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Tag: Ayo Adebanjo

  • Ayo Adebanjo’s tell it all memoirs

    How do you describe a man who, at 90, revisits political history by telling it as it is? In his memoirs, Telling it as it is, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, lawyer, politician and elderstatesman pulls no punches in dissecting burning issues. Call him a formidable fighter, a man of principles and a die-hard idealist of good governance, and you won’t be wrong. The book, which has been presented in Lagos, ignited debate on some national issues, especially restructuring, reports EVELYN OSAGIE.

    Picture a beacon

    Picture a light, a beacon in the midst of darkness. Picture a principled idealist in a corrupt political terrain and you have Chief Ayo Adebanjo. The elder statesman and chieftain of Afenifere is 90, but not intellectual weary. Though he turned 90 yesterday, he unveiled his 18-chapter book, Telling It as It Is: The Autobiography of Ayo Adebanjo, to commemorate the milestone, last week Tuesday at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Chief Adebanjo, lawyer, politician, political pugilist, party organiser, is seen as a beacon of hope by many. A follower of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, he was a member of the Action Group (AG) in the First Republic and the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in the Second Republic. At the beginning of this Republic, he was a member of the Alliance for Democracy (AD).

    The presentation of his book, which was chaired by Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (rtd.), drew distinguished Nigerians from diverse fields to Harbour Point. As a symbol of the struggle for good governance and a people-driven idealist, it was no surprise that the event became a cross-pollination of thoughts and ideas about the state of the nation and the way forward.

     

    Years of true federalism

     

    The need for a restructured Nigeria, true federalism and resource control were some of the concerns revisited at the event. Linking the persona of Adebanjo and his ideals to what good political leadership should be, the deliberations of former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku, first Black African Rhodes Professor Wale Adebanwi and others set the tone of the day.

    “What is the problem of this country”; “who is to blame for where we are today”, “youths in politics” were some of the concerns discussed.

    While calling for a reversal to true federalism, Anyaoku urged leaders to draw from the political ideologies, such as the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s free education and free health, the late Michael Okpara’s agricultural system and the groundnut pyramid driven by the late Ahmadu Bello.

    Describing the nonagenarian as a “symbol of success for the Nigerian Project”, he said: “Adebanjo is indeed very passionate about this country. He is indeed very passionate that our country should do well. He often recalls the yesteryears of our country, when the country was doing well. It was a structure that allowed each region to develop at its own pace. It was a structure that made citizens of those regions feel proud to belong to the bigger Nigeria. Unfortunately, we had lost that basic structure of governance”.

    The book, with Foreword  by one of the author’s political associates, Chief Cornelius Adebayo, according to the reviewer, is “a compelling and frank narrative of life and politics spanning nine decades, seamlessly combines the personal and the political in a very readable, thoughtful, provocative and yet, witty style”.

    Adebanwi’s cerebral commission at the launch brought to light the relevance of the life, politics and ideologies of Adebanjo vis-à-vis the Nigerian Project. “Chief Adebanjo’s preternatural embrace of political conflict and battles and his unflagging boldness in the face of tyranny made him one of the most formidable and consistent political fighters this country has ever known… The Foreword succinctly describes the book as “a reminder of where we started as Awoists, how we have been shaped and a true assessment of where we are heading.”

    On the relevance of the book, the professor said: “But in case my drift is not clear enough and if there are still some people asking: “What do these old people want?” this book has an answer for you: A Nigeria, which, even if it is not a nation, even if it was born a mere geographical expression, is remade into an egalitarian instrument of human possibilities. This is why Chief Adebanjo continues to raise his voice even at 90. This is why this leader’s gentle voice can still be heard even today, beckoning Nigeria to take her rightful place in the comity of nations.”

    For its publisher, Bankole Olayemi of Bookcraft Africa, “There are lessons to be learned by many of our players. As publishers, not often does one have the good fortune to publish a book of this magnitude – one that has both historical and political relevance. This book is right-off-the-back important contribution to the political history of this country by a man that is principled, firm but fair.”

     

    The panel meets

    The major highlight of the event was the panel anchored by Seun Okinbaloye of Channels TV, which had as panellists – the celebrator Chief Ayobanjo; professor of History Adebanji Akintoye; rights activist Pamela Braide; media guru Adebola Williams, lawyer and activist Saadatu Falila Hamu.

    While Williams and Hamu made a case for youths to be given more chances to rule, they decried the lack of exemplary political leadership like Adebanjo’s and the political class of old. “One of the greatest disservice done to our generation is not understanding it. We have that generational gap that nobody is trying to fill. We need a generational bridge and the leaders need to do more. Sir, in your days, you saw men of integrity; there were the Awos and the Ziks. Today, who are we seeing? In our generation who is Awo to us? All we see are looters. And what the society glorifies is what multiplies. The generations before it should move and give the youth a chance to rule… there are no examples to lead by,” Williams said.

    Urging more youths to be involved in politics, Prof Akintoye observed that “as long as that conflict is there, the younger people will stay away from leadership”.

    Hamu noted that offsetting of the system by the youth is already happening, saying the “not-too-young-to-run Bill” is an entry point. “But the real offsetting will happen when the young people will infiltrate the political parties with one mission — which is to take over. Being able to dominate within these political parties is the biggest fight we as young people will have to face. The barricades that exist are within the party system.”

    While Braide blamed old and young Nigerians for the problem in the country, Adebanjo urged youths to change their mindsets towards governance.

    Adebanjo said: “You say they don’t allow the youth but your generation is opportunistic. This country will not progress with bad leadership and bad followership. Many come into governance that they want to be this or that but Chief Awo ingrained in us to do better than the British. That is why it is difficult to change party. The way we are living in this country today, there is no reason for us to be poor. But governance today is no longer based on manifesto. If asked to choose from what to do to put food on the table and education, many will choose the first.”

    The event was attended by APC National leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; former governors of Ogun State Chief Olusegun Osoba and Otunba Gbenga Daniel; former Deputy Governors of Lagos State Mr Kofo Bucknor-Akerele and Mr Femi Pedro; business moguls Mr Tony Elumelu and Oba Otudeko; Chief Olu Falae, Prof. Tunde Adeniran; Secretary to Ogun State Government Chief Taiwo Ade Oluwa, who represented Governor Ibikunle Amosun, his counterpart from Ondo State, Mr Ifedayo Abegunde, who stood in for Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, the wife of the Ogun State Governor,  Mrs Olufunso Amosun,  Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Alhaji Tanko Yakassai and Chief Bakare Oluwalogbon.

    Others were Chief Kola Daisi; Dr Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu; Pastor Tunde Bakare and his wife; Mr. Sam Amuka Pemu; Mrs Nike Akande; Prof Pat Utomi; Mrs Bisola Clark; Mrs Ibukun Awosika; Mrs Omotola Oyediran; Dr. Doyin Abiola, Dr Kanyin Ajayi.

  • Buhari salutes Ayo Adebanjo at 90

    President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated elder statesman and legal luminary, Chief Ayo Adebanjo on his 90th birthday.

    Buhari, in a message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina in Abuja on Tuesday joined family members, friends and professional colleagues in celebrating the elder statesman.

    He thanked God for the grace that had taken Adebanjo to this landmark age.

    The president, who noted with delight that Adebanjo had clocked 90 years, believed the politician and lawyer had contributed to national development through his profession and commitment to nation building.

    Read Also: Kano welcomes Buhari’s second term bid

    He prayed that almighty God would grant Adebanjo longer years and strength to serve humanity.

    Born on April 10, 1928, Adebanjo has been identified as one of the strong and die-hard associates of the late Chief Obafemi Owolowo and Awoism.

    Adebanjo, one of the chieftains of the National Democratic Coalition ( NADECO ), has also been described as the “last of the original Awoists’’.

    He is also a leader of the Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group in the South-West region of the country.

    NAN

  • Ayo Adebanjo at 90

    CHIEF Ayo Adebanjo, at 90, does not have the physical attributes of a nonagenarian. For him, there is no need for a walking stick; neither does he need artificial aids to see or hear. He remains articulate when pontificating on current issues and is an activist, a political activist, in his own right.

    For a man who has been involved in Nigerian politics since 1947 when he was recruited as Organising Secretary for the Action Group (AG), he is an encyclopedia of the country’s political history. Chief Adebanjo who turned 90 last week is the oldest member of the Awo political family today. At the height of his disagreement with the Late Chief Bola Ige, he boldly asserted his seniority in the club.

    When he decided to go in search of the proverbial Golden Fleece just before independence, it was Chief Obafemi Awolowo who arranged, alongside some other AG chieftains, to sponsor him to England to study Law. And, on his return in 1961, Awo found a place for him in his chambers. Before he left Nigeria, he had served as a pioneer staff of the Nigerian Tribune. And, it was in the Egbe Omo Oduduwa/Action Group that he cut his political teeth.

    In the aftermath of the crisis that rocked the AG in 1962, Chief Adebanjo had no problem finding his bearing – wherever Awo decided to pitch his tent was good enough for his ward. Adebanjo, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Chief Michael Omisade, Chief Anthony Enahoro, among others, were accused of plotting to bring down the Tafawa Balewa government, and thus charged before Justice George Sowemimo for treasonable felony on account of which he fled the country in 1963. He was to remain in exile in Ghana till 1966 when the first post-independence government was overthrown by the military.  Like his principal, Chief Awolowo, Adebanjo laughed last as the group was vindicated by history.

    Awo left prison to be Vice Chairman of the Federal Executive Council and Finance Minister. He was also roundly elected Leader of the Yoruba by political leaders of the region.

    Despite his loyalty, Chief Adebanjo held no government or party position in the First or Second Republic, yet he became a prominent leader. He was faithful to the Awoist ideal of democratic socialism and federalism and was quick to point out that what made him ditch the Zik political platform that first caught his fancy as a young man was Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe’s unapologetic belief in the unitary system of government.

    Chief Adebanjo has been blessed with longevity, and apparently, good health. He remains a rallying point for the more conservative wing of the Afenifere, the Pan-Yoruba Socio-Political group. Despite joining the Late Pa Ore Onasanya, Senator Abraham Adesanya, and Sir Olaniwun Ajayi in providing a solid leadership for the Yoruba shortly after the “Third Republic” collapsed, he also played a critical role in splitting the group and thus whittling down its influence within the Nigerian political setting. A man who had been seen as a Yoruba patriot was later associated with attempting to subjugate his people to the government at the centre under the Jonathan administration without caring about what that administration stood for.

    Not many top politicians live to the ripe age of 90. Chief Adebanjo has enjoyed grace. At this point when 2019 is only a few months away, it is time he thought about his legacy. What is he bequeathing to the young generation? Chief Awolowo, Chief Adekunle Ajasin, Senator Abraham Adesanya and even Chief Ige played their parts. They are no longer in a position to influence how history records their deeds. Chief Adebanjo is still alive and agile, and could still decide how he would be remembered. What side of the Nigerian political divide would he be found – the conservative or progressive? Would he be recorded as an agent of unity or disunity, especially in Yoruba land? After the fracas of the ‘60s, the Yoruba came largely together in the Second Republic under the Unity Party of Nigeria’s (UPN) umbrella.

    Awo stood out as an agent of change in Nigeria. He was steadfast to the end. Chief Ajasin who picked up the mantle after him, was not faulted morally or politically until he died. Senator Adesanya never did anything to hurt the future of the South West where he led the Afenifere and Alliance for Democracy (AD). Today, Chief Ayo Adebanjo who has the best opportunity to be a rallying force for Nigeria’s Progressives, or at least South West patriots, appears set to flunk the chance.

    He is 90, but kicking and sound.

  • Ayo Adebanjo and spectre of postponed polls

    Ayo Adebanjo and spectre of postponed polls

    AFENIFERE chieftain, lawyer and progressive politician, Ayo Adebanjo, 89, is both an advocate of restructuring and parliamentarianism. He has been admirably consistent in his struggle for a just and restructured society. In addition to his distinguished political pedigree, he was also a delegate to the 2014 national conference where he had the opportunity to advance some of the Southwest’s perspectives on politics and structure. He undoubtedly saw how difficult it was to get the country to reach a consensus on some of the great issues of the day.

    The ageless politician is, however, this time attempting very controversially to advocate for restructuring even if it would mean the postponement of the 2019 polls. Hear him: “If it requires postponing the election for six months, it is worth doing. That is my stand. If it is necessary to postpone the election for six months to get us agreed on a constitution that will give us peace, I support it…I don’t believe shortness of time for the election is an excuse when we know that postponing the election is the medicine for our illness…What is sacrosanct about the election if that is the way to peace? I don’t want them to use election as a pretext. What do we lose postponing the election to have peace?”

    Chief Adebanjo is being idealistic. To advocate for a postponed election is to embark on a dangerous and treacherous journey whose end no one can foresee. The objective of restructuring the country is a noble one, one that must be accomplished one of these days. No one can question Chief Adebanjo’s passion and logic in seeking to anchor a stable democracy on a solid foundation. But to deliver a pretext for tenure elongation into the hands of a government that has proved itself antagonistic to restructuring is both risky and simplistic. The ruling APC has produced a report on the areas in which they think Nigerian practice of federalism can be fine-tuned. Those areas are neither exhaustive nor even significant enough to deliver the restructuring many people like Chief Adebanjo advocate. But it is perhaps a start. However, the question Chief Adebanjo did not address before defending tenure elongation is how the restructuring would be championed and directed. The president insisted in January that the problem of Nigeria was not restructuring but process. No one can determine whether the president is suddenly converted to the noble constitutional idea promoted by Chief Adebanjo. In any case, how can a country get a president encumbered by his native prejudices to wholeheartedly and brilliantly champion a progressive and futuristic solution?

    More importantly, Chief Adebanjo surely knows how hard it is to reach a consensus on the subject of restructuring and its many fragile and contentious components. That consensus may not be reached in the six months extension he is advocating, if at all it will ever be achieved. Yet, once the journey is embarked upon, no one can tell when or how it would end. Dr Obasanjo had the opportunity to inspire the restructuring of the country, but he left the matter too late to deliver it altruistically without infusing his own selfish agenda. Dr Jonathan also began with a vociferous denunciation of restructuring until he thought it expedient, near the end of his presidency, to champion it. It also became a futile exercise to him. It does not require a clairvoyant to understand that both the Buhari presidency and his party, not to talk of a sizable part of the core North, have their suspicions about restructuring. Given half the chance, they will also exploit the subject and add to everyone’s frustrations.

    The elections must not be postponed, nor should the great and delicate subject of restructuring be entrusted to those who loathe or fear the term. Let the people instead vote visionaries who will selflessly champion the agenda and bequeath a great and noble people’s constitution to the country. If not, it will be like asking agnostics to say the Lord’s prayer or consecrate and celebrate the Eucharist. That, undoubtedly, is an irreconcilable theological nonsense.

  • Present Nigerian structure unworkable – Horsfall

    Present Nigerian structure unworkable – Horsfall

    The urgent need to restructure Nigeria for rapid economic growth and progress took centre stage at the public presentations of two books on the Niger Delta region.

    The book launch/symposium were part of activities marking the 10th year anniversary of the National Point newspaper, held at the Lagos Country Club, Ikeja, Lagos recently, with the theme: ‘Niger Delta Next Decade: Away From Oil, A Way With Oil”.

    The books, written by Ibiba Don Pedro,  journalist, publisher, entrepreneur and the Executive Director of National Point newspaper, explore the injustice perpetrated on a region that produces the wealth of the nation while the people live in abject poverty.

     The books include- ‘The Oil in Water: Crude power and militancy in the Niger Delta’,  Scavengers and real Avengers of Niger Delta,  and ‘Out of a bleak landscape: Oil, repression and agony in Niger Delta’.

    Speaking at the event, the chairman of the occasion, Chief A.K Horsfall OFR, noted that the system of government the country operates presently was unworkable in a multicultural state like Nigeria, hence the need to return the founding fathers dream, a true federalism, where every region works autonomously and allowed to develop at its own space. He also called on every Nigerian to forget who is at fault, “and put ourselves together to utilise what we have.”

    In her remarks, the author, while throwing her weight behind restructuring, noted that it should not be politicised.

    “Restructuring of Nigeria must not be in the blight tone of politicians who will soon move on to another pet issue or slogan,” Don Pedro said.

    She said that Nigeria must return to true federalism, the only system that recognises the country’s diversity and the reality that no part of the country is a conquered territory or playground for lazy persons living a lie.

    Ibiba also called on the Nigerian government to immediately commence the process to end the practice of donating Niger Delta’s land and the resources in them as oil blocs to persons who used the proceeds for their own selfish purposes rather for the development of the nation and of inclusive governance, while the people of the region live in abject poverty.

    On the newspaper, she said: “National Point Newspaper, with a larger dominance in the Niger Delta region, is about the agony, injustice, and exploitation of the region.

    The Newspaper started in 2007 as a result of the non-election in River State that year and the crisis that greeted it. The paper was established to keep the issues of the Niger Delta alive and seek resolution and justice for the people.”

    Also speaking at the event, Prof. D.D Moro, in his paper, ‘Niger Delta’s Next Decade: Confronting The Challenges Through Restructuring,’ lamented the degrading environmental condition of the Niger Delta region caused by oil spillage and gas flaring due to oil exploration and production in the region.

    He said that the Niger Delta constituted the most battered, destabilized and degraded habitats in the whole of Africa. He insisted that restructuring of Nigeria will help to put an end to the Niger Delta’s crisis, as more revenue would be accrued to the region, the goose that lays the golden egg, which would be used to clean up the almost completely degraded environment.

    Dignitaries at the event include Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Mr Steve Ayorinde, Hon Commissioner, Information and Strategy Lagos State, Mr Ken Etete, CEO, Century Group and others

  • Yoruba, Ijaw leaders restate calls for restructuring

    Yoruba and Ijaw leaders in Lagos, Friday, restated calls for restructuring of the polity, saying only the implementation of the relevant sections of the 2014 National Conference report would douse tension in the country.

    The leaders made the call at the end of a meeting between the ethnic groups following recent killings at Lagos and Ogun communities, which police authorities blamed on Ijaw militants.

    A communiqué jointly signed by Chief Ayo Adebanjo, leader of the Yoruba delegation and Chief Albert K. Horsfall, leader of the Ijaw delegation, noted that “the Ikorodu incidence underlines the urgent need for state police, the restructuring of Nigeria and the need for the review and adoption of all past national conferences including but not limited to the relevant sections of the 2014 National Conference reports.”

    Horsfall, who read the communiqué, said, “Informed by the need for peaceful coexistence and sustainable development of Ijaw and Yoruba nations, this meeting was initiated by elders from both nations to address issues of mutual interest for peace and well being of two great civilizations.”

    “in the past few months, there have been some developments which are of utmost concern to the two nationalities, some of these include but not limited to recent spate of violence in some Yoruba territories, the social and economic state of the Nigerian nation and the future of the people of the two nationalities in the context of the emerging trends in the country.”

     

  • Tension deepens as Committee fails to resolve resource control issue

    Tension deepens as Committee fails to resolve resource control issue

    For the third time, the National Conference Committee on Devolution of Power failed to reach a conclusion on the list to place the issue of Mines, Minerals and Geological Surveys.

    Northern delegates were advocating for mines and minerals to remain on the Exclusive Legislative List where only the National Assembly would have the powers to legislate on it.

    Their southern counterparts insistent on moving to the Concurrent List where the states and Federal Government would share powers and responsibilities.

    The Committee that bickered so much over the minutes of the previous day dissolved into executive session after the lunch break to resolve the issue.

    On emerging from the closed door session after two hours, the Co-Chairman, former Governor Obong Victor Attah said the meeting had adjourned till today as there was no conclusion on the subject.

    He said the issue would be resolved today.

    Reacting to the atmosphere of tension that pervaded the hall on the inability of the two divides to shift ground on their demands, Chief Ayo Adebanjo said most members of the Committee were ready to allow force of reason to prevail but that the use of force would not yield any result.

  • Set back for state police at Conference

    Set back for state police at Conference

    State police could not scale through committee level at the National Conference yesterday.
    Its advocates failed to convince others in the Committee on Power Devolution to transfer it to the Concurrent List that would enable States to share power and responsibilities on it with the Federal government.
    Delegates were divided as they argued along geo-political lines with Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Gbade Adedeji, Senator Tony Adefuye, Chief Okey Ikedife and Chief Adeniyi Akintola in favour of a decentralised police.
    Alhaji Dambatta Magaji and Col Usman Farouk led the northern delegates’ agitation against a decentralised police structure.
    For the protagonists of state police, state governments have been funding the Police as a result of the inability of the Federal Government to adequately cater for the institution.
    Chief Adebanjo, who noted that a decentralised police force was a key factor in a federal system of government, pointed out that note should be taken on the need to reduce the burden of governance in the Federal Government.
    “If the country wanted federalism, it should not run away from the things that make a federation. For instance, the problem of Boko Haram could have been better handled if the country had a police structure that could keep track on the local people and identify  deviants before they get out of hand.
    Besides, he noted that the unitary structure of the Police was largely responsible for the growing insecurity in Nigeria as men and officers of the Police were largely strangers in their places of assignment.
    Antagonists of the state police, led by former Governor of the defunct North Western State, Col. Usman Farouk,   said criminals could commit crimes in one state and take refuge in another.

    Defence chief defends Armed Forces

    The Chief of Defence Statff (CDS), Air Marshal Alex Badeh, yesterday said the Armed Forces should not be discredited.
    The CDS said there was no truth in the insinuation of friction between the Minister of Defence Gen. Aliyu Gasau and the service chiefs.
    Badeh stated this in response to the memorandum on alleged mal-administration in the Armed Forces submitted to the sub-committee on defence infrastructure of the National Conference by retired Brig-Gen. Mansur Dan-Ali.
    On counter terrorism measures, he said the insinuation in the Dan-Ali’s memorandum that the counter-terrorism measures adopted by the Armed Forces have failed, casts aspersion on the Armed Forces and the political leadership of the nation.
    “This is regrettable, especially coming from a source that is in a better position to appreciate the complexity of asymmetric warfare. It is hoped that highly placed individuals would refrain from making inflammatory statements that are likely to undermine morale in the Armed Forces of Nigeria and jeopardize military operations,” he warned.
    The CDS, who was represented by Assistant Director (Legal Services) Defence Headquarters, Col. G.O. Anyalemechi, responded blow-by-blow to allegations of mal-administration made by Dan-Ali in his memo to the National Conference.
    He noted that although the sub-committee called for memorandum from the general public, it was not clear whether it was appropriate for a conference delegate to submit a memorandum on a subject which he may ultimately preside over.
    He insisted that the perceived failure as alluded to in the memorandum by Dan-Ali was capable of undermining the corporate existence of the country.
    Conference delegate, he said, should not allow it to happen.
    On the command and control of the Armed Forces, he said: “This Headquarters disassociates itself from any imagined friction between the Honourable Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff and the Service Chiefs.”
    He said the Armed Forces Act has clearly defined functions and assigned responsibilities with respect to the general administration of the Armed Forces.
    The Act, he said, also established Councils and Boards chaired by the Minister of Defence.
    “Indeed, the total subordination of the military to civil authority is not an issue that should be belaboured. The Honourable Minister of Defence superintends over the Defence Ministry which encompasses the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
    “Undoubtedly, the minister does not take part in actual military operations, and may not, in those circumstances, exercise operational command and control of troops. That does not in any way dilute the democratic imperative of civilian control of the Military,” he said.
    On alleged illegal detentions and extra judicial trials, he noted that the Armed Forces Act   makes copious provisions on arrest, detention and trials.
    The Act, he added, also makes provision for appeals by aggrieved personnel just as it made provision for prolonged detention of Service personnel in the interest of public order and Service discipline.
    The CDS said the absence of specific example by Dan-Ali in his memo makes a comprehensive response to his allegation impossible.
    He said the discriminatory legal reviews as alleged in the memo do not exist in Armed Forces of Nigeria because legal reviews are carried out by legal experts in the respective Directorates of Legal Services, which are manned by qualified lawyers.
    The Directorates, he said, review Court-Martial cases and advise the Army Council, Navy Board or Air Council, as the case may be.
    He added that as an institution manned by human beings, they cannot claim infallibility in all respects.
    “It is, therefore, pertinent to note that, shortcomings attributable to human factor cannot be elevated to discrimination, as insinuated in the memorandum. Above all, the provision on review of Court-Martial sentences in Sections 154 and155 of the Armed Forces Act are discretionary in nature, each case being treated on its merit.”
    On corruption, he said the memorandum also failed to provide verifiable data upon which the allegation was based.
    “Nevertheless, it has been posited that corruption is the bane of the third world countries of which Nigeria is one. It is hoped that the current Transformation Agenda of the Federal Government, which includes the Armed Forces of Nigeria, would bring about the desired change in the polity.
    “There is, therefore, no basis for the misgiving expressed by the author over perceived corruption in the Armed Forces,” he said.
    He said promotions in the Armed Forces are guided by clear provisions of the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service, as amplified by individual regulations applicable to the Services.
    He noted that generally, promotion in the Armed Forces is a privilege and not a right.
    He added that for a senior officer to be eligible for promotion, he must satisfy certain conditions.
    The conditions, he said, include deployability, good confidential report, specific academic and professional qualifications as well as establishment vacancy, amongst others.
    He said the conditions are adhered to as much as they are humanly possible.
    On the issue of Federal Character, he noted that it is pertinent to state that Federal Character is also adhered to, especially at the point of entry into the Military.
    “However, as commissioned officers grow in rank, they are required to scale various hurdles in order to be eligible for promotion,” he said.
    Barde said the allegation of mal-administration in the Armed Forces as contained in the memo have far-reaching implications on the general administration of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and by extension, national security.
    “This is particularly worrisome as no specific examples were given in the memorandum to substantiate the allegations and claims by the author.
    “It is instructive to observe that the Armed Forces Act, the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service as well as other internal regulations of respective Services, contain adequate provisions and guidelines on general administration and discipline of the Armed Forces.
    “The Nigerian Armed Forces have over the years endeavoured to adhere strictly to these provisions. This accounts for the cohesion and unity of purpose that define the corporate existence of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” he said.

    Committee backs SIEC

    The Conference’s Committee on Political Parties and Electoral Matters yesterday endorsed the continued existence of the State Independent Electoral Commission (SEIC) for the prosecution of elections at the Local government level.
    The Committee, co-chaired by former Senate Presidents, Ken Nnamani and Prof. Iyorchia Ayu,  also invited the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Prof. Atahiru Jega to appear before it today for interactions on electoral matters.
    The Committee is set to consider placing the SEIC on first line charge and well as authority it regulates its own procedures.
    According to Ayu, who said the tenure of Prof. Maurice Iwu as Chairman of INEC was the worst in the history of the country, said Nigerians are agitating for the independence of SEIC because conditions have improved under the present electoral body.
    The Committee was of the opinion that INEC should not be burdened with Council elections going by the lapses witnessed in previous general elections executed by INEC.
    The delegates have also advocated for the strengthening of the SEIC to make it effective, efficiently as well as empower it against being turned to pawns in the hands of State executives.
    Olusola Ebiseni from Ondo State said there were contradictions inherent in calls for true federalism and the removal of SEIC.
    Besides, he noted that the existence of SEIC was a constitutional matter as mentioned in Section 197 while the State, as a federating unit is expected to handle the affairs of the Local government as part of its residual functions.
    According to him, if democratic structures were allowed to endure, good governance would be encouraged that would result in less corruption and by extension, less agitations from Nigerians.
    Ebiseni, who was a member of a sub-committee set up on how to strengthen SEIC, said the Committee would explore means of placing SEIC on forts line charge.
    Secondly, he said the Committee would seek how the SEIC would be empowered to regulate its own procedures without seeking approval of the governor.
    Former Governor Achike Udenwa said rather than ask for the scrapping of the SEIC, it should rather be strengthened through the appointment of its members.
    He suggested that political parties with members in the State House of Assembly, religious bodies, trade unions as well as members of he Civil Society Organisations (CSO) should be members of the commission.
    He also said the SEIC should be backed by strong laws while asking the legislature to wake up to its responsibility of calling the executive to order when it is going out of its bounds.
    In his submission, former Governor Olusegun Osoba, who supported Udenwa on the need to strengthen the SEIC, said issue of finance is critical to the Local government, which was responsible for its manipulation by the governors.
    According to him, it was the federal allocation for local council that the governors are using to control the local government.
    He said the manner local government are run by governors was not fair, adding that  if the issue of finance can be resolved in favour of the local council, governors would have less over bearing influence in the affairs of local government, including local elections.
    Sidi Ali from Northwest said SEIC should be re-energised but that the powers of the President and governors  should be removed as sole appointees of Chairmen of INEC and SEIC.
    Senator Mohammed Jibril said it was INEC that should rather be strengthened and that ‘mushroom commissions’ like SEIC should not be allowed to exist.
    He was supported by Musa Salihu,who regretted that governors have too much influence on the SIEC. He said: “Scrap SEIC, there is no need to strengthen them, they are too corrupt,” he added.
    Anayo Nnebe also advocated for the scrapping of SEIC, saying: “INEC has never delayed national elections for a month, but SIEC always does. It should be scraped from the constitution. They do governors biddings only.”

    NULGE: let local govts be

    The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and the Nigeria Youth for Positive Change (NYPC) have urged the National Conference not to sanction the removal oflocal government system from the constitution.
    NULGE’s President Comrade Ibrahim Khaleel and NYPC President Nasiru Kabir, in statements, said any move to expunge the system from the structure of government would be resisted through popular protest.
    The NULGE president said: “The attention of NULGE has been drawn to the position of the Committee of the National Conference on Power Devolution and Structure of Government at the on-going National Conference. The committee was reported to have resolved that local government system in Nigeria should be put under the control of the state government and should also be expunged from the constitution.
    “With due respect to eminent Nigerians who constitute this committee, this position is arbitrary and without taken into consideration the feelings of Nigerians and recommendations of panels and committees; government white papers and National Assembly resolutions on the desirability of local government autonomy. The union posits that this position is inimical to the good interest of our dear country.
    “The union knows that the issue of local government is an almost settled matter through various past efforts. The National Conference can only build on this and adopt it for a ground norm in Nigeria and not to sabotage or put the country in a reverse gear through its positions.”

  • What we expect from govt in New Year, by Nigerians

    What we expect from govt in New Year, by Nigerians

    Nigerians are looking forward to a new year in which the political class will turn a new leaf and live up to the expectations of the electorate.

    They also expect the youth to get ready to take their destiny in their hands as the 2015 elections draw nearer.

    Opinion leaders and organisations across the country told The Nation in separate interviews that things must start to work in favour of Nigeria and Nigerians in the New Year.

    The northern socio-political organisation, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), says the youths should stop complaining about leadership failure and get ready to use their numerical strength to vote for people who are willing to meet their aspirations.

    Also, the forum wants the government to give the people a budget that will address the mirage of problems facing the nation and address corruption which is eroding the nation’s goodwill.

    Spokesman of the forum, Anthony Sani said: “Nigerians expect government to have a budget whose implementation will assume full responsibility for real issues of real concern to real Nigerians by way of addressing corruption that has distorted national ideals and national values, thereby stealing the empowerment, the opportunity and the future of most Nigerians.

    “We hope the budget will address specific areas such as unemployment, poverty, illiteracy, infant and maternal mortality rates and life expectancy.

    “Since only people who are healthy can undertake productive socio-economic activities, health deserves some attention.

    “Also, agriculture which can ensure not just food security and inspire reduction of imports can be a source of employment. This is because food imports not only compromise food security, it outsources employment. Power and energy are essential for industrial development and so should receive attention of the budget just as education is expected to do.

    The ACF spokesman stressed the need for government to address insecurity to stop criminals from hiding behind religion and ethnicity to perpetrate evil.

    Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Afenifere leader, wants the planned national conference to be a priority in 2014 because, in his view, it address the numerous problems the country is facing.

    “The need to bring all the ethnic components in the country to dialogue with one another is key to solving the problems plaguing the country. So I see the confab as a platform that would address all the issues militating against the progress of Nigeria,” he said.

    “The convocation of a national conference is at the core of the problems plaguing the country. It would help to fashion out a workable document that would assist in the management of the country and there is the need to get it done, so that the country would stop the yearly ritual of constitutional amendment.

    “The next election should be held on the basis of the new constitution. That is fundamental. We should not go into election on the basis of the current constitution.”

    Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State hopes Nigerian leaders will be more selfless, committed and dedicated to the common good of society.

    He wants politicians to shun greed and take full responsibility for their actions in office hence the need for them to be mindful of their actions while in office.

    Leaders, according to him, should also be sincere and fair in their criticism of those in authority and be proactive monitoring projects being executed by government.

    Prominent businessman and Publisher of the defunct Third Eye newspapers, Chief Akanni Aluko, a former Secretary to Oyo State Government and current Chairman, Odua Investment Company, Sarafadeen Ali, and an Ibadan traditional Chief , Oloye Lekan Alabi prayed for peace in the new year.

    Aluko tasked government to invest in all that would ensure credible, free and fair election in 2015 with a view to avoiding crisis.

    He charged politicians to conduct themselves peacefully in 2014, adding that “it is better to jaw jaw than to war war .”

    Alabi said that like many other citizens his expectation is for a brighter year.

    “The citizens will expect a better performance from public power supply companies, further development of the railway system and construction, rehabilitation and repairs of majors either at local, state and federal government levels. And greater security of lives and property,” he said.

    But he also asked Nigerians to fulfill their social obligations by paying their taxes , supporting government and picking on those in government where and when they fail to meet their expectations.

    However, he said such should be done without resort to violence.

    The Odua Investment Company Chairman, Ali said government should, more than ever before, strive to meet the yearnings of the masses and ensure that they impart positively on the lives of the masses.

     

    Prominent politician and Igbo leader, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, said Nigerians expect the Federal Government to tackle corruption, rising unemployment and insecurity in 2014.

    “Corruption is so high in Nigeria and we expect the Federal Government in 2014 to take the fight against corruption to the base,” he said. “The fight must not be limited to the political class because corruption is not in our character even though it has been accepted as a norm in our country.

    “There is corruption in virtually every sector of the economy. There is corruption in the university, there is corruption among the political class and even the religious organisations celebrate ill-gotten wealth, but we must not continue this way in the new year.”

  • Nigerians must dialogue, says Kanu

    Nigerians must dialogue, says Kanu

    Former Military Governor of Lagos State Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (rtd.) yesterday canvassed dialogue among the various ethnic nationalities to keep the country together.

    Kanu spoke at the presentation of his book, entitled: “Nigeria: The Unfinished Business, Selected Speeches of Rear Admiral Godwin Ndubuisi Kanu,” at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) on Victoria Island, Lagos.

    One of the dignitaries at the event, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, an Afenifere leader, said the forthcoming national conference is more important than the 2015 elections.

    Adebanjo said: “This country needs a constitution that will bind us together. Whether President Goodluck Jonathan is going to contest or not in 2015 is not paramount. It is a secondary issue. We need to have a constitution that the people agree upon, not an imposed one like the 1999 Constitution. Once the outcome of the national conference is implemented the way the people decided through a referendum, without anybody amending it, the unity of the country is certain.

    “For me, the national conference is more important than the 2015 general elections because we cannot continue to conduct elections on a fraudulent constitution. The 1999 constitution must be changed. We need to have a new constitution that will detail how we are going to live together as one Nigeria. It is only the people’s constitution that will tell the future and progress of this country.”

    The 260-page book containing about 21 selected speeches of Rear Admiral Kanu was co-authored by Ndubuisi Ofondu, Ogbonna Oleka and Kalu Onuma.

    It was reviewed by the former Deputy Managing Director of ThisDay, Rev. Okey Ifionu.

    Rear Admiral Kanu said: “One phase will be peaceful. That is the phase where we must dialogue. Beyond that phase is the one that will not be peaceful and we all should not pray to have that come to pass.

    “If by any chance, we get to the stage that is not peaceful, it will last for some time, but I strongly believe that we will still get back to the other phase because there is too much a thing holding us together.”

    Dignitaries at the event included former Vice President Alex Ekwueme; Anambra State Governor Peter Obi was represented by Hon. Oseloka Obaze; Commodore Jim Egbede; Col. Tony Nyiam; Dr. Walter Ofonagoro; Senator Annie Okonkwo; Chief Ferdinand Achonu; Mrs. G.T. Nwachukwu; wife of Senator Ike Nwachukwu; Gen. N.C. Ali; Chief Emeka Anyaoku; Dr. Frederick Fasehun; Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Abisoye; Managing Director, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Ladi Balogun; Mr. Sam Ohuabunwa; former Minister of Transport Olawale Ige and Prof. Adebayo Wiliams.

    Others were Chief Guy Ikokwu; Chief Fred Agbeyegbe; Chief Chris Ucheji, representing Enugu State Governor Sullivan Chime; Mrs. Josephine Williams, representing Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola; Chief Ayo Adebanjo; Mr. Ayo Opadokun; Managing Director, Diamond Bank Plc, Dr. Alex Oti; Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Uma Eleazu; Rear Admiral G.A. Anyapkepere, who represented the Chief of Naval Staff; former Kwara State Governor Cornelius Adebayo and Rev. Ndu Akuchie.