The Nation Newspaper

Category: Politics

Oshun: Don’t extend amnesty to Boko Haram

Former House of Representatives Chief Whip Hon. Olawale Oshun is the leader of the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG). He spoke with EMMANUEL OLADESU on the growing insecurity in the country and the imperative of a national conference to discuss the basis for peaceful co-existence.

How would you assess the Jonathan Administration?

We have confronted the nation with information regarding the mind-boggling issues of corruption, profligacy and the scared-cow syndrome, including the unprecedented marginalisation of the Yoruba by the Jonathan Administration, focusing on the issue of lopsided recuitment and promotion in the public service. Unfortunately, this situation has not abated. The current reality also paints the picture of an underestimation of the scale of impunity and flagrant disregard for the laws of the land and every sense of propriety and good order. These have been exhibited, most notably by the recent pardon granted to the former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diprieye Alamieyeseigha. This blatant display of deficit in ethical-based governance, has received widespread and worldwide condemnation, which ARG also reacted to via a press statement.

It was reported that ARG was part of the recent re-union of Afenifere in Akure. Could you shed light on this?

For the avoidance of any doubts, ARG was neither involved nor represented at that meeting. None of those who attended that meeting could claim to be representing ARG. Whoever attended or participated at that meeting did so entirely on his own volition. ARG is a group that recognises the independent mindedness of individuals. Therefore, we concede to individuals, their right and choice of association.

ARG is a group with explicit and untainted moral values and stance. We affirm therefore, that anybody who purports to be an ARG member, and sits in a meeting with Iyiola Omisore, and some of the other personalities mentioned at that meeting, is on his or her own and cannot and will not be a member or an associate of the ARG. We need to emphasise that ARG does not and will not quarrel or contend with the old Afenifere. We have met with them and consulted with them on Pan-Yoruba issues where and when necessary. We also affirm that there is no question of a re-union between Afenifere of old and Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG). ARG has and does projects a uniquely vibrant identity, a clearly distinctly defined mission and philosophical stance that are carved in progressive and developmental independence of thoughts and actions, that are informed by engrained Omoluabi values.

It has been alleged that ARG is closely associated with a political party. What is the true position?

We also make clear that we are tied to no strings – individual or institutional. ARG is an independent group of Yoruba patriots, an ethos we hold in high esteem and guard with principles. ARG is not controlled from anywhere, by anyone, by any group or by any political party. In our midst are professionals, businessmen, academics, intellectuals, technocrats and people across the length and breadth of Yorubaland and in the Diaspora. We have made no secret of the fact that we are a political organisation. However, many of our members are not partisan and they view the socio-economic and political development of Yorubaland as a major goal. Only the mischievious would continue to make unsubstantiated claims about any juggernaut behind ARG or any money-bag funding the activities of the group – in the past or even now. We reject these claims completely; they are totally baseless.

PDP is threatening to capture the Southwest in 2015. What is your reaction?

It has become evident in the history of Nigeria, that whenever Yorubaland is poised for development, or is seen to be on the path of development, all forms of threats and conspiracies begin to rear their heads. These threats are usually from within and outside the region. We do not fail at any time to recognise them. Our progenitors in the distant past and, of course, in the not-too-distant-past, have had to contend with these scenarios, and they have done their best to either mitigate them or fight them off. This time around, the Yoruba people are prepared for them. ARG will stand in constant watch and will sensitise and mobilise Yoruba people everywhere against the threats that have started to emerge, apparently to truncate our march to development. Of course, internal collaborators from within, foisting all kinds of pernicious and suspicious agenda are never in short supply.opportunists where they belong.

Is the marginalisation of the Yoruba not confounding to you?

Without any doubt, the Yoruba have always been specifically targetted either for development decimation or at best arrested progress. The trajectory is all too familiar. Awolowo’s travails, just as colonialism was winding down in the country, and of course with active collaborators from within Yorubaland, led to the end of the First Republic. When another opening emerged for development in the UPN days after 13 years of military rule, the internal colonialists, through the military, struck in 1983 to truncate the advancement of the progressive Southwest governments. Moshood Abiola emerged on the political scene. Nigerians voted for him out of their free will, but his victory at the polls was viciously scuttled. Those who have continued to arrogate to themselves the decision of who would rule and reign over the rest of us, crafted an arrangement that imposed former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the country. The eight subsequent years of a PDP led government in the Southwest imposed a reign of terror and violent dispossession of our value system, foisted on us strange people and strange policies and took away the development agenda of the progressive Yoruba people.

Former PDP National Chairman Senator Ahmadu Ali has described Yoruba as ungrateful people…

We are mindful of the recent thoughtless and insulting statement made by the former PDP Chairman, Ahmadu Alli, against Yoruba people and our collective sensibilities. Some of our people have adequately responded to his tirades and we are sure he will continue to suffer the opprobrium of the majority. We would, however, like to say that we would not further dignify this man, who in the course of his odious public engagements within the Nigerian space, has had no credible record of performance, but has constantly acted against the interests of Nigerians, including of course his own Igala people. He is so thoroughly bad, discredited and evil that the PDP, as bad as they are, could not risk him being the Chairman of their Board of Trustees, against his wishes and those of his master.

Specifically, the ARG wishes to make it clear that we are aware of the plans by the PDP-led Federal Government to take advantage of our historical sensibilities, by promoting certain individuals to form political associations and political parties in our Region, and providing funding to them through spurious and dubious contracts in order to use them as agents of destabilisation, in fulfilment of a sinister 2015 agenda. We are putting this in the public space, so that our people would be informed about the threats that are being massed against them. However, this is Yorubaland.

We are hereby placing our people on high alert, and asking them to be on guard against the enemy within and the enemy outside. This time around, we must not allow them to succeed, as this is in our interest and that of generations unborn. ARG would like to warn those who are involved in any invidious project or plot against the Yoruba people to desist, or they would inevitably face the wrath of the people.

What is your reaction to the growing insecurity in the country?

Our group is concerned about the current spate of bloodshed in the country, mainly as a result of the activities of the so-called Boko Haram and another group that calls itself Ansaru. We are deeply touched and we sympathise with the victims of these unfortunate occurences, and like most Nigerians, we call on the Federal Government to rise up to its responsibilities and put a final stop to this frequent bloodshed. This is squarely within the scope of their responsibilities, and there should be no beating about the bush. I will like to warn that this type of tendency is alien to us in Yorubaland, and so it would not be permitted, it would be resisted by our people, and it would never be allowed to have a foothold. However, while we appreciate the concerns of those who have canvassed amnesty as a response strategy to this menace, we would however like to say that the Boko Haram menace is a persistent indication and manifestation of a deeper malaise beleaguering the country. Amnesty will therefore, be another attempt not only to create an opportunity for anarchists, but to further postpone the evil days. Considering the structural deficiency of the country, it is not likely that we would see an end to the use of amnesty. Therefore, in line with our constant agitation for the imperative of restructuring this multi-ethnic, multi-religion and multi-faceted country, it is our view that there is no better time than now to convene a National Conference that would finally resolve the nationality question that constantly and continuously pushes this country to the precipice. We demand a convocation of this Conference without any further delay.

April 11, 2013
How to depeen democracy, by stakeholders

Edo State Governor Comrade Adams Oshiomhole celebrated his 61st birthday in Benin-City, the state capital, last week. The ceremony became a platform for discussing the imperative of electoral reforms reports OSAGIE OTABOR.

Fourteen years ago, civil rule was restored in Nigeria, following protracted battles against the military rulers by the pro-democracy crusaders. However, to many analyts, Nigeria is still far from democracy.

When the stakeholders converged recently on Benin, the capiatl of Edo State, for the 60th birthday of Governor Adams Oshiomhole, how to depeen democracy was on the front burner.

The speakers at the ceremony raised some posers: Who determines whether democracy is working in a country or not? At what point could it be said that the process of deepening it has begun in a country? Is civil rule the same as democracy?

The theme of the birthday lecture was: ‘Depeening democracy and enhancing public welfare”. Speakers included the House of Representatives Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal, the National Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Niger State Governor Babaginda Aliyu, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Dr. Matthew Kukah and former Education Minister Oby Ezekwesili. The event was chaired by the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) chairman, Alhaji Aliko Mohammed.

The discussants expressed divergent views. But they were unanimous in their belief that a lot still needed to be done to depeen democracy in the country.

Tambuwal, who set the tone, submitted that an independent electoral umpire couldassist in deepening democracy. Tinubu observed that the process of deepening democracy is what Governor Oshiomhole has embarked upon in Edo State. He pointed out that the governor is fighting the infrastructure battle.

Governor Aliyu advocated the entrenchment of the family system. Bishop Kukah said that leaders should think about the legacy they want to leave behind. Ezekwisili identified a robust citizenry as the focal point for deepening democracy.

Declaring the ceremony open, Alhaji Mohammed observed that the presence of dignitaries from across the country showed that Nigeria is an indivisible country. He said Governor Oshiomhole has provided the necessary leadership for the people. He also hailed his party’ belief in the survival of the country.

Tambuwal said the independence of the electoral umpire was critical to the democracy. He noted that, for Nigeria to continue to deepen her democracy, the electoral umpire must be seen to be independent of the other arms of government.

The Speaker, who called for the strengthening of the institutions of democracy, said the arms of government must ensure mutual respect and independence for one another.

“To have a good political party, there is the need for it, not only to be built around ideology, but also the critical objectives and not objectives of individuals. Political parties should also aim at promoting democracy and enhancing the welfare of the people”.

Governor Aliyu said the challenge was not how to deepen democracy, but how to build democracy. The Niger State governor disclosed that, when he first met Governor Oshiomhole in 1979, he looked like a boy he could squeeze. But when the trade unionist started speaking,the governor recknoned that he was a man of talents and ideas. He said there is the need for governors to be seen to be transparent in all their dealings, if they want to be addressed as the ‘Excellency’.

“We must enthrone a political process where people can go through voting process knowing their votes will not be skewed. We must go back to the family system. Edo people have shown how to deepen democracy. When my party came to Edo to crush our friend, Edo people said no because God has given us a good thing, and because God is good, we will continue to hold our good thing. That was the time when the adamant Adams became the resilient Adams.

“Many of us who started fighting against him in the godfatherism war did not understand at that time. But with what happened here, even if you want to have a godfather, you have to do it with rules and regulations. We must learn the mantra of ‘one man one vote’. That will entrench democracy in our community”, he said.

Governor Aliyu objected to the slow judicial process, saying that everybody must be seen to be equal before the law. He urged Governor Oshiomhole to concentrate on developing rural areas, stressing the rural areas deserved more attention. The governor called on Nigerians to resist any political party, which imposes candidates on them and ignore internal democracy. “Where a political party does not follow internal democracy, we must fight it strongly”, he stressed.

Bishop Kukah, in his remark, said Nigeria is not practicing the right democracy. He said the situations facing the country today showed that it has rid itself of dictatorship, but the ingredients of dictatorship are still everywhere in the land.

Bishop Kukah said that Nigeria lacked leaders with a clear vision of what they want to achieve in office, adding that providing infrastructure was not synonymous with democracy. “There has to be something unpredictable about the substance of democracy. A President or governor had to be clear about what legacy they want to leave behind. We can’t run a country in this way. We have not started the foundation of democracy that enables the citizens to determine the character of leadership.”

For Asiwaju Tinubu, seeking legal redress in court of law was part of the processes of deepening democracy. He said that Oshiomhole had done the ACN proud as a performing governor.

The former Lagos State governor criticised President Goodluck Jonathan for polarising the Nigerian Governor’s Forum (NGF) by sponsoring the PDP Governor’s Forum.

Tinubu cchided the governors for not going to court to stop the moves to polarise them because the body had become an instrument for depeening democracy.

“You should have gone to court straight because, by going to the court, you are deepening democracy. I went to court 11 times and I won all of them. It is not for me. It is about taking our right seriously and protecting it.

“Let us stop the lamentation. If you have state police, you will know where militants reside. You will get rid of the bad system. Give more funds to the state. In the meantime, establish community police.”

Tinubu urged Tambuwal to amend the Electoral Act to provide for the use of biometrics by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), if the last voter registration data cannot be relied upon.

“Nigerians still suffer under the inferior and shoddy manual registration, verification and accreditation of voters when there is the option of the biometric system to ensure one man one vote. In our situation, the struggle for one man one vote is not yet over. We must push for the use of biometrics like we witnessed in Kenya, Sirrea Leone, Ghana.

“Biometric is not electronic voting. That is the challenge. Until we do that, a credible leadership may continue to elude the country. We don’t need the number of security operatives on election day, if we embark upon biometric registration and validation”, he stressed.

Tinubu declared that the opposition is ready to challenge the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a bigger way in 2015. He explained that this would be done by the All Progressives Congress (APC).A

“If they cannot do it, we will do it. It takes extra-ordinary leadership for democracy to survive and to be sustained. Oshiomhole realised the importance of good planning to bring good governance. We have created an opportunity for a platform that can deepen democracy.

“We must insist that subsequent elections should be free and fair. The people of Edo have seen the light. They are ready to protect their votes and to reject the erstwhile PDP government that served them a salad of corruption and rickety governance for years. The people are now witnessing rapid development because they voted for change. This is manifest in the development across Edo State, the provision of water, modern transportation”, he added.

Ezekwisile said that the citizenry is critical to democracy. She noted that Edo people in the rural areas could appreciate the impact Oshiomhole Administration.

The former minister said that the people can determine whether democracy is working or not. Ezekwisile urged the the elected officials to develop arallying vision as “poverty has no ethnicity and religion.”

Ezekwisili said the governors of the non-oil producing states should start thinking of how to improve on their economy, rather than lamenting that the oil-producing states earn or collect more funds from the Federation Accounts.

“There has not been a change in the economic structure in Nigeria. No economy that wants to improve the lives of its citizenry keeps its manufacturing at 15%.”

“A weaken citizenry cannot be the basis for deepening any democracy. What democracy do you want to deepen, if you do not fundamentally think in terms of the structure of inequality and accountability that exist between the political elite and the citizens?”

“What we have emphasised is the oil economy, which is enslaved and that is not widely acceptable to the citizen. The output from the oil economy is acceptable to the urban elite. In a poorly managed oil economy, it weakens democracy because of the level of inequality. No democracy is deepened without the citizen. The citizens are important as a valid vision for democracy. You cannot say you started the deepening of democracy until the people of the state tell you that you have started the job”, she added.

Governor Oshiomhole shared the views expressed by his guests. He said change is necessary in 2015, adding that, with the APC, “the vehicle will move”. The governor described himself as a product of the vision of the leaders of the North. saying “I am 100 percent Kaduna made.’

Dignitaries at the ceremony included Governors Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Kashim Shettima (Borno), Tanko Almakura (Nassarawa), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Ibrahim Geidam (Yobe), Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara) Akpabio Godswill (Akwa Ibom), Rotimi Ameachi (Rivers) and Dr Emmanuel Udughan (Delta) .

Also at the lecture were Prince Eheneden Erediauwa, former governor of Edo State, Chief John Oyegun, former Minister of External Affairs, Chief Tom Ikimi, Prof. Victor Uwaifo former Chairman of Federal Inland Revenue Services, Ifueko Omogui Okauro, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the National Chairman of ACN, Chief Bisi Akande, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Otumba Niyi Adebayo, Alhaji Nuhu RIbadu, Senator Chris Ngige, and the members of the Edo State House of Assembly led by Speaker Uyi Igbe.

April 11, 2013
Nigeria can achieve greater integration, says US envoy

A United States envoy, Mr. Greg Lawless, yesterday urged Nigerians to use the proposed centenary celebrations to rededicate themselves to national unity and integration.

He noted the prediction by some foreign bodies that the country may break up next year. But the diplomat said that Nigeria can achieve greater integration and prevent disintegration, if the government and people show commitment to national unity and cohesion.

Lawless, who is the Political Counselor, US Embassy, spoke in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, on the US-Nigeria Bi-National Commission. He also answerd questions from Lagos reporters during the tele-conference.

The diplomat reiterated US commitment to security, transparency and good governance, peace in the Niger Delta, electoral reforms, and sanctity of the ballot box at the local government elections.

Noting that Nigeria is passing through some challenges, he said the people can use the centenary celebrations to rededicate themselves to peaceful co-existence and unity.

Reviewing the activities of the commission, he recalled that its five working groups have been meeting regularly to focus and depeen engagement on the core issues, including governance, energy, security, agriculture and the Niger Delta.

The five groups are ‘Good Governance, Transparency, and Integrity’, ‘Regional Security Cooperation’, ‘Energy and Investment’, ‘Food Security and Agriculture’ and the ‘Niger Delta’.

Sheding light on the ‘Good Governance, Transparency and Integrity Group, Lawless said that it has been brainstorming on how to curb corruption and improve sub-national governance among the three tiers of government.

The diplomat promised US commitment to free and fair elections at the grassrrots. He recalled that the embassy has supported local electoral agencies during the recent grassroots elections in Abuja, adding that it would do the same in respect of the Kogi council elections.

Lawless added: “The states are responsible for the local fgovernment elections. We will support the electoral bodies to ensure better elections in terms of giving technical support, but the agencies concerned will determine the technical support”.

April 11, 2013
How to prevent disintegration, by Kalu

Former Abia State Governor Orji Kalu spoke with reporters in Lagos on the Jonathan Administration, national security and the crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Group Political Editor Emmanuel Oladesu was there.

You said security agencies are responsible for throwing bombs in the northern part of the country. What informed your opinon?

What I said is not new. Even, President Goodluck Jonathan once indicted the security agencies by saying there was Boko Haram in his cabinet. So, if there is Boko Haram in his cabinet, they should work on it. It is beyond carrying guns and standing on the road. I want the President to take the issue of insecurity seriously because it pains me as an Igbo man. It pains me as a southerner; it pains me as a Christian. It pains me because whenever there is a problem in Pakistan, they will go and kill Igbo in the North. They kill the southerners and kill the Christians for doing nothing. Whenever there is a problem in my village, Igbere, about Islam, they go and burn Igbo shops. This is unacceptable. I mean, we have lost more people than we did during the civil war. We cannot live in the same country and not go anywhere we want to go. The constitution gives us the right to live anywhere and go anywhere. I am calling on service, military and security chiefs to work on this matter. People should stop trivialising this matter because it is a serious one. President Jonathan came out openly and said there is Boko Haram in his cabinet. So, the security agencies should work on that and stop paying lip services to it.

There was a prediction in the past of a possible break-up of Nigeria in 2015. Is this not worrisome to you?

We have a lot of problems, but I have always said that, if we are all part of the problems, we should all be part of the solution. We should not allow a country like Nigeria to break up. We cannot allow that because it is not the right thing to do. We must understand that this country is our country and we must try and keep it together, no matter the price we have to pay. We have fought a civil war and no country that is intelligent enough fights a second civil war. We should talk about how to stabilise our economy. If our economy is stabilised, we can then talk of stabilising the polity. We are going front and backward because we have no strong economy.

2015 is around the corner and people are saying there might not be 2015 elections…

The person who made that prediction is a very good friend of mine, Mr John Negroponte. It is not only him that said that. Most American diplomats have been saying that over a long time. John Campbell has been warning Nigeria to be very careful. I am disturbed because the indices on the table show that if not properly handled, what the Americans are saying might come to pass. That is why I said we are all part of the problem and we should also be part of the solution. It is not too late to find a solution.

Apart from the issue of insecurity, what are the majors problem bothering you?

The massive corruption in the system. People are at all levels of government, from the local government to the Federal Government level, there is corruption everywhere. Besides, hunger is a major problem here. I am only telling those who claim to be leaders to lead with conscience. They should give the middle class and the poor justice. In any system that there is no fairness and justice, that system will collapse. In Nigeria, there is no justice and fairness.

But there are so many anti-corruption agencies in the country fighting corruption…..

Most of those agencies are not even doing any work. They are not even addressing the issues involved at all. If people like me are taken to court, it means there’s no anti-corruption because I have no reason to be in court. They know those that are supposed to be there. I leave everything to the court, since the matter is in a court of competent jurisdiction. I accept it as my fate. Even the day I was born, God knew I will go to court for these things.

You are coordinating an anti-corruption war in Africa. How is the programme?

We are still working on the programme. We are supposed to be in South Africa in May. We are working out the modalities with all stakeholders- the European Union, the United Nations, some diplomats from the United States and other Western countries. Since government agencies in Africa have failed to fight corruption, we are trying to use the non-governmental agencies to fight corruption. You can see people who became ministers, governors and President who never owned anything. They have never been in business. You see retired Army Generals, who own billions of naira; their salaries couldn’t have been that. So, it is everywhere. When we talk about corruption, people think it is only those in government. If you see what is happening at the federal and state government levels, you will know that most of the things they say are jokes. It is not good for people you entrusted with public funds to begin to steal it. It is not good and I never supported such. If you are for the government, they will not prosecute you. If you are saying the truth; because I can never be against the government; every other thing will fail but the truth will remain the truth. We fought third term; we said no to third term and I am sure those are some of the reasons I am where I am today but it’s not a regrettable thing.

You were in office for eight years and you can be said to have seen it all. As we match towards 2015, what are your fears?

My fears are that Nigerians might march out one day and what happened in Romania will happen here. If our leaders are not able to come together and address our problems. My fear is that we are gradually coming to a point where anybody can do anything he likes. That is what we are seeing. There seems to be no more law and order, which is not supposed to be. We must have a strong Army and a strong Police. For any country that wants to survive must not play politics with the Armed Forces. It is the pride of any nation. Any nation that does not give its Armed Forces a place of honour is not a serious nation. So, we should just stop using the army for little things. They should be on standby. We should have a quality mobile police force and enforce law and order to ensure the growth of our society.

In 14 years of democracy, what have politicians done to restore hope for the future?

They have done nothing. They are even worse today. That’s the truth.

What are the qualities of the president you are looking for in 2015?

Well, most of you continue to think of civil servants and all these people but the president I am looking for is one that can make a decision; a president that can stand and say I have made this decision, whether it is right or wrong.

Do you agree that the governors have constituted a very powerful cabal?

I do not agree that they are very powerful. The constitution has given them very powerful roles to play. The seat of the governos is very powerful and that of the President of Nigeria is the most powerful in the world. The president can wake up and do anything he likes. I have called for a review of the powers since I became a governor in 1999.

How do we remedy that?

The National Assembly is not making laws that will benefit the people. They are making laws that benefit themselves. Until the National Assembly makes laws to put themselves in part time, abolish one chamber of the Assembly and have only one chamber, we cannot make progress. We cannot be spending 25 per cent of our income on only 469 people. Even the US Congress is not earning the kind of money we are spending here. Our lawmakers should be able to sit on part-time basis.

Your support immunity clause removal…

They should remove immunity. Even as a sitting governor, I called for the removal. If a governor has committed an offence, he should go to court. They said they will have many lawsuits, why not? The minister, does he have immunity? Has he had so many lawsuits? People must respect the laws of the land. The Constitution must specify how anybody does anything. I don’t believe there should be immunity for anybody. You should be prosecuted if you do anything. When Bill Clinton was President, he was prosecuted. That immunity did not stop them. I believe we should start being an open society. We are too closed; we are not a communist country. We should be open, not claim to be open. If we continue this way, what people are saying might happen. There might be a re-think of Nigerian ethnic groups, which is not good for the country.

April 10, 2013
‘No plan to extend Lagos council tenure’

THE Lagos State House of Assembly Deputy Speaker, Mr Taiwo Kolawole has said that the House has no plan to extend the tenure of local government chairmen.

According to him, there is no such bill before the House. He explained that what is before the House is a bill to consolidate all the existing laws on local government administration in the state.

He however, conceded that the bill contains a clause on the tenure extension of elected officials at the local government. He also disclosed that the bill has just passed the second reading.

Kolawole expressed disappointment over the attempt by some highly placed individuals in the society to pre-empt the outcome of the delibration by the House.

Referring specifically to the reaction and comments of rights lawyer Femi Falana, who threatened to sue the House and state governor, should the bill become law, Kolawole said Falana could go to court, since it is part of what makes democracy interesting.

He said: “Mr. Falana is not supposed to warn us. Lawmaking is not his duty. He is a social crusader and rights activist. There’s nothing new in challenging our laws. We have not categorically said we are extending the tenure of council chairmen in the state. He cannot read the mind of the House. So, he is wrong, even though I do not want to join issues with anyone on this.”

He pointed out that the House is made up of 40 members whose opinions count on every issue relating to the policies of the state adding that, if those clamouring for extension are in the majority, there is nothing anybody can do about it.

Kolawole added: “Falana has the ample opportunity to go to court and challenge that. It is still a lawmaking process, but he must not pre-empt us. That is wrong and unfortunate for our democracy.”

Falana, had condemned the proposed extension from three years to a six-year term for council chairmen and councillors, threatening to sue the House and the state governor, if the proposal, as contained in a bill seeking to consolidate all laws on Local Government Administration scales through and becomes law.

The activist lawyer had warned that, “if the dangerous bill is passed by the House and signed into law by Governor Raji Fashola, we shall not hesitate to challenge its legal validity in court without any further notice.”

Falana argued that the three-year tenure of chairmen and councillors fixed by the Lagos State LG Law, 2001 cannot be elongated by any amendment whatsoever, adding: “It is pertinent to remind the members of the Lagos State House of Assembly that their predecessors unanimously kicked against the tenure elongation of former President Olusegun Obasanjo through a fraudulent constitutional amendment.”

April 10, 2013
‘Amnesty not answer to Boko Haram’

Human rights activist and lawyer Dr Tunji Abayomi has opposed the proposed amnesty for the members of the Boko Haram sect, saying that they are terrorists.

He advised the Northern leaders to secure the assurance of peace from the sect members before negotiating for amnesty.

Abayomi declared in a statement in Lagos that amnesty is not the solution to terrorism in the North.

He said: “Let the leaders of the North do the negotiation; let them secure the assurance of peace from their children. Let them do what is needful for the North. Let them do something new for Nigeria”.

The rights activist supported President Goodluck Jonathan’s refusal to grant amnesty to the group on the group that its members are invisible.

Abayomi maintained that Nigerians must not surrender their liberty to the killers.

He stressed: “I agree with President Goodluck Jonathan, but for a different reason. I am against amnesty, not because Boko Haram is invisible. To the contrary, Boko Haram is very visible in the bombed United Nations (UN) House and the international workers that died, in the thousands of Nigerians already murdered in cold blood, in the churches that have been burnt with helpless worshipers, and in the schools senselessly razed down.

“It is very visible in the many that are terminally wounded in this one–way unprovoked war declared on us. It is visible in the amputees, in the young children and the foetus in the womb who are denied the right to life. It is visible in the horrible reputation imposed on our nation. Boko Haram is very visible in the shattered buses and bodies of Kano.

“It is not because Boko Haram is invisible that am against amnesty. It is for the simple reason that we must not as a people or as a nation surrender our liberty to mass murderers”.

Abayomi challenged the pro-amnesty campaigners to explain the grievances of the sect members for the purpose of defining their focus.

He said: “Those calling for amnesty should tell us what Boko Haram wants so that we can find a subject matter upon which negotiation can be erected.

“They should tell us what to negotiate with the extremists whose principle is to murder innocent citizens in cold blood simply because they belong, not to their religion, which they disrespectfully misunderstand and misapply”.

Abayomi disagreed with those who claimed that the Boko Haram menace was due to poverty. He challenged such people to point to any state or region in the country that is not ravaged by poverty.

He added: “Is there any part of this nation that knows no poverty? Must we wage war on life to conquer poverty? Those who are genuinely poor don’t manufacture bombs. They don’t carry AK – 47. They don’t boast of evil on the internet. They don’t cut people’s throat while desecrating the Koran by reading it in support of cold blooded murder. Poor people that I know in the North and all over Nigeria don’t maim the poor. What they do is to work in pursuit of freedom from poverty like the ones that helped my mother to give me education. Poverty cannot justify the choice of evil.”

April 10, 2013
‘Why some governors want Tukur to go’

The insistence by some state governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the removal of the national chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, for peace to reign in the party has been attributed to the struggle for the party’s 2015 presidential election ticket.

A chieftain of the party from one of the Southsouth states told The Nation on condition of anonymity that the governors involved in the plot are actually locked in the stifling battle with the chairman over his perceived favourable disposition toward President Goodluck Jonathan flying the party’s flag in 2015.

It was learnt that most of the governors elected on the platform of the party are clearly averse to the ‘moves’, which seem to indicate the intention of the President to scheme for a second term, although he is yet to openly declare his ambition.

“The national chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, is strongly in favour of the President flying the party’s ticket and he has been doing everything to drum support for him at every opportunity. For instance, the chairman has not allowed the governors to seize the control of the party in their states; he rather thinks the Presidency should take absolute control of the party, no matter whose ox is gored.

“It is this iron cast position of Alhaji BamangaTukur that has locked him in a battle of wits with the PDP governors. This is novel. It has never happened in the history of this party before. The governors want Bamanga sacked so that they can take absolute control of the party and its soul so that they can dictate to the President and frustrate his ambition of having a go at the Presidency in 2015. After all we know those who are bent on succeeding the President by hook or crook among the governors” the party stalwart said.

When reminded that the President has not told anybody he is interested in 2015, he dismissed it as ‘political naivety’ to say that the President is not interested in 2015. According to the source, all was well between the governors and the national chairman of the party until he came up with the idea of the Presidency having full control of all the organs of the party. For him, it is the only guarantee for the President is to succeed with his 2015 agenda.

“Initially, when information filtered out about the plans of Alhaji Tukur taking control of the national organs of the party for the sake of the president’s ambition, most of the governors considered him as a joker because the National Working Committee (NWC) and the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party are populated by nominees of the governors.

“However, following a court decision on the congresses of the party in the Southwest as illegal and the swift reaction of the national executive of the party to the court decision, and replacement of the National Secretary of the party, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, then the eyes and ears of the governors in the party executive, got the governors to climb down on their high horses. The battle line was drawn and part of the plot is to get Bamanga Tukur out at all cost,” the source revealed.

The source named the recent revelation of the alleged agreement signed by the President to do only one term and the prominence given to the crisis in the Adamawa State chapter of the party as some of the immediate reactions of the governors in their bid to “harass and brow beat the chairman are all part of the strategy of giving a dog a bad name in order to hang”.

But the embattled national chairman is said to be enjoying the confidence and backing of the Presidency. “What those who are against the leadership of Tukur has failed to realise is that any revolt or opposition against Tukur is an open declaration of supremacy war on Goodluck Jonathan’s 2015 ambition.

“Clearly, all the so called transgression of Tukur for which they have vowed to get him removed are all to the benefit of the President. Therefore, he has all the support he needs from the Presidency to take on those opposed to the desire of Goodluck Jonathan to contest in 2015,” the source said.

April 10, 2013
Anambra 2014: PDP factions reconcile

Anambra State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is putting its house in order, ahead of the 2014 governorship election. The reconciliation of the factions within the party is yielding dividends, reports NWANOSIKE ONU.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is putting its house in order in Anambra State, ahead of the next year’s governorship election.

The leaders of the party have woken up to the reality that the five factions cannot win power, unless they fuse together as a united group.

When the converged at Awka, the state capital, recently, how to forge unity and settle their differences were on the front burner.

The party chairman, Mr. Ken Emeakayi , the members of the State Executive Committee and party elders reminded the party faithful that only a united front can confront the ruling All Progresssives Grand Alliance (APGA) and effect power shift.

In the last eight years, the PDP has taken a back seat in Anambra politics. Apart from APGA, the opposition party, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), is waxing stronger than the PDP. Nothing attests more graphically to the declining electoral fortunes of the party than the last February 6, 2010 governorship election. The PDP came a distant third. It was a shocking defeat, considering the political heavyweights who are member of the party.

The reason was not far fetched. Besides taking the electorate for granted, the party chieftains played the politics of bitterness such that the unwritten code of “if not me, then, it should never be you” was evident at the end of the election. Party stalwarts had worked against the interest of the party.

However, party leaders appear to have woken up from their slumber. At the Awka rally, they spoke passionately about the need for the party to forge a united front, reconcile all factions and work together to avoid defeat.

Emeakayi, who set the tone for the rally, said the days of imposition of the candidates were over in the party. He said that President Goodluck Jonathan has given the assurance that he would not allow imposition of candidate during the electioneering. He urged aspirants to go to their respective wards and gird their loins. He noted that the true custodians of power are those at the grassroots, who also have the right to choose the candidates of their choice.

“We are here to start anew. We all know what happened in the last governorship election. We don’t want to be sidelined again this time. It is now almost eight years that we have been out of power in the state. It is not that we do not have the calibre of people to lead the state; not that we do not have the material or means to campaign, but we frittered away the opportunity because of disunity, internal wrangling and factionalisation. Enough is enough”, he said.

Emeakayi added: “We have decided to come together as united and indivisible family. We are here to start anew, having forgiven one another; to work for the good of our people. We have thoroughly reappraised ourselves and we now agree that only in unity and oneness can we make it happen”.

To make good the plan to unite all factions in the state chapter, a Peace, Reconciliation and Harmonization Committee has been set up. It is led by a retired jurist, Justice Paul Obidigwe. Other members are the former Idemili North Local Government Chairman, Chief Okey Muo-Aroh (Secretary), Mrs Beatrice Ekwueme, Mrs Chika Ibeneme, Mr Bright Nnebedum and Chief George Okoye. The committee was also given free hand to enlarge its membership, if that would help it achieve its objectives.

The Committee’s first duty was to register and re-issue a new party card to one of the national grand patrons of the party, Prince Arthur Eze. The brief ceremony was led by Emeakayi. Eze decried the division within the the party and expressed hope that the committee will return the party to victory. He also canvassed support for the Jonathan, saying it has the capacity to foster peace and cohesion, if it is given the support it needs.

But the question is how far can the Emeakayi-led executive sustain the unity anthem it has begun? For a party that has five factions led by Senator Andy Uba, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, Emeakayi,Chief Mike Nwakalor and Chief Chris Uba, the task ahead is Herculean.

The PDP has a big opportunity of reviving its political structure in the state at a time the APGA is in a war of attrition in APGA. But PDP also have another hurdle to cross. The ACN is not relenting in its efforts to win the next election. The party boasts of people like Senators Chris Ngige and Annie Okonkwo, who are great political warriors.

Time will tell, if the PDP will bounce back in the state or not.

April 10, 2013
Who succeeds Fashola?

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola will complete his two terms of eight years in two years time. Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines the issues that may shape the next governorship election in the Centre of Excellence.

In two years time, Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) will complete his second term in office. Ahead of 2015, the governorship race will engage the attention of Lagosians, who have enjoyed the dividends of democracy under Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola administrations for an uninterrupted 14 years.

The task before Fashola’s party, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), is searching for another competent politician and astute administrator to run for the next governorship election. Since Lagos State was created in 1967, its residents have participated actively in seven governorship election – 1979, 1983, 1991, 1999, 2003, 2007, and 2011. In those polls, except that of 1991, Lagosians voted along similar and predictable lines. The 1991 exception was due to the inability of the progressives to put their house in order.

By 2015, 18 million Lagosians would be on the march again. Like his predecessor, Senator Bola Tinubu, the hardworking governor will bow out with grace, honour and dignity. However, the incumbency factor will not wane. If the tempo of achievements is sustained till the end, many believe that the progressives will continue to hold sway in the Centre of Excellence.

Challenges of governance

A mega city and economic capital, Lagos, the former Federal Capital Territory, is a mini Nigeria. The feature of the metropolis is its cosmopolitan nature. Its national status as the commercial nerve centre offering buoyant opportunities often compels a mass exodus to the city leaning on the Lagoon. Apart from savouring occupational, social and economic opportunities, the indigenes of other states have become part of the city’s political establishment. Living harmoniously with the people of the five divisions of Epe, Badagry, Ikorodu, Ikeja and Lagos, Nigerians from the hinterland have also increased the voting quality and strength of Lagos. These factors of accommodation and tolerance are great marks of Lagos, a city that harbours representatives of every family in Nigeria. As the non-indigenes become integrated, they exercise the right to vote and be voted for.

Lagos is a special Yoruba city. It is a blend of diverse, complex and sophisticated dwellers who account for the prosperity of the city and the menace and vices that characterise its daily life. Lagos is host to the headquarter of many thriving businesses. Over 60 per cent of the Value Added Tax (VAT) in the country is generated in the state. Despite the relocation of the federal capital to Abuja, many foreign diplomats still prefer to operate from Lagos.

On the Lagos governor’s shoulder is the care and security of over 18 million residents, although he lacks power of control over the police. These residents include the army of restless, jobless youths, unemployed graduates and the masses. Every governor will always shoulder the burden of population explosion as thousands continue to flood the city daily to stay permanently and search for the real and imagined golden fleece. The huge population and influx of people daily has raised the demand for the few public sector employment, water, schools, roads, and other social infrastructure.

Illegal immigrants from poor West African countries join the native beggars who take refuge under the bridges. Alarmed at this scenario, Information and Strategy Commissioner Lateef Ibirogba said Okada riders who are from Niger and Togo have also come to protest against traffic law at the state secretariat. Together with the area boys, they pose a threat to security. The state has not been accorded a special status by the Federal Government, although it shoulders enormous national responsibilities. The next governor will also have to contend with flooding in a state that is exceedingly water lodged. He will inherit many local government roads calling for attention. He will also wake up to the reality that governance is not a tea party.

Mystery of Lagos politics

Lagos politics is full of instructive lessons, which aspirants often refuse to learn. Historically, it is difficult to predict who will emerge as flag bearers of political parties. Lagos State is dynamic. Therefore, the contest is always unpredictable. The first aspirant on the track may never become the winner. The history of governorship contest in Lagos is replete with the emergence of candidates who were never in reckoning before. These emergency candidates have always smiled away with the crown.

Ahead of 1978/79, when the members of the Committee of Friends, which later transformed into the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), were preparing for the governorship election, three heavy weight politicians; – Chief Adeniran Ogunsanya, Chief Akanbi Onitiri and Alhaji Ganiyu Dawodu; – were struggling for the slot. Ogunsanya was a federal legislator and Minister of Housing and Surveys. Onitiri was one of the heroes of the treasonable felony trial, who was jailed along with the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Dawodu was a councillor, Lagos Town Council chairman and commissioner.

Ogunsanya had approached Awo, urging him to influence the committee to give the ticket to him. But Awo turned down his request, saying that the fate of aspirants would be decided at the party primaries. He later joined Dr. Nnamidi Azikiwe’s Nigeria Peoples Party (NPP). Onitiri was favoured for the job. But he was lured into the NPP by people who promised to make him the presidential candidate, after convincing him that the late Zik would not run. He later died in an auto crash. There was another candidate who was turned down because of his low education. Awo was surprised that he had no library in his house. Alhaji Lateef Jakande, a prominent member of the committee, emerged as the candidate.

In the Third Republic, the proscribed Social Democratic Party (SDP) was highly embraced by Lagosians. Locked in the governorship battle were Chief Dapo Sarumi and Prof. Femi Agbalajobi. However, the two were banned. In the subsequent shadow poll between Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, the candidate of the Jakande Group, and Yomi Edu, who was backed by the Primose, group, the latter won. But he lost to the less popular National Republican Convention (NRC) candidate, Sir Michael Otedola, at the election.

In 1999, Tinubu initially was warming up for the Senate, until the Afenifere leaders of Ijebu origin advised him to signify interest in the governorship, a move that created distrust between them and their colleague, Dawodu, who had favoured Funso Williams for the seat. Had Dawodu, fondly referred to as the god of Lagos, signified his intention to run, he would have emerged as the candidate. Tinubu emerged as the Alliance for Democracy (AD) flag bearer, defeated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Sarumi, and spent eight years in office. In 2007, the AC had 14 aspirants, including Jimi Agbaje, Ogunleye, Ganiyu Solomon, Oyinlomo Danmole, Tola Kasali, Tokunbo Afikuyomi, Femi Pedro, Tunde Fanimokun, Bayo Ajisebutu, Kaoli Olusanya, Omotilewa Aro-Lambo, Remi Adikwu-Bakare, and Fashola, who was thrown up by Tinubu. At the primaries, the former Chief of Staff secured the ticket.

The platforms

There are two main political parties in Lagos State; the PDP led by Captain Tunji Shelle (rtd) and the ACN led by Otunba Oladele Ajomale. Other platforms are usually spectators. But there was a near shift in that paradigm in 2011 when Labour Party (LP) was briefly promoted by some aggrieved ACN leaders loyal to Fashola. The rebellion was short-lived. Since then, the party has remained on a waiting list as a borrowed platform. Other mushroom parties, including the National Conscience party (NCP) and Mega Social Democratic Party (MSDP). If the merger plan succeed, ACN, ANPP and CPC in Lagos will cease to exist and the All Progressives Congress (APC) will become the dominant party.

In Lagos, the PDP is a roaring lion seeking to devour the progressive bloc. Since 1999, it has repeatedly failed in this venture. Now, the party is on the prowl again. A major setback for the party is its protracted crisis over leadership and distribution of offices and largesse from Abuja. Today, Lagos PDP is being marginalised by the Federal Government. The minister representing the state, Segun Aganga, is not an indigene of the state. Unlike former ministers Bimbo Ogunkelu, Seye Ogunlewe, Femi Anibaba, Yomi Edu and Sarumi, he is not perceived as a politician with a clout and an effective arrowhead.

Sources said that PDP is wooing the Afenifere chieftain, Agbaje. All the caucuses in the polarised and crisis-ridden party are ready to concede the governorship ticket to the successful pharmacist. The lone dissenting voice is the Musiliu Obanikoro group. This has lent credence to the fact that the senator still nurses a governorship ambition. But Agbaje is cautious. If he defects to the PDP, he may be mocking his fine credential and antecedent as a neat politician bubbling with progressive ideas. A source said that Agbaje, who is loved by Lagosians, has the latent ambition of becoming the governor. “The only option left now is for him to use the LP,” added the source, who refused to make further clarifications. During the electioneering, PDP’s candidate may not appeal to Lagosians because the Federal Government has not done much to improve the lot of the state.

For ACN, the slogan is continuity. It is to the credit of the party that it has produced two performers Tinubu and Fashola. The next ACN or APC candidate will use the achievements of these prominent politicians to woo the voters. However, times are changing. Certain forces are emerging from the two divides to press vigorously for internal democracy. It is indisputable that the culture of imposition is being gradually resisted. The advocates of guided primaries are even being challenged. This is a major challenge. If the primaries are thrown open, it is likely that money bags from nowhere may hijack the ticket and deliver it to the highest bidder.

Indigeneship and zoning

For strategic reasons, the PDP has tried to put on the front burner the vexed issue of indigeneship, in a bid to incite indigenous Lagosians against the ruling party. But that is now a weak factor. In 2007, indigeneship was displaced by zoning. But analysts have questioned the merit of the rotational formula in a state where people of all tribes cohabit peacefully. Those who canvassed zoning based on the three senatorial districts also lack convincing argument to support it. The critics of the idea point out that many residents and indigenes of the West District have enjoyed political opportunities in the Central and East districts and vice versa.

The first civilian governor, Jakande, son of the Oluwo of Lagos, is from the Central District, although he has been living in Ilupeju, West District. He has his roots in Omu-Aran, Kwara State. The second executive governor, Otedola, hails from Epe, East District. The third, Tinubu, from the Central, represented the West in the Senate in the Third Republic. Fashola is from the Central. In 2007, Ikorodu elders, led by an eminent lawyer, Babatunde Benson (SAN), pressed for power shift to Ikorodu, East District, claiming that of the five divisions, only Ikorodu and Badagry have not produced the governor. It was a legitimate crusade. However, critics pointed out that the four governors who have ruled the state have never discriminated against any zone or district. They have treated all the zones and district equally as reflected in their distribution of amenities and key appointments.

Also, zoning has not really shaped the contest for governorship, judging by the sheer number of aspirants from across the zones and districts. In the Third Republic, Agbalajobi, Sarumi, Otedola, Edu, (Epe), Adikwu-Bakare (Awori), Alaba Williams, Tokunbo Dosunmu (Central), Ogunleye (Ikorodu) were aspirants. In 2003-2007, when Muritala Asorobi (Central), Olorunfunmi Basorun (East), Tokunbo Kamson (East), Funsho Williams (Central), Wahab Dosunmu (Central) Obanikoro (Central) and Tunde Olowu (West) and Ademola Adeniji-Adele (Central), were in the race, zoning was a non-issue. All these have lent credence to the fact that Lagos will not compromise merit, standard, excellence and track record of the contestants on the alter of zoning.

Religion

Also, in Lagos State, and indeed, in the Southwest, religion has not played a crucial role in the election of the governor. Recently, some faceless groups have invaded the media, clamouring for a Christian governor as successor to Fashola. The groups are said to be enjoying the backing of a Second Republic federal legislator, who had complained about an imaginary marginalisation of Christians. Some Christian bodies have denounced their activities, advising them to desist from heating up the polity, ahead of 2015.

Jakande and his deputy, Rafiu Jafojo, are Muslims. Otedola, a Christian, ran with a Muslim, Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu. Tinubu, a Muslum, had three Christian deputies; Senator Kofo Bucknor-Akerele, Pedro and Ogunleye. Fashola, another Muslim, has two Christian deputies; Sarah Sosan and Victoria Tawa Orelope-Adefulire. There is nothing to suggest that religion has shaped major state policies. Although Tinubu is a Muslim, his wife, Senator Oluremi, is a member of the Redeemed Christian Church. Fashola’s wife, Abimbola, is a Catholic. Since the Second Republic, religion has also not played any role in the executive council’s composition. Therefore, governorship issues will not revolve around religious leanings. The deciding issues are the antecedents of the parties and candidates, merit and track records.

The aspirants

Many politicians are coveting the Alausa seat of government. In 2015, the race may be crowded. The governor, sources said, may not be indifferent to the nature, character, tendency and sentiments of his successor. The party has a bigger role to play. There will definitely be a search team by the ruling party. But the flag bearer will not come from the moon.

In ACN, there are veteran governorship aspirants who have not retired from politics. But it appears that the generational shift may seal their ambitions. Consistent with the history of political evolution in the state, a dark horse may also not be ruled out. As men are scheming to become governor, women are positioning themselves as the running mate.

The only party chieftain who has openly declared his interest is Senator Ganiyu Solomon. He is the former Chairman of Mushin Local Government and member of the House of Representatives. He was re-elected as senator in 2011.

Sources said that there are three potential aspirants from Epe Division. One of them is a successful medical doctor from Agbowa-Ikosi area, who was commissioner for Health and later, Education. The second is a retired Permanent Secretary and legislator in the Upper Chamber. The third is a three-time state lawmaker beloved by the party leadership.

Eyes are also on the brilliant technocrat and former Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning. When he was being considered for the post in 2007, it leaked. The following day, he was surprised when party followers invaded his residence, hailing him as the governor. On the advice of his wife, he travelled abroad and did not return until the nomination was over. Reflecting on his rejection of the assignment, a first class monarch in Lagos described him as a “run away governor”.

Also likely to vie is a commissioner who is in charge of works. His father was a legislator and commissioner in the Second Republic. He is an easy-going professional. Sources also said that his colleague in the traffic ministry is eyeing the position. The former university teacher and rights activist is the son of a prominent Awori leader. Another source said that the Commissioner for Agriculture is also interested.

It has also been speculated that a prominent journalist, lawyer and two-time commissioner is interested in succeeding his boss. So is the legal scholar and former university don who was a member of the State Executive Council from 1999 to 2011. Another lawyer from Surulere itching to succeed Fashola is in the Federal Parliament.

April 9, 2013
Dokubo: power can’t shift to North in 2015

The leader of the Niger Delta Volunteers Force (NDVF), Alhaji Dokubo Asari, spoke with AUGUSTINE AVWODE in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, on the presidential pardon for former Bayelsa State Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, national security and agitation for a national conference.

What is your reaction to the presidential pardon for former Bayelsa State Governor Depriye Alamieyeseigha?

The criticisms are mischevious. In the first place, the President has the right under the constitution to exercise the prerogative of mercy. And because the right to do this is constitutional, it makes the view of anybody, which may be to contrary, null and void and of no effect whatsoever because it is done on the basis of the right granted and protected by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Secondly, the whole world knows that the money stolen by Alamieyeseigha belongs to the people of Bayelsa State, his kith and kin. And the people of Bayelsa State have forgiven him long time ago and have rehabilitated him. In fact, the majority of Ijaw people feel that Alamieyeseigha was unjustly victimised. What we have discovered is that the majority of the people criticising the pardon because of politics stole much more than what Alamieyeseigha stole and they are walking free. The thinking here, if I must tell you the truth, is that our people have been used over time as sacrificial lamb. Go to any state and look into their financial records, come back and tell me if their money have never been stolen in a manner that is even worse than the celebrated case of Alamieyeseigha. What do you say of the people who are allowed to do plea bargaining and they are walking free? 2The Ijaw people feel they are being used as examples for the world that Nigeria is fighting corruption. But we are saying that, if we want to fight corruption, it should be holistic. All the governors who have ruled any state since 1999 should be brought and examined and interrogated and we would see how many saints are out there.

You seem to be justifying Alamieyeseigha’s action? Is that not a vote in defence of corruption and corrupt practices?

No. When Alamieyeseigha was governor, he was one of my greatest enemies. But be that as it may be, we have to forgive each other. And we know that that his conviction was manipulated by the Nigerian government under Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. Under Yar’Adua, many governors were given plea bargain, why was Alamieyeseigha not given plea bargain. Must he be convicted first? Look at the case of Cecilia Ibru. Why was she, first and foremost, convicted and others are given bail today, bail tomorrow, adjournment today and another one tomorrow. The picture I see is that of a plot to criminalise the people from the Niger Delta . It is an established pattern and it is not lost on us. All the people that stole money in the failed banks and so on, how many of them have been convicted? Why is it that it is only the people from the Niger Delta, why? This is the question we are asking. Unfortunately, they use our elite in government because of petty jealousy and hatred for each other to achieve their aims.

If I may ask again, is your argument not a justification of corrupt practices because, clearly, that is the way many people will look at it.

I said no, and I repeat no. Nobody is in support of corruption. I am not in support of it, it is evil, it is bad and we must oppose it. But when a pattern is established that it should be our people that must be disgraced while others walk free as their sins are covered up, we won’t accept it.

Would you advise President Goodluck Jonathan to seek a second term in office in 2015?

I am not a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member. But even though I am not a PDP member, we will have two terms of uninterrupted presidency and we are not going to compromise it. All we are saying is that you have been ruling and this time we want our eight years and we are getting it. It is a simple as that; there is no magic that will stop it and no amount of figure you cook up can change it. If you try to take it from us, we will stop you, period. Whether it is President Goodluck Jonathan or any other person, the Southsouth region will have eight uninterrupted years. It is a constitutional right for Goodluck Jonathan to go for a second term. He knows that, it should not take my advising him before he does what he knows too well. Besides, I am not one of his advisers. All the people that are talking, since 1956 when self-rule started in Nigeria, what have they done to change the face of the country like other countries that got independence with us at the same time like Malaysia, which was also a British colony like us; like Singapore; what have they done to change the fortune of the country?. What did the previous administrations do to change Nigeria to Kuwait, Qatar or Saudi Arabia or Turkey. What did they do that Jonathan has not done? The Benin/Shagamu Expressway has changed from what it used to be. Jonathan made it possible. Now, people travel smoothly on it. Our airports at a point in time were looking like slaughter houses. See what is happening in the airport or aviation sector today. Go to Kano Airport, I flew from there. Go to others airports across the country. The railway has been on its kneels for many years. Today, for the first time in many years, train goes from Lagos to Kano. These are evidence that people can not wish away.

Many people are calling for amnesty for the members of Boko Haram sect. What is your view?

I have a different view about what you call amnesty. What was given is simply bribe to some people so that that they could stop kidnapping foreign oil workers and allow for peace so that production of oil can continue without interruption. It was a bribe and many of us saw through it and did not accept it. I considered it a bribe to enable us jettison our struggle. So, for me, based on your question, I support amnesty for those who claim to be Muslims but they are criminals. Can they be Muslims? I doubt. They are falsely claiming to be Muslims. So, if you want amnesty for them, fine, give it to them because amnesty really, should be for only convicted people. Pardon them, no more fighting, JTF is no more looking for them, to that extent it is ok. But the question is, what name will you call it? If it is to stop their being arrested and prosecuted, well fine. But if it is to provide for the payment of stipends as bribe like it is done now to allow oil to flow, then we need to ask, what will flow from there? I am in total support of it. If it was given to one set of people for whatever reason, it should also be given to the other set of people for whatever reason.

What is your position on the call for a national conference?

I am all for it. There should be a Sovereign National Conference where we would sit down and the decision of this conference should be put to a plebiscite and the outcome upheld. If not, we are just postponing the doomsday. Because the people who are doing the killing in the North, they are daring others. And let me tell you, the consequences of what is happening now in the North, by the time it fully arrives, it will be too late for them. Take the case of the bombs that exploded in a luxurious bus park, killing many innocent people, and immediately, you get phone calls saying Alhaji, please don’t make any comments, otherwise, there will be reprisal attacks, the leadership of other groups in the Southeast and Southwest are called and told to exercise restraint. Well, I am saying that a time is coming when people will no longer be able to persuade others to keep quiet. A time will come when nobody will be able to do that because it is becoming so glaring. What if the people making the phone calls become the victims tomorrow? So if the voice of reason is not allowed to prevail now, a time will come when ordinary people will invade Government Houses and say look here, they are killing our people and you are conniving. And it will be too late. But before it gets to that level, those who have good sense and know better than others should moderate because we cannot continue like this. It is impossible to continue like this and let nobody think about Biafra era, it is gone. We are gradually getting to a stage when people are just waiting for somebody to throw the first stone and people will rush out of their houses. Before then, there is the urgent need for those in the leadership position in the North to moderate now. If they don’t, what will happen, history has not conceived of it. The noise about the six million Jews will be small because you can’t continue to kill others and expect them not to retaliate.

Will true federalism solve all these problems?

Let Nigerians decide through a Sovereign National Conference. It is what they say that will determine whether it is federal or unitary. If it is not done now, the beast in men will soon show up. Soon, the perception that people are not ready to defend their rights will be proved to be a wrong assumption. I tell you that there are more people in this country who are ready to die defending themselves than be slaves in their country.

April 9, 2013