The Nation Newspaper

Category: Politics

  • Why I defected to PDP, by Orji

    Progressives Peoples Alliance (PPA) chieftain Chief Nnamdi Orji has defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State. He defected in his native Ameke ward, Abiriba, Ohafia Local Government Area.

    The defector was presented to the party by Chief Sunday Ifeigbo, who explained that Orji has returned to the party to join the leaders in rebuilding the edifice.

    The ward chaiman, Prosper Okoro said: “History is today being made in Abiriba politics and every member of the party is happy to welcome Chief Nnamdi Orji back into the fold.”

    Orji recalled the cisrcum-stances th at forced him out of the party. He said that, although he won the ticket for the House of Representatives seat in Arochukwu/ Ohafia Constituency, he was denied the ticket. He said that deprivation was injurious to his supporters in the constituency.

    Orji enjoined the party members to make sacrifice for the party, adding that the party can only survive in an atmosphere of unity and harmony.

    He said the PDP has a brighter future in Abia State, if its leaders can manage their achievements.

     

  • Okorocha… The gathering storm

    Okorocha… The gathering storm

    Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha is fighting on all fronts. His party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has turned against him, owing to his identification with the All Progressives Congress (APC). His enstranged political benefactor, Chief Martins Agbaso, wants to take his pound of flesh over the impeachment of his brother, Jude, the former deputy governor. Can Okorocha weather the storm? Correspondent OKODILI NDIDI writes on the governor’s 2015 calculations and the obstacles ahead.

     

    A political storm is gath-ering in Imo State, ahead of the 2015 general elections. At the centre of the storm is Governor Rochas Okorocha, who is scheming for a second term, despite being at loggerheads with his party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and other enthrenched forces in the state.

    The governor is engaged in a fierce battle with these powerful forces, who are not comfortable with his style of governance. Many politicians have complained that he has been running a one-man show, adding that, apart from refusing to carry them along, he has not judiciously utilised the resources of the state.

    Okorocha’s political opponents are increasing daily, especially since the impeachment of his deputy, Jude Agbaso, in controversial circumstances.

    The Agbasos have joined forces with other opposition groups to give Okorocha a run for his money in 2015 elections. One of their strategies is to distract his administration through virulent propaganda. The aggrieved APGA chieftains are joining forces with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to create an image problem for the governor. Already, they have started beaming a seachlight on the administration by forwarding petitions to the anti-graft bodies about alleged financial irregularities in the state.

    Last week, the battle ground shifted to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Sources said that some politicians from the state were wooing the Presidency to support their onslaught against Okorocha, with a view to neutralising him, ahead of the next elections.

    However, the governor’s camp is not relenting. It is matching propaganda with propaganda. The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon Benjamin Uwajumogu, recently alleged that he was offered N3 billion to impeach the governor. He said that those who attempted to bribe him wanted the impeached deputy governor to become the beneficiary of the deft move.

    The Speaker fingered Chief Martin Agbaso, the Southeast APGA leader, Col. Augustine Akobundu (rtd) and another millionaire-businessman in the plot. They have denied the allegation, saying that it was a tissue of lies.

    Chief Agbaso is bitter against Okorocha with justification. He is unhappy about the impeachment of his younger brother. He has also accused the governor of betraying the agreement between them on 2015. He attributed his brother’s ouster to the 2015 calculations.

    Now, Agbaso has vowed to challenge Okorocha’s bid for a second term. The Emekuru-born politician has promised to give the governor a run for his money.

    Another whirlwind threatening Okorocha’s government is the contentious tenure of the sacked local government chairmen. The 27 elected chairmen who were sacked by Okorocha, following his assumption of office, are fighting back under the umbrella of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON). They have the backing of the and their party, the PDP.

    Also spitting fire are the loyalists of former Governor Ikedi Ohakim, who working assiduously for his return to power. Sources said that the governor also have some powerful “Abuja politicians” to contend with. These politicians are also eyeing the governorship in Imo and amassing resources to bankroll the plot to oust Okorocha from office.

    The Contenders

     

    Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho

     

    One of the major contenders for Okorocha’s office is Captain Emmanuel Iheancho, the Managing Director of Genesis Worldwide Shipping Company and Chief Executive Officer of Integrated Oil and Gas. He is a former Minister for Interior under President Goodluck Jonathan.

    In 2011, he was removed as minister, following complaints by Ohakim, who accused him of anti- party activities.

     

    Chief Jerry Chukwueke

     

    The Chairman of Germaine group is another contender for Douglas House. Reputed for his strong financial strength, Chukwueke is said to be seriously mobilising towards achieving his gubernatorial ambition in 2015.

    A known financier of the PDP in the state and brother in-law to the PDP National Women Leader Kema Chikwe, Chukwueke is said to be enjoying the support of the party’s hierarchy.

     

    Emeka Ihedioha

     

    The House of Representatives Deputy Speaker, current deputy Speaker, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, is a governorship aspirant in the PDP. He is a major threat to Okorocha’s second term bid. He has structures across the local governments. Many believe that he is an asset to the party in the state.

     

    Agbaso

     

    Agbaso is a great politician. He has a formidable structure in the state. he was a thorn in the flesh of Ohakim. Many people believed that he won the critical 2007 elections, but the poll was rigged in favour of the PDP.

    In 2011, Okorocha had approached him for collaboration. In fact, he mobilised support for the APGA candidate. According to party insiders, an agreement was brokered between Okorocha and Agbaso that the former should go for one term. As part of the deal, Okorocha selected Agbaso’s brother, Jude, as his running mate. However, as the preparations for the 2015 begins, quarrel ensued between the two politicians.

    Agbaso has not jettison his governorship ambition and sources said that he will challenge Okorocha for the number one seat in the next election.

     

    The governor’s strengths

     

    Despite all these mounting pressure, Okorocha has proved to be the cat with nine lives. Efforts to remove him from office have collapsed like a pack of cards.

    He had ridden to power on the back of the inept PDP administration in the state. It was a revolution of the masses for change.

    The governor embarked on a rescue mission. He converted the state into a huge construction site. Although he also took some controversial steps, the people have maintained attachment to his government because of his widely advertised people-oriented programmes.

    The administration is also planning for an empowerment programme fo the masses in appreciation of the mandate they gave to the governor.

    Another policy that has endeared the people to Okorocha, apart from the massive infrastructural development in the rural communities, is the creation of the Community Government Council, which has brought government closer to the people. There is hardly any community that has not benefited from the on-going infrastructure development, especially road construction and provision of hospitals.

    Another major plus of Okorocha’s administration, which has made him a household name, is the free education policy. Many low income earners who had their wards in the state higher insti,tutions, have heaved a sigh of relief following the introduction of the policy, which formed the fulcrum of Okorocha’s campaign.

    Recently, the students and youths staged a protest in solidarity with the government.

     

    Okorocha’s APC calculation

     

    Okorocha is conscious of the ambush awaiting him in the APGA. But he will have a platform for the realisation of his second term dream in the All Progressive Congress (APC).

    With the move, many opposition figures who would have contested against him have become his supporters in the proposed party.

    The appointment of Price Eze Madumere from Owerri Zone as the deputy governor was seen by many as the “Option B” for the governor, if he pushes ahead with his presidential ambition.

    Okorocha, who has been described by his admirers as a sensitive and intelligent politician, has not voiced his interest in a second term. But a sourcse close to him said that he will declare his ambition soon.

  • I have no VP ambition, says Yuguda

    I have no VP ambition, says Yuguda

    Bauchi State Governor Isa Yuguda has declared that he has novice presidential in 2015. He described his purported vice presidential aspiration as a figment of imagination, adding that it is an attempt to create suspicion and distrust between him and Vice President Sambo. The governor spoke with reporters in Lagos on the activities of his administration, insecurity and the crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    He said: “It is a figment of imagination. I look up to Sambo as a senior brother. He grew up in Bauchi, where I knew him. He is competent. We have close family relations. I am an average intelligent man. I graduated at 20, started work at 21. I even weepat night when I remember how the Almighty God has been nice to me. I had a good career in the banking sector. I was the Managing Director of NAL. At 27, I was the youngest branch manager in Savannah.

    “I have five graduate children, with masters degrees. Another four will graduate next year. I joined Obasanjo’s cabinet as the youngest minister. I was a two-time minister. I do not begrudge the Vice President. What do I want to be as the Vice President that God has not tested me with? When I was the MD of bank, I was recruiting my classmates. Many of them were more brilliant than me. I am loyal to the PDP. I am loyal to the Vice President”.

    The governor, who spoke on the activities of the administration, disclosed that the Bauchi airport will commissioned in July, stressing the power plant project embarked upon by the state would also remain a priority. He also revisited his tenure as the Minister of Aviation, lamenting that the agreement between the Federal Government and Virgin Airlines collapsed because of policy summersault.

    Yuguda submitted that the Boko Haram insurgency has persisted because of the activities of the restless sect, whose members were being manipulated by certain politicians. He also said that Bauchi State is safe for living and business, blaming the media for blowing the security situation in the state out of proportion.

    The governor urged Nigerians to emulate the religious tolerance displayed by the Southwest, which he said, had foster religious and tribal harmony in the region”.

    He said: “The first Sharia Court was established in Iwo, Osun State. In the Southwest, you have a church upstairs and mosques downstairs and there is no quarrel. Anybody who kills is not a Muslim or Christian. He is a killer. Any person who wants to balkanise Nigeria through religion is a criminal. He is not a Christian or Muslim. A terrorist is a killer and criminal, not a Muslim or Christian”.

     

  • ‘Criminals benefited from amnesty’

    ‘Criminals benefited from amnesty’

    Former Secretary General of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) Chief Frank Kokori has faulted the amnesty programme, saying that criminals benefitted from the programme.

    He expressed concerned over the resurgence of criminality in the Niger Delta, which led to the death of 12 policemen.

    Kokori told The Nation that 50 percent of the so-called militants targeted by the amnesty programme of the Federal Government were criminals who have returned to crime, following the completion of the programme.

    He said: “Most of the boys who came from the creek for the amnesty programme are criminals. These criminals are mercenaries and not freedom fighters and would always go back to their past deeds.”

    The former NUPENG scribe maintained that the system had created the loopholes for such development because of its lack of commitment to the anti-corruption war.

    Kokori said that the younger generation mirrored the affluence and opulence of greedy politicians in power.

    He added: “If you go to a country like Tanzania, where their leaders rarely display ostentatious lifestyle, the people hardly do such things because their leaders show good examples. But in Nigeria, the leaders have become the oppressors.

    “The fight against corruption is a lip service project in the country. There is huge moral decadence. The people have no jobs, yet our leaders live in palatial mansions. The criminals among these creek boys see them and are often drawn out of their cocoon to get something from the authorities.”

    Kokori alleged that the leaders and representatives of the militants who signed the amnesty deal on their behalf short-changed them, adding that this also led to ill-feelings among them.

     

  • ‘ACN ‘ll rule Anambra’

    Anambra State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) governorship aspirant Mr. Godwin Ezeemo spoke with EMMANUEL OLADESU on the party’s preparation for the next election.

     

     

    Why do you want to be the governor of Anambra State?

    I am coming out to contest because I want to assist in bringing to Anambra State the much desired good governance they are yearning for. And this will bring succour to the people who have missed good governance for a long time.

    What are your chances of getting your party’s ticket?

    I have a big chance of clinching the ticket. Having registered, financed and supported the party at the grassroots and the state level, and sponsored many aspirants within the party in the last five years, I am known and I believe these will earn me the ticket

    Can ACN beat APGA at the poll?

    ACN has a very good chance of winning Anambra, if it fields a good candidate. You know Anambrarians are after the personality and not the party. The party leaning has dwindled, owing to disappointments we have had since the Second Republic. I want to draw your attention to the fact that ACN is the only political party in the state, which does not have crisis. This already tells you the stuff the party is made of, unlike other parties that have factions.

    What is your agenda for Anambra people?

    I will restore the lost Igbo values. You remember that I organised a programme in Awka last year tagged ‘Re-discovering the Lost Igbo Values’. Prominent Anambrarians and Igbos, including Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Dame Virgy Etiaba , academics, legislators, religious leaders, judicial officers, traditional rulers, women leaders, labour leaders, transporters, traders, keke and okada operators, students and other leaders from all walks of life in Igbo land attended. It was a five-day event, and at the end of the programme, our people were satisfied and felt strongly that there was the need to restore and rediscover our values. Secondly, there should be a functional and qualitative education in the state. Moreover, I will bring the Water Corporation back to life. I will prioritise building functional, basic utilities and infrastructure for industrial growth and development. As an industrialist, I know that when you have industrial growth, jobs will be created for our youths. And when our youths are engaged in gainful employment, our streets will be safer. Then, many social vices will be curbed. The basic healthcare services will be available for all Anambrarians as it is done in other parts of the world where I have lived. I am often surprised when I see how much the state government pays to our civil servants. The truth is that, if you want to get the best out of them and reduce corruption, you should be ready to pay them well.

    What is your assessment of the Obi Administration?

    Governor Peter Obi has done his part, based on his abilities and that probably, is his best. That is okay. One can only give what one has. No one can give what he does not have. However, the reality on ground is that Anambra still yearns for transformation in all areas.

    What is your reaction to the insecurity in the country, especially the Boko Haram insurgency, oil pipeline vandalisation, and kidnapping?

    You cannot divorce criminality from deprivation. In a society where there are limited opportunities, people, especially youths, are bound to take to crime. However, people have to understand that there is no justification for crime. The problem, basically, is that there is social injustice such that the gap between the haves and the have-nots keeps widening. The solution to this is for the government to close this gap through gainful and unselective job creation, emphasis on skills acquisition through technical knowledge acquisition and encouraging local and foreign investors to exploit opportunities here. When people build industries, unemployed people have jobs. When they are gainfully employed, they will have no time to think of crime. Those who are busy in their places of work or business have no time to think of crimes.

    What is responsible for the kidnapping in the Southeast and what is the way out?

    Well, as I pointed out earlier, many of the crimes here can be attributed to lack of opportunities. The way out of this is to have a conducive environment in the Southeast for investment. This is a collective responsibility. The government and individuals who have been blessed by God should help in creating jobs in this region, just as it is done in the Southwest and other places.

    How would you assess Jonathan Administration?

    The leaders of the PDP have done their best. But the truth is that their best has not been enough. There was high expectation in 1999 that, by 2013, power would have been stable; millions of jobs would have been created and the economy in general would have been among the best in the world, given our vast human and material resources. But you know, this dream is yet to be realised.

    Can APC defeat PDP in 2015?

    Yes, the alliance will defeat PDP in 2015. The alliance enjoys the support of the Southwest, the Northeast and Northwest. Do not exclude the Northcentral. Even in the Southeast, many of our people just want a change in leadership, since they feel the PDP has not given them what they have expected.

    What is your reaction to the agitation for a Sovereign National Conference (SNC)?

    Well, every successful country had challenges in the past. The challenges we are having in this country, though enormous, do not defy solution. I am of the opinion that we can fashion out a way of coming together in a round table to discuss the issues affecting us. I do not think it will balkanize the country. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo attempted to do it, although it was not successful. Yes, I think it is necessary and I do not think it will affect our existence, once all groups are represented.

     

     

  • 2015: Crowded race to Rayfield

    2015: Crowded race to Rayfield

    Many aspirants are jostling for the governorship in Plateau State, ahead of 2015. Correspondent YUSUF  IDEGU examines the issues that will shape the contest.

     

    Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang will bow out of office in 2015, after completing his second term. But the preparations for the next general elections have started.

    Many issues will shape the race. These include ethnicity, religion and security. Jos, the state capital, has not known permanent peace. Thus, the people look forward to elections that would be held in an atmosphere of transquuility.

    The next governor may still inherit the security challenge. Besides, he will have to work hard to improve on the reconstruction of the city that has been devastated by the ethno-religious conflicts.

    The governorship ambition has engulfed the entire cabinet. There are at least 20 commissioners, 36 special advisers, 20 special assistants, 18 heads of parastatals. Sources said that the majority of them are eyeing the number one seat. Some of them are also scrambling for the National Assembly slots.

    However, the ambitious aides of the governors are competing for his endorsement. All of them are scrambling for Jang’s signature.

    In the rival All Progressives Congress (APC), there are also formidable aspirants. There is a serious agitation for power shift from the PDP to the progressives. With the fusion of the like-minded parties, the opposition may wax stronger in the state.

    The former governor, Joshua Dariye, sources said, is also planning to raise a candidate on the platform of the Labour Party (LP) to challenge the PDP candidate. But many of his followers want him to team up with the APC, although some leaders of the PDP are also reaching out to him in the spirit of reconciliation.

    The governor has established himself as a formidable politician who will definitely want to annoint a successor. He became more popular, following his victory at the poll for the second time in 2011. Since then, many opposition figures have abandoned the political space for him. The governor also has a great influence on the party machinery and as a rugged retired soldier, he has been able to combine the military tricks with political tactics. Many believe that he had survived the political vissiccitudes in office, thereby emerging as a cat with nine lives.

    The prelude to the governorship election is the council poll. Plateau politicians appreciate the power of the grassroots structures. Thus, the governorship contenters are trying to build solid networks at the grassroots. Jang’s commissioners, special advisers and special ssistants are lobbying him to support their candidates for the chairmanship and councillorship in their respective local governments.

    Observers contend that Jang’s support has become necessary because many political appointees are not popular in their respective constituencies. When they became commissioners and special advisers, they became detached from their constituencies.This, according to them, explains why they want to ride on the governor’s back to power.

    Also, the quality of aspirants outside the State Executive Council is a major source of worry to those in the government. This worry has made the internal lobbying more aggressive. There is obviously a serious competition between those in government and those outside government to get Governor Jang’s blessing.

    Apart from the governor’s aides and party chieftains itching to succeed the governor, some politicians who defected from the PDP when they fell out with the current administration are retracing their steps. Now that Jang’s second term has gone half way, these aggrieved politicians are returning to the fold. Those in government perceive them as threats.

    One of the styles adopted by the aspirants is positioning themselves for the governor’s attention. Jang usually visit his family house at Du. This residence has become a centre of attraction for these appointees. They normally accompany him to the house for the purpose of discussing their partisan interests with him in a relaxed atmosphere. Jangs’s aides have also accelerated their loyalty to the boss in recent times. They also back it up with eye service. As an experienced politician, this approach is worrisome to Jang.

    The governor has said that he would not impose any candidate on the people as governor. He has also urged those aspiring to lead the state to strike a deal with the people to have a smooth nomination. But according to a PDP chieftain who spoke on the condition of anonymity, Jang will not support a candidate that will not defend his legacies.

    The governor has deviced a means of preventing the ambitious chieftains from accompanying him to events, particularly his family house. He has asked the security personel manning the gate to his personal residence in Du to restrict movement. “If the visitor is a member of my government, tell him this is my private house. They should meet me in the office, and if they say I gave them appointment, confirm from me before you let such person in please” Jang pleaded with his securities.

    But this directive has not deterred them. They have also devised other means to lobby the governor through his relations and close associates. In this plot, the wife of the governor, Talatu, his children, the Gbong Gwom Jos, and some church leaders have become their links to the governor.

    The Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Gyang Buba, who is the paramount ruler and head of traditional rulers, command a high influence. He is respected by the governor. Thus, the aspirants have been going to his palace to pay homage to the monarch for political reasons. Other aspirants who believe the governor’s wife is more influential are already falling over themselves to curry her favour.

    Mrs. Jang, sources said, knows how to convince and persuade her husband about ceratin things. Thus, some of the aspirants have nearly turned themselves to her house maids to achieve their ambition. One of the governor’s children, Yakubu, is the Special Adviser on Special Duties in his father ‘s government. With his vantage position, other political appointees, including commissioners, are already worshipping the ‘big boy’.

    In Plateau State, Senator Gyang Pwajok, popularly known as “GNS Pwajok,” is the closest politician to the governor. He is the Senator representing Plateau North Senatorial Zone. He is perceived as the ‘adopted political son” of Governor Jang. He recently delivered a lecture at the governor’s 69th birthday, where the governor eulogised him as his political son. Senator Pwajok, no doubt, has unhindered access to the governor. This senator is currently battling to save himself from pressure by lobbyists.

    Pressures are also being mounted by the aspirants on the influential clerics; Prophet Isa El-buba, General Overseer, ‘Ebomi International’, and the President of the Church of Christ in Nigeria (COCIN), Reverend Soma Bewarang to sell their candidature to the governor. The priests are close to the governor. The governor has enormous respect for these two religious leaders. While Governor Jang has been worshiping at COCIN from childhood, Prophet El-buba is a spiritual adviser to him.

    The majority of the aspirants are from the Southern and Central Plateau. The thinking is that, since Governor Jang is from Plateau North, the slot may be zoned to either of the two zones.

    Top on the list is the deputy governor, Ignatius Longjan, who hails from Quan Pan local government. Many have argued that the governor is prompting his deputy to succeed him. The Secretary to the Government, Prof Shedrack Best, who hails from the Central Zone, is another strong contender. Other aspirants include the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. John Dabwan from Mangu South Constituency, Dr. Haruna Dabin from Plateau Central, who is currently the PDP state chairman, and Mr. Hezekiah Dimka, a retired Commissioner of Police.

    However, not all the aspirants have made their intention known to the public. Governor Jang, who does not want any distraction, has said that any member of the cabinet nursing the ambition to succeed him should resign.

  • ‘APC ‘ll liberate Nigeria’

    Ondo State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) chieftain Mr. Tunde Imolehin has warned the Federal Government and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against interfering in the activities of the electoral commission. He said the allegation that they were making moves to prevent the registration of the All Progressive Congress (APC) was worrisome.

    Imolehin said that the merger of progressive parties would strengthen democracy and good governance because there will be a viable opposition after the merger.

    The politician who spoke in Akure said the days of the PDP in power were numbered.

    He added: “Even, the progressives in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) know that a merger is the only option now because of its collateral strength. APC will come alive, especially when it is supported by many progressive governors who are party leaders in their respective states.”

    Imolehin lamented the poor state of the economy, pointing out that the woes have been aggravated by corruption.

    He said the situation in Ondo State mirrored the ineptitude at the centre, urging the people of the state to take their destiny in their hands.

    Imolehin added: “The last governorship election was full of irregularities. ACN did not loose that poll. Its third position was premeditated, but with the proceedings at the tribunal, the party will triumph because there was a precedence.”

     

  • Anambra 2014: Ngige, Ekwunife, Ubah begin mobilisation

    Anambra 2014: Ngige, Ekwunife, Ubah begin mobilisation

    Ahead of the governorship election in Anambra State, there are four top contenders aspiring to succeed Governor Peter Obi. They have been campaigning across the 21 local government areas.

    The aspirants are former Governor Chris Ngige, who is representing the Central District in the Senate, House of Representatives member from the Anaocha,/Njikoka/Dunukofia Constituency Hon. Uche Ekwunife, Senator Andy Uba, and the businessman, Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah.

    Ngige is contesting on the platform of the Action congress of Nigeria (ACN). Ekwunife and Ubah belong to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). Uba is a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Other light weight aspirants are playing hide and seek game. The only thing that shows that they are scheming for the position is that they are collecting chieftaincy titles in the communities.

    Ekwunife has set up her campaign teams in three local governments; Anaocha, Njikoka, and Dunukofia. She told our correspondent that the campaign teams for other councils would be inaugurated next week. The federal legislator has already branded her campaign vehicles.

    Also, Ngige has declared that he was battle ready. Already, the ACN senator had doled out over N300 million to his followers. He also gave the party and many supporters cars and money.

    Besides, Ngige and Ekwunife had held consultations with the traditional rulers in the 21 local governments on their ambitions. They said that since they would not contest the poll in the Diaspora, they had to be close to the communities.

    Ngige said: “It is operation totality and earth quake. I do not need any further introduction in the state and I believe in doing things early enough.”

    Ekwunife said: “My brother, delay is dangerous. Some of us who are close to our people should be able to tell them where we are going, what we are doing. I see no reason why I should be contesting election in Anambra and I will be staying in Abuja everyday. But I will love to attend to the sittings in the House of Representatives. That is the only thing to keep me there”.

  • ‘Amnesty to Boko Haram should be conditional’

    ‘Amnesty to Boko Haram should be conditional’

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed spoke with ADEKUNLE JIMOH on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) crises, national insecurity and other partisan issues.

    What is your reaction to the allegation that you and some PDP governors are planning to defect from the party?

    In Nigeria, we play politics with everything. It is not true that I am planning to leave the PDP. It does not make sense for me to leave the PDP for another party. PDP is the biggest party in Africa. Why would I be dumping a big party for a small party? It does not make sense to me, personally. Why would I move from a national party to a regional party? As it is today, PDP is the biggest party in Africa and the only national party. Other parties are regional. And by the grace of God Almighty, it is the ruling party in Kwara State. So, there are the reasonswhy I will continue to remain in the PDP. I will continue to strengthen the PDP because it is the only fair platform today that has been able to manage its differences. Other parties also have differences, which have reduced them to the regional levels they are.

    They all started as national parties, but became regional levels because they could not manage their differences. We take opinions and try to correct our stance because we do not have monopoly of wisdom. We are open to corrections from well meaning Nigerians who can suggest alternative ways by which we can deliver service.

    Plans are underway to grant amnesty to the members of the Boko Haram sect. What is your opinion?

    It is unfortunate that, in Nigeria of today, we are faced with an unprecedented security challenge. I must commend the Federal Government in its effort to check all sorts of violence, whether in form of Boko Haram or attack on ethnic groups as we have in the clash between ethnic nationalities and nomads. We have other security challenges in forms of kidnapping, attack on Federal Government installations such as crude oil pipelines. They require a very critical look.

    Amnesty is very simple. What do we mean by amnesty? It means that we should pardon those who have committed crimes against the state. That is what it means. Start with our brothers and sisters in the Southsouth. They had a grievance about degradation of their environment, largely from exploration and exploitation. On the strength of that, they felt that they needed something to make them feel part and parcel of the country, hence they tried to frustrate the lifting of crude oil.

    The Federal Government suggested amnesty for the militants at that time. It could be recalled that when amnesty was suggested for the militants, it was vehemently opposed by Nigerians who wanted to know why we give amnesty to those who have wilfully taken up arms to destroy Federal Government and oil companies’ installations?

    However, it became clear that the path to amnesty was a possible path to peace because the whole essence was to achieve peace. When there is peace, then we can talk about justice. When we talk about justice we can now talk about equity.

    Peace has to come first. As we have it today, there is an insurgence of an Islamic group in the North in the name of Boko Haram. We all know that it has nothing to do with Islam because, for those of us who are Muslims, we know very well that there is nothing that they preach that is in consonance with the tenets of Islam.

    Everything they stand for negates the very principle and policy of Islam. However, they have engaged in wanton destruction of lives and property of innocent Nigerians. The question is: how do we arrest this situation? What were the problems that led these young men into taking up arms along with non-Nigerians to create havoc on our people? Destroying everything we stand for, trying to create problems that could probably escalate into civil war. We begin to see the relevance of amnesty, forgiveness of this group of people. What is the cause of amnesty and what is the result of amnesty, if we grant it? What have they brought to the table that they stand for? The Southsouth youths came out with an environmental degradation issue, joblessness, lack of infrastructure. It was understood. It was clear. And there were negotiations and amnesty was brought in. Since then, we have a peaceful environment, at least in our context.

    Amnesty is desirable for the Boko Haram to the extent that they are able to bring to the fore, the issues they have against the system. These are the areas they think they have been short-changed as a people, as Nigerians. Then, we can begin to look at what manner of peace and pardon will be made available to this class of people. We can then come together again and move on as a people. So, it is neither here nor there. We cannot stand up and say amnesty is not desirable or amnesty is desirable. We must begin to look at the issues that will determine whether they deserve amnesty or not. Let us see, firstly, the face of the people we are speaking with.

    Secondly, what is their grievance against the system? What is it that they have against innocent women and children that they are throwing bombs at? What is it that they feel should be done rightly that is not done right? This implies that the concept of dialogue should come in first. When dialogue comes in, then, the issue of amnesty will follow. I feel that with that kind of approach, we will begin to see some succour coming to our people that find themselves in this tough terrain where there is a high level of insecurity and they cannot on their strength carry out their normal activities. We need to give it a critical look. To the extent that we are facing a challenge which we have never seen before, we must approach it in a way and manner we have never done before.

    If we begin to allow the thing to be politicised, that is, these are Muslim dissidents, or these are a group of aliens or these are just people who are just out to create problems and we try to shove them away with a wave of the hand, we will not be solving the problem. The cost of peace is not too much.

    To the extent that I do not support amnesty for every group that comes up, having gone into willful destruction of lives and property, having gone into creating problems for the country and now, we begin to see it as a way of getting our own share of the national cake. It should not be misunderstood. Because, before you know it, another group will stand up in one other guise, create mayhem and ask for amnesty. On the strength of that, an armed robber could as well ask for amnesty. So let us be very careful about how we design amnesty.

    We must understand what is on the table. Whoever is talking about amnesty, must bring something to the table.We will then look at it and see how they fit into driving us as a nation to desired level of progress and growth in the comity of nations.

    The Federal Government is assisting the state in the area of road construction…

    The issue of roads cannot be taken for granted, especially as it relates to economic growth and safety for our people. On the strength of that, from the inception of our administration we’ve taken it upon ourselves to ensure that all our state and rural roads are put to proper useable levels. We have also made several efforts in getting all Federal Government roads rehabilitated and made motorable for our people in Kwara State. Our effort is already yielding fruits. We have drawn attention to the Ilorin-Kabba Road that is in a state of disrepair. This has not only hindered movement of our people but also encouraged armed robbers to attack vehicles plying the road.

  • My plan for Ekiti, by Aluko

    Ekiti State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant Senator Gbenga Aluko has unfolded his plans for the state.

    He said industrialisation and infrastructural development will be the priority of his administration, if elected as the governor in the forth-coming election.

    The Ode-Ekiti-born politician represented Ekiti South Senatorial District in the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly between 1999 andf 2003. He defeated Prince Dayo Adeyeye of the Alliance for Democracy (AD).

    At the PDP primaries, Aluko will face no fewer than 14 aspirants, including the former governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, the former deputy governors, Chief Abiodun Aluko from Ikere-Ekiti, Mrs. Abiodun Olujimi and Mr. Bisi Omoyeni; Minister of Police Affairs Navy Capt. Caleb Olubolade (rtd), Prince Adeyeye, and former House of Representatives member, Mr. Aribisala.

    Aluko, who spoke in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, said that infrastructural development will enhance industrialisation and attract investors to Ekiti State.

    He called for power shift to the South District, saying that the zone has been marginalised.

    The politician pointed out that, since 1999, the district has not produced the governor, urging the PDP to zone the slot to the area in the spirit of equity, fairness and justice.