The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Igbo and the Nigerian presidency

    By Stanley Ekpa

    The origin of rotational leadership and management of political institutions predates democracy, as a social system for inclusion and stability in any heterogeneous political arrangement. In international system, European Union and Switzerland operate a classic instance of this system – the Presidency of EU rotates amongst its member states every six months, while the presidency of the Swiss confederation rotates among the seven councillors on a yearly basis, with one year’s vice president of the Federal Council becoming the next year’s Confederation President.

    The political theory for rotating Nigerian presidency finds its fulcrum on balancing the wheel of social justice, equity and inclusiveness in the management and governance of the Nigerian enterprise – a social theory that lacks constitutional bearing but beckons as a constant dominant factor in every general election in Nigeria since the 1995 Constitutional Conference. As a prefatory caveat, I want to abundantly place on record that I am not persuaded by the defence of the proponents of rotational presidency in Nigeria; I am at all times a strident exponent of meritocracy and competence of candidacies for the presidency of Nigeria. If the presidency must be achieved based on rotational arrangements, it must primarily be to advance a candidate that would give us a premium threshold of development results, leadership excellence and commitment to Nigeria’s oneness.

    Since Nigeria’s attained independence in 1960, virtually all ethnic groups in the country have devised unifying ethnic organizations for the advancement and actualization of their collective economic and socio-political aspirations and interests, thereby creating an uneasy political relations among Nigeria’s more than 250 ethnic nationalities. Conscious of this, the Peoples Democratic Party in pursuance of the principle of equity, justice and fairness, has in Article 7.2 (c) of its Constitution provided that the party shall adhere to the policy of rotation and zoning of party and public elective offices. A provision which has a burden of enforcement within Nigeria’s political landscape except where it falls under the cardinal constitutional principle of Federal Character as provided by Section 13 (3) (4) of the 1999 CFRN to the extent that “the composition of the government of the federation, or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity, and also to command national loyalty, thereby ensuring that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few states or from a few ethnic or other sectional groups in the Government or in any of its agencies”. To achieve the ethnic antics of rotational presidency therefore is to unleash propaganda, media spinning and milling to sway sentiments in favour of any region involved.

    This has led to the tri-polar power struggle amongst the supposedly “ mega-ethnic nationalities” of Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba in a constant business of mobilizing for the manifest interest of themselves anchored on the theory of the interest of their regions, thereby leaving almost no one to mobilize for Nigeria’s interest, growth, development, unity and inclusive prosperity. The quest to mobilize the Igbo race started in the first two decades of the 20th century as part of Igbo resistance to foreign invasion and colonial domination. In 1933, the Nigerian Daily Telegraph published a letter which expressed the quest to establish an Igbo Union with the aim of protecting and advancing the overall interests of Ndi Igbo, politically, economically, socially, culturally and practically in every respect, through the “rebirth of the dying embers of Igbo national zeal.” It was the arguments of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe during the unveiling of a Pan-Nigerian Igbo Federal Union in 1944 that “the Igbo had not been united because of superstition and ignorance, that the Igbo, blessed as they were with natural resources, land and manpower, as well as common language, could achieve a great deal if they unite” that further sealed the establishment of the organization.

    Expectedly, the organization like most other ethnic groups become exclusionary in its engagements as it was closely associated with the National Council of Nigerians and Cameroons, a political party known as the eastern party. With the abrupt end of the first republic in 1966, the group alongside all other ethnic groups was proscribed by the military administration, until the military opened up the political space in 1979, leading to the establishment of the Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo in 1976 as the apex unifying body for Ndi Igbo. But Ndi Igbo has carried on the exclusionary politics for too long and almost in all major elections in Nigeria. In 1979 when for some strategic reasons the Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo took a different and more inclusionary political route by aligning with the Shehu Shagari’s led government at the centre with Dr. Alex Ekwueme as as the Vice President, the Zik’s led Nigeria Peoples Party and other Igbo groups argued that the apex body’s alignment with the ruling hegemonic elite from other regions was subjecting Ndi Igbo to a subordinate role in the prevailing power configuration, and that the emergence of Dr. Ekwueme was only to serve as a stooge of the north.

    Read Also: 2023 Presidency: Igbo groups plot alliances with West, North

     

    As episodes of the game of the 2023 presidential throne unfold, Ndi Igbo must not demand for the presidency on the sentiment of social exclusion but on the strength of their leaders’ competence, visions for an inclusively developed Nigeria, ability to govern Nigeria like a public company where the interest of all shareholders and stakeholders are protected, and commitment to sustaining Nigeria’s oneness. To win the presidency, Ndi Igbo must play strategic politics of interest and policies. Negotiating a balanced political deal that promises hope for Nigeria; one that opens wider window of opportunities for subsequent generations of Igbo politicians to emerge; a deal that would give them a chance to rewrite the plethora of wrong notions about Ndi Igbo; a deal that would industrialize Nigeria; a deal that would leverage on Nigeria’s development comparative and competitive edges; a deal that would make Nigeria function efficiently; a deal for Nigeria and Nigerians.

    Politics is a game of complex interests, strategy, tactics, collaboration and bridge building, and effective communications. Ndi Igbo has the organizational facilities, funds, intellect and creativity to contribute to a better Nigeria, not only in business, trade and investments but also in politics. This demands them to identify the brightest minds, viable and pragmatic politicians of the extraction to lead and flag their mandate – they must unite as was the wish of Zik as referenced above. The attitude of seeing some Igbo nationalities like Ebonyi, Nsukka and others as less Igbo can only further expose a region lacking self-control wanting to control the nation. For out of such marginalized nationalities, a true leader of the Igbo race and modern Nigeria can emerge. When a Nigerian president of an Igbo extraction emerges, he or she has a responsibility to make a clear difference in servant leadership, in credible and visionary leadership, in building a creative and smart nation for all, in setting a new standard in governance and in uniting Nigeria.

    If the Igbo agenda for the 2023 presidency fails, the leaders of the region have a duty to organize Ndi Igbo for inclusionary relevance within the prevailing polity. They must continue to show leadership in providing and cementing the building blocks of Nigeria, and the Southeast as the industrial base of Nigeria. Nigeria’s federal system though weak gives the southeastern governors the latitude to leverage their states for local development. The solutions to the complaints of social injustice and marginalization of Ndi Igbo cannot be solved by the politics of winning the presidency alone, it would be manifestly resolved the moment the leaders within the region begin to take responsibility for the desired development results in their states.

     

    • Ekpa writes from Kaduna.

  • ‘ESQ Nigerian legal Awards celebrates the best’

    By John Austin Unachukwu

    The ESQ Nigerian Legal Awards is focused on celebrating the best in the legal profession, its Managing Director/CEO, Lere Fashola, has said.

    He stated this in his welcome address at the 2019 edition of the awards held at the Landmark Event Centre, Lagos.

    At the event, persons, law firms and corporate organisations that had made the legal profession proud were honoured.

    Fashola said: “When we envisioned the idea of an awards ceremony, we did not fully appreciate the gravity of the undertaking. However, through the years and after many different experiences that we have learnt from, we have made considerable progress. What we see now is a culmination of 10 years of consistent and dedicated efforts.

    “At ESQ NLA, we stand for excellence, we believe in excellence and we reward excellence. Hence, we considered it imperative to recognise the excellent and important contributions to the legal profession.”

    The event celebrated “the biggest and the best players in the legal profession; the law firms, the leaders and the icons.”

    Fashola acknowledged that “our future is already being shaped by extraordinary young persons. These are the people that will dictate the future prosperity of the legal profession.”

    40 under 40 lawyers were honoured at the Awards.

    Read Also: Osinbajo, World Bank VP, others for ESQ Legal Awards

    Fashola noted that “if there was any decision most herculean for the judges to reach, it was coming up with the 40 honorees out of the galaxy of the over 100 star finalists.

    “The role of new wigs and younger lawyers in the profession cannot be overlooked. With the best grooming, training and mentorship and the right work ethics, they can aspire and certainly reach for the peak of the profession.

    “It is for this reason that ESQ is building the first professional co-work station for lawyers. The station will be a hub for cutting edge continuing legal education and innovative legal practice. They are the future of the legal profession in Nigeria and they must join the moving train.”

    According to him, what made the 2019 edition of the Nigerian Legal Awards unique was the attention the organisers paid to “every aspect of the planning process. From the pooling of our distinguished Judges to the nominations stage, from the selection of venue to the engagement of the judges and eventually to this very moment, we have ensured to be meticulous at arriving at every critical point of this award ceremony.”

    Fashola said none of that would have been possible without the collective efforts of many key contributors.

    “First is the inestimable efforts of our distinguished Judges. Ably led by the Chairman, Dr Olusegun Akin-Olugbade, our panel worked extensively and passionately for months to deliver on their mandate. We also appreciate ourPartners who believe that working with us is a worthy investment.

    We cannot thank them enough for having faith in us and what we do.

    “Dear distinguished industry leaders and mentors, we acknowledge your towering support and contribution to the profession that we so dearly love. You are our icons and we pay our gratitude for leading the path for us to tread. Distinguished guests, thank you very much for gracing us with your presence. The Awards is nothing without you, indeed.

    Dear guests and friends, we have come a long way together. ESQ Nigerian Legal Awards has crawled, walked, run and with you beside us, we are ready to fly” Fashola stated.

    Dangote Industries, Law Pavilion, Aluko & Oyebode, Mr. Olumide Akpata, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Edo State Professor, Yinka Omoregbe  were among  recipients of the award in 2019.

  • Plateau issues Executive Order on next level agenda

    By John Austin Unachukwu

     

    Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong has issued an Executive Order on the implementation of his next level agenda.

    He said it would deliver dividends of democracy and improve the lives of the residents.

    A statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr. Makut Simon Macham, said the proclamation followed the ratification of the Plateau Development Strategy (PSDS) 2019-2023 by the State Executive Council.

    It stated that as “a major roadmap towards implementing the Next Level Vision of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led rescue administration, anchored on peace, security and good governance; infrastructural development; and sustainable economic rebirth, Governor Simon Bako Lalong has proclaimed Executive Order 1 establishing the Programme Management And Results Delivery Office (PMRDO).

    “The office is to, among others, oversee Development and Operation of a Planning, Learning and Control System to support the Integrated Portfolio Management of the implementation of the 35 initiatives and others contained in the Plateau Development Strategy.

    “The office is to also ensure that all major initiatives and spending approvals by the Office of the Governor are aligned with the vision of the administration for a Greater Plateau.”

    According to the statement, “It will also ensure collaboration within focal MDAs in the implementation of the Plateau Development Strategy initiatives as well as provide strategic communication solutions to ensure the buy-in of relevant stakeholders in the Plateau project.

    Read Also: I will continue to work for peace, unity of Plateau – Gov. Lalong

     

    “Under the supervision of the Chief of Staff, the Office will develop a robust fact-base of risk sharing quality for the promotion of social and commercial investment partnerships and alliances for Plateau State and its citizens.”

    It will also, at the same time, identify and facilitate “skill and competency development programmes to build leadership bench-strength for public service and entrepreneurship in partnership with advanced institutions with subject matter expertise.

    “It is also expected to ensure the delivery of the initiatives contained in the Plateau Development Strategy in a timely, cost effective, qualitative and flexible manner.

    The PMRDO is to be headed by a Senior Technical Advisor who will be assisted by Technical Advisors, Specialists and support other staff” Lalong stated

  • Honour for a diligent judge

    The Centre for Socio-Legal Studies recently launched two books in honour of Justice Cecilia Mojisola Olatoregun who retired last month after 19 years as a judge of the Federal High Court.  ROBERT EGBE was there.

     

    If, like me, the first time you observed Justice Cecilia Mojisola Olatoregun was halfway through a court session, you may not understand what she and many other judicial officers like her represent in the Nigerian legal system.

    But those who understand– Justices, judges, senior and junior members of the inner and outer Bar, among others – gathered recently at the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos to celebrate that “spirit of judicial diligence.”

    The event was the launch of two books published in her honour by the Centre for Socio-Legal Studies (CSLS), Abuja.

    The first book, Cases, Judgment and Rulings of Honorable Justice C. M. A. Olatoregun, was edited by CSLS President Professor Yemi Akinseye-George (SAN). The second, Trends in Law and Justice (Essays in honour of Hon Justice CMA Olatoregun), was edited by Justice Adedotun Onibokun of the Osun State High Court.

     

    40 years of Law

    The launch coincided with Justice Olatoregun’s retirement from the Bench after 19 years at the Federal High Court.

    Forty years ago, the young Cecilia Mojisola Olatoregun bagged her L.L.B Degree from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) and participated in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme immediately after. Her work career began in 1981, as a state counsel in the Oyo State Ministry of Justice. Soon after, she went into private practice.

    In 1986, Mrs. Olatoregun joined the Oyo State Judiciary as a Senior Magistrate ll where she served for five years. Her career progressed from Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court and the Admiralty Marshal of Nigeria, to her elevation to the Federal High Court Bench in 2000.

    In the course of her 19 years’ sojourn at the court, Justice Olatoregun delivered several landmark judgments, some of which formed the basis of the first book.

     

    ‘I didn’t know the future, but I knew diligence’

    A judge, a wife, a mother, a grandmother: but that’s not all there is to Justice Olatoregun. This was apparent when she broke into a song soon after she stepped up to the rostrum.

    She said: “I belong to the National Choir, I have a lot of solos. One of my songs at that time, one of the songs I sang very well was Doris Day’s Que Sera Sera (Starts singing): When I was just a little girl, I asked my mother, what will I be. Will I be pretty, Will I be rich? Here’s what she said to me: Que será, sera, whatever will be, will be, the future’s not ours to see, Que será, sera.

    “I think that song encapsulates the story of my life. What I’m going to be at one point or the other, I never knew, but what I knew always was to be diligent. I worked extremely hard, I had no other choice, I was trained to work hard, I was trained to ask for hard work towards whatever I want and that is what I’ve always known and done all my life: work hard, be diligent, every other thing will be added.

    “Unfortunately in Nigeria, you work hard and nothing is added, but I’ve never been discouraged, I keep working hard, all to the end of my career. I have been very truthful to myself, I’ve been truthful to God and I’ve not stopped working hard. I tell my children, hard work does not kill.”

     

    Caught by surprise

    The judge explained that she wasn’t aware  outsiders were taking note of her judicial performance and of the surprise that awaited her at the end of her career.

    She said: “I never knew what my future would be, I never knew what to expect, that my work, my judgments and rulings would be combined or brought together as a book,  I never imagined it, I only did my best,  or that essays would be written in my honor,  that was never within my contemplation,  I never imagined it. If you had told me last year, ‘a book would be written to honour you, or compilations of your judgment would be presented,’ I’d have said no, because I am not that kind of person; I like to stay on my lane.  But one afternoon, Mr. Kehinde came to my office around 3 or 4pm, it was a very busy day and he said they wanted to compile my judgments. I was surprised. To start with, I don’t encourage lawyers coming to my chamber. That was a big surprise to me, so I felt ‘I’m not of the Court of Appeal, I’m not of the Supreme Court, what you would do with a high court judgment and ruling?  I don’t think there is anything to it.’ But he stood his ground.

    “Eventually, a few weeks down the line, he sent me some books, and said ‘These are books we have done in the past, maybe when you look at the books, you’d be encouraged to give us an ear.’  So, I said yes and I told our legal assistant to start compiling my judgments and rulings. I had heard a lot about Prof. Akinseye-George and, eventually, I met him, and he said to me, ‘Those papers are a masterpiece; they are so good, we have so many, we don’t know what to do. Maybe we ’ll have two volumes.’ But I said I really have to thank you.

    “Somebody asked me, ‘Is the money coming to you?’,  I said ‘I don’t know because I’m not looking for money, I’ve been honoured and I think that is enough for me. If there is any money coming from that, I’m giving that money to an NGO. Period.”

    Read Also: Senate seeks special fund for Judiciary

     

    Akinseye-George: Why we published books on Justice Olatoregun

    Since its 2006 launch, CSLS has published over a hundred papers, articles and books and it was not going to let this opportunity pass it by.

    For Akinseye-George, CSLS, among other things, identifies and celebrates excellence. It was this excellence that interested the Centre about the retiring judge.

    Akinseye-George said: “The judgments were written by Justice Olatoregun but we compiled them, we edited them, we published them.

    “The reason we did that is because She is an excellent judge and we want her and her works to be an encouragement; the fact that we are celebrating her should be an encouragement to other judges, to show that, in our society, excellence still counts and merit still counts.

    “You heard her when she said hard work, hard work, hard work, compassion, substantial justice; those were her watchwords. The reason we decided to honor her is to encourage other people to pursue excellence, to show that even though there are challenges, judges not well paid, there are difficulties, they have too much work, their docket is heavy, yet many of them are applying themselves to their work so as to promote the course of justice. This is the reason why we put this course of justice together.

    “In the past we honoured prominent judges, but this is the first time we are honouring  a judge of the high Court.”

     

    Roll

    Guests at the event included The President of the Court of Appeal Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa represented by Justice Mohammed Garba, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court Justice John Tsoho, former Chief Judge of Lagos State Justice Ayotunde Phillips, former Presidents of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) and Dr Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), Nigeria’s first female Silk, Chief Folake Solanke SAN, Wale Babalakin SAN Chief Mike Ozekhome SAN, Ade Adedeji SAN, Kemi Pinheiro SAN.

    Others were chairman of Caverton Group, Chief Remi Makanjuola, the chairman of the Honeywell Group, Oba Otudeko, a former Oyo State Governor Alao Akala, and many others.

     

    Olanipekun: Do not forget high court judgments

    Olanipekun, who congratulated the judge for her strides, urged stakeholders to immortalise judgments of the high court.

    He said: “We appreciate my lord, your contribution to our profession, you have done well. I want to commend those who have put the books together. We have a lot of problems in this country regarding the judgments of high court judges. We are forgetting them at our own peril. The judgments are no longer reported. We forget that when we talk of the High Tree cases, Kufeji v Kogbe, on injunction and some of the cases we cite, even at the Supreme Court, they are judgments of the high court. Lord Denning wrote a good number of his judgments when he was at the high court. Coker wrote that judgment when he was at the high court. Nobody reports the judgments of high court judges. And I daresay that these judgments will stand the test of time. My lord, you are one of them (whose judgments will stand the test of time). Your erudition is in a class of its own. You are sui generis.”

     

    Adedeji: Justice Olatoregun, an unblemished judge

    For Adedeji, Justice Olatoregun is one of the foremost judges the Federal High Court has produced.

    “She is one that you can trust to always be on top of her cases. We are here today to honour a lady who spent almost 20 years at the Federal High Court in an unblemished career and that is very important in the Nigerian Judiciary of these days. We can only wish her well. I must say that one thing that is very clear about her performance while at the Bench of the Federal High Court is the fact that she was always in charge, in control of her court, and nobody can take that away from her,  we respect her a lot for that and we are going to miss her.”

  • Ex-NBA boss loses brother

    By John Austin Unachukwu

     

    Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Okey Wali (SAN) is mourning the death of his brother Michael Wali, who died on November 1.

    Wali described Michael’s death as a “shocking and a big blow” to not only his immediate family, “but everyone who knew him as he was a man whose love knew no bounds or generational gap. Late Micheal was indeed a rare gem.”

    Wali stated this when he received the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Bar Association, Eastern Bar Forum (EBF), Soseipreye Williams and some Chairmen  of the NBA Branches in Rivers State who paid him a condolence in his country home in Port Harcourt.

    Okey Wali said: “Mike was a different kind of person, who made friends easily and protected me from a lot. With him, there was nothing like siblings rivalry as he was very happy and comfortable for me to succeed”.

    Williams, who presented a condolence message on behalf of the Council and members of the Forum, said the EBF shared in his moment of grief and was there to condole with  him and members of his family.

    Read Also: Bayelsa: NBA faults Timipre Sylva’s attack on judge

     

    “The late Mike Wali as a perfect gentleman, who was loved by his kiths and kins and  his demise has definitely left a great vacuum.

    “May  the Almighty grant the deceased eternal rest and his family the fortitude to bear the great loss,” Williams stated.

    Wali, thanked the EBF team for making out time to visit him and sharing in his grief.

    He said that the visit reflected one of the essences of the Forum as one that looks out for the welfare and interest of her members.

     

  • Ex-ICJ Judge hails varsity as graduates bag First-class

    By Robert Egbe

     

    A former Judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Bola Ajibola, has praised Crescent University, Abeokuta, for the performance of its graduates at the Nigerian Law School (NLS).

    Two Crescent University graduates, Qudus Akintola and Zainab Akinde, made a first-class in the Bar Finals results recently announced by the NLS.

    Judge Ajibola, the varsity’s proprietor, said the feat called for a celebration.

    The former Attorney-General of the Federation and the Minister of Justice, congratulated the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibraheem Gbajabiamila; Dean Bola Ajibola College of Law, (BACOLAW) Prof. Momodu Kassim-Momodu and Head of Department of Mass Communication, Dr. Kola Adesina, for the “all-round achievement of the institution.”

    Aside his excellent performance at the NLS, Akintola also made a first-class and emerged the best graduating student of BACOLAW in 2018.

    Akinde, who also made a first-class at the NLS, also recently became a chartered member of the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICArb).

    Thirty-two other students of the Bola Ajibola College of Law of Crescent University, Abeokuta also got chartered with the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICArb). They have been inducted to practise arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).

    These feats came as Crescent University is relishing its 100 per cent National Universities Commission (NUC) accreditation across all its programmes.

    In the same vein, products of Mass Communication of Crescent University have excelled once again as the University of Lagos released the results of highly competitive 2019/2020 postgraduate entrance examinations.

    The results of the examination, which featured over 500 candidates from different universities in Nigeria held in July 2019, showed that nine students from the Department of Mass Communication of Crescent University, were among 78 candidates who scored 70% and above and were shortlisted for admission by Board of Postgraduate Studies, University of Lagos.

    Read Also: 241 bag First Class as UI graduates 7,430 students

     

    The nine students, representing 11.5% of candidates, were offered unconditional full-time admission into 2019/2020 Master of Science in Mass Communication.

    Two graduates of Mass Communication from Crescent University, Waheed Ogunjobi, finished with a PhD grade (4.21 over 5.0 in 2016/17) and Jonathan Olajide scored (4.28 over 5.0 in 2017/2018) respectively at the final examination of University of Lagos Master of Science (MSc.) in Mass Communication programme.

    Reacting to the development, the Head of Department of Mass Communication, Crescent University, Abeokuta Dr. Kola Adesina said that he was not surprised that nine students excelled again in the UNILAG 2019 postgraduate entrance examination because graduates of Crescent Mass Communication have always been leading  in UNILAG at a postgraduate level over the past five years.

    Adesina said nine out of 78 students admitted unconditionally for 2019/2020 full-time admission on merit coming from the same university confirms the quality and integrity of certificates issued by Crescent University.

    Prof. Gbajabiamila said he was not surprised by the feat recorded by the graduates of the institution as they have been adequately equipped to excel in all spheres of life.

  • Tributes to Bar man Orimoloye

    Friends and colleagues have paid tribute to the former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Owo Branch, Olawale Abayomi Orimoloye, who was buried last month in Owo, Ondo State, reports Legal Editor JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWU 

     

    The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Owo branch and the University of Benin (UNIBEN) Alumni in Owo, Ondo State, have paid tributes to the late Mr. Olawole Abayomi Orimoloye, who died on May 16, at his funeral in Owo.

    Orimoloye, described by friends and colleagues as “a consummate Bar man,” and a seasoned administrator, once chaired the NBA Owo branch and Ondo State chapter of the UNIBEN Alumni.

    The NBA branch Chairman, Mr. Tajudeen Olutope Ahmed, said: “When the news of the death of our leader, colleague, brother and former chairman came to the public knowledge on the May 16, 2019; the NBA–Owo branch members were shocked.

    “It was quite an unpleasant tiding and a loss to the legal community of Owo and beyond. Ola Orimoloye was, indeed, snatched away from our fold when we needed his leadership, tutelage and mentorship the more.”

    He noted that Orimoloye had “a remarkable career as a civil servant. In the process, he rose to the position of Director of Local Government Administration before his retirement in 2013.

    “While in the service, he won several awards and accolades for his sterling service and special commendation for exemplary performance at the Ondo State Civil Service Commission.”

    “He was a methodical and articulate attorney. His passion for giving attention to every detail was salutary. He was a stickler to the rules and a fervent advocate of equitable doctrine.

    Read Also: Govt’s silence on Appeal Court Justice’s kidnap worries NBA

     

    “The late Ola Orimoloye was a great Bar man. His outstanding involvements in the activities of the Bar at the branch, national and international levels are confirmation of his classical Bar activism… It was a colossal loss and he will be sorely missed. It is our prayer that the Almighty God grants him a blissful abode in the hereafter.”

    In his tribute  titled “A small but mighty giant”, former country representative of the International Bar Association (IBA) Chief Richard Oma Ahonaruogho noted that much had been said since the passage into eternal glory of the man he  fondly call, “Oloye” or “High Chief” – Chief Ola Orimoloye.”

    He described Chief Orimomloye  as a man of  great intellect: “Oloye, at the age of 20 years, had completed his university education at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) with a Second Class Upper Division Bachelor of Science (Sociology and Anthropology), a real feat, in those days. He was to later attend the then Ondo State University, (now Ekiti State University), Ado-Ekiti, where he bagged the Bachelor of Laws Degree (LL.B) Hons  in 1997. He was called to the Bar in 1999, thereby being qualified to practise as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

    “Luckily, he is survived by children, one of whom, Mrs. Oluwagbemisola Ogunkua, took after him as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. His other children, led by Dr. Olumide Orimoloye, are also successful in their various professions and pursuits.

    “My relationship with Oloye began sometimes in 2002, when I was the Vice-President (West of the University of Benin Alumni Association (UBAA), under the Presidency of Dr. Mike I. Onokofua, JP, and Professor Mary Olire Edema, as Secretary General, while he, was the Chairman of the University of Benin Alumni Association (UBAA), Ondo State Branch.

    “Oloye was special to his beloved wife, whom I call “Sis Bisi” and the children to whom he showed unending affection and care. I know that they had time to come to terms with his sudden illness in the last four months before his demise and did everything possible to support him in dignity. Oloye was a very shy person and did not wish, even at the pain of imminent death to trouble anyone with his ill health and was ready to shoulder same with abiding faith in God Almighty.”

     

  • ‘How Sasegbon, Fawehinmi raced to publish law report’

    Seven volumes of Sasegbon’s Judicial Dictionary of Nigerian Law, published by DSC Publications, the publishing firm of the late Deji Sasegbon (SAN), have been presented, albeit,  posthumously, to members of the legal profession and the public, report Legal Editor JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWU and ADEBISI ONANUGA

     

    MEMORIES of the late Deji Sasegbon (SAN) came alive last Thursday, at the AGIP Recital Hall, MUSON, Onikan, Lagos.

    It was at the presentation of the Seven volumes of Sasegbon’s Judicial Dictionary of Nigerian Law (SJD), compiled by the late Deji Sasagbon, three years after he passed on.

    The roll included Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who was the Chief Guest of Honour, while former President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Wole Olanipekun, chaired the event.

    Others were Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour, Justice Hakeem Oshodi. who represented the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, Justice Ayokunle Faji who represented the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, Justice Osatohanmwen Ayodele Obaseki-Osaghae who represented the Chief Judge, National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) Justice Benedict Kanyip, Justice Iyabo Kasali of the Lagos High Court, Justice Oluyinka Gbajabiamila (rtd), Chief Magistrate, Warri, Edoja Sowho who represented the Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice Marshal Umukoro, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State, Moyosore  Onigbanjo (SAN),  Prof. Konyinsola Ajayi (SAN), who reviewed the dictionary,  Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Ondo State, Kola Adewuyi (SAN), represented Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

    The Chairman, National Council for Continuing Legal Education of the NBA, Chief Emeka Ngige (SAN), activist  Femi Falana (SAN), former General Secretary of NBA, Dele Adesina (SAN),  Chief JK Gadzama (SAN), former Attorney-General, Ogun State,  Lanre Ogunlesi (SAN), Senator Femi Ojodu, among others, were there.

    Sasegbon published 89 volumes of Law books in his lifetime. They are 38 volumes of Nigeria Supreme Court Cases (NSCC),  6 volumes of Company and Allied Matters Law and Practice, 30 volumes of Sasegbon’s Laws of Nigeria (an Encyclopedia of Nigerian Law (SLN), 15 volumes of Sasegbon’s Election Petitions (SEP)

    Osinbajo said Sasegbon’s Judicial Dictionary was “a dream come true.”

    “His passion was for legal publications and he lived it greatly,” Osinbajo said.

    He continued: “The publication of Nigeria Supreme Court Cases), the Company and Allied Matters Law and Practice, Sasegbon’s Laws of Nigeria (SLN) (an Encyclopedia of Nigerian Law) and Sasegbon’s Election Petitions (SEP) and others are not just reliable tools for legal practitioners and scholars alike. But they contain on every page clean stating commitment, vigorous thinking and incredible amount of physical and mental hard work”.

    The Vice President also spoke of his relationship with Sasegbon who he said they all called, “D Shash”.

    “I was involved in the very beginning of his journey into legal publications. Very early in the 80’s, I think 1983 or so, when he conceived the idea of publishing Nigeria Supreme Court cases, he shared the vision with a few of us, his friends. He wanted to be the first to publish a full and comprehensive report of all Nigeria Supreme Court cases. Eventually, Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN) of blessed memory, got into that same race with him. It was really a race between Deji and Chief Fawehinmi on who would be the first to publish a comprehensive compendium of all Nigeria Supreme Court cases.

    “He shared the vision with such passion and I simply couldn’t resist agreeing to work on such project with him. I saw him put everything he had into it. We all had no choice, we worked with him night and day at his office on Ikorodu Road. We worked overnight many, many times, we slept there working and of course, Oge was there,  giving us coffee, snacks night and day.

    “Deji worked that way and if anything, he became the first to publish the first comprehensive report of all Supreme Court of Nigeria cases and this is the way he worked on all his publications. So much diligence, so much dedication.

    “As Editor-in-Chief of DSC Publishers Ltd, he dedicated his life to all his legal publications and I believe generations unborn, within and outside the country, would benefit from it.

    “As at 1983, very few people had seen computers. But Deji had a whole room filled with computers, huge work station. Those things were giant things at that time. Working with them was probably as difficult as working manually. But they produced results. So, the very early use of technology to do any kind of publication, Deji was one of the pioneers  as well.

    “So, what better way to celebrate an icon, legal scholarship, than by bringing to life another of his contributions to Nigerian jurisprudence. Anyone who has had opportunity to take a look at the Judicial Dictionary of Nigerian Law, will see, just as Koyinsola Ajayi said, definitions of over 150,000 legal terms as rendered by the Supreme Court, and the articulate thinking of the author of those terms, and all others will attest to the nature and character of his works. He always epitomises quality and standards.

    Read Also: Judiciary overworked, says Lawan

     

    “I believe that this Dictionary would not just serve as prospectus to the legal profession and scholars, but will also provide so many new ways of looking at some of the old terms and technology that we come across regularly.”

    Like Vice President Osinbajo, Olanipekun said he shared a lot of things with Sasegbon, particularly, his dream of publishing legal books.

    He said: “I knew Deji very well and this accounts for why I am here to honour him”.

    Olanipekun  described Sasegbon as: “a true friend, a confidant, a leader, author, publisher, rugged and dogged lawyer, determined and forensic lawyer” adding that his works speak volumes of him even after death.

    He said he had a personal commitment to Sasegbon and was committed to his project of publishing a judicial dictionary.

    Olanipekun said he had never seen any lawyer as illustrious, painstaking in going into every minute detail in the nitty-gritty of Nigerian laws. He added: “Judges, lawyers, academics, students all make use of legal books published by Sasegbon”.

    He said Sasegbon did so much for the legal profession and would continue to live in the “consciousness and unconsciousness” of legal practitioners.

    Noting that lawyers have no pension scheme nor gratuity after retirement, he urged the leadership of the NBA to consider setting up an insurance scheme for members to access on retirement.

    Koyinsola paid homage to Sasegbon for his vision of publishing a judicial dictionary of  the Nigerian law.

    He described the Dictionary as “the work of an artist and a genius.” He noted that the volumes were well planned and satisfied the fancy of those who loved good books and a well stocked library, describing it as “a book of our dream and one for the common good of all.”

    Ajayi said: “His contribution to the legal profession transcends the landscape of our laws. He was like a scanning satellite gathering all by way of case laws and covering different aspects of the law and created order out of disorder. He laid bare the arcane terminologies whose meanings were subject to all manner of interpretations by lawyers, judges and scholars alike.”

    He canvassed a posthumous award for Sasegbon in view of his contributions.

    Falana, who described Ajayi’s review of the Dictionary as, “a wonderful exercise”, said the book would add core values to legal practice in Nigeria.

    Former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Edo State, Chief Charles Edosomwan (SAN),  described the Dictionary as a “must have” for legal practitioners.

    He said aside being a quick reference material, “definitions in the Ddictionary were made simple by the non-laborious language deployed in their expression in admirable terms”.

    Chief Felix Fagbohungbe (SAN),  who was Sasegbon’s contemporary at the university, said he never doubted his imagination and ability.

    “It was no surprise to me when he made his mark as a legal publisher extraordinaire, treading where no one had dared to tread with his magnus corpus. Sasegbon’s Laws of Nigeria is the first-ever legal encyclopedia of Nigerian law. To follow up with a legal dictionary of this magnificence is truly awe-inspiring and I wholeheartedly endorse the efforts of DSC Publications in ensuring the completion of Deji Sasegbon’s final publication”, he said.

    Mrs. Funke Adekoya (SAN) commended the publication for its quality and content and described it “as a befitting legacy for Deji Sasegbon’s work in supporting increased access by lawyers to legal research materials”.

    Mia Essien praised the DSC Publications for keeping the tremendous legacy of Deji Sasegbon alive.

    George Etomi said: “The judicial dictionary goes far and beyond being a legal dictionary in the ordinary sense of the word.  I am of the firm opinion that this publication will serve as the most comprehensive legal dictionary in Nigeria to date. It is replete with not just ordinary definitions but in some cases, with numerous examples to provide for the context within which words or phrases- instances, words are used.

    “There are also significant comparisons, analysis and relevant examples and in numerous instances, words are juxtaposed against one another to guide the reader in fully grasping the subtle but relevant differences in meaning and usage”.

    Earlier, in a welcome address, Sasegbon’s widow,  Oge, said work on the book started three years before  her husband’s death. Oge said she and other dedicated staff of DSC Publications, particularly, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Ehi Esoimeme, took it upon themselves to make the dream of her husband a reality.

    “We could do no less to honour his memory and the tremendous legacy he left behind than to ensure that this last project about which he was so passionate, was finished to the standard he always worked and produced in his numerous publications.

    “Bringing Sasegbon’s Judicial Dictionatry to light has been characterised by a true sense of humility and gratitude. Further additions to a library of works so deeply etched  within the Nigerian legal system  has required a resolute effort to preserve the legacy of Deji Sasegbon’s DSc Publications and more importantly, to serve the law, its students and the legal and business communities it so dearly cherishes”, she said.

    Mr. Esoimeme, on his part , described his late boss as a great teacher, mentor and inspiration. He said Sasegbon was a consummate teacher, passionate about transferring and sharing knowledge.

    “What he taught me was priceless and enabled me to step into his unique mind and hopefully complete the Judicial Dictionary of Nigerian Law in the way and manner he envisaged.

    “Sasegbon’s Judicial Dictionary is important in statutory analysis which seek to find an ‘objectified’ intent;  the intent that will help a researcher to have a much better understanding of the text of the law”.

    According to him, the publication is fully representative of the language it seeks  to define and illuminate, adding that with the publication, “readers are met with comprehensive definitions of key terms drawn from both case law and subsidiary legislation as opposed to using external sources of understanding”.

     

    ‘As at 1983, very few people had seen computers. But Deji had a whole room filled with computers, huge work station. Those things were giant things at that time. Working with them was probably as difficult as working manually. But they produced results. So, the very early use of technology to do any kind of publication, Deji was one of the pioneers  as well’

     

  • Bayelsa and power of revolutionary poll

    Senior Correspondent Mike Odiegwu writes on the historic governorship poll in Bayelsa State and lessons that should be learned by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which pushed for continuity, and the All Progressives Congress (APC), which rooted for poor shift.

     

    Residents of Bayelsa State were determined last weekend to participate in the process of electing a new government. The awareness for the poll was high and the turnout was impressive. Across the 105 wards, people lined up in their polling unit, even before the arrival of electoral officers

    Not even the rainfall at the peak of voting in some parts of the state could deter them. They were not also discouraged by the scorching sunshine in others parts of the state.

    The election was adjudged by many people as the most peaceful in the history of Bayelsa. Unlike other elections, nobody died on Saturday, despite gunshots witnessed in some parts of the state.

    The election kicked off at 8am with late the arrival of materials in some polling units especially in Yenagoa, the state capital. Voters arrived their polling units, and waited for INEC officials to exercise their franchise.

    Thugs disrupted voting in some areas. For instance, materials meant for Ward 17 in Koluama 2  were scattered by thugs. Thugs invaded some polling units in Opolo, Agudama and Famgbe axis of Yenagoa, shooting sporadically and disrupting voting. But, security agencies, especially the army and the police, repelled them.

    Security agencies had a hectic day. Soldiers, policemen, operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) including paramilitary agencies like the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) were massively deployed in all nooks and crannies of the state to forestall breakdown of law and order.

    But for the interventions of soldiers and policemen, the skirmishes would have completely derailed the process. Most commentators praised the security operatives for displaying high level of professionalism in discharging their functions.

    In Sagbama, the Local Government Area of Governor Seriake Dickson, there were complaints that electoral materials were diverted by thugs. People from.some.wards complained that the development disenfranchised them.

    A former Acting Governor, Chief Nestor Binabo, alleged that all materials meant for Agoro, Ward 11, in Sagbama were hijacked and diverted to Toru-Orua, the community of the governor.

    He said: “I didn’t vote. The reason is that the materials meant for the elections  for my ward, Agoro Sagbama, were hijacked by PDP thugs and nobody voted in that ward 11 in Sagbama local government.

    “We have prostested and we are asking to either go back or cancel whatever results that anybody may summit. The materials were moved from Sagbama, to a place called Bolu-orua and they were loaded into  the  Naval gun boats.

    “The ward headquarters from Bolu-orua is just about ten minutes drive on the water. I am suspecting that they must have taken it to Toru-Orua, governor’s hometown. Even  in Agberi ward 1, PDP hijacked the materials and there was no voting it happened in several places even in ward 6 in Sagbama. They removed the result sheets and send the non-essential materials  and there was no voting.”

    There was a report that four officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were abducted in Bumodi-Gbene in Yenagoa and Ologi in Ogbia Local Government areas, but were later released. At Ologi (Ward 03) of Ogbia Local Government Area, a senior electoral official cancelled voting, following violence.

    The official, Ukuachukwu Orji, who is the INEC supervisory Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ogbia LGA, said members of the Ologi community stopped the election in the area.

    “As our people were coming into the community after crossing the river, they seized them and the materials and burnt all the materials. They chased our people away and seized some, but the military rescued them,” he said.

    Orji, who is  the Anambra State REC, spoke in Otuoke, Ward 13 of Ogbia, where President Goodluck Jonathan and his family voted. He said apart from the community, other communities in Ogbia were peaceful and devoid of skirmishes throughout the exercise.

    Divergent opinions have been expressed by leaders of the two political parties on the conduct of the election. For instance, Dickson expressed dissatisfaction and called on INEC  to cancel the election in some parts of the state, where he alleged  the exercise was characterised by brigandage, hijacking of electoral materials and personnel. He also called for outright cancellation of the elections in Nembe and Southern Ijaw local government areas.

    He said: “I call on the Chairman of INEC to issue an order canceling the process in all the wards, in all the local government areas affected, in all the wards and units, where materials have been stolen or hijacked, where officials have been kidnapped and held hostage to enable the APC cook up non existing figures.”

    The governor described the APC is an unpopular party, accusing the APC-led Federal Government of plotting to foist a one party system in the country.

    He alleged that some security agents connived with the APC thugs to perpetrate electoral fraud and insecurity in some parts of Southern Ijaw, Ekeremor and Ogbia and Yenagoa.

    He said: “Materials meant for Eniwari community, Opuama Ward, most locations in Southern Ijaw as we earlier predicted were hijacked. As everyone knows, the APC has no foothold in Bayelsa to win an election but they have an armed militia, surveillance contractors who kill and maim for the APC.  They also have the Nigerian Army and rogue elements of the Police Force working in concert with them to deny the citizens of these communities their right to vote.

    “So, as we are speaking, in our country, in this day and age, gun wielding militia men with the aid of security forces have overrun the election officials and most of the electoral officials in Southern Ijaw. These officials as we speak, have been kidnapped and held hostage. This has been the lot, this has been what we’ve been managing since 2015, with APC at the center, not caring about the lived and dignity of our people. The APC at the center are too hungry and determined to make Nigeria a one party state.

    Read Also: I’ll unite Bayelsa despite party differences, says Lyon

     

    “The president has to wake up and do something. What is going on in Bayelsa in the name of election is not a democracy. I call on the President to call on the security agents particularly the Army to stop desecrating Democratic governance and subjecting the image of the country to ridicule. I call on the Inspector General of Police to be true to his professional calling and direct the DIG and all the security operatives to protect the people of Bayelsa.” I do not want to be pushed to call on them to defend and protect themselves.”

    But, the APC immediately replied the governor and accused him and his party of masterminded violence in some strongholds of the APC to discredit the exercise in those areas while manipulating results and th electoral process in his areas of strength.

    The Chairman of APC, Amos Jotham, said having seen the defeat steering it in the face, the PDP perfected violence and tried to intimidate voters.

    He noted the widespread violence in Yenagoa the State capital, precisely in Ward 2, Onopa community and Opolo where materials were allegedly hijacked by PDP thugs loyal to a PDP lawmaker.

    The State APC Chairman, who used the occasion to call on all security agencies to take note of the situation, said that the PDP, currently drowning in the state following  lack of popularity and acceptability of its candidate, decided to resort to hijacking of election materials as the only way out.

    He said: “Other areas where election materials were hijacked by the PDP are Sagbama Ward 6, 7, 11 and 14. We have noted high level of electoral misconduct in Sagbama, the LGA of the incumbent governor, Henry Seriake Dickson.

    “We call on all APC supporters to maintain peaceful conduct throughout the process. It is very glaring that the APC is coasting to victory because of the popularity and acceptance of its flag bearer David Lyon who is poised to transform Bayelsa State from its current state of quagmire the PDP led administration has taken the State into.”

    The chairman chided Dickson for making unguarded and spurious statements  to whip up public sentiment against the APC. Joyham said Dickson had displayed his offensive, garrulous character.

     

    ‘As the results of the poll are being collated, people are anxiously waiting to know, who will emerge victorious. Will Diri, who has promised to consolidate on the achievements of his boss, Dickson, become the next governor? Or will the election amount to a reolution against the PDP to pave the way for David Lyon of the APC, who has vowed to correct the mistakes of the PDP and usher in a better Bayelsa?’

     

    Jotham expressed shock that Dickson called for the cancellation of results in Nembe and Southern Ijaw and other LGAs that had not been declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    He said the governor in a desperate bid to incite the public and all relevant agencies against the APC, only succeeded in exhibiting sheer ignorance with regard to democratic norms.

    The party chairman advised Dickson to accept the outcome of the elections as a referendum on his lacklustre performance since taking over the leadership of the state almost eight years ago.

    Jotham said it was unbecoming of the governor as the chief security officer of the state to start raising false alarm in an election that his hand-picked candidate had earlier declared as “peaceful and smooth”

    The APC chairman said it was also wrong for Dickson to drag the security agencies into his partisan ranting because they dared to be professional in the discharge of their duties.

    The chairman called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant agencies to be wary of Dickson alleging he had penchant for deceit.

    Also, former President, Goodluck Jonathan, expressed his opinion about the poll. But he expressed disappointment over the late arrival of election materials to his polling unit in Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area in Bayelsa State.

    Dr. Jonathan, who came out to cast his vote met only reporters on ground, when he arrived his polling unit about 8:30a.m. “Where are the electoral officers?” He queried, saying: “Well, this is where I will vote, but since they are not here yet let me go back inside. You see now, youths of nowadays, you need to do more.”

    But, Dr. Jonathan later emerged with his wife, Dame Patience, to cast his vote in the presence of Ukuachukwu Orji, who is the INEC supervisory resident electoral commissioner for Ogbia LGA.

    He said: “My wife and I were able to cast our votes today as soon as the polling booth at Unit 39 Ward 13 in Otuoke opened just before noon. I urge Bayelsans and voters in Kogi State to go about performing this important civic responsibility in a peaceful manner.

    “I am encouraged by the determination and yearning of Nigerians for good governance to believe that we will soon get to a point where we will adopt the right attitude and innovation that will strengthen our democracy.”

    The Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, lamented some skirmishes in Sagbama and Ekeremor but expressed confidence in INEC saying the ongoing election was better than the last governorship election in the state.

    Sylva, who spoke while casting his vote at Dukuraku polling unit 04, Ward 04, at about 12:40 pm,  in his country home, Okpoama, in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

    Sylva said: “I have voted and it is a peaceful election in Ward 4 Okpoama. As you can see, I have been confined to my Ward and election has been smooth so far.

    “I heard that there are few skirmishes here and there in Sagbama and Ekeremor. I have not heard of any other problem here in Bayelsa State.

    “As for the INEC, they have been progressively improving and every, year the processes are improved and I think we have a better outing for INEC this time. And I believe that this election will be better than the last one.

    “I have always been confident, I have said it many times that the APC is the preferred party in Bayelsa. I am sure that we will win.”

    Also, the candidate of APC, Chief. David Lyon, who voted in Olugbobiri Community in Southern Local Government Area, described the election process as peaceful so far, saying the INEC did a better job this time.

    While expressing confidence that his party, APC, would emerge victorious at the end of the poll, Lyon called on security agents to remain neutral and professional.

    However, the candidate of the PDP, Senator Douye Diri, said though the electio in his area was peaceful, thugs allegedly hijacked election materials in Ekeremor and Southern Ijaw LGAs.

    He said: “I had earlier raised the alarm about  Bassambiri in Nembe. From the reports I have, no PDP agent is allowed into Nembe Bassambiri. At Enewari, the report I have is that the APC went there with thugs to hijack materials.

    “At Opolo Community in Yenagoa Local Government Area, the APC went there with thugs, the same goes for other LGAs where the APC is creatung crisis for our members.

    “We are calling on the umpire INEC that they should be alive to their responsibilities because we have received reports from several other Wards and other Local Government Areas where they need to invoke their powers.

    “They should invoke their powers of either not accepting cooked up results from where materials have being hijacked. Secondly, we call on security agencies to be alive to their duties and not to take sides with the APC which are the reports that we have started receiving.”

    But, a former Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Ndutimi Alaibe, also  lauded the people of Opokuma in Kolokuma-Opokuma Local Government Area  for their peaceful conduct during the governorship election in the area.

    Alaibe, after casting his vote at his Igbainwari unit in Opokuma said: “What we have started out here is to ensure that the electioneering process is free,  lfair and credible and it has happened here again.

    “You can see there is no ballot snatching, nobody is fighting anybody, it has been a peaceful process that should be emulated across our state.

    “As a peace advocate, I am happy when I see things happened seamlessly. INEC has managed to do the right thing today. So, in this unit where I voted it is peaceful and seamless. We thanked INEC and all the bodies including the media and civil societies for a peaceful conduct.”

    As the results of the poll are being collated, people are anxiously waiting to know, who will emerge victorious. Will Diri, who has promised to consolidate on the achievements of his boss, Dickson, become the next governor? Or will the election amount to a reolution against the PDP to pave the way for David Lyon of the APC, who has vowed to correct the mistakes of the PDP and usher in a better Bayelsa?

     

  • Why reconciliation is difficult in Edo APC, by Oroh

    Abdul Oroh, former House of Representatives member, served as Commissioner for Information, and later, Agriculture in Edo State. He spoke with Deputy Editor (Daily) EMMANUEL OLADESU in Lagos on the rift between Governor Godwin Obaseki and All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the crisis in the House of Assembly and why reconciliation has been futile.

    In whose interest is the protracted crisis in the Edo State APC?

    It is not in the interest of anybody. Definitely not in the interest of the party. Not in the interest of Edo State. And certainly not in the interest of even the governor. He is the governor. He is supposed to bring everybody together to pursue good governance, to pursue the objective that the people had in mind when they voted for him. That is to pursue development; to give people leadership, to sustain the developmental process that was started by his predecessor, Adams Oshiomhole.

    It is in the interest of the governor, to at the end of his tenure, be able to tell the people his achievements. Achievement is not just about tangible things, infrastructure. But, what about the peace of that society? What of social harmony? What of unity? Now, he has scattered the party, or he is trying to scatter the party. In Edo State, few days ago while the governor was in Lagos, a federal high court judge was kidnapped. The orderly was killed. A week or two ago, another high court judge was kidnapped. People are being attacked in their homes by thugs. Kidnappings everywhere. If it rains once, the whole of Benin is flooded, despite the monumental amount of money poured into de-flooding. Of course, the project has been abandoned.  So, he has not been able to embrace people. He is repulsed by the presence of the people that elected him. He doesn’t reach out; he doesn’t engage people. He has contempt for people. Apparently, he was not psychologically prepared for governance. He may claim to be an economist, a banker. But, it is now we are really having the opportunity to scrutinize him. From what we are saying, a dummy was sold to us. He was portrayed as an intellectual, a technocrat. But, no technocrat will allow people to be attacked in their homes. Thugs were attacking party meetings. A former governor who is the national chairman of the party, someone who handpicked him and presented him to the party and he was elected, who campaigned for him everywhere, was attacked by thugs in his house. There was another meeting in Ikwuebe. Thugs dispersed them. Then, on a Sunday, it was my turn in my Ivbiro. So, what legacy does he want to bequeath? If he wants to be reelected, what is he going to tell the people that he has achieved? What has he done for them that will make it necessary for them to reelect him; that will convince the people to really support him?

    Read Also: Edo APC crisis: Oshiomhole’s ward, council pass confidence vote on him

    At what stage did the governor start to part ways with his leader, Oshiomhole?

    Before he was elected, there were a lot of red flags. Those who actually knew this guy told the former governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, that he should have a rethink. Traditional rulers, former school mates, former professional colleagues, even members of his own family and those of us who worked closely with him when he was the chairman of the so-called economic team; a one-man team, were cautious. I spoke with the former governor about my impression of the guy. Oshiomhole meant well. He wanted somebody who knew what he was doing, who had been part of the process, who quote and unquote was an economist, that would take process forward, that would sustain the developmental process that we started; a person that would continue the projects we had on ground.

    The first two years of his administration, everybody gave him the benefit of doubt. The central hospital in Benin was built in 1903. When we came in, we could see the roof. There was not a single working x-ray machine. Doctors were bringing equipment to test patients from home. They were personal property. Then, Oshiomhole decided to build a five star hospital. I remember the foundation ceremony was done a few days after the funeral of his wife, Clara Oshiomhole. He was still mourning. He felt, may be, if we had a good health facility, his wife wouldn’t have died. He built the hospital and he built another one in his wife’s community. Two years after the hospital was commissioned by President Buhari, it was still under lock and key. The New Era College, which was modernised and equipped with infrastructure, and renamed after Ogbemudia; the Samuel Ogbemudia College, was under lock and key. The Benin Anti-Flood Project was abandoned for two years. Multi-billion naira project. Then, even, the agricultural project. He said government does not do agriculture. So, let’s us bring investors. But, he is bringing vendors to Edo State who are selling rice seeds. All the major agric companies that came to Edo State, that applied for lands, 12 companies were given C of O. After we left office, nothing was heard again. By now, as we are hearing about Kebbi rice, we should be hearing about Edo rice. A whole lot of things would have been happening now.

    When he started, we saw him renovating the Edo State Secretariat, which was abandoned. And he was rebuilding the High Court Complex. He was renovating structures in Government House. But, what about the schools? We started the ‘red roof’ revolution to rebuild all the secondary schools in Edo State, primary schools, equip them with basic things, chairs and tables; a clean environment conducive for learning. We were set for the process of retraining teachers, screening those that we had to fish out those that were not competent. The Prof. Agbolahoan Committee was set up. The successor was to take the process forward. The professor is the former vice chancellor of Ambrose Ali University. Then, apart from frustrating the basic education, he went on to close the colleges of agriculture. He closed the one in Agenebode. He closed the one that was renamed Tayo Akpata University. You can do reforms while the institutions are still running. You can change staffing, bringing new people to man them. That is the present situation of all those institutions. He said he was laying the foundation of a college of agriculture, an institution that was established either by Ambrose Ali or Ogbemudia.

    He started the process of political exclusion. People were no longer allowed to even enter Government House. You can’t get close to him. He was not tolerating or engaging anybody. When Oshiomhole was governor, he proposed that we should sell the Lagos House in Victoria Island and he wanted to use the money to build an international conference centre opposite the airport. The building there was relocated to Ekwen Palace. There was protest by Edo people. The former governor called a meeting at Idia College. All the traditional rulers were called. They gave him a go ahead. But, because he was not still satisfied, he held series of township meetings. Because he was not satisfied, he had to abandon the project. Although he was not making money from the Edo House, he had to leave it. We were paying heavy taxes on it. Those who rented it owed three years’ rent. Oshiomhole did a lot of consultation. Even, the taxes proposed to raise the IGR, he took it to the street. We held several town hall meetings. He held zonal meetings.

    You hold conferences. You bring all the speakers from Lagos and other places. You pay them for coming to present papers. These people may not know what is happening in Edo State. In one of those conferences, the one for agriculture, I went there. I flew to Benin from Abuja. They refused to register me. They said I was not invited. You don’t ever get results from those conferences. He has been in pursuit of elusive investors. How can investors come to a place where cultists and thugs are on rampage, where there is kidnapping. If you are an investor, would you go there? It took the public protest by civil society before he could come up with a solution to the Central Hospital in Edo. What we heard was that he had privatised it. Who did you consult before you privatized it? How can an ordinary Edo person has access to the hospital? If you privatize it, it will be driven by public motive. It will no longer do the social service that hospital is expected to do.

    The governor said he has come to manage resources well, unlike those who had wasted the resources…

    He has come to manage resources well by chartering a jet almost twice a week. He virtually lives in Abuja. When he came to Lagos yesterday, how did he come? He chartered an air craft. Do you know what it costs to charter a plane?  To travel out of Benin. Not to talk of flying to China. China is like his second home. He has signed many MoUs that people have lost count. They call him MoU governor. There is no accountability at all. You see projects going on. You don’t know when they were advertised. The process of awarding contracts are not followed.

     

     ‘Reconciliation is possible, if the governor can humble himself, embrace stakeholders instead of intimidating, vilifying them, attacking them with thugs. He should embrace all the members-elect and withdraw the cases. He has been going to the PDP for endorsement. His strategy is to weaken the APC and cross to another party. If he wants reconciliation, he knows what to do. He can start with the House of Assembly, rectify the errors he has made and embrace them’ 

     

    The governor said Oshiomhole hired touts for revenue collection…

    Governor Obaseki was the chairman of the Committee on IGR under Oshiomhole. Governor Obaseki was a member of the Inland Revenue Service. Every week, he would preside over the meeting of the Bord of Inland Revenue. He would report to exco every Monday morning. All commissioners were invited to present the performance of every ministry. So, how can he now say that? It was public/private partnership. It was happening in Lagos. He brought it to Edo State. He would say let’s do it the way Lagos was doing it. He was the chairman and he would report how much were raised. If there were problems, he would raise them. I will show you a tape where he was praising the people he now call thugs during his campaigns. He was praising them during his campaigns for doing a wonderful job. He said he was going to carry them along and empower them. That was the group led by Tony Kabaka. It was called Koras Ventures. He had a group of boys working for him. They were collecting revenue for government. It is possible that they didn’t meet his own expectation. But, if you are not going to use them, fine. Call them and tell them how you are going to empower them. It is not by putting them in prisons and demolishing their houses, threatening their families, arresting them and humiliating them. Almost those identified as his opponents have been given land use charge running into millions.  My house in Benin, where I used to pay N26,000, I was given N314,000. Now, I know that the guy who was elected in my own local government has not been sworn till today. They have targeted people for persecution. Is that how to govern?

    Why is the Oshiomhole camp insisting on another proclamation for the House of Assembly?

    It is not Oshiomhole that is insisting.

    That is the right thing to do. That is what the National Assembly has directed. A proclamation is not what you do in secret. Was it announced in Edo Broadcasting Service? Was it published in The Nigerian Observer? Was it published by any newspaper in Edo State? Was it aired on any television station? It was seven days after the end of tenure. All the Houses of Assembly in Nigeria had been proclaimed. The members-elect came to Benin and held a press conference that the governor should issue a proclamation. That night, some of them were invited to the Government House and taken at gun point to the Edo State House of Assembly to be inaugurated. Some of them said no. They went to hold a meeting. They were dispersed by thugs. They were thoroughly beaten. When the National Assembly members visited him, they showed him President Muhammadu Buhari’s proclamation and a letter of invitation from the Clerk of National Assembly telling them the date and time of the inauguration, and cards for two or three members of their families.

    APC is divided in Edo State. Is reconciliation possible?

    Reconciliation is possible, if the governor can humble himself, embrace stakeholders instead of intimidating, vilifying them, attacking them with thugs. He should embrace all the members-elect and withdraw the cases. He has been going to the PDP for endorsement. His strategy is to weaken the APC and cross to another party. If he wants reconciliation, he knows what to do. He can start with the House of Assembly, rectify the errors he has made and embrace them.