The Nation Newspaper

Category: Politics

  • Niger-East divided over Aliyu’s ambition

    Niger-East divided over Aliyu’s ambition

    Peoples Democratic Party’s ticket for the Niger-East Senatorial District is the cause of a raging battle between Governor Mu’azu  Babangida Aliyu and the occupant of the seat, Senator Dahiru Awaisu Kuta,  reports Assistant Editor, Dare Odufowokan

    Following the recent release of 2015 general election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the battle for the political soul of Niger -East Senatorial District intensified as intrigues over who gets the ticket of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to represent the people at the upper chamber of the National Assembly rages between Governor Mu’azu  Babangida Aliyu and Senator Dahiru Awaisu Kuta.

    The duo have also been at loggerheads over alleged moves by the former to replace the latter in the Senate. The wrangling between the two political leaders and kinsmen recently became public when Kuta took a swipe at the governor by saying the senate is not a retirement place for ex-governors.

    The statement was interpreted to have been directed at Aliyu by political observers because of late, most political office holders and other leading figures in the senatorial district have been canvassing the emergence of the governor as the PDP senatorial candidate in Niger-East come 2015. This, The Nation learnt, is not going down well with Kuta, who is the serving Senator representing the area.

    Sources in the state said almost all the nine local government chairmen, their aides, commissioners, special advisers and special assistants and as well as party chairmen from the council areas that make up the senatorial district have turned foot soldiers, working round the clock to ensure the emergence of the governor as the next senator.

    Taking the bull by the horn recently, a pro-Aliyu group, the Alliance for Change 2015, told Senator Kuta to forget his bid for re-election as, according to the group, he has performed below expectation in his seven years sojourn in the upper chamber, describing his tenure as lack lustre.

    Rising from an emergency meeting in Abuja, the group, in a five-point resolution signed by Alhaji Muhammed Aminu, coordinator, and Joseph Anthony, secretary, respectively, unanimously passed a vote of no confidence on the senator.

    According to the group, the senator as an indigene of Niger State, has the constitutional right to contest for any position in the state, but they reaffirmed that as representatives and voice of the people of Niger-East, they have vowed that Senator Kuta will not represent them again in the hallowed chamber of the senate come 2015.

    The Alliance for Change gave reasons why the people of Zone B will not endorse or vote for the senator even if he decamps from the PDP to any political party. They alleged that he was not in touch with his people as he has not visited any of the constituencies in the nine local government areas that made up Zone B since he was elected to represent them in 2007, including even Kuta village, where he hails from.

    The group also debunked the popularly held view that Kuta was the initiator of the HYPADEC bill, adding that it was a wrong perception and that the person that fought for this bill was the late Senator Idris Ibrahim Kuti, who did all the groundwork.

    The group warned the senator not to claim glory for what he did not fight for. The Alliance noted that his chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Federal Character is of no benefit to the people of Zone B and challenged him to publish the names of constituents from Zone B who have benefitted from his patronage.

    “Senator Kuta should publish the names of people from the nine local government areas that made up Zone B that he has facilitated their employments into Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as well as military and paramilitary outfits.”

    There are others who are strongly opposed to the governor’s ambition. Among these are serving national assembly members in the zone, a number of state legislators, party chieftains and traditional rulers. The opposition to the governor’s bid to go to the senate, sources said, is largely from amongst those who want him to give other people a chance to hold public positions.

    Such ambition by the governor has also pitched him against Kuta, who has been reported to nurse third term agenda towards the hallowed chamber of the senate.

    Expectedly, the relationship between the duo, which was smooth before the purported ambition of the governor, has become very strained in recent times.

    Kuta who is spending his sixth year in the senate, according to sources within his camp, is not willing to forgo his re-election bid in spite of what his men described as the undemocratic antics of the governor and his allies to arm twist Kuta into surrendering to their wish.

    “The Senator is not ready to be arm twisted by these undemocratic elements into surrendering his senatorial seat to the governor. This is why he will continue to cry out over the governor’s intimidation and harassment until sanity prevails.”

    Speaking to journalists recently, the senator said no political machinations by Governor Aliyu would frustrate him from seeking the mandate of his people to return to the upper house for the third time come 2015.

    “My people back my move to seek re-election for a third term. I will seek re-election under the PDP, even though Gov Babangida Aliyu has shown interest in the seat.

    “In spite of the political machinations to stop me, nothing will deter me from contesting for re-election in 2015. I cannot be intimidated by anybody after being in politics for 32 years. There is nothing that 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,” he said.

    Contrary to claims by individuals and groups like the Alliance for Change 2015, Kuta said he is qualified to seek another term in the National Assembly because since he went to the Senate, he has achieved a lot for his constituents.

    He cited the provision of employments for about 125 of his constituents; the construction of school buildings, and the provision of health facilities as some of his stewardship in the last six years that he had represented the people of Niger East.

    The senator also accused the state chapter of the PDP of favoring the governor unfairly in their bid to truncate his  ambition of returning to the senate in 2015. He however warned that no matter the level of gang-up against his person, he would contest the 2015 senatorial elections and will win, even on the banner of an opposition party as he had done in the past.

    But the governor’s camp has denied the allegation of intimidation adding also that such could not be the case since the governor was yet to declare his intention to run for senate against Senator Kuta.

    Governor Aliyu speaking through his chief press secretary, Mr. Danladi Ndayebo, said his focus at the moment is how to continue to give good governance to the people of Niger State and that decision on 2015 will be taken in the future.

    While the alleged political face-off between the two erstwhile allies and kinsmen continues, observers of the politics of the state are eagerly awaiting the eventual winner of the political battle.

  • Middle Belt rejects national conference modalities

    Middle Belt rejects national conference modalities

    The Association of Middle Belt Ethnic Nationalities (ASOMBEN), an umbrella organisation for indigenous ethnic groups in the Northcentral Zone, has rejected the modalities for the national conference.

    Rising from a meeting in Jos, the capital of Plateau State, the association said the distribution of delegates was devoid of equity, fairness and justice.

    In its communique, the group said: “The modalities released on 30th January 2014 by Senator Pius Anyim Pius provided for only 90 delegates (less that 20 percent) for hundreds of ethnic nationalities, out of a total of 492 delegates, who will participateat the conference.

    “We consider this allocation far too small for ethnic nationalities who actually demanded for the national conference. We are therefore, using this medium to request Mr. President to kindly consider allocating not less than 75 percent of the total number of delegates to ethnic nationalities and to share this allocation equally among the 109 Senatorial Districts of Nigeria.

    “The modalities provide that Mr. President will nominate the following number of delegates from different segments of our society: 37 from among elder statesmen, six from among youths, six from among judicial officers, and the Federal Government will nominate another 20 delegates, thus giving Mr. President the opportunity to nominate a total of 69 delegates. State Governors and the FCT Minister will nominate another 109 delegates according to Nigeria’s Senatorial Districts.

    “This means that a total of 178 delegates, which is almost 40 percent of all the National Conference delegates, will be nominated directly by Mr. President, the 36 State Governors and the FCT Minister. It goes without saying that Mr. President and the State Governors will influence the nomination of the delegates to be nominated among traditional rulers, retired military and security personnel, retired civil servants and political parties.

    ASOMBEN added: “The combined effect of the provisions mentioned above is that Government is going to directly or indirectly nominate or influence the nomination of 80 percent of the delegates going to the national conference. With such a preponderance of government nominees, we doubt if the yearnings and aspirations of the millions of marginalised ethnic nationalities will be dispassionately treated. The national nonference would have lost its real purpose, which is to provide a platform for ordinary Nigerians to talk to each other about the things that are plaguing their lives.

    “The provision in the modalities that says the decisions and resolutions at the National Conference should be reached either by consensus or by 75 per cent majority means that Nigeria’s ethnic nationalities, who have been allocated less than 20% of the 492 delegates, would have been short-changed. The Federal Government’s almost 80 per cent share of delegates’ will easily have their views carried through.

  • Ekiti PDP governorship contenders and pretenders

    Ekiti PDP governorship contenders and pretenders

    Twenty-six Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains are eyeing the governorship of Ekiti State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU writes on the intrigues and acrimonies that may culminate into protracted post-primary crises in the party.

    It is a crowded governorship race. Jostling for the governorship ticket in the Ekiti State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are 26 chieftains. According to the guidelines released by the chapter, aspirants are expected to obtain the form with N11 million. On March 15, the aspirants will know their fate at the primaries.

    It is a mixed grill of serious contenders and pretenders. The aspirants are from the three senatorial zones. This implies that zoning will not be an issue. It may also be an admission of the indisputable fact that Ekiti is one indivisible zone. Also, the option of consensus may have been dumped. The Publicity Secretary, Pastor Kola Oluwawole, said that the call for consensus candidacy is belated, stressing that the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) has clarified that only party primaries can ensure transparency and fairness. “The National Chairman has said that he would do everything to ensure the sanctity of the constitution and that well coordinated primaries shall be conducted for aspirants. Aspirants should be on the field now canvassing for peoples’ votes,” he added.

    But, to analysts, the huge number of contenders is a precursor to trouble. There is a deep-seated disunity and misunderstanding among the key PDP leaders in Ekiti. The caucuses revolving around the leading lights underscore the lack of compromise. The clash of ambition among the chieftains may further polarise the fold, ahead of the primaries. Unlike the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which has endorsed Governor Kayode Fayemi as its consensus candidate, and the Labour Party (LP), which may field the federal legislator, Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele, the PDP must contend with the challenges of a rancorous primaries and mending the cracks on the wall, ahead of the June election.

    Last year, a party elder, Chief Dayo Okondo, hinted that the chapter may consider the option of consensus candidacy. He told the Southwest stakeholders’ meeting at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, that the option would foster unity. But, aspirants opposed the idea, saying that it is undemocratic. The crises in the troubled chapter have polarised the party. When the consensus idea was raised, some aspirants perceived it as an attempt to edge them out of the race.

    In 2007, Ekiti PDP surprised its members when it refused to give the ticket to the winner of its governorship primaries, Mr. Akerele, who was trailed by Professor Adesegun Ojo. The person who came third, Mr. Segun Oni, got the ticket. The Chairman, Makanjuola Ogundipe, who ruled out a repeat of the scenario, said that the chapter will conduct a transparent shadow poll for the aspirants.

    PDP governorship aspirants include former Police Affairs Minister Navy Capt. Caleb Olubolade, former Governor Ayodele Fayose, former Deputy Governors Abiodun Aluko and Bisi Omoyeni, Senator Gbenga Aluko, Ambassador Dare Bejide, former Acting Governor Tunji Odeyemi, former legislator Hon. Femi Bamisile, former Afenifere National Publicity Secretary Prince Dayo Adeyeye, Senator Bode Olowoporoku, former House of Representatives member Hon. Wale Aribisala, Mr. Bimbo Owolabi, Chief Ropo Ogunbolude, and Mr. Peter Obafemi. Others include Mrs. Bola Oloyede, Mr. Femi Olaosebikan, Chief Reuben Famuyibo, Mr. Bodunde Adeyanju, Dr. Kunle Afolayan, Mr. Ayeni Biodun, Mr. Tunde Ajayi, Mr. Mayowa Aluko, Chief Segun Olarewaju, Mrs. Dada Bamisaye, Mr. Deji Ajayi, and Mr. Israel Ogunleye.

    Party officers disclosed that, so far, only 15 aspirants have purchased nomination forms. They include Olubolade, Bejide, Fayose, Adeyeye, Senator Aluko and Omoyeni. “Few more aspirants may still obtain this week. But, certainly, not all the 26 will want to proceed with the ambition. The money is non-refundable”, said a party officer, who added: “Only serious contenders will obtain the form at the end of the day.”

    Following the collapse of the agitation for the South District, the stage is open to all aspirants. Had the crusade succeeded, only Adeyeye, Aluko, Bejide, Olowoporoku and Abiodun Aluko would have dominated the scene.

    Adeyeye is a veteran aspirant. But, luck has not smiled on the prince of Ise-Ekiti. In 1999, he was the only senatorial candidate in the Alliance for Democracy (AD) who did not win. He lost to Aluko, who is now a co-governorship aspirant. Adeyeye has experience. He is a lawyer and journalist. He is also the former national Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political group. But, in 2007, he left the Action Congress (AC) for the PDP, following the governorship primaries. Although his name was forwarded to the National Assembly as a ministerial nominee, it was later withdrawn. Former Governor Segun Oni later appointed him as the Chairman of the Ekiti State Primary Education Board.

    Both Adeyeye and Aluko, son of the late prominent economist, Prof. Sam Aluko, are eyeing the slot for the third time. Aluko had defected from the PDP to the LP, but, he retraced his steps. As a senator, he was vocal and controversial. He has been mounting an aggressive campaign in the state, ahead of the primaries. He has money to oil his campaign machinery. But, there is no evidence that he will emerge as the consensus candidate of the South District.

    Omoyeni, another aspirant from the South, is in the race. For him, it is not a do-or-die affair. Observers have described him as a professional in politics and a decent man. His campaign is devoid of abuse and thuggery. But, he lacks followers outside his home town, Ikere-Ekiti. Under Fayose, Omoyeni, a seasoned banker, served briefly as the deputy governor. That was after Abiodun Aluko was shoved aside from the cabinet. But, after three months, he called it quits. However, he maintained cordial relations with the PDP. If the race is meant solely for decent men, the former deputy governor has no rival. However, feelers from Ekiti suggest that he is not a strong contender.

    Olowoporoku, a native of Ilawe, is an old political war horse. He is the oldest aspirant. He holds a doctorate degree in Economics from the Manchester University, United Kingdom. He was a teacher at the University of Ife. In the Second Republic, he was an ally of the great Ekiti politician and patriot, the late Chief Akin Omoboriowo. He was a commissioner in Ajasin Administration. In 1982, he defected to the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) from the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). In October 1983, he was appointed as the Minister of Science and Technology. After the coup, he concentrated on his cocoa business. In 1999, he was a chieftain of the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP). But, in 2003, he became a senator on the platform of the PDP.

    Another aspirant from the South is Bejide, who hails from Ilawe. He is a former Secretary to Government and High Commissioner to Canada.

    Odeyemi, a labour activist, was the Speaker and Acting Governor. He is from Ode-Ekiti. Many thought that he would defect to the AC in the past. His ambition is not a threat to any aspirant.

    Fayose, who obtained his form in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, last Thursday, was accompanied by some of his supporters. He is an advocate of a shadow election. Reiterating his objection to any other selection process, he said those canvassing for consensus candidacy are unrealistic. The former governor said that aspirants can only participate in a popularity test in a free and fair primaries.

    Fayose succeeded former Governor Niyi Adebayo in 2003. But, he did not complete his tenure before he was removed. While in power, he boasted that the office was not vacant. But, in 2007, he could not participate in the exercise. The odds weighed heavily against him. When he resurfaced in Ekiti State after months of seclusion, he became a supporter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship candidate, Fayemi. His decision to oppose the PDP flag bearer, Mr. Segun Oni, irked the camp of the former governor. In 2011, Fayose sought refuge in the LP. But, he was defeated at the senatorial election by Senator Babafemi Ojudu. During the last Ekiti PDP congress, he bounced back into reckoning. He installed the members of the State Executive Committee.

    Fayose, a native of Afao-Ekiti, is warming up for the primaries. Analysts contend that he cannot be underrated. In 2003, he beat a seasoned politician, Chief S. K. Kolawole, to emerge as the PDP flag bearer. He also has money to spend. Although his trial for alleged poultry fraud may divert his attention, his camp is not worried. After collecting his form, Fayose boasted: “I will rule Ekiti State again in 2014.” Analysts however, contend that there are certain obstacles on the way. There are speculations that other aspirants may gang up against the former governor to abort his dream. A party source said: “Other aspirants may close ranks against Fayose. If they do, they may combine their strengths at the primaries to ensure that he does not emerge”. However, another source said that “Fayose is actually targeting those likely to become delegates and trying to strike a deal with them”.

    Outside Fayose’s camp is the former Police Affairs Minister Olubolade, a native of Ipoti-Ekiti. He entered the fray two weeks ago. But, the retired soldier is not perceived as a threat by the chieftains of the ruling party. The former military governor of Bayelsa State is a dedicated party man. But, his influence in he chapter is debatable. During the last congress, his candidates for party offices were rejected by delegates. That also translated into the rejection of his leadership. A source close to the former minister said that he is not desperate. “He resigned to contest for the governorship. He is not a hungry politician. He is contented. He can survive without being in government. He is just trying his luck,” he added.

  • Wanted: Speaker for Ondo Assembly

    Wanted: Speaker for Ondo Assembly

    THE battle for Ondo State House of Assembly Speaker has begun. The position became vacant following the demise of the Speaker, Hon. Samuel Adesina

    Two formidable groups within the House are scheming to produce the Speaker and other principal officers.

    However, Governor Olusegun Mimiko, sources said, has insisted that there should be no leadership change now.

    The first group consists of 15 Labour Party (LP) legislators and one Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker. A legislator, Chief C.F Akinwolemiwa (Ondo East), a member of thei group, is agitating for the retention of the slot in the South District.

    This group is led by Hon. Akindele Adeniyi from Akure North and the Chief Whip, Olatunji Dairo (Owo 11).

    Members of the second group are nine legislators, They include the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Dare Emiola(Akoko Southwest1), the Majority Leader, Dayo Akinsoyinu (Ondo West 11) and a female lawmaker, Jumoke Akindele (Okitipupa 11). Sources said that the female legislator has the sympathy of the governor in her bid to become the Speaker.

    According to parliamentary sources, the group wants the position to be thrown open to interested legislators from the three senatorial districts.

    The former Speaker belonged to Adeniyi’s group, which has insisted that the position should remain in the South.

    Mimiko is from the Central District. His deputy, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, is from the North. The late Speaker was from the South.

    Among the Southern lawmakers jostling for the position are Oyebo Aladetan(Ilaje 1) and Victor Akinwe (Odigbo 11).

    The duo were among 16 others who shunned the budget presentation by Mimiko late last year. Sources said that they may fail to secure the governor’s support.

    The Deputy Speaker, Emiola, is also interested in the position. But, it was learnt that, if the Speaker’s position is eventually zoned to the North, the opportunity might slip away from the Akoko Division. The deputy governor, deputy speaker, the senator representing the district and many commissioners are from Akoko division. This distribution is at the expense of the Owo Division.

    The source said the Chief Whip, Olatunji Dairo, who is a second timer representing Owo Constituency 11, may be considered for the position.

  • Lagos 2015: Party, politics and religion

    Lagos 2015: Party, politics and religion

    Many factors will shape the governorship election in Lagos State next year. But, Niyi Akinsiju contends that religion will not be one of them.

    Politics of succession is in the air in Lagos State. While this is natural, considering the democratic nature of our polity, it is unbecoming for such a fundamental aspect of our existence to be trammeled by primordial sentiments often steeped in religious bigotry.

    Recently, a Christian body came up with the call for a Christian governor in 2015 alleging that the two governors who have ruled the State since 1999 are “Muslims.” While they did not, in their publications and utterances condemn either of the two “Muslim” governors for misgoverning, malversation or corruption but rather praised them, they hinged the need for a Christian governor on the laughable imperativeness of having men who have the fear of God in a position of leadership. The question begging for an answer is: could the two “Muslim” governors, well scored by these religious sentimentalists, have ruled the State without the fear of God?

    It is indeed important to note that the call for a Christian governor is not emanating from the masses whose interest is good governance and not the faith professed by the provider of good governance. It is important to note that the call is coming from politicians who feel, that to preserve their personal interests and feather their egoistic nests, the calculations may only be tilted in their favour by injecting malarkey of religious prejudices into the considerations of who becomes the governor in 2015. They have forgotten that the seed they sow today may bloom into destructive fruits tomorrow which their selfish gusto would not be sufficient to contain. Rather than being concerned with how to preserve the legacies that we may be proud of and correct areas of inadequacies bequeathed by imperfections of man, they rather seek to divide the masses by religious sentiments which conflagrations and resultant concatenations of evils will definitely surpass historical records.

    Most unfortunate of it all is the irresponsible suggestions of pandering to these banal prejudices on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The bush radio has relayed efforts being made by some notable party leaders to introduce religious and zonal considerations to the choice of who flags the party’s banner in 2015. Several meetings have been reportedly held where gentle urges have been sold to party leaders on the need for the next governor to be a Christian, and some politicians have been visiting churches in the hope of securing divine endorsement. The brewers of this concoction made the need for a Christian candidate a desideratum to winning the 2015 governorship election by the party. What an irony?

    The masses are not concerned by whatever faith you profess or which zone you actually represent in the geo-political setting of the State before entrusting you with a leadership mandate. Testimonies to this fact abound in the selection of Abiola and Kingibe; a Mualim-Muslim ticket in 1993; Alhaji Lateef Jakande and Alhaji Rafiu Jafojo, a M ticket between 1979 – 1983 in Lagos where there was a large Christian following; Chief Bola Ige/Chief Sunday Afolabi, a Christian-Christian ticket in Oyo State in 1979 – 1983 where Muslims were in preponderance; Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin/Chief Akin Omoboriowo, a Christian-Christian ticket in 1979 – 1983 in Ondo State where there was a fairly sizeable population of Muslims. Edo State has always been governed by Christian governors and deputies since its inception and there has been no agitation for a Muslim governor or traditional worshiper. From the days of John E. K. Odigie Oyegun (1992 – 1993), Lucky Igbinedion (1999 – 2007), Osereimeh Osunbor (2007 – 2011) until Adams Oshiomhole (2011 until date), no whimper has been heard on the need for a Muslim governor as that is not the problem of the masses but rather the need for free and fair election, saner economic policies, sound educational foundation and development, full employment and adequate security, etc.

    In Osun State between 2003 and 2010, the State was ruled by a Christian governor and a Christian deputy. However, there was no agitation by the people for a Muslim governor as the basis upon which people voted in the government of Aregbesola was due to the failure of Olagunsoye Oyinlola/Olusola Obada to improve the socio-economic lives of the people which was effectively challenged by a better and more promising political manifesto displayed by Aregbesola during the electioneering campaign.

    All the governors that have ruled Ekiti State, both in substantive and acting capacities, have all been Christians from Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Chief Tope Ademiluyi, Chief Ayo Fayose, Chief Friday Aderemi, Chief Olusegun Oni to Dr. Kayode Fayemi. Our leaders in APC have not reflected on the fact that we presented a Christian-Christian ticket in Ondo State during the governorship election of 2013, and the basis of the party’s loss has rather been political than religious. Christian governors, for instance, have ruled Ondo State ever since its democratic inception and there have been no hues and cries by the people for a Muslim governor. Starting from Sir Michael Adekunle Ajasin, Bamidele Olumilua, Adebayo Adefarati, Olusegun Agagu to Olusegun Mimiko, our people in Ondo State have never considered religion as a determinant factor in electing a governor.

    Until the election of Ibikunle Amosun in 2011, no M was elected governor in Ogun State. From the time of Olabisi Onabanjo (1979- 1983), Olusegun Osoba (1992 – 1993), Olusegun Osoba (1999 – 2003), Gbenga Daniel (2003 – 2011), our people have never clamoured for religious consideration in effecting change of baton. Now, in Lagos, our political leaders are advertising religious sentiments in order to ensure their relevance in politics and continuous determination of who emerges as governor. Who told them there is no need for internal democracy as to allot the governorship slot to a religious faith of their own choice and wild imagination? Would it not smirk of hypocrisy when we criticize other people and parties of lacking in democratic tenets only for us to be found wanting of same?

    It is desirable for us to come clean so as not to befuddle the political vision of the younger generations who listen and watch us with intense passion. Once we sow seeds of religious crisis by imposing religious affiliation as a political requirement, we cannot predict the extent such would go. Is it not best to have a leader who will honestly serve the people rather than one who will serve only his religion with activities and policies pointing in a godless direction? Is it not best to have a governor who would sharpen our education and increase our economic integrity than having a governor who would deplete our treasury on religious patronage by purchasing private jets for pastors and imams?

    Lagosians must wake up at this stage and reject this ungodly virtue of religious patronage that seeks to submerge all principles of good governance under pseudo-spiritual nuances. The agitation for a governor of a particular faith is a saddening and remarkable indication of small intellect growing smaller. It is a descent into the Paleolithic Africa in which only spiritual solutions were sought to non-spiritual but purely politico-economic challenges. What has Christianity or Islam got to do with the primary selection of a governorship candidate on the platform of a political party that claims credentials in civilization and transformation capabilities to make Nigeria a desirable part of mother earth? Is it not infantile and primitive for us to be entertaining such sentiments and mentalities in this age and time? Let us engage in qualitative thinking please.

     

    •Akinsiju writes from Lagos

     

     

     

  • ‘I’ll not step down for Akpabio’

    ‘I’ll not step down for Akpabio’

    Senator Alloysius Etok (Akwa-Ibom North) has vowed not to step down for Governor Godswill Akpabio at the senatorial primaries. The governor has declared his interest in the seat.

    The senator said that he would defeat the governor in a free and fair election.

    Etok described himself as an achiever, recalling that he championed the elevation of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan to the position of the Acting President as a member of the National Interest Group in the Senate during the political crisis.

    He alleged that the governor did not support the elevation.

    Etok also said that he incurred the governor’s wrath because he refused to allow his senatorial seat to become an annex or department in the governor’s office.

    He stressed: “I have refused to make my senatorial seat an annex, department or unit of his office so that I can be bowing or taking orders and permission from him on what to say or not to say on the floor of the Senate.”

    Etok, who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service, also denied that Akpabio made him a senator.

    He said: “He was a governorship candidate and he couldn’t have made me a senator. Throughout the period the primary was conducted and I won, he was not there. He was in Port Harcourt. “

    Etok alleged that the governor wanted to erect obstacles for him so that he can become a senator.

    He added: “He wants to bring me down. He wants to rubbish me and paint me as not electable”

    On the allegation by the governor that he has failed as a senator, Etok said: “ I have attracted enormous projects to my senatorial district and the entire state.”

  • ‘Military ruined Nigeria’

    ‘Military ruined Nigeria’

    Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio has blamed past military rulers for retarding the growth of the country.

    The governor, who spoke with reporters in Abuja during the centenary celebrations, said that military rule was an albatross.

    He said: “If we had democracy all along without military intervention in the country, we would have been better. We have achieved a lot in the last 14 years than we did in 35 years of the military rule. Now, we have the opportunity to build. We should look forward to the next 50 to 100 years”.

    Akpabio said that ethnic, lingual and religious differences should form part of the country’s strength as a nation with multi-diversity.

    He added: “We should learn from Egypt and the Nile River. People from all over the world came together and lived there because the land was fertile and the first civilization in the world was born from there. So, Nigeria, in spite of our large size and differences, we have come together, we can make it work”.

    Akpabio urged Nigerians to be hopeful about the future. “We should look forward to the next 50 He said: “ We must go back to the basics. We must love one another. Every Nigerian must feel free in any part of this nation. We must de-emphasise tribe and religion, emphasise our ‘Nigerianness’ and give everybody equal opportunity. We should promote our ‘Nigerianess’ and give everybody equal opportunity from 2014.”

    On the exclusion of Akwa Ibom State from the Nigerian centenary celebration, the governor explained that Nigeria’s existence for 100 should be basis for the celebration and not where the amalgamation figurines are situated.

  • Southwest’s first eleven for national conference

    Southwest’s first eleven for national conference

    The Southwest geo-political zone is sending its first eleven to the proposed national conference to raise the ‘national question’ and pursue an agenda that may lead to the restoration of true federalism. Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU reports.

    The stage is set for the national conference. The fear of boycott by the Southwest region has also fizzled out. When President Goodluck unfolded plans for the dialogue on October 1, last year, critics dismissed it as a decoy. The mood of the opposition could not accommodate the proposal. The feeling was that the five states controlled by the All Progressives Congress (APC) would shun the exercise. The President had pre-emptied the governors, saying that he would nominate delegates on their behalf. But, the game changed when Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi announced that the five states will nominate delegates to the conference.

    The conference is taking place at a time many commentators believe that disintegration can still be averted, if serious efforts are made to debate the problems tearing apart the fabric of the heterogeneous Nigerian society. Some years ago, a foreign agency warned that the country may be finally liquidated next year, if it fails to resolve its challenges of development. The component units are complaining about lack of equity, fairness and justice. The odds weigh heavily against a country trembling under the scourge of terrorism, inept leadership, infrastructural decay, power outage, corruption and electoral fraud.

    The quality of delegates from the politically sophisticated zone underscores the readiness of the region to re-negotiate the basis for peaceful co-existence. The delegates from the Southwest are elder statesmen from many walks of life. They are also foremost advocates of Sovereign National Conference (SNC). They have also led the way in raising the national question. In their view, the resolution of the fundamental question is critical to the survival of the divided country.

    Historically, the agitation for an SNC started in Yorubaland in the late eighties. It only gained momentum during the dark days of the military regime when the historic presidential election won by the late Chief Moshood Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) was criminally annulled by former military President Ibrahim Babangida. Lagos lawyer Chief Alao Aka-Bashorun , who championed the agitation for national conference, explained that the future of the country was bleak, unless the people resolve to live together, based on agreed terms. He recalled that other countries, including France and Republic of Benin, had held similar conferences successfully and moved forward.

    Also, the slain Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Chief Bola Ige, advocated for a “national family meeting” to discuss the problems of Nigeria. “Do we still want to live together as a country?”, he asked. Ige said, if the answer is yes, under what terms? Instructively, the military rulers suppressed the popular agitations. However, there was no reprieve for the beleaguered country. The transition restored civil rule. But, as the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) National Secretary, Ayo Opadokun, recalled, democracy was still a tall order. Explaining the crisis of leadership, he said: “The crop of rulers that succeeded the military interlopers were military confederates, apologists and lackeys”.

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo set up the National Political Reforms Conference in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in 2005. The conference collapsed on the altar of the third term. What was paramount to the former Commander-In-Chief was unconstitutional self-succession triggered by covetousness and kleptocracy, instead of the promotion of national interest. Although the conference managed to come up with lucid recommendations, the report was dumped into the dustbin.

    This year’s conference may be unique. Judging by the antecedents of the delegates from the Southwest, there will be a serious deliberation in Abuja. Moments of tension are also expected. Two issues have generated discord and bitterness in the far-flung nation state. There are the distribution of national revenue and sharing of political power. Already, the various competing zones have their agenda. The agenda of the Southwest, Southeast and Southsouth and Middle Belt may clash with the agenda of the core North. But, the resolution of the differences may shape the future of Nigeria.

    Confronted by a collective threat, Southwest leaders put their political differences aside and closed ranks to fashion out a single agenda. It was evident at recent ‘Grand Yoruba Summit’ held at Ibadan, the political headquarter of the region, that the antagonistic camps in Yoruba land have the fear of the future under the fragile federation. Sir Olaniwun Ajayi and Senator Olabiyi Durojaye attributed the problems of nation-building to the mistake of 1914. They belong to different factions of the Afenifere. Former Secretary to Federal Military Government Chief Olu Falae and Chief Olusegun Osoba, who belong to different parties, closed ranks and robbed minds. The agenda, said Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi, is the Southwest’s arsenal at the conference.

    The 15-point agenda are: the review structure of federalism, restoration of regionalism, re-introduction of parliamentary system, fiscal federalism and resource control, state police, constitutional court, zonal electoral commissions, and referendum. Others are structure of the FCT, status of Lagos, federal appointments and equity, limited immunity for President, Vice President, governors and their deputies, pensions, Central Union Government and Traditional Rulers Council at state level. Critics have pointed out that not all the proposals are feasible. But, they represent the ideas of a region for moving the country forward.

    If the Federal Government has planned a jamboree, the irredentists from the Southwest will have none of that. They are eminent Nigerians who cannot be bought by money. In the past, they have spoke the truth to power. It is noteworthy that the Conference Vice Chairman and former Foreign Affairs Minister, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, is a staunch advocate of national conference. But, he believes in national unity. ‘From Ekiti State are eminent delegates, including the octogenarian technocrat and community leader, Chief Deji Fasuan, former Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University Prof. Akin Oyebode, and fearless Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese Rev. Felix Ajakaye. They hold strong views about the national question. For example, the legal scholar, Oyebode, has always insisted that there is nothing that is not negotiable in Nigeria, including its unity. He has also criticised the lopsided federal structure, saying that it is a unitary edifice.

    The credential of Osun State delegates are also intimidating. On the list is Lt-Gen. Alani Akinrinade, former Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Defense Staff and minister. He is the convener of the Yoruba General Assembly. He is also the Vice Chairman of the Yoruba Agenda Committee. Akinrinade’s strength lies in his powers of ideas, courage and unblemished personality. He has a reputation for pursuing a worthy cause. The retired General fought for democracy along with compatriots in the NADECO. He is unhappy that the struggle did not bear good fruits. “Nigeria has remained the same and bad leadership is the main problem”, he protested. Akinrinade holds a similar view with Oyebode on the unity of Nigeria. “The unity of Nigeria is negotiable”, he said. He also favours devolution of power, decentralisation of the police structure and fiscal federalism.

    Other delegates from Osun State are former House of Assembly Speaker Prof. Mojeed Alabi, former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defense Mr. Femi Akande, former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Chief Gbadegesin Adedeji, and Director-General, Development Agenda for Western Nigeria Commission (DAWN) Mr. Dipo Famakinwa.

    Ogun State delegates are Sir Ajayi, who moved the motion for the adoption of the ‘Yoruba Agenda’ at Ibadan, Senator Iyabo Anisulowo, Senator Biyi Durojaye, the activist-cleric and convener, Save Nigeria Group (SNG), Pastor Tunde Bakare, lawyer and politician Chief Bisi Adegbuyi, former Managing Director of Guarantee Trust Bank Fola Adeola, Prof. Titi Filani and the Olu of Ilaro and Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle.

    The NADECO chieftain, Ajayi, an associate of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, aligned with the view that the 1914 amalgamation was a mistake. “ We are going there (conference), God be our helper, to correct the serious error committed by the British when they were here”, said the former Western Nigeria’s Commissioner for Education. Echoing him, Adegbuyi, the Asiwaju of Ode-Remo and pro-national conference crusader, said that the conference would provide another opportunity to look at Nigeria in its defective form and discuss those issues that are germane to its continuity and survival. Resource control is a burning issue and I also believe that it is not wrong if there are provisions in the federal constitution that makes component units to opt out, if the terms are not agreeable”, he said.

    Lagos State delegates are led by the former Federal Commissioner for Works and Housing, Alhaji Femi Okunnu (SAN). He was a member of the 2015 conference. In his team are former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Supo Sasore (SAN), who has criticised the flawed formula for distributing the national wealth in the past, Prof. Tunde Samuel, Chief Rabiu Oluwa, and Mrs. Oshinnowo Basorun.

     

     

  • ‘APC needs reconciliation in Gombe’

    ‘APC needs reconciliation in Gombe’

    Hon. Khamisu Mailantariki represents Gombe/Kwami/ Funakaye Constituency in the House of Representatives. The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain spoke with reporters in Abuja the party’ prospects in the next general elections. Excerpts:

    What are the challenges confronting the APC in Gombe State?

    The APC is on course. But, there are some challenges. You are aware that former Governor Danjuma Goje has joined us. We gave him all the support because we built this party from the CPC/ ANPP/ACN merger. The senator was the governor of Gombe State and it is on the record that we fought him tirelessly. We faced a lot of challenges to defeat him as a sitting governor to have the seats that we have in the House of Assembly and the National Assembly. We have three members of the State House of Assembly. We are all from Gombe North. Goje did all he could using his power as a governor and his wealth to frustrate us. Considering the situation he found himself in the PDP, we thought we are giving him a rescue, a home where he can come to. But, it is clear that he has not come to build this party, but to take revenge of the defeat that he got in 2011, which of course, our followers will never accept. They are all crying.

    We all supported him to be our leader. But, he is not uniting us. We made sacrifices for the APC, but, we are not getting anything. For example, I sponsored the CPC from the day I joined in 2010 till date. I paid for all the offices. During council elections, I bought forms for all our contestants across the state. I printed posters for all of them with their councilors across. I gave them financial support, branded vehicles for campaigning. I provided 26 motorised boreholes that cost me N7 million each, solar streetlights, scholarship. I gave out more than 300 motorcycles, 40 cars for youth empowerment programme, fertilizers to farmers, food items to people annually. More than 70 people got capital to to start business. More than 25,000 constituents benefited from me directly, but none of these achievements were acknowledged by Goje.

    At the grassroots, Goje does not have followers. All the people that were following him in the PDP still remain in PDP. They are still loyal to the PDP government. The only people on ground now are our supporters that are known to be in the opposition for over a decade. So, they are still supporting us and, because of the love they have for the APC, they remain in the party.

    Can you prove these allegations?

    These things started from the beginning. He constituted the Interim Management Committee. He took four out of five seats that were supposed to be shared among the legacy parties. We started complaining and, thank God, the NEC came to our rescue. They said it should be reviewed. But he connived with other members of the National Interim Management Committee, especially the Vice Chairman, Northeast. They didn’t review the Gombe situation. They have done that of Adamawa. Then, the idea of constituting interim committees at the local government level has created crisis. Our former foes are now our leaders.

    But Goje is the APC leader in Gombe State…

    Yes, we supported him to become the leader. We have no problem with him leading us, if he is going to lead us well. But, with his kind of leadership, I don’t think any of us or our supporters is comfortable. In fact, that is the main challenge we have in Gombe State. Many political stakeholders, our elders, responsible leaders; none of them want to associate with the APC simply because of Goje’s presence. His style of leadership is dictatorial. He picks, selects peopl,e irrespective of their capabilities.

    How prepared is the Gombe APC for the challenge of 2015 elections?

    We are concerned. We want the national leadership of the party to identify these problems and resolve them as early as possible because we are the opposition in Gombe. We have the whole followership and our people are now crying because of the manners in which Goje is handling the situation, especially the exclusion of members of the legacy parties. But, we still have hope, if the leadership can do something quickly.

    What are your expectations?

    There were four things that happened. The Interim Management Committee was wrongly constituted. The leadership intervened and directed that it should be reviewed. But, it was not reviewed. That is where the problem started. Secondly, the illegal constitution of the Local Government Interim Management Committee has created problem. The national leadership of the party will have to do something about it. Then, the constitution of the State Registration Committee, which was supposed to be made up of representatives of the three legacy parties, was not proper. The legacy parties were excluded. We complained. We even wrote on the best way to go about it. That is why when they went to Gombe, they couldn’t see enough members to register. We are still calling on the national leadership to look at this issue nd do something about it before our proposed congresses. But despite the exclusion and the problems, our people have registered and they are waiting for free and fair congresses.

    Is reconciliation possible in Gombe APC?

    Goje is our leader. But, he should accommodate all of us. He should always follow the rules and regulations of the party. We need reconciliation in Gombe APC. We are desirous of an amicable resolution of this crisis. I have no problem working with Goje. Our request is that he should build the party.

     

  • Youth NGOs to launch Thumb It Right campaign

    Youths are to be mobilised to observe the Permanent Voters Card distribution and the Continous Voters Registration  in Ekiti and Osun states ahead of the elections in the states this year.

    The mobilization is to be done by three NGOs, Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth and Advancement(YIAGA), Youth Alliance on Constitution and Electoral Reform(YACORE) and  Partners for Electoral Reforms(PER) in conjunction with the  United Nations Development Program.

    The exercise is meant to educate citizens,’ especially young people on their right to register during the continuous voters’ registration process and vote during the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti & Osun states this year and the 2015 general elections.

    It will also develop the capacity of youth CSOs in the South West on practical approaches for monitoring the distribution of the permanent voters card (PVC) and the continuous voters registration (CVR) in Ekiti and Osun states.

    The CSOs will deploy offline and online tools to undertake this initiative which is predicated on the outcomes of the National Youth Conference on the Roadmap to the 2015 elections hosted by YIAGA, YACORE & UNDP/DGD in January 2014.

    INEC is statutorily mandated under the 1999 constitution and 2010 Electoral Act to conduct voter and civic education but due to Nigeria’s huge population and the election budget the commission has not been able to sufficiently perform this task.

    It was reported in 2011 based on official election results released by INEC during the elections that over one million votes were rejected as invalid ballot in the Presidential election.

    Similarly, 16,988 votes out of 442,242 votes cast were declared invalid in the recent Anambra governorship election. It was also reported by INEC that the Anambra election recorded an abysmal 26.3% voter turnout signaling voter apathy.

    The PVC exercise will commence in Ekiti and Osun States on the 7th -9th of March while the CVR start from the 12th -19th of March. Participants are expected to contribute their own quota to democracy by sensitising citizens on the advantages of active participation in the electoral process.

    At the end of this exercise, YACORE, YIAGA and PER is expected to have mobolized 10 000 youth voters to register and vote rightly.