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Tag: Adamu Mu’azu

  • Anxiety over Mu’azu’s emergence

    Anxiety over Mu’azu’s emergence

    There was anxiety yesterday over the emergence of Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu as the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    There were fears that his emergency did not comply with the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) .

    According to a source in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the party requires a mini-national convention to conduct election into the office its National Chairman.

    Also, it was learnt that if Muazu remains in office without a proper election, he might not be able to sign the list of party nominees for the 2015 elections.

    But PDP National Publicity Olisa Metuh said the appointment was constitutional.

    He said the party complied with both the 1999 Constitution and the PDP Constitution.

    Investigation by our correspondent revealed that the PDP did not follow the provision of the Electoral Act in choosing its National Chairman.

    It was gathered that the party ought to give INEC a 21-day notice to fill vacant positions.

    A source in the commission, said: “We feel that the PDP ought to comply with the Electoral Act in choosing its new National Chairman. The Act specifies that it should be through election.

    “By the party’s decision, Muazu is more of an acting chairman than a substantive one. We hope the PDP will call a mini-national Convention to avoid its members or others from making any issue out of this lapse.”

    The source said Section 85 of the Electoral Act is explicit on the emergence of national officers of a political party.

    The section reads: “A registered political party shall give the Commission at least 21 days notice of any convention, congress, conference or meeting convened for the purpose of electing members of its executive committees, other governing bodies or nominating candidates for any of the elective offices specified under this Act

    “ The Commission may, with or without prior notice to the political party monitor and attend any convention, congress, conference or meeting which is convened by a political party for the purpose of –

    (a)electing members of its executive committees or other governing bodies;

    (b)nominating candidates for an election at any level; and

    (c) approving a merger with any other registered political party.

    “The election of members of the executive committee or other governing body of a political party, including the election to fill a vacant position in any of these bodies, shall be conducted in a democratic manner and allowing for all members of the party or duly elected delegates to vote in support of a candidate of their choice.

    “Notice of any congress, conference or meeting for the purpose of nominating candidates for Area Council elections shall be given to the Commission at least 21 days before such congress, conference or meeting.”

    A member of the NWC of the PDP, who spoke with our correspondent, said: “Why are you interested in only our party. Why are you not writing about All Progressives Congress (APC) which has been having Interim National Executive Committee in the last eight months?

    “Do you expect us to be without a National Chairman? It is explicit in our constitution that the National Executive Committee (NEC) shall act on behalf of National Convention. That is exactly what the NEC did in choosing Muazu.

    “Of course, the National Convention may ratify NEC’s decision later whenever it holds its session. The issue at stake may just be procedural, no fuss about it.”

    Metuh, said: “We complied with the relevant provisions in the 1999 Constitution and PDP Constitution in appointing our National Chairman.

    “The PDP National Chairman emerged through due process of law and all the organs of the party endorsed him. There was no infraction.”

  • E don beg me

    E don beg me” or more appropriately, “I don beg am” or better still, “We don beg dem”, appears the grand strategy of Adamu Mu’azu, new national chairman of the embattled Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    “E don beg me” was inimitable Fela, the late Afro Beat king — one of his many indelible contributions to the running tragi-comedies of Nigerian politics and governance.

    The military had gaoled Fela for alleged currency offences. The fiery singer had maintained his innocence but was serving his term.

    But all that changed when Fela met Justice Okoro Idogu, the trial judge, in a hospital ward. Justice Idogu said the meeting was accidental. Fela countered it was deliberate: by the gaoler to “beg” the gaoled, for a rigged sentence.

    “E don beg me” had entered Nigeria’s popular lexicon!

    To Fela and his dismissive crowd, begging was laconic and sardonic humour. But to Alhaji Mu’azu, the man with the mission to save PDP from self-ruin, begging is serious business.

    That was why, it appears, the former Bauchi governor trumpeted it loud and clear, his first declaration as PDP national chairman: he begged all the defected PDP governors to come back. Tukur was gone. The problem was ended. The house is warm, friendly and inviting. The umbrella remains wide and solid!

    After that declaration, Alhaji Mu’azu has begun a begging sortie, with his first call at Abeokuta, where he privately, had gone to beg former President Olusegun Obasanjo; he, of the famous hyena laugh, the very angry godfather at a very naughty godson.

    Now, what might Mu’azu have told Obasanjo? That his presidential godson had turned a new leaf, renounced his right to run for second term because Baba, who savoured but did not get a third term, said so? Or that the now penitent godson had decided to sacrifice Buruji Kashamu, the way he sacrificed old man, Bamanga Tukur?

    Unfortunately, it was secret “begging”, so Baba’s reaction was not public. But for all you know, Baba, with his hyena laugh, could still dey laugh ooooo!

    But the duo of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso are not at all impressed; so, they are not in laughing mood.

    Alhaji Atiku declared flat: Mu’azu labours in vain. The stallion has escaped, so it is amusing folly securing the stable doors! Atiku should know: Baba could be so sardonically vengeful it would take more than begging — public or private — to placate him.

    Kwankwaso was no less dismissive. To him, PDP is a shell; or more appropriately, a mansion which pillars have crumbled. It is only a matter of time before the edifice comes crashing down. And from him, this golden advice: scram before you are buried under its rubble — and that includes the good, begging Mu’azu!

    But both Atiku and Kwankwaso could well suffer from sour grape complex. For all you know, the aggrieved — including the baleful Baba — could emerge and, like Fela, declare: E don beg me.

    PDP family, all is forgiven and forgotten.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Akpabio backs Jonathan for 2015

    Akpabio backs Jonathan for 2015

    •PDP ‘ll poach from APC, says Mu’azu

    Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio yesterday pledged his support for President Goodluck Jonathan’s 2015 re-election bid.

    He urged him to declare his intention to run.

    With the call, Akpabio, regarded in the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) circle as one of the President’s die hard supporters, appeared to have belled the cat on Jonathan’s re-election bid.

    His call is coming on the heels of a resolve by the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, to poach prominent members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to counter the defections from the ruling party.

    The Akwa Ibom governor promised to deliver to the President all the delegate votes from his state, as he did during the party’s 2011 presidential nominations.

    “We did it in 2011 and I assure Mr. President that Akwa Ibom will do it again. We were the first set in 2010 to announce our support for him to go for his first tenure in 2011.

    “We did that and other states followed. We are again the first state to urge Mr. President to go back for a second term.

    “We are a monolithic group in Akwa Ibom, although you may have one or two people who want to test the political waters here and there”, he added.

    Although the President is yet to openly declare his interest in the race, his body language over time, has continued to reinforce the general belief and suspicion among party chieftains that he might be scheming for the 2015 presidential ticket of his party.

    The sustained scheming by the President’s close aides and loyalists ahead of the 2015 poll was one of the factors, which sparked the lingering crisis in the party.

    It has led to defections, with five governors and a number of federal lawmakers elected on the platform of the PDP crossing to the APC last November.

    The governors are Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers); Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano); Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto); Murtala Nyako (Adamawa); and Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara).

    Thirty-seven members of the PDP in the House of Representatives in December also defected to the APC.

    No fewer than 17 senators of the ruling party are also waiting to join APC.

    But Akpabio, who led a delegation of the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the PDP to the party’s national secretariat, said the defections were no longer relevant in the emerging calculations.

    According to him, most of the defected governors are on the last lap of their second and final tenure, stressing they would all vacate their seats at the expiration of their tenure next year.

    Said he: “Most of us are outgoing governors. So whether the five governors, who defected to the APC come back or not, we must leave and others must take our places.

    “I think we should concentrate more on those ones who will take over from those governors and ensure that those states remain with PDP.

    “Elections are not done in offices, neither do we do elections in the Presidential Villa. So, those who have access to the Villa and who have access to the offices at the PDP secretariat are not necessarily those who will get the votes that will put PDP in power in 2015.

    “I owe nobody any apology over my loyalty to President Jonathan. One thing I know about party politics is loyalty. You cannot be disloyal to the leadership of the party and the system and then expect to come through the window to take power. It is impossible and this is what the National Working Committee (NWC) must help us to work against.

    “I am very loyal to the leader of the party at the national level, Mr. President and you can all attest to it. I don’t make pretences about it. So I will expect the same loyalty to be extended to me at the state level.

    “Whoever wants to stay in Abuja and jump through the office of the NWC to take power in Akwa Ibom, I say it is impossible”.

    Giving reasons for his support for Jonathan’s re-election project, Akpabio said he believed in the President’s transformation agenda, particularly in the areas of power, agriculture and other sectors.

    Mu’azu, however, expressed the party’s desire to woo back the governors and federal lawmakers, who defected to the APC.

    According to him, plans are afoot for a meeting of major stakeholders with a view to addressing Nigerians on what the PDP stands for.

    Mu’azu also hinted of plans to review the party’s manifesto to keep abreast of dynamics in contemporary party politics, stressing that the need to reposition the party ahead of the 2015 elections has become imperative.

     

    The PDP chairman challenged the opposition APC to what could be described as the poaching game, vowing to ensure that the ruling party beat APC.

    Mu’azu said: “The opposition politicians are master poachers, but we will soon show them that we are better at the game, because we are going to beat them.

    “If that is their game, then we are going to learn it because they are going to teach us how to poach.

     

    Apparently pained by the warm embrace given the PDP defectors by the APC, Mu’azu said: “When two members of your family fight, you should reconcile them and not pitch one against the other”.

    Among members of the Akwa Ibom delegation were two serving senators, some members of the House of Representatives, a ministerial nominee and several party chieftains from the state.

  • Mu’azu and challenge of reconciliation in PDP

    Mu’azu and challenge of reconciliation in PDP

    Reconciliation of various groups within the troubled Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is a major challenge for the new helmsman, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, to contend with. Assistant Editor LEKE SALAUDEEN examines the crises and its implications on the party’s cohesion ahead of the 2015 elections.

    The new National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, has promised to reconcile various factions within the party. From its inception, the ruling party has been grappling with crises. Chieftains have often fuelled the tension in the polity through internal wranglings, which the party leadership has always failed to resolve, owing to the absence of a strategic crisis resolution mechanism and what observers describe as defective reconciliation.

    The crises are largely due to its size , lack of internal democracy and poor management by the party’s leadership. In the last one year, the crises have soared geometrically, resulting in the exit of some of its foundation and influential members.

    Analysts believe that the intractable crises are fuelled by the ambitions of the party leaders, who consider themselves as tin gods whose decisions must not be challenged.

    The party has in the last 15 years set up various panels to resolve crises among members and save the party from total disintegration. But rather than achieve reconciliation and cohesion, the party has sunk deeper into trouble.

    Unless the multiple crises are resolved, Analysts are of the view that the efforts of the chairman to rebuild and unite the dissenting groups within the party would fail, unless the crises are resolved.

     

    Jonathan versus Obasanjo

     

    The crisis between the former President olusegun Obasanjo and the incumbent President Jonathan climaxed with the 18-page letter in which Obasanjo alleged Jonathan of training snippers, placing 1,000 politicians on watch list and anti-party activities among others. Though Jonathan has denied most of the allegations but the content of the Obasanjo’s letter is still causing ripples within the party. The President has sent the letter to the National Human Rights Commission to investigate the allegations. The diatribe launched by Obasanjo has earned him series of attacks in the media by the President’s aides and kinsmen . Irked by the reactions Obasanjo wrote the former Chairman of the PDP , Alhaji BamangaTukur, informing him of his decision to withdraw from party activities until further notice. The implication of Obasanjo’s decision to step aside is that he may not take part in the campaign programmes of the party for general elections holding early next year. Observers say given Obasanjo’s status, his involvement in the party’s preparation and his physical appearance at campaign rallies would boost the party’s electoral fortunes in 2015 polls.

     

    Jonathan & G5

     

    Former five governors of the PDP have defected to All Progressives Congress (APC). They are Governors Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano) and AbdulFattah Ahmed (Kwara). Their defection was premised on what they desribed as high handedness, lack of internal democracy and transparency in the management of party affairs. Despite the removal of Tukur as party chairman , the governors have vowed not to return to PDP. Can the new Chairman bring them back to PDP?

     

    PDP versus Oyinlola & others

     

    The sack of the PDP national officers loyal to Obasanjo triggered the crisis between him and President Jonathan.The affected officers sent packing by court order are the National Secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Vice Chairman, Southwest zone, Mr Segun Oni, National Auditor, Bode Mustapha and former Southwest Zonal Financial Secretary, Chief Ireti Oniyide. Oyinlola appealed against the ruling of the Federal High Court. The Appeal Court in its ruling declared Oyinlola as the authentic national secretary and ordered his immediate reinstatement. The Ogun State chapter that challenged the appointment of Oyinlola at the lower court has filed an appeal at the Supreme Court. Thus, Oyinlola had been prevented from resuming work as directed by the Appelate court. Would Muazu allow the rule of law to prevail by abiding with the court ruling and allow Oyinlola back to office?

    Oni and Oniyide have filed suits at Ado Ekiti High Court challenging their removal from office. The case is still pending. Both Oyinlola and Oni were former governors of Osun and Ekiti States respectively. PDP stands to lose their electoral values in these states if reconciliation fails.

    There is no geo-political zone where the PDP is crisis-free.

    The Southwest zone of the PDP is at a crossroads. The reconciliation embarked upon by the former Caretaker Committee led by Chief Ishola Filani has failed to restore peace and trust. The Southwest zonal congress has not been held because of the leadership tussle and selfish interest of the leaders. The existence of caretaker committee, instead of a democratically elected zonal leadership is a proof that the zonal chapter is in crisis.

    The bitter struggle for the control of the party soul is also fierce among the party chieftains in the South-south and Southeast. Unresolved party matters including the politics of exclusion, winners take all and emasculation of opponents in intra-party squabbles have bothered the founding fathers in the zone. Many party elders blame the scenario on the weakness of the national party leadership and the inability of the President to restore order into a state of unrest.

    In the Northeast, local crises in Taraba, Bauchi, Borno and Gombe states fuelled by the competition for the control of the branches by party chieftains have polarized the party.

     

    Ogun

     

    In Ogun State PDP is divided alongside many factions. There is a faction loyal to former President Obasanjo. The Buruji Kasamu group is in control of the party machinery in the state. The recommendation of the reconciliation committee set up by the national secretariat of the party that the state executive be sharedbetween the two groups was rejected by the Kashamu group. The Obasanjo faction has lost out completely in the struggle for the soul of the party. Chief Bode Mustapha, a loyalist of Obasanjo lost his position as the National Auditor to the struggle.

     

    Ekiti

     

    The party is balkanized into splinter groups loyal to various chieftains including the former governors Segun Oni, Mr Ayo Fayose , the Minister of Police Affairs, Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade (rtd) and Chief Makanjuola Ogundipe, who is the party chairman in the state.The crisis escalated during the preparation for the congress. Fayose succeeded in installing the majority of the executive committee members. A parallel executive supported by the camps opposed to him challenged Ogundipe to a duel.But when he fully gained control, crisis broke out between Ogundipe and his benefactor, Fayose.

    For Segun Oni, since he was removed from the National Executive as the National Vice Chairman and Southwest leader, the former governor has remained cold. His supporters have been bitter against some party leaders from the state, who claimed that the zonal congress that produced him as National Vice Chairman (Southwest) in Oshogbo, Osun State, violated the laid down rules. However, the main issue in Ekiti PDP now is the governorship election holding this year. A section of the party is rooting for a consensus candidate but others are insisting on party primaries. The opposing groups have clashed many times on this unresolved issue. Many sustained injuries.

     

    Ondo

     

    The party chieftains are bitter that they have been abandoned since 2008 when late Olusegun Agagu was removed from office as governor by the Appeal Court. To survive, some of them leaned to the Labour Party (LP) . Thus, during the 2012 governorship election, they worked against the PDP candidate, Chief Olusola Oke who lost to Olusegun Mimiko of the LP. The decision to disown Oke led to the factionalisation of the party in the state. Despite the complaints lodged by Oke, the national headquarters did nothing to whip the pro-Mimiko’s supporters in the PDP to line.

     

    Benue

     

    In Benue State, Governor Gabriel Suswan and Senator Bernabas Gemade are embroiled in war of attrition over their senatorial ambitions. The party has broken into factions at the local government level ahead of 2015 general elections. The local government congresses held last year were marred with violence instigated by different factions within the party.Governor Suswan has declared interest in taking over the senatorial seat currently occupied by Senator Bernabas Gemade. While Gemade is rooting for second term.

     

    Osun

     

    Prince Oyinlola believed certain PDP stalwarts were behind his removal as national secretary of the party. The strained relationship between him and Chief Iyiola Omisore is obvious.In Oyinlola’s view, the decision to replace him with Prof Wale Ladipo was made in bad faith at a time he was still in court to reclaim the seat. Besides, the governorship election holding this year has led to a division within the party. Apart from Omisore’s camp, there are groups loyal to Senator Olasunkanmi Akinlabi, Hon Wole Oke, Chief Fatai Akinbade and Niyi Owolade.

     

    Lagos

     

    All is not well with the Lagos chapter. It has recorded the highest turn-over of chairmen. From the pioneer chairman Chief Olorunfemi Bashorun to Alhaji Murtala Asorobi, Chief Alaba Williams, Bayo Adebayo, Hon Setonji Koshoedo and Captain Tunji Shelle, the party has never known peace. Many party chieftains believe that the problem of the party has to do with the leadership style of Chief Bode George. Key party leaders are up in arms with the retired Navy Commodore. They have accused him of imposition of governorship candidate in the 2011 election, preventing proper congresses from holding at the ward, local government and state levels. The relationship between George’s supporters and other caucuses led by Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Dr Yomi Finnih and Chief Rafiu Jafojo is frosty.

     

    Failed reconciliation attempts

    Late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua on assumption of office in 2007, constituted an 11-member National Reconciliation Committee headed by the Second Republic Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme, to bring back the aggrieved members who dumped the party over the imposition of party’s presidential candidate for the general elections. The partial implementation of the committee’s report led to the return of former Vice President Atiku and few others but Chief Audu Ogbeh and Senator George Akume among others refused to return to the party.

    Alhaji Tukur in March 2012 set up an eight-member committee headed by Chief Graham Douglas to reconcile the feuding members in Kano State. In spite of the committee’s effort, the PDP remained factionalised until late last year when Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso defected to APC.

    Similarly, Tukur mandated a committee led by Alhaji Shuaib Oyedokun to settle the rift among the members in Benue State. The report of the committee notwithstanding, the crisis in Benue still persists.

    The Sule Lamido committee failed to reconcile the Governor Murtala Nyako and Tukur factions in Adamawa. The Ishola Filani panel did not succeed in uniting aggrieved party members in the Southwest. Also, the Ibrahim Shema committee set up by the PDP Governors Forum could not assuage the loyalists of former President Obasanjo following their exit from the National Executive Committee (NEC).

    The 30-member committee headed by Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa state mandated by the party to harmonise interests and achieve genuine reconciliation was doomed from start. Aggrieved party members insisted that Dickson, a protege of President Jonathan, was a wrong person to be a member of the committee let a lone being the chairman.

    Analysts say reconciliation demands an impartial and neutral arbiter that would provide confidence and truce to the two contending sides, that will make it possible for both sides to sit down on the table and address their differences.

     

  • Mu’azu’s exit may slow down PenCom

    Mu’azu’s exit may slow down PenCom

    here are uncertainties over the direction of the National Pension Commission (PenCom) following the withdrawal of its newly appointed Chairman Adamu Mua’zu by President Goodluck Jonathan to head the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The Senate had in December confirmed the appointment of the former Governor of Bauchi State as chairman of the Commission and Acting Director-General (DG), PenCom, Chinelo Anohu-Amazu (Southeast).

    Other commissioners also appointed were Omotowa Gilbert (Northcentral); Mohammed Abubakar (Northwest) and Adesojo Olaoba-Efuntayo (Southwest).

    Expectations were high that events will pick up this year following the appointment of Mu’azu and the commissioners .

    The Nation investigation revealed that the newly appointed commissioners were getting set for their inauguration this week before the announcement of Mu’azu as PDP Chairman.

    The commissioners were also to unveil their work plan for the year after their inauguration.

    Another shocker in the Commission stable is the speculation that President Jonathan has okayed the appointment of Mrs. Nellie Mayshak from the Southsouth geo-political zone as the chief executive of the commission. This would bring to an end the protest that followed the appointment of Mrs Anohu-Amazu as a substantive DG of PENCOM. Mrs. Anohu-Amazu still has some years to notch-up before she could assume the headship of PenCom.

    The delay in the appoint a substantive chief executive for PenCom following the expiration of the tenure of the pioneer DG of the commission, Mr. Ahmad Muhammed in December 2012, has also stalled the implementation of many of PenCom’s programme, as there has not being a board in place.

    The young pension industry, which boosts of over N3.7 trillion pension contributions has witnessed a lull. The pending Pension Bill at the National Assembly is also making it difficult for the commission to function properly.

    Officials of the commission who spoke with The Nation on condition of anonymity, who were in high hopes that activities would fully kick off as at Monday morning were, however, jolted by the news before noon.

    One official said: “The commissioners will be inaugurated before Friday and they are ready with their work plan which they will disclose after their inauguration.

    “We are expectant that activities will pick up soon once they disclose their work plan.” This is not to be again.

  • Challenges before Mu’azu

    Challenges before Mu’azu

    Former Bauchi State Governor Adamu Mu’azu has replaced Alhaji Bamanga Tukur as the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Assistant Editor LEKE SALAUDEEN examines the challenges that will confront the new helmsman.

    Many challenges will confront the new Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu.

    The politician was the governor of Bauchi State from 1999 to 2007. At that time, President Goodluck Jonathan was the deputy governor, and later, governor of Bayelsa State.

    Mu’azu was popular among his people because of his laudable achievements. But, his popularity rating dropped towards the end of his second term. During the senatorial election, he was defeated by Senator Bala Mohammed, the candidate of the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP), who is now the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Some PDP big wigs jostled for the chairmanship. But, Mu’azu was lucky enough to clinch the office. Analysts opined that Mu’azu is reaping the fruits of his good relations with President Jonathan. He is a dependable ally of the Commander-in-Chief.

    During the political turmoil in Bayelsa State that led to the impeachment of former Governor Dieprieye Alamesheigha, Mu’azu had endeared himself to Dr. Jonathan. While the members of the House of Assembly stood their ground against President Obasanjo’s directive that they should initiate impeachment proceedings against Alamesheigha, there was confusion in the state. Dr. Jonathan, the deputy governor, was in a dilemma. He wanted to maintain his loyalty to his boss. He did not want the public to perceive him as an ambitious person. Jonathan was under pressures from the lawmakers and the Presidency. So, he had to play safe.

    When Bayelsa State became too hot for Dr. Jonathan, he temporarily relocated to Bauchi. Mu’azu was his host. He did not leave the state, until normalcy returned to Bayelsa State. That followed the impeachment of Alameyeseigha. Thus, it was pay time for Mu’azu. Sources said that the President recalled that difficult time when he sought refuge under Mu’azu. They also point out that the former Bauchi State governor is a key supporter of his second term ambition. Therefore, the President believes that he will be loyal like his predecessor, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.

    President Jonathan had encouraged Mu’azu to return home from exile in 2010. In July, 2008, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had accused him of mismanaging N19.8 billion when he was the governor. He was asked to report to the commission’s headquarters for questioning. Before the expiration of the EFCC’s deadline, Mu’azu fled the country. He relocated to Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. It was widely speculated that top government functionaries facilitated his return to the country.

    The safe landing offered to him by the government encouraged him to challenge the report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by Governor Isa Yuguda to investigate the management of funds in ministries and parastatals during his administration in court. In its report, the commission indicted Mu’azu for embezzling N2 billion. Consequently, Bauchi State government, in its white paper, banned Mu’azu from holding public office for 10 years.

    After protracted adjournments, the Bauchi State High Court presided over by Chief Justice Mohammed Ibrahim Zango cleared Mu’azu ofthe allegation. The court ruled that the white paper cannot stand. The judge further declared that all forms of indictment in the panel’s recommendations and government’s position were null and void.

    The judgment was a big relief to Mu’azu. Sources said that he later reconciled with the governor, Isa Yuguda. Both became allies of the President.

    Analysts beleive that the defeat suffered by Muazu at the senatorial poll in 2007 could be attributed to the feud between him and Yuguda. The friction came into open when the PDP denied Yuguda the governorship. The duo parted ways and Yuguda decided to contest the governorship election on the platform of the ANPP. He defeated the PDP candidate and the former Secretary to the Government, Umar Nadada, who was sponsored by Muazu.

    Now that Mu’azu has assumed the leadership of the PDP, would he take over the party structure in his home state as his predecessor, Bamanga Tukur, did in Adamawa State? Will he concentrate on his job in Abuja without interfering in the state chapters?

    Public Affairs analyst Bernard Briggs is of the view that Muazu would fight back and use his new position to take over the party machinery in Bauchi State. He said that, unless the differences between the duo are resolved amicably, Bauchi may become the new battle ground between the chairman and the governor.

    Briggs said that Yuguda, who is serving his last term in office, will be interested in who succeeds him. “He will do all that is possible to ensure that someone he can trust occupies the seat in 2015 because he would try to avoid the experience of his predecessor. For Mu’azu, he will want to prove to be a leader with a home base. As the national leader of the party, he’s in a position to influence the choice of the PDP governorship candidates in many states, including his home state”, he explained.

    The crisis rocking the party, which culminated in the defection of PDP of five governors to the All Progressive Congress (APC), has not abated, in spite of Tukur’s. There are puzzles: how will the new chairman restore confidence in the party? Can he do away with arbitrariness, disrespect for the party’s constitution and the rule of law that have become the hallmark of the PDP?

    Will Mu’azu be able to tame powerful forces that would encourage the ‘business as usual’ mentality? Can Mu’azu withstand the evil plots of those who are bent on hijacking the party structure, ahead of the 2015 general elections? Would he be able to assert himself as the chairman, and not as an appendage of the Presidency, in view of the close ties between him and Dr Jonathan?

    Muazu has come as a leader at a time his region is pushing for power shift. Will he go against the wish of the North or support the President for a second term?

    The new chairman is expected to reach out to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who is still perceived as a factor in the Southwest. How he will also manage the crisis triggered by the suspension of the National Secretary, Gen. Olagunsoye Oyinlola, is another challenge. The court has ruled that the former Osun State governor is the authentic National Secretary.

    A chieftain of the PDP, Chief Ishola Filani, described Muazu as the best replacement for Tukur. The former PDP leader in the Southwest zone told our correspondent that Muazu would be an asset to the party.

    Filani said: “I know him as a very brilliant person. Under him as two-term governor, Bauchi State witnessed rapid development. With his background and antecedent, the new chairman would move the party forward. With his experience, he’s going to be an asset to the party. As an elite from the North, he should be able to understand the politics of the North and use his experience to the advantage of the PDP.

    “He would mend fences. He has promised to do a lot to improve the fortunes of the party. Everything is working for him. He will reposition the party and come up with solutions to the problems facing the party.

    “The party leadership knew his worth before he was picked for the job. If he has not been so adjudged, he would not have been appointed. We will keep praying for him so that he would accomplish his set objectives.”

    Ogun State PDP Chairman Chief Bayo Dayo was optimistic that Mu’azu would restore peace and take the party to a higher level. He described Mu’azu as a gentle man, tested leader and a silent achiever, adding that the new chairman would make a difference. “With the support of the President and members of the National Working Committee (NWC), stability would be restored in the PDP very soon”, he added.

    But, a political scientist, Malam Yusuf Zayyad, urged the PDP chieftains not to delude themselves into believing that the problems of the PDP will end with the exit of Tukur. cautioned the PDP against believing that with the removal of Tukur the problems of the party are over. He emphasised that the problem of the party is beyond the former chairman. “He is not responsible for the culture of impunity that the party is known for,” he added.

    Zayyard said that the ruling party should to purge itself of disrespect for the rule of law and allow internal democracy to reign. He reminded Mu’azu that the exalted office is full of banana peel, adding that none of his predecessors had come out of the office without stain. The political scientist advised him to tread softly because, according to him, the mischief makers are still around.

    Zayyard submitted that the protrated crisis in the PDP cannot be resolved in a twinkle of an eye. He said the crisis may assume a new dimension when the stage is set for the nomination of candidates for the 2015 general elections.

    However, Zayyard said that the leadership qualities of Mu’azu will soon be put to test. The first challenge, he pointed out, is that of reconciling the aggrieved party chieftains, who are spoiling for war.

    Besides, he is expected to carry along his rivals during the recent chairmanship contest. Will he extend the olive branch to them or adopt the attitude of winners-take-all?

    “If he relates with them positively, those who lost out would put the contest behind them and they would be willing to join hands to make his tenure a success. But, if he treats them as inconsequential elements, that will mark the beginning of his problem”, he added.

     

  • Mu’azu takes over as PDP chairman

    Mu’azu takes over as PDP chairman

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman Adamu Mu’azu began his job on a comical note yesterday. He described the party’s debilitating crisis as a “storm in a tea cup”.

    In his acceptance speech shortly after he was unveiled as the new party chair, Muazu said with his selection, the PDP had proven to the world that it had discovered an instant cure for what looked like a terminal disease afflicting the party.

    In another breath, however, Mu’azu admitted that all is not well with the ruling party, adding that any political party of the size of the PDP is bound to face challenges from time to time.

    Said he: “I have helplessly watched the dwindling fortunes of our party from 2003 to date. From controlling a record 28 states in 1999 to 23 states currently.

    “This situation is unacceptable and must change. I do not claim to have the monopoly of wisdom to turn around the dwindling fortunes of the PDP. The party will regain its lost glory in record time and remain the toast of the Nigerian people once again.

    “In this connection, in the coming weeks and months, we will engage in sweeping reforms in the administration of the party to bring it in tandem with global best practices.

    “We will do everything possible to ensure the supremacy of the party under my chairmanship. In this connection, I will plead and appeal to the executive governors who have tremendous roles to play to join hands with me in ensuring the actualisation of the supremacy of the party.

    “The supremacy of the party will guarantee internal party discipline, credibility and electoral victories. We, therefore, cannot compromise on these.”

    Mu’azu’s emergence followed a motion moved by Bauchi State Governor, Isa Yuguda. Yuguda succeeded Mu’azu as governor in 2007, after his two-term tenure of eight years.

    The motion was seconded by Senate Majority Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba, consequent upon which the meeting unanimously approved Mu’azu’s selection.

    Yuguda, who, however, admitted that there was indeed friction between him and Mu’azu, said they had since resolved their differences, being friends from childhood.

    He described Muazu as a “very intelligent, healthy and strong young man” who has what it takes to reposition the party and resolve its lingering crisis.

    “We know what is between us. I want to assure everyone here that Muazu is my friend and brother,” Yuguda said.

    Former presidential Adviser on National Assembly Senator Mohammed Abba Aji, who contested the position with Muazu, was the first to congratulate the chair.

    President Goodluck Jonathan praised the PDP NEC members and leaders for the maturity exhibited in resolving the party’s leadership crisis.

    He described all the contestants for the chairmanship as eminently qualified for the job, but that “Muazu had additional unique attributes that stood him out”

    Jonathan said to Muazu: “You are the best that will handle PDP for now. You are someone that will build bridges and not just be fighting.”

    He urged the chairman to ensure he worked in harmony with all stakeholders.

    The NEC meeting witnessed the largest turnout of PDP party chieftains in recent times.

    At the meeting were the leadership of the National Assembly, governors elected on the platform of the PDP, former governors, past party chairmen, BoT members, among others.

  • Muazu… Journey from exile to ‘power’

    Muazu… Journey from exile to ‘power’

    Unknown to many, yesterday’s choice of ex-Governor Adamu Mu’azu of Bauchi State as the new National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) came with many milestones. He is the third former governor to occupy the seat. Besides, the appointment marked the final phase of the return of Mu’azu from exile to power. It is also a major redemption for Mu’azu, who became a political outcast in his state at a particular period.

    Shortly after the defeat of PDP in 2007 by the incumbent Governor of Bauchi State, Isa Yuguda, on the platform of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party(ANPP), the political terrain was too hot for Mu’azu who had to go on a ‘self-imposed’ exile. He was living a make-shift life and shuttling between the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates(Dubai) because the ballot/ mass revolt in Bauchi which brought Yuguda to power was a urricane which neither the PDP nor the influential Mu’azu could curtail. He lost all to political challenges in his Bauchi domain; friends turned into foes; his achievements were downplayed or rubbished; and he remained loyal only to himself.

    For three years, Mu’azu hibernated abroad to watch political events from the sidelines. He did not return to Nigeria until September 28, 2010. Although his entry through Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport aboard a Lufthansa flight was not triumphal, Mu’azu was welcomed by some of his loyal friends and associates, including a former Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Adamu Maina Waziri; the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed; Governor Rabiu Kwankwanso; a member of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Kaulaha Aliyu, some Senators, members of the House of Representatives and members of the Bauchi House of Assembly.

    In the last three and a half years, he could not regain his political rhythm in Bauchi State because his arch-rival, Yuguda had defected to PDP too. To seal the hope of Mua’zu regaining his grip on PDP in Bauchi State, Yuguda, in a deft political move, married one of the daughters of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua. Yet, it was not an easy ride for Yuguda as the PDP split into many groups in Bauchi State. There were those loyal to ex-Minister of Defence Mahmood Yayale Ahmed; those backing Alhaji Garba Muhammad Noma, a businessman, with his supporters and a host of other party stalwarts all in the PDP; and those branded as ‘PDP Dubai’, who were (and are) still loyal to Mu’azu. It was in this cloudy atmosphere in Bauchi State that Mua’zu came back to Nigeria leaving the terrain slippery.

    Muazu’s comfort zone since his coming back was however the Presidential Villa where he could easily be located at dinner table with his friend, President Goodluck Jonathan, who was instrumental to his return from exile. No day is complete at the Villa without the presence of Muazu, who has become a member of the First Family. There had been a recurring issue in the Villa on how to rehabilitate Mua’zu.

     

    HOW DID HE BECOME PDP NATIONAL CHAIR

     

    For Mu’azu, who was inaugurated last week as the Chairman of the National Pension Commission(PENCOM), the National Chairman of PDP was the least on his mind because he had attempted to lead the party in 2012 Bamanga Tukur was anointed for the seat. He had decided to move forward to salvage what was left of his political leverage. Though touted and recommended by many, Mu’azu later became a forerunner in the race with 15 others, including his friends. The others were the Chairman of TETFUND, Musa Babayo; ex-Minister of Commerce, Idris Waziri; the incumbent Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar; a former National Chairman of NDP, Habu Fari; a former member of the House of Representatives, Mohammed Wakil; a former Minister of Defence, Shettima Mustapha; a former Nigeria’s Ambassador to the US, Dr. Hassan Adamu; a former National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Prof. Rufai Alkali; Ibrahim Bunu; a former Local Government Chairman in Yobe State,

    Hassan Kafayus and a former Minister of State for Health, Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong.

    Five reasons accounted for the choice of Mu’azu as National Chairman. According to sources, the personal confidence which Jonathan has in Mua’zu appeared to be the last joker which made the PDP governors to change their minds to zone the office to either Borno or Yobe states. It was gathered that the President had been claiming that Mua’zu did him a ‘favour’ which he would never forget. Jonathan, who has refused to disclose the gesture to anyone, was said to have kept his game plan to his chest until Sunday night at the Presidential Villa. A source said: “The President has been saying that Mua’zu is trustworthy, reliable and a man who keeps faith with his words. We do not know what Mua’zu did to earn his confidence. I think while as governors, their path crossed on a matter and the support from Mua’zu dazed Jonathan. ” It was however gathered that the President believes that a known friend is better than the unknown.

    A member of the National Working Committee of the PDP attributed the emergence of Mua’zu to his ‘sterling qualities.’ He said: “Mua’zu is a bridge-builder, a leader who relates with Jonathan, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, ex-Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, the aggrieved governors, the incumbent governors, and other stakeholders. Despite the fact that he was persecuted, he harbours no grudge against Governor Isa Yuguda. One unique thing about him is his reconciliatory spirit. We need this kind of spirit now to survive as a party.”

    It was also learnt that Mua’zu’s pedigree as a former governor would enable him to relate with all the organs of the party and earn their confidence on party matters. A PDP leader said: “He is leading the party with a rich experience of being a former member of NEC, National Caucus, BOT, and a man who knows the politics of the National Working Committee in and out.”

    Fourthly, investigation revealed that the PDP had problem with some of its chairmen in the past because they came in as spent forces or hungry men. Mua’zu was said to have a’contentment’ credential which would not make him to run after money or be a slave to monetary baits or gifts from the power brokers in the party.

     

    The task of

    redeeming PDP

     

    Having been conversant with the politics of PDP since 1999, the party leaders have set some targets for PDP including bringing back Obasanjo to the party, negotiating with aggrieved governors, winning the North-East for PDP, and creating a sense of belonging for the founding fathers and the young elements. Another source in PDP said: “Mua’zu is a loyalist of Obasanjo who can resolve the misunderstanding between the former President and President Jonathan.”

    THE CHALLENGES AHEAD

    In a January 9, 2013 to the President, the G-84 members in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) foresaw the exit of Tukur by declaring that party was stinking. The G-84 comprises some members of the National Working Committee (NWC), 24 ex-officio, 37 state chairmen of PDP and some former leaders of the party. The letter summarizes the challenges before Mua’zu. They highlighted the problems with PDP as follows:

    • breach of PDP constitution by not holding National Executive Committee(NEC) meeting

    •wrongful and consistent misinterpretation of PDP constitution.

    •Lack of democratic culture in the party

    •Arbitrary suspension of governors and members

    •management of the party in a cultish nature

    •exclusion of elected party officers by NWC from decision-making process

    •Wasting of party resources on personal events, functions, and chartering of aircraft

    •Fixing of wages and allowances by NWC members to the detriment of other elected officers

    •Arbitrary sharing of honourarium both in cash and kind.

    •Holding party /NWC meetings at personal residence instead of PDP Secretariat

    •Running a parallel NWC to take decisions on critical party matters with only his aides

    A source said: “We are unhappy with consistent misinterpretation of PDP constitution. The suspension of some governors, the sack of the National Secretary of the party, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and some national officers of the party like the National Vice-Chairman, North-East, Senator Girigiri Lawal by the NWC was done in line with Article 29 Section 2(b) but without adequate reference to Article 57. The NWC has been arrogating to itself the power it does not have.

    “At least due process was not followed in exercising disciplinary action against some of our leaders. It means the NWC can wake up one day to suspend either the President or Vice-President. This same attitude made the NWC to revolt against Tukur on January 11, 2013 and early 2014.

    “We also noticed consistent breach of party’s constitution by not holding NEC meeting. Article 31, Section 4 of the party’s constitution says that ‘NEC shall meet at least once per quarter.’ The last NEC meeting was forced on Tukur.

    “These breaches and grievances accounted for the delay in convening NEC meeting because members are angry. People talk of Tukur being afraid of the PDP governors as the main reason for not summoning NEC.”

     

    THE MORAL BURDEN ON JONATHAN, MU’AZU

     

    Barely a few hours after his anointing, there were issues around the choice of Mu’azu bordering on his tenure as the governor of Bauchi State, alleged indictment by the Bauchi State Government and ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). A quiet and unassuming person, Mua’zu is running into storm early in the day with his moral pedigree like some of his predecessors. He has come into office with allegations of corruption which he needs to clarify for a smooth sail. The earlier Mua’zu comes clean, the better because the PDP has a culture of waiting for a slip from any incumbent chairman before raking up ‘dirty’ issues.

    Governor Isa Yuguda had raised a seven-man panel of inquiry, headed by, Justice Bitrus Sanga, to probe Mua’zu’s tenure. The commission claimed that over N20.4 billion was misappropriated during the eight-year administration of Mu’azu and recommended that the amount be recovered from individuals and groups found to have been responsible. There is no record that the new National Chairman had either refunded any money or be prosecuted.

    A source said: “The probe of Mua’zu by Yuguda was politically motivated; it was a consequence of Yuguda’s botched plans to secure the governorship ticket of the PDP in Bauchi State in 2007. Mua’zu had backed a former Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Muhammad Nadada Umar.

    “There were allegations that Mua’zu was instrumental to the exit of Yuguda from the PDP having drawn a former National Chairman of the party, Senator Ahmadu Ali, to his side to nail the ambition of Yuguda in PDP.

    “Having won through a revolutionary process, Yuguda decided to bare his fangs to teach Mua’azu a great lesson.So, the probe commission was a product of vendetta. This is why nothing has come out of it.”

    On its part, the EFCC had summoned Mu’azu, over alleged mismanagement of public funds amounting to about N19.8billion. Mua’zu was summoned by the EFCC on June 24, 2008 through a letter, CR: 3000/EFCC/ABJ/ASO/TM5/VOL.5/596.

    Although the letter asked the ex-governor to report on or before July 3, 2008, he later relocated abroad on self-exile. But the anti-graft commission quizzed some former officials of Bauchi State Government including a former Commissioner for Finance, Alfa Ahmed; a former Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Mohammed Nadada Umar; ex-Accountant-General for the state, Alhaji Bappa Tilde and the present Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Garba Noma. The case is still in abeyance as at the time of writing this analysis. A source in EFCC said: “When we invited Mua’zu, he said he was away to the UK for his daughter graduation in one of the universities and he did not return till 2010. He attended a graduation ceremony for about two years.

    “Upon his return, when we were ready with charges against him, Mua’zu said he had heart-related problems and he needed to sort himself out medically to be able to stand trial.” Responding to a question, the source added: “We have never charged him to court for once.”

     

    THE TASKS

    BEFORE MUA’ZU

     

    In spite of jubilation in Bauchi State and in some parts of the North over the emergence of Mua’zu as the National Chairman of PDP, the tasks before him are arduous. Yet, he has time constraint because the nation is already in an election year. His first assignment is how to keep PDP in order and united. There is much pretence that all is well with PDP but the cracks are everywhere either within the NWC or NEC or in the National Assembly where the party is almost losing its majority to the opposition, the All Progressives Congress(APC).

    A week before his choice, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo had announced his withdrawal from all PDP activities. Mua’zu’s in-law, ex-Vice-President Atiku Abubakar is still contemplating whether or not to leave the PDP. Already five governors(Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano); Aliyu Wammako (Sokoto); Murtala Nyako (Adamawa); Abdulfatai Ahmed (Kwara) and Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers) have defected to the APC alongside more than 171 members of the House of Representatives. The leaders are awaiting the magic wand that Mua’zu would wield to win back the aggrieved members. It will require many sleepless nights.

     

    THE BANANA

    PEELS IN PDP.

     

    Virtually all the organs of the PDP have been hijacked by vested interest such that the party’s national chairman, if not strong enough, would be a mere stooge. The banana peels are the powerful governors of the party, the NWC, the BOT and the NEC. No one captures the challenges anyone leading PDP would face than the immediate past National Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, who admitted that he went through difficult times in office. He said “A mortal who would lead PDP must be fearless, consistent and focused. Personal ambition, crave for sudden wealth and unimaginable level of treachery usually got the full attention of such stakeholders than anything else.

    “I did my best to bring PDP to good standard and international best practices in politics. I came in with the mind-set to reform the party by promoting the principle of election instead of selection and the idea of consensus instead of imposition.

    “Alas, I was proved wrong by those who believed that the old order in PDP must be retained, not for any good thing, but for their selfish interests.

     

    2015 POLL AS A

    MAJOR TEST

     

    The fairness or otherwise of the coming primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party at the ward, local government area, state and national levels would make or mar whatever is left of the PDP. His successor, Tukur had planned to do away with automatic ticket syndrome and godfatherism but the cabals in the party would not allow merit. With an assumption that Mua’zu was made the National Chairman of PDP to make the second term of Jonathan a fait accompli, he needs to prove otherwise that he can be fair and just. For now, history beckons on Mua’zu to prove that he learnt a lot from exile in Dubai. Otherwise, his second chance might be consigned to the dustbin of history. Will he etch his name in gold?

  • PDP picks Mu’azu as chairman

    PDP picks Mu’azu as chairman

    The Peoples Democratic Party on Monday appointed former governor of Bauchi State, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu as its new National Chairman.

    The party’s National Executive Committee took the decision on Monday afternoon.

    Reports had earlier indicated that the former Bauchi governor had been adopted as the PDP national chairman.

    The decision to pick Mu’azu, according to reports, was reached at a meeting attended by President Goodluck Jonathan, party leaders and state governors in Abuja, which ended on Monday morning.

     

     

  • PDP Chairman: Jonathan, governors agree on Mu’azu

    PDP Chairman: Jonathan, governors agree on Mu’azu

    Former Bauchi State governor, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu has been adopted as the new Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    The decision was reached at the meeting by President Goodluck Jonathan, party leaders  and  state governors in Abuja which ended early Monday morning.

    It was learnt that the meeting agreed to zone the post to a PDP controlled state in the North East contrary to earlier decision that the Chairman could be from a state not governed by the party.

    Mu’azu’s election as new chairman of the party will be confirmed at the party’s National Executive Council meeting scheduled to hold today ( Monday ) , in Abuja.

    Details later