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Tag: ARG

  • How Fernadez supported pro-democracy activism underneath, by ARG

    The Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) yesterday revealed how the late billionaire, Amb. Deinde Fernandez, financed pro-democracy activities from behind the scene during Nigeria’s dark days.

    In a statement mourning the late diplomat, the group said the international businessman deliberately hid his philanthropic gestures from public glare.

    The statement signed by the group’s Director of Publicity, Mr. Kunle Famoriyo, reads:

    “ARG would like to put on record that not only did the late Fernandez have a legacy of philanthropic services rendered to a wide range of institutions across the world, he was a firm believer and promoter of Yoruba traditional institutions and religion, which he demonstrated in many unique ways. However, his philanthropy is off the public gaze, a deliberate decision of this wonderful and colorful man.

    “We must bring to the fore however, that the late Fernandez played critical, significant and enabling role during the emergence of the present democratic government that Nigeria enjoys. During the difficult days of the military era, many members of the business class and political elite distanced themselves from pro-democracy and socio-political activisms and refused all entreaties for support – overtly or covertly.”

    “However, the late Amb Fernandez played a behind-the-scene role; he deployed his resources, time and network to strengthen pro-democracy struggles in Nigeria. This astute philanthropist believed and supported the Yoruba political viewpoint and struggle as embodied in the Afenifere philosophy. This is a lesson that Yoruba business moguls can and should learn from the late ambassador.

    “Many Nigerians, especially youths, would not know of his contributions to a most enabling unit of the anti military struggle in Nigeria. It is therefore important, as living witnesses, to document this for posterity.

    “ARG therefore condole with his bereaved family and reinstate our resolve to continue to advocate for equity, justice in and the restructuring of Nigeria, causes that the late Fernandez amply supported.”

     

  • ARG: Postponement is untenable

    Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) has condemned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for postponing the February 14 and 28 elections. The group also said the reason given by the electoral body is untenable.

    The ARG said the postponement did not come as a surprise because events preceding the announcement lent credence to the fact that INEC was coerced into adopting the position.

    In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Kunle Famoriyo, the group maintained that Nigeria’s defence institutions have not convinced Nigerians that it can curb the Boko Haram Insurgency in six weeks. “ Nigeria’s defence and security institutions have not convinced Nigerians that they have the capacity to  curb the Boko Haram insurgency and it remains to be seen that the now possess new tactics and intelligence on how to curb it. Therefore, it is difficult to see how a six-year menace will disappear in six weeks.”

    Famoriyo also said it was clear INEC was working under an “ executive coercion” whose design and intent can only be to subjugate Nigeria’s premier democratic institution. “ Until the security chiefs are able to advance believable reasons and demonstrate renewed commitment to their constitutional duty, Nigerians will remain suspicious of a premeditated plan to subvert democratic process,” he said.

    The group decried  a situation where Nigerians are been made to sacrifice without commensurate sacrifice from the leadership cadre. “ If Nigerians are being asked to be patriotic enough to suffer the attendant cost of poll shift in order to fight insurgency, then is it not normal for an administration that has shown unprecedented lethargy in prosecuting was against insurgency to be equally patriotic enough to admit its failure and step aside?

    “To continue on the path of impunity and blatant abuse of the democratic right of Nigerians as the handlers of Nigeria state are doing is the foundation for injustice. Yoruba people loathe such insensitivity and will always reject such leadership.”

  • We’re not party to Jonathan’s endorsement, says ARG

    We’re not party to Jonathan’s endorsement, says ARG

    Some prominent Yoruba leaders yesterday pilloried the faction of Afenifere which, purportedly acting in the interest of the Southwest, said on Tuesday that it had endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan for second term.

    The group spoke after meeting with the President in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

    Some of the group’s members, including its leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, Secretary Chief Seinde Arogbofa and some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chiefs attended the meeting.

    Yesterday, the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) and some leaders, such as Senator Ayo Fasanmi and Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye, castigated the group.

    The ARG condemned the use of its insignia to support President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election bid, adding that it is not a party to the endorsement.

    In a statement by its Publicity Secretary Kunle Famoriyo, the group said the use of ‘Afenifere’ to promote Mr. Jonathan is fraudulent and an attempt to deceive the Yoruba people.

    He said: “It has come to our notice that some broadcast stations are using ARG’s name and logo to promote the said endorsement.

    “This is fraudulent and we wish to advise media houses to be wary of such fraudulent promoters, especially now that public interest must be defended by the media.”

    “We believe there is a difference between ‘transformation,’ which President Jonathan promised Nigerians in 2011 and mere ‘reform’ of the same governance culture that Nigerians have rejected,” said Mr. Famoriyo.

    “The ARG does not dictate to the generality of the Yoruba people, rather it gives voice to their feelings and aspirations. The extensive consultations we have made showed that Yoruba people have come to a firm conclusion that they have been at the shorter end of the stick under the Jonathan-led government, under whose administration, nepotism and ethnocentrism have taken over as the emblem of our presidential politics.

    “ARG therefore stands with the aspirations of Yoruba people for change. As echoed in Abeokuta recently at the public lecture organised by the Ogun State chapter of ARG, the change that we demand includes a public pledge to restructure the country in such a way that power will devolve to the most efficient federating unit.”

    Senator Fasanmi condemned the decision of the Afenifere leaders. He said: “I must say that I am amused by the decision of my colleagues. I can’t imagine that the likes of Chief Reuben Fasoranti, Ayo Adebanjo, Olaniwun Ajayi would sit down and take such a decision.

    “They have to tell us what the Jonathan administration has achieved in the past six years for us in the Southwest to cast our votes for him. A President that has failed to tackle corruption, failed to secure lives and property, and mismanaged the economy does not deserve second term. It is a tragedy that the so called Yoruba leaders are rooting for such incompetent person. I feel sad. What legacies are we leaving behind for the coming generation?  Is it legacy of impunity and corruption, which the Jonathan regime represents?

    “They have spoken for themselves, not for the Yoruba people. The Yoruba know their leaders. Nigeria is on the move, the progressives too are on the move. I am sure the people of the Southwest will pitch their tent with the progressives. APC will win not only in the Southwest but across the country on February 14 and 28.

    “I remember the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo used to tell us we should always stand firm under the stroke. We should ensure our votes count. There is need for change from a decadent to a vibrant regime.”

     Senator Durojaiye advised the Afenifere leaders to be cautious in making political decisions. He said in another three weeks, we will know the true mind of the Yoruba.

    “The Yoruba people will point out who their leader is. I know the direction the Yoruba are going; they want change, they are very wise that they cannot be led by nose. I won’t be surprised if 80 per cent of the Yoruba will say ‘let’s go this direction’ and the remaining 20 per cent will go the other way.”

    He said if the President could not implement the recommendations of the National Conference six months after it was submitted, why do we have to wait for another one year for it to be implemented? I believe Yoruba are highly intelligent to know the difference between the facts and mere propaganda.

    “I foresee in a matter of weeks when God will manifest the change we are yearning for. My appeal to all is that we should not overheat the polity because no nation has survived two civil wars – to borrow the words of Gen. Theophilus Danjuma.”

    To Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, no group can lay absolute claim to Yoruba votes. In that respect, any directive from any group cannot change the minds or the decision of the people on whom to vote for.

  • We’re not party to Jonathan’s endorsement, says ARG

    We’re not party to Jonathan’s endorsement, says ARG

    Some prominent Yoruba leaders yesterday pilloried the faction of Afenifere which, purportedly acting in the interest of the Southwest, said on Tuesday that it had endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan for second term.

    The group spoke after meeting with the President in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

    Some of the group’s members, including its leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, Secretary Chief Seinde Arogbofa and some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chiefs attended the meeting.

    Yesterday, the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) and some leaders, such as Senator Ayo Fasanmi and Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye, castigated the group.

    The ARG condemned the use of its insignia to support President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election bid, adding that it is not a party to the endorsement.

    In a statement by its Publicity Secretary Kunle Famoriyo, the group said the use of ‘Afenifere’ to promote Mr. Jonathan is fraudulent and an attempt to deceive the Yoruba people.

    He said: “It has come to our notice that some broadcast stations are using ARG’s name and logo to promote the said endorsement.

    “This is fraudulent and we wish to advise media houses to be wary of such fraudulent promoters, especially now that public interest must be defended by the media.”

    “We believe there is a difference between ‘transformation,’ which President Jonathan promised Nigerians in 2011 and mere ‘reform’ of the same governance culture that Nigerians have rejected,” said Mr. Famoriyo.

    “The ARG does not dictate to the generality of the Yoruba people, rather it gives voice to their feelings and aspirations. The extensive consultations we have made showed that Yoruba people have come to a firm conclusion that they have been at the shorter end of the stick under the Jonathan-led government, under whose administration, nepotism and ethnocentrism have taken over as the emblem of our presidential politics.

    “ARG therefore stands with the aspirations of Yoruba people for change. As echoed in Abeokuta recently at the public lecture organised by the Ogun State chapter of ARG, the change that we demand includes a public pledge to restructure the country in such a way that power will devolve to the most efficient federating unit.”

    Senator Fasanmi condemned the decision of the Afenifere leaders. He said: “I must say that I am amused by the decision of my colleagues. I can’t imagine that the likes of Chief Reuben Fasoranti, Ayo Adebanjo, Olaniwun Ajayi would sit down and take such a decision.

    “They have to tell us what the Jonathan administration has achieved in the past six years for us in the Southwest to cast our votes for him. A President that has failed to tackle corruption, failed to secure lives and property, and mismanaged the economy does not deserve second term. It is a tragedy that the so called Yoruba leaders are rooting for such incompetent person. I feel sad. What legacies are we leaving behind for the coming generation?  Is it legacy of impunity and corruption, which the Jonathan regime represents?

    “They have spoken for themselves, not for the Yoruba people. The Yoruba know their leaders. Nigeria is on the move, the progressives too are on the move. I am sure the people of the Southwest will pitch their tent with the progressives. APC will win not only in the Southwest but across the country on February 14 and 28.

    “I remember the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo used to tell us we should always stand firm under the stroke. We should ensure our votes count. There is need for change from a decadent to a vibrant regime.”

     Senator Durojaiye advised the Afenifere leaders to be cautious in making political decisions. He said in another three weeks, we will know the true mind of the Yoruba.

    “The Yoruba people will point out who their leader is. I know the direction the Yoruba are going; they want change, they are very wise that they cannot be led by nose. I won’t be surprised if 80 per cent of the Yoruba will say ‘let’s go this direction’ and the remaining 20 per cent will go the other way.”

    He said if the President could not implement the recommendations of the National Conference six months after it was submitted, why do we have to wait for another one year for it to be implemented? I believe Yoruba are highly intelligent to know the difference between the facts and mere propaganda.

    “I foresee in a matter of weeks when God will manifest the change we are yearning for. My appeal to all is that we should not overheat the polity because no nation has survived two civil wars – to borrow the words of Gen. Theophilus Danjuma.”

    To Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, no group can lay absolute claim to Yoruba votes. In that respect, any directive from any group cannot change the minds or the decision of the people on whom to vote for.

  • ARG urges reduction in recurrent expenditure

    The Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) has urged the government to cut down on wastages in its outrageous recurrent expenditure and channel a substantial chunk of the budget into capital expenditure.

    Its National Chairman, Hon Olawale Oshun who spoke yesterday in Lagos during the presentation of a report of an assessment of the nation’s democratic governance, said any developing nation desirous of growth must be concerned with recurrent and capital comparative analysis whether at the budgetary or actual implementation level. He stressed that an average of between 70/30 recurrent/capital actual figure portends a stagnating society limited by infrastructure capacities.

    He said: “The most important revelation from this report is that as 2015 approaches, Nigerians have to be sober because political instability is increasing and major indicators now put Nigeria on red alert. We are now faced with a depressing economic outlook because of dwindling revenues, corruption, and heavily flawed and extravagant budget. Worse still, divisive politics is now so pervasive that the concept of a free and fair election in 2015 is looking more like a mirage, especially with the way INEC’s rating has plummeted in recent times. How we navigate 2015 elections in the reality of this context will determine the country’s survival.”

    According to the report, how to keep Nigeria’s debt and recurrent expenditure down is a matter of urgency as the cost of servicing debts has risen by 330 per cent between 2009 (N215.79 billion) and 2013 (N834.57 billion). The domestic debt of about $60 billion is proving unsustainable as almost N943 billion has been proposed to service debts this year while capital expenditure is only N633 billion, inclusive of SURE-P allocation.

  • How to avert Nigeria’s disintegration, by ARG

    Nigeria should borrow from United Kingdom’s (UK) model of devolution of power and self-determination to avert disintegration, the Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), has said

    Its National Chairman, Olawale Oshun, in a statement yesterday, asked for “full devolution of power to the constituent units in Nigeria, including corresponding fiscal powers and resource control.”

    The group said the world would wake up on September 19 to the outcome of the Scotland’s referendum, adding that it was noteworthy that the event was taking place at a critical time in the life of Nigeria.

    “The United Kingdom, our erstwhile colonial master, recognises that a union of multi-national and multi-religious groups must of necessity listen and hearken to the voices of its component parts, were it to remain a great and indivisible unit.

    “Consequently, the United Kingdom had consistently, since 1921 till 2012, been devolving power to the constituent units. Cumulatively, the Anglo-Irish Act 1921, the Northern Ireland Act 1998, the Wales Act 1998 and the Scotland Act 1998, all had the effect of devolving powers to the constituent units such that direct rule from the British Parliament came to an end. Additional powers were devolved to Wales in 2006 and to Scotland in 2012.”

    The group insisted that Nigeria is not a nebulously defined Muslim North and Christian South country. Rather, it is multi-national, multi-religious and multi-cultural.

    ARG noted that even the British recognised this diversity and Nigerian leaders at Independence opted for a complete and true Federal system of government.

    It said the country had not known peace since 1966 when “the military abused its oath and took the reins of government that reversed the consensually adopted federal system of government and imposed a unitary system.

    “Even though the English population is about 53 million and the Scottish people just about 5.5 million, it is a powerful statement that the UK is not harping on population and it is not compelling Scotland to remain within the union.

    Instead, it allows the Scots to decide what they want.

    “We in Afenifere Renewal Group, asserts that no matter in what direction the referendum goes, the mere fact that it is allowed to hold is a statement that a free and democratic nation could and would only be built by consensus, and never by any force of arms.

    “ARG notes that Yoruba people comprise of more than a quarter (45 million) of the Nigerian population, and are in total opposition to the unitary form of government that has been imposed on the country since 1966.

    “Since the country had continued to decline by all Human Development and Good Governance Standards, we ask for full devolution of powers. To delay it any further is to court further disaster and disintegration. A word is enough for the wise,” the statement said.

  • ARG faults Kwankwaso’s comment

    ARG faults Kwankwaso’s comment

    •’Politicians haven’t shown they are better than military’

    The Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) has decried Kano State Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso’s comment, which endorsed the immutability of the 1999 Constitution.

    It urged Nigerians to condemn it as selfish and unpatriotic.

    In a media interview, the governor was quoted as saying that “any constitution other than the 1999 Constitution should be rejected because anything less than that is an instrument by those who think it will help them.”

    ARG, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Kunle Famoriyo, blamed Kwank-waso and other “self-seeking politicians” for endorsing the 1999 Constitution when it suits them and calling for its amendment when it does not.

    “Kwankwanso, one of those who believe the 1999 Constitution is perfect for the country, has had two reasons to call for its amendment. He changed his stance on the agitation for state police when his security aides were withdrawn by ‘order from above’ during the Kano Emirship commotion. He also called for amendment of the impeachment laws when a raft of impeachment wave threatened governors of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), claiming Nyako governorship in the process,” the statement said.

    It added: “These two calls for constitutional amendment, coming at a time that Kwankwanso was at the receiving end of the imperial and despotic powers of the 1999 Constitution, seem to suggest that the constitution must exist only to serve his personal good and that of others with similar stance. It does not bother them if and when others are the victims of the constitution’s despotic powers.

    “This selective philosophy from a man who wants to become Nigeria’s president is no less selfish and denigrating, as the politics that dominates Aso Rock.”

    The group said Nigerian politicians have not proved that democracy is indeed a better alternative to military rule, noting: “All presidents since 1999 have found the 1999 Constitution handy in justifying dictatorial tendencies, with the president claiming he is yet to even use 10 per cent of the (despotic) powers of the constitution. This is a dangerous pointer to the fact that politicians are still not faring better than military dictators, who churned out decrees and amended them to suit their dictatorship ego.

    “Neither Kwankwaso nor any politician need be at the whipping end of the constitution before patriotic sense prevails on all of us to fight to entrench true federalism. For the country to survive, it must provide an equitable basis of existence for all federating units. The 1999 Constitution is evidently inequitable and needs no piecemeal amendments, but a total reworking.

    “ARG has no grouse about any politician, but it believes that no politician’s ambition should choke national interest. ARG, therefore, enjoins politicians to learn to sacrifice personal interests for the promotion of an egalitarian Nigeria anchored on true federalism.

    “Nigerians are not made for the law. Neither should law, meant to promote equality and class divide. We must ask ourselves: can we truly have a democracy when some parts of the country feel less privileged than others?”

    ARG also said the National Conference report must not be tainted by political ambition and “Nigerians should be allowed through a referendum to decide what happens to the report, because they should have the primal right to determine how they wish to be governed.

    “Although the report does not represent everything we want in the Southwest and we are still consulting on what position to take, it is unarguable that the resolutions represent a consensus of both political and apolitical Nigerians.”

  • Group unveils document on regional autonomy

    Group unveils document on regional autonomy

    A coalition of Yoruba youth organisations has advised delegates to the National Conference to negotiate the future of Nigeria and set it on the path of development.

    At the unveiling of a publication, “Regional Autonomy…or Nothing”, at the Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota, Lagos, yesterday, Prince Tokunbo Ajasin, son of the first civilian governor of Ondo State, the late Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin, said the pan-Yoruba groups, led by the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), are convinced that regionalism is the most viable instrument for a stronger and united Nigeria.

    Ajasin said anybody who does not want a change in the statues quo does not wish the country well.

    He said it was inconceivable that northern leaders were leading the campaign against the devolution of power and restructuring of government, adding that it is either regional autonomy or nothing for the Yoruba.

    Ajasin said: “If any region needs a stronger federating unit with greater capacity to provide education, health, security, wealth creation and other social amenities, it is the North where strong links exist between poverty and the conscription of innocent youths into extremist tendencies. It appears Northern leaders are not concerned and have no plan for the teeming youths in the region, as long as they are able to continue clinging to their hold on power.”

    Listing the demands of the Yoruba as contained in the publication, he said states in Yoruba land want a regional government with its constitution and unfettered political and fiscal autonomy, except on issues it agrees to cede to the Federal Government.

    Ajasin said: “The Southwest must include all Yoruba people outside the imposed artificial boundaries in Edo, Delta, Kogi and Kwara states.”

    Other demands include: a negotiated legislative Exclusive, Concurrent and Residual list; a unicameral legislature at the centre; a parliamentary form of government at the centre; the right to self-determination or the right to secede; establishment of regional police; fiscal federalism and resource control; and a special status for Lagos.

    They also want the outcome of the 2014 National Conference to form the basis for a new constitution.

     

  • ‘National conference is a diversionary strategy’

    ‘National conference is a diversionary strategy’

    Afenifere chieftain Senator Ayo Fasanmi was a member of the National Assembly in the First and Second Republics. He spoke with Assistant Editor LEKE SALAUDEEN on the proposed national conference, regional integration, presidential system and other partisan issues.

    Some Nigerians are of the view that the proposed National Con-ference is a dis-traction. What is your comment?

    They are right. You know the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that Goodluck Jonathan symbolises is a sinking ship. Right now, the party is heading towards total disintegration. Jonathan is doing everything possible to ensure that it does not go under completely. Thus, he has embarked on a salvage operation for PDP, the before, Jonathan and his party were against the national conference. But they suddenly embraced it in order to engage people in discussing one thing or the other, so that they can have ample time to settle the crises within the party. Their strategy is to keep Nigerians talking and arguing and use the opportunity to mend fences in the PDP. To me,the planned conference is a diversionary strategy.

    I have my reservations about the whole process. What Nigerians particularly, we in the Afenifere are yearning for is a Sovereign National Conference that would address urgent national problems. It is unfortunate that the Fasoranti-led Afenifere is championing the national conference being planned by Jonathan to settle score with people that are against them.

    Are you surprised by the appearance of the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) before the Presidential Planning Committee on National Conference?

    Not at all, I will personally advise that we should not boycott whatever conference they are planning. I remember in 1965, when the Action Group decided to boycott the federal election, it was counter- productive because it gave the opposition an edge. The opposition candidates were returned. For that bitter experience, we have resolved not to boycot any programme. I am happy the ARG is taking part and that it has submitted a paper stating our position on crucial national issues. Nevertheless, I have my reservations on the timing of the national conference. It is a strategy to buy time for the PDP to gain ground where it has lost. Jonathan is planning to elongate his tenure. We will not allow it. There must be a time lag. The conference should not spread to 2015. Jonathan is on his way out.

    The President has said that the conference report will be presented the National Assembly to give it legal backing. Is it necessary?

    You see, for Jonathan to say he will refer the report of the national conference to the National Assembly shows either he doesn’t understand what the conference is all about or he’s not serious about it. Like I said earlier, what we need is a Sovereign National Conference in which the people will have the final say on its report. The conference is expected among other things to produce a new constitution for the country, alloww us to decide whether all the ethnic nationalities still want to co-exist as a country and what kind of relationship do we want? The delegates should have unfettered freedom on all issues of national importance.There should be a plebiscite on the report because sovereign power belongs to the people. Jonathan’s planned conference is to distract the attention of the people from crucial problems like corruption, unemployment, insecurity of lives and property, education and health sectors that are in comatose.

    Observers say the President’s ambition to contest in 2015 is the root cause of the crisis rocking the ruling Peoples Democratic Party. As an elder statesman, will you advise President Jonathan to seek re-election?

    Jonathan should know how to quit when there is no ovation for him at all. In any civilised society, PDP should have been shown the way out. What are his achievements as President of the country? Corruption in government is getting worse by the day. A minister used public fund to buy bullet proof cars worth N255 million without approval and the President says he would set up an investigation panel to tell him what to do. Is it not funny that a President, who hired a minister, cannot take action against his aide that has tarnished the image of his administration? I am not surprised. We have heard cases of corruption involving those in government and they are getting away with them. Former governor of Delta State, James Ibori, could have got away with the public funds he stole while in office, if not for the British government. What of the fuel subsidy scandal involving relations of those in government and PDP promoters? What has Jonathan achieved in terms of security, mass unemployment, falling standard of education, the university lecturers have been on strike for four months without solutions.

    What is Jonathan coming back to do in 2015? Does he want to come back and continue looting? No way. By the grace of God, the PDP will be buried in 2015. The PDP is like a wheel barrow waiting for a train like the All Progressive Congress (APC) to crush it. When I heard that Jonathan went to Jerusalem, my prayer was that God will touch his heart, so that he would not destroy the country further.

    The other time Jonathan came up with the idea of centenary celebration. The question I keep asking is what are we celebrating-kidnapping, raping Boko Haram insurgency, oil theft, massive corruption, disrespect for the rule of law? It is unfortunate that we have found ourselves in this mess. It is very painful that Nigeria leads in anything that is negative in the world. I am sad to hear that Nigeria is one of the most corrupt and poverty-stricken nations.

    Why have you not been playing the role of Afenifere leader, since your election as the deputy leader?

    I thought at 88, I should hand over to young ones. We should give them a chance. They should be allowed to grow. They are very active and mentally alert. The young ones are doing it very well. The pride of a father is to see his children taking over part of his functions in his life time while he guides them from the rear. I am happy that the likes of Bisi Akande, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Segun Osoba, to mention a few, are not found wanting in this respect. They are up to the task.

    You are one of the few surviving disciples of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Would you say that your contemporaries still uphold Awo’s philosophy or they have waivered?

    I am almost alone. Most of my colleagues have gone, even though we may not be in the same party. All my friends in Osun have died. The APC interim chairman, Bisi Akande, got to know Chief Awolowo through me. And like Paul, the Apostle, Akande almost superceded me in his commitment to Awo’s philosophy. As a party man, he has excelled. So also are the young ones like Segun Osoba, a committed Awoist, and a great defender of Awo’s philosophy. He’s forthright and consistent. Then, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is in the fore front of the struggle to preserve the legacies of our great leader. Tinubu is brazing the trail of actualising Awo’s vision. Though my colleagues have passed on, but the young ones are doing well. They should continue to consult us.The struggle continues.

    How would you assess the performance of President Jonathan, after four years in office?

    He has not performed. If he had, we will not be talking of pervasive corruption, insecurity, mass unemployment, armed robbery, kidnapping and raping. That was why Chief Bisi A kande described him as kindergarten President because his government has no clues to the challenges facing the country. You can deceive people for some time, but not all the time. PDP is a collection of marauders. A party that can’t put its house in order has no right to rule. That is why things are getting worse in the country. Recklessness, impunity and disrespect for the rule of law are hallmarks of the Jonathan administration. No nation can prosper in such circumstance.

    Regional integration is one of the developmental strategies of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). How best do you think it can be achieved?

    The Southwest governors have started working towards achieving regional integration in the zone and they are doing well. They have embarked on projects that will enhance development in the region. For instance, Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun state is trying to construct a road that will connect Osun with Lagos and Oyo states to facilitate movements of goods and services across the geo-political zone. I think they are also planning to build rail lines that will cut across the region. All this will enhance economic activities. The Southwest and Osun, in particular, can feed the whole of Nigeria. But the problem is how to transport the food to the cities with convenience so that the farmers can get adequate reward for their labour. Awo did it before in the old Western Region when he turned the West into a pace setter in Nigeria.

    In Ekiti State, Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele and Goveror Fayemi are locked in a battle of political supremacy. As an indigene, what is your advice?

    Fayemi has been a fantastic governor in Ekiti state. He has transformed the state within three years. That explains the gale of endorsement for his second term. Every progressive element within and outside Ekiti State is saying he should be given another term to consolidate his achievements. Opeyemi has the right to aspire for governorship. But I am advising him to haste slowly. He must not allow the reputation he had built over the years to be destroyed by personal ambition. He must not allow forces outside the party to use him as an instrument of destabilisation.

    You are based in Oshogbo. How would you rate Governor Aregbesola?

    Aregbesola is a first class strategist, who holds aloft Awo’s legacy. He has rekindled Awo’s philosophy on education and other program-mes designed to make life abundance for the citizens of Osun. It is just like a Daniel comes to judgment. He is a wonderful young man. The greatest asset he has is a woman as his deputy, who is a pride to womanhood. He is doing very well. Osun has become a state of Omoluabi under Aregbe. Things are changing for good in Osun . People may have to experience certain inconveniences as a result of developmental projects going on across the state, but at the end of the day, they will smile.

    What of the governor of your home state, Ekiti?

    Governor Fayemi is an intellectual per se. He is committed to ideological solution to problems. He is committed and dedicated to the service of Ekiti State. His deputy is also an intellectual. Intellectualism, coupled with ideology, constitutes a veritable engine of socio-economic and political development.

    As a federal legislator in the First and Second Republics, which system of government do you prefer?

    In the First Republic, we operated parliamentary system and presidential system in the Second Republic. The presidential system is very expensive. Whatever that can be done to make it less prone to corruption and less expensive should be done. It pays much premium on service to the people and not promotion of self.

     

  • Fair revenue sharing formula will end nation’s woes, says ARG

    Fair revenue sharing formula will end nation’s woes, says ARG

    •Recommends 35 per cent for Fed Govt

    The pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), has said a justified revenue allocation formula will solve some of the nation’s problems.

    ARG’s National Chairman Mr. Olawale Oshun spoke in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, at the public hearing on the proposed review of the revenue sharing formula organised by the Revenue mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) for the Southwest.

    Oshun said a fair revenue sharing formula would have contained the many complaints of the people.

    He noted that RMAFC had a crucial role in rescuing the nation from the precipice by presenting a formula reflecting true federalism.

    Oshun said people’s needs could only be addressed by local administrations, saying the Federal Government should not be allowed to hold on to 52 per cent of the revenue in the Federation Account.

    “There are about 193,000-kilometre roads in Nigeria, of which only 34,000 are federal. The larger burden of road maintenance falls on states. There are about 1,000 secondary schools in Lagos State and only about 10 belong to the Federal Government. Again, the need is at the state level. The same can be said for health facilities.

    “So, the Federal Government’s allocation must be reduced and some of its responsibilities devolved to states, whose percentage allocation must be increased to allow for purposeful governance.”

    The group proposed a sharing ratio of 35:65 between the Federal Government and states, arguing that there was no need to allocate anything to local governments which are “entirely under state”.

    On how to decentralise the Federal Government’s responsibilities, “ARG, citing agriculture said states are in a better position to implement agricultural policies than the Federal Government. It recommends that the portolios of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture” should be altered to retain only their research and policy functions. Then, their allocations can be turned into a Conditional Grant Scheme for states willing to buy into the Federal Government’s policies.

    “The same approach can be applied to decentralise the delivery of major public services, such as education, health and social services. This approach stands to benefit from the efficiencies associated with local administrations while serving important national objectives.”

    The group said special funds had made impact and should be cancelled. If need for such arises, it said the Federal Government and the affected appropriate state could decide on a counterpart funding arrangement.

    ARG recommended that derivation be increased from 13 percent to 25, arguing that the derivation principle should also be applied to the sharing of taxes such as VAT, etc.

    To bridge the developmental gap among states, it suggested an equalisation fund into which states would pay an agreed percentage of their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

    ARG said the fund would be “accessible by poor states only as a conditional grant for developmental projects”.

    Decrying the lack of accountability in governance, the group advocated independence of the RMAFC. It urged the commission to ensure that all revenues go into the Federating Account and condemned a situation where some agencies refuse to remit the money.