The Nation Newspaper

Category: Politics

  • 2015: Uncertainty in Bauchi over Yuguda’s successor

    2015: Uncertainty in Bauchi over Yuguda’s successor

    Governor Isa Yuguda’s refusal to make public his choice of a successor in 2015 has further complicated the Bauchi State’s politics, reports Assistant Editor, Dare Odufowokan

    The decision of the Bauchi State governor, Isa Yuguda, to remain quiet over his successor as he completes his second term in 2015, has created serious uncertainty over the political future of the northeastern state.

    The governor’s silence, amidst insinuations that he may have plans to install an ally of his in office come 2015 has led to a situation where many of those being rumoured to be interested in governing the state are finding it difficult to openly declare their ambitions.

    And with unending underground moves, both within and outside the ruling PDP, aimed at determining who rules the state after Yuguda, the inability of the political class in the state to read the mind of the governor over his choice of a successor, is adding to the political tension that is daily enveloping the state.

    Recently, the state was agog with the rumour that the governor may have settled for Ahmed Ibrahim Dandija, the current Secretary to the State Government (SSG), as his anointed successor.

    The SSG from Misau Local Government Area of Bauchi Central Senatorial District, who is perceived as Yuguda’s most dependable associate in many quarters, has been in office since Yuguda’s emergence as governor in 2007.

    To add fillip to the rumour, Dandija is not hiding his desire to succeed his boss. Close associates of the SSG say he has declared his governorship ambition to his supporters and political allies, seeking their support to help him prevail on the governor to endorse him.

    But contrary to insinuations that the governor may have secretly endorsed a particular person for the job, the governor seems to be finding it difficult to make up his mind over who to support among his array of allies and political associates. Sources close to him say he is under immense pressure from many quarters over the issue.

    “What many people seem not to know is that the governor is under severe pressure over who will take over from him. There are many issues to consider in this matter. While some of us want him to be concerned about the good works he has done in the last eight years when making that choice, there are those who daily remind him of the zoning issue. There are associates and allies who want him to remember past political alliances.

    “In all these, I can tell you that the governor is yet to endorse anybody. He is studying the situation critically with a view to determining what is best for the state. Those saying he has endorsed them are merely flying political kites. The governor, though willing to ensure that Bauchi gets the best, is not a dictator. He will allow due process to be followed in arriving at that decision,” an associate of the governor told The Nation.

    Another source revealed that the governor is currently busy, working at resolving some of the crucial issues threatening the political equations within the state.

    “With issues like zoning of political offices currently threatening to tear the state apart, the governor is not endorsing any candidate yet. I can tell you that his pre-occupation currently is how to resolve the nutty issue of zoning. Until there is an agreement on that issue, the governor cannot throw his weight behind any of the aspirants.

    “You must also understand that all the aspirants currently jostling for the job, especially within the ruling party, are allies and associates of the governor. Consequently, there is need for him to tread softly and seek popular opinions before deciding who to support.

    “He is cautious enough to learn from what happened to his predecessor, who supported an unpopular candidate and gave room for Yuguda to win even on the platform of an unpopular political party. It is not just enough for people to say the governor has endorsed them,” our source said.

    With politicians from both the ruling party and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) scheming to succeed Yuguda, the cloud of uncertainty that now hangs over the politics of the state can only get darker as there are no inkling of which way the 2015 gubernatorial contest is likely to go.

    As the election draws nearer, all the three senatorial zones in the state are clamouring to produce the next governor. These have led to unending arguments and counter arguments between the agitators, creating a situation where the next gubernatorial contest appears to be between the zones and not political parties.

    While the people of Bauchi South have produced the state governors from 1999 to date, namely former Governor Adamu Muazu and current governor Isa Yuguda, Tatari Ali who ruled in 1979 came From Bauchi North. This forms the bases for the agitation of the central zone that it should be allowed to produce the next governor of the state.

    But gladiators from the southern and northern zones are quick to put a lie to the demand, saying all the three zones have had chances to govern the state. To this school of thought, the 2015 contest should be left open for aspirants from all the three zones to slug it out.

    Adamu Tatari is a chieftain of the ruling party and a leading campaigner from one of the aspirants from the southern zone. According to the politician, it is wrong for the central zone to say it has never produced a governor for the state.

    “Dahiru Deba from Old Bauchi Central, now Gombe State, was governor in 1983 in the old Bauchi State. He was elected as governor when Gombe was still part of Bauchi Central. This fact must not be swept under the carpet. This is why we are saying all the zones have had their fair share and it is time to start all over again,” he said.

    The inability of the gladiators to reach an agreement on how the zoning issue should be approached has given rise to a scenario where all the three zones are currently fielding aspirants who are viewed as serious contenders for Yuguda’s job.

    In spite of producing both the incumbent governor and his predecessor, Bauchi South is currently parading aspirants that include the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed; Dr. Ibrahim Yakubu Lame, a former Minister of Police Affairs; Senator Abubakar Maikafi and Mallam Ali Wakili.

    From Bauchi North are Senator Babayo Garba Gamawa; Alhaji Muhammadu Garba Gadi; Alhaji Baba Tela; Alhaji Yayale Ahmed,;Dr Musa Babayo; Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Tuggar; Senator Nazif Muhammad Gamawa; Engineer Sadiq Mahmud and Engineer Nuhu Gidado.

    Bauchi Central Senatorial District has in the race: Alhaji Ibrahim Makama; Deputy Senate Leader, Abdul Ningi (PDP); Barrister Dandija and Alhaji Nadada Umar, amongst others.

    Offering what analysts say may be the mindset of the ruling party in the state, a state official of the PDP in Bauchi State, Alhaji Bashir Bukar Rimin Zayam, said it is wrong to zone the position to one zone. According to him, the party must avoid repeating the mistake made by former Governor Mu’azu in 2007.

    “Although we have not started talking about 2015, the best interest of democracy is to allow whoever is eligible to contest from any zone because Tatari Ali, who ruled in 1979, came from Bauchi North and ruled under the then NPN. After him, Dahiru Deba from Old Bauchi Central, now Gombe State, was governor in 1983 in the old Bauchi State. Mu’azu and Yuguda are from the south,” he said to further compound the many uncertainties about 2015 in the state.

    While the inability of the governor to make up his mind about who succeeds him and other issues within the ruling party are directly or indirectly responsible for the cloudy nature of politics in the state ahead of the 2015 general election, political analysts are also of the opinion that the emergence of the APC as a formidable opposition party is another factor currently heating up the political landscape of Bauchi State.

    “The coming of the APC has provided an alternative platform for aggrieved members of the PDP who will not mind rocking the boat to scuttle the chances of the ruling party come 2015. Bauchi is no longer a one-party state and this will be proved for all to see in 2015.

    Now the people have choices. They are going to have alternatives and options to choose from. It is not just about what the governor or his party wants. It is going to be about what the people want. That is what the APC has done by coming to Bauchi,” a chieftain of the opposition party said.

    And with the APC daily gaining new grounds and winning converts in the northeastern state, the opposition party is becoming very popular especially with the masses at the grassroots and pressure to alter all known and unknown political calculations ahead of the general election in 2015.

    Already, chieftains of the opposition party are vowing that the APC has what it takes to dislodge the ruling PDP during the next election. According to Nasiru Ibrahim Darazo, spokesperson of the party in Bauchi State, whatever is the calculation within the PDP, the party will not win the election in 2015 because the party has failed the people.

    “PDP has failed to address the problems of insecurity, poverty, water, electricity, infrastructure, unemployment during its 16-year rule. So, Bauchi people need positive change in 2015,” Darazo said.

  • Emulate Peter Obi

    Emulate Peter Obi

    I AM writing this to urge some of our governors to emulate former Governor Peter Obi who ruled Anambra State with wisdom and patriotism. Obi started and completed projects which the people of the state are benefiting from now. Some governors are no doubt performing well but they can do more. I am appealing to other governors to choose the path to greatness by keeping away from playing politics and embracing governance that will banish sorrow away from the lives of their people.

    Gordon Chika Nnorom,

    Umukabia, Abia State.

  • Bring back moral instructions

    Bring back moral instructions

    THIS is a matter I want President Goodluck Jonathan to attach much importance to in the interest of our nation. Moral instructions are no more taught in our primary schools. Military intervention in the governance of this country brought a stop to the teaching of civics and other related subjects in the country.

    The failure to teach moral instructions engendered social vices and problems like Boko Haram.

    We are today witnessing many crises in our national life. To bring a stop to these challenges is not difficult. Our president should bring back moral instructions to our schools.

    This is not a trivial matter. It should be handled with seriousness.

    J. Dega,

    Lagos State.

  • Do something about Brass NLG

    Do something about Brass NLG

    I AM calling on President Goodluck Jonathan to do something about the long-awaited Brass LNG which I hope will create jobs for the teeming jobless youths in Bayelsa State.

    Please, Mr President do something urgently about this project in order to bring the suffering of our young people to an end.

    I am waiting to see our good president in action as far as this project is concerned.

    Lambert Oweifa,

    Nembe,

    Bayelsa State.

  • Reconstruct this bridge

    Reconstruct this bridge

    THIS is to inform the Chairman of the Dekina Local Government Area and Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State that the bridge linking Okura Sawmill and Okura Ofante communities needs reconstruction.

    This project will bring about easy movement in the area, and it will prevent accidents.

    I am appealing to these two men of honour to treat this case with urgency, so that development can come to our area.

    James N S Onoja,

    Okura Ofante,

    Kogi State.

  • How to end insurgency in Northeast, by Shetima

    How to end insurgency in Northeast, by Shetima

    Borno State Governor Kashim Shetima spoke with ADEOLA OLADELE-FAYEHUN in Washington DC, United States, on the insurgency in the Northeast and how to tackle the menace.

    Why are you in Washington DC?

    We are here at the invitation of the United States Institute of Peace for a three-day symposium specially organised for governors of the 19 Northern states. Because of the snow, it commenced yesterday and we’re going to round it off today.

    What exactly is being discussed?

    I believe that the whole programme is on how to come in and assist the Northern states regarding the creping insurgency, the underdevelopment that has enveloped us, and actually, it’s a very proper discussion. We cross-pollinated our ideas with the American establishments, and this morning, we’re going to meet with the USAID and some other development partners to chart a new course for the North.

    We are glad that there’s a renewed interest in the North by the American government, and we’re going to key into it for the benefit of our people.

    Has the U.S disclosed its area of intervention?

    Well, most of our submissions are really on education, healthcare delivery, on issues of infrastructural development, on job creation, and they’re very keen on rendering a helping hand. We met actually on Sunday; myself and Governor Yuguda; with a team from the Gates Foundation. We implored them to really extend a helping hand to us in the area of agriculture.

    They’re doing a ‘Nitrogen to Africa’ programme in some Northern states, and we said, let them give a helping hand to the states in the Northeast because we’re conspicuously absent on the new scheme of things on that programme.

    What is the situation on ground in Borno?

    I am an eternal optimist. I believe that the worst is over, as per the crisis in Borno. There’s a renewed effort by the Federal Government, to see that the insurgency is nipped in the bud. And I can assure you once the current momentum is sustained, we shall have an enduring peace in the not too distant future.

    What is your reaction to the statement by Mr. President that he could pull out troops from Borno?

    Well, my own take on that is that I believe he said it half jokingly, he did not meant it, it is a constitutional responsibility to protect the lives and properties of the citizenry, he just said it half jokingly, and I believe he is fully committed towards establishing peace in the Northeast.

    What about death toll?

    During the last crisis on Friday, miraculously quite a number of the insurgents were killed. But, we also recorded five casualties from the innocent bystanders. Even, five is a huge number. As the late Dele Giwa said, let’s not talk about numbers. One life lost in cold blood is gruesome as millions lost in a pogrom. But, it’s gratifying that only five people lost their lives, including a soldier.

    A lot of people believe Boko Haram was started by Northern political leaders. I’ve heard people say it’s possible that your predecessor knows about it. What is your reaction when people say this?

    Well, it is amazing because I believe it’s irrational and outrightly preposterous for anybody to insinuate that Northern political leaders are behind Boko Haram. Why should they be the forces behind the Boko Haram? Do they have the intent to decimate their own population? To pauperize their own brothers and sisters? It doesn’t hold water. And I believe that the federal government and the international communities have the apparatuses to dig down to the root of the matter.

    Without hauling bricks on my predecessor, I can tell you that the Boko Haram predates his coming to power. The Boko Haram insurgency actually originated in Kanamma village in Yobe State in 2001, when a group of young men went and carve out a territory for themselves and called it an Islamic territory. But, I don’t want to dwell so much, because I do not have the authority to speak on the sources and origins of the Boko Haram. But most importantly, I always emphasise on the linkage and the very high level of correlation between poverty and insurgency.

    And I believe that there is a lot of correlation between the poverty that has engulfed the North Eastern Region of Nigeria and the Boko Haram insurgency. Because the World Bank described the Northeast portion of Nigeria, the Republic of Chad, the Republic of Niger, and the Darfur Region of Sudan as one of the poorest places on earth. Hence, the emergency of militant organisations like the Janjaweed militia and the Boko Haram in the Northeastern Region. And I believe that, once we engage the youths, once we create jobs, this madness, this nihilism will evaporate.

    How are you able to do your duties as governor in the face of this insurgency?

    Well, we have a mandate from the people, and leadership entails some elements of risk and courage. As the saying goes, if you can’t withstand the heat, get out of the kitchen. We have a mandate to work for the people, and we will work till the last drop of our blood to see that we have enhanced the quality of lives of our people.

    How exactly can citizens asist in curbing Boko Haram?

    People like you, especially those of you in the diaspora, can assist us in terms of linkages as per education and as per healthcare delivery. With regards to agriculture, from here, we’re going to Nebraska to visit some key places and irrigation sites, I believe the wealth of knowledge and opportunities and possibilities at your disposal will come in handy in assisting us towards overcoming the current challenges we’re facing.

    Is it true that Boko Haram is actually coming from Chad?

    You cannot rule out the possibility that the crisis in Chad, the crisis in Mali and, of course, the crisis in Libya might have cascaded down to our own part of the world. Maiduguri is very close to some of the hottest spots in Africa. Though the roads are bad, with a good car and some little determination, if you leave Maiduguri in the morning, by night probably, you can reach South Sudan. So, definitely because of our proximity to some of the troubled spots, Bangui, Central Africa, Libya, only Niger separates us from Libya. So, I believe there’s a proliferation of wild arms and ammunitions and it has affected us negatively. No doubt about it.

    Do you believe Boko Haram members are being sponsored?

    You cannot rule out the possibility of some hands behind the whole crisis. But, I am strongly of the opinion that the Boko Haram, which has degenerated more into a cult, because I believe it’s an insult, I am a Muslim, it’s a insult to the religion of Islam to categorise them as Muslims. So, they have degenerated into some sorts of cults, resorting into extortions, kidnappings, and I believe they are funding much of their activities through those barbarous activities.

    You cannot rule out even their involvement in drugs because they’re into anything. They have veered off course; they’re more of a gang of criminals, nihilist, of lunatics, hell bent on inflicting pain and destruction on the people. They have been kidnapping people and extorting money.

    Would you say they have sponsors in Nigeria?

    I do not want to pass judgment on who their sponsors are or where they hail from. But, the only thing I can tell you is that, they are largely a set of sustaining entity. They extort money from people; they’re kidnapping people for ransom, and largely sponsor their activities through the proceeds of such illicit activities. And you cannot even dismiss their involvement in drugs. That’s my own perception and honestly, I don’t want to dwell on issues that I don’t have an authority or pass judgment on people or say that X, Y, Z, are the sponsors of Boko Haram.

    What practical things will you put in place after this meeting in the US?

    Certainly, we hope that, with the renewed attention the United States on Nigeria, especially on Northern Nigeria, I believe a lot of goodies will come out of this visit.

  • 2015: Southern Taraba endorses Kente for governorship

    2015: Southern Taraba endorses Kente for governorship

    Southern Taraba stakeholders have endorsed the Chairman of DSK Foundation, Chief David Sabo Kente, as their consensus candidate for the governorship election.

    The businessman was presented to reporter in Wukari, Taraba State, after the resolution on consensus candidacy passed by the leaders of the Southern Taraba National Congress. The groups’s spokesman, Chief Jibrin Anfani, said Kente was chosen after a careful examination of all aspirants from the zone.

    Anfani, who is also the Wukari Traditional Council’s spokesman, urged the stakeholders to eschew bitterness and support the zone in its bid to produce the governor.

    He said that since the North and Central districts have produced the governors 10 and eight years, power should shift to the South District next year.

    Anfani said: “That was why the elders and youth groups from the Southern Taraba came together at Wukari to pick the aspirant that best represents their collective interest, aspiration and vision, and at the end of a rigorous process that lasted several hours where all aspirants who had shown interest in the office were all grilled, one of them, Chief David Sabo Kente, an industrialist, and philanthropist was chosen to lead all Southern Taraba at the polls.”

    He added: “I therefore, urge all Tarabans to eschew bitterness and support the choice of their friends and brothers from the southern part of the state in the interest of peace, unity, justice and fairness.”

    Anfani described Kente, who retired as a Deputy Director in the National Assembly Commission, as a consummate public servant, politician and a detribalised Nigerian, who is ready to move the state forward. He assured that the aspirant will unite the three zones and protect the interest of the state.

    Anfani said that Kente’s emergence as the candidate will calm political tension triggered by the power tussle between Governor Dambaba Suntai and his deputy, Alhaji Garba Umar.

    He said Kente has no blemish, adding that his records as a public servant, businessman and community leader are clean.

    Anfani described the selection as a watershed in the annals of Southern Taraba politics. He said the zone has always lost out to other zones due to lack of unity among its diverse tribes and warring elders.

    Anfani urged Gen. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (rtd) and other notable elders to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the people’s choice is adopted by the Presidency as the PDP flag bearer in the next year’s election.

    He added: “The southern part of the state is the only region that has never tasted power, since the creation of Taraba State 25 years ago and it is believed that, in the interest of justice equity and fairplay, other zones should support his candidature as he is the one that has been chosen to represent the zone.”

    Anfani commended Acting Governor Alhaji Umar for keeping faith with the policies and programmes of his boss. He urged him to take this to the logical conclusion by supporting ailing Suntai’s gentleman’s agreement to transfer power to the South District in 2015.

  • Governors heading for Senate

    Governors heading for Senate

    The Senate is turning into a resting haven for governors who want to sustain their relevance in the polity. The list of ex-governors in the Upper Chamber increases at every dispensation. Ahead of 2015, some governors who are serving their second term have declared their intention to contest the senatorial election. This development, Assistant Editor LEKE SALAUDEEN writes, has pitched them against serving senators in their constituencies and, by extension, against some political blocs.

    Next year, many governors will complete their two terms of eight years in office. They are not contemplating retirement from politics. Some of them are already jostling for the senatorial tickets in their districts.

    Governors who want to become senators include Martins Elechi (Ebonyi), Theodore Orji (Abia) Sullivan Chime (Enugu), Jonah Jang (Plateau), Babangida Aliyu (Niger), Gabriel Suswam (Benue) and Sule Lamido (Jigawa).

    Aliyu

    The ebullient and outspoken Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State initially thought of contesting the Presidency. The retired Federal Permanent Secretary from Niger East Senatorial District and Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum stirred controversy when he declared his presidential ambition on a radio programme last year. He told listeners that President Goodluck Jonathan signed an agreement with PDP governors from the North that he would serve one term, as a condition for endorsing his candidacy for the 2011 presidential election. The governor has not made public the purported agreement. He also failed to clarify whether the agreement is written or oral. The presidency has since denied the existence of such agreement.

    Aliyu, a second term governor, seems to have dropped his presidential ambition since he declined defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC), alongside six other governors of the defunct new PDP. He has reconciled with the PDP and President Jonathan. Sources said the unfolding events within the PDP may have made Aliyu to change his mind on his presidential ambition. He is now said to be eyeing the Senate.

    It is going to be a battle of supremacy between him and Senator Dahiru Awaisu Kuta, who has so far spent seven years in the upper chamber. Kuta has vowed not to yield the seat to the governor, who is a member of the PDP like him. He said no political machinations by Governor Aliyu would frustrate him from seeking the mandate of his people to return to the Senate for the third time in 2015.

    Kuta, who chairs the Senate Committee on Federal Character, said: “My people back my move to seek re-election for a third term. I will seek re-election under the PDP, even though Governor Babangida Aliyu has shown interest in the seat. I cannot be intimidated by anybody after being in politics for 32 years. There is nothing I have not seen. I have been in politics for long and for that, I cannot be intimidated by anybody not only in Niger but in this country.”

    Lamido

    Like his Niger State counterpart, Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa may have put his presidential ambition in 2015 on hold. He was one of the G-7 governors, who battled Jonathan over the President’s yet-to-be-declared 2015 re-election bid. Lamido has, however, vowed not to leave the PDP under any circumstance. He was rumoured to be nursing presidential ambition for 2015, with former President Olusegun Obasanjo believed to be backing him for the plum job. In the height of his feud with President Jonathan, Obasanjo was in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, to commission some of the projects completed by the governor. Obasanjo was then expected in Abuja on Democracy Day as a guest of the President.

    Lamido was a member of the House of Representatives in the Second Republic and National Secretary of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the Third Republic. On the return of democracy in 1999, Obasanjo appointed him Minister of Defence. Lamido is in his second term as governor of Jigawa. His tenure would lapse in May 2015.

    Lamido has kept quiet over his presidential ambition since like Niger’s Aliyu he declined to defect to APC. Indeed, party sources say Lamido has decided to settle for the Jigawa Central Senatorial District seat in 2015.

    Suswam

    Another governor heading for the Senate is Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State. Being a young politician, Suswam, who would be completing his second term as governor in May next year, is scheming to continue his political career as a Senator representing the Benue North District. But Senator Barnabas Gemade, who currently occupies the seat, is not taking things lightly. Gemade is interested in a second term and he has made it clear that he is ready to fight to retain the sweat, even if it means dumping the PDP for the APC. However, sources say the party leadership is not ready for such high profile battle. Even at that, reconciling the duo sent a hard nut to crack for party elders. Gemade’s disposition is infuriating PDP elders who perceive him as being arrogant. But as the sitting governor, Suswam appears to have the upper hand.

    Observers are not happy over the disagreement between Gemade and Suswam. The governor was in the House of Representatives when Gemade was the PDP national chairman. They have polarised the party in their senatorial district. For instance, the last local government election in the zone was bloody because of their bid to position their men at that tier of government. On several occasions, their supporters clashed, leaving sorrow and blood. Gemade’s supporters have accused the governor of mischief and conspiracy against his constituents. They accused him of disrespect on a party elder. But Suswam’s supporters have refuted the claim, saying it is only proper for the older generation to vacate the stage for younger ones. Suswam is one of President Jonathan’s loyalists in the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), Northern State Governors Forum and PDP Governors Forum. He relocated to Abuja during the NGF crisis to protect Jonathan’s interest. Thus, it is not surprising that he has the backing of the President for his senatorial ambition. Political observers predict a tough senatorial shadow in the Benue North District.

    Akpabio

    The two-term Governor of Akwa Ibom , Chief Godswill Akpabio, was the first among his colleagues to declare his senatorial ambition in 2012. His plan sparked a row, with the insistence of serving Senator Alloy Etok that the seat was not vacant. Etok knew from the beginning that the governor was eying the senatorial ticket on completion of his second term in office in 2015. The conflict of interest has since degenerated into a crisis in Akwa Ibom between supporters of Akpabio and Etok, who is serving his second term in the Senate. Etok alleged that the governor planned to assassinate him over his ambition to seek re-election in 2015. To buttress his claim, the senator, who recalled the abduction of his wife and mother-in-law, alleged that he received “series of text messages from the Akpabio killer squad” threatening to assassinate him, if he insists on contesting the senatorial election in 2015.

    But the governor dismissed the allegations as baseless, deceitful, and mere hallucinations that serve no purpose. Interestingly, Akpabio claimed to have manipulated Etok’s victory in 2007 against the winner of the PDP primaries.

    It took the intervention of the security agencies, which probed the alleged planned assassination for the dust to settle.

    Akpabio is the political leader of the state. He is popular among his people because of his developmental projects. Since he unfolded his plan, various groups have been holding endorsement rallies in his support. Traditional rulers are not left out.

    His political profile is soaring because of his transformation of the state. Critics, describe Akpabio as a dictator. He was criticised for opposing the decision of the former Secretary to Government, Okon Umana, to run for governor. They say it is unfair, unjust and unkind for Akpabio to object to the ambition of Umana who worked assiduously for the success of his administration.

    Wamakko

    Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State will complete his second term in office in May 2015. He was deputy governor on the platform of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), but defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2007 and became its governorship candidate. The PDP governorship candidate then, Alhaji Mukthar Shagari, was persuaded by Obasanjo to step down for Wamakko. The governor was among the five PDP governors who were pushing for reforms in the party. They defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) when PDP leadership refused to accede to their demands.

    Wamakko is popular in the Northwest. His popularity was put to test when he was suspended from PDP last year. The party leadership in the zone stood by him. Party chieftains including the Northwest zonal leader, Alhaji Ibrahim Kazaure, and House of Representatives Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal attended the solidarity rally held for him on his return from abroad. The party leadership realised the negative impact of his suspension and reversed its decision. Sources say Wamakko is scheming to take over the senatorial seat of Senator Maccido.

    Imoke

    There are speculations that Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State may contest for the Cross River Central Senatorial District seat in 2015. The speculations have fuelled a subtle squabble between the aides and associates of the governor and the senator representing the district, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, who is the leader of the Senate.

    The decision of Ndoma-Egba, who used to be a close associate of Governor Imoke, to vie for a fourth term, has led to acrimony between his camp and that of the governor. Those plotting against Ndoma-Egba’s return argue that after spending 12 years in the Senate, he should quit and allow others with fresh ideas to represent the people.

    Despite the disagreement, Imoke, who represented the district between 1992 and 1993, could easily return to the Senate without serious opposition from his party.

    Uduaghan

    Initially, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, who would complete his second term as governor of Delta State in 2015 was planning to retire from politics and go back to his medical practice. But that is no longer the case. The governor, according to sources, has caved in to pressure from his associates to continue his political career in the Senate. Consequently, he is planning to contest the Delta South Senatorial seat in 2015. Uduaghan may get a free ticket to the Senate because the incumbent senator, James Manager, having spent three terms, would be willing to step down for him. Stepping aside for the governor would be in line with the convention that each of the three major tribes in the senatorial district, Itsekiri, Isoko and Ijaw would take the seat one after the other. So, unlike his colleagues, moving to the Senate is a smooth sail for Uduaghan.

    Chime

    What promises to be the most contentious battle is the struggle between the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State for the Enugu West Senatorial District ticket.

    The duo are now embroiled in a battle of wit. There are no pretences that Chime wants to go to the Senate at the expiration of his tenure in 2015. It is no news that Ekweremadu and Chime are at each other’s throat. The battle is so fierce that the governor sometime last year embargoed another term for all Enugu people in the National Assembly.

    But Chime is not having a smooth sail. He was promptly challenged not only by Ekweremadu, but by some other party leaders. They told Chime that he lacks the constitutional powers to deny any member the right to contest election if the person wishes.

    Jang

    The Plateau State Governor, David Jang, is said to be interested in representing the Plateau North Senatorial District on completion of his second term as governor in 2015. Jang perfected a smooth entry into the Senate when he sponsored his former Chief of Staff, Mr Gyang Pwajok for the position last year, following the death of Senator Gyang Dan Tong. Observers say Pwajok is holding the position in trust for Jang. His tenure in the last seven years has witnessed several ethno-religious crises, in which lives and property were lost.

    Jang is at the centre of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) crisis. He lost the chairmanship election with 16 votes to Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, who got 19 votes. Yet, Jang with the support of the Presidency claimed that he won.

  • Can Senator Domingo get second term?

    Can Senator Domingo get second term?

    Three aspirants are jostling for the Edo North senatorial ticket on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). OSAGIE OTABOR writes on their strengths, weaknesses and other factors that will shape the poll.

    Senator Obende Domingo represents Edo North Senatorial District in the Senate. His ambition to return to the Upper Chamber in 2015 is being threatened by political heavy weights eyeing his job.

    The senatorial aspirants include the Secretary to Edo State Government, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, Major Francis Alimekhena and Hon, Abubakar Momoh, who is representing Estako Constituency in the House of Representatives.

    The three contenders are from the three major tribes-Owan, Etunu and Estako- that make up the district. Estako has three local governments. Owan has two councils and Etunu has one local government.

    Domingo hails from Igarra, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area. He was elected on the platform of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria in 2011. He had wanted to contest for the seat on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2007, but without success. The PDP leaders opted for Yisa Braimoh, who he later displaced three years ago.

    What worked for Domingo was the agitation for the seat by the Etunu people, who complained that they had been marginalised by the two major tribes. They said that the seat was rotating between the Owans and Estako. Also, Governor Adams Oshiomhole supportedDomingo against another aspirant, Tunde Lakoju.

    Ahead of 2015, Domingo is scheming to keep his job. He has debunked the allegation of non-performance. In a pamphlet being circulated in the district, the senator listed the projects he has attracted to the state. They include solar-powered street lights, distribution of empowerment materials, construction of classroom blocks, community centres and boreholes. His supporters are of the view that he deserves a second term like his predecessors.

    But, can he beat Ihonvbere at the primaries? Following the declaration of interest by the political scientist, other aspirants have returned to the drawing board. Ihonvbere has made attempts twice to be the governor under the PDP. He served under President Olusegun Obasanjo as Special Adviser on Project Monitoring before returning to Edo to vie for the governorship, which he lost to Senator Oserheimen Osunbor in 2007. In 2011, he was among the aspirants that staged a walk-out during the PDP primaries. He later defected to the defunct ACN. Ihonvbere was appointed as the SSG when Oshiomhole was re-elected as the governor.

    The eminent politician, Momoh, is not a push-over. He was a member of the House of Representatives between 2003 and 2007. He was re- elected in 2011. He started his political career as a councillor. Later, he became the Chairman of Estako East Local Government. He was elected into the House of Assembly in 1999.

    The retired soldier, Alimekhena, was a leader of the PDP before be defected to the ACN . He was a senatorial aspirant in 2011. But, luck did not smile on him.

    Observers argue that the governor is a factor in the senatorial race. he is likely to determine who wins the ticket. Sources close to Oshiomole disclosed that he would not support any political neophyte. “The governor will not just support anybody he cannot trust, someone who will not perform. Those he helped in the past have disappointed him by not fullfilling their electoral promises. Some of them have not reported to their constituency since they were elected”, said an aide.

    The zoning formula may also shape the exercise. The zoning agreement may heat up the primaries. Senator Kassim Oyofo from Estako was in the Senate between 1999 and 2007. He was succeeded by Braimoh from Owan, who served for four years before Domingo from Akoko-Edo took over.

    The Owan people have argued that Domingo truncated the agreement by not allowing Braimoh to complete two terms. Their position now is that the position can be contested by all the ethnic groups. Some Estako youth have warned their elders against conceeding the slot to other tribes.

    At a meeting convened by the APC Interim Deputy Chairman, Chief Usman Shagadi, Estako leaders adopted a resolution to support their son for the ticket. The leaders also agreed to sink their political differences.

    Shagadi told the gathering that it would be an injustice for the Etsakos to be shut out of the race after conceding eight years to other zones in the spirit of oneness.

    He described that the Edo North ticket for 2015 as the birthright of the Etsakos, urging the Owans and Akoko-Edos to reciprocate Etsako’s past gesture. He recalled that Estako conceded the slot to them without bitterness and acrimony in 2007 and 2011.

    The leaders agreed to field a consensus candidate, promising to communicate the resolution to the governor.

    Ihonvbere has also been endorsed by Owan, Etsako Central and East leader. But, he is being accused of riding to the Senate on the governor’s back.

    However, Alimekhena is unperturbed. He said he has a high chance of clinching the ticket because he hails from Estako.

    The Edo North ticket may slip from Domingo’s hand because he is from a minority ethnic group in the district. His critics have alleged that he has not lived up top expectation. But, his media aide, Balarabe Oshiafi, disagreed. He said: “The relationship among the people of Estako, Owan and Akoko-Edo and Governor Oshiomhole and Senator Domingo is as cordial. Domingo is a humble servant of the people, whose track record is well known and appreciated by the good people of Afemailand. Hence, they have asked him to return to the Senate in 2015”.

    “It is expected that the enemies of progress will try to distract us, but Senator Domingo will continue to bring manifest development to all corners of Afemailand.”

    Governor Oshiomhole hails from Estako. He is yet to declare his next political move. Whoever his ‘magic wand’ touches will get the ticket. But, the governor is interested in a performer.

     

  • Southeast, Southsouth PDP: Divided by zoning

    Southeast, Southsouth PDP: Divided by zoning

    Zoning is tearing apart the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Southeast and Southsouth states, ahead of the 2015 general elections, reports Deputy Political Editor RAYMOND MORDI.

    A pall of uncertainty is hang-ing over the 2015 governor-ship election in Cross River State. Deputy Governor Effiok Cobham is kicking against the decision of his boss, Governor Liyel Imoke, to seek a successor from the Senatorial District in line with the ruling Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) zoning arrangement. Political leaders from the district led by Cobham, have disagreed with the governor over his insistence to honour the zoning agreement. Donald Duke, who emerged governor after very stiff competition in 1999 and served for two term, is from the South District, while his successor, Imoke, is from the Central Zone. Thus, the North District has not produced a governor since the creation of the state. Imoke and the leadership of the PDP have publicly declared that the next governor would come from that part of the state. Cobham, who has been perceived as a very loyal deputy until now, surprised many when he moved against the governor.

    Similarly, Amaechi Udemba, an Asaba-based public affairs analyst believes that the recent resignation of Goddey Orubebe from President Goodluck Jonathan’s cabinet and his subsequent entry into the governorship race in Delta State, as well as the entry of Kenneth Gbagi into the race, is a signal that there is a serious plot in high places to set aside the zoning deal. Orubebe and Gbagi are from Delta South and Delta Central Districts, which have produced governors before.

    In spite of its posture in the region, this state of affairs has put the PDP in a tight corner. In Cross River, despite the party’s decision to zone the governorship ticket to the North District, a political ally of Imoke, Chief Gershom Bassey, from the Southern District has joined the race to succeed him in 2015. Although Bassey is yet to formally declare his ambition, his campaign stickers are visible on cars and vehicles of his supporters in Calabar and beyond. His ambition, which is already causing ripples, is seen as a deliberate plan to scuttle the zoning agreement.

    Bassey was recently reported to have told Imoke that he would seek the nomination of the PDP as the candidate for governor ship. His insistence, it is said, is based on an agreement the trio of Bassey, Duke and Imoke had in 1999 that each of them would be governor of the state for eight years consecutively. His friend and kinsman, Duke, had the first shot, from 1999-2007; while Imoke, who mounted the saddle in 2007, would complete his tenure in 2015, to pave the way for Bassey to govern the state between 2015 and 2023. As observers of Cross River politics put it, the haples people of the North District may have technically lost the battle because the ‘three wise men’ of Cross River State agreed that they would lead the state for 24 years, so Bassey is not morally wrong to seek to run for governorship of the state. Based on the so-called agreement, such observers believe the leadership of the party may be in tandem with the trio and has merely sold a dummy to the north by appearing to support them openly, whereas Bassey is their real choice.

    Cross River and Delta are not the only states in the Southsouth and Southeast where the zoning formula is being threatened. The insistence on zoning is causing ripples in states in the two geo-political zones. In Enugu, for instance, Governor Sullivan Chime has told everyone who cared to listen that it is the turn of the Nsukka zone to produce the governor in 2015. But this has not discouraged, Ike Ekwere-madu, the Deputy Senate President, from aspiring for the plum job. Ekweremadu is from Enugu West Zone, like incumbent Governor Chime.

    The scenario in Akwa Ibom is not different. Ahead of 2015, when the incumbent governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, would complete his second and final statutory term, a debate has broken out over where the governorship pendulum would swing; with a growing number of people now clamouring for an open contest. There are two schools of thought on the question of the next occupant of the Uyo Hill Top Mansion. Some politicians and opinion leaders are canvassing that it is the turn of Eket district to produce the next governor based on the zoning formula. The former past governor of the state, Obong Victor Attah, from Uyo District, was in power for eight years. His successor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, from Ikot Ekpene District is doing his second term of eight years. The people of Eket senatorial district expect to have one of their own on the governor seat in 2015.

    Yet; there are those who argue that no arrangement like that exists in the state, hence, aspirants from any of the two senatorial districts could vie for the job. Akpabio has not helped matters. He has been accused of exacerbating tension in the state, with his seeming doublespeak on the zoning issue. At one time, he had openly declared that he was not opposed to zoning. But, he later said that he was not a product of zoning and therefore the issue is in God’s hand

    In River State, the emphasis is on the dichotomy between the upland and the riverine people. Indications are that both the PDP and the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), who are currently engaged in a battle of dominance, would try to outwit each other as far as zoning is concerned. The state is made up predominantly of Riverine Ijaws (Kalabari’s, Okrikans, Ibani’s, Andoni’s, etc) and the Upland (Ikwerre’s, Ogoni’s, Ekpeye, Etche, Oyigbo, Ogba’s etc). Since the old Rivers State was created on May 27, 1967, from the defunct Eastern Region and further balkanized into Bayelsa and new Rivers State, in 1996, harmony, brotherhood and cooperation have been sustained through the application and observation of the upland/riverine dichotomy principle in the allocation of socio-political and economic gains accruing to the state.

    In 1999, when the West District was to produce the governor, the Kalabari, though the largest homogenous ethnic group in the zone, conceded the position to a politician from the upland, (Dr. Peter Odili), for the sake of equity and fairness, considering that the last occupant of the Brick House, Chief Ada George, was from the riverine area. That was in spite of the fact that his tenure lasted less than two years. The upland Rivers East Zone was also given another chance in 2007, when Sir Celestine Omehia and Governor Chibuike Amaechi, from Ikwerre, took over the mantle of leadership. The general feeling today is that it is the turn of the riverine people.

    But, contrary to the zoning arrangement, the Ogonis who are predominantly located in the upland region are agitating for the governorship mantle in 2015. The Etches and the Ikwerres are not left out in the quest. Thus, the argument for and against zoning is currently raging in Rivers. It is generally accepted that in a multi-ethnic setting like Rivers State, it is legitimate for various groups to be given a chance to rule. But, for other reasons, some groups are now saying that it is retrogressive to choose leaders solely based on ethnicity. “What we need is not a governor from a particular ethnic bloc, but one (wherever he may come from) that would guarantee us infrastructural development, socio-economic prosperity, political stability, youth empowerment and job security,” one of such observers said.

    Similar arguments have reverberated in other states facing the zoning challenge. For instance, Udemba said that, for the sake of equity it is only natural to allow the Delta North that had stood aloof for 16 years to take its own turn. He argues: “If we search deeper, it can be confirmed that sometimes in 2006 political groups, including the G.3 and the Delta South Elders Forum had championed the need for power to shift to the Delta South in line with the zoning policy. The G.3, which comprises the lsoko, Ijaw and ltsekiri politicians of the South, had hinged its clamour for power shift on PDP zoning policy.” Against this background, he is wondering why some persons are now reversing the argument because zoning does not favour them this time around.

    Delta Central has produced two governors, – Olorogun Felix Ibru and Chief James Onanefe Ibori – who ruled for three and eight years respectively. Delta South produced Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, whose eight-year tenure of two terms would elapse in 2015. That leaves Delta North as the only zone that has not produced a governor since the state was created in August 1991. But, in a move, which may signal a stiff opposition to power shift, some chieftains of the PDP are working towards scuttling the zoning arrangement.

    Following the development in Akwa Ibom State, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) recently cautioned politicians in the state against going against the zoning arrangement. The Coordinator of HURIWA, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, said after touring the state, his group is convinced that there are danger signals concerning the zoning arrangement in Akwa Ibom, which, if not addressed, may lead to crisis. “We are convinced beyond the shadow of doubts that there are ominous signs that some aggrieved politicians within the ruling PDP, who have lost out of the scheme of governance in Akwa Ibom State are gearing for a fight and may precipitate a conflagration of bloody dimension as run up to the 2015 elections begins in Akwa Ibom State,” he said.

    On the other hand, Jalingo Agba, a civil rights activist, disagrees with Udemba and Onwubiko. Agba, feels that the exercise is a distraction. He said pundits have argued that the North District should produce the next governor of Cross River because it is the only district yet to do that, since the splitting of Akwa Ibom State from Cross River State in 1987. He added: “They have cited some constitutional provisions on rotation of power and federal character. But my view is that a governor can come from any part of the state. If the person is able to clearly demonstrate his capacity to empower the youth to create wealth and help themselves, the last thing I will ask of is where he/she comes from.” He argues further: “But as 2015 draws closer, we must make haste to shift the argument from which part of the state the governor should come from to looking for someone who can really present to us a blue print on how to translate our potentials to prosperity because our state is in dire need of that person who must be an expert in public debt management because the state is the third most-indebted in the country.”