The Nation Newspaper

Category: Politics

  • Comtempting Yoruba Nation

    Comtempting Yoruba Nation

    In this piece, the National Coordinator of Democrats for Electoral Reforms (CODER), Mr. Ayo Opadokun, highlights the achievements of Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and his Ekiti State counterpart, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and contends that the people of the two Southwest states will vote for continuity in the proposed governorship elections because the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates have nothing to offer.

    That Nigerian state, even at 54, remains a project of opposites, with the dubious reputation of exporting what it does not have while importing what it has in abundance, is very illustrative of her character and global standing.

    That Nigeria’s report card on global corruption index has consistently been within the worst and most corrupt 10 nations in the last two decades is equally heart rendering and unpleasant to recall. Otherwise, how can anyone explain the objective situation whereby Nigeria, the six or eight largest exporter of crude oil, contrastingly has over 80 per cent of its citizens among the poorest people in the world. Its no exaggeration that even in the last one and a half decades, Nigeria has pumped out averagely two million barrel of oil at averagely $100 per barrel per day. A simple analysis of such exercise will prove that Nigeria has earned huge billion dollars or several trillions of naira. There is no commensurate evidence of such earnings on Nigerians. However, the Nigeria state is even having difficulty to regularly pay N18,000 basic salary to its workers.  States and local governments have their monthly allocations slashed by 40 per cent in the last six months. Our social services have remained grossly scandalous, while every critical infrastructure has decayed and unsuitable for the 21st century.

    Nigeria, according to the latest World Bank Annual Report, 2013, is among the world’s five extremely poor countries namely – India, China, Nigeria, Bangladesh and Democratic Republic of Congo.

    Furthermore, the United Nations Development Project 2013, Failed State Index Report indicates that Nigeria is placed as 153rd country out of 186 countries surveyed. No one should treat the matter with levity. The report also revealed that China and India have lifted 400 million and 300 million out of extreme poverty in the past 30 years. The Nigeria’s case is a regular degeneration of the standard of living of her citizens.

    While the Nigerian state has spent several conflicting billion dollars figure on improved power supply from President Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure to the current one of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan regime, latest statistics on power generation, transmission and distribution have truly averaged two thousand megahertz at its peak, very humbling in deed.

    The Nigerian state since under President Obasanjo has deceptively paid leap services about its determination to fight corruption; inspite of its setting up of two main anti-corruption organisations, EFCC and ICPC. The Jonathan administration aping his boss has ignored the House of Representatives recommendations on oil subsidy and uncovered crude oil criminality and corruption. The real oil barons remain untouchable. No important friend of the Nigerian state involved in the racketeering that caused the country over two to three trillion naira loss has been successfully prosecuted thus far. The deputy director prosecuted for stealing 29billion naira was asked to pay 750,000 fine and sin no more. Except for crude experiment in the Nigeria state, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Aba Moro should have resigned or sacked for corruption and for presiding over a dubious recruitment exercise that rather than get our young people employed got them dispatched out of existence.

    A very unique Nigerian system has even resulted in deceptive pastimes (exploiting the judiciary to escape genuine prosecution) particularly whereby most politically exposed persons e.g. governors, legislators, top public servants who have been charged for corruption by the EFCC and ICPC respectively have had their various prosecutions stalled. In some of the trial sessions and after several dubious adjournments, many of the accused have been granted perpetual injunctions restraining the anti-corruption bodies from further arresting nor prosecuting some of them. In fact some of the accused persons on trial in the immediate times have been acquitted and are already warming up to contest for governorship e.g Ayodele Fayose and Elumelu etc. However, the Nigerian state has now added a very disturbingly provocative stance to its unfortunate characterisation by exhibiting gross insensitivity to public feelings, on who will be their candidates in the next set of election particularly in the south west zone as if there is no limit to political recklessness and shenanigans.

    The latest political decision of the ruling PDP government to nominate an accused person who is still being prosecuted for criminal offence and someone who was prosecuted for murder until the so called acquittal of court ruling for Ekiti and Osun states respectively and possibly other accused persons being prosecuted for criminal matter and another former lawmaker whose discharged ruling remains suspect for Oyo and Ogun states respectively, represents a powerful exposition of the depth of contempt the PDP leadership has for the Yoruba nation as a whole.

    No one should be under any illusion as to why Fayose and Omisore are the prized choices. For example, the ruling PDP must have had sessions of debates and conclusions before they deliberately picked aspirants with various negative bagaqes. While in Ekiti, 13 Aspirants out of 14 or 15 wanted a consensus, Fayose insisted on an “arranged” party primary nomination. No doubt, he has the ear of the ruling party executive and the presidency. The immediate reactions of the other aspirants were sharp and vengeful before each one recoiled to his or her shell except Prince Dayo Adeyeye who has and lately Abiodun Aluko since then have become the right hand men of Fayose perhaps after some negotiations. The silence of the others perhaps should not be construed as endorsement.

    In the Iyiola Omisore’s so called emergence in Osun State, the PDP establishment must be playing a cruel joke on the Yoruba nation having regard to his immediate past history:- impeached deputy governor; suspect and accused person tried in Chief Bola Ige’s assassination; dubiously pronounced to have won a senatorial election while he was still at Agodi prison. What an entry by Nigeria into the Guinness Book of Records. Thanks to the electoral infamy schemed by the imperial General Obasanjo’s presidency. Senator Adeleke’s withdrawal and interaction with the media on the PDP primary in Osun is an eye opener.

    Furthermore, the choreogphed political ballon of the two had been devastatingly exploded in 2011 when they contested senatorial elections and were roundly defeated. One can therefore, state that their individual choices were not because they were rated as the best candidates rather it appears to represent the PDP pre-arranged answer to possible electoral heist in both Ekiti and Osun states in June and August instant. Along with such evil thought and design had emanated the constant categorical pronouncements of President Jonathan, Vice President Sambo and the new PDP Chairman, Alhaji Muazu that they will certainly win back their states in South-West zone. No one should ignore their crude threat because we have been warned by VP Sambo that Ekiti and the State of Osun are going to be battle ground.

    I have no quarrel with positive aspirations and fanciful political media posturing. One can venture to advice caution in the current circumstances. The first and second republic in Nigeria collapsed much more on massively rigged elections, particularly in the Western Region.

    The Yoruba nation has historically rejected products of rigged elections and they are most likely going to reject imposed politicians even now that they have now been experiencing active and productive governance. The NNDP and the NPC in the first republic and the NPN in the second republic secured for themselves “landslide victories” which resulted to “gunslides” in return.

    Those of us who laid down our lives for restoration of democracy to Nigeria with the attendant oppression, repression, dehumanization, detention, loss of blood and sweat, forced exile and ultimate sacrifice can again give them an unsolicited advice that they should perish the thought of using the variously discredited politicians in Yoruba nation to set confusion and crisis into our areas for their own selfish agenda.

     

    Current governments of Ekiti and Osun states are responsible and responsive to peoples expectation

     

    The Yoruba Nation, except in Ondo State that I will not comment on in this commentary, have witnessed unequal productive and result oriented governance in all ramifications in recent times. Ekiti and Osun States whose governorship elections are slated for June and August 2014 respectively have seen practical demonstrations of credible specimen of what modern governance should be. No objective assessors can deny that Dr. Kayode Fayemi and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola have performed creditably on the provision of social services and total re-vamping of infrastructure. From whatever parameters you decide to put them on scale, the two helmsmen have delivered on their individual promises they made. Fayemi has transformed educational standard including the upgrade of the capacity building of teachers that was initially opposed by the NUT, the renewal and re-configuration of the schools structure and environment has led to higher significant results particularly in the secondary school results in both WAEC and NECO examinations.

    In Osun, Ogbeni has radically transformed the entire educational service. Through a well considered policy emanating from the report of the State Summit on Education, earlier on in the state of Osun, and has virtually turned most schools into construction sites. Most primary and secondary schools built during the Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s premiership of government have decapitated and constituted disasters in waiting before they were pulled down. In their places, schools of the latest modern technology in architecture and engineering are being built. I cannot remember a government in modern times that has gone ahead to provide uniform for pupils free of charge. Primary and Secondary School pupils are being given a meal per day with the right nutritional values as reasonably suggested by UNESCO.

    The duo of Governor Fayemi and Aregbesola have  raised the bar on public education. While Fayemi is pursuing a policy of one child per computer, Ogbeni Aregbesola has scored a global feat in the provision of the TABLET OF KNOWLEDGE for the secondary pupils. Ogbeni Aregbesola has received global award for a uniquely pioneering technological device. In Osun, through this spectacular exercise, the Ogbeni’s government has deliberately empowered school pupils in the State of Osun to join the global community in technological expansion conquest. This feat will forever remain a milestone in Nigeria, continent and global community. Government has saved billions of naira for itself and parents that they would have had to spend on text books. Efforts as we gather reveal that the Tablet of Knowledge will soon be manufactured in Osun to cater for the West African Region’s demand.

    On infrastructure, except for crude politicisation of events, what Governor Fayemi and Governor Aregbesola have done in their two states are positively unequalled. Construction of urban and rural road has no historical precedence. The two states aesthetics reconfiguration along the greening of environment is unprecedented. As recorded by the media, Governor Fayemi in his on-going political campaign tour has been receiving enthusiastic support and pledge of loyalty because the various constituencies are satisfied with his performance and are therefore seeing to be commending the Ekiti Governor for fulfilling his election promises to them all. Watchers are regularly witnessing how community leaders, their traditional rulers and their political leaders are outspeak each others to praise Governor Fayemi and promising him of their electoral mandate so that he can do much more for them.

    I am particularly curious to know the kind of financial gymnastics these darling governors have been engaged in, considering the fact that Ekiti and the state of Osun are in the 30 bracket positions in their allocations from the federation account. The two states are agrarian and civil service states. There was no meaningful evidence of productive governance by the PDP predecessors in offices. Whether you like or hate the duo, there are manifest evidence visible to the eyes that they are working and their two states are regularly getting better.

    Where are Governor Fayemi and Aregbesola finding the resources to achieve the many spectacular services for their people? The duo are taking very important decisions to radically change the economic fortunes of their states through agrarian revolution. Capacity building in modern agriculture services including overseas training and its management are being vigorously pursued so that expanded agricultural activities will lead to agro-based industrial establishments. The great stride in agriculture is because the government wants to provide necessary employment for the teeming unemployed youth and to expand the base of economic prosperity of the people. No objective observer can fail to see the rehabitation of the few business ventures that have become moribund before they came to governance. I have heard and read in the media how the Ikogosi Warm and Cold Water Spring has become profitable through its turn around by Governor Fayemi. Aregbesola has taken bold step to expand the base of tourist activities in the state of Osun. The Osun Osogbo annual festival has been receiving international attraction following Governor Aregbesola determination to attract tourists to many unique locations in Osun state, UNESCO has even named some of the annual festivals in its global tourist calendar.

    Governor Fayemi and Aregbesola are bringing their pedigree, international exposure and connection to bear on their current services. Their wide network, local and global, is assisting the duo to secure global and national development support thereby positively partnering with the state governments. e.g in provision of water, agriculture and markets.

    Let me confess to readers that when it was known that Governors Fayemi and Aregbesola have established social security or social welfare scheme variously described as Itoju Awon Agba, I thanked God for bringing the duo into governance for such a time as this like the biblical Mordecai told Queen Esther.

    I and two friends authorised some credible young professionals to visit both Ekiti and State of Osun respectively to discretely examine the public feelings and opinions over the social welfare programme. In Ekiti state, the professionals interviewed recipients and people from their various local communities. The paultry Five Thousand and Ten Thousand Naira monthly allowance has had very positive spiral effects on to the economy of the various communities. It has fundamentally impacted on the physiology, sociology and psychology of the rural communities. The certainty of monthly allowance has resulted in recipients engaging in cooperatives activities, helping them to plan for their daily existence and prospects for future prosperity.

    In the State of Osun; the Itoju Agba is not only god-sent; the senior citizens are given free medical treatment. Mobile clinics regularly visit them while emergency situations are promptly attended to. While Governor Aregbesola employed 20,000 youths in his first 100days, the unique employment system has received national and international approval as a case study even for the management of the World Bank, thereby making the Ogbeni’s mobilization capacity through various groups to become infectious. Graduates of the mobilized youths are being trained in various area of discipline which they have personally chosen so that after their training they are being given seed money to start up or their own to the extent that many of them are now employers of labour. After a set rotated out, new set are enlisted.

    The PDP governing the Nigerian State should not even contemplating using their current authority on operational powers on the security agencies to manipulate the upcoming elections because events in Nigeria now are open to a wider range of social media coverage.

  • Tinubu: Election riggers ‘ll invite trouble

    Tinubu: Election riggers ‘ll invite trouble

    The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, was last Wednesday installed as the fourth Chancellor of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Oyo State. Deputy Political Editor RAYMOND MORDI, who witnessed the ceremony, reports.

    A carnival-like atmosphere pervaded  the 11th convocation ceremony of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Oyo State, last Wednesday. There was a palpable feeling of euphoria and expectation in the air, as the event got underway. Visitors from far and near sitting in circular formation in different canopies watched with rapt attention, as an endless stream of gaily-dressed politicians from across the country poured into the convocation arena, amidst a thunderous blast of talking drums. Just before the ceremony kicked-off, university dons, dressed in academic gowns, matched in, in an orderly procession to take their pride of place in the arena. It was perhaps the biggest gathering of academicians and frontline politicians the institution has ever witnessed.

    It was a special convocation for the institution. Indeed, the investiture of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as its fourth Chancellor portends a new era for LAUTECH. Pro-Chancellor of the institution, Professor Wale Omole, apparently appreciates this fact. He said it is a great honour for LAUTECH to have as its Chancellor someone who has been a great leader at different times. “Today, leadership is what this university needs to fulfill its mandate within the Nigerian society and leadership it has gotten. From all indications the new leadership is determined to take the university to the next level,” he remarked at the occasion. Omole added that the institution has had a Vice Chancellor that is passionate and dedicated, “but now we have a Chancellor who would take it to where it ought to be.” The university authorities noted in Tinubu’s citation that was read at the occasion that “Today, LAUTECH has found a rare gem, a visionary leader with a strong sense of purpose and a man with an eagle eye, knowing where to go, when to go and how to get there.”

    Tinubu, who was also conferred with a honorary doctorate degree in management sciences, was equally elated by the development. He said institutions like LAUTECH ought to provide workable solutions to Nigeria’s problems, by nurturing individuals with the vision and character to improve the country’s national life. His late mother, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, he noted, was very fond of LAUTECH because of its storied excellence. “For many years, this institution was one of the top, if not the number one, institution of its type. As a dutiful son, I carry the fondness of my mother for this fine school,” he added, vowing to return LAUTECH to its best self. “We can make it better because we have a great team committed to this goal. We shall write a new chapter by elevating this school to where its name is mentioned anytime technological education is discussed,” the APC National Leader enthused.

    He went on to reassure the gathering that he meant every single word uttered at the event. He said: “Naysayers will scoff that this pledge is made of the fluff one talks when invested as Chancellor. But, I have not come this far by speaking empty words. I have no intention of assuming that habit at this stage in my life. Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, who support this school are more than partners. They are brothers who govern their states in excellent ways. The progress they have applied to other areas shall become manifest on this campus.” The Chancellor said the school has benefitted from the exalted service of the three chancellors before him. Tinubu was following the footsteps of the late businessman and leading politician, Moshood Abiola; the late eminent jurist, Justice Kayode Esho; and elder statesman, Chris Ogunbanjo. The APC leader said therefore that as Chancellor he would do his best for the school. “I dare not do less because I follow in the footsteps of men who never saw failure as an option,” he added.

    The university authorities were delighted by the prospects of a new era for LAUTECH and spared no expense to make it a memorable one. For instance, the convocation lecture was delivered by Dr. Robert Michael Franklin of the Chautauqua institution and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America. Franklin, whose lecture was titled, “Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education and Economic Development in Nigeria, Africa and the Diaspora” said for the economic development of Nigeria to be assured, the country must the culture and infrastructure for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematic (STEM) education to become the driver of such endeavours.

    “This will require government-business-education (non-profit sector) partnerships to promote STEM pre-eminence in the future of Nigeria’s economy. It will also demand a special role for business executives whom I refer to as national development statesmen,” the American noted, adding: “This will require producing a new cadre of STEM teachers who can attract the nation’s best and brightest students into the STEM domain beginning in the childhood years.” For instance, he emphasized that Nigeria and Africa’s growth would depend on largely on her human capital resource and the country’s leading companies like Dangote Cement and Nigerian Breweries would need fresh talents to sustain their growth prospects, by helping to build the infrastructure for long-term growth.

    Dr. Franklin said LAUTECH should be an institution that is helping to develop the next generation of national development or Nigerian development statesmen. He pledged the support of the African Diaspora in helping institutions like LAUTECH forge ahead in providing vision and talent to brighten Nigeria and Africa’s future. He remarked: “Africa’s Diaspora communities around the world retain strong links to a continent that many still regard as ‘home’ evidenced by regular family visits and fundraising for humanitarian emergencies. Your allies are legion and your drive is boundless. So, remember the words of Goethe, ‘At the moment of commitment the entire universe conspires for your success.”

    Tinubu’s investiture as the Chancellor of LAUTECH was yet another opportunity for the man whose profile has risen consistently over the years to say a few words about the state of the nation. In his remarks, the APC National Leader, who has emerged as the country’s foremost promoter of democracy and the rule of law, said the most troubling aspect of the current state of the union is that the country lacks inspirational leadership. “The people have lost faith that this government is capable of solving the problems affecting them,” he added. The APC chieftain blamed the ruling party for the state of affairs in the country, saying most of its politicians are not interested in its progress.

    In the remarks, titled “Two Faces of Despair: State of the Nigerian Nation,”  Tinubu said while the Nigerian people are asked to suffer, the ruling authorities in Abuja revel as if mimicking Rome at the collapse of that ancient empire. “While Abuja fiddles, the people are saddened with despair. Their despair is greatest in two vital areas: national security and economic security,” he added. He said this owing to the fact that the conservative elite still dominate the political landscape. “While we strive for a progressive era of development, democracy and human respect, this conservative network seeks to relegate you to the status of modern serfs living ramshackle lives, so desperate for a hand-out that you actually thank them when they deign to give you back a small fraction of what they have stolen from you,” he lamented.

    Tinubu painted a picture of the situation thus: “They soak their feet in milk and champagne, while the people struggle to find clean water to soak garri. Even brave Robin Hood would run from Nigeria because it operates on principles reverse to those endearing the mythic hero to our imagination. Our system steals from the poor to give the rich. What is vice and condemned elsewhere is virtue and commended here. This is Nigeria today. But it can’t stand as the Nigeria of tomorrow. Change must come, we are ready and strongly determined to break the shackles of poverty and ignorance.”

    On the threat of Boko Haram insurgents, he said Nigerians are tired of the excuses and lies of the Jonathan administration and that it must develop a grand strategy to bind the menace. His words: “They lie to us. They cannot even account for the number of children that were either killed or abducted. They carry on as if they are not accountable to us. While parents were mourning the loss and disappearance of their children and victims of the Nyanya attack, President Goodluck Jonathan was dancing in Kano. We are not serious.”

    Tinubu said the APC wishes government well in its fight against the insurgents, adding: “As a party, we have no pact with the Boko Haram (insurgents) and they have no pact with us.” He said the APC’s competition with the ruling party is basically on election. He added: “We seek your votes, not your lives. We seek your understanding, not your failure. We wish the government complete success. We wish patriotism prevails over partisanship. We are ready to provide our services where needed, provided they will stay away from blackmail.”

    Tinubu’s leadership acumen and political sagacity is well known. He is instrumental for the transformation of the country into a two-party state, with the role he played towards the formation of the mega opposition party called the APC. In his relentless efforts to position the opposition as the 2015 general elections draws closer, he has come up with numerous strategies, options and plans of action to put the party of progressives in good stead.

  • Delta 2015: Aspirant consults stakeholders

    Prominent Urhobo leaders  have en-dorsed the Chairman of the Nigeria So-cial Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Dr. Ngozi Olejeme, for the 2015 governorship election in Delta State.

    They also urged other ethnic groups to support her bid, assuring that she would not disappoint the stakeholders.

    The community elders described Olejeme  as a dynamic, courageous, humble, knowledgeable, strong and compassionate person.

    Olejeme visited the Urhobo leaders in Ethiope, Okpe and Udu councils to discuss political matters germane to the future of the state.

    Urhobo leaders who have endorsed her aspiration include the Head of the Ibori family, Chief William Ibori,  Chairman of Delta State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Elders Council, Chief Gabriel Sefia, Commissioner in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC),  Chief Tom Amioku, the  House of Representatives member from Ughelli North/Ughelli South/Udu Constituency, Chief Austin Ogbaburhon , Chairman of PDP in Ethiope West Local Government Area, Chief Felix Oritsegbone, former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Moses Odibo, and former Chairman of Udu Local Government Council, Dr. Henry Sakpra.

    Ibori, who spoke in Oghara, Ethiope West Council, said that Olejeme has the experience and capability to rule the state, adding that her antecedents such as her public service records are impressive.

    He applauded her dynamic leadership qualities, outstanding contribution and commitment to human capital development in the country.

    Ibori added: “Leadership entails selfless service, dedication and zeal to serve rather than being served. We are satisfied with your profile and, by the grace of God, you will be governor of the state in 2015. We are solidly behind you.”

    The PDP Chairman, Mr. Felix Oritsegbone, said:   “Olejeme is not known to beat about the bush.  Whatever project she embarks upon, she saw to its successful execution. We believe so much in her. She is a trusted person and will not disappoint us. All our delegates will vote for her.”

    Olejeme also received encouragement from top Okpe leaders. Chief Tom Amioku, who spoke on their behalf, urged the people to support the push for dynamic leadership. He said Delta State is ripe for her first female governor.

    He added: “Leadership is not a function of tribe, sex or religion, but a matter of vision, determination and mission. Olejeme is a woman with a vision and a mission. She will take the state to a level higher than what we have as of now. She will make the difference.”

    In Udu Local Government Area, Olejeme the leaders assured  Olejeme of a bloc vote at the primaries. They described her as easy going, intelligent, articulate and frank person.

    Sefia, who spoke on their behalf, said: “Her achievements and humility have endeared her to us. When the time comes, she will assume her seat as the governor of the state.”

    Olejeme, who has not declared her intention to run for the governorship, thanked the stakeholders for their kind gestures.

  • ‘Nigeria needs modified presidential system’

    ‘Nigeria needs modified presidential system’

    As the National Assembly is set to review the constitution, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu has proposed a modified presidential system. Assistant Editor ONYEDI OJIABOR examines the proposal within the context of the clamour for parliamentary system by some delegates to the National Conference.

    Deputy Senate President Senator Ike  Ekweremadu has called for a modified presidential system, saying that it will deepen democracy and foster development.

    He reflected on constitution  reforms in Nigeria  at Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), Johns Hopkins University, Washington, DC. The senator spoke on the theme: “Constitution Review in an Emerging Democracy: The Nigerian Experience.”

    As the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Review of the 1999 Constitution, Ekweremadu led the upper chamber to successfully alter some provisions of the constitution in 2010.

    He said  certain provisions in the constitution become unworkable because circumstances have changed to render such provisions inappropriate. Thus,  the Senate committee  had to adopt an incremental approach to constitutional changes.

    Previous alterations, he said, have undoubtedly deepened democratic ethos by confronting outstanding problems and addressing glaring omissions.

    He said that the process reached a major milestone, with the passage of three alterations to the constitution by the National and State Assemblies in 2010 and the assent by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011.  “Unprecedented in the constitutional history of Nigeria, these alterations not only provided a more credible institutional framework for the conduct of the 2011 general elections, but have also furnished a viable template for ongoing initiatives to implement further constitutional alterations, amendments, revisions or reforms,” he said.

    Ekweremadu highlighted the challenges of constitution amendment. These include the need to create ‘a people’s constitution,’ bearing in mind the procedural imperative, especially the perception that the 1999 Constitution is not a true people’s constitution, but a contraption that was forced concorted by the military regime and its civilian allies.

      According to him, the  constitution reform process is driven by the  need to address substantive flaws. He said the 1999 Constitution has been criticized by many groups for imposing a hyper-centralized, top-down, “unitary federalism” on the country, as distinct from a “true federalism” that is more consistent with the country’s complex ethnic, regional and religious diversities. He spoke on the federal structure and the proposal that the six geo-political zones in the country should be elevated to federating units.

    The proponents of six geo-political zone as federating units, he said, believed that the structure will rectify the present distorted and dysfunctional federal structure and reduce the over-centralisation of the federation, eliminate the costs of maintaining multiple state administrations, establish more competitive and robust constituent units, correct the current imbalance in the distribution of the states among the geo-political zones, and generally make for a more functional, viable, and sustainable federal system.

    The position of those rooting for geo-political zones as federating units notwithstanding, he said the National Assembly is inundated with demands for the creation of more states by agitators seeking a more equitable territorial accommodation of ethnic, sub-ethnic, and geopolitical interests.

    At the last count, the National Assembly has received over 60 separate proposals for new states. For him, transforming the six geo-political zones into federating units “seems the major plausible thing to do if Nigeria is to nurse any hope of significantly reversing the dwindling fortunes of our federalism by engendering viability and self-reliance of the component units, massive development, healthy competition, reduce the cost of governance, and enthrone an acceptable level of equity.

    Of interest to him is the situation where geo-political zones are already moving towards regional integration for development. The innovative example of governors and leaders of the Southwest. In Nigeria the fundamental issues are fiscal federalism and local government system, policing, legislative lists, independent electoral and other oversight agencies, electoral systems, governmental systems, tenure of political chief executives, residency rights and constitution amendment process.

    On fiscal federalism, Ekweremadu had described intergovernmental fiscal relations as “feeding-bottle federalism,” whereby the constituent states are funded almost entirely by centrally collected and redistributed oil revenues.

    Some of the consequences of defective fiscal federalism listed by him included fiscal hyper-centralization and paternalism, a weak sense of financial responsibility  and transparency at the sub-national level, and a feeling of economic dispossession in the oil-bearing Niger Delta.

    He, however, said that the persistence of  regional socio-economic inequalities will continue to require a strong redistributive economic role for the central government in the interest of national cohesion and integration.

    How to balance the competing imperatives of fiscal decentralisation and inter-regional socio-economic equalization remains a difficult constitutional question.

    He canvassed a revisit of devolution of powers between states and local governments.  According to him, “since the current half measures have not yielded the desired result of grassroots development, we may have to adopt either the Canadian or US model or even the Indian model.

    “If the legislature determines that Nigerians prefer the former, it means then that the Federal Government will have to completely hands off the local governments in respect of regulation and funding. “Thus, the local governments become an entirely state affair and cease to draw funds directly from the Federation Account and states would be at liberty to create as many local governments as they feel would be adequate to bring government and development closer to the people.

    “On the other hand, if the preferred option is the Indian model, then the local governments will become a third tier of government in the true sense of it. “Powers will be fully devolved to them so as to insulate them from the fiscal control and political manipulations by the states.

    “My view is that we can adopt the Canadian model and leave local governments as state affairs. The states should determine the number of local governments they want to create and how to fund such local governments. The sheer size and population of India necessitated the Indian model where Local Governments constitute a third tier of government,” he said.

    On governmental systems, Ekweremadu posited that the presidential system has often come under criticism for its concentration of powers in political chief executives, encouragement of divisive, zero-sum factional and sectional competition for political offices, expensiveness, and promotion of the politics of strong men, rather than strong institutions.

    Supporters of the current presidential system, he said, point to the failures of parliamentary rule in the First Republic, claiming that the trouble with Nigeria is not the choice of governmental systems but the warped implementation  of these systems.

    “I suggest a modification of the present presidential system. We need the presidential system to hold together the contending forces of our federation. Such modification includes the introduction of question times in the parliament to hold the ministers consistently accountable and replacement of impeachment with a procedure for vote of no confidence” he said.

    It may be imperative for those imbued with the art of constitution reform to consider the paradigm of a modified presidential system as suggested by Ekweremadu, especially at this critical period in the life of the country. A modified presidential system of government if well articulated may help to mitigate already bad situation.

    Ekweremadu  said that the National Assembly constitution review committee has managed Nigeria’s complex, contentious, and multifaceted constitutional reform process. The Assembly has given a nod to the imperatives of a democratic and participatory constitutional reform process through various mechanisms for promoting popular participation and public consultation in the process.

    It has pursued an incremental approach to constitution making, thereby reflecting the difficulty of achieving mega-constitutional change in Nigeria’s fractious and contentious polity as well as the need to avoid aggravating the existing stress points or fault lines of national politics.

    The National Assembly has implemented constitution amendments designed to strengthen, or enhance the neutrality and independence of critical oversight institutions like the electoral commission, the legislature and the judiciary.

    The Assembly has also given recognition to  non-constitutional renewal, whereby reforms  can be achieved through legislation, informal political conventions, and judicial interpretation, as distinct from the more tedious and contentious mechanism of constitutional amendment.

    He added that at the same time, the National Assembly has been attentive to demands for more fundamental constitutional changes in by accepting these demands as critical inputs into a continuous process of national constitutional dialogue and reform.

    “I believe all of these aspects of the constitutional reform work of the National Assembly have been critical, and will remain pivotal, to the sustenance of Nigeria’s current, most enduring, experiment in federal constitutional democracy” he said.

  • Who succeeds Fashola?

    Who succeeds Fashola?

    Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola will bow out of office next year after completing his two terms of eight years. The succession battle is gaining momentum. Governorship aspirants on the platforms of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) have begun consultations. Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines the issues that will shape the election in the Centre of Excellence.

    Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) will complete his second term in office next year. Ahead of the next governorship election, the two major political parties-the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-have returned to the drawing board. Eyes are on the parties as they prepare for the primaries. More importantly, Lagosians will also beam a searchlight on the aspirants gearing up to succeed the governor.

    By 2015, the progressive bloc will have dominated power in the Centre of Excellence for 16 years. As the APC seeks the renewal of the mandate, the achievements of former Governor Bola Tinubu and his successor, Fashola, would be the party’s armour. While the PDP and the LP would be soliciting for votes, based on their promises to Lagosians, the APC, now a tested party, will request for a fresh mandate by tendering the feats of the two governors and making new promises.

    In the APC, there is no shortage of competent politicians and technocrats to take over from Fashola. The aspirants include Senator Ganiyu Solomon, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Hon. Yemi Ikuforiji, Dr. Leke Pitan, Senator Gbenga Ashafa and Mr. Gbolahan Lawal.

    Others are Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Mr. Ayo Gbeleyi, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and Mr. Akinwumi Ambode. Of the 10 contenders, nine are disciples of the National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinibu, and beneficiaries of his political philanthropy.

    PDP aspirants include Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Minister of State for Defence, former Health Commissioner Dr. Segun Ogundimu, and Chief Tunde Daramola.

    Party sources said that the camp of the party leader, Commodore Olabode George (rtd), may sponsor a candidate who will slug it out with these aspirants at the primaries.

    In the LP, Lagos politician Mr. Jimi Agbaje may be the candidate, if he does not defect to the PDP. Other smaller parties may field candidates for the poll. But, their impact will not be felt.

    The task before the APC is raising another competent politician and astute administrator as Fashola. Tinubu and Fashola have set enviable standards and, for Lagosians to vote for continuity, the flag bearer must have a track record of performance, integrity and honour. Since Lagos State was created in 1967, Lagosians have participated in seven governorship elections – 1979, 1983, 1991, 1999, 2003, 2007, and 2011. In those polls, except that of 1991, Lagosians voted along similar and predictable lines. The 1991 exception was due to the inability of the progressives in the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) to put their house in order.

    Many issues will shape the contest. The first is the incumbency factor. The size and strength of the parties and their perception by the people will also play a role. The APC controls the House of Assembly, which is made up of 40 members, and 57 local councils. The three senators and 24 members of the House of Representatives belong to the ruling party. But, next year, there will be a clash of incumbency power and federal might, which the PDP usually relies upon in the Southwest.

    In 2015, indigeneship will not be a factor in the megacity, unlike 2007. But, religion and zoning may be weak factors. In the last one year, some Christian leaders have been calling for a Christian governor, although they acknowledge that the two Muslim governors — Tinubu and Fashola — whose wives are committed Christians, have never marginalised any religious sect in governance. There is no evidence that the Christian leaders agitating for a Christian governor enjoy the active support of their congregations, whose main spiritual motive is the kingdom of God and not any political kingdom on earth.

    Reflecting on the agitation, APC chieftain Oludare Raji, a House of Representatives aspirant in Osodi/Isolo Constituency, said: “It is a non-issue. Christians and Muslims in Lagos State have co-existed harmoniously without friction. We have had more Muslim governors than Christian governors, but it is mere coincidence. In the Southwest, religion has never shaped our politics.”

    Raji, the former Secretary of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), said that Lagosians looked forward to a successor who will sustain the tempo of performance, and not a governor thrown up by a religious sect. “Lagos is home to many Nigerians. They come here and they don’t return. There is population explosion. Many youths are looking for jobs in Lagos and there is pressure on social amenities, schools, water, and roads. There is the security challenge. Lagos needs a governor who will be a problem solver and not a religious irredentist or bigot,” he added.

    During electioneering, the lessons of the mystery of Lagos politics is always lost on the aspirants. Historically, it is difficult to predict that a particular aspirant will emerge as the flag bearer of any political party. Lagos State is dynamic. Therefore, the contest is always unpredictable. The history of governorship contest in Lagos is replete with the emergence of candidates who were never in reckoning before the polls.

    In 1979, Alhaji Lateef Jakande became the candidate of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). The ambition of other aspirants, including Chief Adeniran Ogunsanya, who later became the National Chairman of the defunct Nigerian Peoples Party (NPP), the late Alhaji Ganiyu Dawodu and the late Chief Akanbi Onitiri, crumbled. Onitiri was a favoured for the job. But, he was lured into the NPP by people who promised to make him the presidential candidate, after convincing him that Zik would not run. He later died in an auto crash.

    In the Third Republic, Chief Dapo Sarumi and the late Prof. Femi Agbalajobi struggled for the ticket. They were banned by the military government. In the subsequent shadow contest between Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, the candidate of the Jakande Group, and Yomi Edu, who was backed by the Primose, Edu won. But, he lost to the less popular National Republican Convention (NRC) candidate, Sir Michael Otedola, at the election.

    In 1999, Tinubu was warming up for the Senate. But, he was advised to vie for the governorship by the Afenifere leaders — to the consternation of the late Dawodu, who favoured the late Mr. Funso Williams for the slot. If Dawodu, fondly referred to as the god of Lagos, had signified his intention to run, he would have emerged as the candidate. Tinubu became the candidate. During the election, he defeated the PDP candidate, Dapo Sarumi.

    In 2007, the AC had 14 aspirants, including Agbaje, Ogunleye, Solomon, Oyinlomo Danmole, Tola Kasali, Tokunbo Afikuyomi, Femi Pedro, Tunde Fanimokun, Bayo Ajisebutu, Kaoli Olusanya, Omotilewa Aro-Lambo, Remi Adikwu-Bakare, and Fashola. At the primaries, the former Chief of Staff secured the ticket.

    In 2011, Fashola was retained as the candidate of the ACN. He beat the PDP candidate, Dr. Ade Dosunmu, who was principally sponsored by George. That year, the LP was briefly promoted by some aggrieved ACN leaders loyal to Fashola. The rebellion was short-lived. Since then, the party has remained on the waiting list as a borrowed platform.

    For the APC, the slogan is continuity. In fact, it has kicked off preparations for the next election with the successful conduct of its state congress last weekend. The Chairman, Chief Oladele Ajomale, said that his priority is to mobilise Lagosians to endorse his party’s candidate at the poll. Many defectors from the PDP, including Dr. Yomi Finnih and Dr. Aganga Williams, witnessed the congress.

    From 1999 to 2011, the selection process in the progressive camp followed a similar pattern. However, times are changing. Certain forces are emerging to press for internal democracy. It is indisputable that the culture of imposition is being resisted. The advocates of guided primaries are being challenged. This is a major challenge. However, when the party opted for direct primaries at its inaugural ward congress in Lagos, it was chaotic. Party leaders immediately retraced their steps. In subsequent local government and state congresses, consensus was adopted and there was peace.

    Another issue that may shape the contest is zoning. But, there are puzzles: Should zoning be based on the five divisions of Lagos, Ikeja, Epe, Badagry and Ikorodu? Should it be based on the three senatorial districts? Analysts have questioned the merit of the rotational formula in a state where people of all tribes cohabit peacefully. Those canvassing zoning based on the three senatorial districts lack convincing argument to support it. The critics of the idea point out that many residents and indigenes of the West District have enjoyed political opportunities in the Central and East districts and vice versa.

    The first civilian governor, Jakande, son of the Oluwo of Lagos, is from the Central District, although he lives in Ilupeju, West District. His grandfather was from Omu-Aran, Kwara State. His deputy, Alhaji Rafiu Jafojo, hails from Ile-Ife. The second elected governor, Otedola, hails from Epe, East District. The third, Tinubu is from the Central District. But, he represented the West in the Senate in the Third Republic. The fourth, Fashola, is from the Central. In 2007, Ikorodu elders, led by an eminent lawyer, Babatunde Benson (SAN), pressed for power shift to Ikorodu, East District, claiming that, out of the five divisions, only Ikorodu and Badagry have not produced the governor. It was a legitimate crusade.

    However, zoning can be manipulated, undermined and subverted, if it is projected as a strong factor. In 2003, Afikuyomi, a senator from Lagos Central, emerged as the AD senatorial candidate for Lagos West. In 2007, Solomon from Mushin, Lagos West, claimed that he hailed from Ipakodo, Ikorodu, to benefit from the agitation for power shift. His paternal grandparents had their roots there. In 2011, Ikuforiji from Epe, Lagos East, won election into the House of Assembly in Ikeja Constituency, Lagos West District.

    Perhaps, the strongest factor is mutual agreement among the party leaders. A party chieftain said that some forces in the ruling party are canvassing the doctrine of mutual consent by the controlling leadership. “The party expects brainstorming session involving Tinubu, Fashola, Ajomale and his executive committee, party elders, and members of the Gubernatorial Advisory Council. These eminent leaders will vet the aspirants, moderate the selection process and ensure that the right candidate emerges,” he added.

     

    The aspirants

    Despite the feeling that the APC has zoned the ticket to the Lagos East, aspirants are coming from the three zones as a matter of fundamental right. It is not clear whether the proposed guidelines for the primaries would translate the imaginary zoning into reality.

     

    Solomon

     

    The only party chieftain who has publicly declared his interest is Solomon. He is son of the eminent politician, the late Chief R.B. Solomon, a Second Republic leader of the UPN and an ally of Jakande. The senator is a former Chairman of Mushin Local Government Area and member of the House of Representatives. Solomon is very popular. He is a crowd puller in Mushin and Lagos West. He became a senator in 2007 when Tinubu declined to contest for the Senate. He was re-elected as senator in 2011. Two days ago, Solomon set up his campaign office at Ikeja. The event was witnessed by his supporters.

    Pitan

     

    He is a successful medical doctor from Agbowa, Epe Division. He served as Commissioner for Health and Education for eight years in Tinubu Administration. A disciple of the party leader, the easy-going politician contributed to the success of the Tinubu Administration. He is also popular at home. Many youths see him as a role model, mentor and father figure. He is intelligent and hardworking.

     

    Ashafa

     

    Ashafa is a retired Permanent Secretary from Ibeju-Lekki. He became a senator in 2011. When he was the Permanent Secretary, Land Bureau, he did not abuse the privilege. He did not soil his hand. As a senator, he has set up some empowerment programmes for the benefit of his district.

     

    Ikuforiji

     

    A native of Epe, Ikuforiji is described as a loyal politician. He became a member of the House of Assembly in 2003. He was re-elected in 2007 and 2011. He is the longest serving Speaker of the House. He has had the privilege of representing two constituencies in two separate districts in the House of Assembly. Ikuforiji is answering charges of corruption in the court. His supporters allege that he was framed up because he has a governorship ambition.

     

    Ambode

     

    Ambode is a technocrat from Epe. At 21, he obtained a degree in Accounting from the University of Lagos, Akoka. At 24, he earned a Masters Degree and qualified as a chartered accountant. He has worked in over 15 councils as a treasurer before he was transferred to the state civil service. He was the Auditor-General for Local Governments. In 2012, the Fullbright scholar retired voluntarily as the Accountant-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, at 49. He was the first Permanent Secretary to have done so in the history of the Lagos civil service. When the Federal Government withheld allocations to Lagos councils, Ambode designed the blueprint for the financial survival of the councils. His colleagues in the civil service describe him as a man of character and competence.

     

    Cardoso

     

    Eyes are also on the brilliant technocrat and former Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Yemi Cardoso. He is not a politician. When he was being considered for the post in 2007, it leaked out. The following day, he was surprised when party followers invaded his residence, hailing him as the governor. On the advice of his wife, he travelled abroad. Reflecting on that episode, a first class monarch in Lagos described him as a “run away governor.” Cardoso has never nursed any political ambition. But, some party leaders believe that he will make a good governor.

     

    Hamzat

     

    Hamzat is the Commissioner for Works. He is the son of the party leader, the Olu of Afowora, Ogun State, Oba Olatunji Hamzat. His father was a legislator and commissioner in the Second Republic. His mother is from Lagos State. Hamzat, who holds a doctorate degree, is an easy-going professional and good manager of men and resources. He is very close to Fashola, who has confidence in his ability.

     

    Banire

     

    Banire is the Interim APC Legal Adviser. He holds a doctorate degree in Law from the University of Lagos, where he was a teacher before he was appointed commissioner. He spent 12 years in the Lagos State Executive Council as Special Adviser, Commissioner for Transport and Commissioner for Environment. He is from Mushin, Lagos West.

     

    Dabiri-Erewa

     

    Dabiri-Erewa is a household name in Nigeria. She is a broadcaster. By next year, she would have spent 12 years in the House of Representatives. She was first elected to represent Ikorodu Constituency in 2003. She was re-elected in 2007 and 2011. In the Lower Chamber, Dabiri-Erewa is not a bench warmer. She is the Chairperson of the Diaspora Committee. She is very popular in her district and beyond. She may have been drafted into the race by the agitators for power shift in Ikorodu.

     

    Gbolahan

     

    Gbolahan is the Commissioner for Agriculture. He is a retired police officer. He was the chief security officer to Tinubu.

     

    Gbeleyi

     

    Gbeleyi is the Commissioner for Finance. He is an associate of the governor.

     

    Gbajabiamila

     

    Gbajabiamila is the Minority Leader in the House of Representatives. The lawyer is a firebrand legislator from Surulere Constituency. He is seen as intelligent, bold and courageous.

     

  • PDP ‘can’t win Bayelsa’

    PDP ‘can’t win Bayelsa’

    Bayelsa State All Progressives Congress (APC)  chieftain Comrade Timi Frank spoke with JOHN OFIKHENUA,  on the activities of the party in the oil-rich state and preparations for the national convention.

    Has APC found its feet in Bayelsa State?

    Well, all I can say is that the APC is very strong in Bayelsa because that is where I come from. That is where is former Governor Timipre Sylva also comes from. I think that, with the kind of foundation we are laying in Bayelsa, by the grace of God, come 2015, we have a better stand than ever in Bayelsa.

    How can you have a strong APC in Bayelsa where the incumbent, president comes from ?

    Whether the incumbent, president is from Bayelsa or not does not stop the electoral process. It does not stop the people at the grassroots to decide what they want. I can tell you that, with what on ground, it is not going to be easy for the PDP in the state to just rig the election. The truth is that, if it is going to be by one man, one vote, the president will lose in Bayelsa in 2015. I will tell you very clearly that there are more aggrieved people than Timi Frank in Bayelsa. There are so many people that are aggrieved in Bayelsa, but the problem is that it is not everyone of them that have the opportunity I have to air their view.

    It is not all of them that have the resources to come out and speak their minds. And it is not everybody that has the guts to come out and express himself. Some of them believe that they don’t need to shout and that they don’t need to talk, but on the day of election, the day that their votes will count, if truly that their votes will count, that is the day you will see their grievances. So, I have no fear that the president is from Bayelsa because his presidency has no impact in Bayelsa. The people of Bayelsa have not felt the dividends of the President. So, I can tell you clearly that, being the president today does not mean that he is going to win Bayelsa. It depends on what we are offering Bayelsa and it depends on what we are offering the people of Niger Delta that will determine the fate of the APC in Bayelsa or in the Niger Delta.

    What are the people’s expectations that President Jonathan has not met in Bayelsa?

    The people expected so much from him. They believe that the president of this country, being the son of Bayelsa and Niger Delta, they should have benefitted from his government in many ways or the other as it has happened in other areas where the people felt the impact of the president because he came from their state or zone. But, in this case, there is nothing to show that Bayelsa State has produced the president.

    Go to Bayelsa today. there is no federal presence in Bayelsa. I can tell you that every development that is going on in Bayelsa State is done by the state government. Anyone can prove me wrong by saying that the Federal Government has started or completed one project under Jonathan that will be given to the people of Bayelsa. So, what is the impact? Even, in my own Odi community in the Kolopokuma Local Government, we are all aware that there was a court judgment that was given that Federal Government should pay N37 billion to the Odi community. Under Jonathan Government as a Bayelsan, we expected that, since that judgement came; the Odi people did not beg him for money since a competent court of justice gave them a judgement, he should have obeyed and by now paid the compensation to the Odi people. But as we speak, the same Federal Government under Jonathan went to seek stay of execution on that same case. And the court still told the government to go ahead and pay the money. The same government again refused and went for an appeal. For God sake, how do you want an Odi man or woman to be happy with him because he is from Bayelsa .

    How did you conduct the APC congress in Bayelsa State ?

    Well, the congress in Bayelsa went very well. Bayelsa is one of the states where we sat down we choose to come together, we choose to follow the proper democratic process to elect ward and local government officers and so on. We did this in a very quiet manner without crisis. I can tell you clearly that what we did in Bayelsa is something you expect every zone to do. What are we even fighting for? It is in areas where you see interests and so on.

    But, I don’t need to fight to get structure with my former governor who is the leader of the party in the state or any other person who is also a leader of the party. I don’t even need to fight with anybody and I think by the grace of God, what I am looking for is different from what my former governor is looking for.

    It is also different from what the some other person is looking for. Today, I am working to become the national youth leader of the APC. That is my problem. So, that is all I am concentrating on right now. I am making a lot of consultations to see how the party can zone the national youth leadership to the Southsouth to enable me run as the national youth leader of the party.

     

    Based on this reason I believe I cannot have clash of interest with anyone. I think Bayelsa has done well for this congresses and that by the grace God, we are expecting to do the state congress this Saturday. I think we are going to follow the same process we did the ward and local government congresses.

    Do you think you merit the position of the national youth leader of the APC ?

    I can tell you clearly today that my antecedents, my programmes will sell me to all delegates all members of APC to vote for the national youth leader. My advice to my party the APC, I think I am the best person that can be the national youth leader of the party because of my fearless nature. I have done so much to promote APC. I have done so much to promote the Nigerian youth. I have done so much to fight against impunity in this country. I have done so much to fight against corruption in this country. Indeed, I have contributed much to merit the position . Today, to sell the party, you need a strong and fearless national youth leader because the future of this country is in the hands of the youths. You don’t need a man of forty years to be the national youth leader. As at today, I am 34 and I am still young and vibrant. I have done so much and till tomorrow, will still do more. Without fear or favour, what APC needs today is to have a vibrant national youth leader that can confront the government of today because I will tell you that 2015 is going to be a battle that Nigerians must fight to ensure that there is a change . And it takes the youth and not the elders for that to happen.

    The elders will only be there to encourage us. In fact, we need a national youth leader that can be in the forefront and say no to impunity, rigging and injustice. And if we don’t have a youth leader that can do that, then we are in trouble. I think that being a son of the Niger Delta, it will be very wise for my party to bring the position to the South – South. Today, the national youth leader of the PDP is from the north.

    So, we should be able to bring ours from the south. There should be a balance. As at today, the national interim youth leader of the APC is also from the north. That of the PDP is also from the north. Both of them are even from the same Niger state. And that is not democratic enough therefore, I think that the party should do something different to take it to the South South to enable me to come and deliver my good will and my best to Nigeria. I bet you that if I become the national youth leader, I will do everything to protect the right of APC youth and that of the entire Nigerians.

    You can see that the present government does not value the youth. You can see them being killed like chickens on daily basis. For example, look at the school children that are being adopted. Also, look at the youths who died during the Immigration recruitment.   I am even disappointed that even till date we have not been able to do what is right. These are the types of issues that I will fight. We must not be scared of anything. We will do everything lawful to protect the right of the youth.

    What will you do to develop the youth should you become the national youth leader?

    I have so much to do to develop the youth. I have my strategies. Before today I have been doing so much and if I am the national youth leader, I am not only going to be the national youth leader of APC but that of Nigeria to reform most of the issues that are currently against youth development. I will ensure that whatever is due for the youth in my party and even those of the entire country is given to them. Today, President Jonathan has appointed a former governor as the minister of youth. How can you make a former governor who is over 50 the minister of youth. Are we moving forward or backward in this country? These are the kind of things that I will put an end to. Anything that belongs to the youth the beneficiaries should be from one to 35. Should I win, I will ensure that a lot of youth contest for political positions. We must have a lot of youth that will contest to go to the National Assembly, we must have youth as governors. They should also be political office holders. My dream for the youth is more that what anybody can imagine.

  • ‘PDP can’t bounce back in Ekiti’

    ‘PDP can’t bounce back in Ekiti’

    The Chairman of Fayemi Campaign Organisation, Hon. Bimbo Daramola, spoke with EMMANUEL OLADESU on the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s preparation for the June 21 governorship election in Ekiti State and issues that will shape the exercise.

    What are the issues that will shape Ekiti governorship election?

    There are a number of issues. The performance of Governor Kayode Fayemi is the main issue. That is the first thing of substance. That will be the thrust of the campaign. We are going to have a campaign that will be issue-driven and agenda setting. My candidate , the campaign organisation and, by extension, the people are not just angling for a second term for the sake of second term. In the last three and half years, Governor Kayode Fayemi has laid a good template. That is an issue that would shape the campaign and the election . I know that the opposition is also there rearing their heads. As a political party, they want to expand their territory and I am inclined to assume that, between 2003 and 2007, they were in power and the train that moved from Lagos hit Edo , ran through Ondo and berth at Ekiti and Ekiti and then, moved to Oyo and eventually closed in on Ogun State.

    You will also agree with me that, may be, it may not be nice that one of us who used to be a member of the family said he would be at the ballot for this election. All of these will shape this election by all intent and purposes. There is nothing you can do about that. You cannot run away from these facts. Elections are won on the basis of political parties and driven by individuals and the people ultimately have their way and every other thing will key into this.

    In the last registration, Ekiti APC registered about 200,000. Do you think that your candidate stands a chance of defeating the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party?

    The APC registered members in excess of 200,000 and the total registered voters in Ekiti is about 649,000. Elections are won on the basis of so many factors. It would have been a completely different thing, if we did not have an incumbent or all the candidates are running as fresh candidates. But, the truth of the matter is that the strength of the party is a factor. But, strength means nothing. It is just like trying to ascribe power to the size of a dinosaur, which today is facing extinction because the size of dinosaur may not be helpful. They have said that the PDP is the largest party in Africa and all that jargon. But, we also know that the party is depreciating and decimating as we speak . I don’t want to bench mark the success of our elections on the fact that we are driven by population. Dr. Kayode Fayemi has been able to do many things for Ekiti in three and half years .

    I have said that at different times that up to now, there is no one coming into the election with tangible assets as my candidate. He is not coming into the election with promissory notes. He is coming into the election to say that he has done some things and that he will do more, if re-elected. You do not mouth reputation. You earn reputation and the performance and reputation of delivery and good governance have added value tangibly to the lives of Ekiti people . It is something on the streets that no one can deny and I will expect that those people who are direct beneficiaries of the impact of his good governance in the past three and half years will not fold their hands and entrust their fate and fortune into unsteady and shaken hands. They will rather entrust their fate and fortune into a steady hands and consolidate on the good work in the past three and half years.

    Why is the governor insisting on second term in office?

    There is no insistence on second term. We are saying, if you have a family or mechanic who has been attending to you or a mechanic who has been fixing your car over the ages and he has been doing it well, it is likely that you will trust him much more when challenges arise. My candidate has tried in the last three and half years to justify the mandate the people gave him in 2007 . My candidate and my party are products of adversity . We are all students of history. We all know how we got to this point. Thank God, today, my candidate has turned our adversity to prosperity. What he has done justifies the fact that people were behind and beside him during the period of adversity and travail. I am sure all of those things will come into reckoning. I don’t think the people will suffer selective amnesia. It is the officials that suffer amnesia, not the people. If the people suffer amnesia, nobody will give credit to Chief Obafemi Awolowo today for his free education programme.

    Why is the governor expressing fears about rigging?

    I am not aware that my governor is expressing fears. In any case, there is the fear of the unknown. As human beings, we wake up , step out of our homes , committing our lives into the hand of God. There is always the fear of the shadowy. But, the truth of the matter is that we have to confront our fears because we will soon know that they do not exist .We have seen it before. Don’t forget that we are Ekiti people, that we do not brook cheating, we do not brook injustice. Dr. Kayode Fayemi was not in office when Ekiti people stood by him head to head, toe-to toe and did not blink. We were not in government. But, we pursued the mandate and, by the grace of God, it was eventually delivered into our hands. He has treated that mandate with so much sanctity. The recognition of that alone will aid the resolve of our people to stand beside him and by him to ensure that, no matter what the electoral marauders are trying to do, they will not succeed.

    In concrete terms, what are the fears?

    The fear is not be too far-fetched. We have seen the seeming incompetence and lack of capacity of some of the institutions responsible for the conduct of elections in the country. We have seen time and time again how INEC has been apologising to Nigerians for the failure in Anambra and Delta. It will be in the interest of President Goodluck Jonathan and his party to ensure that they play fair and ensure that the will of the people prevails in the election. It will be the fairest thing to do. We know that this country is been tugged out at every corner, regardless of the talking session in Abuja . The true test of the direction of the conference will be determined by elections in Ekiti because the election is about allowing the people to exercise their civic responsibility.

    What do you think was responsible for the high number of aspirants in the PDP, ahead of the primaries?

    It is a sad spectacle and I am too sure this is one of the eternal legacies of the Fayemi Administration. By the grace of God, before the end of the second term of Governor Fayemi, those aspiring to Okebadeke in Ekiti State will not find it very comfortable anymore. Dr Fayemi would have sufficiently raised the standard such that anybody that aspires to lead Ekiti State will, first of all, benchmark himself. People will point to him that, having seen the legacy and credential that your predecessor has left, you are or not competent to fit into these shoes. Some of the things they have said about Governor Fayemi is that he is not governor ‘jule’ or a governor who goes to eat ‘bole’ on the street, market place or doing things that are populist. He is not building stomach infrastructure. He has no character of a governor who goes to the streets to buy bole and groundnut from the woman on the street. That may not be bad. But, can you compare that to a governor who ensures that 25,000 senior citizens get a stipend of N5,000 monthly and subsidies their healthcare. In the long run, people are better off than a governor given to emotional sentiments and goes to the street to say how much is your ‘bole’ and pays N5,000 for it and that is where it ends. You don’t wish to just be a leader. You must earn it. You must possess some qualities. One of them is the clear vision of where you want to take your followership to. You must have an agenda that will be driven by the people.

    The leader must take the lead. This is a governor that provided 30,000 laptops for students and another 18,000 laptops for their teachers and trained them. This is because he knows that there is no profession that does not have ICT components in it. The world is not waiting on Ekiti and we cannot afford to play catch-up anymore. Governance all over the world has a goal and the ultimate destination is to ensure that the quality of life of the people gets better. That is the essence of governance. Anything that is short of that is defeatist. If a governor has imbibed that and manifested that sufficiently enough and the people are saying, if we have entrusted our mandate into your hands for three and half years and it turned out this well, you deserve another term. For instance, the Ikogosi Spring laid prostrate for 21 years under the successive governments.

    It never caught their attention. It took Dr. Kayode Fayemi to reverse the trend and created jobs for people. Ikogosi t played host to the Nigerian Media Merit Award. In December, last year, 20,000 people went to the place. If everyone of them spent N200, that would have developed the economy of Ikogosi, which eventually would have robbed off on the economy of the state. This is what a leader should do. But, the only governor who had the mind that something good could come out of Ikogosi was Otunba Niyi Adebayo. If your child has performed well, the next thing is to promote him to the next class. We have a candidate the Ekiti people believe have earned it.

    The opposition is saying that the governor has been completing the projects of the previous administration. What will the governor do differently in his second tenure, if re-elected at the poll.

    The argument is a bad one. You spent public money to repair roads in Ekiti and you didn’t finish the roads and another governor came out to do the right thing. Is that not a laudable achievement?

  • APC chieftain advocates politics without bitterness

    APC chieftain advocates politics without bitterness

    LAGOS State All Progressives  Congress Hon. Kola Okesanjo  has advocated for politics of peace and accommodation as the country prepares for 2015 general elections.

    He said political thuggery is an ill-wind that does not blow anybody any good.

    Okesanjo spoke with reporters in Lagos on the recent APC ward and council congresses.

    He said although politics could be challenging as a result of conflicting interests, political differences should be settled amicably.

    He said: “I’m optimistic that our leader will look into it and all affected members will be accommodated. I do know that a peace committee will be set up to reconcile the aggrieved members.”

    The politician chieftain pleaded with APC members to maintain peace and resist any incitement against the party.

    He added: “It is important too that we de-emphasize politics of winner-takes-all. It is not good enough winners must show magnanimity by embracing everybody, which I think is healthy for our collective interest. we must do everything to disallow politics of bitterness, realising that APC is a party for all and designed to cater for all interests.”

    Okesanjo enjoined members to show greater commitment to the APC, saying it is the party that will save the nation.

    He said: “APC is a party for the people and the momentum is waxing stronger across nations. From 2015, we hope to see the enthronement of democracy and development which will be fostered through our great party that is sure to win and form the next government in the country, so as members we must continue to be dedicated and loyal to the leadership and the party’s core ideals. APC will transform the nation.”

    He commended former Lagos State Governor Lateef Jakande for the courage and tolerance exhibited during the last ward congress, describing him as an elder statesmen of repute and transparent political figure worthy of emulation.

  •  ‘Ekiti will resist rigging’

     ‘Ekiti will resist rigging’

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi spoke with reporters in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, on the preparations for the June 21 governorship election, Vice President Namadi Sambo’s description of Ekiti as a war front, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) threat to ‘capture’ the Southwest and other issues. Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU was there.

    Vice President Namadi Sambo has said that Ekiti State will  become a war front during the governorship election? What is your view?
    Quite frankly, my immediate reaction when I saw the statement from the Vice President was disbelief, until I eventually read it in about five newspapers and saw that the language was consistent and that the reports are similar in all the papers. The Vice President is someone I relate with very well. He and I are on the board of the NDPHC (Niger Delta Power Holding Company) and the Nigeria Integrated Power Project (NIPP). He chairs the company and I represent the Southwest in the company. And through that, we meet fairly regularly. The Vice President has every right to push for his party in any election. That is his legitimate right. But, to have said what the media reported was quite unfortunate because we are not at war in Ekiti. We have enjoyed three and a half years of peace and we are one of the most peaceful states in this country today. So, for someone, who occupies one of the highest offices in the land as our Vice President to reduce the importance of his office and promote insecurity, either directly or by subterfuge, is quite unbecoming of the person who occupies the number two position in our country. There is a part of me that still wants to treat it with scepticism and I still would like to take it up with the Vice President whenever I get the opportunity. I hope he would deny the report. But, I do think the underlying implication of the purported statement should worry any decent Nigerian who is interested in credible elections, especially in the light of what recently happened at Ilaje/Ese Odo and the role played by a minister of government, which has now been confirmed by the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ondo State. In any decent polity, the minister would have been asked to leave by now. If you do anything that flies flagrantly in the face of the law, then, the maximum weight of the law ought to be applied by INEC. The law is very clear on these matters and even the military is empowered to disobey manifestly unlawful orders. What happened in Ilaje/Ese Odo appears to many people as a precursor of the grand plan to steal elections in Ekiti and Osun States. And the INEC ought to be sending a very strong signal that the institution would not take kindly to unlawful interference in the electoral process.
    I can tell you that there is a lot of intelligence available to me about people sewing fake soldiers and policemen uniforms in preparation for Ekiti election and I hope INEC would be reassuring not just Ekiti people but Nigerians because the Ekiti election is even far more important than the 2015 election because if confidence is lost in INEC’s preparation and eventual implementation of the Ekiti election, that will rub off terribly on the 2015 election. I mean the INEC is already under watch, given what happened in Anambra. To then see Ekiti election going in the wrong direction would totally put paid to any hope on the part of Nigerians that anything good can come out of the 2015 elections and I don’t think President Jonathan needs that. I think he has conveyed an image of himself as a decent politician, who is not going to manipulate or resort to extra-legal or illegal ways in election management in Nigeria. So, I think the INEC, together with Inter Agency Committee on Election Security, would need to give Nigerians a lot of reassurance following the Vice President’s careless statement. But perhaps, out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh. I think it is very unfortunate. I think it is unbecoming of his office. And I think the Vice President really ought to withdraw the statement and reassure Nigerians that the agenda for Ekiti election is not going to be determined in Aso Rock but by Ekiti people because it is a referendum on the performance of the government in Ekiti; it is not a national election. It should not be expanded to a national election. But, let me also say that whatever evil machinations are in place from Abuja, Ekiti people are fully ready.
    But, the Vic President made that statement at a time the PDP is also saying that it will ‘capture’ the Southwest. Are you not nursing any fear for this election?
    This is Ekiti and people who are familiar with the history here would know that this is not a very good place to rig election. You can afford to manipulate elections in Anambra because Anambra has a lot of rich people who are even richer than the governor and do not care too much about who governs the state. In Ekiti, you will discover that everybody is interested in what happens here because we have 2.5million potential governors in this state. Every single indigene believes he has what it takes; that he understands government and that he knows how to govern. So, you can’t say such a person should not have an opinion on who governs. And every time election was manipulated in Ekiti, the result has not been palatable. Whether you refer to 1964/65 wetie crisis, which eventually culminated in the 1966 coup, Ekiti was even a stronger zone of resistance than Ikenne where Chief Awolowo hailed from and of course, when you talk of the 1983 election rigging in Ondo State, we all can remember what happened here. And of course, my own recent experience has also demonstrated that our people are far too sensitive to allow external interference in their affairs. People will make all sorts of claims; that they would do this, they would do that; but, the truth of the matter is that, even the PDP admits that this governor has done well, but it is about gaining an in-road to the Southwest by hook or crook. Unfortunately for them, the PDP had been in government here for seven and a half years and Ekiti people cannot forget in a hurry what they went through in those years. It was murder, mayhem and crises for the bulk of the period. And don’t forget that, for those seven and a half years, there were six governors. So, it was instability galore. That is what would have to be placed side-by-side what happened in our time in office.
    Federal might is always going to be a factor in any election, but I can assure you that the peoples’ might is bigger than federal might. So, we have nothing to fear. We are ready for the worse. But, light will overcome darkness. The election will be a referendum on the performance of our administration and those competitors in Ekiti.
    What do you mean by the election being a referendum on your performance?
    First, what do I mean by that statement? An election is necessarily a referendum of what an incumbent has done or failed to do in the judgment of the electorate. Somebody running for the first time can only make promises and hope that the people will believe his promises. As an incumbent, I am running on the record of the public goods that I’ve delivered in every community and constituency. I have been on the campaign trail for over three weeks now and in every place I get to, the people are the ones who reel out what we have done in their communities. It is a much taller order for me in the sense that I must present tangible, palpable, verifiable evidence of what I have done. That is what I have to sell. And in addition to that, with the record that you know that I have, I now want to do one, two, three and four when I come back. So, it is a referendum on my performance. It may not be a referendum of the performance of my competitors. But, even in the case of one of my competitors, the election is a referendum on who he was when he was in office in the state and what he did. Even, if he chooses not to talk about that, others would talk about his record in office. The record will be set straight.
    Why do you think that you deserves a second term?
    I ran in 2007 on a  platform popularly known as the ‘Roadmap to Ekiti Recovery – My Eight-Point Agenda. At the time, I was very specific about what I was going to do in office as far back as 2006. When you talk about social security – if you read my inaugural speech you will find social security benefit to the elderly there. If you read my inaugural speech, you will see laptop per child there. There is nothing that we have done in this state that we have not picked up from the eight-point agenda. And everyone who is objective can attest to the fulfilment of what we promised Ekiti State people. And in the various communities that we are going to meet people, they speak to that. So, I think the answer to your question is yes. My performance has earned me a reason to believe that I would be re-elected. A dimension to this, today, the result of  one of the polls that we conducted at the various communities came to me. One woman they spoke to basically just said: “We like Fayemi. He has done very well. He has fulfilled all his promises. He has not done anything that we don’t like, but the issue is that, since he has already done everything he promised, he should allow another person come in”.  I found that very interesting. But, the thing is that we have not actually done everything. There are areas where I would score myself 70 per cent or even 60 per cent. There are still some things to be done.
    Seriously speaking, I think we have done reasonably well. Don’t forget that this state is number 35 on the revenue ladder of the country. People often forget that. And this is a state that gets N3billion a month against N23billion in Bayelsa with a smaller population. So, I think it is important to put this in proper perspective. We run a social democratic agenda and it is a progressive government. You will see that in many of the policies that we put in place. We concentrate on how to assist the weak and the vulnerable in our State.  Additionally, we have run a reasonably clean government. So, I think we have done enough to earn a second term. But, we are also not unaware that performance itself is not the only factor in an election. But, it is the most critical success factor for an incumbent.
    There are some things you said about the disparity in the money you get from the Federation Account. Are you comfortable with the federal system being practised in Nigeria?
    We don’t operate a federal system in Nigeria. At best, we operate a distorted, pseudo-federal system, which does not operate coordinate powers among the federating units, but a hierarchical, subordinate powers inherited from our military past. If we operate a federal system, then, you will not have things like UBEC and TETFUND,  which give people the impression that states are beholden to the Federal Government, whereas it is the funds jointly owned in the Federation Account that is being shared. If we run a proper federal structure, you will not have us here spending our meagre resources in sustaining the police while we have no authority over its activities in the state, unless our views coincide with or reinforce the instructions from Abuja. It’s simply a distortion of the federal system.
    As for the disparities in earnings between Bayelsa, or Rivers and Ekiti, I do not have any problem with it.  I’m an advocate of fiscal federalism. So, I do not necessarily have a problem with Rivers State, for instance, earning what comes from its soil. However, in order for us not to undermine the nation, for any federal system to work well, we often need equilibrating mechanisms so that one side is not overwhelmingly rich and other parts of the federation so despicably poor. We have to find a mechanism to balance this and, if you look at the Australian and Canadian constitutions – even in the American constitution, you have these mechanisms there. We have them in ours as well, but they are exercised in breach rather than in consistency with the law. So, I hope those who are working on this at the National Conference will be able to come up with a federalism that is more cooperative than combative because states are being forced into a combative model.
    One of your programmes that the opposition has not criticised is the digitalisation of your income. Could you to shed light on it?
    You are talking about the Integrated Payroll Biometric System. I don’t know if the opposition has not criticised it. When we started it, they called us all manners of names – that the agenda was to get rid of the civil servants.
    But, eventually, you are right, they couldn’t criticise it because the civil servants and the teachers became champions of the electronic payment system and it has saved us from a lot of money spent on ghost workers. We are now even trying to use the same system for our ‘Citizen Identity Management System’ and our social security payment, which is still manual payment and there is still a level of inefficiency and waste  that we have detected in the social security payment. But, clearly, biometrics is the way to go. If you want to run an efficient government, technology has to play a major role. And that is how we have been able to reduce fraud in the system. We now save an average of N200 million.
    The scholar and princess of Ado-Ekiti, Professor Modupe Adelabu, is likely to be your running mate. Why are you retaining the deputy governor as your running mate?
    You know what they say – if it is not broken, why fix it? The deputy governor has done very well. She did exceedingly well managing the state Universal Basic Education Board. My party has a position that the deputy must come from Ado – Ekiti and I cannot go against the position of the party on that. My late deputy was also from Ado– Ekiti as you know. So, we just replaced her with another Ado – Ekiti person who happens to be a direct descendant of the monarch here. But, that is not what qualifies her for the job. She is, more importantly, a professor and expert in educational administration.

  • ‘Nigeria needs modified presidential system’

    ‘Nigeria needs modified presidential system’

    As the National Assembly is set to review the constitution, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu has proposed a modified presidential system. Assistant Editor ONYEDI OJIABOR examines the proposal within the context of the clamour for parliamentary system by some delegates to the National Conference.

    Deputy Senate President Senator Ike Ekweremadu has called for a modified  presidential system, saying that it will deepen democracy and foster development.
    He reflected on constitution  reforms in Nigeria  at Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), Johns Hopkins University, Washington, DC. The senator spoke on the theme: “Constitution Review in an Emerging Democracy: The Nigerian Experience.”
    As the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Review of the 1999 Constitution, Ekweremadu led the upper chamber to successfully alter some provisions of the constitution in 2010.
    He said  certain provisions in the constitution become unworkable because circumstances have changed to render such provisions inappropriate. Thus,  the Senate committee  had to adopt an incremental approach to constitutional changes.
    Previous alterations, he said, have undoubtedly deepened democratic ethos by confronting outstanding problems and addressing glaring omissions.
    He said that the process reached a major milestone, with the passage of three alterations to the constitution by the National and State Assemblies in 2010 and the assent by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011.  “Unprecedented in the constitutional history of Nigeria, these alterations not only provided a more credible institutional framework for the conduct of the 2011 general elections, but have also furnished a viable template for ongoing initiatives to implement further constitutional alterations, amendments, revisions or reforms,” he said.
    Ekweremadu highlighted the challenges of constitution amendment. These include the need to create ‘a people’s constitution,’ bearing in mind the procedural imperative, especially the perception that the 1999 Constitution is not a true people’s constitution, but a contraption that was forced concorted by the military regime and its civilian allies.
    According to him, the  constitution reform process is driven by the  need to address substantive flaws. He said the 1999 Constitution has been criticized by many groups for imposing a hyper-centralized, top-down, “unitary federalism” on the country, as distinct from a “true federalism” that is more consistent with the country’s complex ethnic, regional and religious diversities. He spoke on the federal structure and the proposal that the six geo-political zones in the country should be elevated to federating units.
    The proponents of six geo-political zone as federating units, he said, believed that the structure will rectify the present distorted and dysfunctional federal structure and reduce the over-centralisation of the federation, eliminate the costs of maintaining multiple state administrations, establish more competitive and robust constituent units, correct the current imbalance in the distribution of the states among the geo-political zones, and generally make for a more functional, viable, and sustainable federal system.
    The position of those rooting for geo-political zones as federating units notwithstanding, he said the National Assembly is inundated with demands for the creation of more states by agitators seeking a more equitable territorial accommodation of ethnic, sub-ethnic, and geopolitical interests.
    At the last count, the National Assembly has received over 60 separate proposals for new states. For him, transforming the six geo-political zones into federating units “seems the major plausible thing to do if Nigeria is to nurse any hope of significantly reversing the dwindling fortunes of our federalism by engendering viability and self-reliance of the component units, massive development, healthy competition, reduce the cost of governance, and enthrone an acceptable level of equity.
    Of interest to him is the situation where geo-political zones are already moving towards regional integration for development. The innovative example of governors and leaders of the Southwest. In Nigeria the fundamental issues are fiscal federalism and local government system, policing, legislative lists, independent electoral and other oversight agencies, electoral systems, governmental systems, tenure of political chief executives, residency rights and constitution amendment process.
    On fiscal federalism, Ekweremadu had described intergovernmental fiscal relations as “feeding-bottle federalism,” whereby the constituent states are funded almost entirely by centrally collected and redistributed oil revenues.
    Some of the consequences of defective fiscal federalism listed by him included fiscal hyper-centralization and paternalism, a weak sense of financial responsibility  and transparency at the sub-national level, and a feeling of economic dispossession in the oil-bearing Niger Delta.
    He, however, said that the persistence of  regional socio-economic inequalities will continue to require a strong redistributive economic role for the central government in the interest of national cohesion and integration.
    How to balance the competing imperatives of fiscal decentralisation and inter-regional socio-economic equalization remains a difficult constitutional question.
    He canvassed a revisit of devolution of powers between states and local governments.  According to him, “since the current half measures have not yielded the desired result of grassroots development, we may have to adopt either the Canadian or US model or even the Indian model.
    “If the legislature determines that Nigerians prefer the former, it means then that the Federal Government will have to completely hands off the local governments in respect of regulation and funding. “Thus, the local governments become an entirely state affair and cease to draw funds directly from the Federation Account and states would be at liberty to create as many local governments as they feel would be adequate to bring government and development closer to the people.
    “On the other hand, if the preferred option is the Indian model, then the local governments will become a third tier of government in the true sense of it. “Powers will be fully devolved to them so as to insulate them from the fiscal control and political manipulations by the states.
    “My view is that we can adopt the Canadian model and leave local governments as state affairs. The states should determine the number of local governments they want to create and how to fund such local governments. The sheer size and population of India necessitated the Indian model where Local Governments constitute a third tier of government,” he said.
    On governmental systems, Ekweremadu posited that the presidential system has often come under criticism for its concentration of powers in political chief executives, encouragement of divisive, zero-sum factional and sectional competition for political offices, expensiveness, and promotion of the politics of strong men, rather than strong institutions.
    Supporters of the current presidential system, he said, point to the failures of parliamentary rule in the First Republic, claiming that the trouble with Nigeria is not the choice of governmental systems but the warped implementation  of these systems.
    “I suggest a modification of the present presidential system. We need the presidential system to hold together the contending forces of our federation. Such modification includes the introduction of question times in the parliament to hold the ministers consistently accountable and replacement of impeachment with a procedure for vote of no confidence” he said.
    It may be imperative for those imbued with the art of constitution reform to consider the paradigm of a modified presidential system as suggested by Ekweremadu, especially at this critical period in the life of the country. A modified presidential system of government if well articulated may help to mitigate already bad situation.
    Ekweremadu  said that the National Assembly constitution review committee has managed Nigeria’s complex, contentious, and multifaceted constitutional reform process. The Assembly has given a nod to the imperatives of a democratic and participatory constitutional reform process through various mechanisms for promoting popular participation and public consultation in the process.
    It has pursued an incremental approach to constitution making, thereby reflecting the difficulty of achieving mega-constitutional change in Nigeria’s fractious and contentious polity as well as the need to avoid aggravating the existing stress points or fault lines of national politics.
    The National Assembly has implemented constitution amendments designed to strengthen, or enhance the neutrality and independence of critical oversight institutions like the electoral commission, the legislature and the judiciary.
    The Assembly has also given recognition to  non-constitutional renewal, whereby reforms  can be achieved through legislation, informal political conventions, and judicial interpretation, as distinct from the more tedious and contentious mechanism of constitutional amendment.
    He added that at the same time, the National Assembly has been attentive to demands for more fundamental constitutional changes in by accepting these demands as critical inputs into a continuous process of national constitutional dialogue and reform.
    “I believe all of these aspects of the constitutional reform work of the National Assembly have been critical, and will remain pivotal, to the sustenance of Nigeria’s current, most enduring, experiment in federal constitutional democracy” he said.