The Nation Newspaper

Category: Politics

  • Lawmaker seeks better governance at grassroots

    A member of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Samson Onademuren, on Tuesday in Lagos said there was an urgent need for public office holders at the grassroots level to improve service delivery to the people who voted them into office.

    Onademuren told The Nation that there was more to be done to improve the quality of service, policy making and good governance in the country, especially at the local government level.

    “The local governments are the closest to the people. For the people who voted us all into office to feel the impact of the government as much as expected, governance at the grassroots must be up and doing in the area of service delivery and policy formulation,” he said.

    The lawmaker pointed out that politicians, more than any other people, would benefit from the efficiencies and improved service from the government to the people at the grassroots.

    “If the people feel the impact of government in their everyday lives, they will be happy. In turn, the people will show appreciation to politicians by supporting and re-electing us,” he said.

    He urged elected public office holders to always remember that the only reason they are in office is to protect the interest of the people.

    “If we do this always, we will find ourselves striving, not to please ourselves, but to ensure that the people we represent get the very best of dividends of democracy during our tenure,” he added.

  • Enugu 2015: Chime, Ekweremadu’s battle gets messier

    Enugu 2015: Chime, Ekweremadu’s battle gets messier

    The battle between Governor Sullivan Chime and Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, over the governorship seat of Enugu State in 2015 is getting out of hand, reports Associate Editor, Sam Egburonu

    Before May 29, 2013, the disagreement between Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State and Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, over the ticket of the People’s Democratic Party ( PDP) for the next governorship election, was a well managed secret.

    But on that day, in a town hall meeting held at Nike Lake Resort Hotel, Enugu, to mark this year’s Democracy Day, Chime let the cat out of the bag when he announced publicly that the people of Nsukka Zone would produce the next governor of the state in 2015. The zone, according to available records has seven out of the 17 local government areas in Enugu State. They are Igbo-Etiti, Igboeze North, Igboeze South, Nsukka, Isi-uzo, Udenu and Uzo-Uwani.

    The governor had told the town hall meeting that the issue of zoning had remained an internal arrangement in PDP, and that for 2015, the party has zoned the governorship position to Nsukka zone, adding, “It is already being discussed at the caucus level of the party in the state…we work towards it, the issue of who becomes governor is in the hands of our people…There is an understanding that it goes to Nsukka…It is a PDP affair, all things being equal, our candidate will come from there, and whoever emerges the PDP candidate will be governor.”

    Coming shortly after the well-publicised appearance of governorship posters of Ekweremadu in Nsukka zone and in Enugu capital city, observers said it was Chime’s blunt way of saying he would not allow Ekweremadu to succeed him as governor. Although Ekweremadu, before and after the appearance of the said posters, had repeatedly denied having the ambition of contesting the governorship seat in 2015, insiders insist he is working hard to realise the long held ambition and that Chime would not hear of it.

    So, since Chime’s declaration at the town hall meeting, the disagreement between him and Ekweremadu over the governorship ticket has become a public issue. Both Chime and Ekweremadu hail from Enugu West Senatorial Zone, and so if Chime would make good his promise to Enugu North, it means the alleged governorship ambition of Ekweremadu in 2015 would be truncated.

    As close associates

    At the return of democracy in 1999, Ekweremadu and Chime found themselves in a common political family, called Ebeano, which was headed by the then governor of Enugu State, Dr Chimaroke Nnamani. The two were, according to members, very close confidants of the governor and so became political associates themselves. While Chime began as Personal Adviser to Nnamani on Legal Matters and later became the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of the State, Ekweremadu served as the Chief of Staff to the governor and was later appointed the Secretary of the State Government (SSG).

    While the Ebeano political empire reigned, Chime and Ekweremadu worked harmoniously well. But in 2006, when it was time to anoint Nnamani’s successor, the first crack was noticed as Nnamani left the deputy governor, Ezenwata Okechukwu Itanyi and Ekweremadu, who some Ebeano members said were better positioned and more politically experienced and settled for Chime.

    As Nnamani personally led the gubernatorial campaign train, and Chime’s declaration as winner of that election, there were reports that both Itanyi, Ekweremadu and some other better positioned people within Ebeano felt betrayed.

    In the case of Ekweremadu, Nnamani had in 2003, drafted him to the Senate to replace Senator Collins Ndu, whose crime was his loyalty to Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, then PDP National Secretary.

    So, the choice of Chime did not bring permanent crack in his relationship with Ekweremadu as the later soon became the Deputy President of the Senate.

    The two, therefore, continued to work together as associates.

    This claim may be sustained by the fact that they have fought many political battles together since then.

    In 2010 for example, at the build up for the 2011 elections, when Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo emerged the National Chairman of PDP and dissolved the party’s state executive then led by Vita Abba, Ekweremadu and Chime joined forces to battle Nwodo. At the end of the encounter, Nwodo lost his plum seat at Wadata Plaza, while Chime and Ekweremadu returned to their seats at Enugu Government House and the Senate respectively.

    It would be recalled also that the two allegedly turned their back on the Ebeano political family after the exit of Nnamani and were accused of overseeing the demise of the political empire.

    “Although they benefitted more than any of us from Ebeano, together they destroyed the political structure just because of greed and ambition of establishing separate and personal power base. We know them to be associates in this respect, said a member of Ebeano family, who begged not to be named

    Genesis of the awry relationship

    Our investigation confirms that the Chime and Ekweremadu’s face off over the PDP ticket for the 2015 governorship election can be traced to a comment allegedly made by Chime in a crucial stakeholders’ meeting in Enugu sometime in May, 2013. Our source confirmed that Chime had told the meeting that federal lawmakers from the state, who have served at least two terms should not be encouraged to go back but that they ought to give others chance to go and focus their attentions on new areas.

    Given that only about three out of about 11 federal lawmakers at the said meeting would qualify if Chime’s theory was to be implemented, it led to hot exchange of words, as some lawmakers openly told the governor not to attempt lording it over any of them.

    One lawmaker particularly accused Chime at the meeting of targeting Ekweremadu, who he alleged, the governor was plotting to replace with his younger bother.

    The meeting ended in a very bad mood but insiders said Chime has not regretted making the statement as he actually believes some lawmakers have overstayed and must be replaced.

    Since that meeting, the Enugu State political theatre had become more intriguing and it seems the governor is out to put down his foot. For example, during the primaries for the November 2, 2013 local government election in the state, Ekweremadu’s camp and that of other Abuja politicians from Enugu alleged that the governor shut them out of any arrangements. The result of the election suggest that most of them no longer have strong political base.

    Another incident that confirmed that Chime and Ekweremadu had since parted ways and that what is left is he actual political contest was what transpired during the last South-East Zonal Executive Committee’s meeting of PDP. In that meeting, Chime was not present but the State delegates, according to an insider, were properly briefed by the governor to oppose the existing zoning formula, which will ensure the return of Olisa Metu as the National Publicity Secretary of PDP. Given that Ekweremadu was known to be in support of the return of Metu, he was said to have been embarrassed by the position of his state delegation. Although Enugu delegates’ position was defeated at the meeting, as Metu returned, the encounter confirmed that the political battle between these two allies had just began.

    The game is up!

    Today, the battle for the PDP’s governorship ticket in Enugu State seems to have been narrowed to the face-off between Chime and Ekweremadu. Nobody is pretending about it anymore. Although Ekweremadu is yet to officially declare interest in the governorship position in 2015, his disagreement with Chime’s alleged zoning arrangement as been clearly articulated.

    What is more, the battle ground has been expanded as sources said that Chime is not only bent on handing over to somebody from Enugu North but is now interested in replacing Ekweremadu as the senator representing Enugu South.

    These new resolves have necessitated a lot of moves, consultations and restrategising from the two camps. While Ekweremadu has been inaugurating many projects and making wide consultations within and outside the senatorial zone, Chime has not been sleeping.

    A recent advertorial, published on Sunday, December 1, 2013, and signed by Bethel Onyenyiri, a Special Adviser to Ekweremadu, said, “I have it on good authority that the governor (Sullivan Chime) held a clandestine meeting with some government functionaries in the state to not only initiate a campaign to discredit the Deputy President of the Senate (Ike Ekweremadu), but also to sabotage and possibly destroy the numerous projects attracted by the Deputy President of the Senate.

    “We do not care about their pull-him-down campaign, for while you may fool the blind that there is no palm oil in the soup, you cannot fool him/ her as to whether or not there is salt in the soup.”

    Reacting to the allegation, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Chime,

    Mr. Chukwudi Achife, told The Nation on Friday that there was no face off between Chime and Ekweremadu. He however described the allegation that Chime was planning to destroy federal government projects in the state as laughable.

    Asked if it was true that Chime has ordered the destruction of some federal projects in Enugu State, he said: “The allegation as contained in an advertorial published by Bethel Onyeyiri, Special Adviser on Projects to Ekweremadu is that the governor is planning to sabotage or destroy projects attracted by the Deputy Senate President and not that he has ordered it. We have said and I repeat that the allegation is fallacious and baseless as it is puerile and laughable. We have challenged them to mention the projects and show how a state government can destroy a federal project.”

    He added: “There is no face-off between Governor Chime and Ekweremadu but we understand that some people are desperately trying to provoke one in pursuit of political ambitions. Enugu has been an epitome of peace since the advent of the Chime administration and it is not about to change no matter the antics of some people. We refuse to be dragged into any mindless and unnecessary war.”

  • When cometh our own Mandela

    When cometh our own Mandela

    IN this age and time, I cannot think of any other person, from any part of the world, white or black, who has as much name recognition as Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. He is my hero. He is known, cherished and recognised the world over. No Head of State or Government visits South Africa without seeking audience with the humanist.

    The words that he uttered at different times continue to ring in my memory. I cannot afford to put them away. At his famous trial in 1962, he defined where he stood in the ideological debate. He told humanity what life meant to him and why he had decided to fight for egalitarianism. His words: “During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to the struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”

    At the time, it appeared far-fetched that he could one day become the President of a multi-racial South Africa. Yet, he committed (nay, condemned) himself to fighting for a free and just society. He pledged solemnly to stand by the ordinary people; he was determined to live only in a free environment. For being so steadfast, Mandela was to spend the next 27 years of his life in Jail. The next time he would breathe free air was in 1990. He was 71.

    From that point, he began to receive the reward for taking the side of the people in their just struggle against oppression. He was the only one found worthy of steering the ship of the delicate new state. He handled the negotiations and only reluctantly and humbly accepted to assume office as president.

    When called upon to take up the mantle of leadership, he defined his stand on the most important issues of the time, once again. He said: “Today, all of us do, by our presence here, and by our celebrations in other parts of our country and the world, confer glory and hope to newborn liberty. Out of the experience of an extraordinary human disaster that lasted too long, must be born a society of which all humanity will be proud. Our daily deeds as ordinary South Africans must produce an actual South African reality that will reinforce humanity’s belief in justice, strengthen its confidence in the nobility of the human soul and sustain all our hopes for a glorious life for all. All this we owe both to ourselves and to the peoples of the world who are so well represented here today.”

    As soon as he was convinced that the ship of state was relatively stable on the high sea, he opted to decline nomination for a second term. He was in office from 1994 to 1995.Ironically, the period during which Mandela ruled, Nigeria got the winner of the freest and fairest election in her history, the late Bashorun Moshood Abiola, was arrested. He was still in power when Abiola was killed in detention.

    He was in charge, laying the foundation for a new South Africa throughout the Abacha reign. Mandela was in charge of his country when General Abdulsalami Abubakar took charge of Nigeria. As South Africa progressed, Nigeria declined. Economically, politically, socially, the gap between the two countries widened. The whole world today salutes Mandela.

    Why am I writing about Mandela today? It is neither his birthday, nor is it the anniversary of his assumption of power. It is however, the anniversary of his release from power on February 11, 1990. That date falls within the week.

    But, I am not really writing to commemorate his release. I was led into pouring out my heart on Mandela to call attention to the opportunities that we have missed. So far, we have never had a statesman in power in our country. The person who had the best opportunity to replicate the Mandela persona in Nigeria is General Olusegun Obasanjo. He achieved some form of international recognition when he handed power to civilians in 1979. Promptly, he was brought on board the Eminent Persons Group set up by the Commonwealth of Nations to facilitate peaceful end to apartheid. He became (or was thought) the conscience of the nation when the military toppled the Shagari regime. At intervals, Obasanjo sought to whip the military men to line.

    But, he is not Mandela. He could not lace the shoes of Mandela. Whereas Mandela voluntarily declined nomination for a second term, Obasanjo would do anything to subvert the constitution of his country to gain access to power a third time.

    It is time to elect our leaders at different levels again. Agreed, there is no Mandela here. But, we can insist that men be judged by how close they come to the legendary African hero, Mandela.

    This column was orginally published in 2011. It is today a tribute to the memory of the man that President Jacob Zuma as described as |the greatest son of South Africa”. Adieu Madiba.

  • Chime, Ekweremadu: What went wrong?

    Chime, Ekweremadu: What went wrong?

    In this piece, Michael Udenta attributes the feud between Enugu State Governor Sylivan Chime and Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu to conflicting political interests, ahead of 2015.

    It came as a rude shock to many followers of Enugu politics when Bethel Onyenyiri, the Special Adviser (Projects) to Senator Ike Ekweremadu, the Deputy Senate President issued a full page advertorial on December 1, 2013, accusing the Enugu State governor of plans to sabotage federal projects in the state by the number two man in the upper legislative chamber.

    The big allegation left many of us wondering what really went wrong between the two men, especially going by the fact that they had enjoyed a very cordial relationship before now. It was always common sight to see Ekweremadu climbing the podium at different fora in Enugu to praise Chime for bringing about peace in the state and also for his accomplishments in office. Indeed, these achievements are well felt and celebrated in the State even though the governor prefers to do his work quietly.

    Of course, it is common knowledge that both men parted ways when the governor openly backed Enugu North Senatorial District, otherwise known as the Nsukka cultural zone, to produce his successor in 2015. His reason was that the other two senatorial districts – Enugu East and Enugu West – had occupied the Lion Building top seat through Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani (1999 – 2007) and Chime respectively. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) state caucus was to endorse the governor’s position, based on justice and equity. Senator Ekweremadu was deeply outraged by Chime’s stance, which was a knockout punch on the his ambition to succeed the current occupant of the gubernatorial seat, since both gladiators hail from Enugu West senatorial district. It is unclear if the governor has any interest in the senatorial seat which Ekweremadu, as feelers indicate, wants to keep. If Chime decides to run, can Ekweremadu withstand the man who has the entire structure under his armpit?

    But are these issues strong enough for Ekweremadu’s aide to accuse a sitting governor of plots to “disrupt/destroy” federal projects attracted to the state, especially the Enugu West Senatorial District, by the Deputy President of the Senate? Did he make such an allegation with the consent of his boss? As if that was not enough, another advertorial signed by one Chief John Okafor for Greater Awgu Forum went to even a more ridiculous extent to insinuate that Chime was after Ekweremadu’s life!

    It has not been surprising going by the above situations and the political permutations in the State that the governor has been at the receiving end of negative media articles, often written with pseudo names and canvassing support for their masters and/or sponsors. The current attacks are taking the whole thing to the extreme.

    However, for those who know Chime as a man of peace, the allegations are such rib-cracking theatrics, only good enough to be played out in the Nollywood. It is even so as John Okafor who signed the other advertorial bears the same name with the popular comedian known as Ibu. It is quite unfortunate how some people can take a single individual’s personal disappoint-ment to such a laughable level.

    I was even more bemused that Bethel Onyenyiri, who was Chime’s former commissioner, signed that advertorial. It is true that he is, today, an over-fed Man Friday to Ekweremadu, but common decorum would have taught him some restraints when talking about his former boss. The enticement may be huge today but a man of conscience would have delivered the message in a more decent manner.

    Chime and his men have shown great maturity by not responding to the cheap blackmail from Ekweremadu and his own team. But Onyenyiri has laid himself bare for his lack of respect. The other day, I read an article where it was chronicled how he short-changed the Enugu State citizens as a commissioner during Chime’s first term and how he bought refurbished transformers instead of new ones for which money was given.

    Now, I quote an article published in The Sun newspaper of Tuesday, December 3, 2013: “This is not about Onyenyiri, who lost his position as a commissioner due to incompetence. Perhaps, the time will come when he will tell his Enugu Agu Achi community in Oji River Local Government Area how he, as a commissioner, installed only one transformer out of the five that the state government procured to give electricity to his own people. This is just about his performance and/or indiscretion in a project in which his folks were to be the beneficiaries!

    It was worse for other communities where Onyenyiri dumped refur-bished transformers even when money was paid for new ones. The painful outcome was that these refurbished transformers, all packed up soon after installation. The people of Ubahu in Nkanu East Local Government Area, Ogirishi in Nkanu West, Nomeh in Nkanu East, Awgu and other local government councils are still gnashing their teeth in frustration over the faulty transformers which Onyenyiri personally purchased. He was subsequently dropped by Chime when these findings came to the fore, even as the state government has begun to replace those faulty transformers.”

    Nigerians have always been witnesses to feuds between past Presidents of the Senate and their governors, and also the conspiracies between Abuja politicians and their home state governments. The crux has often been about the quest for power and representations. This is what the current bad blood is all about.

    The difference between the Chime/Ekweremadu rift is that one, without showing any proof, he is now accusing the other of plans to “disrupt/destroy” projects that he attracted. Without holding brief for anybody, I believe that it is going to a ridiculous extent to accuse a governor of any such plot just because as Onyenyiri put it, there was a “clandestine meeting.” What a lame talk!

    Have they reported this matter to the police or other law enforcement agencies? Have they all the facts to back such weighty allegations? Or must we play politics with people’s names and reputations just because of power? The elections are too far away to warrant such dirty tantrums being thrown. It is not too late for Chime and Ekweremadu to come to the roundtable and iron out their political differences because power comes from God. If not, nobody should heat up the polity because we enjoy the peace and unity in Enugu State today.

     

    Udenta contributed this piece from Enugu

     

  • With a divided house, Oyo PDP to battle APC

    With a divided house, Oyo PDP to battle APC

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is warming up for the next governorship election in Oyo State. BISI OLADELE takes a look at the aspirants, their pedigree and odds against them.

    The die is cast between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State.

    Prominent PDP chieftains eyeing the governorship have returned to the drawing board. They are reactivating their politicl structures across the local governments.

    However, the strength of the ruling APC is that Governor Abiola Ajimobi has been endorsed as the consensus candidate for the 2015 poll, following his sterling performance. Therefore, the party will not go into the election with acrimony.

    Unlike the APC, the PDP is more divided. Analysts have predicted a hectic primaries. There are other scenarios too. Sources said that the third party, Accord Party (AP) may team up with the PDP to battle the APC.

    The road is rough for the PDP. In the absence of peace in the party, it may find the next election dificult. There are many caucuses in the party. This is also a disadvantage.

    The APC is waxing stronger. The achievement of the governor is a factor. Although he has not declared his second term bid, many beleive that whenever he unfolds his aspiration, Ajimobi will not have any rival. Some aspirants may spring up, but they may later tep down for the governor because he is popular in the party.

    In the AP, former Governor Rashidi Ladoja towers above other chieftains. Sources said that he is interested in bouncing back as the governor. He lost the seat in 2007. However, if he contests again, there is no assurance that he will regain the seat. The odds are against him.

    The PDP has greater number of governorship aspirants.. They include the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Jumoke Akinjide, former Minister of Power and Steel Elder Wole Oyelese, Alhaji Yekini Adeojo, former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, former Senate Leader Teslim Folarin and a business man, Mr Seyi Makinde.

    There is no strong leadership in the Oyo PDP. There is no leader who has the clout of the late “strongman”, Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu. All the aspirants are leaders and no one is ready to bow for another person.

     

    Jumoke Akinjide

     

    A brilliant lawyer, Oloye Akinjide rode to the limelight largely on the fame of her father, Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN), the former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice in the Second Republic. She contested for the Senate in the Oyo Central Senatorial District in 2011, but lost to Senator Ayo Adeseun. She was later rewarded with the ministerial appointment by President Goodluck Jonathan.

    Since her declaration of intention, Akinjide has been building her political structure. She has become a philanthropist, particularly to the people in her constituency. Although she spends most of her time in Abuja, the minister maintains regular contacts with her constituency. She oils her political structure, which seems to be expanding at the grassroots.

    Akinjide has also been playing a role in mending fences among feuding party leaders. Many of them have not been able to forge a common ground against other parties, due to strife, rancour and battle for supremacy. The caucuses see her as a uniting force.

    But the odds against her are many. They include the negative gender stereotype, particularly among Muslims. Similarly, interested party elders have pointed out that she is not popular beyond Ibadan, her place of birth. However, she is a serious contender.

     

    Oyelese

     

    A former minister and and party elder, Oyelese is believed to be interested in the exalted office. He signified interest in 2011, but intra-party squabbles prevented him from flying the party’s flag. His faction of the party remains neutral, according to analysts, because members of the faction have not been participating in the primaries since 2011.

    An experienced politician, who enjoys the respect of other party leaders acros the zones, Oyelese may pull some weight, if he is able to leverage on his connections and work with other stakeholders within the party.

    But he would definitely need more leaders and supporters on his side to gather the weight he needs to fly the party’s flag. Oyelese would also need to accommodate younger politicians, who have a different orientation to politics.

     

    Adeojo

     

    Adeojo is a veteran aspirant. He has been nursing the ambition for two decades. But success has eluded him. He is a party leader, who lacks followership among the four factions. He belongs to the old generation of politicians, who have a different orientation in politics.

    Adeojo has a lot of work to do. It appears that the mood of the party will accommodate younger aspirants.

     

    Alao-Akala

     

    Alao-Akala was defeated by Ajimobi in 2011. Many have alleged that the former governor lost power because he promoted violence and did not perform well in ofice. But, others have arguued that these are debatable.

    Alao-Akala still wields a great influence in the party. He commands a large followership, particularly in Ogbomoso, his town of birth, some parts of Oke-Ogun and Ibadan, the state capital.

    He is believed to have a large financial war chest. He is a courageous politician.

    But his alleged poor performance and the N11.5 billion fraud case are not good for his image as an aspirant. He was under attack for the way he also ran the party when he was in power. Sources said that some members are still nursing bitterness against him. Therefore, they are not willing to surrender leadership to him the second time.

    Alao-Akala will also have to contend with some elders, who are also interested in the position. It is doubful, if he can garner support in Ibadanland. Ibadan alone has about 55 percent of voters in the state.

     

    Teslim Folarin

     

    Senator Folarin has been eyeing the governorship, since his days in the Senate. In fact, the murder case he faced at the twilight of the 2011 election was believed to be the ploy by other power blocs within the party to stop him from participating in the primaries.

    Folarin currently controls the party machinery. The party officers were sponsored by him. But, under his leadership, the party is unable to pull a meaningful weight without the support of other factions.

    Besides, Folarin, analysts believe, lacks financial muscle and the political structure that can win a governorship election.

    Makinde

    Makinde, a business mogul, contested for the Senate in the 2007 election. He contested under defunct All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP). But he lost hi deposit. He defected to the PDP in 2011, but could not secure the ticket for the seat.

    Makinde is young and resourceful. He is a serious contender. He has no bargage. He also has the financial strength to pursue his ambition.

    But PDP leaders see him as a man that should wait for his turn. Therefore, he can only make progress, if they sup[port a generational shift. He can only emerge as the candidate, if the leaders dump their ambitions, shun bitterness, and allowa neutral, younger person to ride the ladder.

    Apart from Alao-Akala, other contenders hail from Ibadan. This factor, it is believed, will shape the party primaries.

  • Reconciliation still possible in PDP, says senator

    Reconciliation still possible in PDP, says senator

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP chieftain Senator Danladi Abdullahi Sankara is the Vice Chairman of Senate Committee on Water Resources. He spoke with KOLADE ADEYEMI on the crisis in the party and its effects on the Jigawa State chapter.

    You are a stalwart of the new PDP, whose leadership, including the governors, recently defected to the APC.Which camp do you belong?

    First of all, let me make it categorically clear to you that we have not merged with the All Progressives Congress (APC) as alleged in some quarters.

    When I said “we”, in this case, I am referring to the Governor of Jigawa State, Dr. Sule Lamido, including the people and Government of Jigawa State. We are in the PDP, and we have not decamped to another political party.

    Secondly, contrary to what some people think was a crisis in the PDP, the truth is that in PDP, we are one big family and it is normal for some members, who feel aggrieved about certain issues to make their views known, all in an effort to address the anomalies and effect changes that would unify and strengthen the party for greater and brighter prospects to serve the overall interest of Nigerians for peace, progress and development. Remember that we are in a democracy.

    Therefore, people should have the right to express their views and dissenting opinions on certain issues to draw the attention of the leadership, especially by members of a political party on the necessity to do the right things.

    It is only in the Armed Forces that the commander would issue an order, which no one dares to question. But in politics, particularly in a democratic dispensation, if a leader gives an order, and if that order is objectionable, even his cleaner can oppose it.

    We are in a democratic dispensation, what is wrong if we come out to correct an error? To me, it is normal in politics to raise questions and pin-point areas or raise issues, which require intervention to effect the needed changes for sincere progress.

    Are you scared that four or five governors of the PDP and other staunch members have defected to the opposition?

    You see, this issue is far beyond mere generalisation or sentiment. The truth is that even if a single one card-carrying member of a political party decides to team up with another rival political party, it is a loss. However, the consolation is that consultations are still in progress and you cannot rule out the possibility of reconciliation.

    Some people are peddling an erroneous impression that the issues at stake were personal. Far from it, all the issues are about the Nigerian nation, the survival of democracy and the rule of law.

    It is not possible for everyone to keep quiet and watch while the party is being run aground through some actions that are contrary to the basic tenets of democracy.

    In view of the defection, what is the future of the PDP?

    Like I said, even with the purported decamping of some top members of the party and governors to the opposition party, I am very optimistic that genuine reconciliation can still be achieved.

    It is not possible to under-rate the strength of the PDP even without some Governors and others. PDP is the ruling party and still has majority of states in the federation it kitty.

    As things stand today, the PDP still remains the dominant party with clear majority. This is because no one is yet to officially declare that they have decamped to another political party. What we hear is that some people are merging.

    Besides, I earlier hinted that you cannot foreclose reconciliation. Those who have left can still come back. There is nothing permanent in this world, not even life itself is permanent. What is however permanent is change.

     

  • ‘More professionals will join APC’

    ‘More professionals will join APC’

    The former Rector of the Lagos State Polytechnic, Mr. Olawumi Gasper, has said that more professionals are joining the main opposition party because it has revived ideological politics.

    He said: “The polity now set for a titanic struggle between the progressives and forces of conservatism. Nigerians have a choose between a party that has produced failed governments for 14 years and a party of promise with antecedents of good governance in the APC states.2015 is the year of national liberation by the APC”.

    Gasper, who spoke with our correspondent in Lagos, enjoined the APC leaders to sustain the tempo and woo more like-minded politicians still cohabiting within the PDP.

    He explained that Nigerians have yearned for the alternative route to progress and prosperity, adding that the merger has become the solution.

    Gasper said: ‘The prophecy of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo has come to fulfillment. He had said that the best among the contending forces would come together one day to rescue the country. The onus is now on the APC leaders to forge ahead in the national interest”.

  • Gombe APC resolves crisis

    Gombe APC resolves crisis

    THE Gombe State chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC) has resolved its leadership crisis.

    The leader of the aggrieved members, Mu’azu Baba Goro, said that the disharmony, disunity and disagreement have been resolved in the interest of the party.

    “We had some disagreement. we also know that we have some people, who are not really satisfied with what is going on in the party leadership and that is the reason why we felt we should all get together, find out what is our real problem and find a lasting solution to those problem.

    “It is not about the leadership of the party in the former arrangement under the CPC before the merger, but the leadership as it affects the party, the APC,”he said.

    Mu’azu said member were aggrieved over the modalities for harmonisation of structures in the chapter.

    “There are some people who have done much for the party, and those who have contested for governorship and members of the house of assembly; we have no problem with these.

    “But our major problem is those that are not supposed to be members of the executive committee in senatorial district,” he added.

    Mu’azu said that his group disagreed with the committee because there was no wide consultation when its leadership was put together, adding that there was no agreement on the terms.

    “I challenge anybody to ask me for explanation and I will gladly do so. We have a member who is forced on us, someone who have not live in Gombe State for 20 years who by definition is a PDP member and whenever they are in Gombe, they are guests of the Governor”, he said.

    When contacted, former Chairman of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) Mr Audu Baba Kwami said: “I don’t know what they are talking about. We are in support of the national harmonization committee.”

    He said that the harmoni-sation committees were formed by the parties that formed the APC.

    He said those making noise are from the former CPC and they are seeking for political office.

    He said: “They are professional petition writers inflicted by the bring them down syndrome.”

    He therefore, called on the aggrieved members to support the committee for the overall success of the party because “what they are doing will not take them anywhere.”

     

  • Shettima: Warming up for second term

    Shettima: Warming up for second term

    Uneasy lies the head of Kashim Shettima, the governor of Borno State, as he confronts the menace of Boko Haram and mounting internal opposition to his government by his estranged godfather, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff.

    The governor is not a run-of-the-mill politician. He is a professional in politics trying to do things differently. But his attention has been diverted by the insecurity in the Northeast zone, where the insurgents are on rampage. At least, four local governments are paralysed by the sect. Shettima inherited the challenge, but he has not been able to overcome it, despite the declaration of a state of emergency by the Federal Government. The only solace is that Maiduguri, the state capital, is now relatively peaceful.

    When the All Progressives Congress (APC) governors visited Borno early in the year, they marveled at the achievement of the governor, who they described as a silent worker. He was hailed for his strides across the sectors. “You will be surprised that Shettima has achieved a lot, despite the problems facing the state. He has lived to expectation”, Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, who was on the entourage, later told reporters in Lagos.

    Described by stakeholders as a kind, intelligent and humble administrator, Shettima has demystified power by not allowing power to use him, instead of using power for public good. His strength lies in the power of his ideas and devotion to principles. Those attributes came into play during the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) crisis. Guided by his conscience and principle, he refused to sign on the NFG consensus candidate, Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang, despite pressures. Shettima reasoned that, although he belonged to the Northern Governors’ Forum, he could not go against the position of the APC Governors’ Forum, which stood in antithetical relationship with the mission of the Northern governors.

    Sources said that, when he was also contacted to show interest in the NGF chairmanship, the Borno State governor objected, saying that Boko Haram insurgency was enough challenge. He said nobody in his position should covet another responsibility that will frequently take him out of the state.

    To many people, Shettima has made a lot of difference in the state. His consensus building spirit has inspired him to extend frontiers of cooperation and spread tentacles of influence in the troubled state. Following his inauguration, he appealed to the indigenes to jettison politics and brace up for the work of development. Ahead of the poll, he collaborated with influential blocs in the state. In fact, a source said that his deputy was nominated by Kasim Imam, a prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain.

    The governor also set up a cabinet of talents. Although he deferred to the party elders in selecting the members of the State Executive Council, he refused to sacrifice merit and standard on the altar of partisanship. Besides, the governor is a bridge builder and unifying factor. In his cabinet are special advisers of Igbo, Hausa and Niger Delta origins. Many believe that he has an unfinished business, which makes a second term compelling.

    The governor has a cosmopolitan disposition. That is the point of departure. His benefactor, Sheriff, has converted his rural essence into a potent political asset. He is the man of the people. Those who hate him politically, owing to this political aggression and ruthlessness, have not seen another alternative leader in the state. As vindictive as the senator is, the public perception of his personality as the towering strategist and tactician has not diminished. Thus, party followers, despite their admiration for Shettima, still wait for instruction on the way forward in Borno in 2015 from him.

    Sheriff is a popular progressive politician with deep links with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). As the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) governor for eight years, he had largely succeeded in insulating the state from the PDP control, despite his intimacy with former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Now, even as the APC leader in the Northeast, he still enjoys close relationship with President Goodluck Jonathan. A source said that the relationship may even yield a ministerial slot for his camp.

    The APC has become a blessing to Borno under Shettima. Defectors from the ANPP are returning to the new mega party.

  • Murder trial of two Nigerians continues in London

    The trial of two men accused of murdering soldier Lee Rigby continues at the Old Bailey, London yesterday.

    On Friday, prosecutor Richard Whittam QC delivered his opening speech to the jury.

    He said the 25-year-old was victim to “a cowardly and callous murder” when Adebolajo and Adebowale ran him over, dragged him into the middle of the road and attacked him with a meat cleaver and knife.

    He told the court: “They wanted members of the public to see the consequence of what can only be described as their barbarous acts.

    “They had committed, you may think, a cowardly and callous murder by deliberately attacking an unarmed man in plain clothes from behind, using a vehicle as a weapon, and then they murdered him and mutilated his body with that meat cleaver and knives

    Michael Adebolajo, 28, and Michael Adebowale, 22, are charged with killing the Fusilier as he walked back to Woolwich Barracks in south-east London on May 22.

    They are also each accused of attempting to murder a police officer on the same day, and conspiracy to murder a police officer on or before that day.

    Father-of-one Fusilier Rigby, 25, from Middleton, Greater Manchester, died of multiple cut and stab wounds when he was attacked as he returned to the barracks after spending the day at the Tower of London.

    The jury was told that the car was driven “straight at” Fusilier Rigby at a speed of 30-40mph.

    Adebolajo tried to decapitate the soldier while Adebowale stabbed and cut him, the jury heard.

    Video footage of soldier Lee Rigby being mown down by a car was played in court and later released to the media.

    It showed a Vauxhall Tigra, that prosecutors claim was being driven by Adebolajo, swerve across the road and mow down the fusilier.

    Adebolajo, from Romford in Essex, has asked to be known as Mujaahid Abu Hamza in court, while Adebowale, from Greenwich, south-east London, has asked to be called Ismail Ibn Abdullah.

    Trial continues today.