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Tag: 2015

  • Kwara 2015: Ahmed’s battle for second term

    Kwara 2015: Ahmed’s battle for second term

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has been endorsed for second term by many stakeholders. Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU writes on the succession battle in the Northcentral state between the ruling All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Ahead of next year’s general elections, Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed’s second term ambition has been endorsed by no fewer than 15 groups and associations. They include students’ bodies, women groups, the National Union of Road Transport Workers Union (NURTW), and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Also, musicians, artisans, traditional rulers and influential political leaders from the three senatorial districts are backing him. To many observers, these are core stakeholders who can mobilise for his victory at the poll.

    However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has decried the gale of endorsements, saying that it will not work. The party said that it will not brighten the chance of the governor in the election.

    Few weeks ago, the Kwara North Youth Consultative Forum, the National Association of Kwara State Students (NAKSS), and the Ilorin Emirate Students Union also promised to support his candidature, if Ahmed emerges as the flag bearer of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Giving reasons for supporting the governor’s bid, the students said that his people-oriented policies and programmes are worthy of commendation. Their leadern Ajadi Muyideen, lauded what he described as Ahmed’s selfless service to the people. He expressed gratitude to the goverment for the payment of bursary to tertiary students. He said the move wsas a relief to parents.

    “As a body that always fights for students, we want to personally salute the courage of our dear governor for his good works and we assure him of our unalloyed support at all times,” he said.

    Also, the Ilorin Emirate Students Union, in its statement signed by its President, Alaburo Sherifideen, described the governor’s achievements in education as unprecedented. Sherifideen noted that the governor had been sensitive to public yearnings, pointing out that the reduction of tuition fees at the Kwara State University, Malete, by 50 per cent has reduced dropouts rate among tertiary students. He also praised the governor for making primary and post-primary education tuition free. He said the renovation and construction of classrooms had enhanced a conducive atmosphere for learning in schools.

    The Coordinator of Kwara North Youth Consultative Forum, Ibrahim Kutan Muhammed, said Ahmed has success stories to tell in  health, agriculture, energy, works and transport, education and youth development. “In view of his doggedness, the Kwara North Youth Consultative Forum is in full support of the governor for a second term in 2015 so that he can continue the good work,” he added.

    However, despite the gale of endorsements, Ahmed has other hurdles to cross. Kwara Central District, like the South, is agitating for power shift, although the zone had enjoyed the slot for 12 years. There are other calculations. The Peoples Democratic party (PDP) may zone its governorship to the Central, which is more populous and has a history of bloc votes. The propaganda of the opposition party is strong. Ahmed has been painted as the product of Saraki Dynasty at a time some elements are pushing for a shift in political alliance.

    However, the governor may have done his calculations very well, ahead of the electioneering. For three and half years that he has ruled the state, he has not stirred any controversy. Also, no politician has come between him and his political leader, Senator Bukola Saraki. Unlike other states, where crises between predecessors and their successors have reached the peak, there is a cordial relationship between the former governor and Ahmed. His leader and the entire political camp are proud of his achievements. There appears to be an understanding that, since Saraki spent two terms of eight years, that precedent should be followed.

    However, as the succession battle gathers momentum, the second term battle will not be a walkover for the governor. Ahmed has to work harder to secure a second term.

    Following Saraki’s defection to the APC, some calculations were altered. There are new permutations. There is a debate on which senatorial district is likely to guarantee victory for the party, especially when the PDP is working to snatch victory from it. Since last year, some people have said that the defection may cost the governor the second term ticket. Although there is no consensus yet on succession in the APC, some party chieftains believe that Ahmed’s political future hangs in the balance, despite the fact that he has performed. However, those against his ambition allude to political expediency, claiming that since the PDP is likely to pick its flag bearer from Kwara Central, the ruling party should not be indifferent to its implications for the election. This latter group feels that another a stronger aspirant would be a better option.

    Kwara Central has the highest number of voters. Therefore, it is the target of the PDP.  The  aspirants in the zone include Dele Belgore (SAN) and Prof. Oba Abdurahaman. But, the zone cannot solely install the governor. Therefore, the opposition party is also mobilising support in the  South, where the governor comes from, and the North, to pull the rug of the feet of the APC.

    In spite of the permutation, the APC is still believed to have an edge over the PDP. The ruling party is popular across the three districts. Not only has it been able to overcome the regression to ethnic division by the PDP, but, unlike the PDP, which lacks an arrowhead, the APC is forging ahead under the leadership of Saraki, ably supported by his lieutenant, Ahmed.

    But, the uneasiness in the APC, which was triggered by the strategic decision of the PDP to pick its candidate from the Central, has not fizzled out. Since the zone is regarded as a huge electoral asset, given the fact that it boasts of the highest number of registered voters, the anxiety in the APC and among the governor’s is not unfounded.

    If the PDP eventually picks its candidate from the zone, as being speculated, the South, where the governor hails from, would be up for grabs. Sources said that the North could go either way. But, the endorsements may altered the conjecture, as the APC and its supporters are not sleeping on guard. In fact, the endorsements are part of the strategies to convince the anti-second term ambition that people are pushing for continuity because Ahmed is popular.

    A strong message was sent to the governor’s critics when he was endorsed by stakeholders from the North District. The Emir of Lafiagi, Alhaji Kawu Haliru, has thrown his weight behind his second term bid. The endorsement ceremony was witnessed by former Governor Shaaba Lafiagi, who is representing the district in the Senate, House of Representatives member Aman Pategi, many public office holders, community leaders, representatives of professional groups, youths, women, artisans and peasants. Speakers at the event highlighted developmental projects and  empowerment schemes across the districts. Urging the APC to field him in next year’s poll, they maintained that the governor has lived up to expectation.

    Emir Haliru, a highly respected leader, is believed to have spoken the minds of his people. Analysts believe that his blessings also came as a relieve to the governor’s camp, as it meant that the zone’s agitation for power shift, may not affect APC’s chances at the polls.

    The endorsement by stakeholders from the North is also significant for another reason. It may weaken the alleged one term pact between the governor and his leader. In 2011, the feeling was that Ahmed will spend one term and handover to a governor from the North. But, since the endorsement of the governor, there has not been any contrary view.

    Also, the North, like the Central, has the advantage of a bloc vote. Although there are some PDP governorship aspirants from the zone, they are paper weight actors.

    The South, where the governor hails from, is solidly behind the him. Many analysts believe that the endorsement and the mobilisation of indigenes appear to have properly positioned the governor for the final endorsement by the party. In fact, his kinsmen have embarked on an aggressive mobilisation for his ambition. During the voter’s registration, they trooped out for the exercise. Now, the calculation is that the combined forces of Saraki in the Central and Ahmed’s foot soldiers in the South should forge a working alliance with compatriots in the North to ensure the push for continuity next year.

    However, the PDP is of the opinion that the APC’s calculations would hit the rock. According to its leaders, this agenda may not work.  The PDP believes that endorsements do not translate into electoral victory, adding that the royal father who has endorsed Ahmed lacked the mandate of the voting public.

    The PDP Deputy Publicity Secretary, Femi Yusuf, doubted the validity of the endorsements, saying that it is unreliable.  He said the next election would be a battle of supremacy between the APC and the PDP. Faulting the endorsements, he said they were instigated by the government.

    “We see the endorsement as a mere figment of the imagination of the APC. It does not provide the party with any leverage when the election comes.

    “That aside, the traditional ruler is a civil servant, who collects salary from the state government monthly. So, what do you expect? When they are endorsing him for a second term, what would warrant the endorsement? What have they done for the area  for them to say he should continue in office?

    “You can only deserve endorsement, if you have surpassed the previous administrations. But, the past 12 years have shown that the people of the North District have been neglected. Go to Baruten or Kayama, Lafiagi and Patigi to see for yourself.”

    However, the Special Adviser to the governor on Communication Strategy, Alhaji Raheem Adedoyin, disagreed with the PDP spokesman. He said:”The governor, through his ‘Shared Prosperity Agenda’, has sustained the impactful developmental momentum of his predecessor and he actually deserves the support of well-meaning people to continue his people-oriented projects.

    “He has successfully consolidated on the projects of the former governor and opened up new ones, which have direct bearing on the people and that simply explains why the people are clamouring for continuity.”

  • APC urges Nigerians to defend votes in 2015

    APC urges Nigerians to defend votes in 2015

    •Party chiefs receive Kogi defectors

    Leaders of the main opposition All Progressive Congress (APC) yesterday asked its members to defend their votes and kick the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) out of power in next year’s general elections.

    Two of the party’s presidential aspirants, General Muhammadu Buhari and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as well as National Chairman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun made the call at the Lokoja Township Stadium at a massive rally to receive defectors from the PDP.

    The former military ruler told members of the party that they should collect their voter cards; those who have not registered should do so. This, he said, will put them in a better position to remove the PDP from power.

    Gen. Buhari said the APC is determined to secure and effectively manage Nigeria, promising that if elected, the party will provide good healthcare, security and qualitative education.

    “APC will stop the stealing of the money that belongs to all. This is the only opportunity we have to get the only country we have back into good reckoning. Let those who cannot perform give  way to those who can do the job,” he said.

    Gen. Buhari told the party supporters that henceforth, “in the next five months, no sleep no rest until we take the Aso Rock”. He asked them to ensure that they register and obtain the permanent  voter card. “Next year is going to be very tough; we are determined to get Nigeria back to work,” Gen. Buhari said.

    Atiku told the gathering that they lost the Government House to the PDP because they failed to defend their votes in the last election and enjoined them not to allow that to happen in the next elections.

    Atiku urged the people to ensure that they vote out the PDP governments at the state and federal levels, adding that both Governor Idris Wada and President Goodluck Jonathan have failed Nigerians.

    Atiku, whose supporters were displaying his campaign posters, expressed confidence that the APC will emerge victorious in the next presidential election.

    Odigie-Oyegun said the party must not allow what happened during the last Niger East senatorial election to recur, pointing out that the party must be ready to defend its votes.

    He said the party lost that election because it failed to protect its votes and started celebrating even before victory was assured.

    Odigie-Oyegun said: “I was at an event during that election. The man who was the chairman of the occasion was a member of the PDP. When the results were coming in, he stood up and came to where I sat to show me the results. It was clear that we were winning because from all the results, there was nowhere they got 25 per cent.

    “But rather than protect those votes, we started celebrating even before the final results were declared. So, we must be prepared to protect our votes in the coming elections and vote out the PDP at all levels.”

    The chairman went on: “APC is growing so fast. Many of you know I have been here three times in the past and I tell you this is the greatest number of crowd I have seen. The PDP is finished anyway.

    “Have we forgotten the N20 billion? Have we forgotten the N225 million armored tank? Can we forget the $9.6 million? Can we forget Boko Haram? And, look at it here in Kogi State, look at the very stadium we are standing, where the government cannot fix its roofs.

    “But, I want to tell you that as soon as APC comes into power, we will change all these for the better. Teachers are not paid, workers are not paid and its a challenge for you to ensure that they do not rise again. It is not an easy job, but we shall not make the mistake we made in the past. I want to assure you that APC is the only party with vision, dependable and willing to do the needful.”

    Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso said the party was prepared to give the country a new leadership.

    “There is corruption on the land, in the air and water, crude oil theft, Boko Haram in the North, kidnapping in the South, no electricity and no jobs. This is why we need change in the country.  APC is prepared to make the country a better place,” he said.

    Kwakwanso, welcomed all the defecting politicians and urged all those who may have left the APC to make a detour to join hands with the progressives to salvage Nigeria.

    Deputy National Chairman (North) Senator Lawan Shuaibu said the event marked the end of the PDP in the state, with the exit of some of its former leaders since 1999.

    Shuaibu said that the APC believed in good governance, which, according to him, has been lacking in the state, pointing out that since the inception of PDP government, the state has witnessed no development and insecurity.

    National Leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not attend the rally because of flight problems. Former Kwara State Governor Bukola Saraki’s plane could not land.

    At the huge rally were National Deputy Chairman (South West) Segun Oni, former Governor of Kogi State Prince Abubakar Audu, former Minister of State for Petroleum Shuaib Abdullahi, APC National Treasurer Bala Muhammed and National Organising Secretary Senator Osita Izunaso.

    Among the defectors were Alhaji Ibrahim Aliko, a former speaker, Clarence Olafemi, another former Speaker, Abdulahi Bello two former acting governors, former chairman of PDP, Chief John Odanwu, Amb.  Isaac Onu, former members of the House of Assembly, including  a member representing Kogi Constituency, Salihu Akawu, and  10 former chairmen of local governments.

  • APC warns against plan to postpone 2015 general elections

    APC warns against plan to postpone 2015 general elections

    NigerianS will reject any attempt by some public officials to elongate their tenure by postponing February’s election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) warned yesterday.

    The APC alleged that some elected public officials are working silently to push the election forward, claiming that the nation is at war.

    The party’s spokesman Alhaji Lai Mohammed in a statement said: ‘’Election is the lifeblood of democracy, the mechanism by which modern representative democracy operates. It is the only way for the citizenry to renew and refresh the governing process so they can get the most benefits out of democracy. Therefore, anyone that tries to sabotage this mechanism is aiming a dagger straight at the heart of democracy,’’ it said.

    The APC said the statement credited to Senate President David Mark, that ‘’there is no question of elections, it is not even on the table now. We are in a state of war,” reflects the thinking in government circles, even though the Senate President, having run into a wall of opposition over his unfortunate statement, has tried to step back from the comments.

    ‘’We in the APC saw this coming, and we have said it at several fora: That the Jonathan Administration has deliberately allowed the insurgency in the North-east, an opposition stronghold, to fester so he can cash in on it to get re-elected. Simply put, the Administration has been playing dirty politics with Boko Haram, at the expense of the lives and property of the citizenry and the well-being of the nation.

    ‘’However, the Administration is being too clever by half to think that Nigerians will reward it for its failure in its main reason for existence, which is the protection of the welfare and security of the citizens. There is just no way this government will be allowed to profit from its ineptness and its conspiracy to prolong an insurgency that should have ended a long time ago,’’ the party said.

    It said the statement by INEC Chairman Attahiru Jega, that the commission has started preparing for elections even in the North-east, represents a ray of hope, but warned the electoral body to remain steadfast and not to cave in to what will be massive pressure from the Jonathan Administration and its gong beaters to scuttle the 2015 elections.

    The APC said just like Jega has said, countries like Afghanistan and Iraq successfully held elections even though they are in a state of war, hence there is no reason why Nigeria cannot organize elections because of the insurgency in a part of the country.

    ‘’We know the Jonathan Administration is mortally afraid to face the electorate, having failed woefully to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people. We know many elected officials are also aware that they will be punished by the electorate because they have failed them (the electorate). It is therefore easy for them to queue behind any plot to ensure the 2015 general elections do not hold as planned, so they can get tenure extension.

    ‘’However, we have got news for these saboteurs: Nigerians have seen through their game and will not allow them to succeed in endangering our democracy. 2015 elections must hold as scheduled. This is not negotiable,’’ the party warned.

  • Our candidates in 2015, by PFN

    Our candidates in 2015, by PFN

    The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has told the United States (US) envoys the kind of candidates it wants.

    Responding to enquiries on what the PFN was looking for in the candidates it would support in the coming general elections, the Lagos State PFN Chairman, Bishop Sola Ore, said: “We believe anybody who wants to take up leadership position must be somebody with character, courage and capacity. We believe the church has people with these qualities; this is why we are appealing to our members to participate in the elections.”

    He spoke when a team from the Department of States of the United States met the PFN executives at the weekend in Lagos to find out the role of the church in the coming elections.

    Mr. Nichola Austin of the US Consul-General in Lagos led Dr. Patrick Quick and Caitlin Conaty of the US Department of States to the meeting.

    The PFN chairman said the body would mobilise churches.

  • Kumuyi urges voters to choose credible leaders in 2015

    Kumuyi urges voters to choose credible leaders in 2015

    The General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor Folorunso Kumuyi, has urged voters to choose only credible leaders who will transform the country and make it great again.

    The cleric said voters need to vote “intelligently” in next year’s general elections to ensure that only credible people get their votes.

    Kumuyi spoke in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, when he visited Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

    The cleric noted that only credible leaders would make a difference in the lives of Nigerians.

    He also addressed reporters on the three-day “power-packed crusade” with the theme: Explosion of Supernatural Miracles, which was held at the weekend.

    Kumuyi said: “When we are going to cast our votes, we must vote intelligently. We know where we want to be as a country in various areas of development. The leaders who will get us to where we want are those we are going to cast our votes for at all levels.

    “We should also understand that many nations have their peculiar problems: some similar to ours, while some are different. But many of the countries have survived their challenges. I want to say with prayers and hope in God, we will get out of our problems.”

    The cleric scored Aregbesola high in the transformation of Osun State.

    He said Aregbesola’s leadership style had translated to the vast development of the state.

    He said: “We thank God for the progress we have seen in this state. We have seen that a lot has taken place in terms of transformation under Ogbeni Aregbesola.

  • Abia 2015: Between zoning and merit

    Abia 2015: Between zoning and merit

    In Abia State, many Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains are agitating for power shift. But, others are also insisting that zoning should not displace merit and competence. EMMANUEL OLADESU reports.

    ABIA State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is warming up for governorship primaries. Aspirants have returned to the drawing board. There are many permutations and intrigues. Contenders are intensifying consultations with stakeholders. However, only an aspirant will get the ticket.

    There are ethnic sentiments. The contest is not only among aspirants, it is also among ethnic blocs. At the centre of the drama are the old Bende Zone and Aba Division, which has not enjoyed the slot since 1999.

    Many stakeholders ahave argued that Governor Theodore Orji’s successor should come from  Aba Zone, which is also known as the Ukwa/Ngwa bloc, line with the Abia Charter of Equity (ACE).

    The ACE was agreed upon to assuage the fear of domination by any section. Its major element is the rotational principle. The idea is that power should rotate among the three zones.

     

    Old blocs

    Three zones-Afikpo Division, Bende Division and Aba Division- were relevant at the beginning. Based on the agreement, the governor has said that he would hand over power to Ukwa/Ngwa next year.

    The governor said the ACE, which prescribed power sharing, is sacrosanct, adding that bits implementation will foster peace and equity. Orji said he would not like to take any decision that would plunge the state into political crisis. Hence, the decision to respect the charter.

    Criticisms have trailed the decision. Now, there is a debate on which part of Ukwa/ Ngwa Zone would produce the governor. The  Ukwa/Ngwa Zone comprises of nine councils. Obingwa, Aba South, Aba North, Ugwunagor, Ukwa West and Ukwa East are under Abia South Senatorial Zone. Osisioma Ngwa, Isiala Ngwa North and Isiala Ngwa South councils are in the Abia Central Zone. This is the Umuahia/ Ikwuano bloc.

     

    Agitations

    Ukwa-Ngwa people are found in three local government areas in Abia Central. Political heavy weights, including  Senator Nkechi Nwaogu, Acho Nwakanma, Chief A.C.B Agbazuere, and Chris Akomas are of Ukwa/Ngwa origin. But, they are from the Central Zone. That is why some people have argued that  power sharing is a matter between the old Bende bloc and Aba bloc. More  Ngwa people are found in Abia Central Senatorial District.

    However, despite the agitation for zoning, some stakeholders believe that zoning should not displace merit and competence. To these people, the best aspirant should succeed the governor.

     

    Merit and competence

     The governor’s support for power shift to Ukwa/Ngwa is not in doubt. But, this is not enough.

    Aspirants are flaunting their credentials. In the race are Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Friday Nwosu, a lawyer, and  Senator Nkechi Nwaogu from the Central District. Some people have said that the female aspirant would be the choice of  Ukwa/Ngwa people

    A two-time senator and a former House of Representatives member, she has experience.  She has said that gender is not a disadvantage, but an asset.

    “If my party will support me, I will run for the post of governorship. It is my aspiration, my desire. I have the qualification and experience to pilot the affairs of Abia State, if given the mandate to govern Abia,’’ she said.

    But, Nwosu, also said that he is fit for the job because he has pedigree. Also, Abaribe has said that he is the most qualified aspirant, having served as the deputy governor and senator.

    The aspirants are determined. But, at the primaries, the wheat will be seperated from the chaff.

  • Ogun 2015: What is Bankole up to?

    Ogun 2015: What is Bankole up to?

    Ogun State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is searching for a credible governorship candidate to run against Governor Ibikunle Amosun in next year’s election. A section of the party has endorsed former House of Representatives Speaker Dimeji Bankole for the governorship. But, another section is kicking against the endorsement. Can Bankole get the ticket? Correspondent ERNEST NWOKOLO examines the politics of endorsement and the former legislator’s  chances at the primaries.

    Former Speaker of the House of  Representatives Dimeji Bankole has an ambition. In next year’s election, he wants to contest against Governor Ibikunle Amosun. A section of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has endorsed his aspiration. But, many stakeholders are also kicking against it. The question is: can he get the ticket?

    Bankole has been nursing the ambition before the death of President Umaru Yar’ Adua. He was very close to the former leader. But, when Dr. Goodluck Jonathan succeeded him, there were new calculations. In 2011, his tenure as the Speaker ended. The people of Abeokuta South Constituency voted for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, a relatively known Segun Williams. . Thus, the man who succeeded former Speaker  Patricia Etteh failed in his third term bid for the House.

    The defeat was particularly shocking and humiliating. Bankole had hoped to keep his seat and continue as the Speaker in the Lower Chamber. Unlike his Senate counterpart, Gen. David Mark, who made it,  Bankole returned home to a divided party battling with crises. Since then, he has been scheming to bounce back.

    On returning to Abeokuta, the state capital, he could not unify the divided party. Neither could he avert the defections to the APC and the Labour Party (LP). The factional leaders have not sheathed their swords. Although Bankole has been preaching unity, his advice has fallen on deaf ears.

    Shortly after leaving the position of the Speaker, Bankole was being hunted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC). He was arraigned at the Federal High Court, Abuja. Before he left office, there was an allegation that he was involved in  N9bn contract scam.

    The EFCC had claimed that the ex – Speaker  had a hand in the fraudulent purchase of two Range Rover bullet-proof vehicles,  two Range Rover vehicles, three Mercedes Benz S-600 cars, 400 television sets, 400 units of DSTV systems, 800 units of desktop computers, and 100 units of Sharp Digital Copier.

    But, in February, respite came his way as the court  discharged and acquitted him, following the inability of the anti-graft body to prove the allegation.

    For Bankole, the trial was a bitter side of politics. Having survived it, he believed that the coast was clear for him to move forward. He renewed his bid for the governorship. Bankole strated to hold consultations with stakeholders. Now, his aspiration has become a divisive issue in Ogun PDP.

    Few months ago, he met secretly  with public relations experts in Lagos to assist in laundering his image.Roles were assigned to these foot soldiers. According to sources, they were to storm over 4,500 villages and communities to prepare the ground for his ambition. Their assignment also include door-to-door mobilisation and political sensitisation.

    However, Bankole is in a dilemma. While some people have advised him to contest the governorship, others said that he should try his luck at the senatorial election. Sources said that prominent PDP leaders have yet to give him their assurance that they would back him for the number one seat. The President, a source said, is not also thinking about him. There is also a division among Egba leaders. Majority of them are supporting Amosun for a second term.

    The ex – Speaker is a Muslim. He is an Egba indigene from the Ogun Central Senatorial District. Amosun is also a Muslim and an Egba from Owu in the Central District.

    To analysts, if Bankole picks the governorship ticket, he would have to scramble for votes from the Central District with the governor, who enjoys incumbency power.

    Besides, Amosun is perceived as a performer, who has changed the face of the state capital. The governor is also popular in Ogun East(Ijebuland and Remo) and Ogun West(Yewaland) because he has turned them into a huge construction site. Therefore, it may be difficult for Bankole to campaign against him across the three districts.

    Bankole  also faces other challenges. Will the people of Yewaland cast their vote for Bankole, another Egba man? The thinking is that, if he gets there in 2015, he will like to go for a second term. That means that the ambition of governorship contenders from the highly marginalised Yewa/Awori ethnic group would be in jeopardy.

    The fear of defeat at the poll appeared to have also seized Bankole in recent times. Sources said that   he is worried about the likely effect of electoral defeat for the second term at home. Should he be defeated, he would become an electoral liability in need of rehabilitation.

    Another challenge is that Ogun PDP is now a weak platform. The factions are waxing stronger in crisis to the detriment of the platform. Things have continued to fall apart and the centre cannot hold. Reconciliation has failed and warring leaders are working at cross-purposes. In this atmosphere of disunity, the PDP’s calculations for 2015 are affected.

    The PDP went for the 2011 general elections as a divided house. Failing to put its house in order, it lost its deposit at the polls as over 95 per cent the elective seats were swept by the APC. The Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN), which was a faction of the PDP, also could not make a headway. Up to now, the followers of former Governor Gbenga Daniel and the PDP executive committee led by Chief Bayo Dayo are still at loggerheads.

    The crisis, mistrust and division that heralded the party’s woeful defeat have not abated. Although majority of PDP leaders in Ogun claim to be working for the second term ambition of President Jonathan, they have not closed ranks at home.

    Few months ago, a chieftain, Prince Buruji Kashamu, dismissed Bankole’s  consultation with stakeholders as a joke. The PDP Southwest mobiliser and financier said his aspiration does not enjoy the support of party followers.

    Since 2011, Bankole appeared to have  been aloof to local politics. Thus, his sudden re-appearance was a surprise to many people. After losing his seat, he was left in the cold. Federal appointments eluded him and he was never perceived as one of the national leaders of the party.

    Kashamu  gave reason for dismissing Bankole’s ambition as a ruse. He said: “Like most people, I also heard of Dimeji Bankole’s ambition through the media. Every true member of the party, who has an ambition, is free to declare it. In fact, we expect more of such declarations to be made in the days ahead. However, such ambitions should be done with respect for constituted authority.

    “Anyone who says because he has an ambition, things must be done his own way, is definitely not serious. Anyone who says, for him to realise his ambition, the authentic and legally recognised state executive put in place by party members should be broken,  is definitely a joker.”

    Also, earlier during his numerous row with the then Governor, Gbenga Daniel,  while serving as Speaker, Bankole was reported to have said that he was too busy with national assignments of making life better for Nigerians towards initiating and supervising quality laws and rarely have time for the “Ogun local politics.”

    Also, many have said in Egbaland that Bankole is in the race to fulfill the long time dream of his father to rule the state. But, the old man has since forgotten that dream. In fact, a source said that the elderly Bankole, an astute politician, had advised his son to vie for either the Senate of the House of Representatives, based on the reality on ground. To him, parliamentary elections are not as tedious as the governorship.

    The former Speaker may have heeded the advise by shelving his public declaration last week. But, some of his associates said that he has not given up hope.

    When he visited the party’s office, the ex – Speaker told party leaders and his supporters that he had not come to make any declaration, but to preach a message of unity. He said Ogun PDP needed harmony to move forward.

    Bankole said: “There is no word about aspiration or any other sort in the letter I sent to you and I want that established. If I ever decide to aspire, I will come and tell you. This is not the purpose of the visit.

    “We mend the fences of our members, aggrieved people inside and outside this party, to make sure that we give the opposition party a good run for their money in 2015.  That is the purpose of my visit. That has been the purpose of the three senatorial districts that I have done and I will continue to do so.  It is precisely what I’ve done in the three senatorial districts since I came back from the United States a few months ago, which is the purpose of unifying our great party.

    “ I’ve come to report my own findings to you all and  appeal to the wisdom of this state executive on what needs to be done in averting a mistake, precisely after a proper diagnosis of what happened to us in 2011.”

    However, a source said that Bankole may declare his ambition in few weeks. According to the source, the former Speaker is waiting for the blessing of Aso Villa. Although there are hurdles on the way, he is hopeful. For Bankole, hope is the elixir of life.

  • ‘2015 elections will be peaceful’

    ‘2015 elections will be peaceful’

    The Presiding Prelate of Bible Pattern Evangelical Mission, Port-Harcourt, Bishop Benjamin Solomon, clocked 50 recently. He spoke with Precious Dikewoha on his life, church and the nation. Excerpts

    WHat are you biggest memories as you clock 50?

    Actually, there are many major events in my life that are unforgettable. I could remember that I was struck with the spirit of death at the age of five and there was no hope that I could survive. My parent lost hope, everyone lost hope. It was from one ritual house to another to ensure that I survive. But when my father discovered that it was clear that I will die because of the satanic attacks, he became worried about the whole thing.

    My father himself also ran away from his hometown in 1930 because of the fear of death. So when he heard that his son was dying, he came back and took me to Sapale to watch over me. To God be the glory today I am alive.

    Another remarkable thing is how I got born again. It was in the means of struggling with the spirit of death in 1976 that I gave my life to God.  There was no hope that I will survive but with the ministry of Archbishop Idahosa, I was able to receive one of his books.

    I read it and believe what he said in the book. That was how I got my salvation. Unexpectedly I saw myself in the ministry doing the work of God. I started as an evangelist and later find myself as a pastor.  Today God has been doing a wonderful work through me and we have celebrated many testimonies through my ministry.

    What were these childhood attacks all about?

    The power of death was on me. To be specific, whenever good thing wanted to happen in my live, this spirit will reoccur. I find myself dying and waking up and at that point. I understand that my future was at stake. That mean I must die, I knew I will die and my father also knew I will die.

    So while struggling with the strange spirit, I heard that Jesus can save.  So I said if the power of God upon me can do this for me I will serve him all the days of my life. I discovered that Jesus can change all things and make a difference in my life.

    So it is the fear to escape death that led me to Christ.  Though, there are different ways that God bring people to serve him, because in my family the whole thing was clear that men don’t survive but women can survive. As I am talking to you in my own generation I am the last man standing.

    So, how has life been at 50?

    I believe strongly that I am expecting another phase of my life because God is taking me somewhere. I have a lot of testimonies to share. I have been in this work for over three decades. I got born again early enough and since then it has been one scenario and the other.

    To God’s glory one of the things that really shocked my life was the proof that Jesus is real. When God met me and said ‘this is what I want you to do for me’, I wasn’t really interested. When you see pastors in those days, you can hardly admire them. Even their parents cried for them.

    So when it became clear that I will become a pastor, I struggled very hard to escape it. My father was never happy with me. In fact, it’s like telling my father to commit suicide. I came from a family background that valued education so much with well- placed in the society. That his only son will now be somebody addressed as pastor was unthinkable.

    It wasn’t easy but I thank God that at the end I answered the divine call. When God called me in 1985-1986 that I was going to work in His vineyard as a deliverance minister, I cried.

    But I said to myself  this is not what God wants for me but God proved to me that power belongs to Him. Honestly, God proves to me that if He can use Apostle Peter he can use me. Today through my hands many have escaped death and through my hands different kinds of healing and miracles had taken place in the name of Jesus and not by my power.

    Why did you protest the ultimatum given to President Jonathan by the Northern elders?

    I protested because I don’t like seeing people playing politics of bitterness. When they made that statement, I said to myself if the northern elders can give such commands, it means they had hands in the abduction of the Chibok girls. They knew where they were kept.  And to stop Jonathan from contesting is to ensure that he didn’t get to know the hideouts of the abducted girls.

    With the assistance of America in the fight against insurgency,  I know it will take them more time to achieve result because  American have not done enough  in fighting terrorism in Africa. They were in Iraq for many years, including other African countries without being able to achieve enough results.

    It took them over ten years before they could get Bin Laden because I knew that it will take them time to achieve result here in Nigeria.  What we need now is the cooperation of the Northern elders. A lot has been said against Jonathan due to the activities of the Boko Haram in the North. There was a time when one of the northerners said if Jonathan will not contest in 2015 the issue of Boko Haram will be over.

    I think the Federal government itself is not helping matters. They should have published the names of those sponsoring Boko Haram because that is the only way we could know the truth of this insurgency.

    You supported the recent sack of resident doctors. How do you feel now that they are back to work?

    When you look at the state of the nation, you will discover that because of freedom of expression people are agitating for one thing or the other and also protesting for their rights. Look at how desperate people can be when doctors went on strike without considering that the country is in need of their service with the outbreak of Ebola.

    For me the Federal government shouldn’t have changed its mind on the sack directive.  I wanted them sacked for abandoning their duties at the critical time. Look, you can’t hold the country to ransom for things that could cripple the nation.  If you ask me I think the National Assembly has not tried enough to contain these incessant strikes.

    I don’t think there is any developed country where health and education workers go on strike as it is in Nigeria. The National Assembly can put a stop to this strike by dialoguing with the Federal government while their operation is going on and not keeping the nation on standstill.  It is only in Nigeria where education sector is being closed down for one year. But this can be handled. I also think that why people are agitating for increased of welfare and other pays is because of the huge amount of money been taken home by public office holders.

    So if a professor in the University cannot boast of N1million in two months and a House of the Assembly member gets N100 million in two months it is irritating.  People are not happy seeing those entrusted with their votes becoming millionaires overnight while they are living in misery.

    In Rivers State, many believe that there will be deaths in 2015. What is the church doing to avert this looming calamity?

    Right now, Churches in Nigeria are not sleeping. We are watchmen; I want to assure the people that 2015 elections will be peaceful. The transition we are going into is going to take people unawares because many of those who are fighting as if Nigeria is their own property will not be alive see the election.

    The church is seriously praying that those who want to cause problem in Rivers State will be crushed to death. Rivers State has been peaceful since I came to the state. And what happened in other states hardly happen here.

    2015 elections will be peaceful because the children of God have already prayed and decreed just like the powers of darkness is working harder to get innocent blood. So we are also awake to ensure that no blood is being made available for the agents of darkness.

    To get victory is to always pray for Nigeria. God has revealed that any politician who wants to cause crisis or take human life for his or her selfish interest will die before the Election Day. This is a guarantee that there will be free and fair election in 2015. There are forces working against the peace of this country because they make their wealth through crisis.

    So they are bent to ensure that the country does not have peace.  Of course, the only solution is fasting and prayer.

  • Matters arising from Abia 2015 guber race

    Less than seven months before voters in Abia State, will file out to vote for their next governor, the question of the senatorial zone to produce a successor to the incumbent, Chief Theodore Orji, is already generating intense debates across the state.

    And it would not be surprising if the development translates into intrigues and high-powered permutations in the days ahead.

    At the centre of this unfolding drama, are the power blocks, which are the old Bende zone and Aba division. Of the two zones, the old Aba bloc is yet to produce the state governor since 1999.

    On the strength of this, the popular expectation is that Orji’s successor will hail from old Aba zone, which is also known as the Ukwa/Ngwa bloc in line with the Abia Charter of Equity, ACE.

    The ACE, which was occasioned by the need to assuage the fear of domination by any section, provides that the governorship of the state be rotated among the three zones.

    Instructively, the document specified the sharing of political offices in a manner that none of the divisions at the time of creating the state would dominate the other.

    The old blocs

    Accordingly, the zones at the period ACE was adopted were Afikpo Division, Bende Division and Aba Division.

    It is believed that the ACE made the creation of the state from the old Imo State possible, and had guided the emergence of two state chief executives so far.

    That may have informed Governor Orji’s declaration at different fora that he would hand over power to Ukwa/Ngwa people in 2015.

    According to Orji, the ACE, which prescribed power sharing in the state, remains sacrosanct and will be implemented in the interest of peace and equity. Orji said he would not like to take any decision that would plunge the state into political crisis, hence the decision to respect the charter.

    Ever since the governor made this known, divergent reactions have been trailing the decision, particularly from those, who are opposed to the idea. The promise also brought about a debate on which part of Ukwa/ Ngwa zone would produce the governor in 2015.

    Instructively, the  Ukwa/Ngwa zone comprises of nine council areas of which Obingwa, Aba South, Aba North, Ugwunagor, Ukwa West and Ukwa East fall under Abia South senatorial zone while Osisioma Ngwa, Isiala Ngwa North and Isiala Ngwa South councils make up the Abia Central zone with the Umuahia/ Ikwuano bloc.

     

    Complaint and opposition

    The opposition and complaint are hinged on the argument that Ukwa-Ngwa people are found in three Local Government Areas in Abia Central.

    Political heavy weights like Senator Nkechi Nwogu, Acho Nwakanma, Chief A.C.B Agbazuere, Chris Akomas among others, are of Ukwa/Ngwa origin, but situated in the central.

    This is why most analysts, opined that power sharing in the state remained between the old Bende bloc and Aba bloc.

    Instructively, the larger concentration of the native Ngwa are believed to be found in Abia Central Senatorial District.

    However, there is uneasiness in the camp of those, whose argument is that zoning should not overwhelm competence.

    To this group, the best man, who could be trusted for continuity should emerge from any part of state.

     

    Capability to serve

    While where the pendulum would swing to, is still left to be seen, analysts are of the opinion that if the disaffection arising from the governor’s support for the Ukwa/Ngwa is not addressed, the Ukwa/Ngwa people might lose the opportunity of providing the governor come 2015.

    Amid the ensuing permutations, the entrance of Senator representing Abia Central District, Sen Nkechi Nwaogu, has altered the political calculation, as she comes in with vigour and great sense of accomplishment.

    Nwogu is believed to stand a better position of representing Ukwa/Ngwa people

    A two-time Senator and a former House of Representatives member (2003 – 2007), she is known for her wealth of experience in administration and resource management.

    With this seemingly robust profile, the mood of the people outside and within the state, suggests that she stands a better position of representing Ukwa/Ngwa people.

    Before now, her aspiration existed in the realm of speculation, but the two-time senator, recently put the doubts to rest.

    Nworgu, at the PDP secretariat in Umuahia, formally declared her interest to govern the state on the platform of the PDP.

    The lawmaker, who holds two records of being the first woman from Abia to take a seat at the House of Representatives and the Senate, insisted that her gender would not be a disadvantage in her quest to succeed Orji.

    “If my party will support me I will run for the post of governorship. It is my aspiration, my desire. I have the qualification and experience to pilot the affairs of Abia State if given the mandate to govern Abia,’’ she stated.

     

    Massive empowerment programmes

    Reputed for her massive empowerment programmes, Nwaogu asked not to be judged by her by gender, noting that her qualification and antecedents, stand her out.

    The Senate Committee Chairman on Gas, insisted that she would build on the framework already laid by the incumbent, whose legacy projects have formed the foundation for a new Abia.

    She is believed to have made her marks in the upper legislative arm as the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Banking, where she used her position to get the banks conform to good corporate practices.

    Her experience as a former member of the House of Representatives has played a key role in her robust parliamentary activities in the Senate so far.

    With this towering profile, it is not doubt that Nwaogu is a remarkable force among all the aspirants.

  • 2015: ‘Our party’ll win in Lagos’

    2015: ‘Our party’ll win in Lagos’

    Lagos State Commissioner for Works Dr. Obafemi Hamzat has said the state’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will retain power in 2015 election.

    Hamzat spoke yesterday to party members during a tour of Ojo Local Government Area to declare his intention to contest for the governorship position.

    He said the APC had good aspirants with experience, vying for the same position.

    He added that his experience at the executive level would give him advantage over others.

    “Our party is very lucky to have very good aspirants that have experience. But what I will say is that my experience at the executive level will single me out.

    “The constitution imposes three organs of government  – the executive, the legislature and the judiciary.But it is the executive that implements projects. It is not that all other components are not important, but it is the executive that builds roads, hospitals and provide water, among others. I have been fortunate to be involved in government since 2005. So, I know what to do.”

    Hamzat decried the challenges facing the country, blaming the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the centre for failing to provide the right leadership.

    “The average person in Nigeria gets about 15watts and meanwhile, we need about 150watts.

    “Our nation should not have the kind of problems we are having today. We have  a PDP-led Federal Government for 15 years and we don’t have a change in our power supply,” he said.

    The commissioner restated the need for party members and supporters to work for its success.

    He added that the area was long due for a general hospital.