The Nation Newspaper

Category: Politics

Reflections on the crisis of education sector

The recent release of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results by the Joint Admissions Matriculation Board (JAMB) continues to elicit both negate and positive debates among students and stakeholders. In fact, this year’s UTME has become starkly controversial than any other period in recent history, simply because of the intricacies that surrounded the exam from start to finish. Many had expected positive outcome from the exercise but alas, the exercise appeared as one in futility, if the results and statistics coming from the exam body are anything to go by.

According to JAMB, the number of prospective candidates who bought forms and sat for the exam totalled 1, 644, 110. Out of the 1, 644, 110 candidates, 1, 629, 102 applied to sit for the Paper Pencil Test (PPT), while just a paltry number of 15, 008 decided to go for the Dual Based Test (DBT). With this staggering number unprecedented in the history of the exam body, one would have thought quite a handful would easily have passed or made at least a good grade to proceed for the post-tertiary exams in their chosen university. Reverse was, however, the case. Of this huge number, according to JAMB Registrar, Prof Dibu Ojerinde, only 10 out of the 1, 644, 110 candidates who sat for the examination scored 300 and above, with 628 other candidates scoring between 270 and 299. Furthermore, a total of 12,110 candidates’ results

were being withheld for examination malpractices, while the results of another 68,309 candidates from various centres were undergoing further screening to ascertain their capability. A total of 40,692 candidates’ results were invalid “due to multiple shading or no shading at all”, while 47, 974 candidates remained absent.

With these appalling and shocking results, there is no denying the fact that something fundamental is wrong with the Nigerian education system. Since the results were released, accusations and counter-accusations from JAMB, parents and students on the conduct of the exam have been flying around. Just like the year before, this year’s UTME was fraught with series of anomalies and problems. Cases where candidates could not find their names on the examination day, wrong combination of subjects assigned to candidates or even the failure of the so called biometric system as a result of laptops running out of battery power, became rampant all over the country. As if that was not enough, the high level of cheating unprecedented in the history of the UTME reared its ugly head with parents, students, teachers, invigilators, mercenaries, security personnel and JAMB officials, all colluding to give candidates a field day.

Prof. Ojerinde claimed that students were no longer serious about their studies and accused most of them of failing to read the two novels recommended by JAMB from which questions were set in a particular subject. He went further to absolve JAMB of any misconduct; expressing confidence in the board’s marking process, even as parents and candidates continue to fret at the shocking and heart-breaking scores.

What bothers this writer is how long this educational malfeasance will continue at a time when viable education in saner climes is evolving dramatically by the day. Is it that many Nigerians are not ready to embrace the innovative skills JAMB has put in place for a good conduct of its yearly exam or JAMB itself does not understand the psyche of the average candidates to whom they are setting exams for? What exactly is wrong with the system that things continues to get worse annually without a long term solution? Are we that unintelligent to understand where we are getting it wrong, or how come it is always a clash of two titans—JAMB and prospective candidates—with neither admitting fault? For how long would we continue to lament and watch this fragile sector as education go down the gutters of malfunction?

This writer is of the belief that what is happening is a result of contemporary systemic failure where education, right from the home to both the primary and secondary schools, have failed to raise a critically conscious generation with moral values. At the end, we breed children who are only interested in having quick success without hard work. For the simple fact that many of these candidates have not had the pre-requisite upbringing from childhood which is a tool for success after hard work, desperation sets in. Many wish to pass at all costs and in a bid to do that engage in so many acts inimical and detrimental to self and society.

For as long as we neglect these simple values, we should expect the worst in the following years. Since those who are meant to regulate the educational system have failed to do their jobs efficiently, that very stage of child upbringing suddenly develops series of flaws. When we look around us, hundreds of mushroom schools spring up every day with little or no regulations to guide their activities. Even the ones which are government owned lack facilities to assist the students in educational development. A student who has not seen chemical elements like acid and ammonia or has not been taught how to dissect common rabbit in his biology class or does not have in his agriculture laboratory common seeds like cotton seed, cowpea etc., would have nothing to offer during school, state or national exams.

Our schools are replete with stagnant, weary and redundant teachers who have no iota of passion in them for teaching. Most of them lack teaching skills hence teach nonsense. It is these set of students, having been taught by these drop-outs, who eventually, in a bid to be part of the few available spaces in the tertiary institutions resort to desperate measures to pass. At the end, when the results emerge, they blame the system, even as the system is heavily to be blamed.

Until we go back to entrench and instil moral value in our education system, things will surely continue to get worse. Since it is a reality this year that not even 300, 000 will be admitted to study their course of choice owing to the abysmal results, all stakeholders, especially the government, must begin a process of re-organisation, re-orientation and re-awakening to ensure that this appalling failure does not repeat itself. If we think this problem is one of those usual ones to shove aside, then we must be ready to bear the consequences, a situation which will be dire.

If the National Youth Service Corp, NYSC had once discovered two of its prospective corps members could not write their names, soonest, we shall have doctors prescribing pain killers for rashes. It is gradually happening in our midst, therefore, we must not wait else, a time bomb should explode right before our faces.

• Oluwafunminiyi writes from Lagos

May 28, 2013
Furore over 36 votes

The ballot box is in trouble. At the weekend, the Nigerian Governors Forum(NGF) election could not be an exception. The chairmanship election momentarily underscored the failure of the association to act as a model of internal democracy. The rancorous poll mirrored the past electoral terrorism on a micro scale. Observers contend that it may be the sign of things to come in 2015.

In Abuja, one of the governors, declined to vote, thereby refusing to take sides in the divisive issue. But the 35 votes became the bone of contention. Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, who scored 19 votes, was declared winner. But the supporters of his emergency opponent, Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang, kicked against the result and pronounced the retired soldier winner.

Today, there is the NGF chair. But there is also a parallel chairman. The authentic vice chairman, according to the poll results, is Zamfara State Governor Aziz Yari. The factional vice chairman is Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko. Instructively, the two antagonistic structures reflect the North/South dichotomy. Between now and the next general elections, NGF may remain a disunited group. If there is no truce, the divided huge may ultimately fall. Both factions have tested their strength and popularity by calling for meetings. The battle has also shifted to the pages of newspapers, with governors adorning the garb of spin doctors.

Many attribute the turn of events to the ruptured political relations between President Goodluck Jonathan and his Southsouth kinsman, Amaechi, although the President’s spokesman washed his hands off the controversy. The poll analysis showed that the President may have lost grip on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors. It is also evident that the Northern governor’s vote may have been influenced by the 2015 calculations. Jang claimed that he had their backing. Does that mean that they sold out?

According to analysts, four options are before the warring governors-fresh election, litigation, interim management and reconciliation. It was the first time the NGF election was marred with controversy. That controversy preceded the election. The inability of the governors to collectively endorse the poll is outcome confirmed the split along the Jonathan/Amaechi divide. Ultimately, there is no way either Amaechi or Jang, the reluctant aspirant, can foster unity, harmony and understanding in the fold.

The option of a fresh election may be stressful. The two antagonistic camps loyal to the President and Rivers State governor would just return temporarily to their shells, only to re-emerge as combative warriors. If this occurs, the forum will definitely need strict police protection during the rerun.

In consonance with the rule of law, the two governors can approach the temple of justice for adjudication. Amaechi and Jang’s lawyers will then clash in the course of the legal fireworks before the judge. If there is no accelerated hearing, the case may not be decided before 2015.

Now that the NGF is enveloped in crisis, an interim management may be plausible, depending on the constitution of the body. But, how to constitute an interim management committee is also a challenge, since all the governors are stakeholders in the crisis. This approach, according to observers, is defeatist. It may dent the forum’s image as an organisation that cannot put its house in order.

The best option is reconciliation. Who will moot it? The lone governor who abstained from voting? The governors who are blindly at war? Leaders outside the forum? Past governors who have records of integrity and credibility? Deputy governors who have no forum as spare tyres?

It is a costly disagreement that may take its toll on the polity. The NGF has an outstanding battle against the Federal Government. This battle revolves around the agitation for true federalism, decentralisation and devolution of powers, Land Use Act, and revenue allocation. Now that the leadership tussle is a distraction, the NGF may inadvertently abandon this popular battle for repositioning the federal polity.

The of discord may also blur the vision of the NGF and its agenda, especially the peer review mechanism. The polarisation may mitigate against the cross-fertilisation of ideas and exchange of knowledge among the governors. It can even worsen the existing border feud between contiguous states. Indeed, a dangerous precedence has been laid. Can the NGF survive the alleged presidential arrow and self-inflicted wound?

May 28, 2013
Ajimobi: Endorsement for ‘son of soil’

Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi and his wife, Florence, were recently installed as the Aare Atunluse and Yeye Aare Atunluse of Ibadanland by the Olubadan, Oba Samuel Odulana, shortly after the endorsement of the governor for a second term by the stakeholders. BISI OLADELE examines the political significance of the historic ceremony.

It was a carnival-like ceremony in the ancient city of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. Governor Abiola Ajimobi and his wife, Florence, were the cynosure of all eyes. They were conferred with the Aare Atunluse and Yeye Aare Atunluse of Ibadanland by the paramount ruler, Oba Samuel Odulana. The implication of the conferement was not lost on the politicians and political observers.

Like most governors, Ajimobi had promised on May 29, 2011 that he would restore the glory of the Pace Setter State. However, not many took him seriously as the citizens had grown weary of many of such unfulfilled promises.

But two years on, the governor has proved to all and sundry that he meant what he said at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, where a large crowd witnessed his inauguration as the governor.

Dignitaries at the ceremony included the Are Musulumi of Yoruba land, Alhaji Azeez Arisekola-Alao, Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN), Chief Kola Daisi, members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), traditional rulers and leaders of thought in the state. Also at the ceremony were Governors Babatunde Raji Fashola (Lagos State), Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun). The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) leaders, including the national chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, and ChiefOlusegun Osoba also witnessed the occasion.

Ajimobi is a proud son of Ibadanland. To many people, the ceremony marked the endorsement of the governor for a second term by the Ibadan indigenes by his kinsmen.

The governor said that he accepted the honour because Oba Odulana is not given to frivolous conferrment of titles on undeserving individuals. He said the honour was based on the monarch’s objective assessment of his performance as the governor in the last two years.

“We are all very proud of the Olubadan of Ibadan land,’’ the governor said, adding that he had been offered several chieftaincy titles, which he had turned down.

“But I have no choice than to accept this honour, coming from the highly revered royal father, the Olubadan. I know that he doesn’t just dole out chieftaincy titles anyhow. He is a man of no mean achievement and he is highly principled. He has done us, the sons and daughters of Ibadanland, proud. I am, therefore, very pleased with the titles,’’ he said.

Ajimobi said that he was also pleased to be recognised by his kinsmen for his outstanding achievements, since he became the governor two years ago.

“Ibadan people are very tough. They are not given to frivolities. If they deem it fit to honour you, you should know that you are really worth it,’’ he added, thanking the Central Council for Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and the Ibadan Elders’ Forum for their usual support.

The governor pledged that the honour would further spur him into performing more than before in his quest for the socio-economic development.

All the Ibadan traditional high chiefs who were present at the occasion, took turns to eulogise the governor, who they said, had done Ibadan proud through his outstanding performance.

Though a traditional honour, the development has far-reaching implications for 2015.

The popular cry during the tenure of former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala was for an Ibadan indigene to return to the Agodi Government House. When Ajimobi was elected, Ibadan elders and people voted for him. He garnered the highest votes, from the city. Thus, their expectations was met. The governor has largely worked hard to justify the confidence reposed on him. The political implication of this is that Ajimobi and the ACN can count on their traditional support. By the feat accomplished so far, the governor has also won many more people to his side as the towns and cities are looking far better than he met them in 2011.

Oba Odulana is a highly principled monarch, who has been speaking the truth to power and, in mild terms, has not been generous in giving titles to people, particularly, undeserving individuals. Therefore, that the honour came from him largely implies that Ajimobi’s achievements are recognised in high places as real and outstanding. This reduces the chances of other politicians and parties to warm themselves into the hearts of the people, particularly, in Ibadan and other major towns.

The major opposition figure in the state, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, is a member of the Olubadan-in-Council. That this title of Atunluse (Agent of change) came from the palace means that he (Ladoja) may have a weak following in the highest traditional council in Ibadanland.

The honour came only two years into the four-year term, meaning that Ajimobi still has more than ample time to warm himself and his party into the heart of the people.

Some of his feats

When he was sworn in as the governor on May 29, 2011, Governor Ajimobi clearly spelt out his vision to transform the state. He marshaled his transformation, restoration and reformation agenda with gusto. But many did not see the agenda as anything unique because of previous disappointment.

Though many rejoiced at a new regime that was expected to end the reign of thuggery, brigandage and lack-lustre performance, the hope of a true transformation was low among residents as the state had long earned for itself a negative image that almost made Nigerians believe that it does not have talented leaders to rebuild the state, which was almost in ruins.

For the first three months, Ajimobi and his team did not come up with any major project other than the ban the violent commercial drivers’ union as well as the weekly environmental sanitation aimed at reducing filt and dirts. The situation -led to the the characterisation of Ibadan as the most violent and the dirtiest city in Nigeria.

But from September to December, 2011, Ajimobi changed the fortune of several commercial motorcyclists by offering them tricycles. He also facilitated the establishment of an assembly plant for tricycle manufacturing in Ibadan, to serve the needs of the state and other Southwest states.

This was followed by the construction of a flyover at Mokola Roundabout, a notorious traffic gridlock spot at the gateway to the Ibadan Central Business District. The bridge, which is due for commissioning this month, has opened up the business district to all the stakeholders, adding more value to the worth of properties in the area and the beauty of Mokola and its environs.

He introduced a novel healthcare system dubbed: “Oyo Free Health Mission” towards the end of the year, which saw over 60,000 residents across the state treated free by foreign and local medics. In 2012 over 130,000 patients benefitted from the programme.

That was in addition to the distribution of free exercise books to public school pupils across the state and the reduction of school fees by 50 per cent in state-owned tertiary institutions.

Ajimobi employed of 20,000 youths into the Youths Empowerment Scheme of Oyo State dubbed: “YES-O.” From the 33 local governments that make up the state, beneficiaries, who are largely graduates, thronged the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium (formerly Liberty Stadium), for community service in the environment, transport, education, health and other sectors of the economy.

Several roads and bridges, washed away by the fatal August 26, 2011 flood, were either rebuilt or renovated.

The civil servants for the first time, received a full 13th month salary for Christmas.

In 2012 Ajimobi and his team started made impact in traffic control, road maintenance, improvement on physical infrastructures in schools, and beautification of cities.

The first quarter of the year looked dull with no major projects. Then, criticisms trailed the administration. It became a popular saying that Ajimobi was slow. The seeming lull created a gap between the high expectation of residents from an initial “Active Governor” and the reality of the need for proper planning.

But the second quarter ushered in a new regime of beautification. The governor gave teeth to his long dream of changing the landscape of Ibadan and other towns. To achieve this, many shops with unapproved plans and those standing on water channels and roads had to go.

With bulldozers pulling down illegal structures, many residents embarked on a campaign of calmuny to discourage the governor from accomplishing his aim. Ajimobi did not bulge. He remained resolute, explaining to all who cared to listen that things must change for a true city to emerge.

Within one year of landscaping, installation of modern facilities and strict observance to urban planning regulations, the outlook of Ibadan and other towns have changed.

In the health sector, the administration is currently renovating the hitherto derelict State Hospital, Adeoyo, Ring Road with over N800 million. This is aimed at bringing it up to international standards. He launched the ambulances earlier in the year, thereby improving access of residents in remote communities to healthcare. It equally offered prompt response to road accident victims in Ibadan. The ambulance services are being expanded to all the 33 local governments.

In the education sector, the Ajimobi Administration has renovated many blocks of classrooms, resuscitated running grants, approved the promotion to the highest cadre in the civil service for teachers and offered free extra-mural classes to final year pupils. This led to improved performance of students in the WAEC and NECO examinatiins last year. Recently, the administration presented a N100 million scholarship to students who are indigenes of the state in tertiary institutions. The gesture is coming 28 years after scholarships were last awarded in the state.

The Ajimobi Administration now has many 32-seater buses conveying workers to and from the secretariat free of charge. Other commuters within Ibadan are also been enjoying free ride in many routes.

The era of labouring in vain for Certificate of Occupancy (Cof O) and other land documents is over. The C of O is now processed transparently within 60 days of application and land resource is offered to investors with generous discounts.

In agriculture, the administration has resuscitated the school agriculture project, increased seedling supply, registered the farmers for effective distribution of facilities and improved on the management of agricultural practices.

But the housing, physical planning and urban renewal projects seem to have made the most visible impact. In Ibadan, three massive neighbourhood markets would be commissioned this month. A modern motor park along the new Ife Road was commissioned earlier in the year to move commercial vehicles from Iwo Road intervhange.

The establishments of two new GRAs in Akinyele and NIHORT has also received applause.

Two major marks of these projects are their high quality and taste. Being an urbane person, Ajimobi has proved, within two years, that a new Oyo State is not only desirable, but possible with the right leader. He has also proved that the problem of Nigeria is that of leadership and that when leaders have the right vision, the political will and the determination to attain their laudable goals, Nigerians will suddenly become law-abiding and good followers.

May 28, 2013
Furore over 36 votes

The ballot box is in trouble. At the weekend, the Nigerian Governors Forum(NGF) election could not be an exception. The chairmanship election momentarily underscored the failure of the association to act as a model of internal democracy. The rancorous poll mirrored the past electoral terrorism on a micro scale. Observers contend that it may be the sign of things to come in 2015.

In Abuja, one of the governors, declined to vote, thereby refusing to take sides in the divisive issue. But the 35 votes became the bone of contention. Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, who scored 19 votes, was declared winner. But the supporters of his emergency opponent, Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang, kicked against the result and pronounced the retired soldier winner.

Today, there is the NGF chair. But there is also a parallel chairman. The authentic vice chairman, according to the poll results, is Zamfara State Governor Aziz Yari. The factional vice chairman is Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko. Instructively, the two antagonistic structures reflect the North/South dichotomy. Between now and the next general elections, NGF may remain a disunited group. If there is no truce, the divided huge may ultimately fall. Both factions have tested their strength and popularity by calling for meetings. The battle has also shifted to the pages of newspapers, with governors adorning the garb of spin doctors.

Many attribute the turn of events to the ruptured political relations between President Goodluck Jonathan and his Southsouth kinsman, Amaechi, although the President’s spokesman washed his hands off the controversy. The poll analysis showed that the President may have lost grip on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors. It is also evident that the Northern governor’s vote may have been influenced by the 2015 calculations. Jang claimed that he had their backing. Does that mean that they sold out?

According to analysts, four options are before the warring governors-fresh election, litigation, interim management and reconciliation. It was the first time the NGF election was marred with controversy. That controversy preceded the election. The inability of the governors to collectively endorse the poll outcome confirmed the split along the Jonathan/Amaechi divide. Ultimately, there is no way either Amaechi or Jang, the reluctant aspirant, can foster unity, harmony and understanding in the fold.

The option of a fresh election may be stressful. The two antagonistic camps loyal to the President and Rivers State governor would just return temporarily to their shells, only to re-emerge as combative warriors. If this occurs, the forum will definitely need strict police protection during the rerun.

In consonance with the rule of law, the two governors can approach the temple of justice for adjudication. Amaechi and Jang’s lawyers will then clash in the course of the legal fireworks before the judge. If there is no accelerated hearing, the case may not be decided before 2015.

Now that the NGF is enveloped in crisis, an interim management may be plausible, depending on the constitution of the body. But, how to constitute an interim management committee is also a challenge, since all the governors are stakeholders in the crisis. This approach, according to observers, is defeatist. It may dent the forum’s image as an organisation that cannot put its house in order.

The best option is reconciliation. Who will moot it? The lone governor who abstained from voting? The governors who are blindly at war? Leaders outside the forum? Past governors who have records of integrity and credibility? Deputy governors who have no forum as spare tyres?

It is a costly disagreement that may take its toll on the polity. The NGF has an outstanding battle against the Federal Government. This battles revolves around the agitation for true federalism, decentralisation and devolution of powers, Land Use Act, and revenue allocation. Now that the leadership tussle is a distraction, the NGF may inadvertently abandon this popular battle for repositioning the federal polity.

The current discord may also blur the vision of the NGF and its agenda, especially the peer review mechanism. The polarisation may mitigate against the cross-fertilisation of ideas and exchange of knowledge among the governors. It can even worsen the existing border feud between contiguous states. Indeed, a dangerous precedence has been laid. Can the NGF survive the alleged presidential arrow and self-inflicted wound?

May 27, 2013
NGF: Divided they stand

The Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) election has come and gone. But the ripples it has generated will take time than a while to settle writes Assistant Editor AUGUSTINE AVWODE.

THINGS may have fallen apart in the Nigerian Governor’s Forum, the most elitist political group in the country.

Less than 48 hours to its election that has generated much tension an aide to one of the governors from the Southsouth told the The Nation, that the election would end in anti-climax. He dismissed what he called “all the hype and exaggerated build up to the election.” The source maintained that nothing spectacular would happen.

However, the outcome of the election and the developments that have followed have pointed to only one fact – it is not “case closed” yet. If anything, it has exposed the Forum to a bitter feud and internal wrangling. It has dwindled the possibility of the Forum to speak with one voice.

Bone of contention

The bone of contention had been whether Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi should seek a re-election or not. The Constitution of the Forum clearly gives the incumbent the opportunity to seek another two years in office, if he so desires. But among the governors, there has been opposition to the ambition of Amaechi to seek re-election. Expectedly, this led to the polarisation of the Forum into two – those for the re-election and those that are against it. The factions have spent valuable time plotting and strategising. The intrigues have been palpable. In one instance, a new body comprising of only the governors of the Peoples Democratic (PDP-GF) was formed and Akwa Ibom State Governor Goodswill Akpabio emerged as its chairman.

But by the time the dust settled at the weekend, Amaechi was re-elected. But his victory was quickly rejected by the group, which has been opposed to his return as the NGF chair.

Amaechi’s offence

Amaechi’s offence, it was learnt, was that he has turned the Forum into a “trade union.” He was said to be critical of the President and his pro-grammes. Besides, it was said that his alleged ambition to contest for the position of the Vice-President in 2015 would jeopardise the chances of President Jonathan.

According to the poll results, Amaechi secured 19 votes to Governor Jonah Jang’s 16. Since then, things have never been the same for the Forum. Jang’s supporters have discredited the election. They are: Akpabio, Jang, Idris Wada of Kogi, Gabriel Suswam of Benue, Sullivan Chime of Enugu, Martin Elechi of Ebonyi, Theodore Orji of Abia, Peter Obi of Anambra and Isa Yuguda of Bauchi. Others are: Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo, Ibrahim Shema of Katsina, Mukhtar Yero of Kaduna, Garba Umar of Taraba, Ahmed Abdulfatah of Kwara, Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta, Liyel Imoke of Cross River, Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa and Gombe State Deputy Governor, Thaanod Rubainu. The rest, mostly from the opposition parties, are on the side of Governor Amaechi.

Stable past

The NGF has been relatively stable, since it was founded in 1999.Though it is not recognised by the 1999 Constitution, the Forum has grown to wield enormous power and influence. It is existence has largely been justified by the provision in Section 40 of the Constitution for individuals to enjoy the right of association

From inception till now, the NGF has been led by five different individuals. It started with former Governor of Nasarawa State Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu from inception in 1999 to 2004. He was succeeded by former Akwa Ibom State Governor Obong Victor Attah who led it from 2004 to 2006. Next to chair the Forum was former Edo State Governor Chief Lucky Igbinedion. He led it from 2006 to 2007. Thereafter, former Kwara State Governor Senator Bukola Saraki took over the mantle of leadership of the Forum. He was there for the whole four years his second term lasted from 2007 to 2011. The incumbent chairman, Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, took over in 2011.

The last time a similar leadership crisis rocked the Forum was in 2011. Then, former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel, who had been named as the new leader was removed in a dramatic fashion. But is the Forum was not polarised. This will be the first time since its formation, that the group will split into two. Already, the camp-led by Jang has set up a parallel secretariat from where it hopes to operate.

Implications

The implications for the Forum could be far reaching. First, the Presidency is now at liberty to recognise and deal with the faction it endorses. Second, the masses would bear the brunt in one way or another. Any position canvassed by a governor that is not among the recognised group may not get the desired attention it deserves.

On the other hand, it may mark be the beginning of a major realignment of forces in the build up to the 2015 general election. But will the NGF be the same again? The answer is a resounding no.

May 27, 2013
‘Emergency rule has castrated the governors’

The National Publicity Secretary of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Alhaji Lai Mohammed, spoke with MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE on the preparation for INEC’s registration by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other national issues.

The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the Congress of Progressive Change (CPC) and the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) have held their national conventions. What is next?

The next thing is that the three political parties will jointly write to the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in accordance with the relevant sections of the Electoral Act. The sections stipulate that if two or more parties that want to merge, must inform INEC of their resolution to merge. That, the parties involved will now write a letter to INEC, to be signed by their respective national chairmen and make it available to INEC. That is the point we are now at this moment. The three parties have now resolved jointly, to be one political party, stating its address and getting the interim officers of the political party that will pilot its affairs.

Is there any deadline for this?

The only deadline is the time that the letter is written and received by INEC. And that is to say INEC must reply within one month that the letter was received. We hope that before the week runs out we would be able to send the letter to INEC.

How will the interim officers emerged?

The leadership of the three parties will meet to determine how the new party will be administered in the interim. As soon as the approval is given by INEC, that the merger has been approved, the leadership of the three parties must now meet to embark on massive education of new members. A convention committee will be put in place. It will be saddled with the responsibilities of holding congresses from the wards to the national convention levels to elect officers across the whole country.

The three parties are not of equal strengths. How will the distribution of offices be done?

One of the conditionalities of the merger is that all the parties involved in the merger must be treated as equal. That is why we were able to achieve what we have achieved so far. We do not have any party that is superior or above others irrespective of their contribution to the merger. We treated the ANPP, CPC, ACN and APGA as equal partners in the merger. When the committee that drafted the programme leading to the merger met, we ensured that equal numbers were brought to the committee. In the same manner, what will happen again, will be decided in this same format.

How are you resolving the ‘APC’ matter, which is currently in court?

I think Nigerians should be properly educated on this matter. As at today, there is no political party that is known with acronym of APC. There is a political association with the name African Peoples Congress (APC) whose application has been received by INEC and INEC says that it had not met certain conditions. Now that the party had gone to court to challenge the power of INEC, I will not want to comment any further. That is why, at the conventions of the political parties; ACN, CPC and ANPP, INEC was not only given adequate notice but its presence at the conventions was ensured. But as far as we are concerned, it will be more of a distraction to dwell on the ‘APC’ matter. We have not seen how that will affect the registration of our party.

The APGA challenge is equally there as a faction of the party has threatened court action against the faction known as ‘APGA-APGA’. Will this not affect the merger?

You see, we have taken cognisance of the fact that APGA is factionalised and in dealing with APGA, we have not put them in the same pedestal like ANPP, CPC and ACN. In other words, we don’t ask APGA to go for a convention at which the party will pass a motion, if we had done that then APC will run into trouble. APGA is coming into the party as a formidable group led by the Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha. APGA is not one of the parties that applied to INEC. So, no matter the outcome of the in-fighting in APGA, it is not going to affect APC. This is because we are treating APGA as a group.

What is the level of confidence you have in the INEC, as far as the registration is concerned?

You see, we want to be proved wrong and we have no reason to be apprehensive. We are not losing any sleep over the registration of APC.

APC, when registered, will have the major political parties and other groups in its fold. How will you prevent the party from being held down by the caucuses?

The issue of caucuses or interest groups is part of party politics everywhere in the world. The issue is always there, caucuses or groups will always determine the stability of parties. Take the PDP for instance, how many caucuses will you talk about? We have that of the governors, which has formed a party cartel. There is that of the president on the other hand. There is the chairman of the party and member of the National Working Committee (NWC). This is the way party caucuses, which usually determine the stability of the party, are held. We have no fear in our own case, given our attitude and given how far we are able to achieve what we have done so far; there will not be any problem that we will not be able to handle.

The issue of your presidential candidate has been generating much interest. How will it be resolved?

The nomination of the presidential candidate in any political party has always generated much debate and tension. This is normal. But we are encouraged by the way and manner we have been able to resolve other knotty issues in the merger process such as the name, logo, constitution and manifesto even up to the slogan of the party. People never expected us to have these things resolved. We did not fight over name. They had said the logo of our party will cause all the problems but we moved beyond that. The constitution matter was resolved. Is it the manifesto you are talking about? We have amicably put all these behind us. The good thing is that in each of these cases, we were able to handle them. And where some matters could not easily be resolved, we took a break and referred the matter to the committee of the party. I believe that the same method would be applied in resolving how the presidential candidate of our party will emerge. We are not only going to amicably resolve the presidential candidate matter but others as well. People focus too much on the president, they have forgotten that APC is going to contest every election. The State Houses of Assembly, National Assembly, Governorship elections and the same issues will arise at every level. But, as long as we stand on our constitution, we are confident that we will resolve all the matters amicably. I can assure you that under our constitution, the method to resolve all these matters are in place and we will treat them on their merits.

It is believed that the APC has already zoned the Presidency to the North…

Honestly, I am saying this with all sincerity, the only issues that have been resolved is our party name, logo, constitution and manifesto; all others have not been resolved. You cannot say oh, we have zone the presidency to one part of the country or the other. The most challenging task before us now is mobilisation. We are thinking of our national convention, where we would nominate those who will run the affairs of the party and they are going to campaign for it.

APC will test its strength in the Anambra 2014 election, how prepared are you for this election?

In the first place, ACN has contested election in Anambra State before and we gave a good account. The election there is coming up in November, as soon as we get the approval for the merger; of course our party is going to contest. That is why we are working hard to put in place the structures. That is why the national convention, congresses are very crucial now, so that we will have the body to conduct primaries. Remember that ACN contested the governorship election with the incumbent and with the disenfranchisement of our members; we still had an impressive performance. In the same Anambra elections, we were not only able to produce a senator but several members of the National Assembly and State House of Assembly. That was what the strength ACN could pull. Imagine what will happen with the division in APGA; and make no mistake about it, Governor Okorocha’s faction in APGA is not only in Imo State but has good followership in Anambra State. So, believe me, we are the party to watch in the state.

What are the constraints that have confronted the merger leaders?

It is a normal thing, it is like when two or three companies want to merge, where we have different culture, different background. A couple of years ago, many banks had to merge to remain in business. They knew that their survival was in that merger and for those who were not able to meet the CBN guidelines, the option opened to them was to merge. Of course, there will be personal issues but I am very confident that we will overcome.

Some people are already resurrecting UPN of old to confront APC…

Yes, some party may exist just in name. Any party can emerge in the Southwest as long there is a level playing ground for everybody. We are not deterred and the field is plain for everybody to play. Our party in the Southwest is strong. They have performed and delivered to the people; in Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Edo and Osun, we have not been disappointed by their performance. We are very proud of our governors. So, if any body wants to contest, let him call himself by any name, we are not looking back and we are not deterred. The people know what they want and will always determine what they want. We will go out to do our campaign during elections and will not relent on our oars.

What is your party doing about the crisis between the Ekiti State governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and Opeyemi Bamidele?

I think it is more of newspaper hype and I think the conflict is more real in the media. In ACN there are laid down procedures of addressing issues and I believe this one is also being properly addressed.

What informed your position on the state of emergency declared in some states?

It is a pity that we have been largely misunderstood. I have not only made it clear, that we condemn any form of killings, violence, either by insurgency or by any other means. We made our position clear and condemn what happened in Bama, Baga and Nasarawa. What we want in the country is peace and stability. On the issue of the State of Emergency, we must set our mind to certain issues. We believe that this matter will not be resolve by violent means. We asked if the use of force had worked where President Goodluck Jonathan had declared state of emergency in some parts of the country in the last two years. Secondly, we pointed out that this is an open ended declaration and there was no time frame. It has no tenure or is it going to last for ever? Thirdly, we wanted the National Assembly to clarify who will be in charge in the states where the emergency had been declared. But as at today, we have two governments in these states. The defacto, led by the military, and, the dejure, led by the governors. And we asked Nigerians not to be hoodwinked by the fact that the governors have not been removed and the State Houses of Assembly have not been dissolved. Although there is democracy, but the governments have been castrated. The wide power given to the military has actually made the governors bystanders. For instance today, which law is being obeyed? The one passed by the Houses or the proclamation of the military. Curfews had been declared, who declared them? We are even more worried that in this type of war, the ultimate victim is the common man. Unfortunately, our position has come under scrutiny but time will tell. I have never seen in anywhere in the world, where force has been used to resolve this type of matter. We must balance minimum force with diplomacy and dialogue. The amnesty committee has been inaugurated, how do they operate in this type of system?

May 27, 2013
Declaration of emergency rule, right step-Sani

Auwalu Sani is a member of the House of Representatives representing Dutsin-ma/ Kurfi Federal Constituency. In a chat with ADETUTU AUDU, Sani spoke on the emergency rule in three northern states and other issues

You recently said the projects you have brought to your constituency are far more than what your predecessor has brought in for eight years? Can you expatiate on this?

Since I joined the National Assembly, I have contributed both at the committee level and on the floor of the House in making laws for the smooth running of our country. In the 2012 budget, I was able to influence grassroots projects ranging from the provision of portable drinking water through drilling of ten solar-powered boreholes and 61 hand pump boreholes across the constituency. There is also a stable power supply through the procurement of transformers in Dutsin-ma and Kurfi towns; provision of free treatment to over 250 patients with cases of hyena and hydrosol problems. In the area of education, efforts are being made to provide financial assistance to final year students in higher institutions of learning and several others.

A BBC journalist accused your governor recently that there is virtually nothing working in Katsina State, how true is this?

I think time will not allow me to enumerate the achievements of Dr. Ibrahim Shema-led government. Education is the backbone of the development of any society. There is free education to all primary and secondary school pupils in the state right from 2007 to date. Also those at tertiary institutions are given scholarship annually. Shema completed and equipped the state university. The government has been paying examination fees for WAEC and NECO since 2007 to date in order to assist the less privileged in the state to have basic education .Moreover, the government secured admission and sponsor indigenes of the state under a special foreign scholarship.

Why is the House always at loggerheads with the Executive?

I don’t think the House of Representatives is at loggerhead with the Executive. I think it is mainly the perception of the public. What you perceived as loggerheads is what makes democracy beautiful. If all the three arms of government are functioning the way it ought to, just as we are doing, then, there is bound to be disagreement here and there, but that does not mean there is crisis between us and the Executive. If anything else, I think the House should be commended for being firm. Democracy cannot strive where there is no disagreement.

What would you say is the high point of the House in the last one year?

Section 88 and 89 of the 1999 (Amended) of the Constitution empowers the National Assembly to carry out their legislative functions such as approving and passing of budget, oversight functions, conduct of public hearing etc. In the last one year, we concentrated on all the above, and in addition, we resolved to hold a peoples public hearing on review of the constitution across the 360 federal constituencies. I think this is one of the legacies this 7th Assembly will be leaving behind by the time it leaves office in 2015.

What is your take on the emergency rule declared by the president in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States?

I think it is a right step in the right direction. I support the emergency rule to the extent that all the democratic structures in the affected states are intact. The federal government, even in the midst of the emergency rule, is still opening room for communication with the sect because on the long run, these sect members are Nigerians and I think this is where the federal government should be commended for its action so far. I call on the sect to please embrace dialogue with the federal government in the name of Islam which is a religion of peace.

The North is clamouring for the presidency in 2015, how feasible is this?

2015 and beyond is in the hands of Allah and therefore, who becomes the President of Nigeria is in the hands of Almighty Allah and He alone can and will decide for the nation when is due.

May 26, 2013
Jonathan’s new strategies for South East, South West

The fear of facing an electoral drubbing in the North and South West in the 2015 presidential election is forcing President Goodluck Jonathan’s strategists to firm up other options. Remi Adelowo reports

The expected declaration by President Goodluck Jonathan to contest for a second term may be months away, his political strategists are not taking chances to ensure that he posts a good showing at the polls.

In the last few months, Presidency top aides have been having sleepless nights to strategise on a ‘foolproof’ formula to achieve a set of clear objectives.

Two of these objectives include how to neutralise real and perceived opposition within and outside the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and using certain elements to make inroads into areas considered as shaky in the president’s support base.

The Nation gathered that for each of the nation’s six geo-political zones, the president’s handlers are working on different options to ensuring that key political figures key into the 2015 re-election project.

South East: Beyond a presidential visit

A few days ago, the president visited Enugu to commission the remodelled terminal at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport. Done with this task, the president proceeded to the Presidential Lodge where he was hosted by the state government.

Present at the occasion were prominent past and current political office holders and businessmen including the former vice-president, Dr. Alex Ekwueme; former Governor of old Anambra State, Chief Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu; Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, and all the South-East governors, to mention but a few.

Expectedly, the president said all the right things. Describing the region as his ‘backbone’, Jonathan reiterated his promises to attract considerable federal presence to the area. He cited the completion of the Onitsha Sea Port early last year which had been abandoned for several years, while also assuring the audience that the plan to build the Second Niger Bridge amongst other projects were on course.

But despite the support the president seemingly enjoys in the South East, The Nation gathered that the president and his strategists are not leaving anything to chances.

Four political parties, according to The Nation’s findings, would be used as the platforms to guarantee that the president gets a bloc vote at the next presidential election.

With the PDP support already taken for granted, the other parties enlisted for the project are the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), its offshoot, United Progressives Party (UPP) headed by Chief Chekwas Okorie, and the Labour Party (LP), which membership is dominated by former PDP members.

The coordination of APGA will be handled by Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, who enjoys a close-knit relationship with the President much to the discomfiture of PDP governors in the South East.

Obi, besides being a member of the powerful Economic Management Team that advises the president on the nation’s economy, is also alleged to be the only governor that has accompanied the president more on foreign trips.

With speculations rife that APGA may not field a presidential candidate in 2015 like it did in the 2011 elections, there are strong indications that the party may once again adopt Jonathan as its flag bearer in 2015. This same scenario, sources disclosed, may play out in UPP.

The game plan for South West

More than any other zone in the country, close aides of the president are allegedly placing priority attention to the South West. “The Presidency’s strategists believe that if Jonathan cannot repeat his excellent showing in the 2011 election in 2015, he should at least win one third of the votes in at least four states in the South West,” said a source.

The Nation authoritatively gathered that the president having come to the conclusion that chieftains of his party, PDP, across the region may not deliver the much needed votes for him in 2015, he is alleged to have pencilled down Ondo State governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, as the arrowhead of his re-election campaign.

The medical doctor-turned-politician, it was learnt, is being positioned to serve as a counterforce to the larger-than-life influence of politicians in the dominant Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) led by its National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

What is also giving the president a source for concern is the crisis that has bedevilled his party in the South West, and which has remained intractable. In almost all the states in the region, PDP leaders are at daggers drawn over the control of the party, while several attempts at reconciliation are yet to achieve the desired results.

“The president is not putting all his eggs in one basket. He is not comfortable using his party members to handle his campaign and already looking at other options,” said our source.

Mimiko’s victory at the Ondo State governorship election in October last year during which he reportedly got the tacit endorsement of the Presidency has further given fillip to the belief in the president’s camp that he has what it takes to sell the candidacy of Jonathan to the electorate.

“Mimiko is a politician in whom the president is well pleased. If the plan afoot remains unchanged, he would be the face of the president’s campaign in the South West in 2015,” a source declared.

Another politician whose support is being sought is the National Leader of Accord Party (AP) and former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, whose popularity in the state, particularly in Ibadan, the largest voting bloc, will be exploited in the president’s favour.

Our source added, “Ladoja is desperate to return to the Government House. If it gets to crunch time, he would need the support of the centre to succeed. The presidency also needs him, so it’s a case of you-rub-my-back-I-rub-yours.”

Also contained in the ‘Operation win South West’ plan is the massive rejuvenation of Labour Party structures in all the states in the region, with the party expected to field candidates for all elective political offices.

Part of the strategy further includes nominating disgruntled members of the ACN (All Progressives Congress) as candidates of LP, thereby dividing the bloc votes that ACN is likely to garner.

Other regions not left out

For the North East and North West zones, sources revealed that the president is not giving up that he could pull an upset at the next election.

The Bauchi State Governor, Isa Yuguda, has allegedly been handed the brief to secure the base for the president in 2015.

Plans are also being fine tuned to allegedly arm-twist Yuguda’s counterpart in Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako, whose relationship with the presidency and the National Chairman of PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, has been frosty in recent times to back the president’s re-election in 2015, findings have revealed.

In the North West, another avowed supporter of the president, Governor Ibrahim Shema, is expected to take charge of the 2015 project, with sources alleging that he will play a more prominent role than the vice-president, Namadi Sambo, in the next 2015 presidential campaign.

For the North Central, Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State is likely to be picked as the campaign coordinator ahead of other experienced politicians like the Senate President, David Mark, who also hail from Benue.

Suswam is one of the closest governors to the president, a reason why his choice as the anchorman for the president’s campaign in the region was an easy decision to make.

May 26, 2013
Ndoma Egba not for governorship

Contrary to speculations that Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma Egba, is interested in taking over from Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State in 2015, Ripples can reveal that the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who was elected into the National Assembly in 2003, is not thinking along that line. The eloquent lawmaker, we learnt, is actually aiming higher, with reports indicating that he is targeting the Senate Presidency.

May 26, 2013
Achebe: Another hero departs

The part of the national anthem that fascinates me the most is the contention that the labour of our heroes past shall not be in vain. The major question to ask is: Who are the heroes past? What sets them apart from others?

Professor Chinua Achebe was distinguished by all standards. He was a Nigerian ambassador, a man of integrity and honour. All over the world, he is renowned for his great novels and the power of telling the African story.

Although he was a literary giant, he qualifies to feature in this column because of the political message in his writings and the pungent political commentaries in his essays. He had a passion for a greater Nigeria, of which all could be proud. At least twice, he rejected attempts to give him the national honour. He felt that the award had been stripped of honour and looked at the process and the persons conferring the honour.

The man is dead, but he lives. He lives through his works. He lives through Things Fall Apart; he lives through No Longer at Ease; he lives through A Man of the People; He lives through Anthills of the Savannah, among others. He also remains relevant through his latest work: There was a Country, a controversial memoir of sort.

Achebe was a political activist and a preacher. He wanted a society rid of corruption and corrupting influences and he spoke loud against them. In The Trouble with Nigeria, he lamented the quality of leadership foisted on the country over the years. It could have been Cry My Beloved Country.

There may be dispute about the prism Achebe employed in assessing Nigeria and other heroes. In the main, he could be described more as an Igbo irredentist than a Nigerian patriot. But, a rigorous look into his works would show that he was driven into the corner because of the contradictions in the country. He was on the wheel chair in the last years of his life, but neither his spirit nor his head bowed. Achebe was a hero.

Achebe lived a full, fulfilled and useful life. His footsteps cannot be missed on the sands of time. As he was buried at Ogidi on Thursday, the challenge is to appreciate the living heroes. Nigerians must speak out against the ills of the society and resolve to shun evil. Leaders who war against the country should be exposed and resisted. The only way out of the rot that has taken over the Nigerian political space is for all Nigerians, especially the youth, to get socially engaged.

Achebe is gone. Who are the heroes present? This is the challenge of the moment.

Rivers: Just before dusk

The respected Professor Jacob Ade-Ajayi once lamented the treatment History has received as a subject. He likened the subject to the rear-view mirror of a car. He warned that any vehicle without a device to look back, pledging itself to the philosophy of “forward ever, backward never”, could only lead to disaster.

A review of Nigerian political history warns very loud that any leader who, like Nebuchadnezzar believes he is all in all, is headed for doom. Herod was compared to the Almighty God and that got him destroyed. No one can play God. No one can share the glory that should belong to God only. In Bayelsa, Jonathan played God, got Timipre Sylva removed and installed his puppet. That must have encouraged him to take steps that could only egg him on to the pit.

Last week, many praised him for declaring state of emergency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States, while avoiding the Obasanjo path. He was lauded for keeping the democratic institutions in place. But, he has now shown that the institutions have actually been supplanted. Now, Jonathan is the governor of the states, except in name. He does not need appropriation to spend their money and could actually make laws without passing through the due process.

In Rivers, Rotimi Amaechi, the governor has been having a running battle with the presidency. Jonathan is determined to give him the Sylva treatment and, if possible, get a minority of members of the House of Assembly to get him impeached. In the alternative, he could get the lawmakers harangued and then sign an impeachment notice under duress.

The measures could work in the short term. They are bound to boomerang. God is always behind the oppressed. Anyone who has been to Rivers State would attest to the quality of work being done by the young man. It does not matter whether Jonathan likes his face or politics. He was elected by the people of Rivers and his fate should be decided by them.

Twisting the arms of Amaechi, engineering rebellion in the Nigerian Governors’ Forum that he heads and taking steps to bully leaders to toe the Jonathan line is not the way to go. It is perilous and ruinous.

Those who have ears let them hearken to the voice of reason.

May 26, 2013