The Nation Newspaper

Category: Politics

Another slip of Tukur’s tongue

The national Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, last Tuesday stirred another crisis within the party when he ordered governors elected on the party’s platform, who have plans to return in 2015 to start campaigns immediately.

The chairman said if the governors hope to be re-elected by their people, this is the time for them to start seeking the votes of the people. He spoke in Abuja after a meeting with a group of lawmakers.

However, his statement may have been interpreted as a blanket order giving the party’s gubernatorial tickets to the affected governors contrary to the constitutional provisions of the party, which calls for primaries in electing the flag-bearers of the party in any election.

Already, the chairman has been receiving knocks from within and outside the party over the statement and sources close to him say his handlers are currently mulling over how to handle the negative publicity that is likely to follow the obviously unguarded utterance.

May 26, 2013
Dokubo-Asari’s ‘bullet’ theory

Founder of Niger Delta People Volunteer Front, NPDVF, Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, introduced another dimension into the 2015 debate last Saturday when he said that he was ready, bullet for bullet, for those who want to stop President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2015 general elections.

“We have to demand for what belongs to us. 2015 is not about Jonathan, but about our destiny. If you allow them, they will crush us when they come. I am ready for them, bullet for bullet,” Asari said.

The debate is currently on amongst analysts on whether the ex-militant should be ignored or taken serious on what has become his incessant war songs.

But two questions keep begging for answers each time Dokubo-Asari blows hot: who exactly is the ex-militant planning to fight in 2015 and why has it been so difficult for him to be called to order? Still hoping the answers will come soon.

May 26, 2013
2015: Katsina PDP panics over APC

Ahead of the 2015 general election in Katsina State, the ruling People Democratic Party (PDP) is having sleepless nights over the emergence of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Assistant Editor, Dare Odufowokan reports

Fear of losing the April 2015 governorship election in the state is said to have sparked panic within the Katsina State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Checks by The Nation revealed that leaders of the ruling party in the northwest state are worried that the party’s candidate in the forthcoming election may suffer defeat in the hands of the emerging All Progressive Congress (APC).

A member of the National Working Committee of the PDP who is from the state said the PDP leadership in Katsina State is disturbed by the threat posed by the merger of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP).

He, however, said the party under the leadership of Governor Ibrahim Shema is not folding its arms while the new party run riot on the political space of the state.

The source, who pleaded anonymity, said, “This is not an easy one for us in Katsina. The merger of Buhari’s CPC and the ANPP is a serious threat to the PDP in the state.

“On their own, the two parties have followership in Katsina. General Buhari and Aminu Bello Masari are respected sons of the state. When such parties now go into a merger, it is certain to bring headache to the ruling party and we are really worried by the development.

“Politics is a game of numbers and it is the party with the largest followership that wins. So we are bothered that the combination of the two parties must be checked if we are to retain our hold on the politics of the state.”

Also, recent statements by leaders of the PDP in the state indicate that the party is having sleepless nights over the emergence of the APC ahead of the 2015 general election in the state.

For example, the speaker of State House of Assembly, Alhaji Ya’u Umar Gwajo-gwajo, recently warned members of the party in the state against the dangers of its losing an election in 2015.

“We will all be in trouble in an event we lost an election,” the speaker warned.

According to sources, Gwajo-Gwajo, who gave the warning at the PDP Daura Zonal meeting few weeks back in Kankia, averred that ‘in case we lost an election even a messenger from our side will see hell; we will not have it easy with the opposition.’

The speaker’s fear is built on the daily progress being made in the state by the opposition, especially the APC, while members of the ruling party look on helplessly.

“The speaker lamented that despite the goodies enjoyed by the PDP members and the good job done by the party in the state, members could not come out to defend their leaders whenever they are being verbally attacked by the opposition.

“He wondered why PDP members could not talk when opposition are attacking their leaders. He argued that Governor Shema has done a lot in the state but the opposition is now very critical of him while PDP members watched helplessly,” a source who was at the meeting reported.

The speaker was later to admonishs members of the party to put more efforts in propagating the ideals of the party at all levels if the PDP is to defeat the APC in 2015.

“He even added that the party must revive regular meetings to discuss the way forward and woo new members because the new APC is spreading its tentacles all over the state. He said because the new party is having regular discussion with the people, they are daily winning more and more PDP members over,” our source said.

The speaker is not the only one sounding notes of warning over the fate of the ruling party in 2015. Another PDP chieftain in the state and former governor of defunct Kaduna State, Alhaji Muhammad Lawal Kaita, is also worried that the party is ‘too far away from the people.’

Speaking recently with party members and leaders, Kaita said the PDP needs to put its house in order so as to be able to confront the emerging opposition party. He cautioned the party against underrating the new party.

The politician also urged members of the party to imbibe the culture of regular meeting as according to him ‘it is through such meetings that issues of the party will be addressed.’

Although Governor Shema will not be eligible to seek re-election in 2015, the PDP is desirous of retaining its hold on the state. In line with this, the party is working round the clock to produce a gubernatorial candidate that will be acceptable to the people.

But analysts say the current fear amongst party leaders may not be unconnected with certain factors in the politics of the state that daily make the possibility of the ruling party defeating the emerging APC a tall dream.

“During the last general election in the state, many people saw the victory of PDP at the governorship poll as fraudulent. This feeling was based on the fact that the party performed below par at the national assembly elections a week earlier.

“The CPC won all three senatorial seats in the state and twelve out of the fifteen House of Representatives seats available leaving PDP with just three. How Governor Shema was able to emerge the winner of the governorship poll is still a subject of serious debate today.

“Consequently, there is no doubt in the minds of PDP leaders that then CPC is a very popular party in the state. Way back in 2003 and 2007, the ANPP ranked neck and neck with the PDP in the politics of the state. The party was the toast of the southern parts of the state and is still very loved by the locals in those areas even today.

“The merger of these two parties in Katsina will surely create panic within the troubled PDP whose sitting governor would not be seeking another term. The current tussle for the governorship ticket of the party is also likely to further weaken the party before the governorship contest,” Abu Kankia, Vice Chairman of the Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) in the state, said.

Within the PDP, those said to be nursing governorship ambition include the Deputy Governor, Abdullahi Faskari; Senator Ibrahim Ida; Musa Sada, who is the current Minister of Mines and Steel, and the Comptroller- General of Customs, Dikko Inde. Others are the current Commissioner for Agriculture, Musa Adamu; Nura Khalil; and former Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Muttaqa Darma.

Already the rivalry among these heavyweights is said to have polarised the party into groups with each loyal to one of the aspirants. Several attempts by the leadership of the party to heal the cracks failed as incidents of clashes between the various groups continue unabated in the state.

Also suspected to have led to the panic within the PDP in the state is the news of PDP members daily dumping the party to join the emerging APC across the state.

Recently, three hundred members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Gurzar Kuka village of Danmusa Local Government Area of the state reportedly defected to the Congress of Progressive Change, CPC.

Sources said a member of the House of Representatives, (Safana/Danmusa/Batsari federal constituency), Gambo Musa, received the defectors who are from Danmusa B ward of the Local Government Area.

“It is our joy that the people of the constituency have started to know what is good for them. We welcome you and pray that more people will defect to APC in the area. This is your party and we receive you as full members of our great party. We assure you of equal treatment with all members of the party,” the lawmaker said.

Sources said the spokesperson of the defectors, Awwalu Gurza, said they are joining the APC because of their conviction that the party is the best for the people of the state.

Stories of such defection by PDP members into the APC are now very common within the state and sources within the ruling party revealed that the leadership of the party finds this very disturbing.

“On several occasions the leaders of the party have met the governor and other stakeholders to discuss the disturbing trend. Efforts are now on to revive all organs of the party from the wards to the state level. The fear is that if something drastic is not done, the APC may swing a surprise at the next general election,” a source said.

But Alhaji Babajo Ibrahim-Funtua, a chieftain of the ruling party, is of the opinion that in spite of the current frenzy over the emergence of the APC, the PDP in Katsina is capable of retaining the state in its kitty come 2015.

While he enjoined party loyalists to embrace efforts aimed at resolving differences among members, Funtua said a united PDP will defeat the merging political parties in Katsina State in 2015.

Ibrahim-Funtua, who is also member of the National Board of Trustees from Katsina State, however, cautioned members against heating up the internal party politics and fuelling sentiments based on selfish interest, which, he said, were detrimental to the party’s success.

He emphasised the need for combined efforts by members at all levels to resolve internal differences and woo more supporters ahead of forthcoming election in the state.

May 26, 2013
Respite for Aregbesola

With the recent decision of the teaching and non-teaching members of staff of the four state-owned tertiary institutions to call off their two-month old strike, Governor Rauf Aregbesola can now once again concentrate fully on delivering the dividends of democracy to his constituents.

The governor recently confided in some close aides that the prolonged strike was a serious source of concern for him while it lasted because he couldn’t bear to see the precious time of students being wasted.

The ending of the strike followed Monday’s agreement between the striking workers and the state government on the implementation of the 2009 Consolidated Salary of Tertiary Institutions (CONTEDISS) and Colleges of Education Staff Salary Structure (CONPCASS).

Sources close to Ogbeni added that the governor is now ready to roll out his many developmental plans for all the state owned-tertiary institutions in the state.

May 26, 2013
Guber race: New entrants battle old guard in Anambra

In Anambra State, new entrants into the governorship race are set to battle the old guard for party tickets. Dare Odufowokan , Assistant Editor, takes a look at the unfolding political drama

Ahead of next year’s gubernatorial election in the state, Anambra State is witnessing the coming of some new entrants into the governorship race, setting the stage for what analysts say may be an interesting political showdown between political newcomers and the old guards.

The politics of the south eastern state before now was believed to be in the firm control of certain old guards. Expectedly, since the advent of the current democratic dispensation, the same crops of politicians have been vying for the governorship of the state.

But in recent years, a new trend has emerged: new rivals entered the fray, challenging the usual aspirants for a chance to lead the state. During the last election, the incumbent, Governor Peter Obi, Senator Andy Uba, Annie Okonkwo and others in the old brigade met stern competition in the likes of Uche Ekunife, Kenneth Obidika, Victor Ezenwa, Kate Egwu and Emeka Nwandu, amongst others.

Across all the political parties, the new entrants battled the old guards relentlessly. So fierce was the battle that a number of the political parties had to set up several committees to look into the candidacy of some of the aspirants when it appeared that the competitions may harm the chances of the parties at the poll.

It took the Senator Ike Ekweremadu-led committee’s intervention in the confusion that followed the disqualification of some new entrants into the race for the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) governorship ticket to douse what nearly became a serious intra party crisis.

Other parties, including the ruling All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Action Congress f Nigeria (ACN) also had their fair shares of crises occasioned by the entrance of new comers into the race for their governorship tickets.

Though the incumbent Peter Obi went on to win the election, the politics of the state will never be the same again. That prediction appears to be very apt as emerging indications ahead of the 2014 governorship election are suggesting another political bout between the old and the new players in the politics of the state.

Notable politicians who have declared their intentions to vie for the governorship ticket of their various political parties are daily being told by party leaders and members that they will have to sweat it out with a growing number of first timers also showing interest in governing the state come 2014.

Checks by The Nation across the state revealed that more and more new entrants are lining up to contest the election. While analysts are quick to say not all of them should be taken seriously, they are also fast in adding that a few of them should be seen as serious contenders.

A cursory look at the personalities and financial muscles of some of the contending forces suggests that the battle to succeed Governor Peter Obi will indeed be a fierce one.

The old guards

Prominent among the old guards of politicians struggling to lead Anambra S tate post 2014 is Emma Anosike. A regular face among governorship aspirants in the state, he has featured in nearly all gubernatorial elections in Anambra. A former member of the House of Representatives and an ex-senator, he is a member of the PDP.

Anosike is once again oiling his structures to contest the governorship. Hailing from Anambra north, he is banking on the zone’s agitation to boost his aspiration this time around. He was the deputy governorship candidate of the PDP in the last governorship election in the state.

Alex Obiogbolu, a medical doctor from Onitsha in Anambra North Senatorial Zone, is another returnee in the race to the Government House. A chieftain of the PDP, he has aspired to the seat once or twice before now.

A respected grassroots mobilise, the physician turned politician is currently going round the state mobilising youths and artisans ahead of the general election. His handlers say he is very optimistic of clinching the PDP governorship ticket this time around.

Chijioke Ndubuisi, a legal practitioner, is gunning for the governorship on the platform of the Democratic Peoples Party, (DPP). He is another old guard taking another shot at the governorship.

The Obosi, Anambra North-born politician contested the 2010 elections on the platform of the National Democratic Party, NDP. Though observers of the politics of the state are skeptical about his seriousness, Ndubuisi is busy moving all over the state in search of endorsement and supports.

Former Governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju is one surprise inclusion in the list of aspirants for the 2014 gubernatorial election in Anambra State. He was stopped from running for a second term under the banner of the PDP in 2003.

Following his recent return to the PDP, the ex-governor who hails from Ihiala in Anambra South Senatorial zone is lobbying that as the only governor who was denied a second term, he should be given the party’s ticket to contest the 2014 governorship election.

Dr. Obinna Uzoh contested the state’s governorship election in 2003 but lost at the PDP primaries. He later moved to the National Democratic Party (NDP) but failed to make much impact at the general election. The philanthropist is seeking the ticket of the PDP to contest the governorship in 2014.

Another former governor of the state, Senator Chris Nwabueze Ngige, is back in the race. Currently an Action Congress of Nigeria (AC N) senator, he is expected to run on the platform of the emerging All Peoples Congress (APC) of which he is a prominent promoter.

In spite of his ouster as governor by the court in March 2006, Ngige has remained very popular in the state. Analysts say his popularity, which culminated in his election as a senator in 2011, is based on his performance while in office as well as his resistance of political godfathers.

Another PDP guber aspirant, Senator Andy Uba, like Dr. Chris Ngige, was a governor of Anambra State. He is currently the senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District. He was also the Personal Assistant to former President Olusegun Obasanjo

In 2010, he contested the Anambra guber on the ticket of Labour Party and lost. Now he wants the ticket of the PDP in his quest to return to the Government House in Awka come 2014.

In the race is also Senator Annie Okonkwo who represented Anambra Central Senatorial District in the past. He is aiming at contesting the election in 2014 but his political affiliation is still uncertain. He is said to be flirting with the ideas of either joining the APGA or the APC.

Former governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, who hails from Aniocha Local Government Area, is another returning aspirant. He lost the guber election in 2010, to Governor Obi, after his controversial emergence as PDP candidate. He is reportedly eying the PDP ticket again ahead of the 2014 governorship election.

There is also Hon. Uche Ekwunife, member of House of Representatives who tried to be governor of Anambra State in 2010 as a candidate of the Progressive people Alliance (PPA) and lost. Now a member of the ruling APGA, she wants the nod of the party to vie again in 2014.

New entrants

Mr. Ezeemo is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Orient Group of Companies. The 58-years-old businessman and media mogul hails from Umunwayiekwosiduru kindred of Umuchu, Aguata local government area of the state.

The industrialist, who is a chieftain of the APC, has declared his readiness to unseat the APGA government in the state come 2014. He is going about his aspiration with seriousness and pundits say he is one of the men to watch in the race.

Chief Paul Odenigbo is another new comer in the governorship race. From Ayamelum in Anambra North, he is already reputed as one of the strongest bidders for Obi’s job. A foremr Secretary to the Anambra State Government (SSG), he enjoys the backing of party elders within the ruling APGA.

Former Minister of Water Transport and an indigene of Mmiata Anam in Anambra West Local Government Area, Prince John Emeka is aspiring to rule Anambra State on the platform of the PDP.

The former Minister, who recently told a gathering of party leaders of his desire to go for the governorship post, is one of the fresh candidates being thrown up by a group of non-aligned party chieftains within the PDP in the state.

Victor Afam Ogene is currently an APGA member of the House of Representatives representing Ogbaru federal constituency of the state. He is in the race for the governorship on the platform of APGA.

Ogene, an eloquent politician from Anambra north who made it to the House of Representatives in his first attempt is now banking on his popularity and acceptance to win the governorship contest.

Ifeanyi Ubah

Ifeanyi Uba, the Chairman of Capital Oil and Gas, hails from the Anambra South Senatorial district and he is in the race for the 2014 governorship contest. An ally of Chief Victor Umeh, the embattled National Chairman of APGA, Uba is optimistic of getting the party’s ticket.

He is regarded as one of the leading contenders for Obi’s job given his popularity and huge financial war chest.

Another aspirant, Oseloka Obaze, is also from Ogbaru, Anambra north senatorial district. Currently, the Secretary to the State Government and a good confidant of the governor, pundits say he might get the governor’s endorsement if he decides to contest.

Chike Obidigbo is another aspirant considered to have deep pockets to fund the race for the governorship. He is running on the platform of the PDP. A fresher who has not contested any elective position, his handlers say he has what it takes to win the party’s ticket.

May 26, 2013
The appropriation of Nigeria by Northern irredentists

I was amused at the almost physical pain exhibited by Is’haq Modibo Kawu in his column in the Vanguard Newspaper on Thursday 2nd of May 2013, whilst reacting to a recent speech in the U.S.A. by Mr. Kingsley Kuku, the President’s Adviser on the Niger Delta. Mr. Kuku had apparently stated that there would be dire consequences if President Jonathan is not re-elected in 2015.

My amusement stemmed from the fact Kingsley Kuku had simply taken a leaf from the northern irredentists’ political play book. Memories are not so short that we have forgotten the threats emanating from this group about what would happen in 2011, if the PDP zoning arrangements were not adhered to and the candidate did not come from the north. And it was not just the issue of a candidate of northern (Arewa) extraction but a candidate selected by Arewa and presented to Nigeria as such. The question of a record of his achievements, character, programme, merit, capacity, etc, did not arise. The sole qualification was to be Arewa North by birth – a term which embodies a clearly understood language and religion. All the big guns of Arewa North were resolutely committed to this project, Malam Adamu Ciroma, Professor Ango Abdullahi, Alhaji Lawal Kaita, Dr. Junnaid Mohammed, Mallam Tanko Yakassai, etc, etc.

In addition to these gentlemen, the Northern Governors and virtually all the political elite of the Arewa North, believe that only one of themselves is entitled to be the President of Nigeria, based on where they come from; and as a group representative, regardless of merit, quality, qualification or track record.

Let me state clearly at this stage that I do not support the call of those who insist that Jonathan must be given a second term just because he is from the South South. On the contrary, it is my view that Jonathan should contest the 2015 elections based on his record in office between 2010 and 2015. It is futile, puerile, infantile and is evidence of political and social immaturity, to base the choice of political leadership on zonal or ethnic origins. A leader must be chosen on the basis of character, track record, integrity, discipline, principles, intellect, level of enlightenment, commitment to service, political and social programme, etc. not place of origin, language or religion. But the Arewa leaders and elite have never believed in these principles.

Infact they are registered owners of the patent called “Rule by tribal, ethnic, religious and zonal origin” to ensure dominance indeed monopoly, without recourse to quality merit or qualification. Their current cry is “power must return to the North” as an entity and Nigerians have no right of choice, once this representative of the ruler zone is presented. This is democracy, Is’haq and Arewa style.

The mind set of Arewa North has always been to dominate Nigeria politically to the point of appropriation. This proprietary air is evident in Is’haq’s writing. According to him Kingsley Kuku is not grateful for what the Nigerian State (substitute Arewa North) has done for the Niger Delta. Let me quote him. “Never mind what the Nigerian State has done for the Niger Delta in recent years, with the 13 percent Derivation, NDDC, Ministry of the Niger Delta and the Billions of Naira that Kingsley Kuku expends as chair of the presidential amnesty programme.”

There you are! The great Nigerian State has done wonderful things for the Niger Delta, by returning to it, 13% of Niger Delta’s 100% owned oil and gas proceeds. Niger Delta should be grateful for being forced to surrender ONLY 87% of its assets to Big Brother. It is clear from Is’haq’s writing that someone else other than the Niger Delta, owns the Niger Delta oil and gas. Could that be Arewa North? Should Niger Deltans now be grateful for the 13% they are allowed to keep?

Nigeria today is being funded by Niger Delta oil and gas proceeds (about 80%), Lagos State VAT and Customs duties from the coastal states. Nigeria can continue to be in a state of denial about it, but this cannot change a mathematical fact. That the Federal Government appropriates all these states’ resources to itself does not change the fact of true ownership.

My question to Is’haq then is, who is the benefactor and who is the beneficiary? Niger Delta or Nigeria?

As recently as April, 2013, Governor Kwakwanso of Kano State attributed the undeveloped condition of his state to lack of equal access to Niger Delta oil proceeds with the Niger Delta States. In other words, he cannot bring any improvement to the lives of the people of Kano State without having an equal right to Niger Delta oil and gas proceeds, as Niger Delta states. Apart from this being a remarkable case of total amnesia about the identity and geographical location of Kano State, Governor Kwakwanso was admitting that he lacks the capacity to organise Kano State to generate its own funds for the running of the state, and that he is completely dependent on Niger Delta oil and gas proceeds.

In calculating the proportion of Niger Delta oil and gas proceeds being enjoyed by states, there has been total fixation with the 13% derivation provision for Niger Delta States based on what each state produces, but nothing has been said so far about local government allocations from the Niger Delta oil and gas proceeds. Every year at least 20% of the amount in the federation account is shared amongst local governments all over the country. There are 776 local government councils in Nigeria, with 419 in the North and 357 in the South. So it is clear where the bulk of the 20% goes. Kano State, a non-oil producing State, has 44 local governments gulping their shares of the 20%. Bayelsa, a major oil producing state, has only 8 local governments. And so the proportion of the share of the 20% collected by Kano, compared to what is collected by Bayelsa is 44-8 or 11-2. In other words, for every N200 worth of oil and gas proceeds collected by Bayelsa local governments, Kano State local governments collect N1,100. Kano produces no oil and gas. Bayelsa is a major producer.

Again only recently, a curious thing happened. It was reported that the Arewa Consultative Forum was interested in collaborating with the yet to be registered All Progressive Congress (APC). What is the basis of the ACF interest in APC? It is not for the purpose of seeking to know its programmes, manifesto or ideology, or contributing to its growth and popularity. No! It is to negotiate using the APC to sponsor an Arewa Presidential candidate. Such is the lust of the Arewa elite for power that ideology and programme, are irrelevant to them, as long as an Arewa of their own choosing, gets the top political slot. You will never hear of ACF negotiating for the Vice-Presidential Position. Never! It has to be the presidency. It is the duty of non-Arewas to be subordinate and to accept the spare tyre position. The audacity of the ACF is unbelievable. It is as if those who formed the APC and groomed and natured it to its present state have no idea as to who to give leadership positions. They are taken by the ACF to be so naïve and clueless that they must have been waiting for the ACF to crown their efforts with a presidential candidate.

There is thus a mind-set, which has continued unabated since 1914 when Lord Harcourt, the British Colonial Secretary announced that “the promising and well conducted youth” without means would be joined in “an alliance with a Southern Lady of means”. Thus in this Nigerian marriage, the Arewa North, right from the beginning was the “man” and “husband” and the South the “woman” and “wife”.

The use of the term “youth” (man) for the North and “Lady”, (woman) for the South was not an accident, nor an exercise in humour. It was a deadly serious matter, with the game plan being to bring the two together in order to give Arewa North, political power over the South together with permanent control over Southern resources.

In the England of the time of Lord Harcourt, the British Colonial Secretary and matchmaker, under the common law, married women had no independent legal right over their own properties. Once a marriage was contracted, all the women’s properties automatically became her husband’s property. The woman could not enter into a contract in her own right. Her husband had to conclude all her contracts on her behalf. This peculiar Nigerian arrangement imposed by the colonial masters has with minor exceptions, continued up till today.

The logic and mode of operation is simple. Handover all states natural resources to the Federal Government. Then those who, habitually and by imperial authority, control the Federal Government, also control and dispose of such resources as of right. Therefore the revelation that Arewa North elements own 83% of Niger Delta oil blocks came to me as no surprise.

Clearly, instability, tension and crises will continue to bedevil Nigerian politics, as long as the Federal Government continues to control and disburse states’ resources. Introduce fiscal federalism, and allow states to retain their resources in return for payment of taxes for the operation of the Federal Government and immediate peace will descend on the country and everyone will head for his state for the generation of revenue and for the promotion of development. All will be quiet on the federal front and the desperate do-or-die battle to have the Presidency will abate.

Finally, there is no “Niger Delta political elite currently running Nigeria”, as Is’haq wrongly presumes. The President, is from the Ijaw Nation and he has appointed advisers and agents who assist him to run the executive arm of the government. There is no Niger Delta incorporated in this government. The vast majority of Niger Deltans are as distant from it as the disenchanted Arewa group. It is a Jonathan Presidency, not a Niger Delta or South South Presidency. For most of us outside the Ijaw geo-ethnic zone in the Niger Delta, this presidency is no different from the Obasanjo and Yar’Adua presidencies. Our demands are yet to be met by any Presidency. These are fiscal federalism including resource control, strong regions, a loose federation in which the states will control most matters of human interest and relevance whilst the federal government concentrates on matters of common interest amongst the States that can only be handled effectively at a pan Nigerian level, e.g., defence, foreign affairs, immigration, currency, customs, banking, aviation, citizenship.

Local governments and Federation Account must never be featured in federal constitution. Local Governments belong to states 100% and states can create as many local governments as they wish, but they must fund them exclusively. Federation Accounts are an excuse for dispossessing states of their resources, in favour of an unproductive federal government which on becoming bloated with these resources, dominates and controls the atrophied states into submission. The bloated, corrupt and inefficient federal government becomes the centre of a titanic and destructive struggle for control. States’ indolence and parasitic tendencies follow, resulting in an unproductive and underdeveloped country. This destructive template must be reversed.

That is the essence of the Niger Delta case. Any candidate from any part of Nigeria, whose programme contains these elements, will enjoy a massive following from the Niger Delta. For us, there must be an end to one tier of the Federation appropriating our patrimony, and then handing over a pittance to us with the demand that we must be grateful. Our case is that we must revert to the pre-independence constitutional conference pact by which regions (States) retained 50% of their natural resources and contributed 20% to the federal government and 30% to a distributable fund of which the economically weak Regions, were the main beneficiaries. That way every state developed itself first, with productive activities, before receiving a little help from richer states as complementary gestures. There was no parasitic federalism, in which idleness and monthly trips to Abuja to collect dole or state welfare package became the sole source of state existence. States that cannot survive without the monthly trip to Abuja have no right to exist as separate states. They should merge with more viable states. Even better still we need to re-structure ourselves into regions or zones, using the present 6 zones as the basis, with minor changes, like Yoruba parts of Kwara and Kogi, joining, the Western (Yoruba) Region. We must now revert to our pre-independence pact which was embodied in the 1960 and 1963 Constitutions. That is the basis of independent Nigeria.

•Professor Sagay writes from Lagos

May 26, 2013
Amosun won’t be distracted by idle talks, says aide

Special Assistant to the Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun on Political Affairs Adeniji Adesanya spoke with MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE on activities of the administration.

How would you react to the claims that Governor Ibikunle Amosun cannot foster unity in the Ogun State ACN?

First and foremost, I would not have bothered to discuss this issue because it is baseless and jaundiced. But let me say that we all know who Senator Ibikunle Amosun is. He stands for integrity, progress and welfarism. Governor Amosun has ensured that Ogun State is renewed from the old dilapidated structures to a modern state, which we have all been clamouring for. The governor is working but idle minds will not see the positive impact the government is making in the lives of the people. And he will not be distracted by idle talks by anybody. Even before becoming a senator, he was all over the place in his generosity. Governor Amosun has ensured that every citizen, irrespective of political leaning, benefits from his government.

Kayode Soyinka also said that the governor is more of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Nigerian People Party (ANPP) than the ACN. What is your take on this claim?

Let me tell you that winner takes it all. Politics is about the game of number. Kayode Soyinka cannot win an election in his bedroom, much more at the ward level. Governor Amosun is a grassroots man. His winning the election simply shows that he belong to the people. When you go to the market places, the artisans and other less privileged people at the grassroots, the governor is in their minds. They love him and have been praying for him because of his developmental strides. The massive infrastructural development going on across the state is done to make life meaningful for the people who voted for him. Anywhere he goes, the people troop out to welcome him. Kayode is a true son of Ogun, he should not have said all those things about the governor. So, let me pass this message across to him, that: if he is not busy, he should find something to do to keep himself busy. The people that are busy are the ones seeing the things Governor Amosun is doing. He should support what the government is doing and not to sit down somewhere and be saying what does not exist, that Amosun cannot run a united ACN because he does not belong. Who told him that the governor does not belong? Give it to him, even the likes of our very good friend, the late Dipo Dina trusted Governor Amosun and he knew that the governor could deliver. So, if he is being paid to do a dirty job, he should desist from that and find himself something better to do. If he wants to live under the disguise of preaching negative things to the society, I think that is not good enough. It shows that he is not busy and should find something to do. The last time I heard about him was long ago when he was begging to be part of ACN and he lost. He cannot be compared with Governor Amosun, who is a winner all day round.

The PDP in the state is fractured. Don’t you have the fear that the enemies of the ACN could also instigate division in the party to cause disaffection?

If there are divisions in PDP, it has to be so because it is not a progressive party. It is not a party the people want for the state. And we have a progressive government of the ACN in place and it is doing fine. I think what the governor is doing is giving some people some concern because they have been overwhelmed by the achievements of the ACN led administration. If the PDP has any ambition, they should go and throw it into the ocean, with the massive developments going on all over the state, it would be foolhardy for them to think that they can make inroad back to relevance, when they had frittered away such opportunities in the past. The ACN is performing wonders. Just think of it, is it in the rural transformation, empowerment, health or education? They should just bury their dream. For us, we are not going to look back, the energetic governor has promised to make life better for the people and that is what the government is all out to achieve and no amount of side comments or lame talk will make government lose focus. The giant strides recorded by governor Amosun have earned him lots of commendations and awards.

Government’s developmental plan has led to the pulling down of private structures in the state. Have those affected been compensated?

Governor Amosun is a man of integrity. If he says something he does it. He is not somebody that promises something and later changes his mind. I want to let you know that, before he went to the streets to pull down structures that obstruct public interests, there have been alternatives for their owners. So, if he has not been doing something to address whatever deficit they suffered, I don’t think government house would have known peace. The whole place would have been jam-packed with people protesting. But let me tell you that some people are just hiding somewhere out of envy to cause disaffection by saying that the government does not really bothered how the people are affected in view of the transformation going on in the state.

May 24, 2013
‘APC will uproot PDP in 2015’

Senator Joel Ikenya was the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship candidate in Taraba State in the 2011 election. He spoke with FANEN IHYONGO on issues affecting the state and the nation.

WHAT is your assessment of the PDP administration in Taraba State?

We are not satisfied with it. During the campaigns, we told people that the PDP has no people-oriented programmes and cannot deliver; that it has no vision or dream for the state and it came to pass. Today, we are in the second tenure of Danbaba Suntai. So far, over N350 billion has been collected from the federation’s account with nothing to show for it.

We told the people from the beginning, that the PDP don’t have the masses at heart. Our hospitals are worse than what, in 1983 General Mohammadu Buhari said, have been turned into mere consulting clinics. Today, they are synonymous with people hawking drugs. We are watching and taking stock of what they are doing, at the appropriate time we will respond. We said it before and I am saying it again, for posterity and our conscience.

What is the plan of the opposition in the state?

The opposition is working hard to ensure that the merger of the major political parties into the All Progressives Congress (APC) work effectively in the state. I am in Jalingo because of the membership card validation exercise for all the members in the 16 local government areas. I brought materials for them from Abuja. They are working on them to put our structures together. On April 27, we had convention in Lagos to endorse the merger plan. We shall have the final rally in Abuja for all the parties to submit their registration certificates, so that we shall go ahead and empower our party leaders to do the final registration of APC as a party.

What is the prospect of the APC in 2015, if it is registered?

Our weapon and strength are in the unity that we have. We have understood why the opposition is being defeated. We are being defeated not because we don’t have the people but because we are divided. But this time, we are putting our heads together to have a cohesive and formidable political party that will take over power from the PDP. Not just because we want to rule, but to perform better than the PDP; by developing this country in the interest of the masses. The confusion and infightings in the PDP are also to our advantage. We understand they are divided over the presidency and governorship interests in the states. Besides, there are other individual members of PDP who want their interests to override the interest of others.

Look at what is happening in Taraba State today. There are many camps in the PDP. We, in the opposition have learnt a lot of lessons through the democratic process. We are working hard to put in place a superior platform for people to come in, so that we can defeat the PDP in 2015 and deliver the dividends of democracy to the people. We shall continue to expose the failures of the PDP. If there was any magic to perform, the PDP would have made it happen a long time ago. It is about 14 years that the PDP is ruling this country and has not done anything spectacular. I believe the APC will uproot the PDP.

How can the opposition prevent rigging?

We believe that in every process, there is always room for improvement. The opposition will mobilise our people. Not only to mobilize the people; we shall educate them as well. Some of the things that happened to us in the last election were as a result of ignorance. Some of us were asking for one man one vote but the PDP did not and does not believe in one man one vote. PDP believes in using the resources of the people to fight the people. In the coming election, our people are going to be fully mobilised as it is done in Lagos, Osun and Edo states. You can’t rig election in these states because the people are well mobilised and informed. Look at what happened in Edo State. Even some of the people who call themselves political god-fathers lost their polling units. I want to say our case is different here because of lack of mobilisation and voter education.

We are working hard to educate the people and we are making it in such a way that there won’t be any form of violence.

Do you have confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)?

When I look at elections in Edo and other states including those in the Southwest where INEC conducted election and the Labour Party won, I believe there is improvement. The only area that bothers me is the judiciary. In 2007, when I ran for the Senate and won the PDP primary and my co-contestant overturned it, I went to court and it was quashed. I went to a High Court in Kaduna State and was given judgment despite I had never seen the judge. The man appealed, I didn’t know the judge, I didn’t talk to anybody, but I got my judgment. He went to Supreme Court, I didn’t go there, but my lawyer won the case. We returned to the tribunal sitting in Taraba, and the judge upheld my election. He appealed against me in the Court of Appeal, and again I defeated him. The judiciary then, under the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, was wonderful. Unfortunately, in 2011 the judiciary changed. We have never found ourselves in this kind of situation. May be it is because of the new electoral law. On the part of INEC, I believe they have learnt their lessons.

What are your plans for 2015? Are you going to take another shot at the governorship?

If the parties merge, it is going to be the most popular party in the state. I will be foolish to think that I am the only one qualified to contest the number one position of the state in its platform. I will not dream that. I believe there would be many gubernatorial aspirants in the APC.

I want to assure you that the APC is going to be very transparent, with internal democracy. And the primaries are going to be conducted by the national secretariat of the party. The party has credible people, people who are honest, people who are fair and people who believe that democracy is a government of the people for the people by the people. So, I am not going to impose myself. I am going to contest but I will accept every outcome of the election at various levels, believing God that there wouldn’t be any injustice.

What is your reaction to the agitation for power shift in Taraba State?

We are part of Taraba and we are also indigenes of the state. We believe it is our turn to produce the next governor of the state. In the northern part, Jolly Nyame was governor from 1992 to 1993. He bounced back in 1999 till 2007. He handed over the baton of power to the central zone, which produced the incumbent governor, Danbaba Suntai. This means by 2015, the north and central zones would have ruled for 18 years. Therefore, it will only be fair if we are given the slot. This is a very serious issue and we shall ensure that power shifts to Taraba south. Some people are calling for a Muslim governor in the state. I share their views, in the sense that we also have Muslims in southern part of the state. If the stakeholders want a Muslim governor in 2015, fine, but he should come from Taraba south. We have prominent and well educated Muslims from the southern part of the state who have all it takes to govern Taraba.

How do you see the return of Nyame to the PDP?

He consulted me but I refused to go back with him. I know how he fought for the survival of PDP in Taraba State. During his administration, he fought all the oppositions. He fought to see that PDP won all the elections. We are all his products. During his tenures, I was elected member of the House of Assembly, member of the House of Representatives and also as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I don’t feel betrayed by his action. For someone who served the state for 10 years, and felt that the PDP is his brain child, I see no reason why he should not be allowed to go back to the party he nurtured. Nevertheless, Rev. Nyame is still respected by the opposition. He is the father of all.

May 24, 2013
Anambra 2014: APGA, PDP, APC set for battle

The governorship aspirants in Anambra State are warming up for the epic battle. Will Governor Peter Obi hand over to a successor from the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)? Will the opposition carry the day? Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines the chances of the parties and aspirants as the contest draws near.

Eyes are on Anambra State this year. Since the tenure of Governor Peter Obi will expire in March, next year, the next governorship election may take place in December.

Ahead of the poll, the face of politics in the state is changing. The ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)is becoming fragile, owing to the crisis that has polarised the party. But the opposition platforms, especially the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), are waxing stronger. Analysts predict that the contest may be between the PDP and the APC, if the APGA refuses to put its house in order. There is the possibility that the ruling party may be totally weakened, not only because of its protracted leadership crises, but also because of the perception that Obi is becoming too intimate with President Goodluck Jonathan, and ultimately, the PDP.

The politicians nursing the governorship ambitions are coming out boldly. Their camps and structures are being fortified in anticipation of the epic battle. The governorship aspirants have started positioning themselves. Party activities have been revived because they are on the prowl.

Three parties are in contention. These are the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), which is fusing into the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). Others, including the Labour Party (LP),the African Democratic Party (ADC) and the United Peoples Party (UPP)may become spectators on the poll day.

The PDP, which is the self-styled largest party in Africa, is plotting to return to power. The ruling party, APGA, is also having problems. Although its lone governor, Obi, has performed well, his romance with the PDP leaders has become an issue. When the Alliance for Democracy (AD) leaders started fraternised with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, they lost their territories. APGA is basking in the euphoria of the power of incumbency. But ACN has said that this will collapse on poll day. Sources close to the PDP disclosed that its leaders do not perceive the APGA as a threat again, since its leader, Obi, is at home with the President and other PDP leaders.

Three zones are competing for the slot in the state. Obi is pushing for power shift to Anambra North Senatorial Zone. He hinged his position on the real or imagined rotational principle. In his view, the district has not produced the governor, since a state was created out of it and Awka became its capital.

The Central Senatorial Zone produced Obi (2006 till date), Dr. Chris Ngige (2003-2006), Dame Etiaba (November 2006-February 2007).The South produced Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju (1999-2003), Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife (January 1992-November 1993) and Dr. Andy Uba, who was deposed by the court. Thus, in the last 22 years, the South has produced three governors and the Central has also had a stint. Anambra North has only been playing the second fiddle. The former deputy governor, Dr. Chidi Nwike, who was recently murdered in Asaba, Delta State capital, hailed from the zone. He was until his demise the National Vice Chairman of the ACN in the Southeast. Chief Chinedu Emeka, who was deputy to Mbadinuju, is also from the zone. The various groups and associations calling for power shift to the North have been strengthened by the governor’s position.

However, the aspirants from other zones are not deterred by this clamour. Notable APGA chieftains have even disagreed with Obi on the issue and vowed to resist his attempt to impose a candidate of his choice. Obi’s position on power shift appears very weak because the aspirants from the other zones seem to be stronger than those from the North. Therefore, observers contend that the North may end up producing another deputy governor.

The aspirants itching to succeed Obi include the ACN strongman, Senator Ngige, who represents Anambra Central, the federal legislator from Anaocha/Njikoka Dunukofia Constituency, Hon. Uche Ekwunife, Senator Andy Uba, Nze Akachukwu Nwankpo, and Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu. Others are Chief Olisa Metuh, Dr. Chike Obidigbo, Dr. Ifeanyi Uba, Prof. Charles Soludo, Mr. John Nwosu, Dr. Alex Obiogbolu, Oseloka Obaze, Senator Emma Anosike, and Sir Godwin Ezemo.PDP has more aspirants than other parties. Among them, Uba is the strongest. Party leaders have described him as a brand. He has a strong financial base and solid structure. There are many people in the PDP who feel that Uba should be fielded as the consensus candidate, having won the governorship poll before, although the court nullified the election, based on the tenure controversy. APGA has a sizeable number of aspirants. But party sources said that other ACN aspirants would step down for Ngige.

THE ASPIRANTS

Ngige (ACN)

Ngige is a household name in the state. He is very popular. Many admire him for his courage and strong will. He is vocal on the podium and he has mobilisation skill. Ngige is running for the third time. He ruled the state between 2003 and 2006, before he was removed by the Appeal Court in Enugu, which ruled that Obi won the 2003 poll. The ACN chieftain has a good leadership style. As the governor, Ngige constructed many roads that have continued to remind the people that he cared for them. The roads opened up many commu-nities.He has told reporters that he is coming back to continue the good work. He explained that his motto now is: “Operation totality for restoration of the abused system.”

Ngige’s popularity has reflected in the outcome of past polls in Anambra State. His party won six House of Assembly seats, one House of Representatives seat and a senatorial seat. During the senatorial election, he defeated the former Minister of Information and Communications, Prof Dora Akunyili of the APGA.

Ekwunife (APGA)

Uche Ekwunife is a colourful politician. She is also a veteran governorship aspirant. The odds are certainly against him. Some felt that it would be easier for her to emerge as the deputy governor. But she debunked the rumour that she wanted to play the second fiddle. “If anybody is thinking of such a thing, it means the person does not understand what politics is all about. I was there in 2010 and I want to state it here again that I, Uche Ekwunife, will be running for the governorship of this state. Why should I vie for deputy? I am not joking about it.”, she said.

Ekwunife is contesting on the platform of APGA. She is from Central Senatorial Zone and the only woman running for the position at present. Currently, the federal legislator is the House Committee Chairman on Environment.Already, the aspirant has visited the 21 local government areas for the inauguration of her campaign committees.

Uba (PDP)

Andy Uba, who represents Anambra South Senatorial Zone in the Senate, is the candidate to beat at the PDP primaries. The senator is a serious contender. He is a tested and trusted politician in the conservative camp. Uba took off as a presidential aide to former President Olusegun Obasanjo. In Aso Rock, he wielded much influence. Party leaders perceive him as a loyal party man who has worked for the fold with all his heart. Life is full of ups and downs. Thus, Uba’s political career has not been rosy. The senator tasted the carrot in 2007 when he was declared the winner of the governorship poll in 2007.He was in the saddle for barely 17 days before the court ruled that the election that catapulted him to power was held in error. Following the interpretation of the tenure by the Supreme Court, Obi returned to power.

In 2010, PDP denied Uba the ticket and handed it over to the former Central Bank Governor, Prof Soludo. Uba moved to the Labour Party, but he failed to make an impact. After the election, Uba returned to the PDP, where he has been consulting with stakeholders on his ambition to return to power. As a senator, he has embraced his legislative duties with a consuming passion. Uba is not a bench warmer in the Senate. He has also avoided controversies. Sources said that his consultation with the various stakeholders in the state over the 2014 project is yielding dividends. Although he has not formally launched his ambition, many chieftains are urging him to declare his interest so that mobilisation can begin across the local governments.

Analysts believe that Uba will definitely make an impact during the election, if he gets the ticket of his party. However, others are equally going for the same ticket. The gulf between him and his brothers has collapsed as both of them are now backing his ambition. This is an added advantage to him. The Presidency is also said to be showing keen interest in Uba’s ambition. That may also be the reason many PDP leaders are enthusiastic about his entry into the race.

Nwankpo (PDP)

He is the Secretary of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), which has been enmeshed in controversy. The Okija politician has been acquiring chieftaincy titles since 2012. During the flood disaster, he was at home to comfort the victims. However, some people feel that he is not a heavy weight politician.

Ukachukwu (PDP)

In 2010, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu contested the governorship on the platform of Hope Democratic Party (HDP), but he failed at the poll. Now, he is in the PDP. Today, he is back to the PDP. Already, he has taken a full duplex in Awka for his campaign, with his photograph boldly displayed in front of the building along Onitsha-Enugu Express Way.

Obaze (APGA)

A career diplomat from Ogbaru Council, Obaze returned to the state on Obi’s request to become the Secretary to the Government.Described as a gentleman and a hard worker by his admirers, Obaze replaced his younger brother in Obi’s executive council, Dubem, who was referred to as the de-facto governor of the state during his time as Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.

Party sources said that Obi is promoting his interest in the ruling party because he is humble, intelligent, focused and hardworking. On this account however, some party chieftains are already having grudges against the governor. They have been warning that the party may be embarking on a suicide mission, if eventually he picks the ticket because he is a political neophyte.

Ezeemo (ACN)

Sir Godwin Ezeemo is preparing to rub shoulders with Nigige, His gestures to churches, markets, artisans, corporate organisations and has really brought him closer to the masses. This is ironic, because he stood behind the former governor in the period of trouble.

Ubah (APGA)

Ifeanyi Ubah is the Chief Executive of Capital Oil and Gas. He hails from Nnewi. Many people have attributed his recent travails to his political ambition. Apart from Ngige, Uba and Ekwunife, who are the front runners, Ubah is the next person in line that has appealed to the people.

In 2012, he distributed kerosene to many homes at the peak of scarcity, which hit the country. He ordered that a litre should be sold at N50 when it was being sold at N150 per litre elsewhere. Before now, he has supported the National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, who is battling other party leaders for the soul of the party. His endorsement earlier by Umeh was what triggered off the sour relationship between Obi and his chairman.

Anosike (PDP)

Senator Emmanuel Anosike, who represented Anambra North, was replaced by Senator Joy Emodi, following the Court of Appeal verdict. He has been holding meetings in his country home, Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area, ahead of his declaration for the governorship. He was a member of the House of Representatives between 1991 and 1993.

Apart from these gladiators, there are other aspirants in other smaller parties. They include Dr. Chike Obidigbo, who hails from Umunya in Oyi Local Government Area. He is the Southeast Chairman of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN). He is also an advocate of power shift to the North District.

Others are Dr. Alex Obigbolu from Onitsha, who was the chairman of the Anambra State Local Government Civil Service Commission. He contested the governorship in 2010 on the platform of African Political System (APS). Later, he defected to the PDP. He sees himself as the most qualified among the candidates. Though his backers are not known, but from all indications, he has a large following at the grassroots. The only thing that can hinder his chance is the lack of strong financial base.

The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, is also interested in succeeding Obi. He however, is studying the crisis in the party, which has failed to abate.

Other aspirants are John Nwosu and Patrick Obianwu. The list may swell as time goes on. Obi’s deputy, Emeka Sibedu, may throw his hat into the ring, a source said, adding that the pendulum may swing to his direction, despite the clamour for a candidate from the North.

The people are full of eagerness. The aspirants are on the track. The whistle will soon be blown by the electoral commission. Who succeeds Obi next year? The people will decide at the poll.

May 23, 2013
‘Amnesty can’t solve Boko Haram crisis’

What is your reaction to the proposed amnesty for the Boko Haram sect?

To the best of my knowledge, the President has set up a committee on amnesty. I think what the President was trying to say is that he is inclined to listening to anybody who has any grievance and wish to come to the round table with him. He metaphorically said he could not dialogue with the ‘ghosts’, which simply means that anybody who has an issue or any link with them should come out and say Mr. XYZ or group XYZ are responsible for it.

Look at the way they are killing people who are our brothers in the North. When I say our brothers, I mean they are our brothers, no matter what they do but I think it is not done, no matter what their grievances or what their agitation against the government might be. I believe that some of the goals they are pursuing may never be met by the government because I don’t know how the President can accept any agitation on the bases of what they described as western education as bad. In a nut shell, I think what the President is trying to say is that he will be willing to talk to anybody from any part of the country who is incline to tell him the agitation of the sect. From what we have seen, amnesty wont be able to address the Boko Haram problem.

Suddenly, the Niger Delta militants are back on the street. What does that portend?

These issues of sects are topical in my mind. That is why it was the first motion I moved in the House of Representatives when I got there. The intention of the late President Umaru Yar ‘Adua on the issue of amnesty was noble. I think recent events have shown that amnesty has not really done what we expected. What they claimed that is the problem must be systematically addressed. And I want to tell you that you cannot have a superficial solution to a systemic problem. For instance; it is not appropriate for one to buy Vaseline and be applying it on somebody who has boil on his body. So, I don’t think that the amnesty capsule, as a drug, has addressed the systemic health problems that is facing Niger Delta. What the figurative amnesty capsule has done so far now was to reduce the immediate pain of the Niger Delta problem but not to savage the region from where the problem is coming from. People have talked about the injustice of their resource control and I agree that it is one of the fundamental issues in the region. And I keep wondering, if they have drop all the weapon in their possession, what do they used to kill those 12 police men? In the days of the late Isaac Boro and the late Ken Sarowiwa, the duo did not have the coloration of personal benefit. They could have done a deal with Shell under the Late General Sani Abacha but they didn’t do that because they were concerned with the environment and their people. All of a sudden, the tenor changed. People who did not understand what the struggle was, ceased the opportunity to enrich themselves.

How would you rate the Jonathan Administration?

If I want to be fair with Mr. President, I’ll say he has not performed to the expectation because the bulk ends on his table. Nobody is going to blame any minister for the failure of the administration of President Jonathan. How many ministers in the regime of former President Obasanjo do we remember today? How many Director General and the ministers of the Late Umaru Yar ‘Adua do we remember today? The bulk ends on the table of the President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, so he must take the responsibility and he must take charge. Now there are primary focus areas in which people can judge the performance of any administration. Jonathan should ask himself whether he has improved on power supply? I saw one minister on television who was saying we are to celebrate our power supply because we hit 4,000 mega watts in the nation of 160 million people. South Africa in four five years ago, with 40million people was having 40,000 mega watts of power and the minister knows that.

How can we prevent budget failure?

The legislators should rise up to the challenge. That is the only arm of government that is constitutionally empowered to ensure that appropriation is blend with the reality on ground. It is possible for the ministers and other executive to carry out their duties because 46 ministers will sit in their EXCO every Wednesday and what they will tell us after their sitting is that the Federal Government has awarded this project. Is it possible for 46 people to know Nigeria more than 360 legislators? It is reverse logic to think that the executive who are not up to 50 know Nigeria more than people who are elected from their various constituencies. Can anybody know Ikole Ekiti more than me? Every budget is a financial law and the constitution says if you break the law, it is impeachable offence and it is only the parliament that is capable of impeaching the President. So, Mr. President cannot be bigger than 160 million Nigerians.

In your view, can the All Progressives Congress (APC) dislodge PDP in 2015?

I am always modest with my evaluation. I know too well that with the kind of commitment of our leaders; like Asuwaju Bola Hamed Tinubu, General Muhamad Buhari (rtd) of Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and other people in APGA and ANPP, the party is going places.

May 23, 2013