The Nation Newspaper

Category: Politics

  • ‘Don’t expect much from conference’

    ‘Don’t expect much from conference’

    Former Deputy Senate Minority Leader Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora bares his mind on the National Conference, 2015 elections, national security and other issues. He spoke with Assistant Editor LEKE SALAUDEEN.

    Are you satisfied with the National Conference set up the Jonathan Administration?

    I am not satisfied with the National Conference. What I envisaged, like other compatriots in this country, is a conference that would seek to address fundamental issues that confront us as a nation. There is need for restructuring of the country along socio-political and economic lines. To achieve that kind of restructuring we would need to put in place an enabling Act to back up the conference.

    The conference put in place by the Jonathan administration lacks the backing of an enabling Act. Coming into being by mere pronouncement of Mr President does not and cannot amount to law itself. What we are being told is that the outcome of the conference would be forwarded to the National Assembly to form part of the constitution amendments. Remember that the National Assembly had embarked on constitution amendment exercise. Both the Senate and the House of Representatives have taken decisions on certain issues. The two chambers have to harmonise their positions. Against this background, certain decisions that are not in tandem with the National Assembly position are bound to be jettisoned. Again, the clauses amended in the Constitution by the National Assembly must get approval of the two-thirds of 36 States House of Assembly, who are under the influence of their state governors.

    Are there other reasons why you are not comfortable with the National Conference?

    First, lack of legal backing for the National Conference is number one basis for my dissatisfaction with the way the Federal Government is handling the issue of the National Conference.

    Second, we were told the delegates would sit for three months which I consider inadequate if they must do a thorough job. Three months is not enough to discuss thoroughly the problems of this country. To discuss the problems exhaustively will require 9-12 months.

    Third, it seems to me that what Nigerians really want is a brand new Constitution and not an amendment to the existing one. The way we have set out is to amend the constitution is contrary to the yearnings of the people. A brand new Constitution can only be put in place by a Constituent Assembly established by an Act of the National Assembly.

    Third, the National Assembly has put in place a Constitution Amendment process now at the final stage. What is now due to be done is harmonisation of clauses passed by both the Senate and the House of Representatives which would thereafter be sent to the States Assembly. The new process (the National Conference) would end up amending the constitution. The entire process is flawed.

    Fourth, the manner by which the delegates were nominated. If we are serious as a nation, the delegates ought to emerge through election not by selection. If delegates must be selected, they should be very few, not large number or the entire number of delegates being selected by government. It appears to me that those selected are those that are sympathetic to Jonathan’s re-election bid. Quite a number of ethnic groups have been excluded from the process. You can’t solve the problems through a process that is flawed.

    Fifth, large percentage of the delegates is made up of senior citizens. It is rather unfortunate that some of the actors that brought the country to its knees are being gathered to proffer solutions to the problems of the country. It is impossible for those characters to establish a new order for this country.

    The monthly allowance of N4 million per delegate has been described as outrageous. Is the allowance commensurate with the demands of the job?

    I am not in a position to determine the appropriate allowance for the delegates. But considering the state of Nigeria’s economy, the amount (N7 billion) being committed to the exercise is definitely misplaced. In a country where you have a very high level of youth unemployment as clearly demonstrated by the recent unfortunate loss of souls we had during the recruitment exercise of Nigeria Immigration Service to now commit N7 billion to National Conference is a demonstration of misplaced priority.

    What are your expectations about the National Conference?

    Essentially, I would expect that the issues of economic, socio-political restructuring would be addressed. I expect that fiscal federalism, devolution of powers, state police, revenue derivation, high cost of running government would take the front burner at the conference.

    You were the arrowhead of the campaign against Obasanjo’s tenure elongation. Did he actually make moves to extend his tenure?

    If it wasn’t real, I won’t be campaigning for an unfathomable issue. The truth is that Obasanjo wanted a tenure elongation which my colleagues and I with the glory of God succeeded in aborting. I was a prime actor in the entire episode of an attempt in the tenure elongation debacle. For you to be convinced that the tenure elongation bid was real, you need to read Mallam Nasir El-Rufai’s book titled “The accidental Public Servant”. El-Rufai was one of the closest aides of Obasanjo. He was part and parcel of the Obasanjo regime. He was a member of the Obasanjo’s cabinet. There are copious evidence in that book that Obasanjo really schemed for a third term in office.

    Are you satisfied with the Federal Government’s handling of security challenges in the country?

    I am not satisfied with the handling of the security challenges, particularly at the initial stage. But now, the Federal Government is doing too little too late. If it had responded much earlier the way it is doing now, the situation would not have deteriorated to this level. The Federal Government underrated the capacity and capability of Boko Haram, until it grew into a monster.

    Hitherto, the Federal Government believed that it had the capacity to handle Boko Haram internally. But, it has been established that the terrorist group has cross-border components. What is now happening is a joint effort; a multi-national force tackling the Boko Haram menace. Like all other terrorist groups in the world, you need multi-national co-operation to tackle the menace. It is after the multi-national force came in that we are now having results in terms of arms cache and arrest of members of the deadly sect. It is now that the Federal Government is seeking the support and co-operation from international bodies that it is making headway in tackling the menace.

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has boasted that it would reclaim the Southwest states from All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015. What is your reaction?

    PDP’s plan to reclaim the Southwest in 2015 is a mirage. It is a wishful thinking. The party never had a foothold in the Southwest. The so-called foothold it had in the past was through rigging. That was why it didn’t last. PDP ought to know that it was living on a borrowed time. When the time was up, it had to relinquish what it stole. PDP enjoyed the stolen mandate in the Southwest. Of course, it enjoyed it till when it lasted. But, the real owners of the Southwest are back in the saddle.

    What is your assessment of the seventh National Assembly? Are the legislators living up to expectations?

    The National Assembly appears to be doing what it might consider as best. Whether that best is good enough for Nigerians is another thing in the face of the economic down turn, despite the good figures being paraded without improvement on the living condition of the people. The issue of corruption is still worrisome. In spite of the efforts of the National Assembly through various investigative hearings, we don’t seem to be getting good results. The National Assembly has to do more, particularly in the course of its oversight functions. Much as I appreciate the limitations of the National Assembly, particularly its inability to implement decisions and policies, the National Assembly ought to be considering other avenues by which it can stamp its authority.

    The National Assembly should engage more in legislative activism. In the areas of confirmation of appointments, the Senate should do more in terms of their confirmation hearing. In this regard, one of the things I look forward to is that when the President present the names of the ministerial nominees, the Senate should insist that the portfolios of the nominees should be indicated in order to determine the suitability of the prospective ministers for their respective portfolios. The National Assembly is empowered to determine its procedure. This is what the National Assembly should have put in place. This is the way it is being done in the United States that we intend to copy. When the US President nominates ministers, he sends the list with the portfolios of each nominee to the Senate. The competence of that nominee is the focus of screening by the Senate. Why not here?

    The National Assembly has to do more in budget scrutiny. Year in year out, the implementation of the budget is slow. Yet huge budgetary votes are approved for the Ministries, Departments and Agencies. Budget proposals are repeated on yearly basis. What happens to the previous budgets? In spite of the reservations in terms of performance of the National Assembly as an institution, I still want to commend the leadership of both Houses under Senator David Mark and Hon Aminu Tambuwal. They have done fairly well in piloting the affairs of both Houses.

    As a medical practitioner what do you think is responsible for the poor healthcare delivery in the country?

    The healthcare delivery system is disorganised and disjointed. It is poorly funded. These are the main challenges facing healthcare delivery. The best way to fund healthcare is through Health Insurance Scheme which is still at infant stage. The last Senate passed National Health Bill which seeks to correct the disjointed and disorganised health sector but Mr President did not sign the Bill. However, the Bill has been re-introduced, I hope when passed Mr President will not hesitate to sign it in order to bring order into our healthcare delivery system.

    I must not fail to mention poor remuneration for health workers at all levels: doctors, nurses, paramedics, pharmacists and health technicians. Healthcare is a team work. Everybody is important in that team. It is also important for me to stress the need to create conducive atmosphere for health workers. In hospitals and clinics, facilities should not only be available, but must be functional.

    What is the true position of the Bill on Tobacco control?

    I had a singular honour of sponsoring the bill on tobacco control. It was passed by the Senate, but Mr President refused to sign it into law. The bill has been resuscitated at the House of Representatives. I hope it will be passed and Mr President will sign it into law. The Bill on Tobacco Control when signed into law will elevate our status at the international level because we are signatory to the framework on Tobacco control. We should not shy away from our responsibility as a nation. Lagos State House of Assembly did something recently by passing a bill that banned smoking in public places. This has been signed into law by Governor Babatunde Fashola. Commendable as it is, it is not far reaching enough. I hope when that of the National Assembly is passed into law, it will be more comprehensive and deal with more issues on tobacco control.

  • Group seeks empowerment of youths, women

    Group seeks empowerment of youths, women

    A group in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has called for the repositioning of party politics, to give vulnerable groups, including youths and women more opportunities to participate in the political process. Speaking at a media briefing in Ikeja, recently, coordinators of the New Justice Forum (NJF), Olatunji Folami and Taiwo Ayedun, said it is sad that there is no succession plan in the Southwest, because political leaders in the region have failed to groom future successors.

    Folami, who read from a prepared text, said the group is determined to bring back robust competition and fair play, level playing field and justice, adding “political movements should not be built around individuals, but around organisational structures.” He said the late Nelson Mandela was one of those who started a movement in South Africa. “Today, he is no more, but the movement continues,” he added.

    Folami said although members of the New Justice Forum have respect for the old Justice Forum led by the renowned grassroot mobiliser and colossus in Lagos politics, Alhaji Olatunji Hamzat, the old order has not built organisational structures that would promote competition and groom future leaders that would step into the shoes of credible leaders Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and a host of others, who have demonstrated political vision and shown commitment to good governance.

    His words: “The philosophy underpinning the coming into being of the New Justice Forum (NJF) therefore, is the determination to bring back robust competition and fair play, level playing field and justice and reposition it on the path of equity and justice for all members. This would be attained through the harnessing of the abundant energies of all members, particularly youths and women who are most vulnerable.

    “Our agenda is to identify persons with progressive orientation and great potentials who are ready to serve and lead democratically. They must be from our generation and we will work to put them forward for positions. Enough of old hands and old ideas. We want new blood, new ideas and new ways of doing things.”

  • Yobe 2015: Gaidam is APC consensus candidate

    Yobe 2015: Gaidam is APC consensus candidate

    Yobe State All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Alhaji Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa has said the party has resolved to adopt Governor Ibrahim Gaidam as the consensus governorship candidate for the next year’s election.

    The politician described the governor as a performer, adding that there is no need to change a winning team.

    He also said that the APC presidential candidate will defeat President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan at the next year’s election.

    The politician said that the President has destroyed his political goodwill by his lack of performance, adding that the ineptitude will be to the advantage of the APC during elections.

    Describing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a failed platform, Karasuwa, who is the Commissioner for Water Resources, said that the poor performance of the administration has compounded its woes.

    He added: “Actually, I will prefer Jonathan to contest. Why? Because, he is the one we can easily beat because he is not marketable. There are a lot of things under this administration that one can tell Nigerians and it is not something hidden. See the corruption in the NNPC and all over the place.

    “Today, hundreds of billions of dollars cannot be accounted for. Look at his Petroleum Minister, who is spending over N10 billion just for hiring aircraft. What about the tragedy recently at the Immigration recruitment? The list is endless.

    “So, politically speaking, politics is about presenting the score card of the present administration for you to criticise or support. So, we in the APC have so many things now that we can present to Nigerians and tell them that Jonathan is not competent to rule this country.

    Karasuwa also said that the plan by the PDP to hijack power in Yobe State will fail, stressing that the state is the stronghold of the progressive bloc.

    He said the APC will triumph over the PDP, in spite of its leaders’ plan to anoint him as the consensus candidate.

    The politician added: “I heard some time that the PDP wants to make the President a consensus candidate and, if that happens, we will have an upper hand as far as the APC is concerned and the contest will be a walk-over for us”.

    He also said that the APC has a better plan for the country, noting that its road map represents a better approach and holistic strategy of dislodging the PDP and President Goodluck Jonathan from power.

    Karasuwa, who applauded the APC family for adopting the governor as its candidate, said that other positions would be contested at the primaries.

     

  • Rivers :Wike’s guber ambition suffers set back as Ijaw, Ogoni, others kick

    The much whispered gubernatorial ambition of the Supervising Minister for Education, Chief (Barr.) Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike, may have run into some major bumps, before proper kick off following incessant public display of opposition to his candidature by leading blocs in the politics of the oil rich state.

    Sources within the Grassroot Development Initiative (GDI), the political camp of the embattled Minister, say the recent agitations against his 2015 governorship bid across the state by political groups and ethnic nationalities came as a rude shock to Wike and his handlers.

    “The open hostilities to his ambition by group like the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), Ijaw Democratic Front (IDF), Kengema Unity Forum amongst others, came as big blows to the aspiration of the Minister. While we know that these groups alone cannot determine who rules the state, the public display of opposition to his candidature is worrisome.

    We didn’t see them coming. Otherwise, we would have countered the moves. The people you saw out there were not representing the opinion of the real people of these areas. the people understand why the state needs to jettison the idea of zoning and get a strong leader in 2015.

    But we are undeterred as we are ready to reach out to all quarters in our bid to give Rivers state the best governor in 2015. We are going to tell the Minister not to be bothered by the antics of the opposition. We view the development as the antics of a few people opposed to his well intended ambition,” Comrade Bernard Fisher, coordinator of the Wike Youth Alliance (WYA) said on Friday.

    Last week, Ijaws in Rivers State declared that the next Governor of the state must come from any of the Ijaw speaking communities. They were very clear in their insistence that a governor of Ijaw extraction in 2015 is non-negotiable.

    To press home their points in the past weeks, several Ijaw groups took to the streets across the state to propagate the gospel of an Ijaw governor for rivers state in 2015. At all the rallies and protests, the people said they will not negotiate nor compromise with any other ethnic group over the matter of who rules the state next.

    A pro-Ijaw for governor group, the “Ijaw Project”, while inaugurating its local government officers in Port Harcourt recently, demanded for a true Riverine governor come 2015. Speaking through its Director-General, Comrade Somina Wokoma, the group decried the absence of development in the riverine communities, but expressed optimism that the only panacea to the lopsided development in Rivers State is the emergence of a Governor from Ijaw extraction in 2015.

    Similarly, Ijaws under the auspices of the Ijaw Democratic Front (IDF) last week covered at the popular Alfred Diette Spiff Civic Centre, Moscow Road in the Port Harcourt Main township to make known what they called their determination to take their pride of place in the affairs of the state.

    Speaking at the event, the International Co-ordinator of the group, Comrade Kenneth Robinson said that the major reason of the information of IDF is to ensure that an Ijaw man occupies the Brick House in 2015. Comrade Robison who declared that there is an existing zoning formula in the state alleged the marginalization of the Ijaws and other riverine communities since 1999.

    On its part, MOSOP, a socio-cultural organisation of the Ogonis, recently reiterated its opposition to the emergence of an Ikwerre person as Governor of the state in 2015. Wike hails from the Ikwerre axis of the state. The group warned that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may lose votes from the oil-rich but highly impoverished kingdom if its governorship candidate does not come from that axis.

    Describing the alleged endorsement of Wike by the state chairman of the party, Felix Obuah,  as “a sentimentally disappointing approach representing a huge conspiracy against the Ogoni gubernatorial move that is of grave concern,” MOSOP said the action was “an appalling and shameful response to our quest.”

    Responding to the statement, President of MOSOP, Legborsi Saro Pyagbara, said “the deed in our view, is not only a deliberate infringement on fairness but also politically inept, insensitive and unfortunate.

    “It is clear that the Ogoni governorship quest is most popular and widely and overwhelmingly supported within and outside Rivers State. The PDP would be losing a golden opportunity to monopolise and secure to its electoral advantage the huge Ogoni voting strength if it fails to commit her platform to any Ogoni seeking to govern Rivers State in 2015.

    The sustained unguarded and inflammable utterances and actions of the PDP state chairman, demonstrably betrays a devious attempt at scuttling Ogoni political interest and it is unacceptable. If the untoward development is not addressed, it would require inflexible Ogoni response. We are aware that Chief Obuah is acting a script, as we know the forces at play. However, the stance reflects an implicit admission of what we have all along been suspecting.

    Again, is it not unfair that while Rivers West and East senatorial districts have produced Governors of the state under a zoning understanding, efforts are being made to deny Rivers South East Senatorial District of the opportunity others have enjoyed?”

    At a recent rally to sensitize the public about its aspiration, the group said it would pursue the governorship project with the same “vigour, collectivity and articulation with which it fought environmental injustice in addition to effective mobilisation of the Ogoni society.”

    In another worrisome development, some youths in the PDP in Rivers State last week threatened to dump the party if its leadership  fails to call Nyesom Wike to order. Their threat was a reaction to the rumored endorsement of Wike as the sole candidate of the PDP in the 2015 governorship election in the state by some influential members of the party.

    The youths, under the aegis of PDP Third Force Movement (PTFM), in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, alleged that the purported endorsement of the minister was orchestrated by the trio of the chairman of PDP in the state, Chief Felix Obuah, national vice chairman, Prince Uche Secondus and Wike himself.

    The statement, which was signed by PTFM secretary, Oprite Amachree, said, “This is highly condemnable by us. It makes a caricature of the principle of equity, justice, fairness and adequate representation practised by our highly esteemed party.

    “This act by the trio is aimed at sabotaging the presidential and gubernatorial successes of our great party in Rivers State.”

    The youth said unless the party chooses a more amenable and less controversial candidate, it is bound to loose the votes of its teeming members across the state at the 2015 general election.

    Aso, a group loyal to President Goodluck Jonathan, the Niger Delta Renaissance Organisation (NDRO) has warned the minister of state for Education, should be prevailed upon by chieftains of the ruling party to avoid heating up the polity with his ambition to succeed Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi in Rivers State come 2015.

    The group, in a statement in Port Harcourt, said Wike’s gubernatorial ambition amounted to insult on the collective interest of the people of Rivers South East Senatorial district and the state. Signed by NDRO’s Spokesman, Mr. Kingsley Bejikini, the statement lamented that despite the contributions of the Ogonis to the present democracy, an individual would seek to hold the people to ransom due to his inordinate ambition.

    The group said; “As strong supporters of the Goodluck Jonathan’s second term bid, we view the stance of the minister as a threat to the ambition of the President and the unity of the state.”

    It observed that there were sound minds in Ogoni land and the Rivers South-East senatorial district that stand a better chance to deliver the dividends of democracy and would not be confrontational to the President as the Wike-led group want people to believe.

    Sources close to the Minister revealed that the development have left him undecided over what to do about his governorship ambition. Wike, who was expected to officially announce his goober aspiration and resign from the federal cabinet last week is said to be gripped by fear following incessant open objection to his ambition.

    “After the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headed by Prof. Attahiru Jega released its election time table, President Goodlcuk Ebele Jonathan has ordered that any minister in his cabinet who has a political ambition should resign voluntarily without delay. Nyesom Wike was set to quit the Federal Executive Council (FEC) since he has the ambition to become the next Governor of Rivers State.

    But he could not do that because there was need for him to review some development back home in Rivers state. You know too well that his aspiration is based on his willingness to serve the people. He needs to be sure of what the people are saying. Of course there are issues to resolve. It is not that he has dropped his ambition. He is merely consulting wider,” a state official of the party told The Nation on Friday.

  • 2015: Jonathan’s men scheme for automatic ticket

    2015: Jonathan’s men scheme for automatic ticket

    Following sustained opposition of President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election bid within the PDP, his handlers are perfecting plots to evade primaries by ensuring his adoption as the consensus PDP candidate, reports Assistant Editor,  Dare Odufowokan

    Worried by what sources described as the refusal of a couple of leading chieftains of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to openly endorse the second term bid of President Goodluck Jonathan ahead of the 2015 presidential election, allies of the president may have embarked on a scheme meant to ensure that he emerges as the party’s flag-bearer without a primary election.

    Investigations by The Nation revealed that following the failure of pro-Jonathan campaigners within the party to convince the duo of Governors Sule Lamido and Babangida Aliyu of Jigawa and Niger States respectively to renounce their rumoured presidential ambitions and publicly endorse Jonathan for another term, a plot is being hatched to prevent any form of last minute threat from the duo or any other aspirant at that.

    The move, it was gathered, was borne out of apprehensions within the president’s men that if not checked, a last minute entrance into the battle for the party’s ticket by any of the aspirants currently being touted as having presidential aspiration could rock the boat and scuttle the re-election bid of Mr. President.

    A reliable source within the party told The Nation that there are ongoing efforts to convince the party leadership and other stakeholders to avoid an elective congress in choosing the party’s presidential candidate for the 2015 general election.

    “Yes, there are clamour for a non-elective congress where the president would simply be endorsed by the party leaders and members as the party’s flag bearer. The argument is that there is need for the party to avoid any form of division ahead of the 2015 election given the emergence of a united opposition in form of the All Peoples Congress (APC).

    A primary election, according to those proposing the non elective congress, may trigger fresh bickering and factionalisation within the party. A situation where the party breaks into factions few months to the general election may injure our chances in the election. That is what we are being told,” our source said.

    But another source revealed what he described as “unhidden fear of the unknown” within Jonathan’s camp over the forthcoming presidential election and how the party’s candidate will be picked.

    “The truth of the matter is that there is this fear that one or two of those earlier touted as harboring presidential ambitions, especially from the northern geo-political zones, may spring last minute surprises and contest the ticket against Jonathan at the party’s congress.

    Should this happen, the president and his handlers are not sure that the party will not be negatively affected. There is even the fear that such an unexpected contest may not favour the president. To avoid this, there is a subtle move to get the party to have a non-elective congress and just get the president endorsed as the candidate.

    Though there may be other people, the fear is largely about governors Lamido and Aliyu. There are talks within some quarters that the duo are still not totally given to Jonathan’s second term ambition and may still make moves towards scuttling it.

    Both Aliyu and Lamido, along with five other PDP governors, led a revolt against the president’s ambition resulting in the formation of the defunct New-PDP. But while the others decamped to the APC, the duo stayed back within the PDP, insisting that they cannot leave the party for Jonathan.

    Jonathan, on a few occasions, have been alleged to have expressed worry that the true position of the two governors on the party remained unknown even though they did not defect along with their five colleagues in the G7 last December to the opposition All Progressive Congress, APC.

    The president also has severally urged the party leadership to intensify efforts to persuade Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State and his Jigawa State counterpart, Alhaji Sule Lamido, to return fully to the PDP before activities that will herald the 2015 general election kicks off.

    But the seeming inability of the party and other stakeholders to draw the duo out of their shell and prompt them into endorsing Jonathan’s re-election bid has left the president’s camp worried and uncertain.

    The Nation learnt that a stakeholders’ meeting of party chieftains and government appointees scheduled for Abuja later in the week may put in a request before the party at its next NEC meeting to enable President Jonathan get  an automatic ticket to fly the party’s flag in the 2015 presidential election.

    Checks revealed that the meeting will discuss a recommendation to cajole the party into offering the president the right of first refusal to contest the PDP presidential primaries.

    A source said: “The idea is that the party will announce that it will only conduct primaries if the president is unwilling to seek another term. Otherwise, the PDP presidential primaries will only affirm the president as the presidential candidate of the party. That is the non elective congress they are seeking for 2015.

    “What is left to be seen is how they will effect this plan. For me, I’ll say unless they amend the party’s constitution, it may be impossible to get the ticket unopposed. But again, it is not wise to underrate the ability of politicians to turn the table at all times,”.

    Pundits say Jonathan faces a daunting task in his rumoured bid to contest the 2015 presidential election as there are several moves and counter-moves across the many geo-political zones of the country to stop him from having another shot at the presidency after his current tenure elapses.

    Although he is still begging the questions as to his candidature, given what they called his positive body language, his aides and allies are already out in the open seeking ways of ensuring that his aspiration is not truncated by the many obstacles he currently faces.

    Specifically, Jonathan battles a political rebellion from the northern region of the country where most of the leading political actors are opposed to his desire to continue in office beyond 2015. This is unlike what transpired during the 2011 elections when he enjoyed massive support from almost all the six geo-political zones of the country.

    The argument of the large clan of anti-Jonathan forces within the north is that the President’s emergence in the saddle breached the power sharing arrangement of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, which would have ensured that power remained in the area even after the death of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua in 2010.

    Chieftains of both the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF), the two leading socio-political organisations in the region, have persistently argued that there are abundant reasons why Nigerians should not entrust the President with the leadership of the country beyond May 2015.

    Also, recent disclosure by ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo that Jonathan promised to spend only one term in office and the former president’s insistence that the president should not contest in 2015 have created anxiety in the President’s camp.

    “There are those who say Obasanjo’s comments may be a pointer to a major coalition against Jonathan’s second term bid. This is giving some people sleepless nights,” a source said.

    “President Jonathan said, not only once but twice, publicly, not only inside Nigeria but also outside Nigeria, that he would have one term, and he said that to me. One of the things that is very important in the life of any man or any person is that he will be a man or a person of his word. If you decide your word should not be taken seriously, that’s entirely up to you,” Obasanjo had said.

    An ally of the president said: “All these and more worries within Jonathan’s camp have led some stakeholders of the party, including the chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), Chief Tony Anenih, to start canvassing for the right of first refusal for the president.

    “What we want to do now is to throw the issue open and get the meeting to consider officially seeking to get the party to buy the idea in the interest of the party. Most people may not see it, but there are very serious barricades standing tall against the candidacy of the president in 2015. This is why we want to start early and remove the barricades one after the other,”.

  • Abia 2015: Tough fight ahead for Chukwumerije’s seat

    The race for Abia North Senatorial seat, currently occupied by Senator Uche Chukwumerije, is heating up even as feelers confirm that the Chairman, Senate Committee on Education, is still interested in picking  the PDP ticket in the zone in 2015. Associate Editor, Sam Egburonu, in this report, attempts to capture the build- up intrigues within PDP.

    Since he won his first electoral victory as the senator representing Abia North Senatorial District on the ticket of Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) in April 2003, Senator Uche Chukwumerije has held forth, winning all the senatorial elections in the area.

    His greatest challenge came when he fell out of favour with the party’s leadership, following his opposition of the third term agenda of the then president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. Chukwumerije eventually decamped to the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) in 2006 and was reelected to the Senate in April 2007.

    The current chairman of the Senate Committee on Education, who served as Minister of Information in the dying days of the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida and as Minister of Information in the Interim National Government of Chief Ernest Shonekan, was again reelected on the PDP platform in the April 2011 elections.

    But as the 2015 senatorial election approaches, some forces within PDP are gathering to claim the seat from Chukwumerije, who is believed to be interested in retaining it.

    Abia North, is made up of Arochukwu, Bende, Isiukwuato, Ohafia and Umunneochi council areas. Chukwumerije hails from Umunneochi Local Government Area.

    It would be recalled that between 1999, when Nigeria returned to elective democracy and 2003, the senatorial zone was represented at the upper chamber by former military governor of old Imo State and former Minister of External Affairs, General Ike Nwachukwu, who hails from Isuikwuato Local Government Area. He was succeeded by Chukwumerije from Umunneochi, who has retained the job since then.

    The  2015 challenge

    Some political and traditional rulers in Ohafia Local Government Area, which claims to have consistently given Chukwumerije the highest bloc votes, have come out to declare their interest in the senatorial seat.

    Some sources allege that the attitude of these leaders towards the candidature of Chukwumerije in 2015 has changed tremendously since February this year, when some stakeholders from Ohafia Local Government Area, made public their determination to take the seat from the incumbent and to promote the candidature of the Managing Director of Trans Atlantic Agency Limited (TASAL), Chief Uche Ohafia.

    The Nation investigation reveals that it all began at a meeting of traditional rulers and some leaders of thought of Ohafia, on November 20, 2013, in the palace of Ebiri of Elu and Ezie Ohafia Udumeze, at Elu Ohafia.

    According to an insider, “It was there that the elders of Ohafia agreed to support Chief Ohafia for the senatorial seat of Abia North in 2015.”

    According to our source, most of the speakers at the meeting alleged that since Chukwumerije has been representing them at the Senate, he has not attracted enough federal government presence at Ohafia Local Government.

    TASAL boss, Chief Ohafia himself was quoted recently as explaining to newsmen why his people want a change and why they want one of their own to occupy the seat in Abuja. “Nobody can say why he has failed to show his presence, why people cannot reap the benefit of his representation. Ohafia people are most affected, that is why they are crying out. Ohafia people want somebody to be there, at least for once. We have never had somebody there. Chukwumerije may have done well in other areas, but as it concerns Ohafia, he has not done well. Everybody is crying out, including myself, so we need a change. When you go down there (Ohafia), you would see what I mean. Go to Ohafia and see what is happening there. There seems to be no representation from the National Assembly. Uche Chukwumerije has not done enough for Nde Ohafia; I don’t know why. But he is somebody I admire, even during the war. In fact, he was my hero during and after the war when he was Minister of Information. But I really don’t know what happened with Ohafia. The simple truth is that Ohafia people need somebody to be there,” he said.

    Aside Ohafia, another business executive from Ohafia Local Government Area, whose name has been mentioned in the race for Chukwumerije’s job within the PDP family is Onuoha Ogba, the Managing Director/CEO of Bourdex Nigeria Limited, a telecommunications company. Ogba hails from Abiriba.

    “Although not much may have been said about the senatorial ambition of Bourdex, I can assure you that he has a lot of supporters both in Abiriba and the surrounding communities. Abiriba is one community that has not been given its fare share of political positions in Abia North. We believe the senate seat should be given to our candidate in 2015 as it would help to make up for all the marginalisation of the people of Abiriba since 1999. We have been neglected for too long,” said Onyekwere Oteh, one of the youth leaders in the area.

    Still within PDP, aspirants for the seat have also been identified in other local government areas within Abia North.

    Hon. Moses A. Ohuabunwa (MAO), from Arochukwu Local Government Area, is another top politician that is being linked with the ambition of contesting for Chukwumerije’s seat in 2015. A PDP chieftain, MAO represented Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives in 1999.  He was the Deputy Leader of the House from 1999 – 2003 as well as the Leader of the South East Caucus. He was reelected in 2003 and became the leader of the ECOWAS Parliament till 2007.

    He has since remained active in politics, both in Abia State and at the national evel. For example, in 2011 General Elections, he was made the Director of Contact and Mobilisation of the Abia State PDP and he later became a member of the National Working Committee of PDP.

    His people in Arochukwu are alleging that it is their turn to produce a senator. They, like the Ohafia Local Government and other local government areas, are also alleging that they have not received enough federal government presence directly attributable to Chukwumerij’s representation.

    But Chukwumerije, whose legislative interests, as posted in his official website, include “social welfare and infrastructural development,” has, as his set target, what he described as “dignity of Senate within the framework of constitutional democracy.”

    Using these as a reference point, Chief Uzoma Onyedika, a political scientist and an admirer of Chukwumeri’s style of politics, pointed out that those who are making claims that distinguished senators like Chukwumerije have not performed, on the ground that they have not attracted enough physical federal government sponsored infrastructure, may have missed the point. “The primary duty of a senator is to make good laws that will help the society. If we want to judge any of our senators, it would be fair to base our assessment primarily on their contributions in the law making process.

    “If any of the aspirants argue that it is their turn to produce the next senator, whatever that means, I will say that is another plank of the debate. But if the argument is that a senator’s performance should based on the number roads he built, I take exceptions to that. For Chukwumerije and Abia North politics, the question I will like his critics and those angling to take over his job to answer is, has he failed in his legislative duties? If not, it will be unfair to base agitations to take his seat on the bases of non performance.”

  • Jonathan’s anti-corruption crusade

    Although President Goodluck Jonathan has been in the saddle as chief executive now for about 17 months, his leadership is yet to acquire a distinct character. This could be understood within the context of his emergence last year. He was at once expected to work towards realising the objectives of the administration he inherited from his boss and predecessor, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, and at the same time prove his mettle in good time ahead of the 2011 presidential election. How well he performed the delicate task is open for debate now.

    What can be said is that Nigerians appear to understand that he was walking a tight rope. He was easily forgiven his misdeeds and inaction because of the peculiarity of the circumstances. When again he became his own man in May, he told an expectant nation that had rewarded him with overwhelming votes that he would not allow leakages in the government coffers. He said Nigerian money would be spent developing Nigeria. He took the stand as soon as he was sworn in on May 29.

    During the past week, he repeated the pledge. He told the ministers, as he sworn in another batch, that his government would kick out and prosecute whoever is found to have converted public treasury to private estate. He gave instruction that all the ministries should be probed by the law enforcement agencies and whoever is found wanting should be made to face the law. It appeared sweet as the president reiterated his commitment to the war. He is commander-in-chief and he sought to define the war that he would be fighting.

    But, does he have the will to really fight graft? Could he succeed where his predecessors failed? There is very little to suggest that he has other strategies of fighting the hydra-headed ill. Many of those he has appointed were part of the last administration. It is obvious that they were not brought back on account of performance.

    There are too many pending questions, yet to be answered. At a point, there was a man called Makanjuola, a permanent secretary in the ministry of defence. The Obasanjo regime alleged that the man was found wanting in the handling of the ministry’s fund. But, what has happened to that case? It is about ten years since Makanjuola was eased out of the system. But, the founder of Transparency International did not think it necessary to see the prosecution to its logical conclusion. It could of course be said that Jonathan had nothing to do with that case.

    The same could, perhaps, be said of the Ndudi Elumelu case. The man, as chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Power probed the allocation to and expenditure by the sector under the Obasanjo regime. It made staggering revelation but the matter was covered up. In no time Elumelu and co became the accused. What happened to our money under the watch of Obasanjo? Did Elumelu and co receive gratification as alleged? No one knows the truth. What is certain is that money has not been recovered and no one has been punished. Neither are the accused acquitted.

    If all these took place between 1999 and 2007, what about the more recent case involving the former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Vincent Ogbulafor. He was thrown out of office and hauled before a trial court for alleged corrupt practice. That was only a useful tool to keep him out of range ahead of the election. Now, all forgiven and forgotten.

    The immediate past leader of the ruling party, Alhaji Bello Haliru is also in court in respect of the Siemens case. But, that was not sufficient to disqualify him from appointment as Defence Minister. The case has not been decided. But, if a man has a graft case hanging around his neck and is yet to be exonerated of blame, should a government that wants to be taken seriously appoint him to a high profile office.

    It appears to me that nothing has changed and nothing may change soon. It is business as usual. All the officials understand the language and will go for the kill. By the way, where did all the money spent on prosecuting the election come from? Ministers who assisted in arranging and packaging the fund have been brought back. But the president wants to fight corruption.

    I believe that we are in for it. More than two-thirds of the national wealth will continue to be flushed through invisible pipes. In the next four years, we should look forward to more Scania bus scandals, Fougeroule affair, Identity card sleaze and Siemens contract scandals. Anyone, institution, body or government that insists on doing things same way has no right expecting to have a different result.

    Note: This piece first appeared on this page 2011. Three years into the life of this administration and about five into the Jonathan Years, has anything changed? Good Lord, save us.

  • The common man in Tambuwal

    The common man in Tambuwal

    Surrounded by approximately a thousand souls all sitting down on a traditional handwoven mat known as tabarma, they all kept silent in a deep reflection listening to the Imam as he renders special prayers for the departed. They all sat, in a tiny room covered with a thatched roof, with legs folded in a yoga-like fashion, thinking of the dead and how the departed left a vacuum that would take time to fill. All around, tears were being wiped away by the mournful crowd.

    In that serene atmosphere, deep inside the Sokoto northern hinterland, in a town referred by locals as Ungushi, sitting among locals and sharing their griefs, was Nigeria’s number four citizen, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.  Dressed in his now-famous white babban riga, dan ciki and a white cap to match, his presence and sense of humility edified the sombre gathering in no small measure.

    However an hour later, outside the crowded but tranquil room, it was a different ball game altogether. There, a swarm of people, mostly youths and the elderly, gather to shake the hands of a man who has today come to symbolise their hopes and aspirations.

    Ungushi is a settlement geographically located in Kebbe, one of the two local government areas that make up Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency of which the Speaker is their representative in the National Assembly. An entity with years of history, the residents are known for their hard work, dedication and farming skills.

    On this particular day, Tambuwal’s visit brought about pure joy to the community, and the elation on their faces says it all. Here they are, proudly engaging a person who they helped – with their votes – to become a member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, before he subsequently became it’s Speaker.

    As they shove one another, hoping to catch a glimpse, and a handshake, with their representative, Tambuwal took his time to condole them individually. Of those among them whom he knew personally, he caught up on old times, reminiscing and thanking them for being there for him at all times.

    What may strike a first time witness to events at Ungushi, and many other similar places visited by Tambuwal, is the ease with which he interacts with the people. Devoid of any exhibition of the power of the office he occupies, Tambuwal drove for almost three hours without siren, gun-wielding MOPOLs or security details guiding his movements to pay his respects to the people he holds their mandate in trust. He decided to meet his constituents for a frank and honest discussions about life, politics and farming.

    A thing or two about what was said at Ungushi is worth repeating here. Standing under a Neem tree with two elderly men, one of them said: “My son,” he told this writer, “in my many years on earth, I have heard, and seen, how politicians come this far (to Ungushi), to either deceive us the first time, or attempt to deceive us another time. But with Aminu Waziri, things are different. Unlike other politicians, it is not yet an election year but here he is commiserating with us and listening to us talk to him. This is how it should be between a leader and his people.”

    The second elder quipped: “We have seen people, some from among ourselves, who rise to positions of authority but we have never seen any one as simple and as humble as Aminu Waziri. His generosity can be likened to great leaders before him. I will compare him in this regard with Sardauna Ahmadu Bello and Sarki Musulmi (Sultan) Attahiru 1.”

    As he made his way to his car after bidding the elders farewell, little did he know that another group of youths would lay ‘ambush’ for him outside the town. Chanting solidarity songs, Tambuwal came out of his car to be mobbed by them in a show of love and appreciation for what he has been doing on their behalf in Abuja. There also, he renewed his pledge to serve them honestly and diligently at all times.

    In the period since Tambuwal came to national consciousness, he has not lost touch with his base. Importantly, he has maintained what the Ooni of Ife,  His Imperial Majesty, Oba Okunade Sijuade, described as ‘the proper upbringing’ the Speaker  passed through from his formative years. Perhaps taking a cue from past leaders with inestimable value to their communities, those who know Tambuwal closely say he is humility and simplicity personified.

    From the likes of Mahatma Gandhi and Winston Churchill, to Martin Luther King, Aminu Kano and Nelson Mandela, there can be as many ways to lead people as there are leaders. Of particular reference here is Malam Aminu Kano. Before he died, over three decades ago, Malam preached and championed the cause of social justice, environmental harmony and spiritual purification. He upheld the universal principles of truth, honesty, sincerity and keeping to time. Today, these are virtues commonly attributed to Malam’s namesake, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

    The Speaker, like Malam in Kano, was, as one writer observed, a proponent of the Usman Dan Fodio lifestyle of talking ‘to the people in simple, clear language; referring to their history and culture; composing songs to convey precise messages; living, eating and clothing self in the same way as the ordinary people; being accessible to all, high and low, educated and illiterate; and above all being morally upright, honest, sincere and truthful to the cause of the people.’

    Tambuwal is the quintessential politician who has defied the notion that politicians, especially of the Nigerian variety, cannot say the truth to the powers that be while still in power. By now, Nigerians have come to identify their number four citizen as a fearless  representative whose words and deeds are not at variance with the hopes and aspirations the men and women of his country.

    The story of Tambuwal is the story of courage. His meteoric rise to the top of the Green Chamber of Nigeria’s National Assembly only reaffirmed his position as a master tactician in a discipline built on the philosophy of self respect, fair play, hard work and the spirit of give and take.

    In a recent speech to honour Aminu Kano, Tambuwal described the legendary politician and statesman as a person who is “unquantifiably and inescapably admired today principally for his firm stand on the path of truth, human rights and empowerment of the talakawa, whom he viewed as a social group battered by the colonial and post-colonial state’s mechanism of exploitation and dis-empowerment.”

    To many Nigerians, if there is any political office holder who the above description properly fits, it is Tambuwal himself. In a clime polluted by years of sheer indiscipline and unfulfilled promises, the optimism, and testimonies openly exhibited by the people of Ungushi should naturally serve as a notice to others.

    No doubt, Nigerians deserve to benefit from what the voters of Ungushi have been benefiting from since 2003.

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

  • Mark at 66: Strides of a statesman

    Mark at 66: Strides of a statesman

    Nigeria’s incumbent President of the Senate, Senator David Alechenu Bonaventure Mark is a man of very few words but endowed with overflowing good conscience and love for the country. Hate him or love him, Senator Mark has remained a recurring decimal, steadfast and committed to the political stability of Nigeria. With a very successful military career and a challenging but blossom political engagement, Mark’s staying power can easily be traced to his honesty, unwavering commitment to the ideals of nationhood, courage, team spirit and uncommon ability to forgive foes even at the risk of his life.

    His approach to decision making is unarguably rational. His style is akin to 1978 Nobel prize winner in Economics Herbert Simon’s satificing model of decision making. This model is a decision making strategy or cognitive heuristic that entails searching through the available alternatives until an acceptability threshold is met. Mark’s strength is in consulting widely before taking a decision that are agreeable  and ultimately beneficial to the majority of people.

    To the less knowledgeable about this enigma, Senator Mark is just a simple, not flamboyant and unarguably unassuming public officer. But in our clime, nothing is too simple that it cannot be misunderstood. Most of the time, his frankly disposition is misinterpreted by many and sometimes results in needless controversies. In all, however, he has always been vindicated albeit triumphantly.

    One easily and widely reported case was that as Communications Minister, he was quoted to have said that “ Telephone is not for the poor,” after he took the infamous but courageous step to cut telephone lines of the high and the powerful, including Dodan Barracks manned by his boss, former Military President Ibrahim Babangida to recoup vast sums of money owed the then Nigeria Telecommunications (NITEL). Yet, nobody can deny the tremendous lift in NITEL under Mark from a cash – strapped agency to a profit- making institution. Besides, NITEL staff profited from a new and indeed enhanced salary package. Mark raised the morale of the workers and that of NIPOST. The hitherto dwindling fortunes of the agencies rose in such a way that they no longer depended on government subventions to survive. One thing is instructive here, that what Senator Mark did was a clarion call for subscribers to live up to their responsibilities to wit; if you own a telephone line or receives the services, pay your bills. Today, unlike the past, majority of our country men and women have access to telephone lines courtesy of the Global Service for Mobile Telecommunications (GSM) and we all pre-pay before the services could be rendered. NITEL under Mark remains the foundation for GSM operators in Nigeria now. Regrettably,  our own NITEL is dead on account of huge debts, while other GSM providers are smiling to the banks. In our country, we are just too quick to vilify public officers without the slightest compulsion, the import of the message or policy notwithstanding.

    Only recently, Mark while declaring open a retreat for National Assembly Correspondents in Umuahia, Abia State, examined the pros and cons of the emergence of social media networks, appreciated it for the spontaneous nature in the dissemination of information to a larger number of audience unlike the traditional media. But he was quick to point out the challenges and therefore suggested the need to regulate the operations and provide a feedback mechanism. Again, many Nigerians protested against Senator Mark thus thwarting the message and the messenger. Regrettably, few weeks later, a very promising Nigerian, Cynthia Osokogwu, was lured through the social media (Facebook) to her death in a most, gruesome manner.

    Controversial as his statements may seem, Mark remains resolute believing in the sanctity of the truth and will continue to do only those things that would bring honor and glory to our fatherland.

    His coming into politics nay the Senate in 1999 was circumstantial. On return from exile, in 1998, all he wanted was a quiet – private life in his Otukpo, Benue  State country home. But destiny had a different mission and his people, including late Andrew Agom of blessed memory, saw in him a visionary leader. They enlisted him into the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He ran for the Senate and was elected. In 2003, he returned to the upper legislative chamber, representing Benue South Senatorial zone.

    Even when it seemed over for him in 2007 and indeed ready to bow out gloriously, again his constituents urged him on. He returned to the Senate and destiny entrusted in him to be elected the President of the Senate. But his emergence as the 12th President of the Nigerian Senate did not come so easy. He had to contend with very influential and powerful forces who craved for the exalted position too.

    His kinsman and former governor of Benue State, Senator George Akume, was the one propped up to pull the rug off his feet. The combined forces of ranking senators; Nuhu Aliyu (Niger State) and Senator Gbemi Saraki-Fawora (Kwara State) had stepped down in the high wired political maneuvering to pave way for Akume’s emergence. But nothing stops an idea whose time is ripe. So Senator Mark emerged victorious with 69 votes against Akume’s 39.

    Lest we miss the point, there is the tendency to ignore the huge importance of that epochal event but it bears mentioning that the sanity, maturity, stability and entrenched democratic culture now characteristic of the upper legislative chambers is a direct result of that credible democratic exercise when the Senators were allowed to chose their presiding officers without external influence or encumbrances.

    Even before his emergence as the President of the Senate, Mark has always pursued a pan-Nigeria agenda. He believed in the oneness, and indivisibility of Nigeria.

    Worth mentioning was the critical intervention of the Senate at a time of grave national peril – the invocation of ‘Doctrine of Necessity’ in 2009 when a determined but unlucky former President Musa Yar’Adua fell ill and was unable to perform state functions. The Doctrine of Necessity was invoked to propel then Vice President Goodluck Jonathan to act. That singular action of the Senate unarguably saved the nation from the precipice. In addition, the mediatory roles of the Senate during national challenges, especially during fuel subsidy riots of January 2012, bears eloquent testimony of Mark’s leadership quality.

    Although, the Academic Staff Unions of Colleges of Education and Polytechnics are at the moment on strike on account of disagreements with the authorities, Mark’s Senate intervention in the resolution of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) protracted impasse with federal government is also worth mentioning. Under Mark’s leadership, the freedom of information bill was passed into law while the amendment of the 1999 constitution was substantially altered although expectation is still high in many quarters, especially on the demand for state creation. Hope is not lost as agitators went back to the drawing board to tackle the legal hurdles.

    Only recently, Mark was on song when he displayed uncommon wisdom and maturity in the issue of defection in the Senate.

    Under Mark’s Senate Presidency, the Senate is united, indivisible family irrespective of political party affiliation. It is a house of equal rights and privileges.

    As the true representatives of his people, Mark has continued to let them feel the impact of dividends of democracy. He has single – handedly  built and donated a multi- million Naira complex for the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Otukpo study centre, an annual scholarship dubbed David Mark Scholarship Scheme (DMSS) for which over 10,000, especially indigent students have benefitted since 1999, an 18- hole green golf course with not less than 30 staff, a development now  attracting international golfers and  put Otukpo on the world map, Joy Fm Radio station employing about 50 staff and the attraction of greater Otobi Water Dam project to address the water crisis in the area as well as the construction of the Otukpo- Oweto road project. Just last week  precisely 29th March 2014, the Federal government approved the establishment of College of Medical Sciences of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Otukpo campus , courtesy of the Senate President. Of major attraction is the fact that the new campus is coming with a modern Teaching Hospital for which the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) Professor Juluis Okojie says would meet the needs of the environment.  This project offers a veritable epoch making platform for employment and health needs of the people.  Besides, it is a great midas touch to economic activities in Benue and environs.

    By April 8, 2014, Mark would mark a milestone of 66 years sojourn on earth.

    Born in the non-descript and serene village of Akpegede in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State on April 8, 1948, Mark seems to have been destined for the top.  After completing his primary school at St. Francis Catholic Practicing School, Otukpo, he proceeded to the prestigious Nigerian Military School (NMS), Zaria, where he laid the foundation for what turned out to become an eventful and indeed accomplished career in the military.  After graduation from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, Mark’s professional skills in the military were further sharpened in some of the most elite military training institutes in Europe, Asia and America.  What began as a childhood fancy to appear in crisp military camouflages to defend the territorial integrity of Nigeria, turned out to become a fulfilling career where Mark’s leadership credentials stood as an invaluable asset to all formations that he had the privilege to serve, not the least of which was as  military governor of Niger State ,  Communications Minister and Director, Signals Corps in the Nigerian Army.

    As Mark turns 66, our only hope and prayer is that the Almighty God continues to endow him with the needed strength and wisdom to carry to logical conclusion at the end of his term, the plausible transformation and evolution that the 6th and 7th senate has come to witness under him.  Needless to add that all the accolades and recognitions that are daily being bestowed on the president of the senate are well deserved.  But more poignantly, there are calls to spur him for further dedication and selfless service to our fatherland in the days, weeks, months and years ahead.

    — Mumeh wrote from the nation’s capital, Abuja.

  • Fresh controversy over committees

    Fresh controversy over committees

    Unlike the previous week, this week could be described as largely peaceful as delegates, after debates largely agreed on most of the issues brought at the table.

    Delegates adopt 70 percent to resolve voting procedure puzzle

    The week opened on a happy note as the contentious three-quarter or two-third consensus voting mode was finally resolved on Monday, March 31, 2014.

    It follows last weekend’s adoption of 70 percent majority proposal by the “50-wise men.” It would be recalled that the committee of the wise men was strategically constituted last week by the leadership of the National Conference to help resolve the voting procedure paradox.

    Presenting the report of the outcome of the group’s consultative meeting, the Deputy Chairman of the conference, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, said, “The committee met on the 25th and 26th March, 2014. Deliberations during these meetings were cordial. Delegates worked in harmony to develop and put into effective use, the spirit of consensus building with the national interest at heart.

    “At the conclusion of deliberations, members reached a decision to amend Order VI Paragraph 4, XI paragraph 2 and XII paragraph 4 (e) as follows:

    “In the case of failure to reach consensus, the matter shall be decided by majority vote of 70 percent of delegates present and voting. That is the recommendation that committee is bringing to you, distinguished delegates.”

    Third Republic Senate President, Iyorchia Ayu, representing the Former Senators Forum, moved a motion that was seconded by former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Victor Attah, representing the Former Governors’ Forum, for the adoption of the recommendation. The resolution was thereafter adopted.

    Debate on President’s inaugural speech

    Another issue at the conference this week that caught the attention of concerned Nigerians was the debate on President Goodluck Jonathan’s inaugural speech.

    Former Senate President, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, commenting on the speech said: “I stand to praise nor vilify the president’s speech. It is the speech of a leader who is worried about his country. It is a speech of great expectation and the whole country expects a lot from all gathered here.

    Speaking in the same way, former Minister of Information, Dr. Dora Akunyili, who was the previous week specially mentioned in the media for not making any contribution, allegedly traced to her health condition, said she was proud of Jonathan for convening the conference.

    She said: “Nigerians have for long clamoured for this National Conference. I regard this National Conference as President Jonathan’s best Centenary gift to Nigeria; it is a testimony of the fact that he is a listening President.”

    The praises notwithstanding, many delegates said the agenda set in the speech is high, but that the challenge remains if the government structure would allow the conference to translate the expressed ideals to reality.

    Ripples over committee chairmen, deputies

    As at Thursday, the controversy over the alleged reversal of already agreed way of electing committee chairmen and their deputies was still reverberating across the country.

    The delegates were squarely divided on who should be vested with such powers. But after Dr. Sam Egwu explained that contrary to the provisions of the standing orders of the conference, where the chairman has the powers to review the performance of committee chairmen, the norm should be reversed since the chairman lacks the powers to appoint them in the first place,

    Kutigi reluctantly agreed and thereafter transferred the powers to review the performance of committee chairmen and their deputies to members.

    But to some delegates, the matter was so touchy that they formally protested the decision to withdraw the power of committee members to select their chairmen and deputies.

    A group, which described itself as “Aggrieved Delegates,” addressed a press conference on the matter before the plenary on Thursday. The group’s spokesman, Mr Abdulwaheed Omar, said: “We are protesting against something that is being brought through the back door; the decision for the committee to select their chairmen and deputies at the committee level .

    “This decision was concluded by delegates at the plenary, only for it to resurface through the Committee of 50, who are only mandated to talk about the voting pattern.

    “The leadership of the conference is using the Committee of 50 to come up with something they were not originally mandated to discuss and we are saying this is the beginning of a dangerous pattern.’’

    He warned, “we are afraid if we go by this trend, only God knows what other things will be manipulated again in the same way.

    “We are saying we have to practice democracy and we are demanding that this decision be reversed so that we will go back to the popular decision.

    “In 2005, it was the committees that selected their leaders, why will it be different this time?.’’

    It would be recalled that on March 20, an amendment to the Rule was proposed at the conference that committee members should select their chairmen and deputy chairmen from among themselves.

    Pledge to be Nigerians

    It was not however all fire. The delegates also agreed on certain fundamental issues like the issue of serving at the conference first as Nigerians before the various interests they represent.

    President Jonathan had set the tone in his inauguration speech when he said  “Even though you come to the conference as representatives of different interest groups, I urge you to make a united, stronger, indivisible and prosperous Nigeria your preoccupation and reference point.’’

    So, when the Secretary of the conference, Dr Valerie Azinge, announced that delegates would sit in alphabetic order, the delegates overwhelmingly supported the arrangement. It was reported that they raised their voices in unison, saying they were at the conference as Nigerians.

    “I think I have come here as a Nigerian. We should sit in alphabetical order. If any group wants to confer on anything, they can do that after the plenary.

    “I did not come here to be Yoruba; I want to be able to interact with others and see how we can have a pan-Nigerian discussion,”  Chief Segun Osoba, former governor of Ogun State was quoted as saying.

    On this note, so much is expected the coming week as the proper business of the conference begins to take shape.