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Tag: former President (Goodluck) Jonathan

  • Bayelsa Guber: A peep at Preye Aganaba’s option

    The All Progressives Congress Party (APC) primary towards the November 16, 2019 governorship election in Bayelsa State has finally been scheduled to hold on August 29, 2019.

    Following the release of the timetable for the governorship election, the political atmosphere in Bayelsa State has become very electric.

    The election is a straight fight between the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition APC.

    There is no doubt that the forthcoming governorship election is going to be the mother of all battles between the PDP and APC.

    The PDP is banking on its vantage position as the ruling party with lots of state resources at its disposal. The party prides itself as an Ijaw party – a sentiment that often swung the political pendulum their way in the past because it produced former President Goodluck Jonathan.

    This ego trip was largely deflated by the sterling performance of the APC in the immediate past general election. The party did not only have an impressive outing by securing the largest chunk of vote in the whole of Southsouth for the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari, it also got three seats at the National Assembly and four at the State House of Assembly. This is a radical departure from the past when it was an all PDP affair.

    The choice before the electorate in Bayelsa is at once a tough and simple one – so long as each of the contending parties knows what to do.

    PDP is already in big trouble with its warped selection process, skewed at the whims and caprices of Governor Seriake Dickson, who has narrowed the choices to his immediate political family, while other formidable candidates have been shut out.

    Read Also: Bayelsa guber: Who will win APC’s ticket?

    The voters are just biding time to ease the party out of power with the APC option. The perceived poor performance of the Dickson-led government is also a strong factor that will work against the PDP.

    Bayelsans generally are fed up with the PDP administration characterised by mismanagement of state resources, arrested development, subjecting civil servants to slave labour by denying them what is due them. Whoever secures the ruling party’s ticket will contend with a growing wave of disenchantment across the state, for the singular reason of introducing poverty as an official policy against the Bayelsa people.

    For the APC, the coast to victory is bright and plausible if it can take advantage of the odds against the PDP. The party must resolve its internal problems and present a candidate that is suitable and acceptable to Bayelsans, transcending party divide. What the electorate are looking forward to is a radical departure from the worn-out, old political war horses. The preferred choice is a young, dynamic and dependable character who has not soiled his hands in treasury looting.

    This is where a frontline contestant like Engr. Prince Preye Aganaba readily comes to fore. Few weeks ago, when he made known his intent to throw his hat into the ring the news of his ambition was received with spontaneous jubilation in the nook and crannies of the state and he was the first to do so.

    Though, former Governor Timipre Sylva who sought re-election in 2015 but lost to Dickson has the right to contest re-election as his intent to do so is very strong in the rumour mill and from his body language.

    It is however, the consensus of vast majority of Bayelsans that it will be a herculean task for APC to win if Sylva is given the party ticket for reasons that are legion.

    On the ex-governor’s ambition, a socio-political group called Network for Change, led by Ebitimi Ambaowei, said: “Former Governor Timipre Sylva and Heneiken Lokpobiri should shelve their ambition to contest. Power is given by God. The tide against them in the state is very strong. Let them remain kingmakers in the party.  This is honest advice which their political associates are hiding from them. Let them listen to the voice of reason. The voice of the masses is the voice of God.

    “But if they refuse and go ahead to contest the primary, the party will lose and history will judge them harshly for placing their personal interest above collective interest. We are begging them to make this sacrifice in the interest of the party.”

    This is a knotty issue but quite central to the APC’s determination to win the election. Those watching the political space closely hold the strong view that the issue of Sylva contesting the election is what will make or mar the political fortunes of the party.

    On the part of Lokpobiri, political pundits believe that his decision to contest the governorship election is an ambition taken too far. It violates the principles of equity in the internal zoning arrangements among the three geo-political senatorial configuration.

    Talking about the Lokpobiri candidacy amounts to preaching political heresy against the sensibilities of the people. His kinsman, Dickson – from same geo-political zone – is already serving out his eight-year tenure. It is not morally justifiable for Dickson to hand over to his brother, Lokpobiri, because Bayelsa is not their political inheritance.

    This is where the Preye Aganaba candidacy becomes not only a viable option but also a child of necessity for the APC to win the governorship election.

    Some analysts further buttress the fact that Aganaba as a candidate from Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA from Bayelsa Central Senatorial District will be a fair deal, in line with the gentlemen agreement of zoning key elective positions in the state.

    If the national leadership of the APC is sincere and fully committed to win the governorship election, it must give a listening ear to the local opinions and aspirations of the people by conceding the governorship ticket to Kolokuma/Opokuma LGA where the legendary Niger Delta agitator, Late Isaac Adaka Boro, comes from. This will also go a long way to appease the area widely regarded as the epicenter of agitations against the marginalisation of the region.

    In broad perspective, the progressives believe that Bayelsa right now needs Aganaba whom they describe as epitome of generational shift, tried, tested and successful entrepreneur, community service-driven politician who cannot betray the mandate the people will entrust in him.

    He is a cerebral, disciplined, youth-friendly, patriotic, God-fearing and accomplished business man. He worked briefly with Kandrate Nigeria Limited, in Port Harcourt, a service contractor to Wilbros Nigeria Limited,   a multi-national company, where he showed his professional competence in electrical engineering.

    In 2006, he took the bold initiative to fulfill his long term dream not to depend on salary paid white collar job, but to generate employment and take several unemployed off the streets. He did this by incorporating a limited liability company known as Freenet Global Resources Limited with head office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    The company, which has core investment interest in dredging, marine consultancy, reclamation and shore works as well as sweeping and clearing of oil wells and flows stations across the Niger Delta, has contributed towards reducing activities of militancy in the area as many youths have been engaged meaningfully.

    Moreover, in spite of his cosmopolitan outlook, he cherishes his basics, believing in the aphorism that charity begins at home. He has not only funded and promoted cultural festivals but has also attracted key projects from federal government to enhance the socio-economic lives of his Odi community.

    In 2014, when the merger talk was going on to form the APC, he was part of the process. Along with some comrades, he practically brought the party to Bayelsa. He single handedly donated the first state secretariat of the party. This was not as easy as one could imagine; he was persecuted by the then ruling PDP over what they described as daring a state where former President Jonathan comes from. He regarded the persecution as his baptism of fire over the task ahead of entrenching the APC in the state.

    Aganaba had served the party in different capacities at national level with all sense of loyalty and commitment. In 2004, when the APC primary/convention planning committee was constituted, Aganaba was not only appointed a member of the convention and planning committee but was also secretary of the media and publicity subcommittee. In the same year, he was appointed as one of the facilitators during the visit of the APC National Working Committee team led by the immediate past Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, at the United Kingdom House of Commons.

    These are no mean events which have shaped his political horizon and his selfless quest to serve the people of Bayelsa. In addition to that, he is not only a member of the Nigeria Society of Engineers, NSE, but is also a corporate member of the Council for the Regulation of Engineers in Nigeria, COREN.

    What many APC members in Bayelsa and the state in general are saying loud and clear is: If APC makes the mistake of fielding worn out old political war horses; then the party should consider itself as certified losers. Mr. Inemotimi Mark says: “If they field Preye Aganaba with his moral strength of character, it would be like unveiling a brand new product and a marketable one for that matter. APC should be prepared to coast to victory, that is truly the verdict of Bayelsans as far as the forthcoming governorship election and the chances of APC are concerned.”

    This is why there is this wide spread clarion call on Aganaba ‘like that of Apostle Paul being called to come over to Macedonia to rescue the people of Bayelsa from years of arrested development. He has heeded the call with ecclesiastical spirit of service.

    Today, in Bayelsa it has been widely accepted across party divide that Aganaba is the only viable option for APC to beat the PDP government. The truth may appear bitter, but that is the reality the national leadership of the party need to consider over the issue of choice of party standard bearer.

    Sylva and Lokpobiri have nothing to lose by putting on hold their ambition for the governorship election. They will rather emerge heroic for subjecting their interest to the overall interest of the party by rallying round their younger comrade, Engr. Aganaba. This is the time they must resist counsels of the Ahitophels and listen to the voice of reason in the interest of the party. If they refuse to heed the advice and go ahead to get the ticket of the party to contest the general election and the party loses, the judgment of history will not forgive them.

    The signs are ominous that APC will win the governorship election in Bayelsa if and only if Sylva and Lokpobiri will bury their ambition and throw their weight behind Aganaba. That is the political reality steering at the faces of APC and indeed Bayelsans as a whole.

  • Three nuts to crack in Buhari’s second term

    Insecurity was pivotal to the downfall of former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015. Back then, not even the nation’s capital was immune to the scourge of suicide bombers who were setting off their ordnance in public places and military barracks in the city.

    I recall that after one such attack at a popular motor park in Abuja, the president paid a quick visit to see victims at some hospital and thereafter headed to a Peoples Democracy Party (PDP) rally in Kano where he was pictured dancing enthusiastically.

    The optics were awful. Not only was Jonathan coming across as not having a solution to the security challenge of the time, his appearance at the rally painted a picture of an unfeeling leader. It was propaganda gold served on a platter to the opposition who milked it for all it was worth.

    Muhammadu Buhari, on the other hand, was sold as the no-nonsense general with commensurate experience to bring Boko Haram insurgents to heel. Four years after being handed the job, and on the cusp of entering his second lap, the scorecard is a mixed bag of significant progress in the Northeast and deterioration in some other areas.

    The government and its security agencies are quick to point to their successes against the insurgents as evidence that things have improved. They have their point because for years not a single bomb has gone off in Abuja or any of the major northern cities outside of the Northeast theatre of conflict.

    Much of the ground that Boko Haram once held has been retaken. This is a far cry from the days when the terrorists’ sleeper cells were uncovered in Kogi State and the fear was it just a matter of time before they struck in the Southwest.

    However, the progress against the insurgents has been vitiated by the snowballing of other security threats like kidnapping and banditry to unprecedented levels.

    No honest person would say we don’t have a crisis with kidnapping – a menace that is occurring in virtually all geopolitical zones. Where, once upon a time, it was a novelty associated with the Niger Delta struggle, now it has become a business venture – shorn of any political or religious motivations.

    The banditry scourge in Zamfara and other parts of the Northwest is even more complex. On the one hand it is a communal conflict pitting the Fulani against Hausas, but the killings have also been linked to economic factors.

    Add to this grim mix the lingering bloodletting between herdsmen and farmers and you have a gigantic headache for Buhari as he heads into the second tenure.

    Today, the armed forces and other security agencies have multiple operations currently running in different theatres across the country – each with fearsome names like ‘Operation Thunder Strike’, ‘Operation Python Dance,’ ‘Operation Puff Adder’ to name a few.

    The fact that they are so many underscores the gravity of the situation. In spite of these diverse emergency interventions, the security situation remains fluid as kidnapping, banditry and other forms of extreme criminality don’t look like they are about to disappear. Despite the position of the agencies that the situation is actually improving, each new day brings reports of some new outrage by criminals.

    Sometimes, the security agencies take the simplistic position that all such activities are fanned by desperate and ambitious politicians. That sort of thinking led the DSS under Jonathan to allege that the then opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) were the sponsors of Boko Haram.

    Perhaps we are seeing shades of that sort of thinking with the erstwhile rulers now turned opposition being accused of actively plotting to destabilise the Buhari government. That suspicion would remain until evidence is released to back up the charges.

    At other times the argument is that some of these groups just want to confront the state. While we must make room for erratic and irrational behaviour, one is left wondering what the motivation for confronting state is. Is it just confrontation as an end?

    Assumptions about groups bent on confrontation can be reasonably made when discussing Boko Haram and, to a lesser extent, Sheikh El-Zakzaky’s Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN). But the threats to wellbeing of the larger population are not from these two now significantly-weakened groups.

    The earlier the government addresses itself to the fact that criminality is rising because of the parlous state of the economy the better. Youth unemployment is rampant. We have scores of public and private universities churning out thousands of graduates yearly without any idea of how they would be put to work.

    There is even a greater nightmare with the less-educated and illiterate who have swarmed into commercial motorcycle riding (okada) – because for them it is the only game in town.

    Unfortunately, the economy is not creating new openings at a pace to offset mounting job losses. The upshot is a spike in the numbers of the idle and frustrated.

    The government spent the last four years pursuing a strategy of attempting to reflate the economy by investing massively in public infrastructure and paying contractors who were not receiving their monies under the last administration. It has also tried populist initiatives like Tradermoni.

    However, its best efforts don’t appear to be denting the problem. Buhari has to crack the co-joined issues of the economy and insecurity in his second term, otherwise the negative feedback surrounding these issues would totally eclipse whatever he may attain building infrastructure. Quite frankly, it’s still the economy, stupid!

    The third thing that has to be addressed urgently is the structure of the country. Much of the stresses and strains we are witnessing have much to do with how we co-exist, how common resources are apportioned as well as the manner in which power and responsibilities are shared by governments at different levels.

    There is failure of governance at the grassroots because many states have hijacked the funds and functions of local governments and are not willing to let go. Even with what they have grabbed, the sorry states are not in any better shape.

    For its part, the Federal Government has had too much stuffed on its plate by the constitution, making it ineffective and inefficient in many areas. There has to be a radical redefinition of how things work such that certain powers and responsibilities are taken from the centre and devolved to the states.

    In this wise, it is absolutely imperative that control over natural resources is redefined such that states can become viable and local economies built up without the current beggarly relationship that exists between them and Abuja.

    But the process cannot be helped if public officials keep regurgitating clichés about Nigeria’s indivisibility. While the advantages of size make it a wise option to remain one entity, we must accept that ours is a far from perfect union that desperately needs tweaking. That is why the visceral reaction to any mention of restructuring shouldn’t be some lecture about remaining one indivisible nation.

    It might be the wish of some to hold the nation together. But wishes are not horses. Sometimes, historical forces just take matters out of our hands. The centrifugal forces pulling Nigeria in different directions are increasing in their intensity such that there could be a rent somewhere if something urgent isn’t done about today’s issues.

  • Jonathan greets Obasanjo at 82

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan has felicitated with ex-President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on the occasion of his 82nd birthday.

    He described him as a courageous leader who is committed to Nigeria’s unity and progress.

    In a goodwill message, which Dr. Jonathan personally signed, the former President also noted that Chief Obasanjo belongs to the class of Africa’s great leaders.

    It read; “I rejoice with you today on the occasion of your 82nd birthday. Indeed, you have been a great asset to our nation and your service to humanity has been exemplary.

    “You are a patriotic and courageous leader who has remained steadfast in nation-building. Your legacies as a former Head of State and President of Nigeria will continue to endure; considering your achievements in the areas of unity, peace and development in Nigeria and the rest of Africa.

    Read also: Taraba APGA endorses Ishaku for re-election

    “History has accorded you a place in the roll call of great leaders not just in Nigeria but also in Africa. So I join your family and other well-wishers to celebrate with you on this day.

    “May God continue to bless you with strength and good health even as you enjoy more glorious years on earth. Happy birthday, Your Excellency”

  • Jonathan warns against extra-judicial killings

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan has charged security agencies in the country to demonstrate their goodwill towards peaceful elections by desisting from extra-judicial killings.

    He made the call on Monday when youth groups in the Niger Delta led by the President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Barr. Pereotubo Oweilaemi paid him a courtesy visit at the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) Office in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

    In a statement by his spokesman, Ilechukwu Eze, Jonathan said: “Anytime someone dies extra-judicially it reduces the integrity of the country. So, if our security personnel are interested in peace, especially during this electioneering, then they must do everything to suppress extra-judicial killings; because when one person is killed unlawfully, it affects everyone.”

    He also called on youths to be peaceful and eschew violence all through the period of the scheduled general elections.

    According to him: “Without peace there cannot be development in the society. If we want to develop Nigeria as leaders and citizens, then collectively we must work hard and make sacrifices that will bring peace to our country.

    “When we have conflicts, it creates a very negative impression in the society and investors are very mindful of these impressions.”

    Read also: Urhobo youths endorse Buhari

    Speaking earlier on the purpose of the visit, Oweilaemi said their visit was to align themselves with the peace philosophy of the Dr. Jonathan that “nobody’s ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian.

    According to him: “During your time as President, you emphasised that nobody’s blood is worth your ambition.

    “You didn’t just say it, but you live by it everywhere you go. You have always placed national interest above personal interest.

    “The Niger Delta is very peaceful today because of you and the role you have been playing in peace-building.

    “We watch and follow every of your footstep and we can say we have become peace ambassadors because of your conduct and mentorship on us.

    “We are also aware that in a state, it is very difficult to have a former President, without him and the incumbent governor not having issues.

    “But in Bayelsa, we haven’t heard about you and the Governor, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson having issues. This is a further testament of your peaceful disposition.”

  • Jonathan left $2.5bn in govt coffers, says Amaechi

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan left only $2.5 billion in the coffers of the federal government when he left government in 2015, the Director-General, All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Organisation, Rotimi Amaechi has said.

    He emphasised that the corruption allegedly perpetrated by the immediate past administration of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was traceable to the current harsh economy in the country.

    Amaechi, the former governor of Rivers state also revealed that former President Olusegun Obasanjo left $68bn while in office.

    He expressed concern on why Jonathan could leave $2.5bn for President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, alleging that the Jonathan’s government ruined the nation’s economy through corruption.

    Amaechi spoke in Akure, the Ondo State capital during the party’s presidential campaign rally held on Tuesday in Akure, the Ondo state capital.

    President Buhari at the occasion maintained that his administration has kept faith to all his electioneering campaign promises, especially on the fight against corruption.

    According to him, many corrupt Nigerians have been arrested and prosecuted in the last three and half years of his administration.

    The President assured that his government would intensify efforts on the fight against corruption if he is reelected.

    Read also: Sokoto Commissioner dumps PDP for APC

    He said the money recovered from those found culpable of various corrupt offences will be used to develop the country.

    Buhari said “We are gradually winning the war against Boko Haram and Nigeria is getting secured. Boko Haram no longer operates in many communities in Borno State. In fact, they don’t operate in secular places again.

    Vice President Osinbajo assured that the administration of President Buhari will create one and half million jobs for unemployed youths if given the opportunity for a second term in office.

    He said the federal government had engaged 500,000 youths through the N-Power programme in the last three and half years and will do more if allowed to serve a second term.

    Osinbajo also promised an improved electricity supply in all parts of the country, adding that a new initiative tagged “People’s Money” which is a replica of the “Traders money” will be introduced
    during the second term of President Buhari.

  • Alleged N1.6b fraud: I carried out Jonathan’s instructions, says Dudafa

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan’s ex-aide Dr Waripamo-Owei Dudafa on Tuesday urged the Federal High Court in Lagos to acquit him.

    He said he was innocent of the N1.6billion fraud charge filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    According to him, he only carried out the former President’s instructions with regards to the money.

    Dudafa, led in evidence by his lawyer Mr Adegboyega Oyewole (SAN), said the N1.6billion traced to him was not proceed of crime.

    “The source of the money is known; the money was not mine; the money belongs to the Anglican Communion of Otuoke Community in Bayelsa State.

    “It was realised from the fundraiser organised by the church and the then President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, who is a member and grand patron of the Anglican Church,” Dudafa said.

    Dudafa said a businessman, Prince Arthur Eze, pledged $10million.

    He added that Jonathan instructed him to follow up with Eze to redeem his pledge.

    Dudafa said Eze made instalment payments, adding that the money was kept in the bank account of one Somprei Someibi, a friend of the Jonathans.

    “I was just carrying out the instructions of the former President. The funds were not mine.

    “I know as a fact that the source of the funds was lawful and the money paid into various accounts is not unlawful, except they (EFCC) are saying that the fundraiser was illegal.

    Read also: Sagay: Obasanjo suffering from power withdrawal syndrome

    “I’m innocent; I want the charges to be dismissed and for the court to discharge and acquit me,” Dudafa said.

    Under cross-examination by the prosecuting counsel Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, Dudafa said he could not find on the bank account statement any cash transfer in favour of the Anglican Church in Otuoke from Someibi’s account.

    Oyedepo also led the ex-presidential aide to point out a May 6, 2015 N15million payment made to one Florence Itekesi on Jonathan’s instructions.

    He admitted that the former President handed over to him the dollar equivalent of the money, with an instruction to give it to one Festus.

    He said Festus in turn was instructed to take the dollars to a Bureau De Change operator, who paid the naira equivalent into Florence’s account.

    “My instructions were to relay the message of the President. The President only gave dollars.

    “I was asked to give dollars to Festus and I did. The BDC paid Florence the naira value of the dollars,” Dudafa added.

    Justice Mohammed Idris adjourned till February 25 for adoption of final arguments.

  • Why I didn’t visit Chibok – Jonathan 

    …Saboteurs leaked my plans to foreign media

    The Former President Goodluck Jonathan has revealed why he refused to visit Chibok after the abduction of about 276 girls from Government Girls Secondary School Chibok in Borno State.

    Jonathan in his book, ‘My Transition Hours’ said he had planned to pay an unannounced visit to the community but he had to cancel after information about the proposed visit was leaked to the foreign media.

    He also dismissed the claim that several local government areas were under the control of the insurgents when he handed over power to the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

    He argued that elections would not have held in those communities if they were not liberated from the control of the insurgents.

    According to him: “Again, I was accused of not visiting Chibok immediately after the abduction of the girls. A lot of assumptions were made. What was not countenanced was the fact that a President moved with security advice from experts because he ceases to be a private citizen the moment he wears the powers of state.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, let me state that I had made up my mind to visit Chibok even against the advice of my Service Chiefs and sent an advance party to the area in preparation for my visit. It was meant to be an unannounced visit.

    “However someone in the know, most likely a saboteur, leaked the information to the Western media and they reported it.

    “Of course when it became public knowledge that I planned to visit Chibok, the security chiefs requested the trip to be cancelled. Their advice was germane and regrettably, my visit had to be cancelled.

    “Sometime, in the heat of the moment, one got the impression that I was being goaded to appear there in the great expectation of something untoward happening to me. I was to access Chibok in a helicopter that would have flown over Boko Haram infested areas.

    “This wave of misinformation on the kidnap of the Chibok girls is similar to the malicious propaganda still being spread by those who saw nothing commendable in all we did to curb the Echo Haram situation in the North East.”

    On whether he was slow in his response to the abduction, the former Presidnet said: “The criticism over alleged slow response was one of those absurd injections into the discourse, but when it comes from eminent persons who were supposed to be circumspect; it began to look more plausible to observers.

    “My administration was not slow in responding to the Chibok incident. How could response have been slow in a military occupied zone? Before the Presidency was alerted by the intelligence services, the military were already on it.

    “As soon as I got the intelligence report, I summoned the service chiefs for briefing. I was informed that the Air Force was already using several surveillance aircraft to search the area.”

    On the number of communities liberated from the insurgents before he handed over, he said: “They claimed that I left several local government areas under the control of the insurgents.

    “Fortunately, the Nigeria military had successfully liberated most of the local governments in the North East from the insurgents; a situation that made it possible for INEC to organise elections in all the affected areas.

    “The towns and communities liberated before the 2015 elections include Bama, Dikwa, Buni Yadi, Baga, Konduga, Madagali, Mubi, Gamboru-Ngala, Michika, Damboa, Monguno, Gwoza, Marte, Gujba, Bara, Hong, Kukawa, Goniri, Askira and Abadam.”

    On efforts made to rescue the girls, Jonathan said he did everything humanly possible to rescue the girls.

    “We did everything humanly possible to locate the girls. I wrote letters to the Presidents of the United States, Barack Obama, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, David Cameron, President of France, Francois Hollande as well as leaders of China, Israel and our neighbouring countries for help.

    “They supported the search in their different ways and capacities but until I left office, it was all to no avail.

    “On several occasions when raids were conducted and news of rescue of hostages filtered in, my hopes were raised but almost immediately dashed when victims were processed and none of the Chibok girls were among those rescued.”

    “As an aside, while thanking the men and women of the US security services who were deployed to Nigeria and toiled day and night in the Northeast in search of the Chibok Girls, my surprise at the role played by the then US. President Barack Obama, still calls to doubt his genuine intentions for Nigeria.”

    Jonathan also blamed Obama for the low success recorded in the fight against Boko Haram.

    “For some strange reasons, the Obama administration had tactically penciled Nigeria and my administration for failure. Amongst many manoeuvres, was the refusal to provide any real military backing to Nigeria’s Armed Forces.

    “President Obama and his security adviser, Susan Rice, bluntly refused to sell any military hardware including jet fighters and attack helicopters to Nigeria.

    “Obama cited the Leahy Law as the reason his regime prevented the American Government from supporting Nigeria in providing weapons to fight Boko Haram.

    “Even when the State of Israel expressed the willingness to sell attack helicopters to Nigeria, the gesture was frustrated by the Obama administration that kept waving the same Leahy Law like a banner.

    “My administration, including a team of international partners with their respective governments, devoted considerable amount of resources in the search and rescue of the girls.

    “I believe one day some of the security experts and actors that were involved in the search and rescue will tell the world the truth about the kidnap of the Chibok school girls.

    “I am glad that at the time of writing this book, some of them have been found and I hope the rest of the girls will be found and re-united with their families.”

     

  • Jonathan pillar of democracy, says PDP

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has described former President Goodluck Jonathan as a pillar of contemporary Nigeria democracy.

    The party, in tributes to the ex-President on the occasion of his 61st birthday, said his patriotism and personal sacrifices ensured the unity, stability and corporate existence of the nation, particularly given the circumstances of the 2015 general elections.

    Jonathan and his PDP had lost to President Muhammadu Buhari who contested under on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2015 elections.

    A statement Tuesday by the spokesman for the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, said Dr. Jonathan remained a true Nigerian leader, whose administration was known, not only for good governance and landmark development projects across the nation, but also for the entrenchment of democratic values, rule of law, equity and justice, respect for separation of powers and constitutionally guaranteed rights of citizens as well as engendering harmonious coexistence of all interests in the country.

    “In all, President Jonathan amply demonstrated that the true essence of leadership and statesmanship is the application of the virtues, opportunities and authority therein for the good of others rather than self, and for that our party and indeed Nigerians celebrate him.

    “The PDP therefore joins family members, associates and well-wishers at large in celebrating Dr. Jonathan as he attains this milestone and prays that God will continue to keep him in good health and sound mind as he gives himself to the service of our dear fatherland,” the statement added.

  • Chief Anenih was a patriot, mentor to many Nigerians – Jonathan

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan has commiserated with the family of the late Chief Tony Anenih, who died Sunday at the age of 85, describing him as a patriot and mentor to many Nigerians.

    Jonathan stated this in a statement issued by his Media Aide, Mr Ikechukwu Eze, on Monday.

    He described the death as the exit of the great nationalist and founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which was a sad loss to the party and the nation.

    He said that the rich political experience, sincere patriotism and deep wisdom of late Anenih were qualities Nigerians still needed to cultivate for national cohesion, growth and development.

    “Late Chief Tony Anenih was a great asset to our dear nation.

    “For a long time, he remained a leading light in our party and in Nigeria’s political firmament, charting the course for peace, unity and the entrenchment of true democracy in our nation.

    “Even in old age and in retirement Chief Tony Anenih continued to inspire and mentor younger politicians as a demonstration of his deep commitment to Nigeria’s growth and progress.

    “He was indeed a leader with an exceptional knack for initiating well-considered strategies for political stability in the nation.

    Jonathan said that Anenih served the country diligently in different capacities, distinguishing himself in the security systems, business, politics and peace-building.

    “Anenih left a legacy of remarkable achievements through selfless service to humanity and deep commitment to peace, democracy, party loyalty and national unity.

    He prayed God Almighty to provide succour to his family members, the government, people of Edo and others who mourn, and grant his soul eternal rest.

    Similarly, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) said that the immeasurable contribution of late Anenih to the unity, peace and stability of the country is not hidden.

    The party in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Alfa Mohammed, said that the deceased was known across Nigeria’s political spectrum for his stance for the unity and stability of the country.

    “Chief Anenih was one of those who fought and earned our current democracy.

    “He strongly believed that the unity and stability of the nation under a democratic government is not negotiable.

    “This was vividly reflected in his past roles on related issues in the political history of our country.”

    He added that the deceased would be remembered for living a life of tremendous service to the nation while serving as a senior police officer, National Chairman, SDP, in the aborted third republic, and former Works Minister.

    “For his good deeds and contributions toward peace and stability of the country, his name would continue to appear in gold whenever the history of this country is being rewritten.”(NAN)

  • PDP stakeholders accuse Jonathan, Turnah, others of anti-party activities 

    Stakeholders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) under the auspices of the Ogbia PDP Renaissance (OPR) have accused some leaders of Ogbia Local Government Area including former President Goodluck Jonathan of working against the interest of the party ahead of the 2019 general elections.

    The stakeholders specifically accused a prominent traditional ruler, King A.J Turner and the lawmaker representing Ogbia Constituency 1 in the state House of Assembly, Mietama Obodor of anti-party activities.

    The Chairman of the group, Obhioru Mitanoni, in a statement on Friday said that Turner and Obodor were sponsoring candidates in other political parties to challenge PDP candidates.

    Mitanoni said following failures of their preferred aspirants to emerge victorious in the just-concluded PDP primaries, Turner and Obordor allegedly purchased nomination forms in other political parties for them.

    He further alleged that the Chairman of the State Environmental Sanitation Authority, Chief Robert Enogha and former Special Adviser to the Managing Director of the NDDC, George Turnah, were also involved in anti-party.

    He claimed that Turnah, who lost in his bid to clinch the PDP ticket for Ogbia Federal Constituency was backing one Cleric Awudum for the Ogbia Constituency 2 seat in the State Assembly.

    The statement said: “We are raising this alarm because of the emerging political development in Ogbia kingdom which is very disturbing. We want everyone to know that some people who call themselves leaders are working against our collective interest as a party.

    “We want our people to know that the likes of King A.J Turner, Hon. Mieteme Obodo, Chief Robert Enogha Ayalla and Barr. George Turnah are all guilty of anti-party activities. These men bought forms for those who lost the PDP primaries to go to other parties to contest against our candidates.

    “We are aware that for George Turnah the man he is sponsoring Cleric Awudum in Accord Party has not even resigned his appointment in the Niger Delta University. Everything is being done to ensure he wins the Ogbia constituency two seats. But we are ready for them”.

    Mitanoni lambasted Jonathan for failing to call some of the leaders, who are his known allies, to order, adding that the ex-president was promoting political divisions in Ogbia.

    He said Jonathan was the one who encouraged Chief Nimi Barigha-Amange to contest the Bayelsa East senatorial seat on the platform of the ADC, having lost the PDP ticket to Blessing Ipigansin.

    He wondered why the former President would conspire against a party that brought him to the limelight.

    He said the group decided to make a public statement and put the leadership of the party on notice to prevail on leaders to retrace their steps.

    He described the leaders as disgruntled and blamed them for the gross underdevelopment of Ogbia.

    In a swift reaction, Enogha said he was shocked at the extent some desperate and disgruntled element would go just to score cheap political points.

    Enogha described the statement signed by Mitanoni as the height of sycophancy and lies.

    He wondered why a founding member of the PDP and loyal supporters of the Restoration team of Governor Seriake Dickson would be dragged into such an unthinkable act adding that he was totally committed to the party and its leadership.

    Also, George Turnah described the claims as false and cheap allegations.

    He further referred to the group behind the allegations as faceless but said he remained committed and loyal to the PDP despite contesting and losing the party’s ticket for the House of Representatives.

    Turnah said he was the most persecuted member of the PDP by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari adding that he should have been the one complaining against the process that led to the PDP primary.

    He, however, assured persons behind the allegations that he and his team would support them to win the forthcoming poll.