The Nation Newspaper

Tag: 2015

  • Minister seeks participation of IDPs in 2015 polls

    Minister seeks participation of IDPs in 2015 polls

    The Minister of Youth Development, Boni Haruna, has called for provisions that would enable internally displaced persons (IDPs) to participate in next year’s elections.

    The minister noted that IDPs, whether on account of insurgency or natural disasters, such as flood and any other circumstance, should not be disenfranchised to exercise their civic responsibility.

    Addressing reporters in Abuja, Haruna said amendments should be made in the Electoral Act to allow them cast their votes and for their votes to count for any party or any candidate they choose.

    He said: “That is actually the important thing. The National Assembly should take the fastest track to ensure that in the 2015 elections, such a provision is made for the IDPs in all parts of the country.”

    Haruna said creating an enabling electoral environment for IDPs was not just a matter concerning the Northeast alone, adding that they are all over the country.

    He said: “It will be unfair to deny them the opportunity to exercise their civic duty and their numbers run into millions. So, this is a personal appeal. I am sure I am speaking the minds of the IDPs.”

  • 2015: INEC seeks participation for displaced persons

    2015: INEC seeks participation for displaced persons

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is seeking ways to ensure that displaced persons, especially those sent away from their homes by the Boko Haram sect, participate in the 2015 elections.

    INEC Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega spoke in Abuja when he hosted the management of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, led by its Director-General, Prof Oshita o. Oshita.

    The INEC chairman urged the institute to assist the commission with ideas that could enable the displaced person participate in the elections.

    Jega, according to the commission’s bulletin, had expressed worry that some Nigerians might be circumstantially disenfranchised.

    The INEC chairman urged the institute to study the peculiar circumstance of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to determine their number, especially in the Northeast states under emergency rule.

    He urged the institute “to see how the commission can reach those people, register them so they can vote in the elections”.

    Jega said INEC had galvanised its Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Directorate, adding that the commission would explore the possibility of using the institute for training and research.

    He said: “The institute will be of immense benefit to the commission in this regard.”

    Jega also called for collaboration with the institute to address security challenges ahead of the 2015 elections to ensure free, fair, credible and peaceful elections.

    The INEC chairman said the commission was looking for credible partners to assist it to conduct free, fair, credible and peaceful elections in 2015, adding that the institute would be a credible partner to achieve the goal.

    He noted the activities of the institute in conflict management and its interface in the appointment of judges had improved the judicial process.

    Jega assured that INEC would examine those areas to explore a joint activity with the institute.

    Oshita said the team was at INEC to examine how the institute could be involved in the observation of next year’s elections and other areas of collaboration with commission.

    He requested for the inclusion of the institute in the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).

    Jega explained that ICCES was a platform comprising only security agencies to address real security issues as they affected elections.

    He told Oshita that INEC’s nature did not allow participation of outsiders, adding that whatever information that would be helpful in securing the electoral process would be shared among the stakeholders involved in the conduct of elections.

    INEC’s Chief Technical Assistant to the Chairman, Prof. Okey Ibeanu, briefing the team on the risk management tool the commission deployed in the conduct of elections.

    He said the idea was to track a number of indicators of risk before, during and after elections.

    Ibeanu added that the major aspect of risk management tool was to harmonise various electoral risks management information brought forward by agencies observing elections.

  • Morocco denies pulling out as hosts of 2015 AFCON

    Morocco denies pulling out as hosts of 2015 AFCON

    Morocco has denied that it had withdrawn hosting of the 2015 AFCON.

    The North African country however insists that they still want the tournament postponed, forcing a conflict with organisers.

    The Confederation of African Football has maintained its stance that the tournament, to be held between January 17 and February 8, must go ahead as planned.

    The ebola virus has claimed more than 4,000 lives since the start of the year, and with around a million spectators expected to travel to watch the tournament, Morocco sports minister Mohamed Ouzzine reiterated the country’s desire to for a postponement.

    “Our concern is the health of Africa, and based on WHO [World Health Organisation] reports and guidelines, we have to listen,” he said.

    “Zero safety does not exist, but one has to take the necessary precautions so that the coming tournament will be a football feast, bringing together our African brothers, but given the current ebola situation we don’t think such a feast can take place as expected.

    “I don’t think there is any state or any country that has the necessary capabilities to monitor, check and control the current ebola situation when faced with these numbers. This is our real problem. We don’t have a problem with visiting teams, we have a problem with visitors.”

  • Lagos plans to boost public transportation by 2015

    A plan is underway by the Lagos State government to address traffic congestion in the metropolis by boosting public transportation to discourage private vehicle owners from being on the road in compliance with the UN-Habitat recommendation that traffic headaches in cities can be further addressed through reduction of vehicular movement. ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA reports.

    Most owners of private cars and other vehicles in Lagos State may have no need to put their automobiles on the road towards the end of next year when the state government plans to introduce a system that would encourage more public transportation to further address traffic hiccups especially in urban areas.

    The twilight of 2015, will see the government boosting public transportation system by reducing the number of vehicles heading to the Lagos island axis in line with the 2013 UN Habitat recommendation that private driving needs be further discouraged to address numerous traffic challenges particularly in mega cities.

    Lagos State Commissioner of Transport Kayode Opeifa, said structures are already in place to kick-start the initiative.

    Opeifa spoke in Lagos recently at the launch of the 2013 Global Report on Human Settlement tagged:  ‘Planning and design for sustainable urban mobility; by the United Nations-Habitat UN Habitat.

    The planned move, he explained, is not to discourage operators of commercial Danfo buses plying the route but to encourage them to key into the new initiative which aside facilitating easier movement to various work places, will equally makes business transaction a lot more convenient.

    Said Opeifa: “We are bringing on a system toward the end of 2015 that will discourage driving and encourage public transport system which will automatically reduce traffic that we find on Third Mainland Bridge.  We are going to introduce small buses on that road. And people will not need to drive to Victoria Island. Also towards that end, you see that we are now doing the rail, which is now spurring towards Marina, and it will reduce the congestion as people move into that area.

    “We need to reduce the number of vehicles on the road, and to achieve that you have to do what will make other people not drive and leave the whole of the driving to public transport thereby improving on its capacity.

    Opeifa explained further that the ministry has observed a new trend in the metropolis where companies and other organisations are now seeing the need to acquire big buses to ferry their workers to work in order to discourage them from expending their energy in long-hour drive.

    “Interestingly, you will observe there are more Coasta buses on Lagos roads, ditto for Lagbus buses,” Opeifa noted.  “A lot of companies are now buying buses so as to reduce the need for their workers to drive because companies observe that their workers get to work looking very tired having been trapped in traffic for hours.

    “Government is also increasing the number of LAGBuses to Lagos Island by encouraging more private partnership.

    “You will notice that you don’t see Danfo and Molue and on Third Mainland Bridge, you see more of modern vehicles. It is the same people who own those Danfo and Molue that are still buying into the new initiative, so we are not getting rid of them. We have granted some of them licences and we are encouraging them to migrate by applying for loans and if the funding is right and they able to secure the loans, you will see them changing completely.  We will see more of Danfo plying Agege and other long distance routes and not that will they be off the road.

    “You must also note that those buying into this are private sector-driven. And they are now working to increase their capacity and when they do that they create more jobs. The cost of transportation will come down, and people will be ready not to drive,” Opeifa stressed.

    Addressing the avalanche of complaints by users of the almost completed (Lagos)-Ikorodu expressway, ranging from narrowness of road resulting in attendant traffic snarl, as well as what some considered as its needleess beautification, Opeifa  said the current challenges being faced by motorist  on the road, would soon become a thing of the past when the expressway become fully operational.

    “Let me say no amount of road can solve any traffic problem, “Opeifa said while addressing the Ikorodu traffic problem.

    “I remember when we were doing the BRT lane (on Ikorodu road), many accused us of taking a lane out of three, but we told them we were doubling the lane because that one we did would move more people than the remaining two.

    “I agree the road is narrow, but the way it was constructed is not by the number of lanes but how efficient we want to make them to be.  It is not the number of lanes that determines the ease of traffic but how efficient the lanes are.   So, that road is developed to be extremely efficient.

    (When completed) “We are not putting less that 100 BRT on that road; and they are moving on the dedicated lane, so people will find it unnecessary to drive.”

    Opeifa continued: “Instead of you now driving from Ikorodu to Alausa, you only need to board BRT from Ikorodu to Ojota which will only spend 15 minutes and from there you pick another vehicle to Alausa. So it is better to move that way than when you have a big road and all of you are crammed in traffic.  In Chicago for example, they are now turning their three lanes into two; and guess what, they are putting on the third lane-parking.  So if you can drive to a place, park and do business, it is more convenient that way than when you are now stuck on the same road with nowhere to park.

    “People say they want Okada (commercial motorcycle). Okada from where to where? The focus is on non-motorised-that is your legs. So when you trek 100 or 200 metres from the bus stop, you pick a bus, you have exercised yourself. People take Okada from Agege to VI when they are supposed to trek few kilometers from their houses, take a bus, and you know Okada is more expensive to travel in than a bus.

  • 2015: Anioma people endorse Jonathan

    Following the endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan by all organs of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as its sole candidate for the 2015 Presidential election, one of the first ethnic groups that have thrown its weight behind him is the Anioma people of Delta State.

    Although in the months leading to the PDP’s endorsement, some other ethnic groups, organisations and associations had expressed their support for the President.

    The Anioma people met with Jonathan behind closed doors for about one hour at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday last week after the Federal Executive Council meeting.

    Leader of the delegation, the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Chika Edoziem said: “As regards the endorsement of the President, we are very much in support of Mr. President.

    “We are here to confer with Mr. President on national issues such as insecurity that is affecting the country and the coming elections.”

    While Anioma people are the early callers to the Villa after the PDP endorsement, the State House will, no doubt, receive more of such visits as the 2015 general elections approach.

  • 2015 power game and religious card

    As the 2015 elections draw nearer, there have been claims that politicians are playing religious card for some selfish interests. The debate over politicization of religion peaked during the week following altercations over an audio CD, produced by one Pastor Bosun Emmanuel, which the All Progressives Congress (APC) described as ‘divisive,’ and ‘offensive.’  In this report, Associate Editor, Sam Egburonu, examines the dynamics of religious card in the 2015 power game

    ASSOCIATION of religion and politics in Nigeria has remained a major concern for years but it became more pronounced since 2011 general election, especially after the well publicized visit of President Goodluck Jonathan to the Redemption Camp of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. During that historic visit, shortly before the Presidential election, the General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, prayed specially for the president, who later won the keenly contested election.

    Since then, observers have literally monitored every move made by political leaders to curry support of men of God or to use their association with religious bodies for electoral advantage.

    So, as the country prepares for the 2015 elections, concerned observers are worried that some elements are determined to make religion a very crucial factor. Both at the national level and state levels, there are arguments as to the religious persuasion of aspirants. While some reports claim that northern Muslims are insisting on election of a Muslim northerner as the next President, in some states like Lagos, some stakeholders are also reportedly insisting that a Christian must be elected in 2015 to succeed Governor Babatunde Fashola. As would be expected, these sentiments have further heated the polity.

    The resultant tension in the polity peaked in the last few weeks following the introduction of an audio CD message by Pastor Emmanuel Bosun. Starting from what he described as Abuja Declaration of the 1980s, the 50 minutes message warned Christians of a deliberate plot to eradicate all other religions (including Christianity) in Nigeria except Islam. Bosun then warned that Boko Haram was a well planned action, which, according to him was designed to wipe away Christianity in the same fashion as it happened in Turkey many centuries ago.

    Bringing in the political dimension, Bosun warned of the dangers of the current political handshake between the North-West and the South-West in the mega party evolution, identifying it as part of the grand plot to turn Nigeria to an Islamist State. Accusing All Progressives Congress of featuring mainly Muslims as its national leaders, he specifically told his listeners that Lagos must have a Christian governor in 2015.

    As would be expected, the APC did not find the message funny, especially because of information that it was being shown in some churches.

    In its reaction, APC wrote a letter to Pastor Adeboye, complaining over the development.

    Responding very promptly, the G.O specifically asked RCCG pastors to ignore the contents of the audio CD, especially all the references to political parties, including the APC.

    APC has since commended the General Overseer (GO) of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, for dissociating himself and the church from the CD.

    In a statement issued in Lagos on Monday, 6 Oct. 2014, by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said by his action, the GO “has again exhibited his characteristic exceptional leadership and shown what religion should be about, which is love, rather than hate and incendiary statements.”

    It particularly expressed satisfaction that ”The GO’s statement, in his response to the APC which had written to protest the divisive and corrosive statements contained in the audio CD, which has been smuggled into some RCCG parishes, made it clear that the RCCG is neutral and apolitical, and that it prays for all irrespective of political persuasion or creed.

    ”We in the APC are delighted at the GO’s prompt action and statement that the RCCG did not endorse divisive comments in any form or shape, that it has sons and daughters in all political parties, and that the allegations contained in the audio CD are wickedly false, unsubstantiated, ill-conceived and mischievous.

    ”Equally satisfying is the GO’s directive asking everyone in possession of the audio CDs to return them, and the directive to the Church’s Pastors to communicate such to their respective congregations immediately,” APC said.

    The party wondered why a man of God will “engage in outright lies to propagate hatred, incite Christians against Muslims so brazenly, as if the adherents of both religions are not children of the same God, and then use the platform of the church to campaign for the PDP while seeking to destroy the APC.”

    ”In a country where the citizenry, whether Christians or Muslims, have been shortchanged by greedy, selfish and clueless political leadership, a Pastor went on record as saying President Goodluck Jonathan has performed 100 percent, while at the same time demonizing and denigrating the APC as an ‘Islamic Party’ without a scintilla of proof. Much as he struggled to couch his inflammatory and discordant message in flowery lies, it is clear that he was sponsored to inseminate lies to shore up the dwindling fortunes of the ruling party

    ”Where in the world has an Islamic Party been led by a Christian? Where in the world has the membership of an Islamic Party been populated by Christians and Muslims? Why would a Pastor whose primary purpose is to preach the Gospel (good news) now make himself available, for whatever reason, as a tool to disseminate lies and bad news?

    ”Had this Pastor any sense of history, he would have realized how the propagation of hatred, as he is currently doing, led to the killing of over 800,000 Tutsi and moderate Hutu in Rwanda in 1994. This Pastor made it seem as if the terrorists called Boko Haram are fighting the cause of Nigerian Muslims, when he knows deep down that this evil group has not spared Muslims either.

    ”We have said it repeatedly: Boko Haram is a clear and present danger to Christians as it is to Muslims. Boko Haram is as dangerous to the rich as it is to the poor, it is as dangerous to the North as it is to the South. Simply put, Boko Haram is an enemy of Nigeria and all Nigerians, irrespective of their religion or ethnicity, must unite to defeat the terrorists,” it said.

    Nigerioans of a creed have since continued to warn against the dangers of politicizing religion. In fact, as far back as late January this year, a coalition of civil society groups under the aegis of Coalition for Democracy and Good Governance cautioned politicians against using religion as a trump card in the build up to the 2015 general elections.

    The group, which comprises the Civil Liberties Organisation, Centre for Rights Advocacy in Africa and Concerned Human Rights, said it was disturbed by the calls by some people that a people from a particular religion should be given preference to vie for the governorship position in Lagos State in 2015.

    The group said in a statement signed by the Executive Director of the CLO, Ibuchukwu Ezike, on Monday that the calls for a governor from a particular religion were not only undemocratic but capable of causing religious crisis.

    According to them, “The coalition is seriously worried and concerned about this development. Religious matter all over the world is a very volatile issue and any society where religious crisis has developed, usually find it difficult to control or resolve it.

    “We make bold to say that this country has produced both Christians and Muslims who had delivered on dividends of democracy. Besides, Nigeria is absolutely a secular state and we must allow her to remain so, so that bigots do not hide under religion to corrupt the system and destroy our hard earned democracy.”

    Dr. Femi Ajayi, also commenting on the politicisation of religion in Nigeria, said in a paper, entitled, ‘The issue of religion in the Nigerian political process’, “Nigeria of my vision is to wake up from my little hut in Kwara State and drive within hours to Gwoza in old Borno State, and stay for a couple of days among the mountain dwellers. To Makurdi and cross to Cameroon Republic for some trade transactions where people still spend old Nigerian currency. Go to Ngala Local Government and see the irrigation at work; Or go to Sokoto the seat of Islam and watch the Horse caravan, the Argungun Festival and back to Bama my beloved city to dine and wine with my old friends, Ooops! No more wining because of Sharia. That is the kind of North of my dream. I might decide to leave Bama to Kaduna, Zaria, and Jos and enjoy the beauty of the mountains, Kano with very flamboyant Jumait service, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, or Owerri with my traditional Obazu title without any hitch. That is Nigeria of my dream that I am talking about. Nigeria should be a place for everyone to aim high in his or her areas of skills. Do I have to hide my identity; or my faith just to make a living in my country?

    “As pointed out, if Nigeria is to grow socially, politically, and economically, the politicization of religion must cease. I join other Nigerians to warn the Government to desist from actions and policies, which directly or indirectly violate the Constitutional secularity of Nigeria. Suffice it to say that the least one might do is to borrow a leaf from the former Zambian President’s model, who stated that: “Zambia is a country of many religions … I did not feel it was my place as President of the Republic to adjudicate between them, to declare this religion or that “Official,” so far as the State is concerned. Each has the right to exist and it is my desire that believers of all faiths should live together in harmony. We are after all human beings. We certainly cannot add religious divisions to the tribal [ethnic] differences, which threaten our national unity. There is nothing more humidifying than watching devotees’ batter themselves into submission in the name of the only true God.”

    Another respondent, Justus Ikeoha, told The Nation during the week that even if it can be proved that Christians have suffered more casualties in the Boko Haram insurgency, it will not help matters to make religion a major focus in our electioneering campaigns ahead 2015. “I am worried that over association of religion to politics in Nigeria of today, when we all know that the country is a secular state,” he said.

  • 2015 NATIONS CUP QUALIFIER: NFF moves Nigeria/South Africa tie to Uyo

    2015 NATIONS CUP QUALIFIER: NFF moves Nigeria/South Africa tie to Uyo

    • To host Super Cup, AGM 

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has accepted the request of the Akwa Ibom State government to host the November 19 African Nations Cup (AFCON) return leg qualifier between the Super Eagles and their South Africa counterpart at the Uyo Stadium in Uyo.

    A meeting to relocate the last group qualifier from Abuja was sealed on Thursday between NFF president, Amaju Melvin Pinnick and governor, Godswill Akpabio.

    “The governor expressed his keeness to host the match at the Uyo Stadium which is one of the best in the country and we have accepted,” said Pinnick.

    Pinnick further added that logistics regarding the encounter would be discussed by the board at its next meeting.

    In recent times Nigeria has been playing its matches in neighbouring state, Cross River. The 30,000 seating capacity Uyo Stadium which has been likened to the popular FNB Stadium in South Africa, will be commissioned on November 6 by President Goodluck Jonathan (GCFR). Also in November, the state will play host to the Super Cup finals between the Glo league winner and the FA Cup champion as well as host the NFF Annual General Meeting..

  • 2015 AFCON QUALIFIERS: Eagles claim a point in Cape Town

    2015 AFCON QUALIFIERS: Eagles claim a point in Cape Town

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria claimed their first point in qualifying after drawing 0-0 with South Africa in their African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at Cape Town Stadium.

    Chances were hard to come by in the opening 45 minutes, as South Africa and Nigeria went into the halftime break with the scores tied at 0-0.

    South Africa were seeing a lot of the ball early on, and were asking most of the questions in the first half, with Sibusiso Vilakazi proving to be a bit of trouble for the Nigeria defence.

    The home side nearly went ahead in the eighth minute as Manla Masango broke down the right flank and his cross ended at up at the feet of Oupa Manyisa, but his effort was blocked by Efe Ambrose.

    It took a while for Stephen Keshi’s men to get into the game and they produced their first meaningful effort on target, with Nosa Igiebor blasting just over the bar from the edge of the area.

    Keshi was hoping to see more from Russia-based duo, Ahmed Musa and Emmanuel Emenike, with the latter virtually non-existent in the first half.

    Tokelo Rantie came close to giving Bafana the lead in the 60th minute, the striker latched onto a through ball from Andile Jali, before firing one into the side-netting.

    The Super Eagles nearly took the lead in the 80th minute, as substitute Osaguona’s header was cleared off the line by Erick Mathoho.

    Minutes later and South Africa almost went ahead, as Rantie was left one on one with Austin Ejide, but the Super Eagles goalkeeper did well to deny the striker.

    Keshi’s men pushed on for the winner in the closing stages but they could not break the deadlock and had to settle for a point.

  • 2015: Monarch sues for unity

    As arrangements for the 2015 governorship election and contest among governorship aspirants to succeed Governor Theodore Orji thicken, a traditional ruler in Abia State, Eze Young Nwangwa has urged unity among the Ukwa/Ngwa people in order to realise their ambition of producing a governor of the state from the area.

    In a chat with reporters in Aba, the commercial nerve of the state, Eze Nwangwa condemned those opposing the zoning of the governorship seat to Abia South, insisting that the only way the Ukwa/Ngwa bloc could realise their age-long dream of producing an Abia governor in 2015 is to form a united front against forces opposing the zoning arrangement.

    “Ukwa/Ngwa people should come together and consider the interest of the area paramount. We must be united before standing against those opposing the decision to zone the governorship seat to Abia South.

    “The saying goes that united we stand, divided we fall. Since the governorship position which we have been fighting for over the years has been zoned to Abia South which is part of Ukwa/ Ngwa, our people from Isiala Ngwa North and South and Osisioma local government areas in Abia Central zone should support any aspirant of their choice from Abia South to emerge governor in the interest of Ukwa/Ngwa land.

    “Every Ukwa/ Ngwa man must unite to achieve this dream. It does not make sense opposing the zoning policy since every part of the state has agreed that it is the turn of Abia South to produce a governor in 2015 general elections.”

    The monarch, who is the traditional ruler of Ehere Autonomous Community in Obingwa Local Government Area, commended the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the decision to zone the governorship seat to Abia South. He described zoning of political offices as the perfect solution to the cries of marginalisation by some sections in a state and country.

    “I’m fully in support of zoning. I commend the PDP for its sense of justice and equity in zoning the governorship seat to Abia South for the 2015 general elections.  Only zoning can promote harmony and peaceful co-existence among component units in any local government, state and federation.

    “In zoning, nobody will be cheated out because you are sure your area or constituency will get a chance to produce a representative. Zoning eliminates bitterness, bickering and cries of marginalisation. I think it should be inserted in the Nigerian Constitution.”

    On the adoption of a consensus candidate from Abia South for the governorship election, Eze Nwangwa called on political stakeholders from the zone to heed the call of traditional rulers in the state to play by the rules and consider the fact that only one person can be governor in 2015.

  • ‘Ekiti ‘ll vote for personality in 2015’

    ‘Ekiti ‘ll vote for personality in 2015’

    All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial aspirant in Ekiti South District Ayodele Adu spoke with  EMMANUEL OLADESU and SINA FADARE on his agenda and other partisan issues.

    You have a flourishing career in the banking world. What attracted you to politics?

    According to a German philosopher, a political illiterate is the worst of illiterates. The inaction of those who do not participate in politics is what causes the social injustices we are all talking about in the society. They don’t know that  not participating in politics make the price of rice in the market to go beyond the reach of the common man.

    If you are not participating in politics, you are killing the economy and not helping the coming generation. As a man, no matter how comfortable you are, you must find a way of contributing your quota to the development of others and see how you can impact into the lives of the people. The zeal to do that has encouraged me to go into politics.

    In my constituency, l see a lot of poverty. Even, at times, it is difficult for people to raise their children’s school fees when l was growing up. So, I made up my mind that, if l have the opportunity, l will assist all those  that are in need. At my private level, l have been trying to give succour to the needy and meet a lot of people’s demand in my little way. If l have the opportunity to serve the people therefore, l will be able to take care of their needs at a global level. For example, l have given scholarship to some people, donated to community projects and assisted in one way or the order, but there is little one can do at an individual level.  That is why l want to be in politics so that l can render more services to my people. If you are in government, you can see to policy formulation and execution, especially policies that have direct positive impact on millions of people. The Senate, which l am aspiring to go, is a place where you discuss the fortune of the country.

    I want to go to the Senate to utilise my wealth of experience in the financial and stock exchange, which I have garnered in the last 16 years, so that the country at large will tap from this opportunity. In the US, erudite lawyers and professionals  are in the Senate to rob minds together and come up with a law that will assist the country in its developments.

    Technocrats are always afraid to swim in the murky waters of politics. What is the motivation?

    There is always a challenge in any area of human endeavour. Politics is not exempted. I have the determination to serve my people in any capacity. That is why l want to go to the Senate. I like challenges and, like l have always overcome them in the past, l will do that of politics and I will have a remarkable achievement at the end.

    Yes, Nigerian politics is murky, but it all depends on the approach and the tenacity of purpose that you put into it. In Ekiti, l have met with the chairmen of the 64 wards. They are more political and intelligent than l expected. I was able to lay my cards on the table and share my vision and dream of giving it all to the total emancipation of my people from poverty and penury that  are ravaging them now. That is why l sold my profile to them. They are very excited about it and majority of them are praying that l will be their senator   next year.

    If you go to the state now and you talk to anybody on the street, they will tell you that that is our next senator because l was able to sell myself to the people and they are very passionate about my credential and humble background. Although the Peoples Democratic Party  (PDP) will be the party in power next year, that does not change anything because  l parade one of the best credential and the people of the state will want me to represent them in the Senate  without a recourse to any party. Take, for instance, if they want to talk on the issue of finance in the Senate, if l am fortunate to be there, definitely, l will play a major role because of my background.

    How do you think you can make a difference from the previous people who  had represented Ekiti in the Senate?

    My main focus will be the irreversible investment. Ekiti people are agrarian in nature. There is poor economic development. You cannot create market, unless you create institutional changes there. I will try to use my contact, both locally and internationally, to benefit my community and my country at large.

    In the past, the state was unlucky to have some people who are mere on lookers in the Senate and all their constituency allowances were spent on their family. They bought few okada and keke NAPEP. That  is not how to empower the people.  l can assure the people of Ekiti that a new dawn has come and an expert is about to go to the Senate to change their economic fortune.

    What is your chance, in view of the politics of stomach infrastructure, which is in vogue now?

    I still believe that the people of Ekiti did not practice the politics of stomach infrastructure. We have a politically conscious society and the people respect you for what you are and what you can offer, in terms of developmental programmes. They also did not like a situation where you take them for granted. They want you to accord them with little honour. They want to see that you are humble and that you can actually relate with them at any level and that you are accessible to them, especially at the point of their need. For example, l distributed about 30,000 exercise books when I declared my intention officially to my people. I had to give them to students going to school free of charge as my own little contribution to their educational success. This will encourage parents to save millions of naira that could have been expended on these books.

    By so doing,  in my little way, we are re- creating wealth. I donated the exercise books, not for any  reason,  apart for the fact that the students need them at this particular period that they are resuming and it will equally assist their parents.  If that is the only way l can assist my people, l will do it in a million times, if l have the resources. I am always happy and  fulfilled when l put smile on the faces of others.

    What is the assurance that the APC will pick you as its candidate?

    Credibility and high profile that l parade will be an advantage for me. My profile is all over the state and particularly, my senatorial district and it is verifiable. People know my background and the family. This election will not be on party basis. It will be based on personality. It is about the person who is qualified to be there and who will make an ppreciable impact. I have all what it takes to make a difference.