The Nation Newspaper

Category: Politics

  • 2015: Akwa Ibom and Akpabio’s succession plan

    2015: Akwa Ibom and Akpabio’s succession plan

    Fifteen aspirants are eyeing the governorship of Akwa Ibom State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Correspondent KAZEEM IBRAHYM  examines the issues that will shape the contest.

    The stage is set for an epic battle. Following the release of the timetable for 2015 elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the politics of succession assumed a new dimension in Akwa Ibom State, governorship aspirants have been declaring their interests. Many stakeholders have also urged Governor Godswill Akpabio to make public his succession plan.

    Many issues will shape the contest next year. At a ceremony in Awa, a rustic Ibibio town, two weeks ago, the governor revisited the debate on zoning. He said that in 2015, power should shift to the Eket Senatorial District. Akpabio explained that the zone had been left in the cold for almost 16 years.

    The governor’s support for zoning has been received with mixed feelings. Some politicians have described it as an attempt to edge out of the race, other aspirants without justification. But, others have hailed the governor, describing him as an apostle of justice and fairplay. Two prominent PDP chieftains from Eket District eyeing the seat are former Secretary to Government Umanana Umana and his successor, Udom Emmanuel.

    But, the people of Oron, who are spread across five local government areas in Eket District, are disturbed by the governor’s body language. They have argued that, since the state was created, based on the agreement among the Ibibio, Annang and Oron, zoning should reflect the ethnic composition, instead of the senatorial zones created out of political expediency.

    The former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Victor Iyanam, an Oron man, is a champion of “zoning by ethnic bloc.” He said that Oron has been marginalised in the the state. “Oron people are charting their own destiny. If you cannot zone the governorship to Oron, we are better off in an open contest so that we can go and vote for who we like. Instead of deceiving us and making us to accept senatorial zoning and, at the end of the day, we lose out from that contest and have nothing for the next 24 years. It is better for Oro people to embrace an open contest and vote for who they like,” he said.

    Many Oron leaders share this sentiment. But, other leaders of Eket District are erecting brick walls on their way. For instance, the former Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Nduese Essien, disputed the Oron leaders’ claims. He said the “tripod story” had been debunked at the national level.

    “At the national level, we used to have tripod of Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo. The same people agitating for tripod in Akwa Ibom State used the same tactics to snatch the presidency to the Southsouth, leading to the emergence of an Ijaw man as the president. So, zoning cannot be based on the ethnic bloc,” he added.

    Akpabio has also come under attack for alleged imposition of an aspirant, Udom Emmanuel, on the party. Emmanuel, a banker, succeeded Umana as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) last year.

    At a rally in Uyo, the state capital, Senator Effiong Bob, spoke against plans by the governor to anoint an aspirant. Bob, who had represented Uyo District in the Senate, advised the people to be vigilant. He said that imposition of an aspirant is anti-democratic.

    “We want everybody to come out for the overall interest of this state and the country. Anybody that wants to contest can contest. My general advice to the people of the state is that they should be vigilant. They should also be conscious about their rights. Their right to vote and be voted for. Also, the people must be able to shine their eyes to know what is good for them.

    “I am not going to suggest anybody for anybody. I believe that we are wise enough to choose an inclusive person that will lead the state and lead the people of the state, not an individual that will come and lead individuals,” he said.

    The former deputy governor, Chris Ekpenyong, was in the same frame of mind. He urged the people to shun fear and resist imposition.

    “To the Akwa Ibom people, it is time for you to start coming out. Nobody can impose any candidate on the people. I have seen poverty and I have seen riches. There is nothing anybody can give to me, ” he said.

    Third Republic Senator Etang Umoyo, who represented Eket District, also spoke at the rally. He described Akwa Ibom people as a republican people, saying they cannot be cowed.

    “When it is important, we will talk. We will not accept any form of imposition. We are republican people. We have never been cowed by anybody. There is no political barrier we cannot break,” he stressed.

    It is a crowded race. Apart from Umana and Emmanuel, other aspirants include Prof. Richard King, Nsima Ekere; Michael Onofiok, Ambassador Assam Assam (SAN), Ekpenyong Nkekim, Patrick Ekpotu, Bishop Sam Akpan, Effiong Abia, and Senator Helen Esuene.

     

    King

    Prof. King is a member of the Presidential Monitoring Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). He is a close ally of President Goodluck Jonathan. Thier relationship started 30 years ago. He is seen by many as someone who can consolidate on the achievements of Akpabio, based on his vast experience.

    King, an Eket man, is favoured by the zoning arrangement being canvassed by the governor. The don, who holds traditional titles of Okuku of Idua Clan, Eket and Obong Ikkike of Uyo, is not relenting in his efforts to get the ticket. He has begun consultations with traditional rulers and others that matters on his plan to succeed the governor. Recently, he has opened his campaign office in Uyo. His structure, the Divine Mandate Organisation, is also waxing stronger.

    King is building a formidable political structure that would make him coast to victory in the election, if he gets the PDP ticket. The feeling is that the President will also support his bid for power in the oil-rich state.

    But the question is: Will the don get the governor’s support? King is perceived as a dark horse in the race.

     

    Emmanuel

    Emmanuel is a banker-turned politician. He was not in contention, until he became the SSG. Until his appointment, he was the Executive Director of the Zenith Bank. It is believed that the governor has made up his mind to anoint him as the candidate. Emmanuel is favoured by the zoning arrangement. He is hails from Onna, the heart of Ibibioland.

    As a dependable ally of the governor, the SSG now has adverssaries. He is perceived as an outsider waiting to wear the crown without much political labour. The political foes of the governor are ganging up against him.

    Recently, he organized a thanksgiving service in his Awa-Iman hometown. To observers, the ceremony marked the first phase of the succession endorsement. Many gig wigs witnessed the event. Akpabio, his commissioners and special advisers and federal and state legislators were guests. For Emmanuel, the thanksgiving ceremony marked the beginning of a turbulent journey to the State House. Will he get the support of the political class while riding on Akpabio’s back to the throne? Time will tell.

     

    Umana

    He is a former ally of Akpabio. He was the SSG for six years, until he was booted out. He was a powerful and influential politician. But, there ends the story. Although he is not favoured by zoning, the Nsit Ubium-born politician is bent. He has supporters across the three districts.

    His political platform is suspect. The reality has dawned on his supporters that the PDP may not field him. If he defects, many of them will not follow him to the new party.

    Umana has built a formidable political structure across the three senatorial districts. He is wealthy. Many see him as a game changer, if there will be a free and fair primaries in the PDP. It is distressing to his associates that he was removed from office as the SSG. The sack jolted him out of the delusion that he was the closest ally of the governor.

    Like a soldier on the battle field, Umana is still combative. He has experience. But, how he intends to get the ticket without the governor’s support is the major challenge.

     

    Ekere

    He is the former deputy governor. Ekere resigned his appointment in 2012 in a controversial manner to avoid being impeached by the House of Assembly. Although he claimed that he resigned on personal grounds, his resignation is still a subject of discussion .

    Ekere has not deserted the political battle. He has a formidable structure. He emerged as the consensus candidate of the Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency few weeks ago. Many have described the politician as a large-hearted and forgiving person. He is said to have reconciled with Akpabio, who applauded him for his forgiving nature.

    Ekere’s public acceptance is not an issue, compared to other aspirants. There are speculations in some quarters that he may emerge as the governor’s second option, since the governor has narrowed down his choice to the Ibibio of Eket Senatorial District.

     

    Onofiok

    He is a chartered shipbroker from Oron. Although Onofiok is new in politics, he is favoured by zoning.

    He is a new comer to the Akwa Ibom political scene. But, he has vowed not to chicken out of the race. Onofiok is one of those agitating for zoning, based on the Ibibio-Annang-Oron arrangement. He explained that that was the agreement evolved by the founding fathers of the state. He also said that zoing based on the senatorial district, was propounded by the governor.

    The aspirants said that there are many benefits and opportunities in the maritime sector. He promised to explore them, if elected as the governor.

    The question now is: will Akwa Ibom people support a person who pundits have described as a “novice” in politics? Will he get the governor’s support, since he is not from the Ibibio axis of the Eket District?

     

    Assam

    He is the Nigerian Ambassador to Russia. He has served as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice under Akpabio. He is a strong personality for the job and he has experience.

    In terms of zoning, he is favoured. He is also one of those campaigning against imposition. He said the move will fail.

    Assam may not have the governor’s support. Other stakeholders may not also support him because he has a strong personality.

     

    Ntekim

    Ntekim is the former Chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) during the tenure of former Governor Victor Attah. He is now the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice. He has served as the Commissioner for Transport. He is believed to be one of the political godsons of Atuekong Don Etiebet. The zoning arrangement favours Ntekim. He is from Oron. But, the fear in some quarters is that he may not be accepted by entire Akwa Ibom people.

     

    Ekpotu

    Ekpotu is a former deputy governor under Akpabio. During the turbulent 2006 PDP primaries, the party’s reconciliation committee headed by Chief Tony Anenih brokered peace among the warring politicians. The peace accord gave Attah the opportunity to nominate Akpabio’s deputy, when Attah’s bid to install his son-in-law and former Commissioner for Health, Bob Ekarika, failed. Attah nominated his Commissioner for Information, Ekpotu, as the running mate. Akpabio was not comfortable with the idea. According to analysts, Ekpotu’s emergence was to give the Ibibios, the largest ethnic group in the state, a place in Akpabio’s government. But, the governor later dropped Ekpotu to pave the way for Ekere, his preferred choice. original running mate.

    To many people, Ekpotu is making a feeble atttempt. They alleged that he is trying to act a spoiler to Ekere’s governorship ambition because both of them are from Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency. Already, Ekere has been adopted as the consensus candidate of the constituency.

     

    Abia

    He is an Oron man. He is the Commissioner for Rural Development. He has worked with Akpabio for 11 years. He was Secretary to the Council of Chiefs. He was also Secretary, Finance and General Purpose Committee (FGPC) and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. When he was at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, he built a solid political structure. The council chairmen were rooting for him. He is believed to be riding on Akpabio’s back Abia will compete with other strong aspirants from Eket.

     

    Esuene

    Senator Esuene is the only female aspirant. She was the wife of the former military governor of the old Cross River State, Chief Udokaha Esuene. She was appointed the Minister of State for Health in July 2005. She later became the Minister of Environment in January 2006. After a cabinet reshuffle in January 2007, Esuene was given an expanded portfolio as the Minister of Environment and Housing. She left office in May 2007. She was elected into the Senate from the Akwa Ibom South (Eket Senatorial District). Analysts are of the view that Senator Esuene stands a chance of becoming the next governor because she is close to the Presiency. But, many do not take her seriously because she is a woman.

     

    Okpulupm Ette

    Okpulupm Ette is a two-term member and Manjority Leader of the House of Assembly. Sources said that the Ibeno-born politician is a grassroots man That is perceived as an added advantage. He is favoured by zoning. But, he may not get the governor’s support.

     

    Akpan

    Akpan is an agitator for power shift to the Eket District. The politician fron Onnan is the International Coordinator of Akwa Ibom Peoples’ Forum (AKPF). His group worked for the victory of Akpabio in 2007. Akpan was became the Special Adviser on Political and Legislative Affairs. Many council chairmen were loyal to him. Thus, he was popular at bthe grassroots. When he was dropped from the cabinet, he became the deputy chairman of the PDP. His senatorial ambition crumbled in 2011. He was asked to step down for Mrs. Esuene. Currently, he is the Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Road Maintenance Agency. Unlike before, he has lost grip over the political structure in his Onna Local Government Area. He may be asked to step down for the SSG, who is from the same area.

  • ‘I was not bribed to defect to APC’

    ‘I was not bribed to defect to APC’

    Hon. Ibrahim Bolomope is a member of the Oyo State House of Assembly from Egbeda Constituency. He defected from the Accord Party to the All Progressives Congress (APC). In this interview with TAYO JOHNSON, he explains that he was not bribed to defect from his former party as being alleged in some circles.

    A month ago, you left the Accord Party for the APC. Why did you defect?

    The reason is based on my past, my beliefs and my conscience. On the floor of the House, I did mention that political parties in Nigeria exist purposely for the masses. The APC has been working for the masses.

    I share the ideas of the APC leaders. For instance, I was privileged to study a paper delivered by SenatorTinubu in London. Most of the issues he raised are issues I have been canvasing.

    Buhari is in the APC. When he was in power, apart from the element of being autocratic because they have military background, I think the government we have had in Nigeria.Buhari has a record of been the first person that headed the Petroleum Trust Fund. He did not commit fraud. He has been holding the same view consistently. You can also consider Governor Adams Oshiomole, who was my President when I was the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). When Tinubu was the governor of Lagos State in 1999, the way he treated labour issues was different. People now see today that Lagos State has become one of the modern states in Nigeria. For 14 years, it has been ruled by a progressive party.

    In Oyo State, Ajimobi has fought the infrastructure battle. He has succeeded in maintaining law and order.

    How do you react to the allegation that yopu were bribed to defect to the APC?

    I didn’t collect a kobo from the APC before I joined them. Nigeria is a country where poverty has eaten deep into the fabric of our system. We have lost our social values.

    Everything revolves around money and corruption. If you write well as a reporter, someone may say that you have been bribed.

    People think everything in this country is about money. The allegation has no basis. When I was elected, I had my vision and mission; to take care of widows and the aged. In my first outing, 1,420 widows benefitted from my empowerment programme. There were 2,644 old people. In Egbeda, 90 per cent of death is caused by malaria. I drew the attention of the government to this fact. My goal is service delivery.

    What is the assurance that you will not go back to the Accord Party?

    I will do everything within my capacity to help the party to achieve its goals and mine too. That is my objective. I want to promote the cause of two party system. Then, I want to draw attention to the suffering of my constituency. The governor is working. He is taking the state to a greater height. Salaries are paid to civil servants regularly. Other social amenities are provided.

    I discovered that Egbeda had 28,630 population, according to the 2006 Census. We have one constituency. As a member of the Accord Party, I took the INEC to court. I demanded for two constituencies. It will be easier for me to fight for my people as a member of the APC.

    How did your former party receive the news of your defection and how did your constituency feel about it?

    I respect the leader of my former party a lot and I will continue to appreciate him. At one level of my constituency more people appreciate him. It is very painful for the Accord Party to lose a legislator to the APC. In politics, a vote counts.

    How will you be able to reconcile with the conflicting interest of other aspirants you will meet in the APC?

    In every party, competition brings crisis. Bu, there is a way of resolving it. The party is supreme. There will be ambitions and aspirants. The party members will decide the fate of the aspirants.

    Can APC take the country to the promised land?

    People think the major problem of Nigeria is corruption. There are other challenges-infrastructure, good education, health, building of firms, power supply, and maintaining them.The question we must ask ourselves is: will our corrupt leaders allow these policies to work? Which party will make the country work? Look at the examoles of good governance in Lagos, Edo, Ekiti, Osun, and Oyo. The answer is the APC.

    As a former labour leader, what is your assesment of the government/labour relations in Oyo State?

    I think the political leaders should understand that the workers are part of the success of this government. Oyo State workers hate cheating and they are people of integrity. Also, to care for the pensioners, to pay salaries regularly are challenges. The government is trying. But, there is the need for improvement.

  • We are committed to rural development – Fashola

    We are committed to rural development – Fashola

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), has reiterated his administration’s commitment towards developing the rural areas of the state. The governor made the statement while inaugurating a floating Jetty at Ijegun-Egbe, in Oriade LCDA.

    Fashola, who explained that there is need for all parts of the state to have their own share of the dividends of democracy, irrespective of their rural or urban status, called on the communities to keep the peace in order to enhance development.

    Governor Fashola, while opening the project reminded the people that it was in fulfilment of his campaign promise to them. He pointed out that the water scheme was one of the priority projects of the government to bring about development and create jobs for the people.

    The Lagos State Governor said in embarking on the project, the state government was conscious of the need to bring development to the rural communities in order to stem the tide of rural-urban migration which, according to him, has created problems both locally and internationally.

    The Executive Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government, Comrade Ayodele Adewale, while speaking during the occasion, noted that Governor Fashola has once again proved that he is a visionary leader that has brought monumental development to Lagos State and by extension the country at large.

  • 2015: Crisis in Benue PDP over Aondoaka’s guber ambition

    2015: Crisis in Benue PDP over Aondoaka’s guber ambition

    The entrance of Mr Mike Aondoakaa, the former Attorney General and Minister of Justice of the Federation, to the 2015 governorship race in Benue State has stirred up fresh cisis in Benue PDP, reports Assistant Editor, Dare Odufowokan

    Fresh crisis seems set to rock the Benue State chapter of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following the gubernatorial ambition of former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mike Aondoakaa. This is because the people of the Southern Senatorial District of the state have vowed to resist an alleged attempt to deny the zone another opportunity to produce the governor of the state.

    Also, politicians of Idoma extraction in the senatorial district have ganged up to ensure that one of their own becomes the gubernatorial candidate of the ruling party for the next governorship election in the state. Their decision, they claim, is based on an existing rotational arrangement between the majority Tiv parts of the state and the minority Idoma axis.

    Aondoakaa hails from Ushongo Local Government Area of the state, which forms part of Benue North-East Senatorial District, where the current governor, Gabriel Suswam, also comes from. In spite of insinuations that his aspiration may have some support from the top echelon of the party and government, chieftains of the party from Idomaland are determined to truncate his dream. This decision, sources said, have pitched PDP chieftains from the south against some of their counterparts from the northeast, setting the stage for another round of crisis within the troubled party.

    To further stoke the fire of controversy, Aondoakaa said in a media chat in Makurdi recently that the 2015 gubernatorial election in the state is open to the people of Benue North- East Senatorial District, particularly, Kwande, where he hails from and Jechira, another part of the state. Though he did not explain further, pundits say his statement signifies a move by the majority Tiv clans in Benue State to once again deny the Idoma people a shot at the governorship.

    After months of speculations over his next political move, the former federal minister last week formerly declared his desie to step into the Makurdi Government House come May 29, 2015. According to him, his decision to succeed outgoing Governor Gabriel Suswam is based on his desire to ensure that the people of the state continue to enjoy the dividends of good governance.

    The declaration followed allegations and counter allegations between Aondoakaa and his critics, who severally accused him of playing hide and seek with his then rumored governorship aspiration when posters of the former Attorney General and Minister of Justice of the Federation, for the 2015 governorship race in Benue State, flooded Makurdi, the state capital late last year.

    The posters, which were placed at strategic corners across the city, raised speculations about the gubernatorial ambition of the former minister. While the public expected the minister to use the opportunity to announce his interest in the race, Aondoakaa’s camp came out to deny any link with the posters which they tagged as the handiwork of fifth columnists.

    The posters were placed side by side with that of President Goodluck Jonathan’s. Seen at major streets and bus stops such as Berger Bridge, Deeper Life Junction and some streets in Wuse and Central Business District where major government and private business offices are located, the posters fueled speculations of a deal between the ex- minister and the presidency.

    Designed in the colours of the ruling PDP with its umbrella logo, married with the pictures of Aondoakaa and Jonathan, the message on the poster reads: “A Reconciled Nigeria 20153 , Jonathan for President, Aondoakaa for Governor, Benue State.

    Apart from the complaints from the Idoma axis of the state, a number of prominent politicians within and outside the ruling party are of the opinion that the former minister’s aspiration is ill-timed and unrealisable. The Nation learnt that some of the executive officers of the party at the state level have declared that they would not throw their weight behind the ex-minister in the actualisation of his governorship ambition.

    But sources said a faction of the executive committee in the state, led by a zonal chairman, have vowed that nothing would stop the former minister from contesting the 2015 gubernatorial election in Benue State. This group is made up of anti-zoning agitators within the party’s leadership. According to sources, this group is working round the clock to get the state governor and other prominent leaders of the party to make pronouncement on the zoning issue.

    Reacting to the development, a chieftain of the party, who is a former national officer of the PDP, said the party will reject Aondoaka. “Here in Benue PDP, we respect agreements. The governorship is rotational,  based on the senatorial districts. Akume came from the North-West, Suswam from the North-East, now we have the south yet to produce the governor. Aondoaka is from the North-East as the governor. So, you can see why he shouldn’t have ventured to dream of getting the ticket in the first place.

    Beside that, if I may ask, what were his achievements as minister, and how did he use that office to benefit the ordinary Nigerians in the streets and the people of Benue State in particular? Nobody should take our people for a ride any more because at the appropriate time, we will ask Aondoakaa some questions on the roles he played during the President Yar’Adua era,” he said.

    Tension mounted further in the party following the endorsement of the state’s deputy governor, Steven Lawani, by some party chieftains as the best gubernatorial candidate for the 2015 election. Leaders of the PDP in Benue South Senatorial District, while taking the decision, threw their weights behind Lawani’s aspiration to contest the 2015 governorship race.

    Members of the party who were led by its zonal chairman, Moses Ajima, at a reception in honour of the deputy governor at Otukpo, resolved to stand behind  Lawani for him to realise his dream. Also in attendance were: zonal PDP women leader, Abeje Egwa; former senate president, Chief Ameh Ebute; former minister of state for Education, Professor Jerry Agada and a member of the PDP Board of Trustees, General Geoffrey Ejiga as well as Chief Reuben Ade.

    The party stakeholders, who spoke passionately about the diligent role Lawani has played in the growth of politics in Idomaland, stressed that it was time to press home demand for power shift to the Zone C axis. In their separate remarks, Ajima and Ebute harped on the need to support the ambition of the deputy governor, who according to them, has served the state faithfully and should be rewarded with the position of governor in 2015. While appealing to their Tiv brothers and sisters in the state not to create political crisis by jettisoning the zoning principle, they urged  the Idoma nation to pursue the issue of 2015 governorship with all seriousness that it deserves.

    Another party officer who pleaded anonymity said their reasons for opposing Aondoaka’s gubernatorial ambition is that Benue State does not only belong to the people of the northern senatorial districts. According to him, the south deserves to be allowed to produce the governor this time around while all other aspirants from the north, including Aondoaka, should be advised to wait.

    “Somebody from the north in person of Governor Suswam has been in government since 2007, as a governor. So it will be very foolish for any politician to support a gubernatorial aspirant from the north”, the party officer said. Justice and equity, he argued, demand that the next governor of the state must come from the south”.

    In a similar development, some politicians from the Idoma ethnic nationality met in Markudi last week. They brainstormed for several hours on the recent political development in the state and that of the perceived gubernatorial ambition of Aondoaka. They vowed not to allow the governorship seat to remain in the north. According to them, the Idomas would join other ethnic groups to work assiduously to stop Aondoaka from contesting.

    But Aondoakaa, according to his aides, is determined to go all the way and contest the governorship election. Declaring his aspiration last week, he said he will use his position as governor to empower Benue people economically through investment in agriculture. “Benue State is an agrarian state. The battle for development and economic prosperity will be won and lost in the rural setting, with agriculture, youth empowerment and wealth creation as the main stem of our economy,” he pledged.

    Aondoaka was appointed AGF and Justice Minister by late Yar Adua, but sacked by Jonathan over his (Aondoakaa’s) alleged roles in frustrating efforts to make Jonathan acting president when Yar Adua’s sickness deteriorated.

  • Party registration: Mamora tours Lagos East

    Chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by former senate minority leader, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, last Thursday, swooped on registration units within the Lagos East senatorial district to monitor the ongoing party registration exercise.

    The train of party leaders, which arrived Ikorodu Local Government Area around noon, was received by members of Japhetism Vanguard, led by the Secretary to the Local Government (SLG), Hon. Japhet Odesanya, and taken round the council area for what Mamora called an on-the-spot assessment of the party-ordered registration exercise.

    Speaking to party members and supporters at Ojogbe junction, the former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, urged them to remain committed to the party. He opined that it is only when they are committed and united as members of the APC that the party will continue to win elections in the area.

    He added that as a party that believes in true democracy, the APC will bring about the desired change if it is elected to run the federal government in 2015. He then urged the people to continue to work towards the victory of the party in all forthcoming elections.

    The former senate whip also challenged youths in the L.G.A to be ready to contribute their quota to the socio-political development of the area and the country at large. To this end, he urged them to participate fully in the politics of their immediate community.

    “All politics are local. You cannot be a politician without participating in the activities of your immediate locality. Even the president didn’t get into office without local politics. If he wants to vote now, he will return to his Otuoke ward to vote,” he said.

    Mamora also decried the alleged attack on some registration centres in the area by hoodlums suspected to have been sponsored by the opposition party.

    “’Some of the registration officers and innocent people came out to identify with the movement for change by getting registered as members of the APC,  were attacked by thugs, allegedly sponsored by the opposition, to destabilise the exercise.

    “Our registration units in some wards here in Ikorodu were attacked. Some of our leaders and members narrowly escaped being maimed when violence was unleashed on them at some units by enemies of our party,’’ he alleged.

    He advised registration officers and members not to be intimidated by the attacks, and called on the police to ensure security in the registration centres.

  • Afenifere leader says Yoruba not opposed to conference

    Afenifere leader says Yoruba not opposed to conference

    The Chairman of the Afenifere Renewal Group, Hon. Wale Oshun, has said the leaders and people of Yorubaland in the southwest geo-political zone of the country are not opposed to the National Conference proposed by President Goodluck Jonathan, in spite of being wary of the motives behind the talk shop.

    Speaking on a Television programme during the week, Oshun, a former Chief Whip of the Federal House of Representatives, said the people of the region are ready to take up the gauntlet and see how best they can approach the conference that is billed to open soon.

    “Yorubas are wary of the motive behind this particular conference that has suddenly found favour in the eyes of the government. But we will take up the gauntlet and see what we can make of it. We will challenge those issues we are wary of. We are not opposed to discussing Nigeria. In fact, it is our desire that Nigerians should discuss the future of their nationhood.

    If at the end of the day it is discovered by all that it is a confederal system that will help the country, so be it. Whatever the people decides should be allowed to stay. This is why we are wary of the intentions of the promoters of this conference. Will the wishes of the people be reflected by this conference? That is the question we first want to ask,” he said.

    The former federal legislator explained that one issue that still needs to be critically examined is the role of ethnic nationalities in the proposed conference. According to him, any conference that fails to cater for the interest of the numerous ethnic groups in the country will not achieve the desired results.

    “On the issue of what roles should the ethnic nationalities play in the conference, the interesting thing is that those who gave little or no role to the ethnic nationalities would discover that the various groups and organisations they have called upon, would still be represented by people of Hausa, Ibo and Yoruba extractions. That is the plight of the ethnic nationalities.

    We will challenge such situations. We are not comfortable with a situation where the ethnic nationalities are not allowed to be represented. It is only when they are represented that their voices would be heard. Our stake here is that we want the country to be ruled in the proper way. And the way to go about this is to allow all stakeholders, irrespective of size, position or resources, to be part of the decision-making process.

    He also decried a situation where there are ‘no go areas’ in the discussion of the delegates at the proposed conference. In his opinion, all issues affecting the country should be put on the table at the talk shop for thorough discussion.

    “If, for instance, we can discuss all matters under the sun, there is no way we will not touch on certain issues. Take for instance, if the Niger Deltans say they want derivation and somebody from the north says no, don’t you think we will get to a point where we will need to agree on whether we want to continue together as one country and under what terms? That is not to say we will be discussing the breakup of Nigeria. If there is genuine belief in the conference by all, then we will all be ready to make concessions.

    “Unless there is an opportunity to discuss all issues, we will not be having a real conference. This is why we have even planned a programme to be held in Ibadan on the 12th of this month to further enlighten people about this conference,” he urged.

    Oshun also said the incessant call for restructuring by many components of the country is due to the difficult federal system the country is practicing currently. He advocated a change in the system.

    “Yes, there has been serious decline in our nationhood. That is why you have all these calls for restructuring. And we have this decline because we have a structure that is difficult to operate in our own kind of society. The kind of federalism we have here is difficult to operate. A federal system that is less centralised than what we have now would be easier to operate and this will help to eradicate suspicions. We must crave a system where every federating unit is allowed to pursue its own goals and development agenda at its own pace.

    “Boko Haram, militancy and other various types of unrest are consequences of the failure of the type of federal system we practice. Even in areas where you don’t have militancy or Boko Haram yet, for example in the southwest, you see other vices like kidnapping gaining ground. The bad thing about all these is that people are really agitated because they feel Boko Haram is a direct attack on Christians. But I feel it is not really about religion. I feel it is because we don’t really have a truly federal system. These people are just reacting in the wrong way to a bad system.

    “I feel if people believe they want to be under the dictates of the Sharia law, they should be able to take such decision the same way others who feel otherwise should be able to express their own choices too. It is only a truly federal system that can ensure this. We don’t have that here,” he said.

    The Afenifere leader argued that there is no truth in the assertion that it is difficult to change the current socio-political system being practiced in the country.

    “Look, there is nothing difficult about altering as difficult system. Even the amalgamation treaty that led to our emergence as a country is such that nothing about it is sacrosanct. It is such that if we all agree to stay together, good, but if we feel otherwise, then we should be able to discuss what we need to do to remain united. But if you say we cannot discuss these things for one reason or the other, then how do you deal with issues like Boko Haram and other such consequences of our bad system?

    “While urging a nationwide campaign against violence, Oshun also advised the various governments in the country to everything possible to prevent people from resorting to violence as a means of expressing their dissatisfaction with certain things.

    “When people resort to violence, it may be because they couldn’t find other means of expressing their grievances. This is one reason why we must discuss. If we don’t have violence in some parts of the country today, it is not assurance that it will not happen later. Unfortunately, when you have a mob action, it is difficult to control. We just must take care of those things that can lead to violence. There will be a time when people would want to say this is my right and I want to enforce it. It is just compulsory that we must continue to denounce violence. Also, we must do anything to forestall it,” he cautioned.

    Oshun also reiterated the call for free and fair elections as another way of eradicating violence in the country.

    “The truth of the matter here is that here in Nigeria, we go through elections but voting rarely reflects our desires as a people. Our votes rarely count. The result of this is loss of confidence in the system. If people are sure that their votes will effect the change they want, all they will do is to wait for four years and change what they don’t want with their votes whenever they are dissatisfied. If this is the situation, they will easily wait, but that has not been the situation. And when you have such a hopeless political situation, violence is usually a consequence,” he said.

  • Their blood call for justice

    Review of the long list of those who have been murdered under circumstances suspected to be influenced by the contest for power shows that a lot being done in the physical realm could be exacting vengeance on the spiritual plane. During the past week, as usual, the late Chief Bola Ige who was killed in 2002 was remembered by family and friends at the University of Ibadan. Many could not believe when it happened that the bell could toll for the ebullient, brilliant and charismatic Ige who at the time was also the Attorney General of the Federation.

    The man died. And, till date, “who killed Bola Ige” remains a refrain. Every year, the lot falls on his eldest children, Mrs. Funso Akingbola and Mr. Muyiwa Ige, to keep the question on lips. Beyond that, it appears that, as far as the Police and federal authorities are concerned, the chapter is closed; the case file had been left to gather dust as soon as the courts dismissed the charges against arraigned suspects

    We are left to remember him as a former governor of Oyo State and remember his words on marble. We remember him for the siddon-look concept; we remember him for dismissing the Abacha political parties as five fingers of a leprous hand; we remember him as a prisoner of war during the struggle to free our land from Abacha’s vice grip. We remember Uncle B for his selfless rule of Oyo State between 1979 and 1983 and the spirited battle to ensure that the votes counted in 1983. We remember that he became an activist and national official of the Action Group in 1962 when he was barely 32 years of age. Yet, that page of the national history book was torn by those suspected to be desperate politicians ahead of the 2003 general elections.

    Ige was not the first politician to be mowed down. Neither was he the last. It has become a pastime. The murders of Ogbonnaya Uche, Aminasori Dikibo, Marshal Harry, Odunayo Olagbaju, Ayo Daramola and Funso Williams, among others, continue to haunt a traumatized nation. Yet, year in, year out, assassination remains a tool for settling political scores. Those who kill for a living look forward to a busy season whenever the elections approach. They are sought out and handed fat cash to remove those considered pests by cowards who could not face up to the reality at the soap box and could not bear to hear the verdict pronounced by the ballot box.

    Their blood continues to cry for justice. They charge Nigerians to fish out the assassins and get them punished if the country is to be freed from the curse that comes from such acts. Dikibo was a National Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party when he had to be eliminated. The All Nigeria Peoples Party still counted for something when he was silenced in Rivers State in a similar political season. As a national officer of a resurgent party, one who could mobilise support that could have sent others packing, Harry was dispatched from the scene. The case of young Ogbonnaya Uche was pathetic. He was upcoming. He had served as commissioner in his home state and thought he could challenge for the coveted gubernatorial seat. The ruling PDP had no room for such ambition. So, he defected to the ANPP. That was his undoing. He was sentenced to death in the court of men who had lost their humanity. Ayo Daramola had a good job in the World Bank. But, he thought he owed it to the society to contribute to its development. He resigned and came home to seek the leadership of Ekiti State. He miscalculated. At the time, the state was under a spell and he paid the supreme price.

    What about Funso Williams? He had tried to make it to the Alausa governor’s office in 1999 but lost the ticket of the only party that could hand him the ticket to realise his dream- Alliance for Democracy. As a democrat, a gentleman, he bade his time, repackaged his political structure and waited for 2003. Realising that there was an incumbent on the AD platform, he moved to the PDP and was on his way to trouncing other heavyweights who had indicated interest in the race when he came to grief. His expectation was cut short; his wife suddenly turned a widow and his political associated lost a vibrant leader. Funso William’s sun set at noon.

    The time is appropriate now to sound the warning that bloodletting must stop. Violence sears the soul of a society. The cowards who perpetrate it do incalculable damage to the political system and contaminate the land. The 2014/2015 electoral battles must be fought on issues. The votes must count. All institutions involved in delivering credible elections must wake up to their responsibilities and, thus, the departed souls would be appeased.

    Those who have ears, let them hear now.

  • 2015: Suswam battles Gemade for Senate ticket

    2015: Suswam battles Gemade for Senate ticket

    Even though, he has not openly declared his ambition for the Benue North- East senatorial seat, currently occupied by Senator Barnabas Gemade, his body language and that of his supporters indicate that Governor Gabriel Suswam may contest against the former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015.

    Tension is already mounting. The ruling PDP is divided because of the ambitions of the two PDP chieftains.

    In all the nooks and crannies of the state, beer parlous, drinking joints, through motor parks and market squares, the most discussed issue in Benue is whether Governor Gabriel Suswam will unseat incumbent Senator Gemade for the zone A senate race in 2015.

    Chief Barnabas Gemade came to the lime light during his tenure as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Benue Cement Company (BCC) Gboko. At that time, the company was producing at its peak of 100 truck load (trailers) of cement per day.

    From BCC Gboko , he was appointed the Minister of Works, and later became the national chairman of CNC, one of the five political parties founded by the late Gen. Sani Abacha.

    Gemade is a founding member of the PDP, and member, Board of Trustees (BOT). He was one-time national chairman of the ruling party, and later contested election into the senate in 2011 to represent Benue North East senatorial election and won.

    Gemade is also banking on his massive achievements in office which he believes will speak for him at the primaries and general polls.

    Hon .Thomas Anajav, a PDP chieftain in Konshisha local government area, said Gemade will beat Suswam at the PDP primaries because the senate is for mature minds and Gemade has done so well in his first term.

    Anajav noted that for the first time in the history of Benue North East senatorial zone, a senator has attracted roads to the zone, which he feels is unprecedented and advised Governor Suswam to wait as age is still on his side.

    PDP primaries:

    But with the PDP known for undemocratic tendencies, many believe that anything can happen in the senate battle between Suswam and Gemade at the primaries.

    Governor Gabriel Suswam appears to be a no push over when it comes to winning elections since he joined politics in 1999 when he contested and won election into Logo-Katsina Ala-Ukum federal constituency.

    In his eight-year sojourn in the House of Representatives, Suswam held juicy committee positions, among them were FCT, Appropriation and Education.

    From the House, he contested for governorship and won in 2007 and 2011.

    Suswam has an enviable record of having not lost any election since he joined politics, and now he has his eyes on the senate in 2015.

    In line with the PDP guidelines, Suswam will be going into the primaries as incumbent governor, with the state PDP executive committee at liberty to select delegates who are not just loyal to him but would vote for him.

    This, analysts said, has put Suswam in a vantage position than Gemade.

    But Anajav dismissed that and said the National Working Committee of the PDP will provide a level playing field as they have learnt from the exit of Bamanga Tukur that only due process can make the PDP to be strong.

    Anajav believes Gemade will beat Suswam once the primaries are free and fair.

    Special Assistant to the governor on Media, Chief Joseph Anawah, told The Nation that Konshisha local government where Gemade hails from has produced a senator in person of Chief Joseph Akaagerger from 2007 to 2011, and Gemade is from the same Gaav, in Koshisha local-government. As such, he said, there is no third for anyone and the seat has been zoned to Sankera political block and Suswam is already available.

    Anawah stated that Suswam will overwhelmingly defeat Gemade because he has achieved a lot in office and the entire zone A.

  • Bafarawa : PDP celebrating an enemy

    In politics in Nigeria, they say no permanent friend, no permanent enemy. How interesting, isn’t it? This aptly describes the situation of the PDP in Sokoto. That despite the tyranny, the oppression and brutality Bafarawa visited on PDP members as Governor of Sokoto State from 1999- 2007, they are welcoming him into their fold and even celebrating him with the presence of PDP “s “Ogas at the top” at his formal unveiling in Sokoto. President Jonathan relegated state matters to attend along with Bafarawa”s old time friend, the new PDP helmsman.

    Whatever they want to achieve by doing so would be seen in no distant future. The thing that surprises Sokoto people, who for those years that Bafarawa ruled sympathised with the PDP folks for the ill and dehumanising treatment Bafarawa meted out to them, is how they have forgotten so easily a man who abused, incarcerated and maimed their members in Sokoto. Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Tambuwal, then PDP chairman and his secretary, Alhaji Ibrahim Magaji Gusau, were all thrown into Sokoto prison by Bafarawa for daring to oppose his government.

    These are just few examples of his impunity as governor. Not only that, they know they are only deluding themselves by pretending the PDP has made “a big catch”. Bafarawa, they know, is not in PDP to better its “fortunes” or make it win any significant votes, but only to get his own pound of flesh from Magatakarda Wamakko. He is in the party believing he can get help from Abuja to use apparatus of government coercion to humiliate and embarrass the person of Wamakko for taking over power and subjecting him to a seeming prolonged EFCC prosecution.

    Let me refresh the memories of those interested in the politics of Sokoto State as to how the problems started. Former Governor Attahiru Bafarawa, at the twilight of his administration, invited the EFCC to showcase his ‘transparent’ management of Sokoto resources, which he had severally boasted of. It was at a time he gleefully told the world that he left N13 billion in the state coffers.

    The citizens of Sokoto State were made to understand then that the money was in raw cash. Tongues wagged why so much money was kept in the state coffers while scarcity of water was hitting hard in the state; teachers were buying teaching materials; rate of poverty was in an upward surge while a few cabal was in opulence. If the former governor said he left N13 billion and Governor Wamakko refuted the claim, something must be wrong somewhere that needed to be investigated.

    Indeed, Governor Wamakko’s administration froze that account that, up to date, has not been operated to allow the EFCC to finish its investigation. This is at the detriment of Sokoto State, while the law takes its course. We are yet to see the hand of Governor Wamakko in the EFCC palaver. In fact, eminent citizens of Sokoto State had been writing the EFCC against Bafarawa’s administration prior to his invitation by the commission. Bafarawa tried to play smart by conjuring up a figure which included the value of Sokoto State shares in UBA and bonds, May, 2007 state and local governments statutory allocation from the federation account and other sundry balances to make up his imaginary cash he claimed to have left behind in the UBA account of Sokoto State. Despite being architect of his own fate, he still blames it on Governor Wammako. Bafarawa. Don’t bother any longer since you have pitched your tent with those that not only encourage and shield corrupt people, but reward them. Your case will soon be a thing of the past.

    Another thing the PDP in Sokoto cannot forget is Bafarawa”s treachery and diabolical nature. These are his most portent credentials which would soon manifest in the confusion that would engulf the PDP in Sokoto. Can any of them forget his vow never to join the PDP and how he worked against it to the extent of destroying the federal government’s FM Radio Station sited in Sokoto Rima Basin, a federal government premises, and rejecting a cheque of hundreds of millions from Muktari Shagari as Water Resources minister to improve water supply, which had dwindled in the state?

    The party has already said goodbye to peace since Dogo Mai rodu has joined their ranks. For those who don’t know, Bafarawa does not want to be led. He must lead and his wishes are everyone’s command. Apart from being dictatorial and cynical, he sees himself as an emperor. It is not as if any one hates Bafarawa, it is just his nature that makes people to despise him.

    The 2007 revolution that took place in Sokoto which swept Bafarawa aside is still fresh in the minds of Sakwatawa. Nothing has changed but rather the zeal, the will and determination are gathering momentum daily and come 2015 the people of Sokoto will speak, and loudly too. The movement has been enlarged with the defection to the APC. The Wamakko’s rank has swollen up.

    Sokoto people are waiting to make a wonderful showing in 2015 where they intend to make a statement that will change the politics of Nigeria. We are a people that have never wavered in our commitment and resolve. Hardly does any true Basakkwace double speak. We are known to be direct and open. No wonder we turn “molasses into honey”. The vanguard for the change that is waiting to happen is the masses and able young men who have vowed to show that all the victories Alu has achieved are no flukes.

    Bafarawa is never an issue in Sokoto because contrary to what his negligible numbers of admirals are saying, he does not wield any power or influence. The bad thing about him is that he is all alone because all his strongest loyalists such as Umarun Kwabo AA, Maigari Dingyadi, Chiso Dattijo, Usman Danmadami, Lawali Labbo Margai, Yushau Mohammed Ahmed, Eng Abubakar Aliyu Yabo and a host of other prominent personalities have all deserted him due to his politics of vengeance and retrogression. Once again, nothing to celebrate about him. While he waits for Jonathan to empower him and avail him of the use of security apparatus to unleash violence on Sokoto people to ensure his new benefactor’s ambition, all sectors of the Sokoto people have warmed up to exercise their franchise so as to let the world know that their view point must be respected.

    • Mullela wrote from Sokoto

  • Ebonyi PDP: Battle of the blocs

    Ebonyi PDP: Battle of the blocs

    As preparations for 2015 governorship race in Ebonyi State picks up, Associate Editor, Sam Egburonu, reports that the search for flag bearers is anchored on the battle of the blocs.

    As 2015 hopefuls for Ebonyi State’s governorship seat put finishing touches to their preparations, it seems the intrigues are now primarily narrowed to the issue of the bloc that should produce the next governor.

    The state is divided into three parts with the Abakaliki bloc having two parts and Afikpo bloc having only one. Abakaliki bloc is made up of Ezza Ezekuna nation, Izzi Nnodo, Ikwo Nnoyo and Ngboejiogu, among others.

    So, the struggle is primarily between the north and the southern part of Ebonyi State.

    In fact, the bloc struggle within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as it concerns Governor Martin Elechi’s successor, is not entirely new. It dates back to the very day he became the governor.

    Soon after he was elected the second governor of the state, Elechi, at the Women Development Centre, (WDC), Abakaliki, announced that he would hand over power to the people of the South, which comprises Afikpo,Ohaozara and other clans that make up the state

    Ironically, that announcement, instead of easing political tension, triggered off the bloc struggle in the state, as desperate politicians in the state, especially within Elechi’s cabinet, started bickering.

    The Nation’s investigation shows that the bickering became even more audible among hugely empowered aides of Governor Elechi from Abakaliki area and among his in-laws, the Izzi Nnodo people.

    So, a source who spoke to us during the week said the most potent challenges any of the aspirants must tackle include “the deep-rooted grudge by the southern bloc vis-a-vis the claims by the Abakaliki bloc.”

    We gathered that this is even more so in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where Elechi has openly pledged to abide by the party’s rotational policy and allow the southern senatorial zone to produce the party’s candidate.

    A top government official in the state, who confirmed the governor’s insistence on giving the ticket to the south, said, “The governor and the party are concerned with equity. Although the PDP is not the only party in the race, we are being guided by the constitution of the party. Check Article 12 of our constitution and you will find out that the rotation of power is enshrined and embedded there. Besides the position of the law, we are convinced that the good people of Ebonyi State have conscience, that is why I think we will succeed in appealing to the consciences of the people to insist on equitable distribution and evolution of power. If this is done, power will rotate across the three senatorial zones in the state at the right time.

    “As you are aware, the North and the Central zones have taken their turns, remaining the South. So, our leader, the governor, and the PDP are saying that equity demands that power moves to the South,” the source said.

    Such position is based on the argument that since the creation of Ebonyi State in 1996 by the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, the Southern senatorial zone is yet to produce an elected governor.

    So, aspirants and political lords from the area are insisting that no other factor must determine Elechi’s successor than the rotation policy which favours the south and today their claim has received added boost in public support given by the outgoing governor.

    But even if the governor is to ensure the zone gets the PDP ticket, it will not be the end of the political battle.

    This is because the current political development in the state, especially the growing influence of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), and the political rivalry among the governor’s henchmen have made other factors to become so critical that no one seems certain again who would get PDP ticket for 2015 election. Such factors include but not limited to:

    The Izza’s majority factor:

    The Izza  has large population that spreads across the entire 13 local government areas. In the last general election, their population advantage manifested clearly. Today, aspirants from that bloc are threatening to take advantage of their population once again, arguing that the south has always participated in all elections and so maintaining that the argument of zoning should be discountenanced since it has never been strictly implemented in Ebonyi politics.

    Among political heavyweights (both progressives and the PDP) from Ezze Ezekuna clan include Senator Julius Ucha and Senator Paulinus Igwe Nwagu. It is said the clan has strong politicians and influential elements who can stand and make use of the numerical strength of Ezza nation to win votes for any candidate of their choice.

    The Izzi challenge:

    Although the Izzi clan do not have the population advantage of the Izza, insiders said they have become a major and powerful bloc “because the Elechi’s administration has empowered many of their politicians, who are now powerful enough to make serious impact in the election campaign process. Governor Elechi is a son-in-law of the Izzi clan and there are allegations that his in-laws, who benefitted tremendously from his government, may be gearing up to take the seat in 2015, notwithstanding Elechi’s handover plans and his talk about equity.

    Influential politicians from Izzi, according to a source, include Senator Chris Nwankwo, representing Ebonyi North, Edwin Nkwagu (EDON), Dr. Sunday Nwangele, Commissioner for Health in Elechi’s administration.

    Power struggle among Elechi’s henchmen

    Aside bloc battles, another major complication in the preparation for Elechi’s successor, especially in the PDP, is the power struggle among Elechi’s henchmen.

    An insider said many of Elechi’s aides and associates are angry because of the speculation that Elechi’s hidden game plan is to install as his successor, his brother-in-law, Senator Chris Nwankwo, who is the current Senator representing Ebonyi North. The allegation is that if this plot works out, former state governor, Chief Sam Egwu, will take Nwankwo’s senatorial seat. Though Elechi had denied this allegation on many occasions, the allegation has refused to die down.

    So, most of the intrigues within the PDP ahead of 2015 are intricately associated to this alleged plot. For example, when the news of the plot to remove Dave Umahi as deputy governor broke, it was linked to this alleged secret plot. When Valentine Okike, an alleged loyalist of Umahi, was impeached as deputy speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, it was also traced to the same plot.

    Explaining the political intrigues, an aide to a top aspirant for the PDP ticket, who is from the southern zone, lamented.“Everybody knows it is the turn of the south, but the battles against Chief Dave confirm that we are not all sincere. They are fighting Dave to divide and weaken the south because they know nobody from the zone can challenge him despite the fact that Afikpo people are saying if power must truly come and remain in the South, it must be given to them to appease the spirit of the late Akanu Ibiam,” the source said.

    The Anyim factor:

    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, understandably weilds enormous influence in the politics of Ebonyi State. So, before the final concessions would be made, said our source, he, Elechi, Egwu and other power brokers in the PDP will have to agree.

    So, for the ruling PDP in Ebonyi, the game is heating up by the day and their lot is not made simple by the obvious clout of the APC in the state today.