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Tag: 2015

  • 2015: Govt crackdown on opposition leaders likely

    2015: Govt crackdown on opposition leaders likely

    ‘Buhari, Tinubu, ex-security chief are main targets’

    A  massive crackdown on opposition figures ahead of the 2015 general elections is on the way, The Nation learnt yesterday.

    The aim is to prevent the merger talks by opposition parties from being successful and constituting a problem for the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    In the coming wave of arrests, even members of the PDP whose political leaning is in doubt will not be spared, according to sources, who pleaded not to be named because of ‘the sensitivity of the matter”.

    The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday raised the alarm about “desperate measures being planned by the PDP-led Federal Government to discredit and silence key opposition leaders involved in the ongoing plans to form a formidable platform to confront the PDP in 2015”.

    A former security chief is believed to be one of those being targeted. He is to be hurled before a court and charged with contract fraud, among others, according to sources who pleaded not to be named.

    In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the ACN said the paranoia over the merger plans has driven the government “to resort to imprudent and crude tactics aimed at tarnishing the image of key opposition leaders, especially the ACN National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and his CPC counterpart, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, as well as their close political associates.”

    The statement said “Tinubu is particularly a prime target of these evil machinations, because of his status as the leader of the country’s second biggest party, his progressive credentials as well as his electoral value, adding that as far as the PDP-led government is concerned, getting him out of the way is the best way to ruin the merger plans.”

    ‘’For the Jonathan-led Administration, and not minding its deceptive aloofness from it all, the race for 2015 has started in earnest and it is a do-or-die affair, and all means foul and unfair are on the table to cripple the opposition, by ensuring that nothing will be left of the integrity of its key leaders even if they are fortunate to make it to 2015.

    ‘’These opposition leaders are considered as constituting a clear and present danger to the electoral fortunes of the PDP in 2015, hence must be stopped at all costs and by whatever means,’’ the ACN said.

    The party said a fortune had been earmarked for the phased campaign, which has already started with a well-oiled media war, being waged especially online, denigrating these leaders.

    ‘’Some key government agencies have also been co-opted to dig up any dirt they hope can be plastered on the targeted leaders while foreign intelligence agencies have been contacted in a desperate attempt to unearth any information that can be used to discredit and disgrace these major opposition figures thus distracting them from the merger plans.

    ‘’Indications are that highly-combustible sectional and religious issues that are being manipulated by desperate forces to divide and destroy are not off the table as long as exploiting them can shut down the opposition. Or how else does one interpret a recent PDP statement that President Goodluck Jonathan is being criticised by the opposition because he is from a minority ethnic group?

    ‘’And what about the continuous efforts, which have failed so far, to portray a key opposition leader as a sponsor of Boko Haram? His nomination as a ‘facilitator’ of some phantom peace talks was not an accident, but was carefully choreographed to portray him as a religious zealot and terrorist not fit to preside over the affairs of the nation,’’ it said.

    The ACN warned that every action of the PDP-led Federal Government concerning the stated evil machinations will be put under the microscope henceforth, and called on all lovers of democracy and the rule of law to be on the alert in the days and weeks ahead to help forestall the evil plan.

    ‘’Those who either conveniently acquiesced or opted to dine with the devil when many progressives took to the trenches during the long, bitter and gruelling battle to enthrone the democracy we are now enjoying apparently do not value it, and will stop at nothing to endanger it on the altar of selfish personal interests and political expediency.

    ‘’It is, therefore, incumbent on all Nigerians, especially those who believe that all hands must be on deck to nurture and strengthen our democracy, to be vigilant. After all, it is said that eternal vigilance is the price of liberty,’’ the AC N said.

     

  • 2015: Babangida, Buhari others begin consultations

    2015: Babangida, Buhari others begin consultations

    The re-unification of the North ahead of the  2015 presidential poll is in progress.

    The project, which has former military president  Ibrahim Babangida,  a respected former Minister of Defence, and ex-military head of state, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari,as its arrow heads,entails rallying the entire North behind the bid for the return of the Presidency to that part of the country in the next election.

    Political and opinion leaders across the three geo-political zones-Northwest,North central and North east- are being consulted to lend their weight to the cause, The Nation gathered yesterday.

    The convener of the Northern Political Leaders Forum, Alhaji Adamu Ciroma,  a former Minister of Finance and other elders, may  be brought in in the course of the consultations.

    Investigation by our correspondent showed that the initiative has been on discreetly for at least three months.

    Five factors are said to have spurred the brains behind the project into action.

    These include  alleged alienation of the North by the presidency in appointment and policy matters; unprecedented polarization /division of the region along religious and ethnic lines; the worsening security situation in the region; alleged  under-development of the North and the yawning  gap between the North and the South ; and the manner in which the South-South has allegedly divided the nation and  what is seen in the North as its  desperate plot to retain the presidency in 2015.

    Said one source familiar with the issue: “In the last few months, Babangida, Buhari, a former defence minister and some select broad-minded Northern leaders like ex-Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, have been holding consultations on how to reunite the North and reassert its relevance in national politics.

    “Buhari is part of the group because his presidential aspiration has been a challenge to the North and without any pretence, the former Head of State commands a  large following such that his disposition could make or mar the reunification plan.

    “Since 2011, the North has lost so much to political rancour and crises. The leaders believe that they cannot allow the situation to continue like this.

    “The aftermath of the division in the North is the near relegation of the region in the scheme of things. So, the rapprochement would achieve two purposes: reunifying Northern leaders and all Northerners and assist the region to regain power or reassert its political influence in 2015.”

    Continuing,the source said: “I am confident that Babangida, Buhari and others could salvage the situation with the help of other Northern leaders.

    “It is when the leaders have reached an appreciable level that convener of the Northern Political Leaders Forum, Alhaji Adamu Ciroma, and other elders would now be involved.”

    A highly-placed source in Atiku Campaign Organization, who spoke in confidence,  confirmed the reunification plan.

    The source said: “We are aware that there are underground moves to reunite Northern leaders irrespective of their political leanings. All the leaders have no doubt realized that they must reunify.

    “After bringing everyone together, these leaders will now sit down to  chart a direction for the North and its political relevance as a critical  region in Nigeria .

    “We do not know how long the reunification would last but at the appropriate time, the leaders will make their position known.”

    A source within the Northern Governors Forum said: “Talks are ongoing among Northern leaders, serving and strategic past governors, ex-ministers and political heavyweights.

    “There is  likelihood that the North will change its direction from what it did in 2011. But the details are being worked out.

    “This is not a question of zeroing in on any candidate at all. We are trying to define our interest and how to go about it. So far, there is a consensus that the North was not circumspect enough in 2011.”

    The  Convener of the Committee of Concerned Northern Professionals, Politicians, Academics and Businessmen (CCNPPAB), Dr. Junaid Mohammed, however cautioned the leaders to go for credible leaders in 2015.

    He said: “My reaction to the ongoing moves to reunite the North is that it is a welcome development. But welcoming it is not to encourage these Northern leaders to gang up. Rather, they should use it to redefine the focus of the North and help Nigeria ’s future.

    “Northern leaders have made a mistake with the so-called zoning policy. They should retrace their steps. They should really come back and show that they have learnt some lessons from the errors they committed in 2011.

    “They should not think that the presidency is a divine right of the North or not. They should re-unite to ensure that people who are just and fair are in charge of the affairs of this nation because the current leadership is neither fair nor just.”

  • 2015: INEC seeks power to disqualify candidates

    2015: INEC seeks power to disqualify candidates

    Jega writes National Assembly

     

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is seeking powers to disqualify candidates as from the 2015 general elections.

    The commission also wants a 10-year ban for those found guilty of electoral offences.

    It has asked for an amendment to Section 31 of the Electoral Act to impose a N1million fine on any party which fields an unqualified candidate.

    Such parties may also be disqualified from participating in that particular election.

    Although INEC acknowledged that it is enjoying financial autonomy, it made a strong case for full independence to shield it from interference.

    The commission’s 19 proposals are contained in a document, which has been submitted to Chief Ike Ekweremadu, Chairman of the National Assembly’s Constitutional Review Committee, who is also the Deputy President of the Senate.

    Top on the list of the proposals is INEC’s demand for powers to disqualify candidates, an issue which dominated the countdown to the 2007 poll.

    The document reads in part: “With such decisions as Atiku Abubakar V INEC and the proviso to Section 31 of the amended Electoral Act, the commission has no right to prevent even an obviously unqualified or disqualified person from being on the ballot.

    “For example, it cannot prevent an under-aged or foreign citizen from contesting the election, even when this is obvious from the documents submitted or even a person who admits that he presented a forged certificate to the commission if it seeks to disqualify such persons.

    “This is not desirable. It (INEC) should be empowered to do so, (subject, of course, to judicial review), if there is a prima facie case shown from the documentation that the candidate is unqualified , after all, it is not only a management body, it is also a regulatory one and should have some powers in this regards, just like such bodies as the NDIC or Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) (in revoking bank licences, approving bank director nominees etc) or NAFDAC (in sealing unregistered pharmaceutical premises or seizing bad/ expired drugs), Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) etc.

    “In this regard, Part 1, Paragraph F, item 15 of the Third Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999( as amended) dealing with the powers of the commission be further amended by inserting the clause “disqualify candidates who evidently do not satisfy the requirements for the position he /she is contesting for as provided in Sections 65, 66, 106, 107, 137, 177, and 182 of this constitution” immediately after clause (f) thereof.

    “The commission shall notify the political party of the disqualification of its candidate and the grounds for the disqualification.”

    On party primaries, INEC has asked for amendment of Section 87(9) of the Electoral Act, which would make it mandatory for all candidates to emerge through a free and fair democratic process.

    It urged the National Assembly to endorse its proposed amendment to enable it to disqualify a political party with flawed and undemocratic primaries from fielding candidates for any of the said strand of poll.

    INEC said: “To further promote internal democracy, the emergence of candidates for elections should be on a democratic basis. A variant of the provision in Section 87(9) of the Electoral Act (before amendment) should be reintroduced thus: ‘Where a political party fails to comply with the provision of the constitution or this Act in the conduct of the primaries or nomination of any candidate for election under this Act, its candidate shall not be included in the list of nominated candidates for the election.”

    On indulgence by unqualified candidates to win election, INEC is proposing that once a court establishes such an infraction, there will be no fresh conduct of election for any affected seat or constituency or district.

    The document said: “It suggested that subsection (6) of Section 31 be amended to make provision that where the Court finds that a candidate submitted by a political party did not meet the qualifications required for contesting the office, the court shall disqualify the candidate from contesting the election. Where, however, the person has been elected, the court shall order the person to vacate the office and the candidate with the second highest votes cast who has met Constitutional requirement for the post shall be declared elected. This suggestion is to avoid the waste of public funds to repeat election consequent upon removal of disqualified candidates.

    The commission is also seeking a 10-year ban for electoral offenders or any person who commits party breaches.

    The document added: “Any person convicted of an Electoral Offences (including registration offences, campaign finance breaches and breach of party finance provisions) should be disqualified for a period of 10 years from the date of conviction from contesting any election or holding any party position.

    “Thus, be it enacted the clause ‘within a period of 10 years before the date of the election, he has been convicted of an electoral offence by a court or tribunal and inserted immediately after each of paragraph (d) of Sections 66, 107, 137, and 182 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’.

    But to deal with electoral malpractice, INEC is proposing an Electoral Offences Commission and Electoral Offences Tribunal.

    The Commission, according to INEC, will have powers to investigate and prosecute breaches of electoral provisions, taking such tasks off the electoral body.

    “It is not in doubt that electoral matters are by their nature sui generi, so also are breaches arising from relevant electoral provisions. There is therefore the need to establish an Electoral Offences Tribunal to guarantee timely prosecution of electoral offenders,” INEC wrote.

    On pre-election disputes, INEC pleaded with the National Assembly to provide for a timeline to resolve such and rid the electoral process of distractions.

    INEC said: “It is thus recommended that any action challenging the conduct of primaries by a political party shall be filed within 14 days of the accrual of the cause of action.

    “In this regard, subsection (9) of Section 87 of the Electoral Act 2010(as amended) be further amended by including timeline within which a candidate shall seek redress.”

    The electoral agency equally sought for full independence to be able to discharge its responsibilities without fear or favour.It praised the National Assembly for its 2010 amendments to the Constitution that made its expenditure a first line charge.

    It said: “Furthermore, the Chairman and National Commissioners are required to be non-partisan (Section 156 and paragraph 14(2) (a) of 3rd Schedule). The amendment to Section 160(1) also empowered INEC to make its own rules and regulate its procedure without recourse to the President. However, a bit more can and should be done to strengthen its independence.

    “Thus, the following amendments are proposed. The Commission is, like other named Federal bodies established by Section 153, not subject to the direction or control of any person or authority ‘in exercising its power to appoint or discipline its staff’. The National Population Commission (NPC) is, however, given additional independence in its operations in Section 158 (2). This should be the same with INEC. The independence of INEC should be constitutionally guaranteed in all its operations and its management and control of the electoral process, as was the case in Decree (now Act) 17 of 1998 which first established the Commission before the 1999 constitution. Thus, be it enacted a new subsection (3) to Section 158 providing as follows: “The Independent National Electoral Commission shall not be subject to the direction or control of any other authority or person in all its operations.”

    On Nigerians in the Diaspora, INEC has sought for amendment to Sections 77(2) and 117(2) to allow them to vote.

    Earlier, in a letter, Jega said some of the proposed amendments are designed to strengthen the independence of the commission.

    He praised the National Assembly for enhancing electoral activities.

     

  • My people want me as senator in 2015, says Akpabio

    My people want me as senator in 2015, says Akpabio

    Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State yesterday said his people from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District have asked him to represent them at the Senate in 2015.

    The governor, while speaking during an interview with The Nation on Sunday at the newly constructed Government Office in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, said his people asked him not to retire politically but go ahead to represent them in Abuja.

    The Nation on Sunday had a few months back exclusively reported that the governor was eyeing the Senate.

    When asked what he would be doing after the expiration of his tenure in 2015, Akpabio said: “By the grace of God, I will see myself as a Senator in 2015. My people have approached me and told me not to retire politically. They said I should go and become a Senator and I have accepted their request.”

    While commenting on the state of development in the state, the governor said his government has changed the face of infrastructural development in the state, stressing that he would want anybody that would take over from him to do more for the people.

    The governor traced the source of the country’s problem not to lack of natural resources but how to utilise the resources for the betterment of the citizenry.

    According to the governor, without true federalism, there won’t be real progress. He said there was a need to decentralise the policing system in the country.

    He said: “Without true federalism, there will never be real progress in Nigeria. We must begin to look at how to decentralise the policing system because the current one is not working.

    “We shouldn’t be afraid that a governor will use state police wrongly. Also we should also remove some things on the exclusive and allow state to legislate.”

    Akpabio, who will turn 50 on December 9, said the journey so far has been a mixture of sadness and joy.

    He said: “I owe a lot to my wife. I didn’t see myself as a successful man at 50 because I am still working. My children have also given me support. I thank them for their sacrifice.”

  • Tambuwal, Shagari step up 2015 plot

    Tambuwal, Shagari step up 2015 plot

    House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal was one of those honoured by the Sokoto State government at its annual award ceremony. Correspondent ADAMU SULAIMAN writes on the politics of the awards.

     

    The crowd was huge. The awardees were accompanied by relations and friends. Governor Aliyu Wamakko was in his best elements. There was exchange of banters among top government officials and traditional rulers. But it was evident that the most important guest of the day was the House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal. He was the only prominent politician on the list of this year’s annual awards by the state government.

    Many observers believed that the ceremony had a political undertone. The governor and Speaker have always enjoyed cordial relations. Many top officials perceive them as partners in progress. Thus, there is also the pervading feeling that he is being positioned as a likely successor to the governor. To analysts, the fight for the governorship has begun, ahead of the 2015 polls.

    Others awardees included the Sarkin Gobir of Gwadabawa and father of the Sokoto State Assembly Speaker, Alhaji Muhammad Zayyanu, a retired civil servant, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, Dr. Sa’adiya Omar Bello and Detroit, United States General Motors official, Jelani Dogon Daji. But all eyes were focused on the Speaker.

    At the ceremony were representative of President Goodluck Jonathan who is also the Head of Service of the Federation, Bello Sali, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, former President Shehu Shagari, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Deputy National Chairman, Samson Jaja, House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambawal, his deputy, Emeka Ihedioha, , PDP Legal Adviser, Victor Pam, and Minister of State for Youth Development, Inuwa Abdulkadir.

    Other dignitaries included Sarkin Sudan and former Ambassador to South Africa, Alhaji Shehu Malami, deputy governor of Kebbi State, representatives of Katsina, Kano and Niger State governors, former Minister of Tourism, Senator Bello Jibril Gada, Justice A’isha Sani Dahiru among other numerous personalities.

    The ceremony had far reaching implications for governance and unity within the ruling party in the state. While the event lasted, other top politicians in the state, Yusuf Suleiman, Senator Abubakar Umar Gada, and Deputy Governor Mukhtari Shagari were absent, but Shagari’s absence wasattributed to being the state’sAmirul Hajj for this year.

    It was a sort of popularity test for Tambawal. He had served the state in the past and his supporters from all the local governments flooded the venue. Party leaders from his native South Senatorial District pitched tent with him, saying that it was the turn of the zone to fill the governorship slot.

    But observers contend that Tambuwal would now face Shagari at the primaries. The former Water resources minister was had almost emerged as the flag bearer in 2007, but was prevailed upon to stepped down for Wamakko.

    Those supporting Tambuwal for the position are of the view that he rose to the occasion and won the number four position for the north. They said a man who emerged as Speaker under that difficult situation cannot be ignored. Others applauded his sense of humour, saying that he can melt s heart of steel and stone with his gentle attitude.

    In his speech at the occasion, President Jonathan reassured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to good governance and development.

    “ We are not un-mindful of the challenges which will soon be over”, he said. The President promised to create jobs for the youths. he called for unity, saying that could strengthen the country’s resolve to confront its challenges.

    President Jonathan lauded the progress being made by the Almajiri schools targeted as youths in the north. He commended Governor Wamakko for building hope in his people by rewarding selfless service.

    However, PDP National Chairman Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, who was represented by his deputy, Samson Jaja, said that PDP was proud of Sokoto State because of its monumental support for the party, adding that the state chapter of PDP is a model.

    “ You gave us votes across 244 wards, 23 local government chairmen, three Senators, 11 federal representatives”, he added.

    He observed that Sokoto is the only state that extends free education policy to residents communities.

    “ You have much more to bequeath. Your resilience in appreciation of service to humanity by awarding and restoring dignity of man is a challenge to the awardees. These awards given to you describe you as discoveries made by Wamakko for exceptional feat. Therefore, don’t rest on your ores”, he urged.

    Wamakko noted that rewarding excellence, selflessness and service to humanity was a morale booster for the advancement of the society.

    He said the awardees have in their respective rights and disciplines brought fame to the state and made Nigerians proud with remarkable break-through.

    The governor added: “No positive efforts over time should go in vain. Therefore, their efforts must not go un-recognised and un-appreciated”

    Wamakko explained that hard work and commitment to the sustenance of the ideals and legacies of founding fathers were instrumental to achieving results in the quest for good governance.

    Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Tambuwal noted that only selflessness and detribalised service to humanity would promote unity and strengthen peace among Nigerians.

    “Nigerians should rise to revive its past glory by changing our attitude to service and make it corrupt free nation with full opportunities for all”, he said.

     

  • INEC to meet for 2015

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will convene a stakeholders’ meeting to validate its ongoing strategic planning process.

    INEC Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega said this in Abuja yesterday when a team of United States International Foundation for Electoral System (IFES) led by its President, Williams Sweeney, visited him.

    He said: “We have started preparation for 2015 and we have started our strategic planning process.

    “We have virtually done all the in-house consultations and our hope is that by the first week of December we will be able to have what we call stakeholders’ input for the validation of the strategic planning.”

    “In 2013, we will start the process of implementing the plan and we will be doing that two years before the election.”

    “We want to be one of the best election management bodies in Africa and we are working hard to achieve that.”

    Sweeney said: “We are here to compliment INEC for delivering world-class election to Nigerians.”

     

  • Opposition parties ’ll unseat PDP in 2015, says Onu

    Opposition parties ’ll unseat PDP in 2015, says Onu

    Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu is the National Chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). The former governor of old Abia State, in this interview with GBENGA OMOKHUNU, speaks on his plans for the party, which he admits is losing its grip as a major opposition party in Nigeria, and the plan by major opposition parties to unseat the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 general elections by forging an alliance soon. He also appraises the President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

    What would you say was responsibly  for the party’s misfortune in recent elections?

    Honestly, there are so many reasons. One is that the ruling party Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) wanted to impose on the nation a one-party system. For us in the ANPP, who used to be All Peoples Party (APP), we believe that if our party has not been very resilience, perhaps, we would have suffered even worse fate. Secondly, elections were not really free and fair, the result you get cannot be said to be a true reflection of the performance of various parties. So, all these contributed to the ANPP losing influence, the decline that we saw moving from controlling 9 states to 3, but we are very hopeful that the future belongs to ANPP and other opposition parties. We are really interested in working with other major opposition parties so that we can effect change for the good of our country.

    A former chairman, the late Chief Edwin Ume-Ezeoke, was accused of dining and wining with the PDP through the Government of National Unity (GNU). This has been described as the source of the party’s misfortune. How would you react to this?

    It was not a decision taken by him. The participation of ANPP in the Government of National Unity was a decision taken by the party as of that time. You are aware that the National Executive Committee (NEC) of ANPP has, also with other organs, agreed that we should discontinue and so, the party entered into the relationship, not the national chairman and also the party decided to come out of it. As the national chairman, I am just there to do the will of the party. Even though the constitution says I should give direction and so on, but I can only implement whatever is acceptable to majority of members of the party. The decision now is that we should disengage from the GNU and seek cooporation which could lead to merger, go into alliance with other major opposition political parties and that is what we are doing now.

    There are suggestions that you are not criticising this government enough, is this true?

    For me, wherever I go, people come to me, they are very happy with what we are doing and they encourage me. We have done a lot in the political arena. The problems in the system are so many and it will take time to effect change. Nigerian politics since independence has been centred on politics of personalities, but the ANPP is leading the way, to move away from the politics of personalities to politics of issues. That is, whatever the system will accept must be idea driven. And we have achieved a lot in that regard because you will find that before any matter comes up, we will give our own position and we always go beyond just criticizing, we give options. So, I think that is the correct thing because if you go into just criticizing for the sake of it, then you are not helping because we are also interested in our nation being a leading nation in the world and we believe that if we give options, in terms of how we can develop faster, then Nigerians will have more confidence in us and give us the opportunity to govern at the federal level.

    What are your plans for 2015?

    We are not interested in remaining as opposition party; we want to be in government. We want to be in position to help solve many of the problems confronting our nation and also we don’t like the word ‘capture’; we will win states and we appeal to the conscience, the wellbeing of our citizens and once they believe in us, which is exactly what we are doing now to make Nigerians trust the ANPP, once that trust is there then it will be easy for us to win future elections. We intend to control far more states than we were controlling now, but above all, to be able to produce the President of the country.

    Since you took over the leadership of the party, what steps have you taken to revive it?

    First, it is our responsibility to ensure that our nation grows stronger than it is now and that Nigerians are made happy, proud citizens of their country. Our nation can win the respect it deserves in the comity of nations. These are the things that have propelled our activities in the party. We have tried to keep to our constitution, we believe that the constitution of the party should be supreme and we also believe that we in the leadership must not be above our constitution. We have complied completely with the letters and the spirit of the constitution and that has helped us to instil discipline, maintain order in the party and ensure that every member of the party is protected.

    Are you saying that there is noticeable peace in the party now?

    Yes, all those over bearing actions of individuals that used to be the hallmark of the party are no longer allowed. That is why there is peace in the party. We have eliminated crisis and the movement away from the party has been considerable controlled; as a matter of fact, now we are receiving members from different states of the country. This is one area we have done very well. Since we came, you noticed that we supervise the last set of primary and our convention was ranked to be the very best, even contestants who lost did not complain. We do not have cases in the court or in the tribunal. And the party has been peaceful and quiet for two years. We are very happy but the secret is that we allowed internal democracy, we uphold the supremacy of our constitution and we will continue to do that because when you do that then you will be fair and just and fair to everybody. We have been asking those who left to come back, we have written letters to them telling them that look, the house you helped to build, you must come back to make sure that this house is kept in good order and most of them have been responding. We are very happy about the progress and we hope this will continue.

    How far has the party gone with the alliance plan?

    Actually, we are working very hard, a committee has been set up and that committee drew its members from all the major organs of the party and we believe that they are working. We at the leadership have also done a lot of ground work, we have met with the leadership of many of the major parties just to soften the ground, we are very hopeful that there will be success at the end of the day. The issue of who becomes the candidate of either a new party or one of the parties or an alliance is something that will come up in 2015, you cannot pre-determine now, but whomsoever the alliance of the new party present, we will be happy to support the person, our interest is to make sure that we win elections at the centre.

    Do you think party members couldagree to support Buhari considering the fact that he left ANPP to form CPC?

    We should not be discussing individuals now because this thing is still far away and when that decision will be taken, it will depend on the mood of the nation. But any person who is chosen, I am sure they will also participate in the adoption. I must tell you that I am encouraged by the level of support we have received from members, they are very supportive, and they also believe that those things that do not work in the past, we should not continue with them. I think it is on that basis that we anticipate that if we form a merger or have alliances that all these things will work very well.

    Many party members don’t agree with the choice of former governor of Borno State Senator Ali Modu Sheriff as the new Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT). How was he picked?

    I have not been told this as national chairman. At the ANPP, we believe in zoning, so the position of chairman of BoT was zoned to the North East and we got a letter from the North East where all our key members recommended the current BoT chairman even though it is the BoT that by our constitution can select their own chairman. All the leaders in the North East made that selection and when we were inaugurating the Board of Trustees, there was only one candidate and that was Senator Ali-Modu Sheriff. So, if there were other candidates, there would have been an election. Those who are making this comment have not brought it up to me. They should also have provided an alternative so that those who don’t like him will decide to vote against him. He is just starting. All organs of the party are working, we are interested in winning elections and my responsibility is to ensure that I harness all resources in the party and to make sure that the party operates efficiently. Our interest is duly to the country, we believe that if our party is strong, then we will be in a position to provide an alternative platform to ensure that politics becomes competitive in the nation so that those in office will always know that if they don’t do well, they can be voted out and that is the reason we are going for this merger and alliance discussion.

    In terms of delivering democracy dividends, how would you rate the governors?

    A number of governors have done very well. We in the opposition parties are worried because we have a situation where we are getting so much revenue into the country, more than we have ever had before and yet we cannot implement our capital budget and we have cases of insecurity at the level we never had before, our infrastructure is decaying; look at the flood, the meteorologists warned that there will be so much rainfall this year and that there will be flooding, there was that warning, but I don’t know whether there was any decision taken in response to that warning. Cameroon, our neighbouring country, told us they are going to release water from their dam, these are things that good governance can help us resolve. There are a lot of problems; look at assessment from international organizations, even from Africa, now Nigeria is ranked among the least. We are worried and there is high level of unemployment, poverty level is rising, even our own government agencies are saying so and that is why we are asking Nigerians to give us a chance, if you have tried one political party for 13 years, we should try another. It will help promote good governance.

    If by tomorrow you find your BoT Chairman working against the interest of the party, what action will the party take?

    I doubt he will do so because all members of the party have personally told me that they are going to work in the interest of the party and I believe he will continue to be loyal to the party.

    How would you assess President Goodluck Jonathan, considering the general insecurity in the country?

    The situation is very disturbing. We also know that the security of lives and property is the most important responsibility of any government and it is in the constitution and we see how insecure people are across the country. A lot of problems are all over the country. There is the lack of implementation of the capital budget. Look at the issue of fuel scarcity; the idea of fuel scarcity is very disturbing to us. The position of our party is very clear that we need to repair our refineries. There is no reason refineries can work in other countries and they cannot work in Nigeria. If all our refineries are working, we should be in a position to meet virtually all the needs of our nation. If we refine here, it means we are also creating jobs and this means a lot of benefits because the workers will be paying tax to government and so revenue of government will also rise. Look at the issue of flood, government should take necessary steps that ought to have been taken. So, we are interested because we don’t want to see prices rise. Government should address the need of our farmers with urgency so that crops can be planted; we need to take remedial actions to address this issue.

    Where do you want to see ANPP as a party in years to come?

    ANPP is a great party of the future. We are talking to the entire major opposition parties. Our aim is merger and that is what our National Executive Committee (NEC) has mandated us to do. If we don’t get it, then we form an alliance. What we want to do is to be able to produce President of Nigeria, let Nigerians see that many of the problems confronting us can be solved. At times, I am not comfortable that problems we have since independence are still with us. Something is wrong. I believe whatever comes out of our discussion will do well for Nigeria.

     

  • Oil wells crisis about 2015 election, says Amaechi

    Oil wells crisis about 2015 election, says Amaechi

    A new twist has been added to the oil wells dispute between Bayelsa and Rivers states.

    It is all about 2015, Rivers State Governor Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi said yesterday in Port Harcourt.

    “There is rumour that they are emasculating me because of 2015. It is unfortunate. It is a non-issue,” Amaechi said at a press conference.

    He added: “For now, I have no plan for 2015. I was shocked to hear of Lamido/Amaechi 2015 campaign, with branded vehicles in the North and many people are panicky.

    “I am exhausted. I have not attended any 2015 meeting. If they are taking Rivers oil wells because of 2015, they should leave us alone.”

    Amaechi said President Goodluck Jonathan had ordered a ceasefire in the dispute.

    But, according to the governor, Rivers has just lost 46 oil wells to Abia State.

    This is besides the ceding of five of Rivers oil wells in Soku to Bayelsa State.

    It would have been worst, said the governor, but for last Monday’s protest in Abuja by Kalabari leaders from Akuku-Toru, Asari-Toru and Degema local government areas. About 71 oil wells in Abonnema, Akuku-Toru council areas would have also been ceded to Bayelsa State that day, Amaechi said.

    The Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) said President Jonathan called and directed him and his officials to stop speaking with journalists on the boundary dispute and oil wells. The same message was to be passed to Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, to ensure peace, according to Amaechi.

    It was gathered that both governors have been invited to the villa in Abuja by the President on Friday.

    The Abuja protest was followed by a massive protest and news conference in Port Harcourt, with the Kalabari declaring that the move to cede their communities, oil wells and Soku Gas Plant to Bayelsa would be vehemently resisted.

    Amaechi said: “46 oil wells belonging to Rivers State have just been given to Abia State. Soku is a Kalabari town in Rivers State. Mr. President directed this (yesterday) morning that we should stop addressing the press on the oil wells’ dispute with Bayelsa, if not for the journalist’s question on the issue.

    “Seventy one oil wells in Abonnema (headquarters of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State), would have been given to Bayelsa State on the same Monday the Kalabari people went to Abuja to protest. They were not sponsored. They protested on their own. The boundary between Degema and Brass is not in dispute.

    “If I am not the NGF chairman, I would have known what to say. As a people (Rivers) with one destiny, we will fight for our rights. Rivers people are happy with President Jonathan.”

    Amaechi said the state government had no information on the disputed oil wells, adding that lawyers and stakeholders from the communities supplied the information.

    President Jonathan is to meet next week in Abuja with stakeholders from Rivers and Bayelsa states on the boundary dispute and oil wells.

    On the controversial Rivers State Contributory Social Services Levy (CSSL), which workers have been complaining about, Amaechi, who earlier yesterday met with the civil servants at the State Secretariat Complex, said he had ordered the stoppage of deduction from their pay.

    He expressed displeasure that the deductions were made before Christmas, without considering the hardship the workers would face.

    The governor said allocations of Port Harcourt, Obio/Akpor and Ikwerre local governments areas had been seized in the last two months over their refusal not to ensure a clean environment, especially for being unable to curtail the dirt from auto mechanics.

    As soon as the mechanics’ workshops and the local government areas are kept clean, he would direct the release of the allocations, said the governor.

    According to him, the action is to ensure a clean Rivers state, especially the state capital and its environs .

    Amaechi said the government, next month, would obtain a N100 billion bond, to fund the 2013 budget.

    But, he promised not to leave any debt for his successor.

    The governor stated that the monorail project, for now, would be from the old Port Harcourt Township, popularly called Town, to Waterlines Bus Stop on Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway, which he described as economically viable.

    The dualisation of the Garrison-Trans-Amadi Road in Port Harcourt has been awarded for N47 billion. Ada-George Road and the road off Peter Odili Road, which is to link Ogoni axis and Aba Road were his priority road projects.

    The NGF chairman said Port Harcourt roads were being rehabilitated and would later have asphalt overlay to last for 15 years, with the reconstruction beginning immediately after the rains.

    Amaechi noted that he targeted the construction of 750 model primary schools, but he decided to slow down a bit to furnish the completed 250 model primary schools. New ones would be storey buildings because of land constraint.

    He assured that three of the model secondary schools in Eleme, Etche and Saakpenwa would soon be admitting students. The foreign teachers have arrived, with the local teachers being hired. He said schools would be completely free.

    On power, the NGF chairman assured that the promise of uninterrupted electricity supply in Rivers State next month would be fulfilled, stressing that his administration was having challenges with the Power Holding of Nigeria (PHCN), which did not allow the state government to hook up to its system.

    The governor said there had been improvement in the security situation in Rivers State, with no successful robbery in Port Harcourt in the last two months.

    He, however, admitted that there had been security challenges outside the state capital, especially kidnapping.

    Many policemen have been sent to Omoku, headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.

     

  • Activist foresees new president in 2015

    President Goodluck Jonathan will not stand any chance in the 2015 polls, Barr. Olusegun Bamgbose has predicted.

    Bamgbose, a public affairs analyst, made this submission based on what he described as “present realities” on ground.

    Speaking with journalists in Aba at the weekend, the legal practitioner opined that Jonathan has failed the nation as things have gone from bad to worse since he mounted the saddle.

    He said: “After a critical appraisal of Jonathan’s administration for the past 16 months, I have come to the conclusion that he lacks what it takes to move the nation forward.”

    While decrying the problem of joblessness among the populace as well as the parlous state of infrastructure across the country, Bamgbose argued that these were enough reasons why Nigerians will not renew President Jonathan’s mandate come 2015.

    “I see foresee a bloodless revolution in 2015 because things cannot just continue this way. We must hold our leaders accountable for lack of economic growth of the nation.

    “There comes a time we must tell ourselves the truth and that time is now, Jonathan has failed and should leave in 2015,”he said.

    Reminded that there was still time for the president to woo the electorate with his transformation agenda, the human rights activist said it was all a ruse.

    “The government is busy strategising for 2015 while the citizens are suffering; service to the people has been relegated to the background.

    “Most of the President’s aides want to be senators, members of the House of Representatives, ministers. The so- called transformation agenda is a hoax. I foresee a new president in 2015,” he stated.

  • 2015: Why PDP will stick to zoning, by Oyinlola

    2015: Why PDP will stick to zoning, by Oyinlola

    National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola has given reasons why the party will stick to the zoning arrangement in picking candidates for the 2015 general election.

    Oyinlola, who spoke with reporters in his office in Abuja, said experience has shown that zoning affords people from minority groups the opportunity to fulfil their political aspirations.

    According to him, the zoning arrangement has endeared the PDP to Nigerians and has given minority groups the hope of realising their political ambitions without fear of domination by existing majority groups.

    “What has endeared the PDP to Nigerians is the zoning arrangement, which has given minority groups the hope of realising their political aspirations in the country,” Oyinlola maintained.

    The former Osun State Governor said the present crop of PDP leaders at the national level will ensure that the party is run in accordance with provisions of the party’s constitution.

    He dismissed threats by the opposition parties coming together to form a united front to defeat the PDP in the 2015 elections, saying the move is an indication of weakness and lack of spread of the opposition.

    He said: “A party that is sure of itself should be able to stand firm and fight election.

    “ If you are ganging up, it means you don’t have the spread. Ganging up has never succeeded and will never succeed. The PDP is the only party with a national spread.”

    Reacting to speculations that Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko may have been making plans to defect from the Labour Party (LP) to the PDP. Oyinlola said the leadership of the PDP was yet to be officially briefed on the governor’s defection plan.

    He, however, maintained that there is enough room in the PDP to accommodate as many people as may wish to join, either as new members or as defectors from other parties.

    Oyinlola lamented PDP’s loss of Ondo State to the LP, saying the party has gone back to the drawing board to make the necessary adjustments to get attuned to the needs of the people of the state.

    “The people of Ondo State have spoken and they have told the world about their preference.

    “The message from the outcome of the election is for us to do our homework and an appraisal of the election.

    “We need to convince the electorate of what we can do for them before the next election”

    He attributed the loss of Oyo and Ogun states to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the 2011 governorship election to what he described as irreconcilable differences among major political actors.

    Oyinlola said but for the differences in opinion, the PDP would have won the governorship elections in the two states,

    The PDP National Secretary dismissed insinuations that he was working against the return of former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel to the PDP, saying there was no reason for him to work against Daniel’s comeback bid.