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  • Comments

    ‘Re: Misguided letter. At least to show us that they are alive rather than dead, you couldn’t. In fact, every Tom, Dick and Harry shouldn’t be pouring venom at the administration of ex-President Jonathan and Co. However, Dr Suleiman should know one thing if he’s yet to realise that, despite being a university lecturer, that good leadership matters in any society, community or nation. Because Mr PMB sneezes, major sectors and their leaders have been catching cold. Instead of defending now, Dr Suleiman should have advised GEJ to pep up his ‘gentlemanism’ and deal with the gullible, the rats and most inefficient sectoral leaders who messed up Jonathan. They paved the way for his administration’s criticisms that Suleiman now blindly defends.  From Lanre Oseni.

    For Segun Gbadegesin

     

    Good to read an article that is well-organised. May God reward you abundantly. From Ibrahim Tiyaye, Nasarawa state.

    The substance of change. Our God is merciful but NOT sentimental.” A time to gain, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away.”(Eccl.3:6).Does democracy preaches Federal Character? Do you give to Caesar more than he deserves? Now those who sowed the seed of CONTUINITY are in haste to reap the fruits of CHANGE. Like Gbadegesin rightly said: “For them, the change mantra can be more of the same, business as usual masquerading as change”.No, the years should be totally ready to serve the nation, and not looting it. Mr. President should be given the chance to pick competent resource persons and rebuild the Nigerian project that has wrecked by the PDP for 16 years. Like Jonathan bearing the brunt now; after 1,460 days it will be Buhari alone carry his cross of the promised CHANGE. One hundred days in the Presidency is just 6.85 percent of his first term. Political jobbers should change in their expectations .Remain focused PMB. – From Elder L .O. David, Efon Alaaye, Ekiti State

    Considering the two-back page editorials of Punch of September 3 and The Nation the following day, one becomes attuned to what critical and objective journalism is all about. Pungent, concise, analytic and devoid of taciturn and unnecessary sensationalism.Keep up the good works. – From Osibamowo, Akin Olufemi, Tai Solarin College of Education, Omu-Ijebu.

    Segun Gbadegesin’s article contains some facts. He presents the article in a beautiful and orderly manner without an element of bias. Buhari’s critics should be careful. – From Balogun Bashir, Minna.

    On: The substance of change, change means having men  women of good cha-racter, honest, aggressive, good name, godly and energetic in position of authority to achieve good results in contrast to grabbers of country’s wealth for personal gains. Some people can never embrace change because they will no longer benefit from new life of transparency. On appointments made so far, the president is 100 per cent in order. Can people like Saraki be put in such positions? We need good governance not ethnicity. Some men and women are born critics hence they must be ignored. Ride on Buhari. – From Pastor Odunmbaku.

    Nigerians should imbibe the government of PMB because he is taking us to the Promised Land. His kitchen cabinet appointees are of truth ones that would deliver good goverance. One hundred days in office of President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) are not enough to judge him of governance because he met empty treasury. – From Chika Nnorom

    Re:The substance of change. The substance of change is complex that ‘only the deep can understand the deep’. All the three opinions of pro, anti-Buhari’s policies and the neutralists are correct based on focus of all the three. Once a Federation recognises federal character, it has to be followed. There is no part of the six geo-political zones that lack both strong and weak, brains and dullards. Indeed, Mr. President needs to move, act fast and perform as loads of problems in Nigeria, await faster service delivery! All the geopolitical zones possess what PMB required to act fast. – From Lanre Oseni.

    How I wish all those critics have read your article.  We need those that can deliver to move the nation forward not where they come from, and again they should tell themselves the truth. The house that you did not contribute in its making, why complain how the rooms are shared. – From Ibrahim Wali  Birnin-Kebbi. 

    I read your column. I think we should let this man do his thing his own way. He has saved millions of naira that would have been used in paying ministers’salaries. By the way, why do we even have permanent secretaries? Buhari has been working with them and the economy has not collapsed. Besides, are the permanent secretaries not experts? Let PMB ride on. – From Olusegun Maxwell, Ogbomosho Oyo State.

    Sir, you’re a very good columnist whose analysis on “The substance of change” was very balanced, educative and enlightened. I will always keep a date with you. – From MK Muhammad Yakasai.

    I was impressed with your article titled: “The substance of change.” I wish for a Nigeria where ethnicity is a thing of the past, where mediocrity and corruption are dethroned, and where only excellence rules. – Anonymous

    Those complaining are the agents of darkness. If a man collapses, he deserves resuscitation before he can start running again. PMB came when Nigeria was unconscious; see the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), power, Boko Haram, security, workers’ welfare and compare with last yea’s. – Anonymous

     

    For Olatunji Dare

     

    Aljazeera is one of the best media outfits that tells the world real news every one must believe and trusted, why did past government ban them? Time will tell. – From Gordon Chika Nnorom,Umukabia, Abia State.

    Dare has done justice to the article titled: “The power of definitions.” I haven’t been this impressed with an article in ages. Well done, sir. – Anonymous

    Re: The power of definitions. Excellent analysis of the  migration situations as it affects  Europe; but you seemed to have missed to relate  to Nigeria’s Togo immigrants loitering Lagos streets…Lest I forget, lashing out on former President Goodluck Jonathan in your 20th paragraph was a distracting thought from your prose. – From Mr. Ukeje Ukpabi.

    Your piece was good. In an attempt to come to power, the All Peoples Congress (APC) institutionalised lying. The damage will soon take its toll. Anonymous

    Sir, it’s sickening that even with the revelations of unethical dealings by  Jonathan’s men and instead of hiding their faces in shame, they are fight back. I think they should borrow a leaf from the Abachas, who have adopted silence and cooperation with the government. – From Mike Aiyemo, Abuja

    Re:The power of definitions.Your article was moving and made us wonder whether we, Africans, and other less developed world, are not subjecting ourselves to re-colonisation and self-degradation where we migrate, to daily – European nations and Americas. Although it would not be a fault of ours, considering the poor leaderships and persistent underdevelopment! If not for a considerable absorption by us of Germany, an unworthy name would have be coded on us. All said, our journalists should learn from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and al-Jazeera. During the Senate-Representatives’June imbroglio, columnists and journalists kept referring to the Peoples Democratic Party’s Saraki/Dogara as ‘’enemies”. Why do we have to use that term? – From Lanre Oseni.

     

    Gbenga Omotoso

     

    Tell you what; your signature piece, “Of love, lust and justice”, made an especially delightful reading, precisely because it was salacious. Cheers!  – From Eghosa Imade

    Sir, your article titled: “Of love. lust and justice” calls for thought. Please send it or sell it to home video producers. It’s going to be hotcake. Keep it up. From Prince Ogunde,

    Your article, as usual, is hilarious but thought-provoking. Judges are human but are always told to be careful in all their dealings. See what ordinary conjugal affair is doing to Justice Oloyede. You like amplifying salacious stories like the current one. Afterall, you’re a full blooded African man. From Frank, Warri, Delta state.

    “Jonathan’s dubious defenders” (HARDBALL) are out to defend themselves shunting court. Madam Jonathan had prophesied prison for them and Governor Fayose early this year. Some time ago THIS DAY newspaper appraised the performance of the Jonathan’s ministers. Almost all failed. Thereafter,Key Performance Indices (KPI) programme was adopted from the World Bank and supervised by a distressed lecturer turned Minister Of National Planning Commission.The programme failed abysmally. Hence, Jonathan’s administration performed terribly leaving behind world record-breaking corruption and a degree of rottenness that the citizens are now in a hurry to forget.The failed supervisor now speaks. However, President Buhari should remain focused, cool, calm and collected. Jonathan’s dubious defenders and the National Peace Committee (defunct) have no good case. – From Elder L. O. David, Efon-Alaaye , Ekiti State.

    I am one of the ardent readers of your column. ‘Of love, lust and justice’ is highly expository laced with humour. – Anonymous

    In your Editorial Notebook of September 3, you paid heed to a delicate issue, and so scored a huge point. More elbow grease to your efforts.- Anonymous

    Of love, lust and justice makes an interesting reading. You’re, indeed, my Editor of the Year! – Anonymous

     

    For Tunji Adegboyega

     

    Re: Misguided letter. At least to show us that they are alive rather than dead, you couldn’t. In fact, every Tom, Dick and Harry shouldn’t be pouring venom at the administration of ex-President Jonathan and Co. However, Dr Suleiman should know one thing if he’s yet to realise that, despite being a university lecturer, that good leadership matters in any society, community or nation. Because Mr PMB sneezes, major sectors and their leaders have been catching cold. Instead of defending now, Dr Suleiman should have advised GEJ to pep up his ‘gentlemanism’ and deal with the gullible, the rats and most inefficient sectoral leaders who messed up Jonathan. They paved the way for his administration’s criticisms that Suleiman now blindly defends.  From Lanre Oseni.

    Dr Suleiman is just seeking cheap publicity by saying that their government had done well whereas there was impunity all over the country during their tenure. PDP didn’t understand that corruption is wrongdoing. From Gordon Chika Nnorom, Umukabia, Abia state.

    Thanks for your comment titled “Misguided letter”. One thing you did not remember to ask Dr Suleiman is how long he stayed in office as minister to warrant him being the spokesman for ex-ministers? Even his godmother that made him minister cannot say what he is saying. Those were people who got a better deal under the Jonathan administration.  Anonymous

    My dear Tunji, God will bless you for your comment on “Wanted: incorruptible judges” (The Nation, August 30). Please give us more information on former Rivers State governor Peter Odili, Justice Ibrahim Buba and the EFCC. Thanks. From Felix, Port Harcourt.

     

  • Take-aways from Tambuwal’s 100 days in office

    When former Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, was sworn-in as Governor of Sokoto State on May 29, attention of the nation was shifted to the historical state, with genuine prospect of ‘continued change’ rising among citizens. This was expected largely because of the pedigree Tambuwal built while representing the people of Kebbe-Tambuwal Federal Constituency in the National Assembly and his subsequent success as the Number Four citizen in the hierarchy of protocol in the federation.

    Tambuwal had campaigned for the new position on the premise of continuing with most of the programmes of the previous administration of Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko in Sokoto State. This was much evident in his numerous speeches before, during and after the elections. The need for the ‘continued change’ mantra was necessary since both politicians not only belong to the same political party, but were from the same political family whose cord was coupled together years back. But like all individuals, it was an established fact that even though continuity of policies is guaranteed, governance style is a product of individual peculiarity since all persons are born different and unique.

    Rather than feel any difference in individual composition between the last and present administration, the foundation laid by Tambuwal in the last 100+ days have heightened the already spiraling expectation from the public. The new approach to governance has galvanized the populace and attracted attention not just nationally but among development partners and other interest groups. The people have been co-opted and their inputs sought in efforts to improve their well-being and build on the foundation laid in preceding years. A priority to him at the moment is institutional reform. He has repeatedly said that when the institutions are on sound footing, the journey will be smoother.

    What we have been served by Tambuwal is a development module that integrates Sokoto’s historical peculiarities and huge potentials while seeking to modernize all aspect of its life. Knowing fully-well that no human endeavour will move successfully without quality education, Tambuwal made the revamping of the sector his number one priority. Within days of taking over the reigns of affairs, he received an unusual request from Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar to introduce school transportation system for kids in the state. His thinking was that with this kind of arrangement on ground, learning will be enhanced. Tambuwal promptly took up the challenge. Modalities for implementation are currently being developed pending budgetary approvals from the state legislature.

    In a bid to boost enrolment figures and halt historical anomaly, government announced a policy that will criminalise refusal to send children to schools. The policy, seen as both radical and revolutionary, has drawn wide applause from social commentators and other stakeholders. This was followed immediately by recruitment of 500 teachers to address shortfall in teaching personnel in public secondary schools.

    At a meeting with UNICEF, Tambuwal ordered immediate payment of counterpart funding for training of primary school teachers whose services will be employed upon completion of the trainings. The government has also abolished the discrepancy in the payment of school fees between indigenes and non indigenes in all public schools in Sokoto State. The entire operational manual for the tsangaya system of education, which integrates western and Islamic school system, has been redrawn. From the next academic session, designated teachers will lecture the students in their areas of learning pending when better facilities are provided to create a condusive learning environment.

    Then also, in Sokoto, emphasis is now on technical education to ensure all students who graduated from O’levels are equipped with necessary skills for self reliance. Feasibility studies have been completed for the opening of entrepreneurship development centres in the three senatorial zones of the state.

    In the areas of employment and youth empowerment, few weeks back, government started registration of 25,000 youths expected to benefit from a skills acquisition scheme over a two-year period. In the coming weeks, government will unveil a special training scheme for artisans and semi-skilled professionals to enhance output and marketing potential for their products. Sokoto government has also signed an MoU with the Usmanu Danfodio University for the training of nurses and birth attendants whose services will be deployed in all parts of the state.  To appreciate Sokoto indigenes studying health related courses, government has offered automatic employment for them upon successful completion of their studies.

    Much has happened in the health sector in Sokoto in the last 100 days. After paying unscheduled late-night visits to public hospitals to assess things for himself, Tambuwal announced an increment in allowances paid to itinerant health care workers who frequent rural areas daily to render services to those in need. To enhance use of life-saving drugs, government began distribution of free drugs to pregnant women and those who gave birth in public hospitals or private health care centre under government supervision in the rural areas.

    Consultations have also started on efforts to introduce health insurance scheme in Sokoto State. The scheme is part of measures to decentralise the National Health Insurance Scheme for optimum performance. Governor Tambuwal said seeking the views of religious scholars and traditional rulers is essential for its future success. Due to space constraint, let me say that social welfare schemes met by Tambuwal have been enhanced, with the ultimate objectives to ensure all citizens feel the impact of government at all levels.

    In agriculture, Tambuwal started off by reclaiming a huge irrigation land abandoned since colonial times. With it on board, the new drive to enhance rice farming received a boost. Government has also opened discussion with the Central Bank of Nigeria to open a new credit line in addition to existing facilities so as to modernise the farming, packaging, storage and export of rice from Sokoto. Tambuwal has already appealed to the federal government to stop granting waiver to rice exporters in order to assist local producers.

    In housing, Tambuwal last week laid the foundation stone for a 250-housing unit Caliphate Workers estate to be sited at Kasarawa, along airport road in Sokoto. Three other estates, initiated by the last administration, will be commissioned early next year with a combined capacity of 1300 housing units. At the last Sokoto Business Forum, Aso Loans and Savings Ltd announced that it will construct 4000 units of houses over four-year period in Sokoto.

    On security, apart from sustaining cooperation with various security agencies serving in the state, Tambuwal ordered all hotels in Sokoto to, from next year, ensure that all guests present valid ID cards as a condition for lodging.

    An innovative approach to environmental sanitation was unveiled where government gave a monetary incentive to the cleanest neighbourhood in Sokoto. The policy has attracted interest from all parts of the state. On days designated for sanitation, huge crowd flock to streets with brooms and shovels in bid to win Tambuwal’s N2.3m Naira on offer.

    On the important matter of bills and legislations, to demonstrate government’s commitment to have legal framework and institutionalise reforms, work on nine bills have been completed. They are the Sokoto Commodity Board bill, Sokoto Criminal Justice Law Reform bill, Anti-Child Pornography and Cyber Crimes bill, State Mortgage bill, Sokoto Education Reform bill, Sokoto Geographic Information Systems bill, Sokoto Transport Management Agency bill, Sokoto Primary Healthcare Development bill and Sokoto Environmental Protection Agency bill.

    ‘In a bid to boost enrolment figures and halt historical anomaly, government announced a policy that will criminalise refusal to send children to schools. The policy, seen as both radical and revolutionary, has drawn wide applause from social commentators and other stakeholders’

    • Imam is the Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs to Governor Tambuwal

     

  • Let Buhari be king of the North

    It was Michael Watson, former British professional boxer whose career ended prematurely following a near-fatal injury he sustained during a WBO Super Middleweight title fight defeat by Chris Eubank in September 1991, who said: “You can never win an argument with a negative person. They only hear what suits them and listen only to respond”. He probably had Olufemi Fani-Kayode, former federal minister in mind.

    A controversial personality, Fani-Kayode would be remembered for his unenviable roles as Director of Media and Publicity, PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation, but more than anything else, his penchant for courting trouble and earning the administration a notoriety many would rather leave in the past. As minister of aviation and later, culture and tourism, he was relatively unknown until, as some people would comically say, he discovered a missed career in insolence. He rabidly insulted and lampooned anyone, who dared to differ from the views of government.

    Indeed, for anyone in the know of Fani-Kayode’s antecedents, his article titled – Nigerian President or King of the North – would elicit minimal shock, except that he deliberately twisted history and stood truth in the head from start to finish. But how do you educate a man, who like Watson, listens only to respond? As could be seen in his article, a perfect example of a phantasy trip, he is angry at President Muhammadu Buhari’s appointments, which in his imagination, favours the north. He reeled out the president’s sins: “President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria – North. 2.Senate President – North. 3. Speaker of the House of Representatives – North. 4. Chief Justice of the Federation – North. 5. President of the Court of Appeal – North. 6. Chief Justice of the Federal High Court – North. 7. Secretary to the Federal Government – North. 8. Chief of Staff to the President – North. 9. Chief of Army Staff – North. 10. Chief of Air Staff – North. 11. Comptroller General of Customs – North. 12. Director-General of State Security Services (SSS) – North. 13. National Security Advisor – North. 14. Director General, NIMASA – North. 15. Chairperson of the Independant Electoral Commission (INEC) – North. 16. Comptroller-General Immigration – North. 17. Accountant-General of the Federation – North. 18. Commander of Civil Defence Corps – North. 19. Chief Security Officer to the President – North. 20. ADC to the President – North. 21. Principal Secretary to the President – North. 22. Senior Special Assistant to the President on media – North. 23. Chairman of the EFCC – North. 24. MD Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) – North. 25. Head of Service – North. 26. DG, National Communication Commission (NCC) – North. 27. Chairman NDLEA – North. 28. CEO, AMCON – North.”

    But, perhaps, because he is Fani-Kayode, he did very little to get the records right, but was so quick to criticize just so he remains in the news for the wrong reasons. Seemingly on a whiff of imaginations and probably because he was yet to get over the defeat of his party at the polls, he paid little or no attention to incontrovertible facts regarding appointments by the former president and the current administration. For the records, former President Jonathan made the following appointments: Mike Oghiadohme, Chief of Staff; Chief Pius Ayim Pius, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, (SGF), Ita Ekpeyong, Director General, Directorate of State Security Service (DSS) and Major General Azubuike Ihejirika, now retired, Chief of Army Staff. Others were: Vice Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba, as Chief of Naval Staff,  Air Chief Marshal, Paul Dike as Chief of Defense staff and Air Vice Marshal Adesola Nunayon Amosu, as Chief of Naval Staff and later, General Kenneth Minimah, Chief of Army Staff.  Other appointees include: NIMET DG, Dr. Anthony Anuforom, NNPC, Engineer Andrew Yakubu, NIMASA, Patrick Apobolokemi, PENCOM, Chinelo Anohu Amazu, FERMA, Engineer Chukwu Amuchi, DPR- George Osahon, Bank Of Industry- Ms. Evelyn Oputu, Nigerian Content Development Agency- Ernest Nwanpa, Consumer Protection Agency- Mrs Dupe Atoki, National Communications Commission (NCC) Engineer Eugene Juwah, NAMA -Engr. Nnamdi Udoh, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Engr. Akikuotu; Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)- George Uriesi; Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) Capt. Chinyere-Kalu, Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) Ms. Aruma Otteh, Sovereign Wealth Fund, Uche Orji, National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Dr Paul Orhi, FIIRO, Dr. Mrs. G. N Elemo, Maritime Academy Of Nigeria-Oron Joshua Okpo, Nigeria Railway Corporation- Engineer Seyi Sijuwade, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Mrs. Sally Mbanefoh, Budget Office of the Federation- Dr Bright Okogwu.

    From the above appointments, there is no gainsaying that President Buhari has been very fair in his appointments and has not in any way violated the constitutional federal character principle, except for the likes of Fani- Kayode, who would never be satisfied unless they are in every government. Though there other numerous appointments to be made, but who really cares about where a president comes from or about who makes his cabinet? With a badly battered economy, a skewed system that encourages corruption, a collapsed sense of infrastructure development and a value system that is on bended knees, obviously, Nigerians want more than appointments that celebrate the federal character principles, but people of competence to deliver high premium service to the nation. This is probably where Fani-Kayode, who in sheer characteristic mischief, sees everything from the ethnic prism.

    Who, really, is Fani-Kayode speaking for? Definitely, he is not speaking for the people of the South-east, who though have a historic and emotional connection to Biafra Republic, but still believe so much more on personal industry than on who gets what in government or how and where an administration has violated the federal character principle. Fani-Kayode is neither speaking for the people of the South-south, who like the Igbos of the South-east, are more concerned with a working system that guarantees freedom of speech, association, job opportunities, security of life and property, even development and equitable share of national resource.

    Need anyone remind Fani-Kayode that Buhari needs people he can trust in order to stem the tide of sabotage, betrayal and distrust blamed for the wreckage of the Jonathan administration? While it may be difficult to comprehend life outside government in a country like ours where public officers are at liberty to act with impunity, a time comes when people turn the page and start another chapter. Instead of continually fanning the ambers of discord and creating fear and anxiety where none exists, Fani-Kayode and his PDP should find a new vocation in the promotion of cultural and ethnic cohesion among Nigerians.  Or, better still; proffer practical and functional solutions to the challenges facing Nigerians and Nigeria as a nation. If PMB has decided that his template for a better Nigeria would be achieved by bringing in people of like minds, all that would be required of every Nigerian is to support him, for, at the end of the day, the buck stops at his table.

    We must face the realities of our present stage as a nation. But more than anything else, we must equally realize the fact that without changing our bad attitude, which like a flat tyre requiring complete change, we will go nowhere as individuals and as a nation. While President Buhari is expected to strongly consider our diversities in culture and religion, as well as ethnic backgrounds when taking decisions that bind on the nation, there is no better time to rebuild Nigeria than now. And, this can only be possible when we eschew needless intrigues and dirty politics, and worse still, any centrifugal attitudes.

    ‘With a badly battered economy, a skewed system that encourages corruption, a collapsed sense of infrastructure development and a value system that is on bended knees, obviously, Nigerians want more than appointments that celebrate the federal character principles, but people of competence to deliver high premium service to the nation’

    • Abdulwahaab writes from Ilorin, Kwara State.

     

  • The matter of Buhari’s appointments

    It would amount to an abdication of responsibility on a serious matter of public interest to allow obviously sectional distribution of appointments to stand unchallenged for fear of being called names or some other mundane promptings. The feeling is not new since President Buhari began his appointments that he accords scant regard to national spread and most of his appointments are skewed disproportionately in favour of the north. The response of some of his aides at those initial stages was to call for patience as the needed balance will come subsequently even as they also canvassed the issue of merit. But more of such appointments have since come with the naming of the Secretary to the Federal Government (SGF) and Chief of Staff to the president among others only to widen the gulf in earlier observations.

    Not unexpectedly, some prominent Nigerians and groups have deprecated what has been seen as the sectional tinge in those appointments. Apparently sensing danger in the growing trend, no less a person than the National Chairman of the ruling party, Chief John Oyegun, rose in defense. He told a delegation that visited him to be patient as the president will balance federal appointments across geo-political zones. For him, “we have two sets of appointments that have been taking place. One set is the personal privilege of Mr. President as far as his personal staff is concerned. The other set has to do with a few and strategic persons that are going to help him either in the fight against corruption or against insurgency in the north-east, but this is not where to play the political balancing game” He said the president has the right to appoint those he has confidence in because these are the areas he has made promises to Nigerians. Oyegun was also quick to add that there are thousands of other political appointments that are going to be made. And the balancing will come with them.

    Oyegun is entitled to his opinion. But it is doubtful whether many will reason along with him on what he purports as justification for the way those appointments have come. It is correct that much of these appointments are the personal privilege of the president. It is also no less a truism that the choice of those to appoint are essentially his.

    But that is the extent to which his arguments can be pursued. Beyond these and by way of further extrapolation, those arguments are contradicted by the same reasons for which they are intended to persuade the public. There is a contradiction in the assumption that in the making of even personal appointments, only a preponderance of people from particular areas can be found qualified and well-trusted for those positions. It is difficult to sustain such a latent impression especially when we are talking of national assignments. There is nothing personal about those national appointments as we are erroneously being made to believe except they will not be subjected to any other body for approval. That is the more reason the president should have been guided by the overall national interest in arriving at them. Well-qualified and trusted people abound all over the country and the formidable coalition that saw Buhari to power was all that should have been called into action when sourcing for such people.

    If this logical flaw is not sufficient to draw the point nearer, the picture painted by Oyegun of a few strategic persons that will help the president in the fight against corruption and insurgency in the north-east as further justification, further mocks the entire issue. It not only reduces such national engagements to personal but sectional issues. Neither the fight against corruption nor that against insurgency should lend themselves to such trivialization and reductionism. And those who will aid the president in their prosecution are not and should not be limited to any particular section of the country. That is the problem we run into in an attempt to enter defence for actions that have obviously not gone done well with the people.

    Even then, this is not the first time we are passing through such situations. Obasanjo was there for eight years. We did not have cause to raise similar infractions. Neither was such personal and strategic appointments dominated by particular sections of the country as we are now being made to believe. Obasanjo had his problems but he had very trusted and dependable personal aides from other geo-political zones and they served him very dutifully. Though short-lived, the Yar’ Adua regime did not have such a baggage. And the immediate past regime of Jonathan just like Obasanjo appointed people outside his ethnic group as SGF and Chief of Staff.

    So there are good grounds to take Buhari to task as his appointments are not borne out of precedent. Those who seek to defend him on such grounds as we have seen are making no point.  So it was also when governors Rochas Okorocha and Adams Oshiomhole of Imo and Edo states respectively sought to justify the appointments. For Okorocha, the president’s appointments are in the nation’s best interest as he can appoint anyone from any part of the country. He said he is more interested in projects coming down the south-east than the appointments.

    It is hoped he has the minds of his constituents in this. But even as we wait for such projects including the Second Niger Bridge, those on whose behalf he has spoken equally need the appointments. And it cannot be claimed that sections which benefitted disproportionately from these appointments will be left out when the touted projects are being shared. So on what basis would he want his people to be left out of the sharing process even when it is generally known that he had sought for the position of the SGF for the zone without success?

    Oshiomhole trivialized the matter when he urged Nigerians to “praise Buhari for having the uncommon courage to take plausible decisions in the appointments”, whatever that means. For him, the appointments were based on merit and not political sentiments or ethnic considerations. Again, he is entitled to his opinion even when such may run at cross purposes with those of his immediate constituency. It is also instructive that the two governors that found it expedient to speak come from the south-east and south-south zones that were reputed not to have voted for Buhari during the last elections.

    It is possible they were motivated by the groundswell of public discontent against those appointments in the two zones. The extent to which their interventions can reverse these perceptions will be borne out with time.

    But more seriously, infractions as this are the greatest obstacles to the peace and unity of this country. The bitter competition for the control of the centre as witnessed in the last elections is propelled and reinforced by lack of confidence by sections about  adequate protection by leaders other than those from their ethnic stock. That is the malady that is being reinforced when we give the impression that the president’s personal appointments should have nothing to do with balance.

    So why should the struggle for power in this clime not continue to be rancorous if a president cannot take into confidence people of other zones or if he cannot find people from other zones on a high scale of merit for such appointments. At any rate, since when has merit fled the shores of more enterprising sections of this country that it has now become an issue? We need to watch the monsters we create today.

  • Awaiting the season of anomie

    What Nigeria has remained a theatre for circus governance is not in doubt. That in the execution of the Nigerian project Ndigbo have borne the burden of hubris is also not in doubt. That at critical points in our history, Ndigbo have been violently stabbed in the back by people they thought were their partners. At each point, Ndigbo have been betrayed and subjected to ridicule and very often cast in the role of a felon.

    In the course of time I have had intimate discussions with people like Emeka Odimegwu Ojukwu and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe at the Chancery of the Eastern Mandate Union before their deaths concerning their experiences in Nigeria and what nature of conspiracy has bogged Ndigbo in Nigeria before, during and after independence. In the run-in to the Nigerian civil war, for example, so many conspiracies took place against Ndigbo even by certain individuals who held closed-doors with some of our leaders that time. For instance, Ojukwu narrated to me what he and other Igbo leaders agreed with certain leaders from western Nigeria on what to do on getting to Lagos. Somehow these agreements were reneged on the altar of political expediency. Ndigbo were traded off by the same people who ate, planned and dinned with us. Outside Igboland, I have also discussed extensively with people like M.D Yusuf, Chief Edwin Ogbu and Kam Salem.  My sources confirmed that what Ojukwu told me about massive betrayal of the Igbos was true; that agreements were reached which were latter breached on the altar of political expediency. These are hard facts which will be found in my forthcoming memoirs.

    Apart from the choreographed genocidal pogrom against the Igbo especially in the North, the Gowon regime, which prosecuted the civil war, saw starvation as a weapon of war. The federal government adopted this policy of starvation and pursued it with devotion leading to death of thousands of Igbo children.

    At the end of the war, the federal government gave out the paltry sum of twenty pounds (£20) to all Igbos who had accounts in banks, i.e. irrespective of the amount that person had in his or her account.

    As if that was not enough, the federal government, at that time, formulated and implemented the Indigenization Decree – a decree that effectively shut out the Igbo from the commanding heights of the economy. This unwritten policy of “identify and cut the Igbo to size” has continued even unto this day. No energy is spared in cutting Igbo to size when the chance arises. The end point of all this has always been to destroy the Igbo economy.

    Take the case of former Alpha Merchant Bank, for example. This was a Merchant bank that was doing exceptionally well at that time. It was owned by the late Eke Kalu with a Yoruba man, Jimi Lawal as the Managing Director. At that time, news came that some French businessmen who were substantial shareholders in Afribank wanted to divest their interests in the bank. Eke Kalu, the owner of Alpha Merchant Bank declared their interest to acquire the shares from the Frenchmen.

    Consequently, Eke Kalu went to Cote d’lvoire to negotiate the deal with the French share owners. Eke Kalu was told that he would pay ten million pounds for the shares. Determined to raise the required capital, Kalu travelled to London where he floated Alpha Securities Ltd, through which he was able to raise the required amount.

    By the time he came back with the funds, the French partners had sold the shares to Mandarin Bank of Zambia. Not ready to lose such opportunity, Kalu headed to France to further discuss with the French share owners. The Frenchmen expressed regrets that they had sold it to the Zambian bank noting that there was nothing they could do. The French men however encouraged Eke to talk to Mandarin Bank and add perhaps another one million pounds to them; and they could possible do business. This condition was accepted and Eke travelled to Lusaka and struck the deal. The money was paid to Afribank.

    But, you will recall that this was a period when the Abacha junta was trying to ingratiate itself into the psyche of Nigerians by parroting “war against corruption” and descending on banks. Incidentally, those running the Afribank at that time, especially a very highly placed management staff from the North alerted Abacha that an Igboman was at the verge of acquiring Afribank. Abacha was nonplussed.

    Just as this information was coming in, the ex-CBN governor, Paul Ogwuma was leaving Abacha’s office with an instruction to liquidate the Bank belonging to one Alhaji Bello. As the information of the impending acquisition of Afribank reached Abacha, he called Paul Ogwuma and ordered him to liquidate Alpha Merchant instead and leave Alhaji Bello’s bank.

    The papers for liquidation were duly filed before Justice Ukeje’s tribunal who declined the request to liquidate Alpha Merchant Bank insisting that the Bank was healthy. Angry at her refusal, Abacha removed and reposted her to the ministry and appointed a more pliable judge to execute his programme. Most Nigerians at that time did not see this as a pervasion and travesty of justice. They were encouraging Abacha to go ahead with what he was doing. Abacha only had to accuse a bank of being involved in one misconduct or the other; whether it is true or false, for him to take the bank out of business. The political class at that time kept urging Abacha to set up tribunals to try those accused of corruption.

    Now the same old politicians have come again calling on Buhari to set up tribunals to try so-called corrupt politicians. Tribunal is antithetic to democracy. It is an ad hoc judicial structure set up by dictators to do their special bidding. Setting up tribunals to try corrupt people in Nigeria is absurd. The courts are there, why circumvent them? I have had my own experiences with tribunals. If I had been tried by a tribunal in 1982 in the sedition suit instituted against me by Chief Jim Nwobodo, I would not have been free today. Even where the lower court had compromised its integrity and pronounced me guilty, the Appeal Court overturned that nebulous judgment and set me free in what has become a locus classicus in sedition cases in Nigeria. If the tribunal had tried me under Abacha I would have been rotting away in jail by now. It was the High Court in Enugu that set me free before I took the matter to the United States.

    Today, the same people are shouting all over the place asking Buhari to set up special tribunals for corruption trials; to jail people without trial. Is this a democracy or what? Buhari is not a stranger to tribunals. In 1983 he empanelled over ten tribunals to try politicians and even when the tribunals found men like Ekwueme, Pa Ajasin etc., not guilty, he still remanded them in prison custody. Today, he still thinks it is business as usual. This is a democracy and such unilateralism is unacceptable. Again Nigerian politicians are preparing the ground work for despotism and dictatorship just as they propped up Abacha, who decimated their ranks.

    Why is it impossible for the Nigerian circulating elite to understand that this is not a nation yet; that we are treading the path of destruction; that the stiff-necked fowl usually ends up in the old woman’s pot of soup? Why is it difficult for us to understand that Nigeria’s hope of survival is the round table; that we must come to a round table to resolve our differences? Tribunal is not the round table. Rather, it is the tinder that would spark the conflagration that is waiting to consume Nigeria. Until we humble ourselves to the negotiating table, the fate of Nigeria remains precarious and uncertain like the flight of the butterfly.

     

    • Dr. Arthur A. Nwankwo, Chancellor, Eastern Mandate Union (EMU)     

  • What would Gani do?

    I intend to examine the personality of the one who sojourned in our world for 71 years after he came visiting on 22nd day of April, 1938 and was translated to the great beyond on the 5th of September, 2009.

    As I give tribute once again to this legend I implore us all to draw lessons from the life and times of this great giant of humanity who in his time, exemplified with true candour, the finer virtues of integrity, courage and compassion.

    It is my intention to examine the man who, in his time amongst us, was a light unto our nation- a light that burned fiercely and was a terror to the denizens of darkness who sought to keep us in perpetual bondage, in a web of deceit, oppression and grand larceny. It is my intention to also answer the question “What Would Gani Do?” viz-a-viz our current political realities in Nigeria of today.

    The man, Chief Gani Oyesola Fawehinmi, “Nation” “Alujanun Iberu” Senior Advocate of the Masses (SAM), Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) – teacher, advocate, crusader, activist, social critic, emancipator, one-time presidential aspirant and Hero Extraordinaire will forever remain an exemplar of what it means to truly be “A Man of The People”, and an Avatar of the ideals of equal rights, justice and liberty.

    Indeed, for Gani, the maxim “The Law must be the same for all, whether it protects or punishes; all citizens being equal in its eyes” was holy writ, and his conduct amongst us showed that he believed this with every fibre of his being, and lived it out every day that he drew breath here.

    We all agree that the man Gani was an epitome of integrity whose conduct was in total harmony with the words that he spoke-he walked his talk always. He was a stickler for justice who continually championed the cause of justice for Nigerians everywhere, in a bid to prove to the oppressor and the oppressed that everyone can, through relentless determination, pursue and obtain justice regardless of the odds arrayed against us. It is also no exaggeration to say that Chief Gani lived and lived for the common man.

    Such was his influence and his contributions to the struggle for a truly free humanity that in 1993, he was awarded the prestigious Bruno Kreisky Prize, instituted for international figures who have worked arduously to advance human rights causes. The International Bar Association also awarded him the Bernard Simmons Award in recognition of his human rights and pro-democracy contributions in 1998. Indeed it is safe to say that without the contributions of the late Gani Fawehinmi and a few others like him, the democracy we have in Nigeria would have remained a mirage, a fantasy, a dream, a fleeting illusion- to be pursued and never attained.

    We are glad that the seeds of struggle for emancipation sown by this great man have paid off. We can look back to where we used to be as a nation- under the jackboots of various military leaders, a pariah amongst the comity of nations, and feel thankful for the sacrifice offered by our avatar. We know we have come a long way from the days of arbitrary rules, decrees, terror, detentions and state-sponsored killings.

    We have come a long way from the days of martial music and early morning announcements of “My fellow Nigerians…” For this, we are grateful to the Almighty, and to those whom he used to lead us out of the dark into the ever-growing light, like He once did when he used Moses to lead the Hebrews out of Egypt towards the Promised Land Canaan. We are grateful to our own very Moses, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, who like that Moses of yore, may have been privately informed by the Divine, that though he had, through the eyes of foresight, perceived the Nigeria of his dreams, he would not enter the land.

    As a nation, we know where we are headed, we know where we are. It is however pertinent that we pause, and take stock of the things achieved, and the distance we have to go. I have taken the liberty to attempt to answer this, by asking us all this question: ”What Would Gani Do?”

    What would Gani do- in the face of the sometimes comic absurdities foisted upon us by the ones we have elected to legislate and to execute laws on our behalf?

    What would Gani do- in the face of a lop-sided war against corruption that appears to target only those so designated?

    What would Gani do- in the face of a seeming unfolding agenda by a section of the nation to treat other regions as occupied territory and spoils of war?

    What would Gani do- as politics of Ghana-Must-Go continues to trump politics of ideology, thereby relegating to the political background, capable hands who cannot compete with political heavyweights who are armed with filthy lucre pilfered from the state purse?

    What would Gani do- as it appears to be increasingly clear that the liberty he fought for as he strove to liberate our land from the clutches of khaki bandits has been hijacked by equally rapacious bandits clad in suits, agbadas and babarigas?

    On this auspicious day that celebrates the life and times of our Legend, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, I make bold to say that the Gani Fawehinmi I know would not merely fold his arms and wail in helplessness. He would not also keep mute in the unfounded hope of some measly appointment or patronage or wait for mobilization fund from international donors and communities as some of our modern-day, self-styled human rights activists are doing.

    I am of the conviction that that fierce crusader, activist and liberator would do only what he knows best to do: renew the fight for the liberty of the land that he loves with the only instrument that he knew how to wield: the Law.

    I believe that that unrelenting spirit would not give up or compromise halfway to Zion, as some appear to have done as they have traded the struggle for a quest for a piece of the national cake.

    I am persuaded that Chief Gani would want us shout that rallying cry “Aluta Continua, Victoria Ascerta” as we go back to the trenches, armed not with guns or machetes, but with the Constitution and Laws as his ever-potent weapons.

    On this day, as we honour the man who shone as a light while he walked amidst us, I hereby implore us to reach for that same light that he lifted up so bravely, and continue the good fight- the fight for justice and equity across the land, and fear no darkness.

    It was that American statesman, John F. Kennedy, who opined: “A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on eternally”. Our hero may have transited to fairer lands but there is no doubt that his ideals, which hold the potential to establish Nigeria as the land of our dreams, live on.

    The onus lies on us who remain, to stretch forth our hands to the plough and carry on the good work of building a just and true Nigeria.

    May we find the strength of mind and character of spirit to fulfill the words of our national anthem: “The labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain”.

     

    • Ajulo, a lawyer, Founder/Chairman, Egalitarian Mission for Africa and the National Secretary, Labour Party, wrote in from Abuja in commemoration of 6th Memorial Anniversary of Gani Fawehinmi.

  • Corruption: a Daniel has come to judgement

    It is said that only fools rush in where angels will normally be afraid to tread. Trampling and unusual haste actually is the forte of fools; the unserious minded and those who do not have the grit and the needed deep understanding of the situation to engage it successfully.

    The dynamics of corruption in Nigeria is such that it has exhibited very complex and multifaceted dimensions. It has become the established order and thus occupies the driving seat in our governing processes and institutions. Currently, it is the master of our national life and our nuances and body language unfortunately revolve around its dictates and precepts as its traditions have taken almost 45 years of our nearly 55 years of existence as an independent nation.

    Anyone therefore seriously thinking about engaging it talk less of blunting its sharp edges must first of all sit down and understudy its peculiar dynamics and specificities, then, it must craft a general strategy that must be holistic, wide and inclusive and finally assemble the needed resources especially the human resources that are very crucial to executing the designed and accepted strategy. This will definitely take time.

    As we already know, it is estimated that since 1999, corruption alone has rubbished the nearly $1trillion only Oil and Gas revenue that accrued to this nation. This sum excludes revenue from other equally huge sources including internally generated revenue both at the federal and at the state levels. The overall picture of the revenue profile is huge but when viewed against the backdrop of yearly appropriation and the budget effectiveness, the gap noticed is mind boggling. This gap manifesting as the various manifestations of underdevelopment-diseases, poverty, deprivation, poor infrastructure etc bears the monument of the pervasiveness of the corruption in the nation.

    When one then considers the depth of this monster, it becomes immediately understandable that for any serious government that is desirous of denting this evil and stopping this monster in its tracks, it must do a thorough internal job first before ever declaring a battle with it. This is the only way it can win and this is the only sign that the leadership is indeed serious about dealing with corruption. That is why we are sure that the federal government is taken the right step and is serious in its quests to wrest the nation from the stranglehold of corruption. If we are in the shoes of those thriving in corruption, we would see this calmness as a dangerous signal. We should not forget the fabled calm before the storm. It would be a serious warning that something is about to explode. Mario Puzo in the Godfather is of the opinion that the best way to deal with your enemy is to bring him closer to you. Corruption and those driving it are the enemies of this nation so the President has strategically drawn some of its drivers closer allowing them to be lulled into sleep so that when the blow descends, it will be most effective.

    We have decided to comment on this issue because some Nigerians are rather in a haste to get the anti-corruption war going visibly in the glare of the public. This is understandable given the fact that the victory of the present APC-led government at the centre under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari was the clear expression of the total distaste and disgust with which Nigerians have come to view corruption and has seen it as being at the core of the numerous manifestations of underdevelopment in the country. That historical victory is therefore an urgent cry by Nigerians for something to be done about corruption before it destroys the nation.

    Our belief is that it is the understanding of this demand and the unquestioning and unwavering commitment to this battle that has forced the President to carefully take his time to embark on all needful processes that will ensure that his government succeeds on this singular mission. This is what some people have misinterpreted as being too slow. Our dear President is simply being cautious and dotting all the Is and crossing the Ts.

    Nigerians should therefore see this as a good omen and a sign that this battle against corruption will be rigorously pursued and determinedly overcome.  We understand the haste having all experienced all these years the excruciating difficulties and deprivation which were corruption induced but if we do not have patience now, we shall be like the proverbial tortoise that had spent years in a toilet pit but when help finally came and they were about to bring him out that day, he became impatient and shouted that his rescuers should do quick and bring him out that the stench from the pit had become unbearable.

    A Daniel has come to judgment and all that is needed is for all of us to exercise patience and be vigilant so that the political jobbers whose interest it is to scuttle this effort will not succeed. It is important that we be reminded that most of the work being done now ought not to be in the public domain and should not be trumpeted to avoid compromising it and making it less effective when they are rolled out. This is the gestation period and the work is hidden and internal and should be understood as such.

    Knowing the criticality of this period, we have to encourage the federal government to take its time and do a very good work. Adequate planning ensures greater chances of success than when we are in a hurry to execute a project. Failure to plan they say is planning to fail. We must take it one steady and sure step at a time as they also say “slow and steady wins the race” The time of planting is always a difficult time but when the harvest comes, joy comes. Let us wait patiently for the harvest.

    The only way we can destroy corruption in Nigeria is to weigh and sift all our strategies before attacking it headlong before we miss it. Nigerians should protect the mandate which they have given to the President from the hands of those who wants the anti-corruption drive to fail. Buhari’s mandate is not just the Presidency but the promise of delivering Nigerians from the evil clutches of corruption. We must therefore not allow those trying to stampede the president into taking hasty steps which will guarantee a distortion and weakening of the battle to succeed.

    Our duty is to remain vigilant and remove every psychological impediments and propaganda being waged by this most corrupt segment of the Nigerian society and their hirelings who have resorted to waging media wars against the presidency. The falsehood behind the statement that the President is too slow can then be easily seen as a cover for these persons to thwart our collective and genuine drive to rid this nation of corruption. The authorship of the “go slow” allegation can only but easily be attributed to those driven by evil and the unholy desire to see corruption not stamped out of our body polity.

    The setting up of the Itse Sagay Committee is therefore one of those signs that the Presidency is almost concluding its plans and template for the execution of this battle and deliver on this promise to the citizenry. We commend the president and assure him that he has shown serious leadership thus far in this battle against corruption and should not allow anything to distract him from this onerous responsibility.

    This President is committed to this battle and Nigerians should support him and interrogate those who are shouting that he is “Going slowly”. What we want is victory against corruption and not unnecessary hurry that would help the corrupt cover up their tracks. Layer by layer, grid by grid, stealth by stealth shall we win against corruption!

    • Olumuyiwa Wahab Jimoh is the Deputy Majority Leader of the Lagos state House of Assembly.

  • What is it about 100 days in office?

    The concept of democracy has received varying definitions and interpretations from scholars and political observers depending on the ideological leaning or interest of the contending scholars. Being a political ideology that firmly has its root in the United States of America, certain American political traditions and tendencies have understandably crept into other democracies of the world.  One of such is the concept of a first 100 days in office which is an offshoot of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s presidency in the United States of America. Popularly referred to as FDR, Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States had the unenviable task of piloting the affairs of his country during the Great Depression when nearly a quarter of the nation’s banks had failed and unemployment rate was at 25 percent.

     The 100 days expression was first invented in a July 24, 1933, radio broadcast by President Roosevelt. Even though he was actually talking about the 100 day session of the 73rd United States Congress that was held between March 9 and June 17, rather than the first 100 days of his administration, Roosevelt had inadvertently given rise to what is to become a global political tradition that would outlive him and his government. Over time, across most democratic climes, presidents, governors and other elected public officials have been judged against that useful, if somewhat illogical, standard. Today, it is a tradition that is applied to practically all levels of governance as it is being used by the public, the media and scholars to measure success or failure.

    While famous American writer and author, Kenneth T. Walsh, believes that 100 days should not be the ideal yardstick to establish the success or otherwise of a leader or government, he still regards it as a functional device for measuring effectiveness. Kenneth Walsh opines that democratically elected public officials could be quite efficient when they newly assume office. This is because their leadership style seems to be new and the air of victory is still charging. Thus, their impact on the public is usually at its height during this period. But as soon as a leader or government settles down to face the stark reality of the complexities of public governance, the initial aura gradually mettles down to give way to a more realistic and pragmatic approach to governance. Consequently, Walsh submits that there should be nothing magical or unusually significant about 100 days.

    In spite of Kenneth Walsh’s stand on the subject, the first 100 days of any elected public official could represent a significant milestone. This is because it is the foundational period when solid socio-political and economic framework upon which the future destiny of the people hanged is put in place. What happens during this period is akin to what a builder does preparatory to the construction of a structure. Any slip at this stage could spell doom for the building.  Therefore, for any visionary leader who wants leave an indelible mark in the sands of time, the first 100 days in office are not only significant, but could be quite epochal    The first 100 days certainly sets the tone and course for any new government. Every journey starts with a single step, and every presidency begins with the first 100 days. It offers every new leader a unique moment and, perhaps, most excellent opportunity to redefine governance according to his own agenda and vision.

    It should however, been stressed that success in the first 100 days does not really translate into an enduring success afterward. In same vein, initial difficulties do not, in any way, signify that a presidency or government is doomed to failure. It is neither here nor there, depending on the dynamics of the times and the personality of the man in charge. In the political annals of Nigeria, examples clearly abound to reinforce this perspective. The military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida, which came into office in August 1985, clearly stands out as one that enjoyed early momentum but couldn’t actually translate it into a lasting phenomenon. Within its first 100 days in office, the administration came out with well defined political and economic blueprints that were well applauded by a cross section of Nigerians.

     Ironically, by the time the administration was stampeded out of office in 1993, it has become deficit in integrity and popularity. Today, many are still of the view, correctly or erroneously, that the foundation for the social, economic and political ills of the contemporary Nigerian nation was laid by the IBB administration. The national economy was almost in shambles as General Babangida himself confessed that it was a miracle that the economy had not totally collapsed by the time he was leaving office. On the political front, the well crafted and initially applauded political programme of the administration did not fare any better. Rather than providing light for the country, the Babangida political programme effectively threw the nation into gloomy darkness.

     On the contrary, upon return to civil rule in May1999, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration was roundly attacked for being allegedly slow in tending to critical issues of governance. Lagos roads were reportedly filled with loads of waste that made them nearly impassable. Security situation was almost at low ebb with men of the Oduduwa Peoples’ Congress, OPC, armed robbers and various transport unions constituting themselves into huge security threats. However, by the time the administration eventually got its act together, it became a reference point of governance in contemporary Lagos. Agencies such as Lagos State Advertising Agency, LASAA, Lagos State Traffic Management Agency, LASTMA, Lagbus Asset Management, LAGBUS, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Agency, LAMATA, Kick Against Indiscipline, KAI, Office of Public Defender, among others, are some of the enduring legacies of the administration. It was the administration that began the systematic fixing of the state’s infrastructure. Roads were rehabilitated and expanded, drainages and carnal were cleared. Perhaps, more importantly, the Tinubu administration put the state on the trail of economic independence as it shoved up the monthly revenue base of the state from a meager N600 million to over N10 billion.

    The on-going controversy over President Muhammadu Buhari’s 100 days in office is, therefore, a needless one. The President was voted into office to direct the affairs of the country for four years. What he did or did not do in 100 days could not be effectively used to situate his government. It is only after his four -year contract with Nigerians has expired that his score card could be efficiently scrutinized. Then, his political destiny, as well as that of his political party, would be determined on the basis of his performance through the same process that ushered him in.

    • Ogunbiyi is of the Features Unit, Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja.

  • Where is our policy on ‘de-corruption’?

    The announcement that President Buhari’s administration will be attempting to recover funds looted under the immediate past administration of President Jonathan was sweet music to the ears of many anxious but well-meaning Nigerians who have for weeks been awaiting a strong statement of intent from the President. The people expect no less from a President who is still viewed by many as Nigeria’s Czar of anti-corruption (apologies, Mr. Nuhu Ribadu). It is perhaps the finest thing said since that legendary “I belong to nobody” speech of May 29, 2015. But the fundamental question remains: how prepared are we?

    Successive administrations since the Obasanjo era have pledged to battle corruption and have attempted to do so in varying degrees. Suffice it to state that the results have not been encouraging enough even as we have continued to operate this nipple economy which freely allows every willing politician to suckle to his full. The mantra has been recited for too long. It’s time to finally get in the ring and fight for national survival. So, what is the strategy for this fight? What tools are to be deployed?  What is the anti-corruption policy of the present administration?

    I have no doubt that the President has a plan.  I am also of the firm view that this policy should be made clear to Nigerians. As a passionate follower of events in my country for many years, there are questions on my mind. Some of these questions are:

    1. Will much stiffer penalties be imposed on corrupt practices?
    2. Will there be a refocus on high-profile prosecutions as we seemed to have under the Obasanjo era or will the battle be more of a broad-based one cutting across every nook and cranny of public life down to the bottom of the civil service? (The big fish, small fish question)
    3. Will there be a systematic and concerted effort to recover looted national assets?
    4. Will there be established a special anti-corruption court?
    5. Will the judiciary be coming up with new rules to fast-track corruption trials?
    6. Will the EFCC and the ICPC be merged as one agency or will they continue to function independently?
    7. Will the police play a more prominent role in prosecuting corruption matters?
    8. Will there be room for arrangement and compromise which allows for a return of part of the loot in exchange for lighter punishment and/or enjoyment of the residue?
    9. What is the fate of the President’s own men who also face allegations of having sticky fingers?
    10. Is there a plan for curtailing the financial extravagance of the National Assembly?
    11. Will the probe target only the immediate past administration or will it spread to previous administrations?
    12. Will the reports of previous probes, including those conducted by the National Assembly, notably on subsidy payments, PTDF, the power sector among others be retrieved from whatever archives they have been dumped?
    13. Will a more transparent model be adopted henceforth for the award of government contracts and licences, including oil blocks?
    14. Will there be a more effective project monitoring system to stem the tide of abandoned and unexecuted contracts?
    15. Will more stringent technical and legal measures be put in place to detect and checkmate money laundering activities?

    These questions are even more pertinent because we are now in a constitutional democracy. In spite of his determination and golden intentions, the powers of the president are limited. Gone are the days of arbitrary decrees. Gone are the days of “I pass my neighbour prosecutions”. There can only be an anti-corruption campaign within the framework of the law and constitutional order. The episode of Buruji Kashamu and the NDLEA has given us a quick reminder that we are past those fast-rail days. The leader has lost his blank cheque. So, how he manages the slow pace of the legal order in which he now has to operate is critical?

    I am of the considered view that we cannot have zero corruption in this day and age. That is a mirage. You can neither have it in Jerusalem nor Mecca and you certainly cannot have it in Nigeria. Even in China where corruption carries the death penalty, corruption still persists. We can, however, bring it to the best possible minimum from the present nauseating state.

    Perhaps, a significant reason why corruption is so prevalent is because we celebrate the fruits of corruption. If a public officer is not lavish with spending or does not accumulate wealth, his kinsmen will not celebrate him. In fact, he is “not smart”. That is why national reorientation must be part of the framework. Under President YarA’dua’s administration, we had the “Good People, Great Nation” campaign powered by the admirable Professor Dora Akunyili of blessed memory. President Buhari’s military expedition had the War Against Indiscipline and Corruption, a vigorous campaign which, though somewhat crude and unconventional, had its ornaments. This is particularly in the areas of grassroots reorientation and coercive enforcement. Although coercion cannot be a fore-weapon in this democratic dispensation, there is no doubt that the administration must be ready to come down hard in order to conquer this hydra-headed monster.

    President Jonathan often told us that his anti-corruption policy was to plug the loopholes that allowed people to “steal”, perhaps rather than chase after people who have already succeeded in stealing. He often pointed to the “huge” successes recorded in the agricultural sector, particularly in the scheme of fertilizer distribution. Whether that administration’s policy succeeded or not, there is no doubt that our national policy on de-corruption must embrace both preventive (preemptive) and curative (punitive) measures.

    No one can expose corruption better than the press. That is where the Freedom of Information Act comes in handy. The press must be encouraged to expose corruption through investigative and objective reporting. Half-truths and fables should not be blown out of proportion as we sometimes see. The populace can be easily misdirected. A quiet trip to the newspaper stand at your nearby motor park is quite revealing of this fact.

    I am of the firm view that we need to develop a standing national policy on de-corruption which will outlive successive leaders. Such a policy must bear the triangular themes of prosecution, reorientation and empowerment. As regards empowerment, although there is huge sense in the argument that greed, more than poverty, is a catalyst of corruption, one cannot dismiss the proposition that concerted mass re-empowerment drive can help douse the flames of corruption and opportunism, particularly in the lower rungs of society where poverty and deprivation are rife. The president’s pledge to implement a welfare pay package for the poorest of society, if sustainable in the current economic Sahara, is commendable. Such steps must be incorporated in the wider scope of fighting corruption and poverty.

    The entire de-corruption blueprint must be clearly spelt out and, if need be, statutory. It must be a multi-investment scheme involving the executive, the legislature, the Bar, the Bench, the press corps, civil society organisations, the banks, the public accountants and auditors and, of course, the general populace. This policy must provide protection and encouragement for whistleblowers. It must be sincere, non-discriminatory, pervasive, durable, dependable, rechargeable and, above all, implementable.

    • Okanga wrote in from Abuja

  • As daggers are drawn out on Buhari’s 100 days

    Since the trouncing of the anti-democratic elements and whatever they represented at the polls by the votes of the Nigerian people, they have refused to come to terms with  the reality of change by attacking the President Muhammadu Buhari administration at every turn not minding how ridiculous and infantile their positions sound.

    Just when the dust had hardly settled on the brouhaha raised over appointments by Mr. President, some of these characters as expected, have drawn out the daggers again calling on him to fulfill his promises of a hundred days in office when from all available records, there was nowhere throughout his campaign platforms both at home and in the Diaspora, where President Buhari promised 100 days of governance in a four-year mandate.

    Realistically and rationally, periodic assessment of a democratic government by the citizenry has become a fad in the world in order to keep the government on its toes and prevent a derailment from its campaign promises and developments in the polity. Thus, Nigeria cannot be exemption, but to attempt to blackmail a government on the basis of a 100 days promise which cannot be traced, pointblank to it, is the height of absurdity and a sad reminder that agents of the old order of lawlessness and impunity are still on the prowl.

    Despite the Presidency denying knowledge and authorship of a 100 days promise and corroboration by renowned lawyer, Festus Keyamo who stated in a Punch newspaper publication of Tuesday 01/09/2015 that “But then, I can vouch for President Buhari. I travelled with him and I was with him at Chatham House when he was asked a question on what he would do in the first 100 days; and Buhari’s reply was very simple. He said, ‘I consider all of these promises about my 100 days in office fraudulent. I am not going to commit myself to any 100 days promises.’ These agents of, see-no-good in President Muhammadu Buhari, will not relent.

    And even, when Mr. President’s party came out categorically to deny ownership of the 100 days promise of governance based on its position that such a promise never emanated nor was authorised by either the party through its national publicity secretary, nor its then Presidential candidate, some of these characters would rather not hear of such and have gone to town painting it in fake red, trying to blackmail the government on an alleged figment of their imagination;100 days promise of 100 things to be done which include among others, the following:

    1. Making the exchange rate of 1 dollar equivalent to 1 naira
    2. Ending the Boko Haram insurgency
    3. Making the refineries work at 100%
    4. Eliminating corruption
    5. Ensuring successful transplant of all Nigerian men to women and vice versa
    6. Ensuring that all bachelors and spinsters get married and produce children, etc.

    All these so-called ridiculous 100 days promises by the sponsors of this campaign of, we must bring down the government by distracting it through campaign of calumny and sowing seed of discord in the polity, are laughable and must be understood within this context by all and sundry.

    What we must all understand and recognise is that while the Buhari Presidency tsunami was on the loose, millions of Nigerians scattered at home and in the Diaspora became willing volunteers on their own, contributing time and money to save their fatherland from an impending calamity. It’s an indisputable fact, that sane Nigerians were absolutely fed up with the way and manner the PDP-led Goodluck Jonathan government was likely to run the country aground and so, they launched themselves patriotically headlong into various kinds of campaign promises centred around the party’s manifesto of fighting corruption, insecurity, economy comatose, employment generation, etc to produce all kinds of materials to convince people to vote for a Buhari Presidency and it is not unlikely that overzealous supporters or mischief-makers from the other end who were deploying their political war chest against change through bribery of persons and groups with local and foreign currency in mind-boggling sums, also capitalised on the frenzy to produce materials and disseminate information which was ridiculous in order to disparage and make mockery of the movement.

    But one clear message which Nigerians must hold very dearly from this whole episode of sowing seed of discord between the government and the people is that both Mr. President and his party have reaffirmed their unalloyed commitment to implementing the party manifesto based on its electioneering promises of fighting insecurity, corruption, unemployment, economy comatose, infrastructural decay, among others in line with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria within the next four years of their democratic mandate and to us, this is reassuring.

    As Mr. President gets set to release his long-awaited ministerial nominees, it is important to admonish the government and the citizenry to be watchful and ever-ready as enemies of progress and democracy are on the prowl and more than ever determined to psychologically wear down the people and the government by campaign of calumny and division along religious, ethnic and other negative lines.

    In the mean time, instead of dissipating its energy in always responding to criticisms and sinister comments, it is imperative to call on Mr. President’s media team to live up to their responsibility by disseminating information, prompt and relevant information, across all channels to Nigerians on the achievement and giant strides being recorded by the government in areas of national life, which we are all living witness to, such as, improved electricity generation and supply, improved security and updates on the war against Boko Haram, the revitalisation of the refineries in reducing fuel imports and decentralisation of distribution and supplies, the state of recovery of looted funds, instilling discipline into our national life through responsible leadership, appointments into public office based on character and integrity instead of godfatherism and other primordial sentiments, etc.

    To the vanguards of the old order of lawlessness and impunity in violations of the Constitution and God’s law, who have refused to sheathe their daggers of, Nigeria shall know no peace, our message to them is that, we are more than prepared because eternal vigilance is the price for liberty. Again, our prayers is that may the Good Lord grant them good health to rejoice with the generality of Nigerians as things change for the better under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari within the next four years to the glory of God and man.