The Nation Newspaper

Category: Politics

  • Yakowa: Reactions from Kaduna

    Yakowa: Reactions from Kaduna

    Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi

    From God we came and to Him we shall return. No one knows

    the time we would go back to our creator, all we should do now is to pray for him, do everything possible to console and condole with the people of Kaduna State so that we take his death as an issue beyond us, but an issue that can further reunite us for the peace, stability and development of the state. I did not see any change in our relationship after he became governor, it was a stable one. I have not seen any attitudinal change in him since when he served as my secretary to state government, deputy governor and my governor. Overall, it was a relationship built on honesty, commitment and respect for one another he was very hardworking. It is a sad loss particularly when we look at what we are going through. But he was a big gift to us from the beginning to the end. He was humble, a complete gentleman and had wonderful plans for the state. If he had lived longer, certainly we would have witnessed tremendous changes in Kaduna State.”

    Ambassador Nuhu Bajoga, Kaduna State Chairman of PDP

    We are going to swear in a new governor today (Sunday). I crave the indulgence of all the people of Kaduna State and party members in particular to be very loyal to him as they were loyal and respectful to the former governor. Before he travelled on Saturday, he was talking about 2015 and he said 2015 belongs to God does not belong to him and it is true. For those that knows him, he is a man of peace before and after the election he has always told people that his ambition is to see that there is free and fair election in Kaduna State and by the grace of God we had the most peaceful election both the primaries and the main election and I am happy it was achieved within the short time he was governor of Kaduna state. He took the party serious and believed in the supremacy of the party, he took the party leadership in high esteem. I condole with the people of Kaduna state over his death but it is the will of God we cannot challenge it and there is nothing we can do about it anyway.”

    Aboki Galadima, Yakowa’s Chief of Staff

    It is most tragic, most untimely and extremely painful. Moreso that he is been preaching peace, unity and development he is such a wonderful bridge builder within and outside the state he is becoming the symbol of our unity as a state and as a people because he is completely detribalised and unbiased in terms of religion. His death is so painful and untimely. What we would miss most in him is his drive and passion for unity of the people and to cause development to reach the grassroots areas that have not been touched before. He started this in places like Rigasa and Hanyin Danmani areas that have been neglected, he was just beginning to touch their lives and make them aware that government is conscious of their being in the state and would do everything to bring development to them and make them part of the state.

    Alhaji Yaro Farakwai, Former Speaker, Kaduna House of Assembly

    It Is not a loss to only the people of Kaduna State but to the entire country. I don’t know how to describe his death but words is not enough to describe the impact of his death. I pray almighty God to give his family and the people of the state the fortitude to bear the loss. The expectation is that they have lost a father and a leader so people will be sad and worried. This thing (his death) is something that has been destined by God something that we will all go through we should take heart and pray for him.

    Chief of Kagoro, Ufuwai Bonet

    This is a very sad moment of our lives. The late governor Yakowa tried his best during the various crises in the state in his efforts in bringing the different shades of people of the state together as one. He will be surely remembered for his love for peace. He brought in development as well and we hope that his deputy, now the governor will continue from where he stopped.

    Chief of Kagoma, Col Paul Wyom (rtd) Yakowa’s Traditional Ruler

    It is very difficult to give the account of the governor. The last time that I saw him was during the Local Government election in the state, that is on December 1, 2012. That was the moment that I will never forget in my life. He was a seasoned civil servant. He will be remembered for being the first civilian governor of Kaduna from the Southern part of the state and he will also be remembered for his prudent management of state resources.

    Bishop Joseph Bagobiri

    A monumental loss of a gentle, God-fearing and self-less leader who ran an all-inclusive government where no persons were excluded on the basis of religion and ethnicity.

     Adamu Mashal, Secretary General, Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU)

    The loss of Yakowa is of monumental pain to all of us in Kaduna State and not just the people of southern Kaduna. His coming INto office was a divine intervention and God knows why He has to take him now. We also believe in the same God to show us the way forward. Yakowa did a lot to balance the contending interests in the state more than any other governor or any other person before him. I can tell you that the northern part of the state will miss the balancing factor in Yakowa more than any other part of the state and I must tell you that even those who don’t like him will miss him greatly. Right now, we are grieving. He has strived to bring justice and fairness to all sections of the state. It is a vacuum that will be difficult to fill and words cannot say what he has been able to do in the last two years. As for the politics of the state, let us leave that for another day.

    Jonathan Asake, former Member, House of  Representatives

    Yakowa was a very prudent, transparent and humble governor. He had a lot of experience and brought all to bear in the governance of the state. He came to meet a state with a profile of debt and worked hard to make it debt free and was able to embark on projects that have direct bearing on the people of the state. For the people of southern Kaduna, we will miss him a lot because it was a long struggle to have one of our own in southern Kaduna as governor and that aspiration has vanished. He knew them (southern Kaduna people) very well they knew him. The state will miss him as a balance and just leader. His exit will no doubt affect the politics of 2015 because there will be a resufflement. Yero will definitely come with his own programmes and would want to write his own name in gold. I am sure he will want to continue some of the projects that his predecessor started and adjust those that does not fit into his programme or change them.

    Mrs. Charity Shekari, Wife of late Deputy Governor, Stephen Shekari

    Yakowa was truthful and committed to the cause of everyone in Kaduna state. He did not have the nature or pedigree of wanting to amass wealth. Everybody was equal in his sight. He did not believe in acquiring wealth and was committed to the development of Kaduna state. We will miss him greatly.

    Mohammed Musa Soba, Chairman, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN)

    It is very said. The death of Sir Patrick Yakowa is a great loss of unquantifiable magnitude to all lovers of peace and development. He was an excellent administrator with a patriotic passion for the development of Kaduna state and the country. He understood the concept of opposition politics and was never antagonistic towards critics of his administration. He was simple and a dedicated patriot who was interested in moving the state forward and he did all within his power to achieve that. We pray for the repose of his soul and pray God to grant his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

  • Kaduna politics after Yakowa

    Kaduna politics after Yakowa

    KADUNA is mourning. The death, on Saturday, of Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa has cast a pall on the entire state. As the constitution provides, the erstwhile deputy governor, Alhaji Mukhtar Yero, has stepped in as the chief helmsman.

    Prior to the ascension of Yakowa in 2010, following the elevation of the elected governor, Alhaji Namadi Sambo, no one from Southern Kaduna had been the chief executive of the state. They are in the minority and politics, being a game of numbers, the majority in Northern Kaduna had the upper hand and dictated the pace, leaving the Southern Kaduna people always grumbling about marginalisation.

    The appointment of Sambo was a turning point. It demonstrated that the people were not lacking in the materials that could run the affairs of the state. Yakowa was the deputy governor. He was not new along the corridor of power. If there was anyone from the South qualified to run the state, it was Yakowa. He was fully immersed in the politics of the state. He had been Permanent Secretary, Secretary to the State Government before his appointment as Deputy Governor, following the death of Stephen Shekari in the last years of Governor Ahmed Makarfi in office.

    Ethnicity and religion define the politics of the state. Since inception, until Yakowa arrived the stage, the Muslims in the Northern Kaduna had always occupied the number-one office, while the Christians in the South played the second fiddle. Now, Yero from the North is in the saddle. He did not expect it. Even, if he had nursed the ambition, he knew it was an illusion of hope because Yakowa’s second term ambition was already public knowledge. But fate catapulted Yero to the captain’s seat yesterday. In the presidential system, nature abhors vacuum. According to the 1999 Constitution, he succeeded his boss, following his sudden demise. His first task after being sworn in today as number-one citizen of Kaduna State by the Chief Judge is an emotional one. He will preside over the burial of his predecessor.

    Yakowa’s demise has implications for the politics of the state. Politics in the Northwest state has been shaped by the forces of religion and ethnicity. The tension between Muslims, who are in the majority, and Christians, who are the vocal and resilient minority, has always played a major role in the choice of governorship candidates, their running mates and occupants of other key political positions.

    In line with political tradition in the state, the mantle of deputy governorship fell on Yero, former Finance Commissioner under Sambo Administration. The goal was ethno-religious balancing. When Yakowa completed Sambo’s first term, powerful forces rose against him. Their intention was to effect a power shift from the Christian-dominated minority ethnic group to the Muslim-dominated majority ethnic group. However, reason prevailed because Yakowa was able to convince the contending forces that he had become a rallying point and symbol of unity. Indeed, as the first citizen, he braved the odds and built a bridge of understanding and harmony in the divided state.

    Now that Yero, a Muslim, is in the saddle, it is expected that the deputy governor would be selected from the other ethno-religious divide. Observers think that this has become more compelling as a mark of honour to Yakowa’s memory. The struggle for the number-two slot will be intense, nevertheless. But it would also be restrictive. Since Yero, who enjoyed cordial relations with Yakowa, won’t not be indifferent to the personality of his second in command. It is likely that his choice may be a politician from the South who enjoyed close intimacy with the departed governor.

    Expectedly, Yero is now on the firing line. At 44, he is a vibrant young man. All eyes are on him as the new leader. In 2015, he will be a major contender for the governorship on the platform of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). As the chief executive, it may be relatively easier for him to stabilise immediately, unlike his departed boss. The first challenge is whether he would retain the cabinet composition or make some adjustments. Since politicians treasure loyalty, it may not be out of order to recruit dependable allies as new aides. Then, he should be able to allay the fear of marginalisation by the minority group the same way Yakowa allayed the fear of subjugation of the majority by the minority. The new governor has inherited the challenge of insecurity in the state compounded by the insurrection of Boko Haram sect. Yakowa Administration had started the implementation of some laudable projects in the state. The onus is on him to complete them and initiate more in the interest of the state.

    The new governor is a home boy. He was born and bred in Kaduna State. Born on May 21, 1968 in Akwan Kaura, Zaria City, Yero attended Local Authority Primary School, Kaura between 1974 and 1980. He attended Government Secondary School, Ikara, between 1980 and 1985. A year later, he completed his Higher School Certificate (HSC) programme. Yero is a distinguished alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where he obtained a Diploma Certificate in Banking, Bachelors Degree in Accounting (1991) and Master of Business Administration (MBA). He is a Certified Public Accountant.

    After completing his youth service corps programme, he worked in the Bursary Department, ABU, in 1993. Between 2007 and 2010, Yero served as Commissioner for Finance. Later, he served as deputy governor.

    Who’ll be new deputy governor?

    Twice, the office had been vacant. On each of the two previous occasions, the jostle for the position of the number-two man had been intense. The first time was after the sudden death of Shekari in 2005. There was little dispute over where the deputy governor should emerge from. The deceased deputy governor, being from Southern Kaduna, it was obvious to all that it was not a time to bicker. Besides, Makarfi was fully in charge. He had served out a first term and had been resoundingly returned for a second term. No one who aspired to succeed in the politics of the state dared challenge his voice and choice at the time.

    But Makarfi had a dilemma in deciding whom to hand the mantle. Many of the party apparatchiks watched him closely. They wanted to have a glimpse into the working of the mind of their governor. Would he choose a politician or a technocrat? What part of Southern Kaduna would be lucky to fit the bill? Makarfi gave no reason for deciding on Yakowa from Fadan Kagoma in Jema’a local government area.

    However, when the office inadvertently fell vacant again in 2010, those who jostled for recognition were two former executive secretaries of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Alhaji Yusuf Abubakar and Alhaji Hussein Jallo. Jallo had also served as Political Adviser to Sambo. There was also a former Managing Director of Alhaji Shehu Ladan, while the Majority Leader of the state House of Assembly also got a look in. The Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Idris Mikati took interest in the office, too. At the end, Yakowa, a technocrat and establishment man triumphed.

    In the current contest for recognition, three men are central in deciding the fate of the contenders: Ahmed Makarfi, a former governor and representative of Kaduna Central in the Senate, Vice President Namadi Sambo and the new governor, Yero. They are the political power brokers who will decide the fate of the contestants. In the last contest, Sambo had the upper hand. Yero who was his protégé moved up the ladder from Commissioner for Finance to Deputy Governor.

    Who moves up the dais this time? The next few weeks leading up to the nomination of a candidate, screening by the House of Assembly and eventual swearing in will throw up scenarios leading up to 2015.

  • ‘Uduaghan’s administration rests on equity’

    ‘Uduaghan’s administration rests on equity’

    What is the aim of this interaction and why did you decide to hold it in Lagos?

    One problem many administrations have continued to have is the fact that they seem to distance themselves from the people. People are afraid of being criticised; people don’t want to hear the opinion of those they are leading. So, in Delta State in the last three years, we have instituted town hall meetings being anchored by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan on senatorial basis, but today, we decided to bring this meeting here, after the emergency one I held in Isoko at Ole, for the Isoko people who are living outside, especially in Lagos and its environs to feel government presence. They must be informed of the genuine efforts we are making to ensure the development of our state. We want to gauge their feelings, their problems, and their expectations from government. We also wanted to use the occasion to pass to them what government’s intentions and programmes are, and I think that is the essence of governance.

    Isoko people are still bemoaning marginalisation, do you share that view?

    No, I don’t share the marginal-isation cry because today, if the Urhobos say they are marginalised, Ijaw would say so and even the Itsekiris that have produced the governor.  So, it has become a sing-song. How are they marginalised? I am an Isoko son. We are having what others are having, but nobody, group or section can have everything they desire to have. They can only cry of not having enough. But which section has enough? To say they are being marginalised is wrong. This government has ensured that things are equitably distributed. We try to ensure that no group or section suffers neglect or discrimination.

    According to reports, the Isoko people are positioning the zone for governorship position in 2015…

    I have always said it that the Isoko people will be what they want to be. In other words, what they make of themselves is what they will be. The sky is their limit and the degree of their political relevance is in their hands. I am just doing the little I can do to position the Isoko people. What they want themselves to be is left for them. Their unity, level of their political consciousness and their political determination will determine how far they can go.

    To what extent have you used your position as the SSG of the state to satisfy your people’s yearnings?

    The truth is, I am serving Delta State, not serving just the Isoko people. My duty is to make sure that no part of the state is cheated. I go for equity and fairness; that is my work as SSG. And in doing that, I can assure that the Isoko people will not be cheated.

    What has been the challenge of the state government on the issue of flooding that the state suffered?

    It was a big challenge for the government because the flood was not expected. Nobody budgeted for it; nobody thought we could be a victim of such heavy disaster now but all the same, government is on top of the situation. The challenge, even from the Presidency, has been how to manage and fund it. When members of the Presidential Committee came to Delta State, they were happy with what was on ground; they never believed it was an emergency situation with the way we handled it.

    You told the Isoko people in your address that they should forge a united front ahead of 2015. What will you put in place as an Isoko son to sustain this aspiration?

    Mine is to continue to preach the gospel of unity, asking my people to stop the pull-him-down syndrome, coming together to speak in one voice, build bridges of better understanding. We extend relationship to other ethnic nationalities. The truth is that no matter what you want to be, no one ethnic nationality can make it on its own. So, even the majority nationalities cannot say they can stand it alone. I am sure everybody is beginning to realise that we need to build bridges of understanding if we must achieve our collective aspiration as a people with common destiny. Many people are talking about 2015 and I ask them: how do we get there when you are not united? So, you need to first get the people united.

    What are the basic things you have gathered from this programme and is there any plan to take this programme to other states?

    There are plans to take this programme to other states. We will take it to Port Harcourt, Abuja and many other states. We must spread it out to give our people the opportunity of knowing what their government is doing at home. I have really learnt from this programme because some of the people outside home lack information. If you don’t inform the people of what you are doing, you create suspicion for government. Most of the people just stay outside and some people will be feeding them with the wrong information. I mean most of them are misinformed. Somebody said there is no project in their community and by the time I mentioned the projects sited in his community, he was satisfied. He asked the question because he was not properly informed. There were some communities that had no light and it was like a plague but today, the story is different for those communities; so, you need to continuously meet with the people and carry them along in all that you do. We give communities their priority projects. When I was campaigning for the governorship position, I made some promises to some communities and today, although I am not the governor, we have fulfilled those promises and we are not resting on our oars. Our commitment is to positively affect the lives of Deltans and we have remained resolute in doing it to people’s satisfaction.

  • We are preaching stronger and united APGA—Obi

    We are preaching stronger and united APGA—Obi

    At the first anniversary of the death of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the former presidential candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), leaders of the party, who are currently engaged in a bitter leadership face-off, met at the Nnewi home of their departed national leader, for the traditional removal of the mourning dress and a grand thanksgiving service. It would be recalled that the former Biafran leader died over one year ago, specifically on November 26, 2011, at a London hospital at the age of 78. The anniversary meeting turned out to be a moment of political re-union and soul re-examination over the actions of the current leaders of APGA vis-a-vis the teachings of their departed patron. At the get-together, our correspondent, Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, spoke separately to some of the key actors, including Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, the National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh and their host, Emeka Ojukwu Jnr, all of who gave hints that an end to the raging leadership crisis in APGA is in sight. Excerpts

    What does the first anniversary of the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu mean to you as a person, the people and government of Anambra State and the party in general?

    As a government, Anambra State has issued a directive urging all Anambrarians and the entire Igbo to pray for him wherever they are. In Anambra State, we are doing the same prayer across all our schools, churches and offices.

    Ojukwu is a man who cared for humanity and as such, we should continue the work of caring for people. What he meant for the Igbo and what he meant for Nigeria, he lived that hope that is so desired that Igbo people meant well and committed to our people.

    For our party, he was the light and beacon of the party. It was in the spirit of that beacon that we have been urging for the best for the party by ensuring the fortune of the party and by putting in place, those things that will sustain it.

      For me as  a person, a lot, because I will continue to see in him that determination, resilience to fight on even when everybody is against you.

    What are the challenges in upholding his legacies?

    Unity, commitment and resilience to continue to see ourselves as a people held together by a common purpose.

    CAN offers to mediate in APGA family crisis to make sure that there is peace. Are you ready to sheath your sword?

    I don’t think there is problem in the family. It is ridiculous for people to say that there is problem in the family.

    If somebody comes to your family and say the only way to make your family stronger is that you should stay together, is that a problem? The answer is no. We are preaching stronger and united APGA.

    When you visited flood victims, you said you were doing that in the spirit of Ojukwu’s memory. What do you mean by that?

    Yes, that is true because he would never have seen people suffering and will not get involved and that is why I said, if the Igbo can get together in that spirit, they will achieve anything.

  • Mimiko unsettles Ondo PDP

    Mimiko unsettles Ondo PDP

    As Ondo State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continues to call the bluff of the party’s National Working Committee over the petition it instituted against Governor Olusegun Mimiko’s re-election, Dare Odufowokan takes a look at the current developments and reports that PDP leadership is bent on  withdrawal of the petition against Mimiko and may stop at nothing to achieve it.

    Strong indications emerged during the week that the Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)  and its gubernatorial candidate during the October governorship election in the state, Barrister Olusola Oke, are still under severe pressure to withdraw the petition they filed against the declaration of Governor Olusegun Mimiko as the winner of the said election.

    Sources within the party said that contrary to recent public posturing by the party and its candidate, efforts are being made by the national leadership of the party to convince Oke and his supporters to discontinue the case they filed at the tribunal.

    “The party at the national level did not hide its opposition to our challenging Mimiko’s election. In fact, they made it very clear immediately he was declared winner that we are supposed to congratulate and accept him as the governor.

    Our leaders even congratulated him immediately, without consulting us. But when we insited on going to the tribunal, they kept mute but offered no support to us in any way,” the source said, adding, “But of recent, a fresh wave of pressure was mounted on our symbol, Barrister Sola Oke and the leadership of the party here in Ondo to discontinue the case. We have been invited to several meetings by both party elders and some eminent citizens of Ondo, all in the bid to stop our case. But we are unbendable. We cannot be cowed,” the senior member of the party in the state, who was also a former council boss in Ondo South senatorial district, said.

    The Nation learnt that the renewed pressure may not be unconnected with an equally renewed effort by Mimiko to convince the national leadership of PDP of his readiness to dump the Labour Party (LP) and return to the PDP ahead 2015 general election.

    Sources within the ruling Labour Party confirmed the planned return to the PDP by Mimiko and his political associates. The development, it was learnt, is part of a larger plan by Mimiko and some ex-governors in the South-West to form a coalition against the Action Congress of Nigeria in the zone.

    “The idea is that with the re-election of Mimiko as the governor in Ondo, there is a chance for the PDP to displace the ACN in the South-West if a coalition is formed against the party ahead of the 2015 general election. This is why we are desirous of a return to PDP.

    “Of course, one of the conditions for our return, which the national leadership of the PDP, as well as the presidency, are very keen about, is the discontinuation of the case filed by the PDP in Ondo State against the election of the governor. There is no way we will return to the party and it will continue to seek our downfall at the election tribunal,” a close aide of the governor, who is also a former PDP state exco member, said.

    It was learnt that the state leadership of the party, which had before now disagreed with the national secretariat of the party in its assessment of the last gubernatorial election in the state, has made it clear that Governor Mimiko remains unwelcome in its fold.

    This position has pitted the Ondo state chapter of the party against some forces in Abuja believed to be the prime movers of the plot to get Mimiko back into the party at all cost.

    It would be recalled that the disagreement between Oke, a former national legal adviser of the party and Wadata plaza became public when the national secretariat of the PDP and President Goodluck Jonathan congratulated Dr. Mimiko on his declaration as winner of the election in spite of an earlier statement by Ondo PDP, declaring the exercise as unacceptable.

    The statement by PDP’s Publicity Secretary in Akure, Wale Ozogoro, said the party noticed misapplication of electoral guidelines in the gubernatorial election.

    “We are indeed convinced that justice will be achieved as we intend to seek same at the appropriate time. However, the party is not taken aback as to the comments of few individuals who feel that the party should not approach justice to seek redress. We want to put it on record that seeking justice at the appropriate quarter is part of the rule of law, which is the bedrock of democratic ethos .

    “We, therefore, want to avail ourselves of every available option under the law to seek justice and rekindle the hope and aspiration of all Ondo people that democracy built on fairness, equity, and justice can truly be achieved.” The party, however, urged its supporters to remain resolute, determined and keep faith with it and Chief Olusola Oke, saying it hopes to get justice through the court.

    True to its words, the party and Oke are now in the tribunal seeking to upturn Mimiko’s election. But reacting to the development, the party’s national publicity secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, said the party in Akure was on its own.

    “The party has taken its own position of not going to court by congratulating Dr. Olusegun Mimiko. We stand by our statement, it is the position of the NWC,” Metuh said.

    Sunday Nation gathered that several meetings have already been held to facilitate the withdrawal of the petition and the eventual return of the re-elected governor to the PDP as soon as possible.

    But the refusal of some leading figures in the party has reportedly scuttled the various attempts. Chief among the adamant leaders, sources claim, are Oke, former Governor Olusegun Agagu, ex-ministers and former gubernatorial aspirants on the platform of the party.

    However the pro-Mimiko members of the party are optimistic that the governor will have his way and join them in the party ahead of the 2015 general election. The group, which is being led by a former Senator in the state, said the party must look beyond individual interest and think of the advantages of having the incumbent governor within its rank.

    “Though it is not going to be an easy task, we think Mimiko is coming back to the party. Some people are trying to keep him out based on selfish reasons but we will rise above that. But for this tribunal issue, he would simply be here with us today. But that too can be taken care of given a little time,” the Senator said.

  • End of APGA’s crisis in sight- Ojukwu Jnr

    End of APGA’s crisis in sight- Ojukwu Jnr

    What does your late father’s first anniversary mean to you?

    On the 26th of last year, I got terrible news that my father had passed on. So, I felt that the least we can give him is this year. I would have preferred to even give longer. He is somebody that affected many people’s lives. He was a father, a great leader, a great teacher, man of the people and a hero, both to his family and to many others as you can see.

    So when you look round and see the caliber of people that came, you will know that he lived a good life and set a good example. So, I’m happy and sad as well. The only thing left for us is to respect legacies he left behind. He always told us while alive that he has done what he can do and it was now left for us to take over and move forward.

    The governor of Anambra State and the APGA chairman were together in your sitting room. Does that signify on end to the politics of attrition?

    Politics is politics and there will always be intrigues, shifting aside and changing of things. My hope is that a symbol such as Ezeigbo Gburugburu can bring them here today to shake hands and greet each other. It may not be the end but let’s hope that it is the beginning of the end.

  • Akwa-Ibom 2015: Akpabio, Ekaette in proxy war

    Akwa-Ibom 2015: Akpabio, Ekaette in proxy war

    As political leaders in Akwa Ibom State plot their graph for 2015 governorship election, Dare Odufowokan reports that the once-united political families in the state are set for epic battles

    Indications of how the successor of Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State will be chosen in 2015 are already emerging. Going by the signs that have so far manifested, there are fears that the contest for the Government House will be both stiff and intriguing.

    While old political rivals like the governor and his predecessor, Obong Victor Attah, are expected to renew their rivalry within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stiff challenges are also expected from the ranks of other political parties within the state, especially the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

    Of all the camps interested in the coveted position, the impending tussle between Governor Akpabio and his age-long ally and the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Obong Ufot Ekaette, is currently the most discussed within and outside the state.

    As far back as 2007, Ekaette has been an avowed supporter of Akpabio, especially in his many political battles with former Governor Attah’s political family in the state.

    During the struggle for the state’s PDP gubernatorial ticket in 2007, the former SGF, who had earlier supported the candidacy of ex-deputy governor Nsima Ekere, joined forces with Akpabio to thwart all efforts by Attah’s camp to stop the emergence of Akpabio as governor of Akwa Ibom State.

    Sources said it was in appreciation of this support that Akpabio nominated Ekere as his running mate after he emerged as the party’s candidate. But in a move aimed at accommodating Attah’s group on the ticket, the party prevailed on Ekere to step down for Attah’s candidate, Ekpo Otu.

    The alliance between the two erstwhile political allies continued till 2011 when the governor retired Otu and replaced him with Ekere. Ekaette, it would be recalled, had ensured the Presidency’s support for Akpabio during the controversial PDP primaries in the state.

    But today, as the state look forward to another gubernatorial contest in 2015, the once jolly alliance between the Ekaette and Akpabio is now strained and the two are most likely to be caught on opposing sides of the guber contest divide with both sides struggling to enthrone the candidate of their choice as the next governor of the state.

    While the former SGF is said to be pushing the ambition of Ekere, who recently resigned as Akpabio’s deputy, the Governor, according to sources within the administration, is rooting for the emergence of another candidate as his successor come 2015. With this scenario, the stage appears set for a political proxy war between the two erstwhile allies.

    Observers of the state’s politics say flaks are already flying between the two camps with loyalists of Ekaette and Ekere feeling the most heat. The removal of Bishop Samuel Akpan from his position as the Deputy Chairman of the PDP in the state is seen by many as a fallout of the ongoing face-off.

    Ekere’s sudden resignation from office few weeks back, according to analysts, is another major repercussion of the proxy contest.  There are even insinuations that Ekere was forced to resign as relationship between him and his boss had deteriorated irretrievably.

    In fact, it was alleged that the state House of Assembly had perfected plans to commence impeachment proceedings against Ekere and his resignation was actually a deft move to save his political career and keep him in the 2015 governorship race.

    The recent failed attempt by lawmakers in the state to remove the Speaker of the state Assembly, Elder Sam Ikon, is another outcome of the Ekaette-Akpabio disagreement. Ekere’s role in frustrating the alleged impeachment plot is believed to have fast-tracked his own removal.

    And when Akpabio nominated Chief Assam Assam (SAN) for appointment as Nigeria’s ambassador to Russia, it was interpreted as yet another stroke aimed at the Ekaette camp. The Ambassador is a known political rival of the former deputy governor within the Eket senatorial district where they both hail from.

    If indications emerging from his body language can be relied upon to make a judgement, Akpabio may actually be plotting the emergence of his Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umana O. Umana, who is from Uyo Senatorial zone, as his successor.

    This move, many say, is contrary to the alleged zoning arrangement existing in the state. Therefore, some people have criticised a situation where Akpabio, himself a beneficiary of the zoning arrangement, will want to truncate the system in the race to the 2015 governorship election.

    Pundits say the zoning arrangement, if adhered to, favours Ekere, because he is from Ikot Oboreyen in Edemaya clan of Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of the state. Perhaps, this explains why so much effort was allegedly put into the plot to frustrate him out of office as deputy governor.

    In the calculation of pro-zoning agitators, it is the turn of Eket Senatorial District to produce the governor of the state. According to them, since former Governor Obong Victor Attah emerged from Uyo Senatorial District and the incumbent governor, Akpabio, is from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, Eket senatorial district should be favoured in 2015.

    But stakeholders against the quest for a zoning arrangement would have none of the above argument. Citing examples of the 2003 and 2007 governorship elections, they posited that both Attah and Akpabio had to contest against aspirants from all the three senatorial areas.

    “The argument for zoning is a very weak one. In 2003, aspirants emerged from Eket and Uyo to challenge Attah. And in 2007, Ikot-Ekpene and Eket aspirants challenged Akpabio. So, where is the zoning arrangement that will give the ticket straight to Eket this time around? Anybody from anywhere can contest for a winner to emerge. That is all we know,” a lawmaker in the state House of Assembly said.

    In spite of Akpabio’s perceived support for his governorship dream, Umana may not likely have a smooth ride to clinch the party’s ticket in the 2015 contest. This is because aside himself and Ekere, several other aspirants have emerged in the race for who will become the PDP flagbearer.

    Others who have been mentioned in the 2015 governorship race in the state are the immediate past senator that represented Uyo in the Senate, Effiong Bob, a one-time governorship candidate in the state, Mr. Larry Esin and Nigeria’s Ambassador to Russia, Chief Assam (SAN).

    Also in the race are Chairman of Local Government Commission and former State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),  Mr. Otu Ita Toyo, former Chairman of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Mr. Dan Abia, the current Commissioner of Finance, Mr. Albert Akpan and Anweidighe-Abasi Adiakpan, a new entrant into the politics of the state.

    One other name on the list is that of a young legislator-Honourabel Onofiok Luke- representing Nsit Ubium Constituency. Luke, according to his supporters, is one lawmaker, who brought government closer to his people through effective representation and the attendant democratic dividends.

    Other names that are being bandied include the current Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Effiong Abia and a former Senator who represented Eket Senatorial District between 1999-2003, Udoma Udo Udoma.

  • Fresh power play in Enugu

    Fresh power play in Enugu

    Following the long absence of Enugu State Governor, Sullivan Chime, from office, a power play has ensued between top officials of the state, all struggling to control the reins of government, writes Remi Adelowo

    A political soap opera is presently playing out in Enugu State sequel to the long absence of Governor Sullivan Chime from the state, no thanks to the alleged ill health.

    As required by law, Chime had purportedly handed over to his deputy, Mr. Sunday Onyebuchi, after allegedly transmitting a letter to the House of Assembly through the Speake, Eugene Odo, informing the lawmakers of his intention to proceed on a three months accumulated leave.

    As acting governor, Onyebuchi was expected to take charge of running the state. But some influential aides of Chime are believed to have a contrary opinion. Sources disclosed to The Nation that accusing fingers are being pointed at aides like the Chief of Staff to Chime, Mrs. Ifeoma Nwobodo, the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Amaechi Okolo, and the First Lady, Mrs. Clara Chime, whose recent actions allegedly undermined the authority of Onyebuchi.

    It was gathered that as soon as Onyebuchi took over the administration of the state, he summoned a meeting of the State Executive Council (SEC), where he informed the members of the absence of his boss.

    Our source added, “The acting governor also told the EXCO that the governor said he was feeling weak and would like to proceed on his annual leave, which he said has been in arrears for five years and urged members to remain focused in their duties.”

    No sooner had the meeting ended that a series of high wire intrigues began to play out in the seat of government in Enugu.

    For example, before she travelled out of the country some weeks ago to visit her husband, the First Lady was alleged to have instructed that visitors to the Government House, who wanted to see her husband, should be directed to her instead of the acting governor. Another source alleged, “Once, she summoned the acting governor, but no one is sure if the man responded to the call.”

    Nwobodo is also alleged not to be comfortable with receiving directives from Onyebuchi. The COS, it was gathered, allegedly issues counter instructions to staff of the Government House, commissioners and other aides of the governor on routine assignments and what she considers to be priority issues of government.

    In the case of the SSG, he is alleged to be at loggerheads with the acting governor over certain bureaucratic decisions, in addition to the duo’s differences over the execution of some state policies.

    The Nation’s sources in the Government House disclosed that Okolo is allegedly insisting that he is in charge of implementing policies on the administration of ministries and other agencies of government in the absence of the governor.

    The argument of Chime’s top aides, according to findings, is that Chime did not formally hand over to Onyebuchi, and that they are not under any obligation to take instructions from Onyebuchi, who as far as they are concerned, remains the deputy governor.

    “Let them produce a copy of the governor’s letter to the House of Assembly transmitting power to Onyebuchi. Until that happens, I will not take instructions from anyone else except the governor,” one of Chime’s aides was said to have responded to an enquiry from a lawmaker on the running of the state.

    As confusion reigns supreme in Enugu Government House, other vested interests opposed to Chime, according to a source, are alleged to be using the opportunity of the governor’s long absence to get even with Chime, whom they accuse of sundry offences ranging from betrayal of trust, amongst others.

    Investigations revealed that one of such interests is the once powerful political group, Ebeano, headed by the former governor of the state, Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani. The governor was a former member of Ebeano, and served as the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the state during the eight years reign of Nnamani from 1999 to 2007.

    For allegedly betraying the group that brought him to power in 2007, sources disclosed that top members of Ebeano are allegedly lobbying members of the House of Assembly to begin impeachment proceedings against Chime, whom they allege, has abdicated from his responsibilities as the governor.

    The Ebeano political family is reportedly putting pressure on the House to declare Chime incapacitated and incapable of continuing with administering the state as a result of his health challenges. The group is also claiming that having failed to hand over to his deputy as required by the constitution, Chime has breached the law and must be removed without delay.

    The Nation gathered that a meeting was convened recently at the residence of a former senator where the Ebeano group gathered to strategise on the issue of impeaching Chime and plot the way forward for the group ahead the 2015 general elections.

    While members of the House of Assembly are believed to be sharply divided over the impeachment plans, the Ebeano group is allegedly unrelenting to get the governor out of office. Sometime ago during the burial of the father of the former Minister of Information and Orientation and currently the Director General of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), Mr. Frank Nweke (Jnr.) in Ozzara in the Nkanu area of the state, the Ebeano group met at another undisclosed location to ‘discuss the Chime matter’.

    The animosity between the group and Chime is indeed deep. Chime and his erstwhile godfather fell apart shortly after the former assumed power. At the end of it all, Chime had the upper hand. The result was that Nnamani was forced out of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He subsequently formed another political party, Peoples Democratic Congress (PDC).

    But the plot to impeach Chime is not flying, especially among the present ruling class in the state. Those opposed to it, according to sources, include the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekwenremadu, Senator representing Enugu North, Ayogu Eze, the PDP chairman in the state, Vitta Abba and the Speaker, Eugene Odo.

    The game is still unfolding.

  • I won’t expose Bianca, Obi again —Umeh

    I won’t expose Bianca, Obi again —Umeh

    Of what significance does late Ojukwu’s first anniversary hold for APGA family?

    We were thrown into mourning because of the way he plays fatherly role in our lives both in the party and in the Igbo nation and today we gathered because it is now 365 days he left us and you will understand why we miss him. Since he left us, it has been very difficult times. If he were to be alive, many things happening now will not be happening both in Igboland and the party he left behind. As for me, as the chairman of APGA, his death has brought me so much pain and so much stress but there is nothing one can do  than to submit to the will of God.

    Since Ojukwu died about a year ago, things are not going the way they should in APGA and his family. What do you think is the way forward?

    I call on people who he left behind both in the family and in our party to allow peace to reign. It is only in the atmosphere of peace that we can continue to project his mission on earth. It is only through peaceful co-existence that we will be able to realise his noble visions for our people. When he was alive, we were having challenges but whenever he spoke, everybody listens to him. That is what we are missing today and I want all those who have survived him to remember that Ojukwu was a bundle of love to everybody. He was never somebody who ever discriminated, or somebody who used his influence and power to intimidate anybody.

    The face-off between you and Mr. Peter Obi, the Governor of Anambra State, on one hand and Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, on the other hand, seems to be affecting the fortunes of your political party, APGA. How far have you gone in resolving this matter?

    As I have said, we are having challenges. Our party is a human institution where you have divergent interests. What may be lacking now is somebody who will call everybody together and unite us towards one common objective. What you are seeing in our party today is mere conflict of personal interest which ought not to be. Let us put the interest of the people ahead of all of us. Let us not exercise power as if it was not given by God. I don’t see why we should be quarreling.

    Is there an end to this crisis facing APGA?

    There is no problem that has no end. Every problem must have an end and that is why when the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), South East chapter, offers to mediate in the disagreement in the party, I immediately came out to welcome them to come. But, lets pray that CAN will be able to calm all the frayed nerves. I have already said that what I want in APGA is peace. I want APGA to be a united family and a party where truth, justice and fairness will reign .

    With this temporal misunderstanding in the party, are there any chances of winning further elections?

    The chances of the party retaining Anambra State are still very bright. What is important now is for everybody within the party to allow due process to be followed in doing things. We appear to be having difficulties because some people have refused to allow due process. If you wield your power, your influence to dictate, it will cause conflict. We are practicing democracy, whatever we want; let us go through democratic practice to pursue what we want. The problem here today is who governs Anambra State from 2014. Nobody, not even me, knows who will govern Anambra State, not even Mr. Peter Obi can say for sure who will govern Anambra State. It is God who will decide it and as we work towards that, I believe that God’s decision will prevail over all of us and somebody who will run for governor of Anambra State through our party will come through the choice of the people. Once that happens, everybody will work for that candidate. If we don’t do imposition, the whole party will be united and go back to the electorate and I am confident that we are going to receive the support of the people. We are already reconciling and I know a time is coming when all of us will reconcile whatever differences we had for the future of our party.

    You had earlier said that after one year of Ojukwu’s death, you will reveal a lot of secrets that exist in APGA. Are you ready to reveal them now?

    People make mountains out of molehills. What I merely said is that I don’t want to join issues with people until we make the first anniversary of the death of our leader. As the chairman of this party, I know the sources of conflict in the party. It is better for us to resolve them in house, then, we will start talking about those things. Our Igbo adage says he who is taking bath wearing his cloth should know himself. It is my wish and prayer that I don’t get provoked to say and I am not going to say anything. Let it be on record that I am not going to expose anybody.

  • Oppositions’ grand plot to unseat PDP

    Oppositions’ grand plot to unseat PDP

    As the major oppositions’ preparations for the 2015 presidential election gathers momentum, Sam Egburonu reports that the heat is now on the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP)

    Since this Monday, when the National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, admitted openly that his party was losing members to opposition political parties, some observers could not appreciate enormous underground works currently undertaken by the major political parties in order to wrest power from PDP in 2015.

    Investigation conducted by The Nation shows that in this singular effort, the opposition seems more coordinated and determined than it has ever been since 1999. While conservative political analysts may have given up on the ability of Nigerian opposition to unite and fight the ruling party, insiders hinted that leaders of the leading opposition parties seem to have realised the need to make some personal sacrifices in order to realise their common goal in 2015.

    They are indeed working closely with a common passion, said an insider. This explains why their reactions to Tukur’s open admission seem to have emanated from a common script. As if they held a meeting over the PDP’s outburst before commenting on the matter, most of the opposition parties that have spoken on this matter lashed back at PDP that loss of members was a signal for PDP to pack its load and leave Nigeria’s seat of power.

    The parties that reacted this way included Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and All Nigeria Peoples party (ANPP).

    The National Publicity Secretary of ACN, Alhaji Lai Mohammed was quoted as saying, “The PDP-led government has failed to provide the basic needs of the majority of Nigerians and they will continue to lose not only members but the confidence of Nigerians who cannot be taken for a ride forever.”

    The CPC spokesman, Mr. Rotimi Fashakin, argued that the ugly development is a vote against ineptitude. “With a citizenry flustered by ineptitude of the PDP-bred leadership, it is clear that there would be pressure on the party’s membership to find political solace elsewhere. It is very likely for the trend to continue unabated because of PDP’s fading glory.”

    ANPP was not left out. Its National Publicity Secretary, Emma Eneukwu, spoke in the same fashion. According to him, “The PDP will receive shocks in the 2015 election if there is any semblance of free and fair election. Nigerians are prepared to dump the PDP that has been disappointing them in the last years and seek solace in other parties.”

    A member of PDP’s National Working Committee, who claimed that only the National Chairman and the Publicity Secretary are expected to comment on record, however, told The Nation that it may be too early in the day for the “so-called opposition to celebrate.

    But our checks show that the reactions of the opposition parties were based on the outcome of their underground plans in each of the parties, aimed at repositioning the various parties as a prelude to equitable merger or alliance talks.

    Former Kano State governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, disclosed this much last week’s Saturday, during an interactive session with some journalists in Abuja. It would be recalled that Shekarau is the chairman of the 21-man committee of ANPP, which, according an insider, “has the mandate of repositioning the party in the areas of funding, strategy, ideological refocusing and membership drive.” Shekarau said he and the leadership of ACN and ANPP are actually considering total merger arrangement, since, according to him, mere alliance plans have largely failed since the First Republic

    Although the other major parties involved in the talks have not come out to explain the level of merger or alliance they are willing to have, it seems all the parties are hoping that the opposition will get it right this time around. But as the parties continue the talks, Dr. Desmond Okereke, a political scientist told The Nation that “a merger talk or alliance in this instance that is not preceded by internal strengthening of the participating parties will fail.”

    Reformation plans:

    Most of the opposition parties, eager to present at the merger talk table a strong and well organised political party, have since set up reformation committees to dethrone the ruling party in 2015 commenced their reformation strategies long ago.

    Most of the major opposition parties that have been troubled by internal crisis have since set up reformation committees to help strengthen them in preparation for eventual arrangements that will ensure the opposition’s takeover of the federal government in 2015. While inaugurating the CPC Renewal Committee, led by Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, General Muhammadu Buhari explained the essence of the initiative when he said, “This event, which our party considers very important, might not be so viewed by observers and indeed a sizeable followership and membership of our party. I trust it would appear so strange for a political party to expend the time and resources of its members to review itself when the next elections are three and a half years away. Perhaps, even I would have agreed with this view in the post-mortem of the general elections of 1999, 2003 and 2007.’

    El-Rufai had pledged to deliver when he said, “As we renew to emerge as a stronger political party, the ruling party and government will have great incentives to clamp down on our members and organisation. The first reaction will obviously be to try to infiltrate our ranks. We must avoid being caught napping.”

    In ANPP, where Shakarau is coordinating the same project, we learnt that his team is paying more emphasis on rebuilding party membership at the grassroots. it could not be ascertained how successful this drive has been so far.

    For All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), another major opposition party that has been battling to resolve its internal crisis, The Nation learnt that the major actors have at last resolved to give peace a chance in the interest of the party. The National Chairman of the party, Chief Victor Umeh told The Nation that he has forgiven all and expects all to do the same so that the party could move forward.