The Nation Newspaper

Category: Opinion

FROM THE CELL PHONE

For Gbenga Omotoso

I will rather not comment on the Ribadu report. I disagree on your conclusions on the Wammako flogging of PHCN manager. In fact, I believe Wammako should flog more people in the company including its management. I, as a Nigerian, appreciate Wammako. From Fola Aiyegbusi.

At Oronsaye’s age he should not allow himself to be consumed by lipservice and loyalty to government intrigues and petroleum mafias. He has started another inglorious journey like his ill-fated public service reforms that were greeted with controversy. As for Wamakko, the PHCN manager should document his evidences to prosecute him after his exit from office. From Samuel Ikechuku, Ozoro

I am reluctant to comment on what Prof. Chinua Achebe said in his book on Chief Awolowo. He should consult the Obafemi Awolowo Universityn (OAU) library and read what the Biafran architect wrote in his book – EMEKA. Awolowo was never indicted. From Adeyitayo Ogunleye, Ondo State

I think Dr. Saraki did his best politically. In the cause of discharging an upright professional duty during the 1983 elections, in the defunct Kwara, my late father, then a DPO at Isanlu, Kabba, a volatile area, impressed the late Oloye and he wanted to know the dedicated officer. They never met here on earth. Good night, the quintessential Oloye of the Ilorin people. May Allah grant you Aljanah Fidausi, Amen. From Dan. Idakwo

Abubakar Saraki was still relevant even at 79. What a great man! All Nigerians should see him as a mentor and a great leader. From Hon. Emma Itodo JP. Otukpo, Benue State

Who takes over from the late Saraki, considering the political battle to finish in the last election between Bukola and his late father. From Nuh, Oyo State

Thanks for your write-up. Let me say this; it is not easy to fight the cabal in the oil sector because they are the ones who bankroll elections and you know what it means to fight such a cabal. Anonymous

Re: Intrigues, rage in high places: That Ribadu’s report was rubbished by Oronsaye’s unguided action should not surprise a discerning mind. The President is the harbinger of the mess. Oronsaye and others were deliberately planted to protect the interest of treasury looters in the oil industry and PDP. One would have expected someone of Oronsaye’s calibre to behave better. The clique will never allow light into darkness. That is the presidency and its ilk for you. Pure double standard and corruption in high places! What a shame! From Pastor Odunmbaku

If Ribadu had learnt any lesson from the wise saying that ‘once bitten, twice shy’, he could have dodged the embarrassment he is facing following his acceptance of an assignment carefully designed by the government that seems to be more corrupt than the word to pull the wool over the eyes of Nigerians. He should have learnt that, in the land, where majority of the people are incurably corrupt, fighting the monster is like signing one’s death warrant. Since they forced him out of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as the chairman, haven’t we seen the ‘successes’ his successors have recorded in the fight against corruption, especially when the elite class is involved? We know that there was a time when the name of that commission sent shivers down the spine of wealthy crooks. From Ifeanyi O. Ifeanyichukwu

If plea bargaining had been used instead of insisting on a conventional trial for oil marketers, the money recovered would have been able to pay marketers for the importation of PMS and avoid the current scarcity, which may be a ploy to have fuel subsidy completely removed. Refusing to swear in Justice Ifeoma Jombo-Ofo because of her state of origin is a form of discrimination and the Constitution which is superior to any other law or policy protects her against rejection. The reason the Constitution appears so bad is our failure to obey it. Even if we produce the best possible Constitution, it will only be as good as our willingness to abide by it. Wamakko’s behaviour was unbecoming but if Osigwe decides on legal action he must be ready to explain the issue of the money which may not be in his best interest. Anonymous

For Olatunji Dare

Sir, it is quite unfortunate you are communicating to an audience which knows very little about how a standard university should be run. The pseudo-intellectual exercise that culminated into the selection of the least-qualified candidate, Prof. Ambali, is a sordid and unfortunate one. But an average Nigerian (especially students) believes change is change, even at the expense of merit. Should you need a comprehensive report on the selection, I will give you one. From Ishowo Lateef, Ilorin

Your election post-mortem left out the demographic shift in the USnited States as the icing on the cake that gave Obama the stunning victory. From John Makurdi

Thanks, for the master piece. I believe if Nigerians can put religious, tribal and cultural sentiments aside during election, we will get there soon. From Muhammed Gafar, Ilorin

Dear Dare, your analysis on the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor in the University of Ilorin ìs a graphic account of how to be a Vice-Chancellor without giving consideration to merit and excellence. Apart from Prof. Afolabi Toye, at the inception of the university who was then the Vice-Chancellor, others from Prof. Ibrahin Oba till date went through selection processes which had ethnic and religious colouration. In those days, the appointment of Vice- Chancellors was not necessarily from the university where one served or was serving as everything was on merit. I remember my years at ABU when Dr. Bala Usman of the blessed memory in the History Department was to be given a professorial chair in 1977, he rejected the offer on the excuse that he had not publìshed enough in the Journal of African History and in the Journal of Historical Society of Nigeria or any reasonable research. It is a different ball game these days. The National Universities Commission (NUC) should address this important issue and make a Nigerian university rank among the first 100 in the world. From Chief Apelogun, Ilesha

What a compelling and insightful analytical piece on the US eletion. The result may, indeed, be a wake-up call on the actual position on preferences and realities in that beautiful democracy. From Tayo Lawal, LSG Information & Strategy

Re: Election USA: The election has come and gone but the great lesson is that it was devoid of rigging in any form – police, soldiers, security forces, electoral officers and all related agencies were not used to scuttle the wishes of the people, despite the fierce debate and robust campaigns by the candidates. More significant was the absence of thugs/thuggery of any nature. The political parties must learn to play the game according to the rules. Election must be won on action not on incumbency syndrome or use of force by the ruling party. There was no corruption in any form. Nigerians are matured enough to have credible elections devoid of syndicated results. All electoral agencies must not be at the mercy of the president. 2015 must be better organised and based on party/individual performances. God bless Nigeria. From Pastor Odunmbaku.

Re: Election USA: a post-mortem. Despite the attributes or lack of such, the election was interesting and worth watching and learning from! If my country displays such, politically, we would be at peace and we would bother less about who wins or who loses. Antithetical, ACN is going to the Election Tribunal on Ondo election results, clearly declared. Must people win through the court all the time rather than by the people? From Lanre Oseni

I was shocked to see that the American electoral system is organised in such a way that even if you win the popular vote, you could still lose the election if the other candidate gets the “exclusive” electoral college votes. This scenario played out when Bush beat Al Gore in the past. I do not see what is democratic about a few people’s votes being superior to those of millions of others. What happened to minority will have their say and the majority will have their way. In my opinion, this system is open to manipulation. If what they say about America’s Presidents being handpicked by a clique at meetings in the Bohemian Grove is true, then the electoral college system might just be the vessel used to ensure victory for the clique’s candidate. Anonymous

For Segun Gbadegesin

Dr. Olusola Saraki, no doubt, loved his people and his people did not fail to reciprocate the gesture. It was a mutual relationship from the beginnig to the end. May his gentle soul rest in peace. Anonymous

My point exactly on the constant and personalised attacks on Gen. Muhammadu Buhari by Doyin Okupe. Okupe forgets the President’s mandate derives from Nigerians and his insults on opposition leaders could make Nigerians swing their votes in the next election. Nobody becomes great attacking others. Dr. Doyin Okupe has no business in a decent administration like Jonathan’s. S.T.Zimughan, CEO, Dr.Goodluck Jonathan Forum for Global Peace. Anonymous

Re: The Lam effect. We will greatly miss the late Lam Adesina. I hope people will be committed and kind-hearted to earn the kind of encomiums being poured on the late Lam when they depart to the great beyond. May Lam’s soul rest in peace, ameen. From Lanre Oseni

I have been very uncomfortable with the views of most journalists on some sensitive national and constitutional issues like the death penalty as it concerns killing and corruption. Please, we have a Constitution and it should be sacrosant and we all know that corruption is the worst enemy of the Nigerian society. Please, let us stop pretending about this and being emotional about crime and its consequences. And when one is a victim, he/she cries to the high heavens. So, I support Governor Adams Oshiomhole and the ACF on their stands. From Ken Nwanguma, Imo State

November 21, 2012
The needless debate on 2013 budget benchmark

President Goodluck Jonathan recently presented N4.92trillion Appropriation Bill to a Joint Session of the National Assembly (NASS), in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory. Indeed, as the Executive arm of Government, which is constitutionally saddled with the ultimate responsibility of implementing the fundamental deliverables of a national budget and taking responsibility for same at the end of a fiscal year, the ensuing outburst over the proprietary or otherwise of the $75 oil benchmark in the budget is quite unnecessary.

Earlier in his presentation of the budget tagged: “Fiscal Consolidation with Inclusive Growth”, before the Federal legislators, President Jonathan had informed them that next year’s budget actually accords priority to “our concerns for security, infrastructure, food, security, and human development sectors” of Nigeria’s economy. Describing it as one with series of innovative features, the President and Commander-in-Chief stated that the budget is a “push in the right direction borne out of our well thought-out and articulated developmental policies.” The upcoming financial plan is said to be a deliberate attempt by the Government to continue with the medium-term theme and interventions that are consistent with the objectives of the Transformation Agenda of the Jonathan Administration.

He equally explained to the NASS members the basic principle behind the 2013 Appropriation Bill. The President related the core mandate of his Administration, saying “the task of transforming these opportunities into real, tangible outcomes which all our people can experience and call their own.”

While appreciating the meaningful contributions, cooperation and oversight functions of the National Assembly members in discharging the Government collective responsibility to build a virile and improved Nigerian economy of our dream, he took the opportunity to remind the lawmakers of the need for their continued collaboration on the assignment of growing the economy, creating jobs for the generality of Nigerians, delivering the much-expected dividends of democracy, and improving the people’s standard of living.

Conversely, just days after the presentation of the 2013 Appropriation Bill to NASS, the Presidency’s recommended crude oil price benchmark has sparked another disagreement between the Legislature and Executive. Of course, the Presidency previously, had broached to the Federal legislators, that though the $75 per barrel oil benchmark quoted in the budget is less than what currently obtains in the international oil market, the former certainly has provided a veritable background to and rationale for its proposal of $75 benchmark in next year’s budget.

According to Presidency, such background information that apparently informed the benchmark, as it is the oil-price based fiscal rule, especially as contained in the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007. It further argued that this instrument informed its choice of “a prudent oil benchmark price of $75/barrel for the 2013 period”. More so, since the beginning of 2008 when the global economic downturn started manifesting and dislocating many an economy across the globe, world oil prices have been largely unstable ever since then. Thus, based on moving averages of the global oil prices and government’s simulations allowing for possible uncertainty in world oil price movements, it really adopted the contentious benchmark as “a standard technique commonly used by commodity-dependent countries to protect them against the volatilities of oil.”Incidentally, the bulk of Nigeria’s wealth is derived from the same floundering oil earnings.

There were supposedly considerable, previous consultations with various stakeholders, including state governors and the National Assembly, where the $75 benchmark was purportedly agreed that “the benchmark price should be further rounded up to $75/barrel to meet pressing needs and prevent delays in the budget process.”

Despite the Presidency’ resolve that the $75/barrel price, of course, represents an upper limit from its model towards the country’s attainment and sustenance of a stable macroeconomic environment for next year, since the beginning of their considerations of the Appropriation Bill, the Senate is holding out for $78 per barrel. Whereas the House of Representatives, which is the Lower House of NASS, also has constantly maintained that the oil benchmark should be $80 per barrel.

Characteristically, it is by and large appreciated by all when the National Assembly critically examines and possibly makes meaningful and useful inputs into a budget before final approval in a fiscal year. However, it is now a matter of concern to well-meaning Nigerians that the debate on the $75 oil benchmark in the 2013 Budget has depreciated to a point of resorting to name-calling cum abusive language between the NASS leadership and some of President Jonathan’s aides. This needs not be so.

The NASS members should realise that if any unrealistic expectations are suggested and ratified in respect of the oil benchmark, the aggregate of which will fund the budget, an overly high benchmark price may lead to higher inflation, decline in the value of the Naira, lower savings, and reduced investment in the face of troubled worldwide economic outlook.

The Government, again, has informed Nigerians that based upon current economic realities of the time, either $78 or $80 benchmark would lead to an increase in liquidity, leading to an increase in money supply chasing few goods and services. In other words, any sudden snap in oil prices will be detrimental for many of the Government’s macroeconomic forecasts.

Besides, the current Administration has said the exchange rate would come under intense pressure, leading to a depreciation of the Naira. High inflation would result in higher interest rates. Certainly, a combination of high inflation, interest rate and an unstable exchange rate is not beneficial to proper economic planning, both for the government and private business managers.

It should equally be realised that the current world oil price is really not based on certifiable economic fundamentals. Rather, uncertainties, e.g. conflict in the Middle East are said to be responsible for the seemingly enticing high prices of crude oil in the world oil market. The question then is, can Nigeria truly base its economic plan on the expected misfortunes of such crisis-ridden regions and enclaves around the world and still achieve enduring transformation in key aspects of its national life?

In spite of its latest recommendation that the Excess Crude Account (ECA) be scrapped forthwith, while not minding its cushioning effects on the survival of the nation’s economy in recent years, the increased savings in ECA are yet consequential in mitigating adverse economic impact on Nigeria, in case of a sudden global economic shock, or an unanticipated slump in world’s oil prices.

Consequently, instead of insisting on varying oil benchmarks outside of the Presidency’s $75 benchmark recommendation in the 2013 Appropriation Bill before it, the NASS rather should reach a consensus with the Federal Government in coming up with realistic estimates that will enable it to focus on cutting recurrent expenditure to sustainable levels. This could be accomplished through reduction of waste, corruption and duplication in the functions of government agencies.

The Federal lawmakers ought to realise that even while discharging its constitutional mandate of examining the components of the budget, it is yet far better to allow the Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to come forward and freely defend their various budgets, as contained in the 2013 Appropriation Bill, based on the recommended $75 oil benchmark.

In fact, any undue, excessive inputs into the estimates from the NASS members may trigger yet another round of impractical budget leading to poor implementation. It is much better to allow the Executive to take responsibility for the estimates it believes can work for the well-desired turnaround in the economy. After all, Nigerians will not turn around to blame the National Assembly for poor budget execution if any unrealistic projections are included in the Appropriation Act emanating from the Legislature at the end of the day.

• Rotimi Smith is an Estate Surveyor in Ibadan.

November 19, 2012
Seeking public trust in civil service

In 1960s up to the mid-70s, civil service job was seen as a clarion call for any citizen to come and serve his or her father land.

It was an allegiance to dutiful service. Indeed, the earliest civil servants served the people and the nation with their heart and might.

Names like Alison Ayida, Jerome Udoji, Simeon Adebo, Fola Ighodalo and Adeyemo Bero, to mention but few, remind one of top-on-the-shelf civil servants, who have left indelible mark on the sand of civil service history. Even as we speak, these finest public servants have remained legends never to be forgotten for their loyal, sincere and diligent services to their nation.

Today, the story is largely different from that of the sublime and dignified 60s and 70s as the diligence and will to serve selflessly has greatly diminished if not totally disappeared.

Arguably, the diminishing return was traced to the 1975 forcible rough surgery performed by the late General Murtala Muhammed administration in the name of restructuring of the civil service.

Others however pointed to the sweeping restructuring by the General Ibrahim Babangida administration in the 80s, which corollary dislocated the joints of the civil service until today.

Since the said restructuring – be it the first or the second one – the scar from the surgical scalpel has remained un-healed till now.

A ray of hope may have appeared on the horizon for this hitherto revered white-collar job what is currently happening in the civil service of the State of Osun under Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as governor.

A seed of innovation aimed at repositioning the service for optimum performance was sowed recently in the state and many have expressed strong conviction that it will germinate and bear edible fruits in the not-too-distant future.

Aregbesola’s intention to have a clean break with the past tradition of hand-picking the Head of Service (HOS) significantly goaded him to x-ray, diagnose and provide long-lasting treatment for the ailing service.

When he came to the saddle two years ago, he met a factionalised public service – one overtly split along political party divides-something that ordinarily should be alien to the civil service. A civil servant ought to be neutral and impartial on any subject matter pending government’s attention.

Having carefully studied the situation at hand, in February this year, the governor set up a committee – Public Service Repositioning Committee- to look critically at the whole system with a view to repositioning it.

Aregbesola tasked the 12-man committee headed by Dr. Goke Adegoroye, to help him achieve three things, namely – meritocracy, professionalism and capacity building.

The governor strongly believes that with these three key qualities, the civil service can begin ascent to its former enviable echelon.

The committee thus swung into action with the sole intention of creating a new order that will be a model for other public services – state or federal.

The Adegoroye Committee therefore conducted assessment exercise for all the directors in the civil service of the state. Those who performed very well among them were subsequently invited for open interview for further assessment.

At the end of the day, from over 70 prospective Permanent Secretaries that were assessed, this novel process threw up the best 29, who emerged as Permanent Secretaries across all the ministries. Before, the tradition is for the sitting governor to sit down in his office and hand-pick the permanent secretaries as well as the HOS.

For Ogbeni, that was an undemocratic way of selecting the best out of crowd. For him, this traditional ancient regime has to wither and pave way for democratic experimentations.

Hence, the new HOS would have to also be chosen by the workers themselves and not the governor. This was exactly what happened recently at the Bola Ige House, Government Secretariat, Abere, Osogbo.

The last process was the emergence of the HOS and they were to be selected by their fellow civil servants from Grade Level 14 and above.

All the 29 Permanent Secretaries were allowed to participate in Electoral College for so it appears. The civil servants, for the first time in the history of the state and perhaps that of the country, stood on the threshold of posterity to elect the man they want to lead them.

As usual, in any democratic setting, the election process was a high octane one for it was an open ballot process. The names of the 29 Permanent Secretaries were printed boldly and pinned to a table with ballot boxes in front. The senior civil servants all voted and at the end of the exercise, three candidates emerged with the highest votes.

They were – in descending order – Sunday Olayinka Owoeye (34); Adeyemi Adelowo (26) and Kolawole Adesina (19).

These three names were subsequently forwarded to the governor from which, using his executive discretion, he would select a candidate, who automatically becomes the HOS.

Aregbesola simply heeded the time-honoured Latin maxim – vox populi, vox dei. The people have spoken and so be it.

Mr. Sunday Olayinka Owoeye thus emerged as the State of Osun’s new Head of Service. All these – voting, counting, selection and announcement – took place in matter of hours and not a whole day.

To majority of the civil servant, this is a welcome development as they are now part of decision-making body in the determination of their own destiny.

They all hailed the novel system, describing it as a bottom-up system of appointment rather that the slipshod old top-to-bottom approach.

According to some of the civil servants, the impact of this novel process is that it has capacity for confidence-building and the workers tend to believe and will readily differ to a leader they elected themselves.

Again, this new system will also help a great deal in quick resolution of government-worker’s face-off whenever one arises.

Above all, the civil servants hail the governor as a real democrat and a great leader, who genuinely wants progress and development for the state.

During the swearing-in of the Permanent Secretaries and the HOS, an elated Aregbesola said that in appointing the Head of Service through the electoral college of the Permanent Secretaries, his administration has applied the best possible method that can be obtained from humans.

He openly declared that for the first time in the history of the service, government has introduced merit and professionalism as the basis of career advancement and the new system will remain so he enthused.

He continued: “The candidate not only became Permanent Secretary through merit but was selected by the merits as the best merit possible within the pool of merits.’’

“Of course, this is subject to human error of judgment beyond which we have little control if we have not yet attained divinity….Your appointment is not a call to sycophancy and supine conspiracy. I have no personal agenda and do not intend to cultivate personality cult.”

Indeed, this is a democratic civil service a la Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola that needs to be emulated across the states of the federation.

•Kunle Owolabi is of the Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Office of the Governor of the State of Osun.

November 19, 2012
Bode Alalade: Mourning and celebrating!

When Bode Alalade died on October 9, 2012 at 75, there followed a mixed reaction that brought forth two schools. One grieved over the amiable broadcaster’s departure, saying it marked one more phase in the staggered extinction of excellence in electronic journalism. These mourners referred to the death of two other distinguished performers, the affable Ikenna Ndaguba and the matronly Stella Bassey, to push the view that finally the apocalypse had come for the profession.

The second school of thought has been in tears too. But they are tears of joy, very much like the one who would speak of a half full cup of water rather than one which is half empty! This class is celebrating Bode Alalade because by their reckoning he died not leaving behind an industry of orphans. He didn’t take his prime trade mark of mentorship, passion, thoroughness, professional discipline and news room conviviality to the grave.

Indeed Alalade had all these and most likely more. He exhibited them where he worked. However the broadcaster went the extra mile: he conducted “formal” and “informal” training for younger and serious journalists so they could be of use to themselves, the profession, the society and the generations to come.

You may refer to his post-Nigerian Television Authority Network News and Radio Nigerian days as the period of “informal” training. He was later at some private broadcast stations where through “formal “ training programs he tried to restore the dying virtues of passion, precision and perfection to a profession that had been taken over by uncommitted lucre-minded men and women. Bode Alalade was alleged to have been humiliated in some of these places. For, what he taught was gibberish to an age that worshipped wealth as an end and held selfless service in contempt.

Bode Alalade made little sense if he taught that the TV newscaster owed it a duty to his / her teeming viewers and the information seekers to report in the newsroom and take part in packaging the news of the day . it was anathema if he insisted that the newsreader should subject himself to the news editor and consult all the variants of the dictionary– Thesaurus, pronunciation, language etc – during production while rehearsing for the news and proofreading.

Now if today’s “professionals” and their nouveaux riches employers didn’t allow Alalade a fulfilling stay, it didn’t matter.

Because back then at Radio Nigeria and in the glorious days of NTA Network News (God be blessed for that era!) he had made an indelible mark through exquisite and humble service as a trainer, news manager, news reader and agreeable colleague.

We watched Bode Alalade at close quarters during our time with him at the then NTA headquarters on Victoria Island, Lagos in the late 70s and 80s. He had a carriage that reminded you of the equally unforgettable Alfred Hitchcock, the master of suspense in the cinema industry. But in oga Alalade, there lurked no element of suspense.

If it was possible to rehearse 24 hours ahead for the delivery on air, Bode Alalade would do it! There was no one, no matter how junior, he wouldn’t consult in order to give the viewer the best the situation demanded. If an Urhobo name cropped up you wouldn’t catch Alalade napping. He had an Emakpore to corner for an accurate pronunciation so “I don’t offend that corner of the viewing public and smear the reputation of NTA”. For a Ghanaian tongue, he had an Ojewale , his junior .

Once, the name of Helmut Schmidt, then West German Chancellor, was in the news. Trust Alalade! He went for Atobatele who had studied and stayed in Germany for years .Was it so he wouldn’t offend the diplomatic corps, who in those days never left the TV in order to watch NTA’s Network News?

Alalade matched his professional consummation with a spotless sartorial and facial outlook as if nature had decreed a rhyming policy for everything on earth. He was clean – shaven even as he went on air in flawless flowing agbada that seemed to be a celebration of his Ibadan culture. He had hesitant side boards that hardly threatened the hairless childlike face.

Alalade never gave gratuitous gesticulation or false drama in newscast as we see today. But you would observe natural smiles run over his rotund Hitchcock – visage. You’d also notice a near speck-free face that, as the years wore on, still refused to acquire warts. He appeared, on account of his avuncular nature, openness and good looks, to enjoy more than a fair share of the company of the fair sex .it was decent relationship forced upon him by the joviality of the news room .

We can mourn Chief Bode Alalade because he’s no longer with us physically. This is only human. In the long run however, our grief is lessened by his life of eminence in broadcasting and by what he offered in turn to society. He taught us to be humble, diligent and studious in our profession. He warned against sloppy approach as we process our findings to inform, educate and entertain the public. Bode Alalade has given his younger and junior colleagues the baton to continue the race, empowered by the rubric that sustained him.

May the legacy endure to build society!

• Emakpore, Atobatele , Adewusi and Ojewale were Alalade’s younger colleagues at NTA Network News.

November 19, 2012
Okada riders and the Lagos traffic law

The Lagos Traffic Law, signed into law on August 2, 2012 by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, has generated lots of controversies. The aspect of the law that has particularly generated so much debate is the one that restricts the operations of commercial motorcycles operators, popularly called okada, in 495 designated strategic highways and routes out of a total number of 9,700 available routes within the metropolis.

In defiance of the law okada riders simply continued their business as usual. As expected, the law caught up with some of them, who argued that their ban on the designated roads would effectively put them out of business. Consequently, many of them flouted the law and continued to operate on the restricted routes. The state government subsequently had to resort to impounding the motorcycles of erring okada riders. This resulted into several acts of vandalism by okada riders who attacked commuters and vandalised 10 BRT buses. Security men were deployed to control the situation while some of the rioting okada riders were arrested. The Lagos State Assembly, in addition to other respected voices in the state, condemned the destructive protest and threatened and outright ban on okada if the riders were not ready to abide by the law of the land.

It is unfortunate that rather than obey the laws of the land or, indeed, follow more civilised ways of expressing their grievances, okada riders decided to take the laws into their hands by destroying public properties and threatening the peace of the land. Prior to its implementation of the law, the state government held several stakeholders’ meetings with the leadership of the various associations representing okada riders to intimate them of plans to enforce the new laws in the restricted areas as well as seek for their partnership in ensuring the sanctity of the law. Instead of resorting to the same channel to convey their objection, or possibly seek further clarifications, okada riders simply chose to tow a rather primitive line . This, of course, confirms the widely held notion that hoodlums had seriously infiltrated into the ranks and file of okada riders.

Indeed, the misery and grief that okada has brought into several homes in Lagos, and indeed across the country, is un-imaginable. Statistics from the Lagos State Management Authority (LASTMA) reveals that not less than 619 people were killed or seriously injured in okada accident in the last two years. The breakdown shows that 107 people died while 512 sustained serious injuries. Among the dead were 71 males and 36 females. In 2001 alone, 47 people were killed while 98 others sustained serious injuries from okada accidents. And, between January 2012 and October, the statistics shows that 63 people were killed while 59 sustained serious injuries.

A recent police report equally shows that out of the 30 armed robbery incidents recorded in Lagos between July and September this year, 22 involved commercial motorcycles. According to the records, it was obvious that out of eight robberies that occurred in July, seven involved the use of okada while it was also used in 10 out of 14 robberies in September and five out of eight robberies in August. Looking at these available facts and figures, there should be no controversy about the fact that the operations of okada in the state need to be regulated.

Besides the agony and grief it brings upon its victims, the lawlessness of Okada on the road is quite nauseating. Most of the riders are illiterates, mostly from neighbouring countries such as Niger, Chad, Sudan, Republic of Benin and Togo, who are ignorant of traffic regulations and signs. This is in addition to constituting a nuisance to other road-users through reckless driving. Undoubtedly, Okada is being abused in various ways and government’s intervention couldn’t have come at a better time. Okada cannot be the best means of transportation in 21st century Lagos when other states such as Rivers, Abia, Delta, Eboyin and even the Federal Capital Territory are rejecting it.

Unfortunately, it is a sad reflection of the state of our country that Okada riding has suddenly become a vocation for young Nigerians. This is one area where the poor state of the power sector is now haunting us. After spending trillions of naira on a rather phony agenda to stabilise power in the country, constant supply of power remains a mirage to many Nigerians. No wonder, many informal sector’s operators such as hairdressers, barbers, welders, mechanics, panel beaters, painters, tailors, electricians, electronics repairers among others have abandoned their vocations for the deadly and temporary option of riding okada.

In order to reverse this ugly trend, there is an urgent need for the federal government to expedite action on its power reform agenda. It is no longer news that some multi-national corporations have relocated from the country while some others are in the process of winding up. No thanks to the unstable power situation in the country. Indeed, the country’s manufacturing sector, which has the capacity to generate the much needed jobs, if all the variables work well, is perhaps, the most hit with respect to the power situation. Consequently, if we are to tackle unemployment head long, we must give serious attention to rejuvenating the power sector. It is only when this is done that our youth would be able to resist the allure of turning okada riding into a career.

Nevertheless, the competence of traffic personnel to enforce the law need to be improved upon continuously while appropriate use of technology should be incorporated into enforcing the law. It is cheering to note that LASTMA officials are currently tapping into technology while discharging their duties. An example is the use of Auto Inspector- hand-held devices which enable traffic officers to track information about any car registered in Lagos and its owner.

Equally, there is an urgent need for the state government to expand the operational routes of BRT to accommodate more commuters across the state. Also, the private sector should take advantage of the diverse opportunities that abound in the sector to partner with the state government in providing the necessary interventions that would enhance the effectiveness of public transportation in the state. Perhaps, more importantly, the federal government should speed up efforts on its power sector reform not only to safe guard the jobs on ground, but to pave ways for the emergence of new one.

Finally, since the primary goal of government’s massive investment in the sector is to ensure free flow of traffic, road safety and social – economic development, it is important that major stakeholders partner with the state government to give the new law a chance since it is mainly enacted to protect the people.

– Ogunbiyi is of the Features Unit, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja.

November 18, 2012
Between political myopia and analytic bigotry

Ordinarily one would not want to respond to the disjointed, shallow, often comical piece titled ‘Tinubu’s Political Megalomania’ credited to one Oladele Osunbote and published in The Guardian of Sunday, November 11, 2012. In his opening paragraphs, for instance, Osunbote pointlessly makes reference to some great African leaders – Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere, Sekou Toure, Nelson Mandela among others – and then makes this absolutely meaningless statement: “The history of Africa must parade the great names so that I can obtain my egoistic competence to counter the negrophobists”. This is sheer lunacy showcasing an unstable mind shrouded in darkness. Osunbote obviously lacked the intellect to effectively communicate his ideas (if he has any) or lucidly demonstrate his logic. Given the proven anarchical bent of his mind, one can, therefore, better understand some of the wild, unsubstantiated and absolutely reckless allegations this writer makes in a futile bid to denigrate the character and tarnish the political career of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu – former Governor of Lagos State and National Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

As the title of his diatribe suggests, Osunbote’s objective is to prove that Tinubu suffers from political megalomania and is greedy to acquire power and dominate others at all costs and by all means. He admits that Tinubu successfully withstood Obasanjo’s assault on the South West in 2003 and remained the only Alliance for Democracy (AD) Governor left standing after the PDP hurricane that swept the traditionally progressive region on that occasion. Osunbote equally could not deny that Tinubu as Governor of Lagos State steered the ship of the state with dexterity and overcame the seizure of the state Local Government funds for over three years by General Olusegun Obasanjo. He even admits that Tinubu at the time was “morally and tactically higher than Obasanjo and his group”. Thereafter, Osunbote reasons, Tinubu “has become ensconced, so politically comfortable that he wants to control all political machineries of South West”.

And how does Osunbote prove this? He makes the following unbelievably wild and sweeping assertion that can be nothing but the product of a diseased mind: “…all consultants to all ACN states in the South West must come from Lagos. He must appoint two thirds of the number of judges and commissioners to be appointed in all the South West states except Ondo State which is firmly under the control of the Labour Party. Street cleaners, consultants, contractors etc must come from Lagos. So much is now going to Lagos to the extent that some of the commissioners in the South West cannot approve or pay twenty thousand Naira only”. Now, is it not obvious that only a truly demented and deranged mind can make such ridiculous claims without the slightest effort at substantiation?

It is quite convenient for Osunbote to forget that Asiwaju Tinubu had been playing key roles in Nigerian politics long before he became Governor of Lagos State. Tinubu was elected to the Senate from Lagos West constituency with the highest votes in the country in the Third Republic. In the Senate he was the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Finance, Currency and Appropriations. In that capacity Tinubu initiated a far reaching probe of the finances of the National Assembly that set him at loggerheads with the legislative bureaucracy and the military regime at the helm of affairs at the time. It certainly does not occur to Osunbote that a megalomaniac simply wanting power for its own sake would have rather warmed up to the powers that be at that time rather than risk his position and possibly his life by challenging their financial misdeeds.

Again, Tinubu was at the forefront of Chief MKO Abiola’s campaign for presidency in 1993. When the June 12, 1993 election, described as the freest and fairest in the country’s history was annulled, Tinubu emerged as one of the fiercest opponents of the annulment. As the arrowhead of the struggle to actualise Abiola’s mandate, the military junta reached out to him severally to jump ship and come over to their side. He was offered juicy appointments and contracts to no avail. He refused to betray his principled commitment to the sanctity of a free and fair election. Is that how megalomaniacs behave? Does Osunbote know the meaning of the word? Exasperated by Tinubu’s intransigence, the military viciously went after him. He was detained. His house was fire bombed. He eventually had to flee the country for his dear life. In exile he remained steadfast in his commitment to the pro-democracy struggle making great personal and financial sacrifices towards this effort. Is that how megalomaniacs behave? Wouldn’t a megalomaniac rather enjoy the transient benefits of economic and political power rather than risk his life fighting for truth and justice?

After the 2003 election, Tinubu was the only AD governor remaining in office in the South West. His position was clearly vulnerable. PDP leaders were boasting that he would have no choice but to come over to their party. A megalomaniac intent on protecting his position at all costs would have opted for that easy way out. Power would have mattered to him more than principle or party loyalty. Tinubu demonstrated character. He exhibited integrity. He showed that there are values more important than wielding power for its own sake. Surely, that is not the trait of a megalomaniac. Beyond this, Tinubu did not try to diminish the influence and political authority of his fellow governors – Segun Osoba, Lam Adesina, Niyi Adebayo, Bisi Akande and Adebayo Adefarati – who were dislodged from power. He rallied them round, gave them moral and logistics support and ensured they continued to play their leadership roles in their states within the party. That is why they were all able to play their roles in the systematic return to political ascendancy of the progressive forces in the South West. Is that the trait of a megalomaniac intent on grabbing and dominating power? This Osunbote is clearly hallucinating.

What of Osunbote’s claim that consultants, commissioners, judges and even street cleaners appointed in ACN states are from Lagos? Of course such childish drivel is quite laughable. One challenges him to name even one of the functionaries in any of those states who is not an indigene of the state? He should cite any indigene of Lagos who is a political appointee in Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti or Osun states. If any indigene of these states has worked in Lagos or elsewhere acquiring valuable expertise in the process, is it a crime to put his knowledge and experience to the service of his state? If an indigene of any South West state has distinguished him or herself even outside the country – US, Britain, Canada, France etc – is it a crime to bring such a talent home to help develop his state? How myopic and bigoted can Osunbote be? He makes mischievous reference to the proposed appointment of Justice Oyewole of the Lagos High Court as Chief Judge of Osun State as if Oyewole is an indigene of Lagos. Justice Oyewole hails from Ila in Osun State. He has served with distinction as a most brilliant and fearless judge. He will be a great asset to any state where he serves. Indeed, Lagos would be making a big sacrifice to allow him go to Osun.

Osunbote made some vague and illiterate reference to Tinubu and the finances of Lagos State. The facts are clear. Lagos was earning an Internally Generated Revenue of N600 million monthly when Tinubu assumed office in 1999. Through deft financial engineering, Tinubu turned around the finances of state and by the time he left office in 2007, the IGR of Lagos was over N8 billion monthly. Governor Fashola has built on this strong foundation and the IGR of Lagos is today over N15 billion monthly. Osunbote and his sponsors can continue their lamentations. Tinubu, Lagos and the South- West will continue to march forward.

November 18, 2012
Ribadu report: Vindicating Oronsaye

In life, only very few things are as painful and psychologically enervating as the experience of being vilified by the public for taking a position which you know is right while the criticizing majority is gullibly led in the opposite direction which you know is patently wrong. That was the kind of experience one of Nigeria’s most accomplished technocrat and bureaucrat, Mr. Steven Oronsaye, was made to go through recently. He was the butt of cruel jokes and acerbic criticisms for disowning the report of the Petroleum Revenue Special Task Force of which former EFCC Chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, was Chairman and Oronsaye was deputy chairman

The committee was set up to, among other things, look into the various sources of revenues from the petroleum sector in the last 10 years and see if all monies that should accrue to the Federal Government actually got paid and, if not, recommend ways of plugging the leakages. Long before the committee concluded its work, Nigerians were regaled with reports in the media with headlines like: “Ribadu Vows to Nail Oil Thieves” and “Ribadu Gives Oil Thieves Red Card”. These and the reputation of Ribadu as an anti-corruption czar helped to raise expectations about the committee’s report.

So when the report of the committee found its way to the media with a hint that it had earlier been submitted to the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, who appeared not to be enthusiastic about its implementation, it immediately caused a hoopla which made President Goodluck Jonathan to direct that the report be formally submitted to him by the committee. During the report submission ceremony on 1 November, 2012, at the Presidential Villa, Oronsaye publicly disowned the report arguing that due process was not followed in compiling it.

For a report that had already been leaked to the media on the assumption that the powers that be want to consign it to the shelf to gather dust like most others before it, Oronsaye’s action was seen as a confirmation that there was indeed a conspiracy to kill the report. He was dubbed an ‘agent’ who had been ‘settled’ to deliver the bomb that would blow the report into smithereens.

To make the toga of a ‘settled agent’ fit well on Oronsaye, Ribadu went ahead to point out that he (Oronsaye) was appointed into the Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation NNPC a few months after the Task Force was inaugurated. Ribadu further insinuated that Oronsaye refused to attend meetings of the committee and only turned up once when the issue of Addax’s financial malfeasance was to be discussed and that he (Oronsaye) apparently turned up for the meeting because of his perceived interest in the company which Ribadu accused him of defending spiritedly throughout the session.

Ordinarily, these allegations are enough to sway anyone that Oronsaye delivered his disclaimer on the report for rather selfish and unpatriotic reasons. But the facts that are beginning to emerge about the report as the dust of sentiment begins to settle down indicate otherwise.

I must confess that I was one of those who believed that Oronsaye was guilty as charged, especially as his position that due process was not followed in compiling the report was endorsed by only one other member of the Task Force, Mr. Bernard Oti, who incidentally was appointed as Group Executive Director Finance and Accounts of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and member of the Corporation’s Board a few months after the inauguration of the committee. To me, this showed a clear pattern of settled men were working hard to earn their pay.

But having taken the pain to study the report, I am persuaded that Oronsaye has been vindicated and that he may have been moved by patriotic zeal to stick his neck out to disown the report. Oronsaye may have carefully considered how disappointed Nigerians would be when they would discover that the report did not so much as hold the so called oil thieves by the elbow not to talk of catching a single thief. Or how else do you describe a report that contains the most damning disclaimer of its essence contained in paragraph 4, page 2 of the report which states: “The data used in this report was presented by various stakeholders who made submission to the Task Force in the course of our assignment at various dates, which have been disclosed in relevant sections of the report. Due to time frame of the assignment, some of the data used could not be independently verified and the Task Force recommends that the Government should conduct such necessary verifications and reconciliations.”

If the statement quoted above is not a disclaimer, then somebody needs to explain to Nigerians how it differs from what Oronsaye said at the report submission ceremony. In fact, I tend to believe that Oronsaye was being euphemistic in stating that the Task Force did not follow due process in arriving at its report because what Ribadu and his fellow committee members tell Nigerians by the above statement is that they did not do the job for which the committee was set up. And to my mind, not doing the job for which the committee was set up is definitely worse than doing it but not following due process.

Not verifying the data submitted to the committee and recommending that “government should conduct all necessary verifications and reconciliations” is like pushing the job back to the government that set the committee up in the first place to thoroughly appraise data and figures with a view to determining where there are revenue leakages in the system. If the data and figures were not verified as admitted in the report then on what basis did it arrive at the conclusion that some companies and agencies did not pay what they ought to pay to government? How did the Task Force expect the government to prosecute those it indicted? On the basis of unverified and unreconciled figures?

The point that Oronsaye was trying to make at the report submission ceremony has now become very clear: The Committee did not do what it ought to have done; if it was because of time constraint, it should have asked for more time to do the right thing.

Looking back now, it is also getting clearer that all the allegations against Oronsaye that he disowned the report because he has been settled with appointment to the Board of NNPC and that he has interest in Addax are mere attempts to tarnish him and render his observation about the report questionable. If in spite of Oronsaye’s appointment into the Board of NNPC he was insisting on getting a better report done that could nail all those who shortchanged the country in one way or the other, then it is safe to conclude that he is a patriot.

On the allegation that Oronsaye has interest in Addax because he turned up for meetings after a long period of absence from the committee’s meetings and insisted on the right process being adopted in appraising data that pertained to the firm, that argument is neither here nor there. In fact, it could be argued that Oronsaye’s action was consistent with his position that the committee’s work be properly discharged and above board. He has since denied having any interest in Addax. What we know about Addax in Nigeria today is that it has been bought over by Sinopec. It is left for those who made the allegation to substantiate it by coming out with facts. The Presidency has challenged Ribadu to name those whom he claimed tried to compromise him. It will be just fine for him to tell the Nigerian public all he knows about Oronsaye’s interest in Addax so that we can appraise him appropriately.

But from all that we have seen in the report so far, there is no ground to impugn on Oronsaye’s integrity. In fact, the only thing the report has done very well, as far as one can see, is that it has vindicated the man.

• Ataguba is a public affairs analyst.

November 16, 2012
Don’t politicise Lagos’ Okada restriction

For many Lagosians, it is no lon-ger news that those dare-devil profiteering bike riders have had their wings chopped by the new Lagos Traffic Law. Simply, their presence is no more on Lagos highways. And while I miss my Okada when in haste to catch an appointment or when I don’t want to be trapped in a crazy traffic, I don’t miss their reckless conduct on the roads. I’m going to have to endure. But, here’s how I view the law as it concerns my love/hate relationship with the Okada. Like body-building or stamina-building, or intelligence-building, one might need to suffer shirt term pains, for long term gains.

While a little part of me feels the law is draconian, I nevertheless appreciate its coming. Within a short spate of being used as commercial transportation mode, okada riders have become a menace, responsible for ghastly accidents, loss of limbs, deaths, and robberies. Any sane Lagosian will have to agree as much.

But, reading a story, ‘Okada ban: Learn from Jonathan, PDP tells Fashola’ published on page 4 of The Punch newspaper of November 4, 2012, was infuriating. I could not just understand why some politicians take swipes at each other unnecessary. According to the story, the Lagos State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the governor of the state, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), to stop the clampdown on commercial motorcyclists, known as Okada.

Quoting the Publicity Secretary of the party in Lagos, Mr. Taofeek Gani, said, “Seeing the level of hardship the restriction has caused, I think the reaction of a sensitive government would be to reverse the decision. Fashola should learn from Jonathan. When Jonathan saw the level of protest against the introduction of the N5,000 note, he stopped it. He also reversed the total removal of petroleum subsidy in January because of the effect it would have on people. That is how leaders who are interested in the welfare of people act.”

Well, I think the Lagos PDP is entitled to its own views. But, it must understand that comparing President Jonathan’s executive excesses with the Traffic Law being implemented by the Lagos State government is puerile at best. The fuel subsidy removal was an anti-people policy which wanted to increase their cost of living unfairly. The on-going rot in the petroleum sector, exposing scrupulous deals among high-powered individuals shows where the stolen wealth has been going. Yet, the Jonathan-led executive government had wanted Nigerians on January 1st, to start suffering for the rich cows. It was snuck on Nigerians at a period they were celebrating. How callous? Also, the introduction of thee N5, 000 did not fly because its merits could not pass the test of whether it was the most pressing of our needs as a nation. For a government that has hammered on turning Nigeria into a cashless economy, the move to print higher currency denominations could only have drawn suspicion and anger from citizens.

But, in the case of Lagos, while the motorcycle is recognised as a means of transportation, the actions of riders consistently violated existing traffic laws, hence, proving a grave hazard to the well-being and lives of the whole populace. Daily, the dare-devilry exhibited by many Okada riders have landed many Lagosians in hospitals after ghastly accidents, with limbs and lives lost in the process. According to statistics released by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), in the past two years, 107 persons died while 512 persons sustained serious injuries in 442 Okada-related accidents in the state.

If Gani stays in Lagos, he must agree that Okada riders were filled with utter disregard for simple traffic laws; they wrongly overtook, sped like demons, overloaded, and did not even wear helmets. Gani should also know that Okadas were used to commit crimes and for quick entries and getaways. Though, I don’t agree with the demonising employed Lagos State Commissioner of Police Umaru Manko who said that most of the robberies in the state were committed by Okada riders, I however agree that Okadas contributed a fair quarter in assisting robberies.

But, still on the Lagos PDP’s position, it must be recalled that in the FCT Abuja, Okadas were banned by a PDP-led federal government. Subsequently, PDP-ruled states like Akwa-Ibom, Rivers, Enugu, Ebonyi, Delta, and Cross-River have all restricted the movement of Okadas. I wonder why Gani and his likes in the Lagos PDP conveniently forget that aspect.

With decaying infrastructures and negligence of the people at the macro-level, Nigeria over the years became a jungle where survival was not just for the fittest, it was for the opportunist. Okadas presented an opportunity from failure of organised transportation system. Riding Okadas in towns and cities became a ‘faster’ route to wealth. Youths were no longer interested in learning a trade. Hence, there was a rush whereby even citizens from states as far as Sokoto, Borno, Akwa-Ibom, Enugu all migrated to Lagos just to ride Okadas. After all, Lagos is as where the money is.

Gani claims the ban would affect Lagosians. Of course, it would have its biting effects. A sore that has been left infested for so long would be painful when being treated. But, if only that pain can be endured, healing and a better life comes after. However if that pain is resisted, the sore merely festers on. Of course, the state government still has to solidify its alternatives, but like every law, the people have a duty to obey it. The rise of Okadas on Nigerian roads was a failure of governance and indiscipline of its citizens.

But, truth is that, many Lagosians appreciate that is for everyone’s good. Stories of Okada-related accidents and deaths would be fewer. And contrary to pessimists, this move would not create unemployment. The state has different provisions to develop and sustain artisanship. Surely, as a mega-city, Lagos needs more carpenters, plumbers, welders, tailors, cooks, chefs, bar-tenders, sportsmen. I see enforcement of the Lagos Traffic Law as checking this trend, making Okada riding not that profitable anymore.

The passage of the Lagos State Traffic law by the Lagos State House of Assembly was initiated by facts – the road carnage via which many people have lost limbs and lives, the armed robberies perpetuated with the aid of Okada, the aggression and the general disorderliness on the roads. The Law is simply aimed at improving the welfare of Lagosians. And the enforcement of this law is very much different from the oil subsidy removal or the proposed introduction of the N5, 000 note, both policies which had no legal backing, but were rather an executive decision meant to be secretly foisted on Nigerians. Lagos PDP should realise this.

• Joseph writes from Agege

November 15, 2012
The Ekiti State progressive welfare programme

On Tuesday, 25th October, 2011 at Ise-Ekiti, the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi formally flagged off the State Social Security Scheme for the Elderly with the commencement of the payment of the monthly stipends to the beneficiaries. The governor had prior to that day announced this policy direction during the celebration marking the anniversary of Nigeria’s 51st Independence and 15th Anniversary of the creation of Ekiti State on the 1st October 2011.

Dr. Fayemi had then said the scheme was conceived to improve the living condition of the senior citizens and serve as a poverty reduction strategy in favour of the deserving poor through the provision of regular income and free health care; adding that this was a fulfilment of his electioneering campaigns.

In his words: “It is painful to note that across the length and breadth of Africa, poverty visibly walks on the street with impunity. Of the many identifiable strands of poverty that is confronting the developing world is the one associated with old age when one’s strength and vitality is lost and the bones are irredeemably weakened. Not too long ago, those who fall in this vulnerable category, the aged, are taken care of by a social system that is effective in making life more enjoyable though with little to share.

“Today, civilization has eroded the system; it is now everyone to himself and God for us all. In the process, people lived the latter part of their lives in abject poverty with attendant diseases, emotional breakdown and frustrating social disaffections”.

He said on another occasion: “We embarked on this programme not only to make the state stand shoulders higher than other states but also to ensure that life becomes more abundant for our aged ones.”

Thus, the state became a pioneer for the initiative in the country which the Federal Government and other states are now taking a cue from. The programme is the first in West Africa. The novel approach has continued to receive accolades across political, ethnic, social and economic divides.

For the programme to take off, more than 52,000 elderly indigenes aged 65 years and above in the 16 local government areas of the state were enumerated. The enumerators who were well trained were charged to ascertain the profession and economic status of the children of the proposed beneficiaries of the scheme towards ensuring that elderly people from poor homes benefit more.

Fayemi himself exempted his aged mother from the scheme to underscore his point that the elderly indigenes that have well-to-do children should not be part of the scheme.

He said if the jobs of the children of the would-be beneficiaries were disclosed, it would be easier for the committee to decide whether a beneficiary was indigent or not deserving elderly citizens.

At the end, 10,084 beneficiaries were selected. The beneficiaries were invariably grateful for the government’s gesture. Thanking the Governor for the stipend, one of the beneficiaries, Madam Abigael Oyedele, commended the Fayemi-led administration for remembering the elderly citizens. Madam also Oyedele prayed for the success of the Fayemi-led administration.

To give a strong legal backing to the initiative to ensure its sustainability, the government put in motion the process of drafting legislation which was sent to the state House of Assembly. A public hearing was organised on the bill, where participants that consisted of mainly elderly people expressed joy at the introduction of the programme by the Fayemi administration, the participants canvassed for the expansion of the programme for more people to benefit.

The House Majority Leader, Hon. Churchill Adedipe, who moved the motion for the acceptance and consideration of the report of the committee that deliberated on the bill observed that the programme was in line with the policy enshrined in chapter 11 of the 1999 constitution of the FederalRepublic of Nigeria as amended with particular reference to section 14(2) and 17 of the constitution. The bill was unanimously approved by all the lawmakers.

The governor eventually signed the bill into law. While signing the bill, the governor said: “To some skeptics at the time, this was just a vote-catching gimmick of a typical opportunistic and desperate politician. Even to genuine admirers, the realisation of this dream was unfathomable given the limited resources available to our state. Now that the goal is realised, it is the beginning of the fulfillment of our campaign promise to provide for our elderly in their old age.”

In response to the call for the expansion of the programme, a comprehensive review was carried out after the first six months of the programme. The implementing ministry was directed by the government to conduct another enumeration of the elderly citizens in February 2012. The exercise brought out over 34,000 elderly citizens from whom another batch of 9,186 elderly citizens in Ekiti State, were selected to join the beneficiaries of the scheme.

Speaking at the flag-off of the payment for the Batch B beneficiaries of the scheme at Ekiti East Council, Governor Fayemi said the scheme which was employed by his administration to address adult poverty challenges was already hitting at the target as more elderly citizens who had once thought the programme was a mirage are now subscribing.

The Governor said the emergence of the second batch of the beneficiaries became necessary so as to capture as many qualified elderly citizens as possible who did not participate in the first enumeration exercise partly due to skepticism arising from the weariness of failed promises by politicians.

Payment of the stipend is made regularly on the 25th of the month when all workers are being paid. The scheme costs the government a sum of N1 million monthly. On how the state government has coped despite its meagre resources, Fayemi said the scheme was not conceived because the government has abundant resources but due to “the will to positively affect the lives of the toiling masses for whom this government is in authority” He stated that the administration was always propelled by the need to make life meaningful and comfortable for the elderly.

The welfare of the senior citizens in the state is a cardinal point in the eight-point agenda of the Governor Kayode Fayemi administration. The scheme has been made to be free from political or gender bias.

The governor once stated that even if it is impossible to re-enact, in absolute terms, the good old days of fending for our elderly through our extended family system, it is the determination of this government to reduce old age poverty significantly.

The scheme, according to the government, was not aimed at undermining the ultimate responsibility of families to care for their aged ones but should see it as a reward for the past contributions of the beneficiaries.

A spokesperson of the Ekiti State government, Mrs Richie-Adewusi stated that “since our culture does not encourage the setting up of old people’s home, the state government has to fashion out a way of continuously identifying with people 65 years and above in a programme. She added that people would foster social solidarity through a regained sense of citizenship that will enable them contribute to the society and enhance citizens-government relations, even as government is acknowledging its own roles and moral commitment to the welfare of citizens regardless of party affiliation.

•Adewusi writes from Ekiti

November 12, 2012
Reflections on Awo phenomenon-1

In the light of the controversy that arose as a fall out from Chinua Achebe’s new book on Biafra, one aspect a lot of people have ignored, or forgotten, is the courage of Chief Obafemi Awolowo (1909-1987), a foremost nationalist and active public officer during that era.

All of us may not agree entirely with Chief Awolowo as a leader cum politician or as a manager, but one cannot but salute the quality of his courage. No guess work on Chief Awolowo. You know where he stood. Some have analysed that it was this quality that created the blockage on the path of his becoming the President of Nigeria. Ironically, it is this same benefit that has made him a hero today. Someone considered widely to be a modern day victor, so to say.

Courage is a quality of mind or temperament which makes one to resist temptation to give way in the face of danger, opposition or hardship. It stresses firmness of mind or purpose. Some call it boldness or doughtiness or guts or tenacity. Some call it stubbornness, doggedness or bull headedness. It is this courage that separated Chief Awolowo from the crowd. Even twenty five years after he has died and from the grave, Chief Awolowo is still the issue in today’s Nigeria.

Unlike some very close associates of Papa Awo, I am not an authority on Chief Awolowo. As a reporter in The Nigerian Tribune, I covered his convocation speech as Chancellor of the then University of Ife, on July 6,1974,when he condemned the 1973 provisional census figures, conducted by Sir Adetokunbo Ademola as “a barren exercise”.

To make such a speech at that time was too daring, venturesome and perilous because it was considered a blasphemy, but Chief Awolowo made the speech with courage.

That same year, as a reporter with Nigerian Herald, I covered a lecture in Ibadan during which he gave reasons, for quitting General Yakubu Gowon’s cabinet where he served as Minister of Finance.

In Kano state while working as political correspondent with The Punch, I covered his triumphant entry into that ancient city for the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) Presidential rally on December 17, 1978. The crowd in Kano was a mammoth one.

The following morning, we drove to Kaduna state with Ebenezer Babatope; I had a dinner with the great Awo at Hamdala hotel. At dinner, Chief Awolowo had a commanding presence. He sipped his lucozade drink gently. I even had time to check his Breitling wrist watch and of course his trade mark Barley shoe- very well polished.

Later as city editor of The Punch, I covered the tribunal and Supreme Court proceedings, when Awo challenged the Federal Electoral Commission’s declaration of Alhaji Shehu Shagari as President of Nigeria in 1979. He would come to the tribunal and Supreme Court punctually, brief his lawyers and then sit down quietly. Often times, he greeted Chief Richard Osuolale Akinjide, Alhaji Shagari’s attorney. He lost both suits at the tribunal and the Supreme Court. He also lost the Presidential Election in 1983, retired to his home town Ikenne, refusing to challenge the 1983 Presidential Election, and insisted that, if Nigeria need him ,they know where to find him. In the early hours of May 9, 1987, Chief Awolowo died in Ikenne.

As press Secretary to Governor Ekundayo Opaleye of Old Ondo state, I was present at his burial in Ikenne in June 1987, where late Odumegwu Ojukwu, the Ikemba of Nnewi described him as the “Best president Nigeria never had.” I thought the story on Awo was over that sunny day. I was wrong. Ojukwu was the man that led the failed Igbo secession bid that Achebe chronicled in his latest book. The book has resonated once again the Awo phenomenon and the role he played or what he allegedly said for or against the Igbo ethnic group.

It is due to reiteration of Awo’s legacy and for the purpose of clarity that I feel compelled to reproduce the most courageous speech, Chief Awolowo ever made at the most crucial period of our National life at a meeting of Western Region Leaders of Thought at Ibadan on May 1, 1967

The immortal sage started his meeting’s speech thus: ‘I consider it my duty to Yoruba people in particular and to Nigerians in general to place four imperatives, two of them categorical, and two conditional. They are that: Only a peaceful solution must be found to arrest the present worsening stalemate and restore normalcy: The Eastern Region must be encouraged to remain part of the Federation. However: If the Eastern Region is allowed by acts of omission or commission to secede from or opt out of Nigeria, then Western Nigeria and Lagos must also stay out of the Federation: The people of Western Nigeria or Lagos would participate in the Ad Hoc Constitutional Committee or any similar body only on the basis of absolute equality with other Regions of the Federation.’

If the East attacked the North it would be for the purpose of revenge pure and simple. Any claim to the contrary would be untenable. If it is claimed that such a war is being waged for the purpose of recovering the real and personal properties left behind in the North by Easterners, two insuperable points are obvious. Firstly, the personal effects have been wholly locked up or destroyed, and could no longer be physically recovered; secondly, since the real property is immovable in any case, recovery of it can only be by means of forcible military occupation of these parts of the North on which this property is situated.

On the other hand, if the North attacked the East, it could only be for the purpose of further strengthening and entrenching its position of dominance in the country. If the North claimed that an attack on the East was going to be launched by the Federal Government and not by the North, as such, and that it was designed to ensure the unity and integrity of the Federation, two other insuperable points also became obvious.

First, if a war against the East becomes a necessity, it must be agreed unanimously by the remaining units of the Federation.

In the face of such a declaration by the three out of the four territories of Nigeria, a war against the East could only be a war favoured by the North alone. Secondly, if the true purpose of such a war is to preserve the unity and integrity of the Federation, then these ends can be achieved by the very simple device of implementing the recommendation of the committee which met on 9 August 1966,as reaffirmed by a decision of the Military leaders at Aburi on January 5, 1967,as well as by accepting such of the demands of the East, West, Mid-West and Lagos as are manifestly reasonable and essential for assuring harmonious relationships and peaceful co-existence between them and their brothers and sisters in the North.

We have been told that an act of secession would be a signal in the first instance for the creation of the COR state by decree which would be backed if need be by use of force.

With great respect, I have some dissenting observations to make on this declaration. There are eleven national or linguistic groups in the COR area, with a total population of over five millions.

• Continue tomorrow

November 12, 2012