The Nation Newspaper

Category: Politics

  • ‘Insecurity ‘ll persist without state police’

    ‘Insecurity ‘ll persist without state police’

    Hon. Abayomi Ogunnusi is the Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Finance and sponsor of the bill on state and community police. The legislator from Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency spoke with VICTOR OLUWASEGUN on national security and other issues.

    You are the sponsor of the bill on the state and community policing. What is your motive?

    The bill, if you look at the title, speaks for itself. The title reads: “A bill for an act to alter the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to provide for the establishment of state police and to ensure effective community policing in Nigeria.” So, it is obvious that the intent of the bill is for effective security at the state and local government levels. The security situation in the country is at an all time low. There are escalating incidents of robbery, kidnapping, terrorism, militancy and many other vices that a centralised police system has not been able to stem. The way forward is the establishment of state and community policing. The purpose of having lawmakers at the parliament is to represent the interest of the people. For me, the security of the people I represent and, by extension, the generality of Nigerians, is paramount. Hence, the bill is seeking to alter the necessary sections of the constitution to allow for the establishment of state and community police in Nigeria to ensure effective community policing as a modern security strategy.

    Specifically, what sections are being targeted for amendment in the constitution by your bill?

    The bill is seeking to alter the provisions of Section 214 and sections 217, 218 and 219 and sections (d) and (e) and Part Two of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution. The bill seeks to delete the clause that bars the establishment of state police and community security structures in the country.

    We have the neighborhood watch and vigilantes in some states. Is that not what you seek?

    What we seek is something better. What you are referring to exists only in a few states. In 2004, the Federal Government introduced community policing as a security measure. In fact, it was funded by the United Kingdom Department for International Development ( DFID) through the Nigeria Safety and Security, Justice and Growth (SJC) programme. Only six states participated and they were Jigawa, Kano, Benue, Enugu, Ondo and Ogun States. Though the project was a success, it was not effectively institutionalised. There is the need for security structures and powers to be devolved across the tiers of government. That way, it will be effective because it will involve the people and communities. Criminals have families; they live in houses. There is no way a force of just about 350, 000 men will effectively police a nation of over 150 million people. Do the mathematics. What’s the ratio? But state and community policing will resolve the issue of lack of manpower and also provide employment to the teeming youths.

    But, critics have said that the concept cannot work. What is your view?

    Change is difficult for some people. The only thing that is permanent is change. Why would the concept not work? This is probably the only country in the world that operates a federal structure and uses a unitary police system. And where has that taken us? We are all aware of what happened in Rivers State recently when Senator Magnus Abe was shot because the Presidency was not comfortable with the rally held by the opposition party. The kind of impunity being shown by the police in Rivers State, with the backing of President Goodluck Jonathan, shows that it is time that state and community policing is established by constitutional means. The centralised system of policing is being abused and used as a vendetta against perceived political foes.

    Would the change in the policing system not lead to the disorientation of the security system?

    We are living in a dynamic society and you can’t get a different result when you do things the same way. We will get over whatever challenges there may be. In terms of security, there must be a paradigm shift in the way we think. Obviously, the merits of running state and community policing far outweighs what may be considered as the demerits or what we have now. Those opposing it have not advanced superior arguments on why state police and community policing should not come to stay. Running a centralised police force is no longer feasible or effective. We must come to terms with that. It is evident for everyone to see. The police force is stretched and are often times clueless as to how to deal with the increasingly sophisticatesd criminal organisations. On the flip side, many people are supporting the concept. This is because they have seen the immense benefit that would bring peace and security to all the states should it be created. In a true federation, the state police would be an option of choice and all federating states would participate in the maintenance of peace as opposed to a centralised system that has woefully failed to address the ever increasing need for a secured society.

    The Federal Government is underfunding the centralised policing system. Can the state fund the state police effectively?

    From the onset, the funding of the police has always been a joint effort between the Federal Government and the state governments. No state would want to be overrun by criminal elements. Hence, you find the states providing support, in terms of vehicles, communication equipment, accommodation and finances in order to have effective security in their states. Of course, funds would be provided by the states because they know that peace and security will lead to economic growth.

    Can state poliec be insulated from corruption?

    Problems can only arise with corrupt political regimes that would want the state police force to harass, intimidate and commit crimes against political opponents. For instance, in Rivers State, the police is being used to undermine the authority of the governor and create insecurity in the state. Challenges of corruption can only creep in due to, among other factors, poor oversight or accountability from the political regime appointing the police, which could lead to poor organisation, corruption and chaos in dealing with crime. There must be checks against bribery.

    In some countries, there are no minimum standards or requirements to becoming a police officer other than political favour or connections. The lack of effective supervision and oversight, poor selection criteria and political favoritism lcan lead to criminal enterprises within the police. One is also not ignorant of the fact that training may be limited, usually performed through “on the job” training and mentorship by veteran officers perpetuating corrupt practices. We should not also pretend that there won’t be the challenge of career advancement that may be based on political connections, instead of meritorious performance and service to the community.

    Having identified these challenges, it goes to show that half the solution has been provided. To completely eliminate these problems that may turn state police to exactly what we have presently, any serious-minded state must be ready and willing to massively invest in its police infrastructure, in form of offices and accommodation, security equipment, communication gadgets, security vehicles in form of patrol vans, and Armoured Personnel Cars (APC). On the other hand, the training, welfare, emoluments and other motivating packages of the personnel must not be handled with levity. It is only when these are taken care of that the best and maximum benefits of state police can be derived. If not, political interference and favoritism will infect the highest ranks of the state police, thereby jeopardizsing its independence and plunging its leadership into unnecessary political battles.

    Do you think that the bikll will be nationally accepted?

    I strongly believe that the national appeal for state and community policing is on the rise and its total acceptance is just a matter of time. Nigerians are becoming well informed of its benefits. Already, former President Ibrahim Babangida, Governor Babatunde Fashola, Rotimi Amaechi and Kayode Fayemi are unequivocal in their support for it. A host of other people, including the former Director-General of the defunct National Security Organisation (NSO), Alhaji Umar Shinkafi, have also spoken in support of it. I believe their support is anchored on the recognition of the key element of state and community policing that place emphasis on crime prevention.

  • Membership drive excites APC leaders

    Membership drive excites APC leaders

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) membership registration ended yesterday. Assistant Editor LEKE SALAUDEEN reports that the exercise was free, fair and transparent

    The nationwide membership registration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been hailed as a good beginning for the party, given the large turn-out of its faithful across the country.

    The one week exercise, which took off simultaneously in all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), experienced some teething problems on the first day. There was late arrival of materials and officials in some states. But these were promptly addressed by the co-ordinators. The exercise went on smoothly in subsequent days.

    To a public affairs analyst, Bernard Briggs, such hiccups cannot be ruled out in such a nationwide exercise. He observed that it was on the maiden day that the registration started late in some states due to logistics problem.

    Briggs observed: “The exercise was orderly, smooth, transparent and peaceful. APC deserves commendation for this novel idea. No political party in this country has ever achieved such a feat. The turnout of party members is a proof that APC is a national party. The beauty of the exercise was that there was no report of hijacking or snatching of registration materials.

    “The registration was simple, open and transparent. Those eligible for registration went to the polling units where they were registered as members of the party, with two passport photographs. It took maximum of five minutes to get registered,” he said.

    An 80-year old woman, Mrs Funke Oloruntoba who registered at Ward D Ifako/Ijaiye Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, was surprised when she was given the counterfoil of her registration form which she will use to collect her card later, within five minutes. The octogenarian, who was supported by her grandson, Tunde, praised the party’s leaders for making the exercise stress-free. What excited her most was that the party hired the services of a photographer to take pictures of those that do not have passport photographs, at no cost to the propective members. “It was an incentive that encouraged people like me to come out to register”, she remarked.

    In some units, excited party members besieged the registration centre as early as 8a.m. for the exercise that was to commence at 9a.m. A chieftain of the party, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, could not hide his joy. He described APC as a conglomeration of all that is Nigeria. He said: “We (members) have registered our acceptability of APC throughout Nigeria. We have put down the party’s popularity in black and white. We have formalised our membership.

    Baraje noted that “since many of us defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to APC, the gale of people coming from different parties — not only from the PDP — has been tremendous, wonderful, magical and unstoppable. The individuals coming to APC are not only team players, but are also leaders who have the highest number of people in their domains. As far as I am concerned, by the grace of God, it is already a bye-gone decision by Nigerians that APC would emerge victorious in 2015.”

    Senator Magnus Abe, representing Rivers Southeast, sees the registration exercise as an opportunity for Rivers State residents to solidify the battle against oppression, intimidation and police brutality.

    Abe said “it was a golden opportunity for us to arm ourselves with the APC card, which would enable us effectively defend, protect and secure our resources from internal and external aggression.”

    According to him, “recent events have shown that APC is ready to reward hard work and dedication, unlike the PDP.

    The party leadership had during the membership drive, particularly when it was wooing the former PDP governors and their leaders, promised to create a level playing ground for all and assured that there would be no founder and no joiner. The registration has created equal opportunity for every member to formalise his membership.

    The fear that members who defected from the PDP, after the registration of the APC by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would be treated as late entrants or joiners has been laid to rest. For instance, Adamawa State Governor, Murtala Nyako and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who joined APC a fortnight ago, registered in their various wards.

    The likes of Governors Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers) and AbduFattah Ahmed (Kwara), have formalised their membership of APC through the registration exercise.

    The national chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, has promised to bring them back to the party. But as Nyako has noted, the registration of the former PDP members as APC members has put a stop to speculations of their returning to the ruling party. By the virtue of this exercise, all those who registered are foundation members.

    Youth activist Hakeem AbdulRahaman said the APC has proved through the registration of its members that it is a party that will not discriminate against members and will always create equal opportunities for all, no matter their status.

    AbdulRahaman recalled how the PDP discriminated against some of its members by denying them the opportunity to update their membership in the build-up to 2007 general elections. He recalled that people like Atiku were frustrated and forced out of the party. He advised the leadership of the party to remain united, allow internal democracy to reign in decision making and to carry members along in all its activities.

    Party chieftains led by example as many of them appeared physically at the registration centres to formalise their membership. Former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu described registration by proxy as rigging. Tinubu said APC would never condone rigging in whatever form. Physical appearance before registration officials, he said, is essential. Thus, it was not surprising seeing at the registration centres leaders who could have directed the officials to their posh apartments. Tinubu registered in his ward at Ikeja on the firt day of the registration. The interim National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, was in his country home Ila-Orangun to register. Other leaders of the party like Chief Olusegun Osoba, Governors Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun State), Senator Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Kazeem Shettima (Borno) and many others took time out to register at their wards.

    Fashola said the drive by the APC to register its members was part of efforts to rescue the country from difficult challenges of poor management. APC, he said, is an association that welcomes new members. He added that people are free to come and join, particularly those who believe in what the party stands for, which is to save Nigeria from its current difficult challenges and poor management. He said the exercise was tailored towards consummating the initial contacts and meetings that heralded the formation of the party.

    The governor said the registration was a process of identifying our members; the drive to deliver what is clearly the biggest political movement in our quest to give birth to a new Nigeria. All those who are concerned about our country will find a vehicle of expression in APC, he stated.

    The interim Chairman of the APC in Katsina State, Alhaji Ahmad Dangiwa, described the exercise as an antidote to bad governance in the country and reiterated that the mega party would save the country from the mismanagement of the past 15 years.

    He said: “The exercise would save the country from poor management of its human and natural resources by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). It was high time the nation’s electorate rescued the country from difficult challenges of poor management by voting wisely.”

    The APC chieftain urged Nigerians to do what it takes to establish good leadership in the country and added that if the citizens followed election process and participated in them, they would be in a good position to save Nigeria from poor management.

    Reflecting on the success of the registration exercise, presidential candidate of the defunct ACN, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu said it was a sign of good things to come when APC assumed power at the centre in 2015. Ribadu said the success of the registration is a reflection of how meticulous the APC is in planning and execution.

    Ribadu however urged the party to consolidate the goodwill and popularity it enjoys at the grassroots by ensuring unity of its leaders and other key stakeholders, stressing that the party’s success depends on the unity of stakeholders at all levels.

    According to him, “the popular saying, united we stand, divided we fall, is very true. If we want to accomplish our mission, we must work sincerely as a team. We must not allow any crack that our detractors can leverage on.”

    Ribadu therefore charged leaders of the APC to put the interest of the party and Nigeria first before individual aspirations and interests, if the party was to make progress. “At this time, the party is still at formative stage. What is expected of all of us is to come together and take this party to a higher level. Aspirations are legitimate in politics, but we should not allow the party and Nigeria to suffer because of our individual interests.”

    He noted that APC is a party with divergent views and with eminent citizens as members, which has grown beyond individuals to a truly democratic party where decisions are taken with the involvement of all stakeholders.

    On Nigerians’ expectations on the party, Ribadu noted that APC will ensure investment in critical sectors of the socio-economy. He noted that what is seen in states governed by the party would be replicated at the centre come 2015, if it is given the mandate.

    Observers believe there are lessons for the INEC to learn from the APC registration exercise. For instance, Briggs said the success of the party’s membership registration has proved that the electoral commission with abundant resources can produce a credible voters’ register with proper planning. The manual registration carried out by APC, he said, was cost effective and was executed with despatch, unlike the INEC that spent billions of naira on importation of voters’ registration machines, which at the end of the day failed to produce credible voters register.

    Briggs said with the membership registration, APC now has a database of all its members, who constitute part of the registered voters in any national election. According to him, the party can plan, project and predict its performance in any given election.

    He advised the party not to stop its membership drive, adding that the registration should be a continuous exercise.

    “The next line of action after the registration is to reconcile all the records and ensure that those who want to join the party were not left out,” he added.

  • ‘Why insecurity persists in North’

    ‘Why insecurity persists in North’

    Human rights activist Sa’id Usman is the National Deputy Coordinator of the Northern Youth Development Forum (NYDF). He spoke with Austine Tsenzughul in Bauchi on the activities of the group, insecurity in the region and 2015 polls.

    Why is the North under-developed, unlike the South, despite the judicious allocation of resources to the region from the Federation Account?

    To start with, the moral standard of our people, as experienced in the 1960s to early 1990s, is no longer there. The quality of secondary school education our current leaders got in the 60s, 70s and up to 90s has been thrown away. Our health facilities are better imagined, the roads are death traps from the South to the North or from the East to the West. In those old good days, you had the responsibility to correct your neighbour’s child or ward, if he committed a wrong, and nobody complained. But, it is not so these days. You dare not reprimand your neighbour’s son or daughter, if they go wrong. We were our brothers’ keepers, but is it like that today.

    True justice was always meted out to offenders by either the law courts or court constituted by elders at home, and their judgments were upheld by the parties involved. There was what we called social justice too. Your neighbour had the right to watch over your house while you were away on a journey.

    Why is politics now a do-or-die affair in the region?

    There were political parties and there were politicians too. But politics was certainly not a do-or-die affairs. Yes, there were fights occasioned by irresponsible ,who practiced their trade on tribal sentiments. But, politics in the sixties and eighties and early nineties, except in the election of the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, which was practiced basically on regional basis, but it was peaceful, as there were hardly intra or inter-party fights that spilt blood. The practice of politics was essentially along the North, South and Western and East divide. This, of course, was the same during the Shehu Shagari’s time. We witnessed that in the Western Nigeria, Middle-belt, and some areas in the North too. But, with time and sensitisation and understanding, the fights stopped. We noticed what I call ‘’de-tribalised partisan politics in the case of June 12, 1993, when Chief Abiola, a Yoruba man, won in the freest election in Nigeria. Politics was so many things to many politicians. To some, it is an instrument for societal development. To others, it is for individuals to amass primitive wealth or steal from our treasury and build a personal kingdom as it is being done today.

    What is the solution to the insecurity in the North?

    It is true that Boko Haram, a devious creation by few selfish and unpatriotic Northerners, businessmen and politicians in the Northeastern, Nigeria have created unwarranted insecurity in the North and its unwholesome activities have collapsed our socio-economic activities and driven investors away. No new investors are coming and we are getting poorer. Boko Haram activities have more profound negative effects in the Northeast because there is virtually nothing that is functioning. People in the area hardly sleep with their two eyes closed; neither do they move about freely. Boko Haram has literally imprisoned us. As we talk to you now, even going to pray either in the Mosque or Church is dangerous; people cannot even worship their God freely.

    Farming has stopped, as the sect members even hunt their victims on their farms. Business centres, markets, residential houses, hospitals, churches, mosques, recreational places, the airport and schools have been bombed and these places are still targets for bombing. Motor parks, railway stations, schools, airports, and state houses of assembly have been deserted due to insecurity. We succumb to the fact that our youths are involved in all this inhuman acts, but against their collective wishes. The youths have been used as mere canon folders by these politicians, through some religious leaders, who have succeeded in imparting negative teachings in them in the name of Islam. I know for certain and I can assure you that, Islam and Christian teach and preach love for your fellow human being and, if you love your fellow man, you will not fight or kill him because you are wealthier or stronger than him. Instead, you share what you have with him.

    What has NYDF done in this regard?

    Initially, we had no choice but to watch hopelessly while the destruction took place. Later, the shock wore off and we mounted pressure on our elders to put a stop to the carnage because youths, women and children were being wasted. So, we began with pressures on our elders, parents and the state governments. We also mounted various campaigns to educate and enlighten our youths on what was happening. Youths who are supposed to be leaders of tomorrow were being terminated irrationally. This campaign led to the federal government’s positive response, but not until Nigeria started getting a very negative status in the comity of nations.

    The insecurity has brought untold hardship to all of us, irrespective of where you come from in Nigeria. Southerners and Northerners have been killed, properties worth billions of naira have been wasted; no more investment. Imagine a society without commerce, and you know even trade by barter is a form of commerce and there is no way trade by barter can flourish in a chaotic and dangerous environment.

    What is your view on the rotation of the Presidency?

    The North does not have the monopoly of wisdom. That is why we have the North, South, East and West. The leadership of the country has to rotate so that we can utilise talents from the six regions, have a strong sense of belonging and feel loved and wanted by each other.

    But, we have to put our house in order in the North before we can achieve our aims, aspirations and destiny, which is greatness. There is the need for us to de-emphasise religion, ethnicity and regionalism. These factors only fuel and generate negative and disastrous outcomes. If we achieve our aims, I am sure other countries of the world will bow for Nigeria, look up to Nigeria for leadership and tap from our managerial acumens.

    As the country prepares for 2015 polls, what is your advice to the political class?

    Without Nigeria, there can be no President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President David Mark, the National Assembly, the Niger Delta or the North. There cannot be any Ndi-Igbo. And of course, if these politicians were wasted when they were youths, would they be where they are today? Let us reflect on our past, assess our present, analyse our being and plot our tomorrow. This is our stand, this is our desire.

    The Independence Electoral Commission has released the 2015 General Election Timetable. What is your reaction?

    The time table just released by INEC is a bad omen for the Nigerian democracy. Bad because our politicians want power at all cost and by all means. The presidential and National Assembly elections should have come last and not first. The President can use the instrument of his office to diabolically deal with some governors and other members of his party who cannot deliver their states for him. He can deal with them negatively, he can circumvent the constitution to his advantage, he can use his influence, including the use of security agencies to coarse or even intimidate them, withhold funds to states that opposed to his party in order to cripple them financially, thereby reducing their chances of legitimately winning at the polls. I think the INEC timetable is a lot doctored.

     

     

  • Bamidele begins mobilisation

    Bamidele begins mobilisation

    Ekiti State Labour Party (LP) governorship aspirant Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele has begun mobilisation for the next election. He urged the people to support his push for change.

    The House of Representatives member, who is on tour of the 16 local government, lamented the slow pace of industrialisation in Ekitiland.

    In a statement by his media aide, Mr Taiwo Asubiojo, Bamidle said that the grassroots would be effectively mobilised for the installation of an LP government this year.

    He promised to make industrialisation his priority, stressing that “Ekiti indigenes are not happy that the state does not have one single industry.”

    The aspirants said that industrialisation would boost job creation and improve the living standard of the people.

    Bamidele dismissed reports that the LP is crisis-ridden in the state, saying that there is no crack on the wall.

    He said: “All other smaller political parties in the state have marched to the LP, knowing that, if they defect to the APC, they will not be given enough avenue to actively participate in governance.”

    The aspirant, who expressed optimism about free and fair elections in Ekiti, urged the electoral commission to avoid the pitfall that marred the recent Anambra State governorship poll.

  • APC registration: Lawmaker seeks peaceful exercise

    APC registration: Lawmaker seeks peaceful exercise

    House of Representatives member Hon. Hakeem Muniru has called on members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure a peaceful exercise devoid of rancour and bickering.

    Muniru, who represents Oshodi/Isolo Constituency, told reporters in Lagos that the registration should be seen as a reunion exercise. “This is a family reunion and we should all come together and participate in this exercise, which is a decisive step towards making Nigeria great,” he said.

    The lawmaker called on party members and those willing to join to participate in the exercise which will make them stakeholders in the APC. “This is an exercise that will give everyone a real sense of belonging. I am calling on everybody to register and become members of this great movement towards making Nigeria great,” he said.

    Muniru said, APC leaders have shown that the party’s main aim is to return the nation to its glorious past. “Our leaders have been sacrificing their time, resources and energy to make this great movement a reality because of their love for the development and growth of the country. The time has come for us to complement their efforts at reviving Nigeria and one way of doing that is registering and becoming members of the movement and participate fully in its activities,” Muniru said.

    He said that, with the misrule and misuse of the nation’s resources by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led Federal Government in the last 14 years. The APC has come as the alternative to take Nigeria to the promised land.

    The registration of members ends on February 12, 2014.

     

  • PPA chieftain defects to APC

    PPA chieftain defects to APC

    Former Progressives Peoples Alliance (PPA) National Chairman Chief Sam Nkire has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying that it will take the aggrieved party chieftains to the promised land.

    He told reporters in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the interests of his supporters would be better protected in the new party.

    Nkire urged his supporters to participate in the on-going membership registration in the APC so that they can contest under the platform in the next general elections.

    He also appealed to past PPA governors, deputy governors, commissioners and legislators who had previously left the party to join the APC in their respective states.

     

  • Yari: Zamfara on course

    Yari: Zamfara on course

    Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari will complete his first term in office next year. The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain is seeking a second term. Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines his achievements within the context of his 2015 ambition.

    Then Governor Abdulaziz Yari took over the mantle of leadership in Zamfara State almost three years ago, he promised to reposition the state. At the swearing in ceremony, he promised an all-inclusive government, stressing that governance is a collective enterprise.

    ’’We shall streamline policies and programmes where the need requires to enhance service delivery to the people. At the same time, we shall continue to envelop policies and programmes that will serve the needs and aspiration of our people and improve their livelihood. Our goal is to ensure that citizens of this state live in peace and harmony with one other in an atmosphere of affluence,’’ he said.

    Three years after, the governor said that he has fulfilled his campaign promises. To observers, the governor has brought rapid development to Zamfara within the short time.

    Yari inherited many challenges. One of them was the acute water shortage. To halt the water crisis, especially in Gusau, the state capital, the water corporation was revived. From one million gallons, the supply rose to four million. The Commissioner of Information, Hon. Ibrahim Muhammad, said water shortage has now become a thing of the past in many towns, including Zumril, Talatu Mafara, Bungundu, Nasarawa Burkunu, Danguibi and Dankurmi. Now, the governor has unfolded plans for extend the scheme to 80 towns.

    The health sector is also thriving.The Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital project has been completed. The commissioner for Information, Hon. Ibrahim, said: “This project was initiated by The Aliyu Shinkafi Administration, but could not be completed before the tenure expired. As a result of our determination to provide basic health facilities for the people, we found it very imperative to complete the project, furnish it and staff it.A total of N1.1 billion was spent on the project”.

    The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Aminu Bello, explained that the hospital was commissioned in May last. However, due to logistics problems, operations started on March 18, 2013. The hospital has received recommendation from the Nigerian Medical and Dental Council. Now, the hospital has a dialysis unit. Residents of Zamfara no longer travel to Sokoto, Zaria and Kano for medical attention. But, there were some hurdles to cross. Bello recalled that the lack of consultants slowed down the pace of work. He said that the challenge was overcome when Zamfara indigenes in the Diaspora returned home to work there.

    Shortly after assuming office, Yari set up the Primary Education Assessment Committee. It was headed by Prof. Tukur Adamu. The committee was charged with the responsibility of assessing the state of the primary education in the state. The assessment report revealed the rot in the sector. The challenges included inadequate infrastructure in the schools and dearth of teachers. The governor kicked off the school renovation programme. The administration also set up a centre for the training of teachers at the Zamfara Universal Basic Education Board (ZSUBEB). The centre has 12 classrooms to accommodate 600 teachers at once. It also has two hostels that can accommodate 600 participants. There are two additional duplexes to accommodate the training facilitators. Plans are now underway to construct a workshop and provide equipment for training in scientific programmes.

    The centre has an ICT centre that will accommodate 31 users. It is furnished with state of the art information technology equipment. This is particularly aimed at addressing the challenge of global advances in information technology.

    Also, 43 primary schools have been provided with similar ICT centres to catch the children young and introduce them to information and communication technology. The centre, in collaboration with the Universal Learning Solution, United Kingdom, has conducted a pilot study in “Jolly Phonic training”. Jolly Phonics is a fun and child centred approach to teaching through synthetic phonic. With actions for each letter sounds, the multi-sensory method is very motivating for children and teachers.

    The College of Art and Science, Zamfara, which was a high school, converted into a tertiary institution. It used to be Government Teachers College, Gusau. When Yari noticed that the population of the school was increasing, he built more lecture theatres for students. The secondary schools in the state are being rehabilitated, re-equipped, and renovated to meet the challenges. The schools include Zawuyya Islamiya Schhol, Unity Secondary school, GSS Maru, College of Agriculture Bakura, and Nomadic School, Mabangala.

    Yeri is also fighting the infrastructure battle. He has converted the state into a huge construction site. He said the provision of roads will assist the farmers in transporting their produce to the cities for sale.

    Many of the roads were death traps. Following their construction, indigenes now have better access to markets, schools, hospitals and courts. The roads include the Gusau-Kasuwar Deji road, which was abandoned by the Federal Government for many years, and others in Kaura Nomoda, Zurmi, Birni Magaji and Shinkafi.

    Also, the Kaura Namode – Dauran – Zurmi – Gidan Jaja Road, another 46km road abandoned by the Federal Government, also received attention. Before the road was completed, commuters would spend about three hours to travel on it. The road was commissioned in May, last year by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwa.

    The 71.5km T/Mafara – Rini – Kaya – Lambar – Boko Road contract has been also awarded. The road links five local governments. It has a bridge across a river in Boko village. Yari said that the project will be completed in May.

    Other roads being constructed include the 75.9 km Wanke – Bawa Ganga – Danjibga – Kucion Kalgo – Kingana Bilbis – Kucheri Road linking two local governments, the Magami – Dangulbi – Dankurmi – S/Birni – Bagega – Anka road linking three local governments, the Yandoton Dji – Mada road links another two local governments, the Tsafe Council and Gusau Council roads, which were commissioned during the governor’s first year in office, and the Mayanchi-Anki road.

    Agriculture is the pride of Zamfara State. It is its major economic backbone. Yari has invested in the sector to boost food production and enable the farmers to earn income. On his assumption of office, the governor purchased 21,630 metric tonnes of assorted fertilizer worth N2.4 billion. He distributed them as loans to farmers. A bag was loaned at N1,000 per bag and payable after harvest. This made the grain reserve to rise by 30 percent.

    Poverty alleviation and empowerment programmes are also top priorities. The Zakat used to be done once in a year, but Yari decided to make it twice a year. It used to be between N10,000 and N20,000 per beneficiary. But now, each beneficiary gets N100,000. Each district is entitled to 15 beneficiaries. The district heads are saddled with the responsibility of screening beneficiaries, based on categories and requirements set by the Zakat board. After the district heads have selected, a committee set up by the board goes around the districts to do some further screening.

    The money is a charge levied on every contractor employed by the state. The tax used to be 1 percent of every contract, but Yari increased it to 2 percent to meet the demands of the people. This in addition to a N2m monthly distribution by the government. Some privileged indigenes also have the opportunity to contribute to the empowerment programme.

    There is also the subsidized car and power equipment loans for the people. The state government, in conjunction with local governments, has given out over 3000 cars and power equipment to individuals and local government areas to empower them. The vehicles were given out on subsidised loan at about 40 percent of the original price. The payback period is long and there is no interest. To ensure that the drivers are responsible, the monthly payments are strictly enforced by the threat of repossession.

    The judiciary is also not deprived of funding. The abandoned Zamfara State High Court and Sharia Court have been completed. Same with the Sharia Court.

    The Yari Administration inherited a N42 billion debt. The governor has paid the debt. He has also embarked on many capital projects. According to the Finance Commissioner, Hon. Mu’azu Muh’d Nalado, although Zamfara has financial constraints, prudence is the watchword. “Governor Yari has ensured the blockage of all leakages and got his priorities right. In the budget, we are able to achieve 70 per cent capital expenditure and 30 per cent recurrent expenditure,” said the commissioner.

    The governor’s style has also been hailed by stakeholders. Yari, as the commissioner put it, is a humble administrator driven by service, adding that he is selfless, sincere and he has integrity.

    However, the governor has some regrets. The state is poor. There is no money to fund projects. Also, the enormous resources of Zamfara, including gold, barite, iron ore, pyrite, and serpentine are not being tapped adequately because, according to the law, they belong to the Federal Government.

  • ‘We won’t debate flawed budget’

    ‘We won’t debate flawed budget’

    The House of Representatives has been embroiled in a supremacy battle between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The two parties are making claims and counter-claims about numerical superiority. The Minority Leader and APC Caucus Leader, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, spoke with VICTOR OLUWASEGUN and DELE ANOFI on the claims, the controversy over this year’s budget and other issues.

    Why do you think that the PDP is trying to use the courts to frustrate the APC in its bid to effect a change in the leadership of the House of Representatives?

    I don’t want to cast aspersions on what the court is doing. Apart from being a lawyer, I have to respect the judiciary. But, I just find it very strange that something that is settled in law; that you cannot interfere in operations of another arm of government; the court is not just interfering, but delaying the dispensation of justice. And you know it is said justice delayed is justice denied. The case has been adjourned again until February 14 and the PDP has been known for using the court system but in this instance, I want to give the judge and the court the benefit of doubt so we will continue to tarry.

    What were the issues discussed at the meeting of the APC leadership and governors that met with the lawmakers recently?

    There were a lot of issues on how to move the party forward. But, I do not have to expose them for the other side to counter what we decided. We had a good talk.

    It seems the APC is losing steam in the House because, in the last one week, more members have defected from the APC to the PDP?

    It was actually one or two members. But that is the time they wanted to defect and, like I said, it is the season of defection. Defections are not over yet.

    Which party controls the majority in the House? You reinstated recently that the number of APC lawmaker’s is between 172 and 174. What is the exact number?

    Yes, because the defections are ongoing- people defect today others tomorrow and all that. But I just want people to wait because I believe by the end of this month; all the defections should have been over either way. By the end of this month, we will be able to present the accurate number. It is a season of defection, so we just have to wait until such a time when everything would have been settled.

    The House spokesman has said that, even when the leadership is going to change, none of the presiding officers will be affected. Is this the position of APC and why is it so?

    The change of leadership involves just the parties, whereas changing of the presiding officers involves the whole parties and it also requires two third of the House to change the presiding officers. These are some of the reasons why we do not talk about changing the presiding officers. But more importantly, the presiding officers enjoy the compliment of the entire House across board. So, we do not have problem with that and we are only talking about conforming to our rules, which say that the majority shall produce the majority leadership and the minority shall produce the minority leadership.

    The APC lawmakers stopped the debate on the 2014 budget on the floor. Is this part of your compliance with the directive by the leadership to shut down the budget?

    Let me put it this way. The matter that we raised on the floor, you can call it filibustering; it was not really delay, but was done absolutely on legal grounds. We are ready to meet the PDP on the intellectual turf. The law is very clear on the matter that was raised. The Fiscal Responsibility Act, which we passed, is the most important financial instrument that guides our financial dealings. The budget, as it is, is inchoate. It says that you must attach the budget estimate of corporations listed in the Fiscal Responsibility Act and that has not been done. The summary is by no way an estimate. And, if you look at the rules of the House under Order 12 Rule 97; which says you shall attach the details and this has not been done. So, it’s time we started doing things properly. Some of the members argue that it has always been like that and the Chairman, Appropriation; John Enoh, actually brought this argument on the floor. And I was very surprised because, if something has been done before and it is later found out that it was not right do we perpetuate the illegality. I am sure we will not allow the PDP members to go away with it. This is a fundamental flaw of the budget and we are now saying we are not going to debate the budget. So, we are saying that you should take the budget back and return it properly to us. It is not properly before us and we cannot consider something in a vacuum; where the details of the NNPC, CBN and other 22 other corporations that are listed in the Fiscal Responsibility Act are not there. And, if we were not doing it right, the $10.8 billion that is missing point to the fact that we were not appraised with the details of that budget last year. So, we don’t want that to repeat itself. Yes, we have achieved what we set out to do as a party and it sends a very clear message.

    Last week, during the voting on the constitution amendment, you alleged that the Majority Leader, Hon. Mulikat Akande-Adeola, was voting by proxy (for the Deputy Speaker) and it was later taken as a joke. But we received a statement from you confirming that. What exactly happened? Did you see her voting by proxy?

    Yes, she was voting by proxy, which is not allowed by our rules. And that is why the first thing I said when I stood up was to set the foundation by asking the Speaker, if we are allowed by any law to vote for anybody. And the Speaker said no and I made my case that the majority leader was voting for the deputy speaker and I did not understand why she was doing that. If you realize the deputy speaker was sitting with the speaker, which it should not have been. He is entitled to vote, but somebody else was voting for him, indicating that she knew what she wanted to do. I said it casually, but for me, it carries a lot of implications. Immediately I said that she handed his (Ihedioha’s)card to him where he was sitting. But it is an unchartered territory; it’s new; we never envisage this. Ideally, in other parliaments, perhaps the matter should have been sent to the Ethics and Privileges Committee to look into it and come out with an appropriate report. But, I said it in a jocularly manner and it was corrected and I think that will not happened again.

    What is your take on the refusal of the Senate leadership to allow the 11 PDP senators to defect to the APC?

    Well, the Senate is an independent chamber. But, let me say that you cannot stop anyone from defecting. Politics and associating is part of the constitution. Chapter 4 of the constitution guarantees that and you can associate with anybody. A lot of noise is being made about reading a letter and I don’t know of any law that requires a letter for it to trigger defection. Defection is an end defection of defection and communication can be oral, written or even by conduct in some cases. So, it is wishful thinking for anyone to think that refusal to read a letter would stop defection.

    What is your reaction to the defection of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar from the PDP to the APC?

    Well, we’ve heard this coming from the people who do not wish well for the party. We’ve heard he would tear the party apart from the time that we were forming the party when they said it would work or it won’t work. Strange bed fellows, these are buzz words we hear all the time. Oh no, they would not be registered. Then, they brought fake APC to come and register. A lot of hurdles have been placed our way, people have said this would not work, but, we are where we are today, it worked beyond the imagination of those naysayers.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    So, we are not perturbed. Atiku coming into APC is a plus, it’s not a minus. He has his ambition, everybody has ambition but we will test their strength and find out who is the popular candidate on the field. He’s not coming to destroy the party, he has no such intention. He’s a good and perfect gentleman and we have rules and regulations that guide us as a political institution. I am of the opinion that APC is more than a party, it’s a movement. And one individual, man or woman cannot stop anybody from defecting from one party to the other.

     

    What does the defection portends for the party and the polity in general?

    For me, it is good. Politics is a numbers game whether it is developed or advanced democracy or developing democracy. You cannot wish away Atiku Abubakar in Nigerian politics. People argue that he is a spent force but he is one extra person and he brings a lot to the table. We are happy to have him. One less person in PDP is one more person in APC and whatever way you look at it, he is going to bring in a lot of people.

    The police in Rivers have banned political rallies. The APC’s registration exercise is ongoing. Don’t you think it will affect the party?

    Police placing embargo on political rallies does not affect registration. It is a constitutional right to register; to associate with people. How do you associate with people? You register. So, the police can’t stop that they have no power to do that.

     

  • A vote for continuity in Ekiti

    A vote for continuity in Ekiti

    In this piece, the Coordinator of ‘IKF 2014’ in Baltimore, United States, Adegboyega Dahunsi, justifies the push for continuity in Ekiti State by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    THE Kayode Fayemi Administration can be compared to a Messianic era in the life of Ekiti people and a breeze of change needed in a peculiarly catastrophic atmosphere totally embelished in administrative woes that have befallen the state in the past. Governor Fayemi, unlike several other people that had a diaspora experience, has utilised his encounter with the outside world in a benevolent manner for the progress.

    As a result of his performance, everyone in Ekiti is already clamouring for his second term. I just read on a post by the President of CACOL testifying to the present skyline of Ekiti and his physical encounter with the streets of Ekiti. Here is a man that I believe is not from Ekiti, but just a fair advocate of truth in all the assignments of his NGO. I was even surprised that an entertainer from Lagos, Daddy Shokey, mentioned the same thing about the experience he had in Ekiti. The business mogul, Aliko Dangote said the same. These are people that are not indegenes of Ekiti. Fayemi’s records have been praised by all and sundry. People in the Diaspora all over have joined our movement and I can’t believe within a couple of weeks we launched it in New York, they called me from Europe that they wanted a chapter. All these are due to reports we get when people travel back home and see things themselves. Immediately, we launched the Ekiti State chapter and people are happy about it. Ekiti has seen changes it deserves and there is no going back. We have to move forward.

    The reason is his attitudes towards Ekiti people. A generous,faithful man of the people who does not believe in partisan politics. Fayemi sees Ekiti people as one.He maintains that unity that binds Ekiti together and make the concept EKITI PARAPO (Ekiti united) his focal point. Every Ekiti from all works of life is treated equally under his canopy. He’s open and basically egalitarian. So, there is no apprehension as we believe he will always prevail. Other parties are a mere reflection of fundamental rights and beauty of democracy.Let them bring more parties. We are not intimidated since we all know our benefactor and our future is important to us: a future we can never compromise for a morsel of bread. We are sure Fayemi.

    We are not bothered by the action of anybody! This is politics and we are not even concerned about a mere political gymnastics, which may be due to personal ambition. Opeyemi Bamidele has the right to his ambition. At the end of the day, I believe he too will be eager to come to table with us and contribute his expertise. We will not discriminate.At the end of the day everyone will see the uniqueness of Governor Kayode Fayemi.

    I strongly believe that Governor Fayemi is doing a lot in the area of security. There will not be any bloodshed and the atmosphere will be conducive to achieving our political goals.

    Just like i mentioned ealier we need to roll out some publicity of educative jingles to sensitize our people:The police and law enforcement agencies must be up and doing especially during the election time and some vigilante or security bodies should be set up in other to give useful information of any suspicion anywhere.This may be done in a convert manner so as not to arouse the awareness of any potential evil planner.In any area that proves a bit edgy or stubborn,there is a tendency for the law enforcements to do their job in other to deter other laxity.Human psychology is basically the same all over even in western worlds but the efforts to put things in check is the only thing that makes the difference.Besides all this,we are positively hopeful everything would be free and fair in a circumstance that Governor Kayode Fayemi is overwhelmingly loved all over the state.

     

  • APC: presidency is our target

    APC: presidency is our target

    Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) is targeting five million registered members, its Publicity Secretary, Comrade Joe Igbokwe, has said.

    The human rights activist and politician said that the target is possible, adding that the on-going sensitisation of party followers across the 587 councils will yield the desired result.

    He said: “The race to 2015 has begun. Our target is the presidency. If you have been complaining of bad leadership, this is the time to join the vanguard of change by registering as a member of the APC and be prepared to vote and defend your vote. We are targeting between four and five million registered members in Lagos, out of the 25 million population. It is

    Also, the Lagos State APC Membership Registration Committee (APCMRC) has described the registration as the first step in the party’s journey to future elections, urging party members to gird their loins.

    A member of the committee, Mr. Ayo Afolabi, who spoke with our correspondent on the exercise, said that it has been hitch-free in the state. He said a senatorial committee has been set up by the party to effectively monitor the exercise and respond to the grievances of party members.

    The party chieftain hailed the turnout in the metropolis, saying that it is excellent. He said, the turnout, which was beyond the party’s projection, underscored the readiness of the people for change at the centre next year.

    Afolabi said: “We envisaged that we will have an average of 100 registered members per polling booth. But, we exceeded the projection. It shows that the APC is the party to beat, not only in Lagos State, but also in Nigeria”.

    The politician also pointed out that the exercise has been smooth because the party anticipated many challenges and prepared ahead. He added: “The party made extensive preparations, in terms of logistics, planning, and other arrangements. Also, the national secretariat had envisaged many things that could have created problems. The impediments were removed. The registration is free; you only submit two passport photographs. The challenge here is the population and slow pace by the registration officers at the beginning, which have been surmounted”.

    Afolabi said that Lagos APC would need more registration materials to cope with the soaring number of enthusiastic members. He hailed the atmosphere of peace in Lagos, which he said has been encouraging, stressing that thuggery, violence and disruption were absent.

    Afolabi said that, although the party was targeting two million members, it raised the target to five million when people begun to troop out from the nooks and crannies of the mega city.

    Stressing the importance of the registration, he said: “It is important for the party to know its members, to have their records, to get party members organised for its ward, local government and state congresses and convention.

    He debunked the allegation by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the party disrupted school activities because it used the school premises for the exercise. The party chieftain said that, when Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) registered at a primary school in Surulere, his presence did not disturb the school activities because teachers and students were not aware of it.

    Afolabi spoke on measures to forestall double registration, saying that the registration forms for individuals are coded in relation to their locations. He explained that, since each member will thumb-print after registration, double thumb-printing will not be tolerated by the computer. He said: “Double registration is nullified when the registration is codified”.

    The party chieftain said that the registration is a continuous exercise, adding that, after the expiration of the first phase, there will be opportunities for those who are not part of the phase to register at the secretariat.

    Igbokwe, who shed light on the significance of the exercise, said that it will enable the APC to know its strength and prepare better for future polls. He added: “It is important as a national party to know your strength. You must know your members. That would determine your strength. Our target is to register 25 million people across Nigeria. If you have 25 million people, you have the strength. Then, we will know where we are going”.

    The Publicity Secretary applauded the enthusiasm of members who were on the long queue for the registration in the various centres. He noted that members endured the sun and long queues to register, stressing that the resilience underscored their loyalty to the party and readiness to work for its victory at the poll.

    Igbokwe added: “The next stage is that we will now begin to prepare for the 2014 elections in Ekiti and Osun states and 2015. The registration is a continuous exercise. After this initial registration, members can still register. We are committed to this exercise. Voting is a game of numbers. Your members determine your strength. That is why we are convincing people to join the APC. Our target is the Presidency.