The Nation Newspaper

Category: Politics

‘I never influenced Deji’s appointment’

Two days before the plane crash, which claimed the life of Ondo State Commissioner for Tourism Deji Falae, his father, Chief Olu Falae, frontline Afenifere chieftain and former Secretary to the Federal Military Government, spoke on his son and his foray into politics. Assistant Editor LEKE SALAUDEEN met him in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

Why did you back Labour Party in the last governorship election in Ondo State?

I didn’t back the Labour Party, but its candidate, Olusegun Mimiko, on self recognition. My support for him was because he performed. Since my party didn’t field any candidate for the election, I decided to back Mimiko.

I didn’t lobby Mimiko to appoint my son, Deji, as commissioner. Mimiko and Deji came to know each other in 1999, when I was running for Presidency. They were in the field together campaigning for me. That was how they met and they have sustained the friendship till today. I didn’t influence his appointment by Mimiko, first as board chairman, and as commissioner.

Nigeria is 53. Would you say this is Nigeria of your dream?

Certainly no. At independence in 1960, my generation was just entering university. We were excited and hoped that, within one or two decades, Nigeria would have completely transformed and occupied a place of pride in the comity of nations. Shortly after independence, it has been crisis after crisis. We had the Western Regional crisis that led to the trial of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo for treason, which led to a breakdown of law and order in the region. Remember operation wet e; thereafter in 1966, there was a bloody military coup in which some leaders like the Prime Minister, Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, the Premier of the North Ahaji Ahmadu Bello, and his counterpart in the the West Ladoke Akintola, were killed. The aftermath of the coup was the mass killing of Ibos in the North, which culminated in the outbreak of the civil war that lasted two-and-half years. Invariably, the forces that could not brook opposition in the post independence era drew back the hand of the clock. It shattered our dream of a great nation as young Nigerians then.

What are those things you think we are not getting right in this country?

We have not got the right leadership. Nigeria is blessed with virtually everything such as large population, large market, good climate, mineral resources etc. But leadership, which is very critical is missing. That is why other centres of power are not developing that explains why we have been wasting our resources and missing our chances. It was lack of right leadership that had led to the emergence of sectional militant groups like the MEND, OPC, MASSOB, and now the dreadful Boko Haram.

A joker comes whenever we want to choose a leader. A cabal decides on who becomes our leader. No matter his antecedent. Once he can do their biddings. That is why our leaders have been selfish, sectional and juvenile in attitude-lacking mature minds. Many of our leaders steal public funds to invest abroad. I was in Dubai recently, a business tycoon over there accosted me thinking I was one of the Nigerians, who came to invest billions in Dubai. He told me that one-quarter of his company’s customers are Nigerians. Our leaders invest public funds stolen in other economy, not Nigerian economy. Money that could have been used to build electric generating plants, rehabilitate schools and hospitals, modernise agriculture, reconstruct cities and towns, and provide water for our people are being used to buy houses in Dubai. In the past, it was Switzerland, but now, Dubai has become the first choice in keeping stolen funds. It is part of the illness and tragedy of our time.

When Chief Awolowo was alive, he lived and dreamt of peoples’ welfare and development. Western Region was a pace setter under him. He introduced the first television in Africa at a time when some European countries were yet to have television. He built the first standard stadium in the country. He was the first to introduce free primary education and free healthcare for children of school age and his government was the first to establish Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board in Nigeria despite being a christian. Awolowo used his house at Ibadan as collateral for a bank loan taken by farmers at Elere Village to establish Gari Processing Plant.

Unless we have government and leaders that de-emphasise the acquisition of wealth and personal aggrandisement, what we are lamenting today will continue to persist. The present day may even be better than the future. I moved into this house in 1979. Since then, there is no public water supply and most of the time the generators are on for power supply. What have we done in the past 53 years with all the oil wealth?

Do you regret losing the 1999 presidential election?

I won the election. The result obtained by my agents at different collation centres and brought to me showed that I won the election by 1.2 million votes. Former President Jim Carter of United States, who led an observer team, told me “you are being wronged”. I asked him to say it in public. Carter addressed a press conference and said: “The true result of election observed by my team was different from what was declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).” The pressure was on me to launch a nationwide fight, but I told my supporters that I didn’t enter politics to cause pain or crisis. My intention was to serve. It is not a do or die. If you don’t allow the wish of the people to prevail you can never get it right. The power brokers prevented Awolowo, MKO Abiola and Falae from ruling the country because they would not play their game. If you keep frustrating the people’s choice, the nation will never get out of the woods. God is righteous. He can never support fraud.

How has it being reviving the Social Democratic Party (SDP), ahead of 2015?

We have started mobilising support for the party. People feel nostalgia for the SDP because it was the party that once controlled the National Assembly, that produced 22 governors out of 30, that had majority in most state Houses of Assembly and that bridged the political, ethnic, religious and other divides in Nigeria. All these achievements surge the minds of the people when they hear the party’s name. It’s image is working for us. It is being well received across the country. People are happy about it. We are launching the party on October 31, in Abuja.

You were the Minister of Finance when military President Ibrahim Babangida introduced the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), which many believe ruined the economy. Sir what do you think went wrong during its implementation?

Babangida announced the adoption of the SAP on December 18, 1985. That announcement brought to an end the debate over the International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan. I was appointed Secretary to the Federal Government on January 30, 1986, six weeks after announcement. I was never involved in the planning of the SAP. I supported it because the thrust of the SAP was right. SAP was intended to liberate Nigerians from economic bureaucratic control of the Marketing Board, Central Bank, Price Control Board. From 1945 to 1986, it was the Marketing Board that determined the price of cocoa. The cocoa farmers were the highest tax payers in this country as they paid 40 per cent of their earnings as tax. That SAP had stopped. SAP also eliminated import license because people were free to import directly and eve earn foreign exchange. During the Shagari regime, Nigeria imported goods worth $34 billion that we could not pay for. SAP became the solution to the problem. IMF could have paid off the $34 billion but it could have taken over the management of our economy by positioning its officials in the Federal Ministry of Finance. Shagari’s incompetence caused the crisis.

Prior to the introduction of the SAP, the Cenral Bank determined the foreign exchange arbitrarily. It was stopped. Market forces determine the value of naira. By the time I left government in August 1990, the exchange rate was N5.50k to a dollar. Soon, after I left, it rose. By the time Obasanjo took over in 1999, it was N86 to dollar. The mismanagement led to over valuation of naira. The naira is still undervalued. The level of foreign reserve warrants a stronger currency.

President Jonathan’s ambition to run in 2015 has split the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) and the crisis is affecting governance. As an elder statesman, what would you advise him?

Well, I am not a member of the PDP. I don’t involve myself in the internal affairs of other political parties. But on his 2015 ambition, Jonathan has the right to seek re-election for a second term, based on the provisions of the 1999 Constitution. The constitution permits him. He’s acting within the precint of the constitution. The law does not stop him from completing the Yar’Adua’s term following his death. Those against Jonathan’s running in 2015 should go to the Supreme Court for the interpretation of the constitution. If people don’t want him, they will reject him at the poll.

What is your assessment of the Jonathan Administration?

He has done fairly well despite the monumental problems confronting him in the past two years. His major problem is the PDP made up of opportunists that ganged up for power. They are not committed to the country but what individual can grab. Besides, some people vowed to make the country ungovernable for him shortly after 2011 presidential election. The aftermath of this threat is the Boko Haram insurgence.

However, Jonathan himself was not fully ready for presidency. For someone who wants to rule a heterogeneous country like Nigeria he must be well prepared. Before I came out to contest presidency in 1999, i had prepared a blue print with inputs from technocrats, professionals and politicians. Jonathan found himself in trouble because of lack of preparation. The problems are many and complex. He needs to sit down and fine tune his strategy. By and large we have other presidents that have failed the country in the past.

Are you satisfied with the government’s handling of security challenges in the country?

Now, yes, but before, no. I have always advocated military action against terrorists. Every fight will end up on peace table. The First World War ended on a peace table. Jonathan wasted about one year dilly dallying on Boko Haram problem. I was not happy with him until he started fighting. Military action is part of the solution. If Boko Haram believes in violence, persuade them through military action.

The Yoruba leaders have complained against the marginalisation of the ethnic group by the Jonathan Administration. What steps have been taken to reverse the situation?

The marginalisation is real. Do you know that in some key sectors of the bureaucracy, there are no Yoruba directors in the past 60 years? We under the platform of Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF) met President Jonathan to formerly present our case. He acknowledged that there was marginalisation and promised to address it. Now tabulation of appointments in the civil service has started with a view to correct imbalance in the system.

President Jonathan has set up a committee on the national conference. What’s your view?

It is a welcome development. The ultimate solution to most of the problems in the country is restructuring. The national conference will lead to that. More powers will be devolved to the regions and more funds would be given to them to perform their functions. That was the British plan for a heterogeneous society like ours. With restructuring, marginalisation will become a thing of the past.

October 8, 2013
Fani-Kayode can’t blackmail PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party has warned the former Aviation Minister,Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, to stop his campaign of blackmail and calmuny

against the party. The party described the former minister’s comments in the wake of the recent plane crash as a reckless and scandalous remark unbecoming of a public figure.

PDP said in a statement by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Mr Abdullahi Jalo, that “it was unbecoming of a man that uses every opportunity to sermonise on virtues of his faith to employ the occasion of any air mishap to vaunt an un-existing legacy as former aviation minister”.

Noting that Fani-Kayode is a former member of the Federal Executive Council, the party official said he is “a physician that could not heal himself”.

He stressed: “In six months that Femi was minister, he posted an enviable record in tribalism and nepotism, when he employed a record 45 managers for different parastatals under the Aviation Ministry from his native Osun State. He went further to retire many officers of the director cadre, replacing them with incompetent cronies.

“Nigerians have not forgotten the suspension of the Managing Director of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Alhaji Yusuf, by Femi for refusing to illegally extend the concessioning of the Murtala Mohammed (local ) to Bi-Courtney Aviation Services from 12 to 46 years. Though presidential orders restored Alhaji Yusuf to his position, it did not prevent Femi who unilaterally, without presidential approval, granted the extension.”

But Fani-Kayode denied the allegation of blackmail, saying that he was devoted to the cause of truth.

He added: “I would advise the PDP to concentrate on trying to get their Minister of Aviation to save lives and protect our skies and to look into the very serious concerns that most Nigerians have raised about air safety in our country today rather than spend their time spreading children and fanciful tales about me.”

October 8, 2013
‘My reservations about National Conference’

All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu spoke with reporters, shortly after his return from a medical trip abroad. EMMANUEL OLADESU, KELVIN OSA-OKUNBOR and MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE were there.

What is your state of health now?

It is a great joy to be back. It is good that we are back and I really appreciate your concern and this great gathering. I am returning today after I had left this country, almost three months ago, for medical attention. Among those who contributed to this are great Nigerians, well qualified, who have moved out of the country because there are no facilities, no equipment. No such opportunities in Nigeria. The surgery was successful. Among those who attended to me were physiotherapists, who did the job that I must get well quick and return to the country. This is the first ever and the longest period of my absence from Nigeria’s political scene. Since 1993, it has never happened. The only time something like this happened was when I was in exile. Since 1999 that we returned, I have never been away for more than one week not even personal vacation. I am glad that I am back. I am fit and able, and many of you cannot compete with me on a 2.5 kilometer race now. If you want to try me, I will get down, we can run and see who wins. I know so many people will be lagging behind.

You were not around when the APC was registered. What is the next stage after the registration?

I am proud to be part of the group of Nigerians, who are determined to say enough is enough in the political landscape. That we should not continue to allow terminates, rodents, to promote corruption, unemployment, destitution, lies and unfortunately, ineptitude in government. Our determination is to have a political platform, where true democracy will be promoted by all Nigerians. We got to a stage that we finished all the documentation before I was confident that we will be registered in a country where there is the rule of law. I am glad the baby was not aborted; the baby was born. That baby is the new hope, a new platform. This new platform is a rescue platform. It is not a replica platform of the past or of the same old way. It is a reversion, it is a redefinition and rescue mission for Nigeria. You own it. All Nigerians owns it. All Nigerians must be determined.Political success is not a game of bystanders. It is not a game of spectators. You journalists know the principle of this party, the objectives of it and, if you buy into it, you will be able to see whether this party can rule Nigeria. And definitely, we will do that.

What is your reaction to the National Conference being proposed by President Goodluck Jonathan?

This dialogue is for who and by who? Government is about trust. I am standing with the governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola. Go to Osun and look at his programme and you will see that his people trust him. If Aregbesola says a road will pass here today, people believe him because the road will pass there immediately. The level of deception in the country is very high. Now, they have adopted public deception as their strategy. How many months to the elections? How long have we been talking about it? why suddenly? Now, there is something in political history and social history. They say beware of Greek’s gift. It is only a very smart rodent in a house full of little crumble of poison that will survive the trappings of the owners. Let us, first of all, ask series of questions. But I need to consult with my party , but I see a contradiction here. I will discuss with my party. I see a diversion here. I will discuss with my party. I see deception here. I will discuss with my party. I see lack of honesty and integrity here. I will discuss with my party. It is time to look at our own agenda and develop it. Nigeria is being deceived. So, where is the sovereignty? What about the electoral act? What about the Lemu Committee? We have not had white paper or green paper out of that. Why now? How many months to the elections? Can’t you smell a good soup when it is well cooked? Can’t you smell bad one that stinks? Can’t you smell the odour of the deception when it is passing by? It is left for our party and all of us to note all these developments. You inherit the assets and liabilities of your predecessor. This President was the Vice President when Umaru Yar’Adua told the world that the election process that brought him to office was floored and he promised that he will do something about it. He started and set up a panel of eminent Nigerians up to look into that process, where Justice Mohammed Uwais, with great eminent Nigerians, sat down to look at the matter. Where are the reports that came out of that deliberation? They chose to compromise the electoral process, they chose to dwell on corruption and the INEC.

Some people are calling for the postponement of the 2015 general elections because of the proposed national conference. What is your reaction?

That is the saying of a thief who wants to continue to hand on to the opportunity, who is enjoying and stealing and want to continue to have that opportunity. What are you postponing about election? Is it with the head you walk or with the feet? You must stand on something. You say democracy and sovereignty of this country is about the National Assembly. But I argued then, that sovereignty belongs to the people. Now, there is a diversion. where is the agenda? I want to say that you should beware of the poisonous gift. But I cannot conclude here today, unless I consult with my party. I can only express my own feelings. I am a democrat. If the party says go this direction, I must follow them to that direction.

What is your reaction to the recent plane crash involving the children and relatives of former Governor Segun Agagu and those planning for his burial?

Agagu was a committed family man. Tunji (Okunsanya) was a close friend of every one of us. But God has done one thing. He has shown us his wonders. In the midst of all of these, Feyi Agagu survived, his brother-in-law survived. He has given room for us to give thanks to God. Addressing the government, I think we are talking to a deaf ear. Nigeria’s aviation is a risk. We have never allowed professionals to run the aviation industry. We created too much bureaucracy, ‘kinsmanship’. We allow ethnicity and mediocrity to intervene in our decisions. We play with the lives of Nigerians. We have no infrastructure. This runway that we landed on is one of the worst in the world. It does not meet world standards, You allowed non professionals, fraudsters, corruption to dominate the ministry. The ministry should have nothing to do with all agencies. The professionals in the Ministry of Aviation should be adequately trained. They should be trained and retrained to meet the world standards. The independence of decisions is important. You allowed mediocre to take decision. You abuse me politically or you ground Ameachi any time you want to do so. You can stop Oshiomhole anytime you wish like doing so. Is that a way to value peoples’ life? Where are the professionals? where are the engineers? What is the age of the plane and the records of maintenance? But when they have already compromised the office, they waste our valuable lives and time. We have to remove corruption. That is a cancer in our society. We have to remove ethnicity and clannishness in our society. It is a shame on our society.

Some were speculating that, due to illness, you may not be able to walk again…

This is my leg. You can see it for yourself and it can do what it has been doing. Before I travelled, I disclosed to Nigerians that I was going for medical attention in order to avoid this kind of speculation, but they chose to speculate. I thank God that I am back. I thank Nigerians for their prayers. I thank my well wishers for their overwhelmingly concern. They were concerned about my health. They were concerned about the rumour. You don’t have to listen to them. This speculations came up as a result of their idle mindedness, lack of employment and not being occupied with serious issues. I say God Almighty will forgive those who spread the fictitious information. God forgive them because they did not know better. I want to thank those who personally, through visits and telephone messages, to express their love and concern for my wellbeing. I never felt appreciated as much as what I witnessed at this period. It is unfortunate that I came home at a time a tragedy occurred to this country. One of our great politicians, in person of Olusegun Agagu, passed away suddenly and in the process of his burial, there was a tragedy again. So, many lives were lost. It is a sad and depressing period in our country. It is a sad commentary that those who render service never value the quality of life of our people. The quality of service being delivered in the country is appalling. They have not subjected the service to merit and professionalism. They have not dwelt on the capacity building and the development of our industries. Aviation is one of the most regulated, simpler to be used, but what is in existence is nothing to talk about. The control mechanism was not really the challenge. Even, if you have all the mechanisms well placed, whether it was checked in the appropriate way is another question. If it was not properly done, that is corruption. We have too much bureaucracy that has crept into the system. Instead of allowing the professionals to independently handle the agency, like it is done in other countries, reverse is the case here. My condolence goes to chief Olu Falae and others who lost their beloved ones in the crash. We have promises of enquiries into these sectors. But who are the ones making the inquiries? Do they have the knowledge? Do they have the intellectual of professional inquisitiveness? What we have is superficial inquiries in Nigeria. Now, it is left for us to raise the issue and follow it for safety of our people in the industry.

October 7, 2013
‘Masses deserve more democratic dividends’

Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has promised more dividends of democracy for the people, infulfillment of his administration’s promise to take the state to greater heights.

It is my great pleasure to be at the Maiden Annual lecture and book presentation of the Osun Development Agenda (ODA). I should like to most lovingly express my deep appreciation to the dogged progressives and untiring democrats who envisioned and brought to reality the idea of this organisation and its clearly defined objectives. It is with such efforts that the democratic culture is deepened and enriched. I commend you for your genuine interest in advancing the course of democracy both in the State of Osun and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I thank you for the honour of the invitation as Special Guest.

The debut of the ODA Annual Lecture is to my mind a development that will further illumine the mind of progressives and provide political enlightenment for our fellow compatriots. It is a platform on which a new generation of young and dynamic politicians who will work sincerely and tirelessly for the good of all will be nurtured. Depending on the quality of commitment, the tempo of which I trust the capable founders of the organization will keep high each passing day, ODA may yet be an effective furnace that will disinfect Nigeria’s democratic culture of its hugely astounding impurities. And it is my hope that the tree of revolutionary, unprecedented socio-economic and political changes firmly rooted in the soil of Osun will blossom more and more as a result of the nutrient-yielding activities of ODA.

To this end, I would like to encourage the great minds behind this organization to ensure that its light continue to glow undiminished. Because your organization seeks to, among other lofty goals, unwaveringly promote the cause of impactful democratic governance, you must see to it that as leaders and members you maintain unity of purpose. All of your disagreements must be towards the strengthening of the organization to achieve its realizable objectives. Experiences and enlightenments from the chronicles on slavery, slave trade, civil rights movements, segregation, struggle for political and economic emancipation, demilitarization of political spaces, and even retrieval of stolen political mandates, unambiguously show that organizations and movements that seek social justice and wellbeing of a vast number of people do not progress freely without coordinated assaults and insurrectionary opposition from reactionary forces. Therefore, you will need to arm yourselves with courage, persistence, and grit. Maintain focus on your goal.

Distinguished audience, without being immodest, I should like to observe that the riveting story of the unprecedented socio-economic changes my Administration affected in the State of Osun is the stuff of a bestseller. The Osun we met after we retrieved our brazenly stolen mandate was one that had receded deeply into the cesspool of tormenting dysfunction-ality. But when we took over, we wasted no time in activating the engine of transition. And our transition has been with evident transformation. The choking debt, which was going to keep the state comatose, was settled. Within the first 100 days of assuming office we made a titanic dent on the monster of youth unemployment by employing 20,000 youths through the Osun Youths Empowerment Scheme (O’YES). Another set of 20,000 youths are currently on the scheme. We introduced sound financial engineering. This enables us to pay salaries, gratuities and pensions promptly without any negative effect on capital projects. There is now a significant improvement in our Internally Generated Revenue. So expertly organized is our system of finance that we need not rely on Abuja before we fulfill our statutory obligations.

We have achieved may enduring firsts in education, agriculture, health, tourism, community development, infrastructural provision, employment generation, social welfare, and security. Our public schools have benefitted richly from comprehensive restructuring. The revolution in that sector is ensuring the springing up of model schools across the state. The Elementary Free School Feeding Programme, O’MEALS, is not only quality nutritional meals for the pupils, it has also become instrumental to the increase in the enrolment of school-age children. With the recent rating of Osun as the State with the highest figure in primary school enrolment by the Bureau of National Statistics, it goes without saying that our Administration values education as the bedrock of its development agenda. Again we are the first State Government to demonstrate real concern in the way our public school pupils and students dress. Early in the year we distributed 750,000 uniforms to them free. In our quest to make learning enjoyable and get our students and teachers to tap into the vast resources of Information Communications Technology, we achieved another first by coming up with the tablet of knowledge, Opon Imo.

Our farmers are better today than they have ever been at any other time prior to the time we assumed duty. So viable is our policy in this sector that great developments are continually being recorded. Road infrastructure development is unprecedented in the State of Osun. No city or town is unreached. The refrain I hear is that Osun is now a huge construction site. Our urban renewal programme will make our state organised, more liveable and fit for foreign investors.

Moreover, great is the transformation taking place in our health sector. We are investing heavily in drugs, equipment and capacity development. The nine State Hospitals are now undergoing wide-ranging renovations. Tourism is gaining greater heights. Unemployment is continuously disappearing in Osun. All of our programmes are designed to create jobs for all categories of people. We have been rated as the state with the least unemployment index. As government, we do not make light of our responsibilities to our people.

Thus, it is heart-warming that ODA is presenting to the public a book which memorializes the uncommon steps we have taken to enrich the quality of life since we came into office. Personally, I consider the title of the book, Work in Progress, to be apt, for it not only affirms the fact of evident exertions, it equally rightly indicates that we are not resting on our oars. All that we have done, great and substantial as the doubtlessly are, put us in constant reminder that our work is not finished. Our day has just begun. There is still much more to be done. We are equal to the task. With the support of God and the dependable people of Osun, we will continue to give our best.

There is ample room for improvement. Contrary to the opinion that second term is a time to rest and luxuriate in wanton waste of money, the renewal of mandate we seek is to continue on the path of responsible governance. The firm foundation of good works requires a befitting lasting edifice of abundant socio-economic dividends. Until that edifice comes, with the foundation in place it is still work in progress.

I salute the leadership of ODA for their encouraging efforts in chronicling our increasing commitment to democratic governance in the State of Osun. The book is another colourful screen that will give wider visibility to the unparalleled changes our Administration is unalterably affecting in all the vital sectors of the State’s economy. With progressives like you standing with us, we will continue to provide beneficial democratic governances.

I thank you all for your cordial audience.

Governor Rauf Aregbesola delivered this speech as special guest at the maiden annual lecture and book presentation organised by Osun Development Agenda, held at conference hall, National Centre for Technology Management, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

October 7, 2013
What Agagu ‘ll be remembered for, by Senator

In this piece, Second Republic Senator Michael Onukun extols the virtues of the former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Agagu, who was laid to rest at the weekend.

Nicolo Machiavelli took more than 400 years after his death to earn a mark of greatness through an epitaph erected at his grave in Florence in Latin: “Tanto Nomini Nullum Par Elogium,” meaning: “Of this great man, no praise is adequate.”

Chief Obafemi Awolowo was perhaps, luckier. It took his condolence register time before his interment to be named the best President that Nigeria never had. Ironically, this declaration was made by those who opposed the acclaimed leader of the people and constantly denied Chief Awolowo their votes to block his many chances of being elected President.

Geniuses in a generation are very scarce indeed, not easy to find. The ones identified among us therefore should be accorded life-enchancing appreciation and encouragement while still alive, in order to maximize their resources for the general good of the people. The lack of candour and love shown towards our great men often hastened their death, so much so that the rush of post humous encomiums and eulogies became valueless to the dead but constituted a bad lesson to the living.

I have recognised the traits of a genius in Dr Olusegun Agagu and did not hestitate to tell him so. The realisation drew me closer to him to encourage and advise him and sometimes, to warn about pitfalls besetting the paths of great men. True, Dr Agagu was a loving personality, liberal minded and light-hearted man, who devoted his life and time to the service of his people totally, even at the risk of his own health. He overworked himself no doubt, shunning all admonition to embrace increased delegation to allow himself more time to rest.

Like Ceaser, Dr Agagu did not fear death. He often argued that his father did not live long enough to make him believe he could do better at the rate he was going.

Adolf Hitler was a genius of a special class. That cannot de disputed. Wasn’t Alexander the Great a genius too? Whether they had put their abilities and activities to a good use or not is beside the issue.

In Berlin, on April 30, 1945, Hitler retreated to his room in the bunker, leaving his last two faithful, Jioseph Goebells and Martin Bormann, outside. With the sudden sound of a muffled gunshot from the direction of Hitler’s room, both men raced to burst the door and found the lifeless bodies of Hitler and his wife, Eva Braun, lying on their bed. Goebells immediately ran outside and cried: “Our Fuerher (Leader) is dead, the heart of Germany has ceased to beat.”

Now, Dr Agagu is gone! When comes such another?

Come, let us join together to sipplicate Almighty God to grant Agagu’s soul eternal rest that he can no longer shun.

October 7, 2013
Ekiti PDP nominates Akerele for minister

Ekiti State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has forwarded the name of Otunba Yinka Akerele to the Presidency as the ministerial nominee. It’s Vice Chairman, Hon. Femi Bamisile, who confirmed the nomination, described Akerele as a loyal party man and rallying point, who has made huge sacrifice for the unity of PDP in the state. However, some party chieftains have opposed the nomination, saying that Akere is not their collective choice for the ministerial job.

“Ekiti PDP is proud to nominate one of its savvy sons to President Goodluck Jonathan for consideration as a member of the executive cabinet. The choice of Otunba Yinka Akerele is informed by his proven track record of performance in the private sector and as a successful entrepreneur. We are certain that he will leverage his talents to add significant momentum to the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan,” he said.

Commenting on the nomination, Bolanle Bruce, former Special Adviser on Diaspora, hailed the decision and commended the insight of the party leadership, saying that Akerele had paid his due.

“This didn’t come to some of us as surprise, knowing the contribution the former governorship aspirant has made to our dear party. I’m sure there wouldn’t be any dissecting voice because Akerele has done a lot to build the party with little or no recognition. His emergence as minister will sure contribute in no small measure to the growth of PDP in the state,” she said.

October 7, 2013
Millwall trashed with Shittu absent

Bournemouth staged a spectacular comeback to beat 10-man Millwall, in the absence of Millwall skipper, Danny Shittu.

Martyn Waghorn put Millwall ahead with a low shot and set up Liam Trotter to make it 2-0 to the visitors after only 10 minutes.

Then the Cherries hit back as Ryan Fraser curled in just two minutes before the break.

Then Steve Cook headed in Ian Harte’s corner on 50 minutes and Harry Arter put them ahead from distance just five minutes later.

Millwall’s Alan Dunne saw red and Lewis Grabban scored from the spot on 59 minutes, to complete a torrid 16 minutes for the visitors.

Then, substitute Brett Pitman hit a late fifth from another penalty, to complete the humiliation of the Lions.

October 7, 2013
Imo 2015: Ihedioha’s chances, challenges

Following renewed pressure from some stakeholders for Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon Emeka Ihedioha, to contest the 2015 governorship election in Imo State, Okodili Ndidi in Owerri, takes a look at the challenges before him and his chances

The plot to lure the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Emeka Ihedioha, to join the governorship race in Imo State, has continued to mount with the recent subtle but firm call by his people to throw his hat in the ring.

Although it has been severally rumoured that the lawmaker has been nursing the ambition to take a shot at the number one position in the state, it has never been remotely or directly confirmed. But the recent move by politicians and stakeholders from ‘Mbaise nation’, comprising of Aboh Mbaise, Ahiazu and Ezinihitte Local Government Areas, has once more reopened the debate on the political calculations of the lawmaker.

Recently, in a well attended town hall meeting, held in his country home, Mbutu in Aboh Mbaise, the need to join the race was strongly impressed upon the Deputy Speaker by the conveners of the meeting.

The spokesman of the group that was made up of seasoned politicians and captains of industries, Dr. Joe Ndu, in his speech, noted that they have concluded that Ihedioha should contest the governorship election in 2015 on behalf of the people of Owerri zone, which has not produced a governor since the return to democracy in 1998.

He described Ihedioha as a politician with towering profile and enviable pedigree, insisting that he stands a better chance among other contenders from the zone.

Ndu, a former commissioner in the National Population Commission (NPC), said the choice of Ihedioha to lead the ambition of the zone, which is said to be favoured by the Imo State Charter of Equity, which advocates rotation of the governorship seat among the three senatorial zones of Okigwe, Owerri and Orlu, was influenced by the fact that he would provide a change in the style of leadership, which would be well focused and characterised by a distinctive sense of purpose and direction.

“He will provide a government that will demonstrate a noticeable ability to halt and reverse the unemployment rate and increasing pauperisation of the state and will immediately restore the security of life and property in the state and protect the safety of the state itself which have been put in serious danger,” he stated.

Ndu also recalled that Ihedioha between 2007-2010 raised his personal fund to rehabilitate 14 primary and secondary school blocks within Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala just as he initiated and facilitated the process for the construction of N1billion jetty at Imo River Owerrinta/Okpala, Imo/Abia state border.

He equally drew attention to the construction of a 133 x33 KVA sub station located between Nguru and Ibeku, facilitated by Ihedioha and which, according to him, had so far attracted over N22 billion from the Federal Government.

He stated: “It is also important to let this August audience to know that the sub-station will satisfy the electricity power needs of Mbaise and their immediate neighbours,” adding that he (Ihedioha) had facilitated the construction of concillary injection sub-station at Mbutu in Aboh Mbaise, Ahiara Junction, in Ahiazu Mbaise. Onicha in Ezinihitte Mbaise as well as in Ngor Okpala”.

Still lauding the Deputy Speaker for his giant strides in the areas of human capacity building and empowerment, award of scholarships, youth employment, Ndu argued that a revolutionary change is needed in pace and tempo of governance in the state.

In his response, Ihedioha, expressed shock over the decision to draft him into the race. He said that as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, he has been engrossed with the task of making laws and ensuring the advancement of the nation’s democracy and had never considered the plan of vying for the governorship of the state.

He, however, said that, “I will not say no to my people. My commitment to my people will not. I won’t disappoint you; the voice of the people is the voice of the gods. I will go back and consult with my political associates and after my consultations, I will get back to you.”

With these veiled lines of words, the meeting was drawn to a close but the pertinent question is will he succumb to the mounting pressure? What are his chances and challenges of succeeding Rochas Okorocha. Will the support of his zone be enough to ferry him to Douglas House.

Even before the subject matter was broached by his people of Mbaise nation, Ihedioha had always been counted among the top contenders for the governorship of the state. The reason for this is not far fetched.

As a lawmaker, he had devoted the last one year to a sustained programme of empowerment for the people of the state, which included women and youth who cut across, political, religious and ethnic divide in the state.

Another reason that is counting in his favour is the Imo Charter of Equity, which demands that for equity and fairness, Owerri zone, where he obviously holds the highest elective position, should be allowed and supported by the other zones to produce the governor of the state in 2015.

Also within his party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which is strongly overcoming the shock of defeat, he has been noticeably involved in the revival and reengineering of the party structure ahead of the 2015 election.

Although the party has assured that it will provide a level playing ground for all aspirants, the fact is not lost that for the party to reclaim its lost mandate in the state, a credible and winsome candidate should be fielded to compete.

A political analyst, Mazi George Ucheakolam, said that Ihedioha’s entrance into the race will positively impact on the chances of Owerri zone in the 2015 governorship election.

According to him, “Ihedioha’s experience and exposure will certainly raise the stake for the people of Owerri zone. I think he has the muscle to make a difference in the race.”

It has also been rumuored that a powerful caucus within the state chapter of the PDP is favourably disposed to Ihedioha emerging the flag bearer of the party during the 2015 governorship election.

But the state Publicity Secretary of the party, Chief Blyden Amajirionwu, said that the party has not endorsed anyone but will rather provide a level playing ground for all aspirants, no matter their the zone they come from.

Be that as it may, the recent unconfirmed report about how the Deputy Speaker singlehandedly paid up the rent for the state office of the party, which had accumulated into several millions of naira, is a strong indication that the Deputy Speaker may be oiling the party’s structure for this purpose.

Although there are still very strong contenders from Owerri zone, including Captain Emmanuel Ihenacho, a former Minister of Interior, Chief Jerry Chukwueke, a business mogul and major player in the politics of the state, political pundits are of the view that Ihedioha is one of the people to watch in the coming election.

According to Chief Izu Uzoaru, the lawmaker had evolved over the years to become one of the most powerful politicians not only in the state but in the entire South East.

But one of the major challenges the pro-Ihedioha group will have to scale, aside from getting his nod, is the fact that the PDP may not regain public confidence which it lost during the previous administration, before the election.

Also the fact that the incumbent governor, Rochas Okorocha, has warmed his way into the hearts of the people of the state after being adjudged as the most performing governor of the state, after Sam Mbakwe.

But events in the next few weeks will clear the air about the political future of the lawmaker. Will he run for the Senate seat as equally being speculated or succumb to the pressure and join the race for Douglas House in 2015? Answer to these puzzles lies in the outcome of Ihedioha’s consultations with his political associates as he promised his people.

October 6, 2013
Anambra 2013: Politics of the running mates

As the November governorship election in Anambra State draws closer, Associate Editor, Sam Egburonu, unveils the intriguing politics that informed the choice of the running mates for some of the frontline candidates.

Long before the primaries and the emergence of the governorship candidates in Anambra State’s 2013 elections, the politics of choosing ‘the right’ running mates took the front burner, for strategic reasons.

Our investigation shows that the interest in who becomes the governorship running mate in virtually all the participating political parties was much more pronounced than what usually obtains in Nigeria, where the task of choosing who would be pairing with candidates as running mates is principally considered as the exclusive game of party leaders and financiers. At best, such candidates are usually chosen, largely for power balance. In Anambra 2013 governorship race, it seems the stake is even higher.

We gathered that local stakeholders, including development unions of virtually all communities, community leaders, traditional rulers and economic elites got involved in making these choices, thus further complicating the matter for top political godfathers in the state. This interest, according to our findings, make most of the running mates of the frontline governorship candidates arguably independent, powerful and strategic, having emerged largely because of considerations outside the direct influence and choice of the governorship candidates. This development may, in the short run, boost electoral value for the parties, but in a way, it may also pose a major challenge after elections, when the main task of governance commences.

The beginning:

The intensity of the politics of running mate for the forthcoming elections in Anambra State first became public knowledge when Anambra North, after holding several strategic meetings at home and in major cities like Lagos and Abuja, openly warned their people not to accept to be campaign coordinators or deputies for candidates from Anambra South and Central. The senatorial zone, which is yet to produce an elected governor for the state, argued that they would not accept the position of deputy governor, pointing out that it is their turn to produce the governor.

It was this open declaration by Anambra North, strengthened by the near hundred percent obedience of the instruction by the political actors from the zone, irrespective of their political inclinations, that painted the search for running mates with such striking colours.

A grassroots politician from Anambra North, Chief Udochukwu Uzochukwu, told The Nation that his people consider the issue as “very primary to our political survival, hence the cult-like adherence to the order. We deserve to produce the governor, not his deputy. That is our message,” he said.

As a result of this position, most of the leading political parties, including those fielding candidates from Anambra South and Anambra Central Senatorial zones, had to field running mates outside of Anambra North.

The ruling party, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), which is fielding a governorship candidate from Anambra North, in the person of Chief Willie Obiano, is fielding Dr. Nkem Okeke, ***from Enugwu Ukwu in Anambra Central.

There are indications that All Progressives Congress’ candidate, Senator Chris Ngige, who is from Anambra Central, may choose his deputy from Anambra South.

Labour Party’s Ifeanyi Ubah is pairing with Dr. Emeka Eze from Ukpo, Dunukofia in Anambra Central.

Having emerged as running mates of the governorship candidates, concerned stakeholders, aware of the intrigues behind their successes, are interested in the electoral values they are likely to add to their parties on November 16.

APGA’s Nkem Okeke

Dr. Nkem Okeke, former Commissioner of Economic Planning in Governor Peter Obi’s cabinet during his first term, is a university lecturer and one time Head of the Department of Economics at Nnamdi Azikiwe Universty, Awka.

Considered as a political loyalist of APGA’s National Chairman, Chief Victor Umeh, who, insiders alleged was behind his choice, Okeke, who has worked closely under Obi’s economic team, is considered as an excellent bridge between the governor and Umeh.

We gathered that Okeke may not have been in the picture ab initio, but in the course of the recent reconciliation between Obi and Umeh, he emerged as the bridge for strategic political balance.

As a kind of consensus candidate, Okeke’s electoral value, according to inside sources seem very formidable, both politically and otherwise. A source, who described himself as an associate of former governorship aspirant, Hon Ekwunife, said, “ Since Hon. Ekwunife was not given the ticket, the choice of Okeke, to us, is strategic. We do not have anything against it. Politically, it cannot be faulted, given the circumstances.

Aside political considerations, we gathered that some intellectual elites in the state said Okeke’s background as an economist, combining with an accountant governor, will help sustain Governor Peter Obi’s economic policies and developments in some key areas like education, economic planning and investment.

APC’s Raphael Okeke

The search for the running mate of Senator Chris Ngige of All Progressives Grand Alliance was also very intriguing. Earlier reports said no fewer than 40 persons were at a time jostling for the running mate position of the APC.

One of the top aides of Ngige, Chibuzor Obiakor, was before the primaries quoted in one report as saying,”it is normal for people to come and make case for the position of running mate. But that is not what we are after now. We are faced with the primary election of the party and not who would be the running mate of the party.”

With the emergence of Hon. Raphael Okeke as the running mate to Ngige in the November 16, 2013 governorship election, we gathered that the leading opposition party is now set for the election.

Okeke is not a newcomer in the game of politics in Anambra State and is therefore considered an important electoral asset for APC.

Aside the fact that he served as the member, representing Anambra East and West constituency at the House of Representatives, Okeke is rated as an experienced grassroots politician. Okeke, who hails from Nzam, in Anambra West, had served twice as the Local Government Chairman of Anambra West.

Pairing with the former governor of the state, Dr Chris Ngige, the team is considered very solid, especially because of their experience and track records.

Labour’s Emeka Eze

In Labour Party, the search for Ifeanyi Ubah’s running mate was also intriguing. Inside sources confirmed that the initial plan may have been to chose the running mate from Anambra North since Ubah is from the South.

But following the insistence of some political leaders of the zone not to give the running mate’s option any chance, the party had to look elsewhere.

Initially, it was feared that the choice of Ubah’s running mate may jolt the party, given alleged varied interests and exclusion of Anambra North.

But it seems when the choice was finally narrowed to Dr. Emeka Eze, a prince from Ukpo dynasty of Dunukofia in Anambra Central Senatorial District and a close relation of political godfather, Chief Arthur Eze, the alleged varied interests in the party felt satisfied.

Eze, a medial doctor and nephew of Prince Arthur Eze, has some traditional influence, being the son of late Igwe of his community, HRH (Dr.) Walter Eze, the founder and owner of Toronto Hospital in Onitsha.

Besides, Prince Eze is not a newcomer in the game of politics in Anambra State. Barely 47, Eze, who was born in 1966, contested for the last PDP House of Representative Member in Njikoka/Dunukofia/Anaocha Federal Constituency, Anambra State Nigeria.

Given his late father’s influence as a successful medical practitioner in Onitsha, Prince Eze is considered a political asset in the area. Besides, Prince Arthur Eze’s influence across Anambra State’s political theatre may also be exploited by the young scion of the political dynasty.

In PDP, it’s still a waiting game

Until the legal tussle in the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), over it’s governorship candidate, is finally resolved, the issue of the who would finally vie as running mate remains somehow suppressed though interested stakeholders, according to a source, have not given up but are now operating underground ahead the final resolution of the crisis.

It would be recalled that Senator Andy Uba, Mr. Tony Nwoye and Prince Nicholas Ukadike are laying claims to the position of PDP’s flag bearer.

At the height of the crisis, the Ejike Oguebego faction of PDP in the state produced Senator Uba as its governorship candidate, while the other faction, led by Prince Ken Emeakayi, recognised by the PDP NWC, presented Nwoye. That was not all as a rival governorship aspirant on the Emeakayi faction, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, approached a Federal High Court, Port Harcourt division, where he secured an injunction against Nwoye and PDP. Since then, the series of legal battles have continued even as the underground battle for running mate seems to have been suppressed publicly for the time being.

October 6, 2013
Sambo, Makarfi and battle for Kaduna

The recent dissolution of the Kaduna State Executive Council by Governor Ramallan Yero and last week’s impeachment of Usman Gangara as the Speaker of the State House of Assembly may just be the beginning in the battle for the control of the state politics ahead the 2015 elections, reports Assistant Editor, Remi Adelowo

Ten months after he was inaugurated as the helmsman of Kaduna State, Governor Ramallan Yero, finally dissolved the cabinet he inherited from his former boss, Patrick Yakowa, who died in a plane crash in December last year.

The move was not unexpected if the undercurrents that prevailed within the state chapter of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last few months were anything to go by.

Months before the dissolution was announced by Yero, words had been rife among political actors in the state that Yero had resolved to sack all the commissioners, special advisers and other political appointees to form a new team in ‘his own image.’

Shortly after he was sworn-in, Yero had accused some key government officials of allegedly disrespecting him while he served as deputy governor.

Days later, he relieved five key aides of Yakowa of their appointments. They included the Secretary to the State Government, Lawal Samaila Abdullahi; the Chief of Staff of the Government House, Abokie Galadima; Senior Special Assistant (Media), Reuben Buhari; Principal Private Secretary to Yakowa, Yonna Allamagni and the Political Adviser, Engr. Bala.

Apponted as the new SSG is Hamza Ishaq Danmahawayi, while Yahaya Aminu was made the new Chief of Staff. Other appointments are Ahmed Maiyaki as the Director-General, Media and Publicity; Aliyu Sumaila as the Principal Private Secretary with Garba Madami made the new Political Adviser.

The change of these key aides, who are considered as the closest to the governor, had fueled speculation that it was only a matter of time before other political appointees; particularly commissioners, who were appointed by Yakowa would be weeded out of the system.

The Nation gathered that some leaders of the PDP and loyalists of the governor had impressed it on him that the government’s lack lustre performance was due to the alleged disloyalty of the former commissioners to discredit the governor and frustrate his alleged re-election ambition in 2015.

And just as many people in the state were still coming to terms with the sack of Yakowa’s loyalists, came the unexpected impeachent of the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Usman Muazu Gangara; his deputy, Dr. Dugara Matoh and all principal officers of the House. In addition, all the standing committees of the House were dissolved.

The impeachment exercise, which was carried out by 19 out of the 34-member House, witnessed the election of a new Speaker and Deputy Speaker in the persons of Alhaji Shehu Tahir and Peter Adamu, respectively.

While the former Speaker was still raising issues on the propriety and illegality of his impeachment, the governor, within hours, congratulated the new leadership of the House while also promising the state government’s cooperation.

Sources disclosed that the impeachment of the House leaders was the climax in the governor’s game plan to establish a new political structure that will be wholly loyal to him and his political godfather, Vice President Namadi Sambo.

The ‘Operation Weed Out Yakowa loyalists’ became more imperative following reports at the disposal of the governor that some elements in government and the state PDP were plotting to work against the re-election of Yero, who is alleged to be eyeing another term in office.

But beyond the moves to erase all the vestiges of Yakowa from the state’s political landscape, The Nation gathered that the present political developments in the state in recent times may not be unconnected to an alleged cold war between Vice President Namadi Sambo (who is also a former governor of the state) and his predecessor, Ahmed Makarfi, currently a serving senator.

Among other things, Makarfi is being accused of opposing Yero’s return to office in 2015. There are unconfirmed reports that the senator favours the return of power back to the Kaduna South Senatorial zone where the late Yakowa hailed from in 2015, a decision that has angered the governor’s camp.

Both Sambo and Makarfi were once close political allies. In 2007, Makarfi handed over to Sambo, an architect and a businesssman, to the alleged displeasure of key political stakeholders in the state, who viewed Sambo as an outsider in the PDP and the government.

However, all was well between the duo until 2010. Following the death of President Umaru Yar’Adua and his replacement by the then Vice President, Goodluck Jonathan, the search for a new vice president, which had Makarfi strongly favoured by some Northern political leaders, took a dramatic twist when Jonathan instead chose Sambo.

Though the two leaders have managed to keep their frosty relationship out of public glare, sources allege that Sambo, desperate to dispel notions of having a weak political base in the state, is using the advantage of having his political godson as the governor to stamp his authority as the defacto political leader of the state.

Battle for Kaduna South

The battle for the soul of Kaduna politics, according to sources, is also a fall-out of the appointment of Ambassador Nuhu Bajoga as Governor Yero’s deputy last year.

Bajoga’s choice was opposed to by the youth of Kaduna South, who alleged that the 66-years old politician was too old to advance the interests of the zone.

The Nation gathered that elders of the zone, led by Major Gen. Zamani Lekwot (retd), had recommended three nominees, which included a former Minister of State for Power, Nuhu Wyet, late Yakowa’s esrtwhile Chief of Staff, Abokie Galadima and Bajoga.

According to sources, the governor reportedly settled for Bajoga who is not likely to rock the boat like the much younger Wyet and Galadima, who was overlooked for the job based on his closeness to Yakowa.

Presently, there are fears within the PDP in the state, of the likelihood of the Kaduna South aligning with the major opposition party, All Progressives Congress (APC), in the 2015 general elections.

Since the advent of the political dispensation in 1999, the PDP had garnered bloc votes from the zone unlike its performance in Kaduna North. This factor has largely contributed to the party’s victory in the state from 1999 till date.

If the APC eventually picks its 2015 governorship candidate from the Kaduna South, political watchers opine that it would be difficult for elders in the zone to convince their followers to pitch their tents with the PDP.

This factor, coupled with the internal crisis in the PDP, which led some members to recently declare support for the Abubakar Baraje-led faction of the party will, no doubt, constitute major obstacles for Ramallah Yero to retain his position in 2015.

October 6, 2013