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Tag: battles

  • Some eminent Nigerians who lost their cancer battles

    Some eminent Nigerians who lost their cancer battles

    Going by the prediction of the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the World Cancer Day on February 4, 2013 about 84 million people may die of the disease by this year.

    The National Cancer Prevention Programme (NCPP) said that no fewer than 80,000 Nigerians die from various forms of cancer annually, with an estimated 10 people dying from cancer every hour.

    Some prominent Nigerians who have died of the non-communicable disease include politicians, celebrities and others.

    Former President, Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua fell victim of the disease in May 2010 after years of battling that kept him away from his constitutional duties as first governor of Kastina State and then President.

    Second Republic Senate Leader, Dr. Olusola Saraki, also died of cancer as confirmed by his youngest son, Olaolu, who admitted that the political giant of Kwara politics “had been battling with cancer for about five years” before he breath his last on November 14, 2012.

    Maryam Babangida, wife of former military President Ibrahim Babangida also had her life cut short by the dreaded disease on December 27, 2009. She had to leave behind her pet project – Better Life Programme for Rural Women – which launched many co-operatives, cottage industries, farms and gardens, shops and markets, women’s centres and social welfare programmes.

    The doggedness with which renowned activist and social crusader, Chief Gani Fawehinmi fought successive and oppressive military dictators was not enough to survive the monster called cancer.

    He lost the battle to lung cancer  on September 5, 2009.

    For two years, ace broadcaster, Yinka Craig, who made his name with Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) battled to stay alive until September 23, 2008 when he died at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States (U.S.). He received treatment for cancer of the immune system.

    Yusuf Jibo, former Zonal Director of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), also died of colon cancer on December, 2010.

    For Sonny Okosun, one of Nigeria’s great musicians, the music stopped playing when he died on May 24, 2008 at 61 in the U.S. after a prolonged battle with cancer. He had gone to seek medical advice on his deteriorating health.

    Clara, the wife of labour leader turned governor, Adam Oshiomole was also said to have died of cancer on December 8, 2010, eleven days to her daughter’s wedding.

     

    This story was first published in The Nation of February 14, 2013.

  • Hellish Vortexes of life’s battles

    Hellish Vortexes of life’s battles

    When the sun fails to shine and there is drought at the same time, then it becomes obvious that one could die of thirst while never witnessing the warmth of the elements. This expression aptly describes the repeated challenges which resulted in deciding fates between moving forward or giving it all up.

    Michael Afenfia has put before his readers rhetoric that in this wise would attract countless answers; but how could one put to realistic use all of what the author has allowed his characters unravel when the hope that hitherto shimmers suddenly gets beclouded by the palpitations of gloom.

    Bubaraye Dabowei is the typical example of breaking free from the distasteful shackle of broken homes which is often synonymous with failure. His attitude makes him basks in existential advantages by believing in the scientific application of positivity of practice. This deals with bracing the odds of his parents’ separation and leveraging the gift that the heavens complemented him with on his journey to earth; he, dexterous in the round leather game rose to fame and fortune  first with Coach Belema McKay in Sharks of Port Harcourt and later at Tottenham Hotspur in England where he blossomed under the tutelage of Bryant Stewart. His is the typical story of grass to the lush meadow as regards success in England, becoming the cynosure of the passionate North London supporters and the darling football followers back home in Nigeria.

    The story of life’s delightful privileges may be told in half but then from the southern part of Africa comes Nikiwe Dlomo, a South African raised in London, whose meeting with Bubaraye Dabowei at first held the promise of a relationship that would survive until one could say no more; but whilst the star footballer thought he was done with the pains and misery that his late mother went through with his father,  he in fact sweetly walked into a whirlpool of the sort, with his eyes open but the mechanism of his perceptive abilities evidently dysfunctional.

    Conflict levels are always varied but when the duel being described is at the level of man against man, but attaining a god-man dimension then it calls for worry. A home divided against itself would fall no matter how long it is patched or padded. Such is the unravelling of the truth in the test of a couple’s character. Sweet was the song for the star footballer and his wife, the former Miss South Africa until her husband suffered a terrible injury. On a day that was meant to be the highlight of his career, having scored a great goal for his club against a Fredric Wood bridge handled Manchester United side. Bubaraye jumped into the crowd of cheery supporters only to wake to a dislocated hip and a definite end to a long-pursued dream. Hell was not let loose but the weighty impact of hades came crashing on the shoulders of the Dabowei’s leading to misery, secrets and mysteries of the human kind.

    Nikiwe could not forever basks in the euphoria of a successful husband and now that football was a no-no, her career MUST be a yes-yes, afterall she was the toast of the modelling circle and can still hold her own to a great extent. A mother of an adorable son –Sylvester – and manager of a home that cannot and should not fail, Nikiwe came up with ways of being useful to herself and her family. So she thought at first until her husband wanted none of a wife that would waltz tirelessly before cameras, while jeopardizing the sacredness of their home to some money spinning unrealities on reality shows.

    The desperation that comes with wanting a career so bad plunges Nikiwe into an adulterous affair with Nareej Praat, who is a subtle predator on willing preys. The colossal disappointment arising from not having her desires resulted in her frustrated resolve and return to Nigeria with her husband – Bubaraye.

    The psychological battle of the human mind has been given a commendable searchlight here. When one meets a brick wall having done everything one could, the quality of resilience could weaken while other distasteful options could be explored and dent to the psyche become several-pronged. Nikiwe battles the end to her husband’s career, struggles with her getting back on the career path, the unpredictable future and the loss of a once energetic and loving husband. On the other hand, Bubaraye is in fisticuffs with depression and all other negative emotions arising from an irreversible end to his career.

    In Lagos, Kemesese may have the privilege of a stable family, but the instabilities arising from a father who is too authoritarian creates chasm. Reverend Onari D’aziba and his wife, Maria D,aziba are clergy fellows who had their hopes dashed when their son chose football rather than the path of the chosen by his parents on a full time scale. The fact that he got a girl got pregnant when he could hardly feed himself meant he had crossed the momentary Rubicon of reconciliation with his parents.

    When kettle calls pot black, it is expected that the former is free of charcoal but Reverend D’Aziba may have a bigger mole in need of cleansing. He covered every track of his son’s misdemeanour, while warning all present to keep their mouths shut on the and away from members of his congregation. The didactic impact of this juncture is that humans are fallible and true to whom they are as just human beings. Kemesese leaves home, his pregnant girlfriend was packaged away to the Gambia while the waters appeared calm, but only for that temporary moment that truth could be kept under wraps.

    Michael Afenfia in this work explores the permanence of vicissitudes in human life and the challenges of managing these brick walls when it rears its head.  The error of repeated chasms in human relationships could well be described as a function of our many indiscretions couple with the hand of a superior force that prompts the several questions which may not be answered about the divergent convolutions in which human beings are found.

    Kemesese as a prodigal son later returns home to his parents, while Bubaraye is forced home with his family to Nigeria as well having been injured while playing in London. Time and chance bring both of them together and fortune smiles equally, affording its share of benevolence on the mentor Bubaraye and his mentee Sese, the latter having joined forces with the Lagoon Liners Football Club of Lagos.

     

     

  • YCE: Ige battles Afenifere

    Even from the great beyond, Chief Bola Ige, the inimitable Uncle Bola, master of the Yoruba political streets, would appear taking pot shots — lethal shots — at his old traducers in Afenifere, over the grandees’ fatal endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan.

    The Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE), Hardball must recall, under the earliest chair of the late Justice Adewale Thompson, was Ige’s Trojan Horse to get back at his old colleagues. Reason: Ige’s 1998 clear betrayal at the Alliance for Democracy (AD) caucus presidential nomination. Afenifere chose Chief Olu Falae over the charismatic Cicero of Esa Oke.

    Ige’s revenge mission, like the hubris of great characters, would eventually lead to his own end. He dared his own political family to stop him from joining the Olusegun Obasanjo cabinet.  But at the other end, he met the treachery of the PDP alleged nest of killers, resulting in the assassination of the old, piercing wit, that had a young, vigorous mind.  But that is story for another day!

    YCE, challenging Afenifere’s ill-conceived endorsement of Jonathan that purported to speak for the Yoruba people, dismissed Afenifere as politically contaminated.

    “YCE is not a party to any purported endorsement given by any group or groups to a presidential candidate,” it thundered from a rather very high moral horse, after its national executive committee (NEC) meeting, speaking through Prof. Bayo Olateju, who briefed the media, “and so dissociates itself from such action; as YCE did not at any time sit with any group of people to consider and come to such decision.”

    Giving a stern warning to AIG Mbu Joseph Mbu, who now presides over Police Zone 2, comprising Lagos and Ogun states, YCE cautioned the controversial officer, who attained notoriety and set off public alarm by his impolitic statements against Governor Rotimi Amaechi in his earlier tour of duty as Rivers commissioner of Police (CP), not to fan embers of discord or court any needless controversy, in his new posting in Yorubaland.

    YCE also cautioned the postpone-the-poll agitators to stick to the INEC timetable, instead of indulging in costly distractions that could derail the democratic process.

    Phew!  Those were Afenifere’s natural sound bites, when its words were virtual law, because its legitimacy was beyond question.  But not anymore!

    Still, what has all these got to do with Uncle Bola (God bless his gentle soul!)?  Simple.  At the height of his perceived betrayal, he set up YCE to rival Afenifere’s dominance for the Yoruba political soul.

    As it was then, YCE was positioned such that ideological purists were inclined to believe it was a negation of the Yoruba cause, even if they retained some deep affection and reverence for Uncle Bola. But with Afenifere blundering into the Jonathan support, with scant any consultation with anybody, except the probable spite in the grandees’ own hearts, Afenifere might just be unravelling into utter irrelevance.

    So, Afenifere’s self-relegation and AYC’s self-elevation appears the ultimate triumph of Ige. Even from the grave, Ige, through the Igbimo he nurtured, appears more in tune with Yoruba aspirations than his living rivals — a case of the dead that lives chastising the politically living dead?

    Call it the ultimate triumph of the Cicero, and you won’t be wrong!

  • LAND DISPUTE: Emenike battles Enugu govt. over N30m scam

    LAND DISPUTE: Emenike battles Enugu govt. over N30m scam

    Nigeria World Cup star Emmanuel Emenike is up in arms with the Enugu State Government over 13 plots of land worth 30 million Naira (about $180,000),which he allgedly bought to build a sports academy in Enugu.

    Soldiers have invaded the property and prevented any work on it, the Fenerbache star has exclusively told AfricanFootball.com.

    A bitter Emenike told AfricanFootball.com he bought the 13 plots of land after the World Cup in Brazil through a special assistant to the Enugu State Governor, Frank Ndubuisi Ugwunweze, (a.k.a Ezeumuaga),who handed all documents concerning to the land in Emenike’s name to the forward.

    He further narrated: “I work hard to make my money, I know what I pass through on the pitch before I earn a living and it will be unfair if what am hearing about my land in Enugu State was true.

    “I visit Enugu whenever I come to Nigeria, my friends stay there as well as some of my family members. And I am the kind of person who listens to advice. Even before now, I had a dream to own an academy not only in Nigeria but I believe in the saying that “charity begins at home”.

    “About three, four months ago, I acquired 13 plots of land in Enugu State through the special assistant to Governor Sullivan Chime. And when he gave me the land papers but never told me there was any problem on the land. He gave me all the necessary documents in my name after payment.

    “I then directed for work to commence immediately, but the state government has directed soldiers to stop anybody from working there.

    He added:”I don’t want to believe that this is fraud. I am ready to fight it all. I am not a politician and I see no reason why my money will be held by the state government .”

    “I have called some top government officials in Enugu, but all of them are not trying to be sincere.They can not help because the order came from the Governor.

    “Nobody is trying to be sincere and as a matter of fact, I want my money back. I am very depressed that there is no confidence in investing in my country. I just don’t understand the pranks.

    “Right from time, I don’t like going through government for anything. I prefer to do it with my money and I see no reason why my property will be held back by government.”

    Emenike told AfricanFootball.com he had tried to get land in Imo State, but the government refused him and so he opted to do it elsewhere.

    “People go to government to get free land, but I will not do that because there is no sincerity in most of the things we do.

    And I will not be here and allow somebody take my money, it will never happen,” he said.

    “I just want to believe that His Excellency, Governor Chime was not aware of the purchase of the land, in that case, I will like to have my money back.”

  • Lagos 2015: Ambode’s unending political battles

    Lagos 2015: Ambode’s unending political battles

    Assistant Editor, Dare Odufowokan, reports on the political battles currently being fought by Akin Ambode, one of the major aspirants for Lagos State governorship seat in 2015 

    The political camp of Akin Ambode, a leading governorship aspirant in Lagos State, remains agog with activities as his handlers battle criticism and opposition to his bid to succeed Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola of the state in 2015. Following the wave of endorsements that trailed his declaration for the plum job, the former Accountant-General’s ambition has been generating discussions across the state.

    In spite of his growing popularity within and outside his party, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Ambode’s candidacy continues to receive serious knocks from some quarters within and outside his party as the 2015 governorship election draws nearer. Consequently, his handlers left with no breathing space in their bid to position him as the man for the job.

    “In spite of funny attempts by a few persons to tar his aspiration with the brush of needless controversies, various groups, individuals and the youths are daily declaring their support for the young man’s aspiration, with the strong conviction that his quest to be governor is beyond just another ambition, but a selfless desire to serve.

    “Ambode is the right man to take over the mantle of leadership of the state from Governor Babatunde Fashola come 2015. He is the best man for the job at a time like this. We are convinced that his is not just another ambition, but a selfless desire to serve the people of Lagos State,” Adeola Mejuyipin, one of the leaders of Team Forthright Lagos (TFL), said in Ikorodu at the weekend.

    But Mejuyinpin and his co-travelers in TFL may not be speaking the minds of all Lagosians as some people have constantly argued that Ambode’s ambition is against the interests of known party men and women who have been nursing similar aspirations for years.

    “His ambition is like a jolt from the blues. We have people who have been around in the party for years. It is not good to leave such people and follow a new entrant who just left public service not quite long,” Chief Adebari Saula, a chieftain of the ruling party in Kosofe Local Government posited.

    Aside his not being a politician, how prepared is he for the herculean job of governing Lagos? He should allow those who have been planning for this for a long time to take the saddle,” Saula added.

    Saula’s position is a reference to the fact that until two years ago, Ambode was buried in bureaucratic obscurity;  hard to be seen, as he was just another civil servant earning his pay by serving the government. Analysts say not many people would have confidently pinned the toga of a “budding politician” on him back then.

    But Mejuyinpin, who argued that Ambode has become a household name in the state and unarguably one of the leading aspirants in the 2015 gubernatorial race, disagreed vehemently with the APC chieftain’s position.

    The young man, an entrepreneur who said he and many of his colleagues are grateful for the kind of leadership provided by Fashola since 2007, warned Lagosians against voting for “someone with just an ambition” as the next governor.

    “Fashola had no ambition in 2003, so they say, but he had the genuine will to serve the people of Lagos selflessly. That will thrust him forward and today we can see the result of voting for a man with more than just an ambition,” argued Mejuyinpin.

    Continuing, he said “Yes, he was a civil servant until recently but all the trappings of leadership were trailing him very early in life. Although he might not have set his mind on any particular political ambition, I have no doubt that even Ambode himself knew all along he was cut out for leadership. While all he wanted to do was put in his best as a civil servant and be remembered for good afterwards, fate had more in stock for him.

    “So, against any personal ambition of his, as early as when he was in his mid- thirties, against all odds, he became the youngest Accountant-General of the state at the age of 37. And given his position as the chief custodian of the treasury, it was not long before his path crossed that of the then leaders of the state.

    “This happened at a time the state government was bothered about the finances of the state on account of the political war he was waging against the then president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo who through legal technicalities impounded the funds earmarked for the state’s local government councils following the controversy that trailed the creation of additional local councils in the state.

    “Ambode became a quiet star in the eyes of those in government when he invented the financial system that helped the state survive those challenging times. It was as such inevitable that Ambode would be noticed and appreciated by leaders of the ruling party.

    “So, it is easy to conclude that fate prepared Ambode for leadership. More so because after the enviable feat he performed with the finance of the state in those troubled days, he went ahead to perform other miracles within and outside his purview as the Accountant-General of the state.”

    But it is not only the issue of being a new entrant that is standing on the way of   the Epe-born politician. There have also been talks about his not having what it takes to govern a state like Lagos. According to those opposed to him, Lagos needs a man in the mould of Fashola to keep the state on the path of development.

    “Lagos cannot afford anything short of another performer. With what Fashola has done in Lagos, it will be disastrous to elect an untested hand to take over from him,” Comrade Fola Ajayi of the Voters’ Vanguard, told The Nation.

    Responding, an aide of the politician, Seni Abimbolu, said Ambode is the most tested of all those jostling to succeed Fashola today. According to him, this became evident in the submission of Governor Fashola about his ability, when it was time for him to bow out of active civil service.

    Explaining further, Seeni said with lots of accolades for the retiring Ambode, Governor Fashola wrote: “I write on behalf of the people of Lagos to commend your high sense of dedication, selflessness and integrity which you brought to bear on the civil service. I wish to specifically remark that working closely with you has been of tremendous mutual benefit, particularly in the present administration.

    “You have displayed high sense of professionalism and have been a good team player, guided by the philosophy of a true public officer, who must place himself last while rendering service to the public. We are convinced that your brilliance and zeal will make you excel in your future endeavours.”

    “With Fashola virtually confirming his ability and preparedness through statements like the ones above, what more does Ambode need to convince the good people of Lagos that he possesses the leadership qualities to continue the great works embarked upon by Fashola?

    “His vast experience in the civil service and long period spent in crucial positions would stand him in good stead in the prudent and efficient management of the state’s resources. The immense exposure and connections he garnered while in those positions, analysts argued will be of immense benefit to the people of the state if he is allowed to steer the ship of the state.

    “I have also heard some people saying Ambode has the reach and capacity to attract new interests to the state with that critical paradigm shift in additional ideas to deepen our democracy and development aspirations as a state. And I willingly agree that he has the capacity to further reposition the state with prudent management of scarce resources,” the politician said.

    On the rumour surrounding the authenticity of Ambode as an indigene of Epe, a sleepy town in the outskirt of Lagos, his aides said Lagosians should critically read between the lines by pondering on the following confirmation of the politician’s origin by no other person but the Olu-Ilara of Ilara, Oba Okunola Adesanya, one of the paramount rulers of Epe.

    The Oba who said he has been on the throne for 54 years said; “The Ambode family had always been part and parcel of Epe. The Epes have always been looking for a Messiah and that indeed Akinwunmi Ambode fits it so perfectly to actualising this age long dream. He is the jewel of the people of Epe land and as an illustrious son of the land, who used his position as the Accountant- General of Lagos State to better the lot of the people of Epe.”

  • 2015: APC’s many battles within

    2015: APC’s many battles within

    In this report, Assistant Editor, Dare Odufowokan, gives insight into the on-going reconciliation efforts of the leadership of All Progressives Congress (APC) aimed at strengthening the party ahead 2015

    Following its loss to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Ekiti State gubernatorial election few weeks back, leaders and chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have been reiterating the need for the party to re-strategise ahead of the 2015 general election.

    Speaking on the election shortly after Ayo Fayose of the PDP was announced as the winner of the poll, APC’s National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, said his administration will leave no stone unturned in its effort to position the party as the one to beat in the 2015 contest.

    According to Oyegun, the leadership of the party is aware of the many grievances within its ranks as well as the crises rocking some of its state chapters. He assured Nigerians that immediate actions towards resolving all issues would be taken in due course.

    The APC’s emergence as Nigeria’s major opposition party was predicted by many pundits even before it came into existence in February 2013.

    The party, a result of a merger between the country’s three frontline opposition parties – the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), was formed with the intention of wrestling power from the ruling PDP in 2015.

    The resolution was signed by Tom Ikimi who represented the ACN; Senator Annie Okonkwo on behalf of APGA; former governor of Kano State, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, the Chairman of ANPP’s Merger Committee; and Garba Sadi, the Chairman of CPC’s Merger Committee.

    Eight months after it was formed, five PDP governors joined APC alongside numerous legislators and leading chieftains of the ruling party. This gave the party wider spread as the states of Kano, Adamawa, Borno, Rivers and Sokoto fell into its kitty.

    Determined to shove the PDP aside, the party embarked on vigorous membership drive that yielded immense fruits when it registered members nationwide few months back. And at its first national convention held recently, former Edo State governor, Odigie-Oyegun emerged National Chairman through a consensus arrangement.

    Odigie-Oyegun’s rivals, former governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva and former Foreign Affairs Minister, Tom Ikimi stepped down following a resolution by stakeholders to allow for consensus.

    Though the convention has been adjudged as commendable both locally and internationally, it may also have resulted into one of the major challenges the party will have to contend with on its way to electoral victory in 2015 because PDP is said to be wooing those uncomfortable with the emergence of Odigie-Oyegun as National Chairman.

    Reports say the party has launched covert talks with ex-Foreign Affairs Minister, Tom Ikimi, ex-Borno Governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, a former National Secretary aspirant, Mallam Kashim Imam, and Borno State Deputy Governor, Zannah Umar Mustapha.

    It was gathered that although the PDP tried to convince the affected APC leaders to pull out of the National Convention, it did not succeed.

    Consequently, Ikimi stepped down for Odigie-Oyegun while Kashim Imam, who had aspired to be the National Secretary, gave up his ambition for Mallam Ibrahim Gubi from Yobe State.

    The group was said to have lost the position of the National Vice-Chairman for the North-East.

    “Some PDP leaders have held discussions with some aggrieved APC leaders to prevail on them to defect to the ruling party in order to decimate the opposition. Their initial plan was to scuttle our convention but they failed to achieve that,” a source said.

    Worried by the development, Alhaji Imam Iman Saulawa, a national officer of the APC Youth League, said the party must immediately take steps to address the numerous grievances that came about as a result of the outcome of the national convention.

    “It is not enough to say we have a new leadership. It is time for us to address all issues that came out of the process. We cannot afford to ignore the likes of Modu-Sherrif and Tom Ikimi. These are leaders of our party in all ramifications.

    If for nothing else, Ikimi it was who signed the merger deed on behalf of the ACN. Sheriff played vital roles in popularizing APC in Borno State. If they are aggrieved, we must console them,” Imam, a chieftain of the party in Borno State, said.

    Speaking on the development, Odigie-Oyegun, said: “We have started our reconciliation, right from day one; we will extend our hands of fellowship to those aggrieved. In my acceptance speech, I called for forgiveness and healing of rifts.”

    Speaking similarly, the Borno Deputy Governor said the party would appeal to the aggrieved chieftains to put the interest of the nation above all things. According to him, he would rise and fall with Governor Kashim Shetttima instead of leaving the APC.

    “I have worked with His Excellency, Governor Kashim Shettima in the last three years and I can tell you that he is the best boss any deputy governor can have in Nigeria. He is so humble, kind; he is a good listener and very consultative. He respects me and protects my integrity as his deputy. What more can I ask for from a governor?

    “I will rise or fall with him; I will stand by him through every step of the way, no matter what. Insha Allah, he will be the last governor I will serve as deputy because I don’t see myself being a running mate to any serving or past commissioner or anyone at all.

    “Wherever Shettima stays, I stay; wherever he goes I go. This is my kind of person. I am an APC man and a committed one for that matter. My governor is an APC man and I will support him.

    “Together with leaders of the party at the national and state levels, we will move the party to a grand victory at all levels of the 2015 elections in Borno and the rest of Nigeria”.

    On the APC congresses at the state and national levels, the Deputy Governor urged those aggrieved to embrace peace.

    He added: “It is God that gives power to anyone and it is also He that takes it or deny it to anyone.

    “Politics is give-and-take and it is a game of strategising and re-strategising. Sometimes, we don’t get what we want and sometimes we get it either as individuals or as groups, the important thing is for us to move forward,” he said.

    Away from Bornu, the APC is also troubled in Ogun State where a severe rift between Governor Ibikunle Amosun and former Governor Segun Osoba, a national leader of the party, has led to rumours that the later is on the verge of dumping the party.

    Speaking recently, an ally of Osoba’s, Senator Akin Odunsi (Ogun -West) said although the Chief Olusegun Osoba supporters are not thinking of leaving the party despite the crisis rocking the state chapter, the crisis could only be resolved if the national leadership does the right thing.”

    Confirming fears that the group may be receiving overtures from other parties, Odunsi said; “Though our group appears to be a beautiful bride for a lot of groups to approach, we are not leaving because APC is our party.

    “But it will be disastrous if the party insists on taking wrong decisions on the parallel congresses conducted by the Osoba and the Governor Ibikunle Amosun factions. Which of them followed the party’s guidelines that say only candidates with bank tellers are qualified to contest?

    The party leaders should be guided in their decision by the party’s guidelines on the conduct of congresses. If the party takes the bull by the horn, I assure you that a lot of our members who are drifting today will come back.

    “The national secretariat seems not to understand the gravity of the problems at hand. If it decides to ignore the complaints of members of the National Assembly from the state, it appears the party leadership is treating the matter with levity. Before the matter got to where it is today, we intimated the national leaders but nothing was done.”

    Osoba and his group boycotted the APC national convention held in Abuja. Another ally of the former governor, Senator Gbenga Kaka (Ogun-East) said he and his colleagues boycotted the convention because they were not formally invited.

    “The moment the APC national leadership decided not to review the appeal committee’s report on the parallel congresses in Ogun and decided to recognise the Amosun faction, we lost interest in what was going on,” Kaka said.

    Also recently, feelers from Ondo State showed that the APC may need to do some fence mending in the state too. A member of the state chapter of the party, Bola Ilori, said trouble was being caused by external bodies who do not understand the internal workings of the state politics.

    “People that do not understand the history of the state, by the time they are at the driving seat of events, you will always have trouble. This is a new party coming together, let the legacy parties be at the driving seat of events,” he said.

    This was just as the crack in Nasarawa State chapter of the APC took another turn with the rift between Governor Al-Makura and members loyal to the representative of Nasarawa North in the National Assembly, Solomon Ewuga, widening.

    Loyalists of the ex-Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory was alleged to have walked out on a peace meeting with the governor in attendance sometimes back, fueling fears that they may also ditch the party soon.

    Given its commitment to the task of defeating the PDP at the general election in 2015, the APC will have to first confront and conquer its internal challenges if it intends to make good its vow.

  • Evangelist battles spinal cord injury

    For over five years now, Chidi Ucheana, a 32-year-old evangelist, who hails from Alor in Idemili South of Anambra State, has remained bedridden in acute pains.

    Chidi, who is also a chorister at the Saint Barth’s Anglican Church, Satellite Town, Lagos State, broke his spinal cord in a road accident on January 8.

    Overwhelmed with grief, the cleric spoke with The Nation last Saturday in the Maza-Maza area of the city, where he stays with his brother-in-law. Sympathisers fought tears for him.

    He said the accident occurred at Agbor in Edo State on his way back to Lagos from Anambra, after celebrating the Christmas and New Year festivities.

    Chidi, who could not recall what led to the accident, said all he could recollect was that the bus’ driver drove into a petrol filling station at Agbor, bought fuel and drove out. “The next thing was that I saw myself on the bed at the Agbor General Hospital where I was told that only five of us survived,” he said.

    The evangelist said he regained consciousness at the hospital after the accident and ever since, he had been moved from hospitals at Onitsha to Enugu and various other places in search of succour to no avail.

    He said his condition has worsened as he now has bed sores all over his back. Reason: For lying down on a spot for five years!

    Today, Chidi cannot stand or sit on a chair. And he must be assisted into a wheel-chair if he must leave his bed. He can no longer move his legs as the wounds on them grow more terrible by the day.

    He said: “I have been taken to several hospitals including the Orthopaedic Hospital in Enugu. There has been no improvement. The wounds I sustained five years ago have not healed. I have bed sores all over my body; I cannot stand up or walk and I cannot sit down except I’m lifted unto a wheel-chair. Then, he pleaded: “I am tired; please let everybody help me. Please tell my governor, Mr Willy Obiano, to help me. He must not allow me to die.”

    Until the accident, Chidi was an active member of the Anglican Youth Fellowship (AYF) and the Evangelical Fellowship of the Anglican Communion (EFAC) of St Barth’s.

    Now, he needs N5 million for an overseas trip to undergo surgery and eventual rehabilitation. Sadly, right now, he lacks medical attention for lack of funds.

    Clinical analysis from Memcfys Hospital, Enugu, which was signed by Consultant Radiologist Dr. A.C Onu, noted that the man had spinal injury and paraplegia.

    A former Vicar and Priest at the St Barth’s church, Satellite Town, who is now Vicar and Archdeacon at St Paul’s Anglican Church, Oke-Afa, Isolo in Lagos, Rev’d Chiedu Ekpunobi, said that until the incident, Chidi, apart from being an evangelist in the church, ”was into buying and selling, doing well.”

    Describing the victim’s case as “quite unfortunate,” he said: “He was one of my parishioners. He was very active and was the assistant choir master and was quite promising in his chosen field.”

    Seeking help for the young man, Chiedu pleaded: “Ucheana needs urgent help to enable him have his life back. Arrangements are in progress with a health facility in Dubai for a surgery that promises to rehabilitate him.

    “We have done the best in our capacity to help and sustain him, but we cannot do this alone. We need help. We cannot allow him to waste away just like that. I urge the good people of Nigeria to urgently come to his aid.”

    The evangelist said he could be reached on 0802 316 8259 or through an account domiciled in his name: Ucheana Chidi Anthony at Diamond Bank, with number: 0038992309.

  • Helpless boy battles eye cancer

    Eight-year-old Toheeb Atobatele cut a pitiable picture – even to passersby. His bulging left eye was a frightening spectacle – as though waiting to burst. He has long remained a pain in the heart of his family grandmother.

    Last Saturday morning at 25, Owodunni Street, Onipanu, Lagos. Toheeb jealously held his notebook to his chest with his left hand as he used the right to ward off a troublesome neighbour, who would not allow him concentrate on his “home work”.

    As he struggled on the task with his lone eye, his grandmother, Mrs Abosede Paul, a petty trader, who has been taking care of him from birth, shook her head thoughtfully. Her mien bore frustration and utter despondency. Her neighbours – numbering five – who sat outside their bungalow home, shared in her angst. “Iya Toheeb, God will send a helper to this boy at His own time. It’s nothing for you to think about,” one of them consoled the old woman.

    She was moved into spontaneous tears, recounting how fate had remained hostile to the little boy since he was born. She recalled how Toheeb’s father abandoned him immediately he was born at a clinic in Ikotun, a suburb of the city, on realising his condition – cancerous outgrowths on his upper lip and left eye.

    “Since there was no help from any quarter, I struggled to give him peace. It was a Good Samaritan that funded a surgery on his affected lip at a private hospital after which I took him to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja.

    “There was no x-ray that I did not do to get to the root of Toheeb’s problem. In 2009, I was asked to do a scan on the eye; I was at LASUTH several times for it. At a point, we were directed to some Indians somewhere around Anifowoshe in Ikeja. I borrowed money to buy some prescribed drugs that were expected to be used for a surgery on his eye there. At last, we were told that they lacked the equipment that could be used for the operation,” Mrs Paul said.

    “Since I had no helper except God as his father was nowhere to be found,” she added, “I had to resign to fate, believing that one day, God would show himself in the innocent boy’s plight. His mother, Ebunlomo, has just passed out of school.

    “He is a very brilliant and promising boy. He is ever ready to read despite his condition. He is doing well in the second class at a Nursery/Primary School where I enrolled him here in Onipanu. But I must confess that each time I see him strain his only eye to read, I shed tears. I feel for him.”

    Sharing her phone number, 08052965364, with this reporter, Mrs Paul submitted: “Well, may be God can decide to use your medium, may be. We are in a world where our people only take delight in spending money on vanities without regard for their fellowmen. I just hope a God-sent person comes to Toheeb’s rescue.”

  • Bayelsa: Seriake Dickson’s many battles 

    Bayelsa: Seriake Dickson’s many battles 

    It might turn out to be another case of the Biblical David versus Goliath epic battle. The 2016 governorship poll in Bayelsa is clearly a contest between powerful forces and seemingly political lightweights. On one side is the incumbent, Seriake Dickson, who is keenly interested in seeking reelection. Dickson, by all means, is a history chaser. It is a history which comes with overwhelming burden for the governor.

    Since the state was created in 1996, none of his predecessors had broken the second term jinx. Diepreye Alamieyeseigha actually won reelection in 2003. But his second tenure was aborted on December 9, 2005 when federal forces led by former President Olusegun Obasanjo saw to his impeachment over corruption charges.

    His deputy, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, was inaugurated governor the same day. Jonathan served out Alamieyeseigha’s second term and was on the verge of being reelected when he was picked to run as running mate to the late President Umaru Yar’Adua on May 28, 2007. He went on to become deputy and then president after the demise of Yar’Adua.

    Former Governor Timipre Sylva came on board on May 29, 2007, supported by Jonathan. His election was nullified on April 16, 2008 over irregularities. The then Speaker, Werinpre Seibarugo, became acting governor from April 16, 2008 to May 27, 2008. Sylva reemerged elected on May 27, 2008 but his first term ended on January 27, 2012 when the Supreme Court terminated his election.

    Sylva’s travail was said to have been triggered by his alleged reluctance to support the Doctrine of Necessity theory that transmuted Jonathan to Acting President during the sick days of late Yar’Adua. When he contested the 2012 poll under the platform of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), he lost woefully to Dickson. Incidentally, the same forces that brought Dickson to power are about to see to his downfall. He is being considered for what insiders call the “Sylva’s treatment”.

    The governor, who many believe has done averagely well in term of performances, is in the eye of the storm. Powerful forces allegedly spearheaded by the First Lady, Patience Jonathan, are working towards his failure at the 2016 poll. But Dickson, considered a lightweight because of the godfathers’ syndrome, is reportedly prepared to slug it out with those his camp scornfully refers to as the “Abuja big men”. This, it was gathered, is why the governor is working tooth and nail to perform and win the confidence of electorate.

    But then, he has formidable oppositions on his way. On that side is the First Lady, who is said to be so incensed that Dickson will be the first governor to win a second term in the State. A source in the governor’s camp said: “Her problem is that she cannot live with seeing the governor win reelection. She has told people in private that over her dead body will that happen.”

    The Dickson-must-go campaign, it was learnt, is gathering steam and growing in influence. It is believed to be rooted in Abuja and prepared for execution in Bayelsa. Dame Jonathan, according to sources, is not willing to negotiate on the issue. A source in the thick of the plot confided: “If the governor wins reelection, he will become too powerful to control. He won’t need the presidency again and might start having ideas about having his own political structure and legacies in the State. This is what we can’t imagine and so it is better to stop him immediately”.

    But the plot, according to political observers, is one that will be hard to execute. On what basis, for example, will be governor be denied second terms, they wonder. Peter Ateki, an analyst, said that will be the crux of the matter for the Abuja’s forces. According to him: “Will they say the governor has not performed? Will they find corruption charges against him? Will they face the electorates and say he is becoming too powerful? What will they tell us is why he shouldn’t be reelected?”

    At the head of the plot is the First Lady ably supported by former governor Alamieyesiegha, who shares the conviction that Dickson should not take credit for breaking the second term jinx. The plot is said to enjoy the tacit support of President Goodluck Jonathan, who has been advised to stay publicly clear of the unfolding developments.

    The trio’s anointed candidate is Senior Special Assistant to the President on Domestic Affairs, Waripamowei Dudafa. The former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs is the only man Jonathan and Alamieyeseigha can trust, having served both of them. Sources said Dudafa enjoys unfettered support of the Presidency for the Bayelsa 2016 race.

    To garner support for his candidature, the political godfathers have reportedly floated and heavily founded a group, The New Dawn Initiative Development (NDID) to serve as the clearing house for his electioneering campaigns. The group is being touted as a Pro-Jonathan group to secure official protection and cover. The plan, according to sources, is to deny Dickson the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket on the ground that there is a better alternative. Risky as the plot might sound, the godfathers are said to be confident it will work based on presidential might and the fact that Bayelsa has always been 100% PDP. 

    But the governor is not one to take such threats to his political career lightly. He is rolling out his machineries to counter any move against his reelection. This was why he saw to it that NDID’s proposed rally for Yenagoa on April 19 was botched. Dickson said he backed the disruption of the rally by the police at the Community Secondary School, Opolo, Yenagoa owing to intelligence report some hooligans wanted hijack the rally.

    “We also must remind ourselves that the INEC and even the PDP have not released their timetables and so, no group or individual is permitted to embark on any political rally. Such a rally will be seen as a ploy by the individual to use the name of the president to pursue his or her own selfish ambitions,” Dickson said in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson.

    Sources said the disruption of the rally irked the godfathers in no small way. They reportedly fumed he had the temerity to stop a rally purportedly organised to drum support for Jonathan. The First Lady, it was gathered, was particularly more offended, stressing the governor must be stopped before further humiliations.

    Dickson, according to sources in his camp, is prepared to play the victim’s game against his estranged godfathers. This, it is assumed, will garner public sympathy and support in his favour. Besides, he is said to be considering working with the opposition such his ambition to seek reelection on the PDP ticket becomes impossible.

    Though a conservative state with homogenous political identity, observers say the All Progressive Congress (APC) might be the biggest beneficiary of the PDP’s internal wrangling. The party continues to make strides in the state with former governor, Sylva at the forefront. It remains unconfirmed if Sylva will be seeking to return to the State House. But sources said many members of the House of Assembly, whose elections he oversaw in 2011, might be favourably disposed to working with him in 2016.

    The lawmakers, it is said, consider him their political leader and will be available to support the party’s bid to wrestle power from the PDP. The bitter bickering and backlashes expected from the Dickson-must-go campaign might just make this happen. Come 2016, a mind-blowing political shift might be in the offing in Bayelsa.

  • Tinubu: His vision, battles and 2015 calculations

    Tinubu: His vision, battles and 2015 calculations

    All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is 62 years old this week. Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU writes on the political struggles and ideas of the acclaimed opposition leader.

    The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) stands before the mirror of history as he celebrates his 62nd birthday. What is discernable from the mirror? He is a consummate politician, consistent democrat, tested and trusted leader, towering progressive arrowhead, seasoned administrator, financial surgeon, great organiser, powerful mobiliser, master strategist, defender of the oppressed, apostle of the rule of law, foremost philanthropist, and a citizen of the world.

    But, what will occupy his mind on his birthday, despite the festivities, is the plight of Nigerians who lack access to electricity, good roads, employment, health care system, security and other good things of life. Like the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the Asiwaju of Lagos will be thinking about the problems of Nigeria and how to make life more abundant for the people.

    As the polity gazes at 2015, Tinubu has a mission to fulfill. Between 1999 and now, he has played the role of an indomitable opposition leader, firing shots at the centre for debasing the principles of true federalism. With the release of the APC manifestos Tinubu and his colleagues in the main opposition party are now pushing for power shift. The alternative ideas that he is canvassing are being tested in 16 states with measured success. For the fledgling federation to survive, the former Lagos State governor has maintained that the ruling party should take a break from governance at the centre next year.

    Many commentators have argued that Tinubu’s struggles and his compatriots’ battles for a better society can only be worthwhile, if there is a paradigm shift in governance at the centre. They also believe that, with uncanny courage, the soldier of democracy, who is endowed with mega capabilities to spearhead the legitimate agitations, can lead the progressives to explore the alternative route to solutions to the fundamental questions. The APC has declared that this exploration has become compelling, in view of the obvious poor performance of the Jonathan Administration. In the view of observers, the resolve, resilience and determination to get to the promised land must never fail the great leader in this challenging period.

    Yet, Asiwaju’s platform is on the weighing scale. Eyes are also on the politician, who a political disciple and Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Bosun Jeje, described as a formidable leader and an oak tree offering shades to a vast progressive followership. How will the APC resolve the challenge of formalising its leadership at its inaugural convention? How will its presidential candidate and his running mate emerge? How can the party dislodge the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from power? Last year, the umpire bungled the Anambra State governorship election. Can the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guarantee free and fair polls? More than the wining and dining, these are the issues that agitate the APC leader.

    Tinubu kicked off the liberation struggle from his Southwest base. Thus, he is not a prophet without honour at home. In 2003, he agonised over the loss of the region to the conservative interlopers. Except in Lagos, progress was at a standstill for the next four years. Tinubu successfully coordinated the battle for the restoration of progressive administrations in the five states.

    To displace the progressives from regional power, the PDP hawks penetrated the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and crippled the platform. That was when the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, the Afenifere, was in a serious crisis.The anti-Obasanjo leaders of the Action Congress (AC) were heart-broken. The old party, the AD, was in ruins. Tinubu, the lone AD governor, was troubled. The man of foresight, working in concert with like minds, spearheaded the establishment of the AC), which later metamorphosed into the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). In 2010, the party reclaimed Ekiti and Osun states from the PDP. A year later, it dislodged the PDP from power in Ogun and Oyo states. The epic battle served as the bridge that connected the past to the present. The late Awo, Adekunle Ajasin, Abraham Adesanya and Ige had advocated that only rational governments reputed for progressive tendencies should steer the affairs of the Southwest. The dream was fulfilled, with the ascension of Kayode Fayemi, Rauf Aregbesola and Abiola Ajimobi to power in Ekiti, Osun and Oyo states.

    Tinubu grew up in a political family. Her mother, the late Alhaja Abibat Mogaji, the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, was a popular politician and women mobiliser in the days of the Action Group (AG), the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) and Social Democratic Party (SDP). Little did he guess that he would later emerge as a political colossus. It can be said that he became a politician by accident. During the long military interregnum, some old politicians dragged him into the fray. When he crossed the bridge from the board room to politics, the promising auditor took the polity by storm. He started politics at the top, emerging as a senator in the Third Republic. The two worlds of business and politics moulded the character of the professional accountant-turned political megastar. In the board room, he was a shrewd businessman and core investor, manager of men and resources and a benevolent capitalist. But when he entered politics, be became a consummate activist, prolific analyst, strategic thinker, humanist, philanthropist, astute administrator, visionary leader, man of foresight, courageous fighter, a peoples’ politician and a soldier of democracy.

    Tinubu has a notion of power. To him, politics is a vocation and the scramble for power is only meaningful, if power, which, in his opinion, is never served a lacarte, is used to create a new lease of life for the generality of the people. Between 1999 and 2007, Tinubu used power to raise the status of Lagos State. His achievements are indelible. Indeed, he laid the foundation for the Fashola Administration.

    Had Tinubu listened to his colleagues’ advice to shun politics, the story would have been different today. His former boss, Chief Pius Akinyelure, recalled that Tinubu was a workaholic Mobil treasurer, who never compromised the organisational goals of productivity, efficiency and office ethics. The chief from Ondo State had initially discouraged him from leaving his lucrative job. But, Tinubu insisted on moving on. Akinyelure only assured him that he was free to retrace his steps, if the political field proved to be hot.

    However, since 1989, when Tinubu placed his hands on the plough, he has not looked back. His senatorial form was obtained for him by his cousin, Alhaji Kola Oseni. In Lagos West Senatorial District, the technocrat deployed political prowess, mobilisation acumen, organisational ability, and masterful logic. During the senatorial screening, Tinubu, a green horn, scored the highest mark. He answered highly technical questions with immensurable wit from the panel headed by Chief Lanre Rasak. Old politicians on the panel, who had written off the new breed, had to change their mind. “We predicted that Tinubu will shake Lagos politics and it has been so”, recalled Rasak, who is now an APC chieftain.

    During the historic senatorial contest, Tinubu defeated the National Republican Convention (NRC) candidate, Mrs. Kemi Nelson, with a wide margin. He scored the highest number of senatorial votes in the country to represent the largest senatorial district. His compatriots in that turbulent Third Republic Senate of Dr Iyorcha Ayu and Ameh Ebute often marvelled at his sagacity. The Lagos West senator was a high flyer, tactician, and thorn in the flesh of the Babangida regime. He was on the firing line, challenging the regime to a duel. When the regime fell, the chain of events that followed aborted his career in the Senate.

    As a senator, he had objected to the annulment of the free and fair presidential election won by the SDP candidate, the late Basorun Moshood Abiola, the Aare Ona Kankanfo of Yorubaland. The poll was conducted on June 12, 1993. Tinubu joined the pro-democracy crusaders in their demand for the de-annulment of the credible election. He was an inspiring and principled fighter for justice anchored by the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO). His dedication, courage of conviction, untiring fighting spirit and financial backing for a noble cause sustained the crusade for justice. But, the battle was not totally won. The annulment was not reversed, despite the cries of despondency. But the military was forced out of power.

    During the June 12 crisis, which lasted between 1993 and 1998, several attempts were made against the lives of pro-democracy crusaders by the military. Their houses were razed. Tinubu, Prof. Wole Soyinka, and Gen. Alani Akinrinade went on exile. From there, he fired salvos at the military. He inspired many pro-democracy groups at home and abroad, whose activities led to the restoration of civil rule in 1999.

    In 1998, the former military Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, announced a transition programme. It was distressing to Tinubu that the symbol of the struggle, Abiola, was not released by the former military leader. He died in mysterious circumstances in detention. When Gen. Abdulsalami unfolded his transition programme, the radical wing of the political class was skeptic. There was division in the ranks of the pro-democracy movement. A section supported the transition. Another would not participate.

    When Tinubu returned to Nigeria, he told his supporters that he wanted to return to the Senate. But the Lagos-based Afenifere leaders of Ogun State origin, including Pa Adesanya, Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Sir Olaniwun Ajayi, preferred Tinubu to the late Mr. Funso Williams of the Network Alliance, who had the support the late Chief Ganiyu Dawodu, for the governorship. He emerged as the AD candidate and defeated the PDP flag bearer, Chief Dapo Sarunmi, at the election.

    Tinubu made history as the governor of the ‘Centre of Excellence’ for eight years. The shrewd administrator was on top of every situation. His attention was diverted by litigation over his university certificate. But, he triumphed over his foes. The former governor jerked the internally generated revenue from the N6,000 monthly to billions. Tinubu fought the infrastructural battle in the city state. He constructed roads, built hospitals and schools, created opportunities for employment and sanitised the transport sector. The judiciary reforms he introduced were legendary. When his term was about to expire, he groomed a competent successor. Also, Tinubu said that the continuity of the development agenda was important. The former governor created additional 37 councils in Lagos State. The move was resented by the Federal Government. When the Lagos State allocation was seized by the Federal Government, his creative engineering paid off. The state survived because it relied on its internally generated revenue. This is a lesson Lagos State will continue to treasure. Today, he is perceived by the governors of the Southwest as a role model and pride of the region. His sphere of influence cuts across the 16 states, which are the strongholds of the APC.

    In politics and private life, Tinubu is reputed for philanthropy. He is a cheerful giver, benefactor and godfather to the oppressed, like his friend, the late MKO Abiola. But more than that, Tinubu is a detribalised apostle of national unity. Rewards for politics and community service have come in various dimensions. He has received many honorary chieftaincy titles. They include the Asiwaju of Lagos, conferred on him by the late Eleko of Lagos, Oba Adeyinka Oyekan, the Jagaban of Borgu Kingdom, the Aare of Ile-Oluji and the Aare Ago of Egbaland.

    As the polity prepares for the next year’s elections, attention is focussed on Tinubu and the APC. It is now the fastest growing party. The APC is in control of 16 states. In these states, the governors are performing. In 2015, it hopes to form the government at the centre to replicate these achievemnts. This is Tinubu’s priority.

    Paying tribute to Tinubu, former Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Prince Rotimi Agunsoye described him as a mentor and role model to many politicians. He said the APC leader spearheaded the return of the Southwest to its glorious past, adding that the region is now better under the APC governments. Agunsoye also said that the former Lagos State governor deserves commendation for his patriotism, love for Nigeria and push for change at the centre at a time the polity is fed up with the inept Federal Government. Also, he hailed his commitment to the resolution of the national question, noting that he has championed the crusade for true federalism, decentralisation of power, state police and good governance. “Our leader, Asiwaju Tinubu, is the opposition leader today. I believe that he and his colleagues in the apex leadership of the APC will lead the party to victory in 2015,” he added.

    Lagos APC chieftain Olajide Jimoh, described Tinubu as “the Tutor-General of Nigerian politics”. “He has raised many leaders who are serving society at various tiers. He is a leader who does not discriminate. He has a milk of human kindness”, said Jimoh, who is the Chairman of Yaba Council.

    Lagos State Special Duties Commissioner Dr. Wale Ahmed also paid tribute to Tinubu, saying that he is a lover and developer of talents. He recalled that the former governor set up a cabinet of talent in Lagos State, which was second to none in the country between 1999 and 2007. “Tinubu has proved himself as a nationalist fighting for true federalism and entrenchment of due process,” he said. Urging him not to relent on raising the fundamental question, the commissioner emphasised that the national question cannot be resolved without social and political agitation.

    The House of Representatives member from Ikorodu, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described Tinubu as a caring and compassionate leader. He also praised him for mentoring the youth. The lawmaker said many leaders of the Southwest owe their rise to power to the indefagigable leader. Tinubu deserves applause for political mentoring, she said. Mrs Dabiri-Erewa also hailed Tinubu for initiating the idea of regional integration, which may return the Southwest to its glorious days. Mrs Dabiri-Erewa said Tinubu played a great role in her emergence as a legislator. She said: “When I signified my intention to go to the federal parliament, there were some opposition to my bid. But he was discreet as a leader. He observed that, if I had been able to perform well as a broadcaster, I would surely do well on the House. I am happy that I have not disappointed him and other leaders.” The legislator said that the task before Tinubu is that of leading the APC to victory in 2015.

    Taraba State APC leader Senator Joel Ikenya described Tinubu as an electoral reform curator, adding that he is passionate about the sanctity of the ballot box. He said: “Many people follow Asiwaju because he has the qualities of a leader. He is forthright, sincere, dedicated and committed to the cause of the common man.”

    Lagos APC stalwart and Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Council Hon. Ayodele Adewale lauded the disposition of Tinubu to the youth. He pointed out that, as a leader, he has given opportunities to many youths to excel. “He has interest in the younger generation. That is why he always give opportunities to youths and women to participate in politics and contribute their quota to development. He is a leader who is building other leaders for the purpose of the future,” Adewale added.