Shagari even before he turned 50.

    General Akinrinade was a soldiers’ soldier. Brave, bold, intrepid and professional in his chosen trade. He is also self -effacing to a fault. He would rather operate in the shadows than call attention to himself. Yet he is a patriot to the core, one who is never afraid of speaking truth to power and challenging any status quo that is not delivering development to the downtrodden.

    Although I met him first as a research student writing a doctoral thesis on defence planning in Nigeria, my relationship with him  has grown from one of a detached academic observer to a mentee and an adopted son. I have had the privilege of working closely with him in the quest of making Nigeria a truly Federal republic at home and abroad and have seen him agonize over missed opportunities in our country over the years. What becomes clear very early  to anyone who knows General Akinrinade is his abhorrence of oppression. Whether he is defending the Ogoni in the Niger Delta or protecting the rights of the small and medium scale enterprises as Industry and Agriculture Minister, he is never tired of being the voice of the voiceless and the defender of the defenseless. For that, he suffered greatly. Not only did he become persona non grata in the country he fought to keep united, assassins were sent after him for his audacity to speak truth to power. His Opebi, Lagos house was fire bombed and his Yakoyo residence ransacked. His family suffered greatly in the hands of those not even fit to tie his shoelace.

    There are many who now bestride the Nigerian political space like the colossus with scant acknowledgment of General Akinrinade’s role in making this democratic process possible. I should know. I was involved in that process and could speak authoritatively about the role General Akinrinade played. In fact, written  about it in my book, Out of the Shadows.  I know that I’m a beneficiary of his generosity of spirit and of his extensive knowledge of Nigeria’s complexities. Yet there are many who are also beneficiaries of the General’s goodwill without the decency of openly confirming this.

    One of his most unique qualities is the fact that he is an unapologetic Nigerian nationalist as he is a proud Yoruba patriot. His position on the distortions that have bedraggled the Nigerian state is well known. His critique of the creeping unitarism brought about partly by military incursion into politics is also well documented. And he has proffered solutions by arguing largely for competitive and cooperative federalism – particularly the type that strengthen minority segments of the country.

    Today at 80, I’m almost certain that he is not happy about the state of affairs in our beloved country. But with his incurable optimism and his unflagging determination, General Akinrinade has defied stereotypes and become one of the most dashing 80 year olds in this clime. And that is why we cannot let go of him in these difficult times. The leadership that is needed in troubled times like this requires the experience, courage and non-partisan direction of his type. Although he has always avoided been put in a position in which leadership is thrust upon him, it is clear as the elders say, Ti Ina o ba tan laso, eje ki tan Lekan na. Our country needs guardian angels right now  and they don’t come any better than General Akinrinade.

    General, sir! The job is not done. Your children and mentees in the saddle still need you. They need your wise counsel, they need your network, they need your clarity of vision, they need your sincerity of purpose. We need your consensual, purpose-driven leadership.

    Happy Birthday sir…..Igba Odun, Odun kan oo.

  • Akinrinade, a fighter for democracy, rule of law, says Tinubu

    All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Tinubu extols the virtues of Gen. Alani Akinrinade, who is celebrating his 80th birthday today.

    All Progressives Congress National Stalwart, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has paid a special tribute to former Chief of Defence Staff, General Alani Akinrinade, as he clock 80 on October 3rd, 2019, describing him a fighter for democracy, rule of law and social justice with whom he was in the trenches during the military era.

    He said General Akinrinade is a true democrat, an unrelenting fighter for rule of law and social justice and a statesman extraordinary who served and continues to serve his country with all that he has: “his intellect, energy, power, doggedness and commitment”.

    Asiwaju said in the emotional tribute: “Whether in the army or in retirement, General Alani Akinrinade deployed all he is endowed with to accomplish whatever tasks he is given or to the goals he sets for himself. He served and continues to serve his country with all that he has: his intellect, energy, power, doggedness and commitment. He served the military meritoriously and faithfully. Given his brilliance and tenacity, he rose to the pinnacle of the military profession as Chief of Army Staff and later Chief of Defence Staff, appointed to help in stabilizing the new civilian government then in 1979 during the Second Republic.  He, however, quit barely a year after, retiring from the military, as it were, at just 38.

    “The circumstance of General Akinrinade’s retirement is a testament to his impeccable character and good qualities. Sensing that some in the then President Shehu Shagari government he was left behind by the military to assist feared there could be issues of trust in his position, General Akinrinade put in his resignation letter in order not to compromise himself and the principles he stood for. This was to the discomfiture of President Shagari and some top Yoruba functionaries in that NPN government who tried to prevail on him to change his mind. That is not in his character. Once he is convinced in a course of action and makes his decision, General Akinrinade I know does not look back.

    “For close to 30 years that our paths have crossed in the field of struggle for the termination of military rule in Nigeria and political emancipation of Nigerians, General Akinrinade has not changed a bit. He is a true democrat, an unrelenting fighter for rule of law and social justice and a statesman extraordinary. He is very political, though not a politician. After the annulment of the June 12 election, General Akinrinade was among the few of us who formed NADECO to demand the de-annulment of that election. From the Egbe Ilosiwaju Yoruba which he belonged to and where he first espoused robust engagement with the military forces over the annulment, he later agreed that a bit of force was needed to actualise June 12 and correct the ills in the system. We were in the trenches together with General Akinrinade. Together, we were forced on exile from where we continued the struggle. A combatant soldier who is no stranger to battles, he provided direction and leadership for us in the push back against the annulment.

    “General Akinrinade deserves all the accolades he is getting today. He deserves our gratitude. He is one of those who sacrificed for the democracy we enjoy in the country today. For democracy, he suffered untold deprivation. He was hounded endlessly by agents of the military dictator. His house was burnt down, his business crippled. We thank God that the General bounced back and he is living well to witness the democracy he fought for and to tell his story of conviction, courage and victory to the younger generations.

    “General Akinrinade has remained who he is -humble, modest, firm and focused on changing our society for better. He lives a Spartan way of life, radiating simplicity, happiness and self-contentment. Indeed, the General has lived a good life. His patriotism, commitment to democracy, rule of law, social justice and worthy causes and his simple way of life deserves to be emulated.

    “Though he is now gradually retiring to a life in the quietude of his ancestral home, Nigeria still needs his services, his wise counsel. We need his constant intervention in national politics.  I wish General Akinriande a wonderful 80th birthday. My prayers for him is that God grant him more years, good health and renewed energy to continue to be who he is and continue to contribute to national development.”

  • Photos: Buhari arrives South Africa

    President Muhammadu Buhari arrives South Africa on a three-day State Visit. PMB is in South Africa following an invitation by President Cyril Ramaphosa, to discuss welfare of Nigerians, and find common grounds for building harmonious relations with their hosts.

     

    Photos: Buhari arrives South Africa

    Photos: Buhari arrives South Africa

    Photos: Buhari arrives South Africa

  • Obaseki calls for dialogue in resolving ethnic, communal conflicts

    The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has harped on the need for dialogue and tolerance in resolving religious, ethnic, communal and political conflicts, noting that such approach would engender peace and sustainable development.

    The governor said this in commemoration of the International Day of Non-Violence, marked on October 2, every year by the United Nations and its sister organs.

    Obaseki noted that dialogue and tolerance are necessary in resolving and preventing conflicts, urging governments at all levels to be fair to all citizens irrespective of religious, economic or political differences so as to suppress feelings of marginalisation, which may lead to conflict.

    According to him, “When everything else fails, non-violent approach has proven to be reliable in resolving myriad of conflicts. It allows for continuous dialogue, realignment of interests, open and frank conversations, endurance and forgiveness of human mistakes and the conviction that our perceived enemies could become dependable allies and partners after compromise is reached.

    “It is important for leaders of thought in the society to look at past attempts in conflict resolution in order to consider ideas for the future. To maintain peaceful coexistence and socio-economic development, governments must adopt strategies for inclusion, and harmonious living in dealing with conflicts.

    Obaseki stressed that “the non-violence approach remains a viable and potent conflict resolution model even today, and should be explored by mediators and opinion moulders instead of the rush to unconventional tactics that leave in their wake sorrow, regrets, debts or deaths.”

    The United Nations General Assembly commenced commemoration of the International Day of Non-violence by the resolution in 2007, promoting it as a platform to disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness.

    According to the UN, “the resolution reaffirms the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence and the desire to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence.”

  • JUST IN: Many feared killed as bus plunges into Ogun river

    Many persons have been feared killed after a passenger bus plunged into River Ososa in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State on Wednesday evening.

    It was gathered that the incident occurred around 4:30pm while the bus with yet to be specified number of passengers was travelling on the Sagamu- Ijebu Ode-Benin Expressway.

    The Nation reports the unfortunate accident occurred barely a week after a non-academic staff bus of Tai Solarin College of Education (TASCE), Ijebu Ode plunged into the same river.

    At the time of the report, divers and rescuers were still battling to save occupants of the vehicle which was said to have lost control before flipping into the river.

    It was gathered that the bus driver had attempted to overtake another vehicle on the road but suddenly had a bad tyre causing it to fall into the river.

    Confirming the incident, Ogun Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) said it was as a result of over speeding.

    Sector Commander Clement Oladele told The Nation that high water levels occasioned by the heavy downpour on Tuesday was making the rescue operation more difficult.

    He said: “The FRSC rescue team moved in immediately to the scene for rescue operations. The team include FRSC professional divers who have dived into the river to conduct rescue operations underneath

    “The divers are still working hard to recover the passengers in the ill-fated  vehicle, which is made more difficult due to the risen level of the river caused by yesterday’s heavy rains, around Ijebu-Ode area.

    “The bus was travelling from the  Sagamu end of the expressway towards Ijebu Ode section.”

    Expressing worry over the incidents, Oladele appealed to motorists to drive cautiously especially around bridges, considering that the expressway was undergoing rehabilitation.

    “Motorists are therefore strongly advised to reduce speed when approaching bridges to prevent unpleasant situation such as this.

    “The rescue operations would not be called off till the vehicle and the occupants are brought out of the river.

    “I also appeal to RCC to ensure that the safety railings around the bridge and other bridges in that axis are

    quickly replaced. Illuminated warning signs should be provided around the bridge and the depression at the foot of the bridge quickly repaired to prevent re-occurrence,” he said.

  • ‘Moghalu’s appointment best Independence gift to Southeast’

    The Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) has hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing Dr. George Moghalu as managing Director/CEO of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).

    Chairman of Anambra State chapter Vincent Ezekwueme, in a statement yesterday, described the appointment as the best independence gift to the Southeast.

    He said the people would remain grateful to the President for ‘his patriotic reintegration processes’.

    The statement reads: “This is a welcome development and cheering news to the people of the Southeast and Nigerians. This is the best Independence gift to the Southeast. The President has provided the opportunity towards resuscitation of the moribund Onitsha seaport.”

    Read Also: How wrecks on waterways fuel piracy, accidents

    Ezekwueme urged Moghalu to live up to the expectation of the President and Nigerians by being selfless in the discharge of his assignments.

    “Moghalu as a moralist, selfless, patriotic, humble, honest and servant leader must bear the interest and social wellbeing of the citizens at heart by rehabilitating the decrepit and deplorable Onitsha seaport to boost economic activities in the Southeast, as well as give them a sense of belonging,” he added.

    He appealed to the President to extend similar appointments to the family of former Senate President, Chuba Okadigbo, who was his political ally and running mate in 2003.

  • PDP rejects Buhari’s plans to return toll gates

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has vehemently opposed plans by President Muhammadu Buhari to return toll gates on major highways across the country.

    The party lamented that the “insensitive idea” coming in the midst of excruciating economic hardship and high costs of living, “occasioned by the incompetence and harsh policies of the Buhari administration” is completely ill-conceived and anti-people.

    In a statement Wednesday by the spokesman for the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, the party insisted that at best, the idea amounted to “executive bullying”, which the PDP said, cannot be justified under any guise.

    The party said it would lead to increase in costs of goods and services across the country.

    The statement said: “Only recently, President Buhari approved the increase of Value Added Tax (VAT) from 5% to 7.2% despite outcry by Nigerians, who are also being made to pay exorbitant tariffs for electricity and other essential services.

    “Since President Buhari came into office in 2015, his administration had continued to increase prices and impose all manner of levies on Nigerians which proceeds are being frittered by the cabal in the presidency leading to a bleeding economy and despondency among the citizenry”.

    The PDP said instead of putting more pressure on already impoverished Nigerians by introducing toll gates at this point in time, President Buhari should exert himself, seek ways of creating wealth out of the abundant resources at the disposal of his administration or make haste to surrender the reign of governance to more competent hands.

    “Nigerians could recall that the PDP administration, in keeping with our determination to ensure the wellbeing and economic prosperity of our citizens, dismantled toll gates, cut tax profiles and applied our energies towards wealth creation.

    “It is therefore certain that if our nation were under a PDP administration, as desired by Nigerians, competent hands would have been on the deck to proffer ways to create wealth for governance instead of turning our citizens into vassals who are overburdened by heavy taxes.

    “The PDP states that it is lamentable that at the time Nigerians ought to be enjoying the benefits of the Atiku Abubakar economic recovery and wealth creation blueprint, they are faced with suppressive policies,” the statement added.

    The party charged President Buhari to immediately rescind the decision, saying it’s not in the best interest of Nigerians.

  • N84.6m fraud: EFCC grills INEC accountant, three others

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested and quizzed four officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for alleged diversion of N84, 696,000 meant for the payment of ad hoc staff engaged for the 2019 presidential and governorship elections in the country.

    The suspects, who were grilled by the Sokoto Zonal Office of the anti –graft agency, are from Zamfara State office of INEC.

    The suspects are the Administrative Secretary, Hassan Sidi Aliyu; the Head of Operations,   Hussain Jafar; the State Accountant, Abdullahi Yusuf Abubakar, and Abdulmumin Usman.

    A statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said the suspects were grilled for “alleged case of conspiracy, breach of trust and criminal diversion of Ad Hoc staff allowance to the tune of N84, 696,000.

    “The petitioner, one Abdullahi Nasiru, who wrote on behalf of all presiding officers that worked for INEC during the 2019 Presidential and Gubernatorial elections in Zamfara State, alleged that the  Ad hoc staff were denied payment of their N6,000 movement allowance each for the two elections.

    Read Also: EFCC arrests ‘fake lawyer’

    “He further alleged that what the INEC officials in Zamfara paid to them was different from what other states paid their Ad hoc staff.  The  INEC office  in Zamfara allegedly paid its staff N9000 while in other states like Sokoto State, the electoral  commission paid N12000 each.

    The statement added: “Investigation by the EFCC revealed that none of the 10,500 presiding officers, who participated in the elections, were paid their entitlements cumulatively put at N84, 696,000

    “Efforts are being made by the Commission to recover the money criminally diverted by  INEC heads of department and Electoral Officers  of the 14 local governments in Zamfara State, namely; Abdullahi Sambawa (Zurmi LGA); Aliyu Jafaru Goronyo( Maradun LGA);  Balarabe Ahmed S Gobir (Gummi LGA); Amadu Ibrahim (Gusau LGA); Mohammed Bashir Musa (Kaura Namoda LGA); Dalhatu Usman Musa (Birnin Magaji LGA); Abdulmumin Usman (Maru LGA); Muhammad  Nasir Saidu (Talatu Mafara LGA); Abdullahi A. Ukashatu (Tsafe LGA); Tukur Garba Kaita (Bungudu LGA); Salihu Musa Abdullahi (Bukuyun LGA);  Sadiq Abdullahi, Fari (Anka LGA); Lawali Muhammed, Argungu (Bakura LGA); Jafaru Gide, (Shinkafi LGA); Tanimu Muhammad (Shinkafi LGA); and Hassan Abdullahi (Shinkafi LGA).

    “The suspects would be arraigned in court as soon as investigation is completed.”

  • I’m not interested in third term – Buhari

    The Presidency on Tuesday night insisted that President Muhammadu Buhari is not interested in seeking third term in office.

    A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said that President Buhari would leave office at the end of his second term in 2023.

    He was reacting to media reports on presidential term limits.

    He said “The Presidency wishes to correct internet-based gossip and un-informed media commentary regarding presidential term limits, given credence by so-called support groups, staging street demonstrations asking President Muhammadu Buhari to do a third term.

    Read Also: Buhari’s independence broadcast insult to Nigerians, says PDP

    “There are no circumstances – nor set of circumstances – under which President Buhari may seek to amend the Constitution regarding the two-term term limit on holding office as President.

    “President Buhari intends to serve his full second elected term in office, ending 2023 – and then there shall be a general election in which he will not be a candidate.

    “There is not even the faintest possibility that this will change.

    “It is important to note that there was a past attempt to change the Constitution to allow for the-then incumbent president to stand for a third term. That attempt was wrong, unconstitutional – and rightly rebuffed. No such attempt will happen under this President.

    President Buhari, he noted, is a democrat.

    “He respects the Constitution. Any activity aimed at altering the two-term limit will not succeed and shall never have his time nor support.” he stated

  • Alleged N2b fraud: DSS hands over Maina to EFCC

    Barely three days after his arrest, the Department of State Security Services(DSS) has handed over a former Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team, Mr. Abdul-Rasheed Maina to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC).

    Maina, who was looking pensive, was brought to the anti-graft agency at about 5.30pm.

    As at press time, the suspect was being quizzed over alleged N2billion biometrics contract.

    It was also learnt that Maina was being interrogated over choice assets in Kado Estate in Abuja, some properties in Kaduna and a large farm in Keffi.

    A top source, who spoke in confidence, said: “Maina, who we had earlier declared wanted, was brought to EFCC by the DSS a few hours ago.

    “The security agency handed him over after the completion of its profiling on him.

    “You know Maina has been hiding in Dubai, UAE and some neighbouring countries and there is need to de-brief him on certain security challenges associated with him.

    “For instance, intelligence report indicated that Maina was asked how he has always succeeded in sneaking in and out of the country and his connection with a safe house in Abuja.

    “But as soon as he was handed over to EFCC, detectives isolated issues for him on the N2billion biometrics contact. He was also asked to make statement on the funding of the defunct the Pension Reform Task Team.

    “He has also been asked to explain how he came about choice assets in Abuja and Kaduna.

    “The investigation might also be extended to his activities as a former director in Customs, Immigration and Prisons Office (CIPPO) which he superintended with huge cash flow.”

    Read Also: Maina’s son pulled pistol on security agents, says DSS

    Responding to a question, the EFCC source said: “He will soon be arraigned in court because we have already preferred charges against him.

    “As far back as July 21, 2015, Maina was already arraigned before a Federal High Court on a 24-count charge with a former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mr. Steve Oronsaye, Osarenkhoe Afe and Fredrick Hamilton Global Services Limited.

    “He is expected to face trial for charges bordering on procurement fraud and obtaining by false pretence.

    “What detectives are doing now is to obtain a statement from him on some findings about him before the court proceedings.”

    Asked of his status, the source added: “Maina was in pensive mood, he never expected that the law will catch up with him.”

    Maina was picked up by DSS operatives at a hotel in Abuja.

    The EFCC had in 2017, declared Maina wanted, following his refusal to honour the commission’s invitations.

    But in his bid to evade the long arm of the law, Maina, on September 5, 2018, in a suit no: FHC/ABJ/CS/957/2918, asked the court to decide whether the Commission can lawfully exercise powers of declaring him wanted, either on its official website or any other media platform, or “harass him.”

    But Justice Folasade Giwa Ogunbanjo of the Federal High Court restrained the anti- graft commission from declaring Maina wanted.

    She also gave an order of perpetual injunction, restraining the EFCC and its affiliates or related bodies from further declaring Maina wanted in relation to the issue of the pension scam.

    The EFCC however said the judgment must not be allowed to stand and filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal.