The Nation Newspaper

Category: Letters

  • Checking indecent political programmes on TV

    It is high time the regulatory body constitutionally saddled with the responsibility of ensuring sanity through monitoring of programmes on radio and TV intervened and checked the current wave of falsehood, misinformation and mudslinging under the pretext of updating the public on political trends on the 2015 election.

    This is as exemplified by a programme shown on Africa Independent Television (AIT) between 1 and 3 a.m on January 25th, 2015.  The programme lacked professionalism and decency during which decorum was thrown into the wind only to embark on character assassination of the person of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd).), the presidential flag bearer of All Progressives Congress (APC),

    Unfounded inflammatory statements and purported actions designed to undermine the integrity of any of the presidential candidates should be condemned by right-thinking and well-meaning Nigerians especially those that can further polarize the country along religious and ethnic lines.

    •Odunayo Joseph

    odunayo_joseph20016@yahoo.com

     

  • Gov Amosun, please fix the collapsed Iken-Ogbo bridge

    I write to once again bring to the notice of Governor Ibikunle Amosun the issue of the Iken-Ogbo bridge in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State.

    The bridge which is the only gateway to several communities in the area, such as Okelamuren, Ibido, Idagbo, collapsed on May 16, 2012, throwing the people into untold hardship. The people thus have to go through huge difficulties navigating through difficult paths to connect with the outside world. To the people’s surprise, the bridge has remained in the same state, despite official reports to the local and state government offices.

    We are therefore seizing this opportunity to bring the matter to your attention, especially as you are billed to tour the area in the coming week. It is also important to remind you that the area is largely dominated by APC members and faithful, who cannot understand why they have been abandoned to this fate for almost three years.

    We are also using this opportunity to bring to your notice the terrible state of our road in Ward 15 and the fact that the whole area has been left in total darkness since 2012, when the transformer packed up. As a community, we have been collaborating with the local government chairman, Olawale Shittu, but it seems these projects are a bit beyond his capacity.

    Even Kabiyesi, Oba Lawrence Oguntayo, the Alawunren of Okelamuren  and High Chief Lekan Odunfejo have not been left out in the quest to find lasting solution to these problems, as he has severally taken the matter to both the local and the state governments.

    We will therefore appreciate it if you can come to our aid, as the situation is getting unbearable by the day and affecting commercial activities.

    We wish you success in the coming election and once again promise you our unflinching support as a people.

    •Muyiwa Omobulejo,

    1, Igbodile Quarters, Iken-Ogbo-Ijebu near Ijebu-Ode.

     

  • Crocodile tears for late coach Musa Abdullahi

    The recent demise of coach Musa Abdulahi who contributed to the growth and development of soccer in age grade competition in this country would never be forgotten in hurry.

    When the late Abdullahi took ill no assistance was made available to him in spite of his immense contribution to the upliftment of sports in the country.

    The late coach was assistant coach to Coach Fanny Amu when they won the Under-17 soccer competition World Cup in Japan.

    He also assisted Coach Bonfray Joe to win the gold medal at

    Atlanta Olympic Games where Nigeria’s soccer power came to the limelight, but all this success by late coach Abduallhi was not recognized by the sporting authority to give him any necessary assistance when he needed it most.

    The plight of sports men and women who toil to bring honour and glory to their father land are often forgotten when they find themselves in critical conditions.

    Many of our sportsmen and women are always been neglected and abandoned to fend for themselves without any assistance from government.

    It’s unfortunate, after the demise of such sportsmen and women, the authority would now start to shed crocodile tears and shower encomium, which is not in tune with the agony he passed through when he was alive.

    Its clarion call on all relevant stakeholders and government to always come to the rescue of such sportsmen and women who found themselves in any unfortunate situation and stop the trend of always paying tribute when they pass to world beyond.

    We should encourage the living legend of our heroes and heroines who did the nation proud in any human endeavour to send signal to the upcoming generation that they would not be neglected in time of their needs.

    May the soul of the lateAbdullahi rest in perfect peace.

     

    •Bala Nayashi

    Lokoja, Kogi State.

  • Ogun: Between politics and personality

    SIR: Two of the major factors that will return the current Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, to power on February 28, are his exemplary performance in office and politics of accommodation.

    When former President Olusegun Obasanjo recently endorsed Amosun for second term, he gave his reasons, which, in my reckoning, are the same as those given by former United States’ Secretary of State, Colin Powell, while endorsing President Barack Obama for second term. Just as Obasanjo belongs to a rival party so is Colin Powell.

    The fact is, there comes a time when even politicians must rise above politics and place public interest above political interest.

    There has been a huge deficit in governance in Ogun before 2011, indeed in Nigeria. Citizens had lost hope in the ability of politicians to restore the glory of the state. They seemed to try their luck in 2011 by casting their votes for the opposition candidate, Amosun. Then within three and a half years, the ray of hope has suddenly become full illumination.

    What again does common sense teach us? Does it make sense to leave certainty for uncertainty, judging from where we are coming from? Now that Amosun is in power, all opposition candidates move freely and air their views on the state television station. That was practically impossible in those days.

    So we must all appreciate Obasanjo for doing what is expected of any rational person at this juncture of the history of Ogun.

    Declared the ex-president, “So, my people, I am not talking about other elections. I have come to tell you that in order to appreciate what this personality (Amosun) has been able to do in the last three and a half years, let us give him our votes.”

    Obasanjo  went further, “In 2011, we were not together. We were together before and I did campaign against him. See what he has been able to do in the last three and a half years in the state. I cannot sacrifice performance for party.

    “What happened in 2011 was politics, and we can all see the difference between politics and personality.”

    Therefore, I restate the call made recently that what Ogun needs at this juncture is continuity. Let us ignore the  selfish and opportunistic declamations of the “tried and failed” politicians. Let us reward diligence, integrity, public spiritedness and sterling achievements. Let’s give thumbs up for the personality of Amosun.

     

    • Soyombo Opeyemi

    Abeokuta

  • Why Ajimobi deserves a second term

    SIR: Predictably, the Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi will be returned to office for a second term in an expectedly keen governorship election contest. The interesting thing about this election is the fact that it has presented us with a unique opportunity for a multi-layered assessment of the governor’s signature achievements in the last four years.

    What is more interesting is that this assessment has brought to the fore that good governance, coupled with integrity and resourcefulness, can break the yoke of political spells like a second term jinx; that political god-fatherism and monetary inducements to sway voters in Oyo state politics is fast eroding in the face of evolving sophistication of the electorate who are hardly swayed by monetary inducements.

    The people are now more than ever politically mature and well informed to determine conscientiously who leads them with their votes.

    This is why the consensus of opinion across the Oyo State political spectrum and even beyond is that the tested and trusted Abiola Ajimobi deserves a second term as governor and his continuity agenda will be most appropriate and beneficial to all and sundry in Oyo State.

    Indeed, a seamless transition of the Ajimobi administration to second term in office would provide a continuum of progress, stability, sustainability and consolidation of an unchanging quality of people oriented programmes, policies and projects.

    In the spirit of good governance and purposeful leadership that characterized his first term in office, Ajimobi has pledged to work with conscience and integrity for the good people of Oyo State, to continue to uplift their socio-economic wellbeing and ensure that a lot of them move from the lowest rung of the ladder to at least the lower middle class by reducing the poverty level considerably .

     

    • Gbenga Alli,

    Akuru, Oluyole Extension, Ibadan

  • Campaign finance and candidates’ reporting obligations

    SIR: The Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) makes elaborate provisions for the regulation of the finances of political parties and the electioneering expenditure of candidates and political parties. The provisions range from offences in relation to political party finances, period to be covered by annual report, power to limit contribution to a political party, limitation of elections expenses of candidates, election expenses of political parties, and disclosure by political parties. The Electoral Act by section 91 provided limitations in respect of campaign expenses of candidates running for different positions from the presidency to the councillor.

    It further provided for sanctions for spending above the limitation. A candidate who knowingly acts in contravention of the finance ceilings commits an offence and on conviction is liable. But this seems to be the end of the road in terms of the provisions as no reporting obligation was placed on candidates by the Act – before, during or after the elections. The foregoing raises several posers such as; how will INEC come to the conclusion that a candidate has spent above the ceiling when he is not bound to report? Was the omission of reporting obligations by the legislature a deliberate mischief in the law? This is a great lacuna in a candidate-centric system where the bulk of campaign expenses revolve around the candidate. On the other hand, the Act placed reporting obligations on political parties.

    However, INEC has taken steps to provide reporting obligations for candidates. It relied on S.153 of the Act which states that: “The Commission may, subject to the provisions of this Act, issue regulations, guidelines, or manuals for the purpose of giving effect to the provisions of this Act and for its administration thereof”. INEC has made provisions in the Guidelines and Regulations for Political Parties 2013. The Guidelines deal with the key issues of campaign office, fund raising by candidates and disclosure, books of accounts, anonymous contributions, audited returns.

    INEC has also designed reporting forms for candidates including forms to document costs of electronic and print media, campaign personnel, bill board advertisement, banners, hand bills and posters, door to door campaigns. Others issues to be captured in the forms include costumes, public address system, generators, hiring of vehicles, video coverage and photography, chairs, canopies, tables, branding of vehicles, consumables like food and drinks. Further, podiums, stage platforms, hire of entertainers such as comedians and musicians, venues decorations, dressing are included in the reporting form.

    These are positive developments. The only thing remaining to ensure that the candidates comply with these rules is the political will to enforce same. This is an opportunity for civil society including the media to ensure that the laws are respected. The trend of events after the February elections will show whether INEC will be ready and willing to enforce the guidelines.

     

    • Eze Onyekpere

    Wuse Zone 6, Abuja

  • Before we cast that ballot

    SIR: In about a few weeks’ time, the general election will commence. As a citizen, I wish to put forward some issues that should serve as a guide as we all go out to elect our leaders at various levels.

    The country, in the past few years have  gone through harrowing experiences under the present administration and we now have an opportunity of putting a halt to it by the power of our Permanent Voters Cards (PVC).

    On April 15, 2014, over 200 girls were kidnapped in a secondary school in Chibok, Borno State. As I write this report, neither the president nor his deputy has paid a visit to the community, and up till today, the girls have not been rescued.

    To further worsen the acts of the government, a full scale clampdown was made on a group who independently protested and campaigned for the release of the girls. The president even went ahead to engage a public relations firm, Levick for $1.2m to improve the public presentation of his handling of the crisis.

    A lot of scam pervades the corridors of power at the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, where millions of dollars of crude oil wealth are being mismanaged by a few “smart” enough to rush to court to obtain orders against investigation.

    Rather than reduce, the activities of the dreaded sect, Boko Haram, have been on the increase. Between 2009 and 2014, the dreaded group has been responsible for over 2000 deaths with violence, killings and kidnapping.

    Not too long ago, millions of our youths were made to part with N1,000 each as application fee to get a job in the Nigeria Immigration Service and in the process, over 19 young, men and women were killed and thousands injured across 37 centres nationwide. Up till date, nothing has happened to the minister in charge of this dastardly act nor has he refunded the money paid by each applicant.

    In the comity of oil producing states, our fuel pump price is the highest. Even when the price of crude oil crashed at the world market, our leader did not allow us to enjoy same. We were not surprised when, on a Sunday evening, the Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke, announced a N10 reduction in the prices of petrol. Nigerians received the news with mixed feeling – Why now? What a Greek gift!

    These and many more reasons like devaluation of the naira, oil theft, poor power supply, non-functional refineries, subsidy scandal, are why I advise Nigerians to stand boldly for change even in the face of undemocratic dramas and socio-economic instability.  Civility and patriotism is when we use our voting rights to effect the much-needed change.

     

    • Olawale B. Ibitoye Esq.

     Ibadan.

  • Fayemi versus Soludo

    SIR: I read Dr Kayode Fayemi’s rejoinder to Dr Charles Soludo`s observation with relief. As a long standing admirer, his thoughtful piece was only to be expected. It has subsequently been widely acclaimed.

    What is however disconcerting is why the APC is not fighting the elections on the basis of – ` Its the economy stupid!`. This to state the obvious is the tried and tested route to defeat an incumbent government in office. You only have to look at what has happened in Greece this week.

    Other historical examples can be cited. Lula da Silva won at the third attempt in Brazil by offering a convincing alternative economic platform to a sceptical electorate. Going further back, recall the totally unexpected landslide victory of the Labour Party in the United Kingdom in 1945.

    Faced with running against a war hero in Sir Winston Churchill,`the greatest English man of all times`, if you take the propaganda seriously ( I don’t ), the Labour Party fought on a hard economic position `Yes, Churchill won the war. We are going to win the peace.`

    As the seminal analysis `The road to 1945` pointed out, by focusing on the widening of access to education, health and social services, the Labour Party completely out foxed the war hero in what is still regarded as one of the greatest electoral shifts in history.

    As Dr Soludo pointed out in 1979, Chief Obafemi Awolowo admirably offered a well thought, meticulously costed and convincing alternative economic platform.

    This is why it is pertinent to ask: What on earth is going on?. This issue is taxing the emotions of anxious PVC holders across the country. The Jonathan administration has the most deplorable economic record in living memory. Plunging living standards have been reinforced by mind blowing corruption and the recent devaluation of the naira.  Frankly, its key operators ought to face an economic war crimes tribunal.

    By not focusing on the economy, we are about to squander an historic opportunity. For example the consequences of the depreciation of the currency must be spelt out in clear terms. This is unpardonable. The Italian philosopher Antonio Gramsci famously observed that the rules of engagement in politics requires shifting the territory of debate in favour of one`s own project . Why on earth is this not being done?

    By not doing so, the odious, not fit for purpose Femi Fani-Kayode and the disgusting Ayo Fayose and their clearly insane fellow travellers have been allowed to step into the void. They must not pass.

    Henceforth, Fayemi’s response to Soludo must be the focus of the APC campaign, advertising and agit- prop. This will stop` certificate`, religion and ethnicity dead in its track. The issue to para-phrase Bill Clinton is` Are you better off now than you where four years ago?`.

    Its time to change tack in order to chase the `crazy bald heads out of the yard` to quote Bob Marley.

     

    • Kanmi Ademiluyi,

    Lagos

  • No to threats of violence

    SIR: Few days after my article of December 28, 2014 titled “2015: Nigerians need peace”, was published in The Nation, I received the news that President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Gen. Mohammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have signed a peace accord ahead of the February elections. Many of us that saw those pictures of the gentlemen hugging each other and smiling at the venue of the peace deal welcomed the development because it symbolized peace, understanding, tolerance and hope. I really felt we were making progress towards a relatively peaceful election until my escalated hope was put on a very serious doubt just few days later.

    It all started with a sitting governor putting up an advertorial in the front pages of supposedly highly respected Nigerian dailies wishing the candidate of the opposition party dead. While the nation was yet to fully recover from this shock, she received another blow in faraway Katsina – a state branded as home of hospitality. This time it was the convoy of the President that was stoned by miscreants during a campaign rally. As expected, both parties dissociated themselves, then went ahead to condemn the act.

    It is important to note that even though the state is the home state of the leading opposition candidate Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, the paradox is that, the state is governed and controlled by PDP. Many of us cannot forget how the governor of the same state was recently caught in a video inciting his supporters against the opposition.

    As if we have not seen the end of it, another attack was unleashed on the campaign train of the President again but this time around in Bauchi State – another state governed and controlled by the PDP. The governor Isa Yuguda would exonerate the opposition from blame putting the blame on disgruntled elements from within his party.

    Nigeria is like a very old water tank; just when you try to fix water leakage from one position another position just bursts. In faraway Bayelsa State, a group of ex-militants are now trying to disturb the peace of the nation. The warlords threatened that in the event that President Goodluck Jonathan loses the election in February, there will be war! In a sane nation, these nuisances should by now be cooling off in a prison for treasonable felony.

    I call on all Nigerians not to be intimidated by this empty threat or any similar one that may come in the future. No one should be cowed into voting against his or her wish. The future of our country lies in our votes. We finally have another opportunity to make it right as a nation. While I continue to call on all of us to avoid any act of violence, I shall also continue to call on all of us to vote wisely because our vote is our right.

     

    • Shafi’i Hamidu,

    Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.

     

  • Re: Disrespect, death wish and lies

    SIR: I read with profound interest and admiration Sam Omatseye’s  write-up in The Nation of Monday, January 26.

    When the duo of late Chuba Okadigbo and Uba Ahmed emerged as the political irritants of that dispensation, I thought no well brought up Yoruba man will ever so publicly denigrate old age for gold. But I was wrong. Fayose and ‘Femo’ have proved me wrong.

    I remember vividly the response of Great Zik. He said, ‘On my knees I go down and pray, that those who make mockery of old age, may they not grow old’.

    The rest is history.

    So many things are unfolding now, and very shortly we will know these people for what they are really worth. My position is that the greatest illiterate is the man without integrity. No one is interested in the acquisition of mere papers that does not transform the mind.

    We are tired of thieving intellectuals.

    The major challenges facing us today as a nation, are corruption, and insecurity.

    Based on his antecedents General Muhammadu Buhari  clearly dwarfs Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to clean up Nigeria. Now is the time!

    It is only the guilty that are afraid.

    Late Zik said, ‘Sportsmanship is an important asset in politics. I was taught in footballing not to score an offside goal, in boxing, not to hit below the belt, and in athletics, not to beat the gun’

    Please, let them not be afraid. GMB will have no choice than to play according to the rules of this dispensation.

    Fain-Kayode boasted, ‘we will stop him’(GMB).What is the foundation of this desperation?

    Let somebody remind him that he has only one vote. If the majority of Nigerians want him, then nobody can stop him.

    I pray for a new beginning for our great nation.

     

    • Debo Adedeji,

    Lagos