The Nation Newspaper

Tag: governors

  • Governors to invest in mineral resources, agriculture

    In their bid to boost internally generated revenue to augment dwindling allocations from the Federation Account, NorthWest zone governors plan massive investment in exploration of their mineral resources and development of agriculture.

    The governors,’ under the ageis of North-West governors’ forum, made the declaration at the end of their meeting in Katsina.

    A communiqué issued said that the seven states in the zone would give priority to the exploration of their mineral resources and the development of agriculture.

    The communiqué, signed by Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari, the chairman of the forum, issued in Katsina, said the two sectors if properly harnessed, would solve the problem of unemployment, insecurity, as well cattle rustling in the zone.

    It urged Nigerians to support President Buhari’s fight against corruption and insecurity.

    The governors advised Nigerians to support the policies of the Federal Government aimed at revamping the economy.

    They pledged to mobilise stakeholders in the zone to ensure the development of the area.

    “For the zone to succeed in addressing most of its challenges and forge ahead in the wake of monumental challenges, the governors agreed to cooperate and unite.’’ the communique said.

    It added that the governors agreed to establish a secretariat in Katsina State to coordinate their activities.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was held to discuss myriads of problems facing the zone and proffer solutions.

  • Blame governors for naira’s fall

    SIR, The naira has been on a steady decline for the past few months. The disparity between rates at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and that of the parallel market is as clear as the difference between day and night.

    Many economic analysts and keen followers of the economy have blamed the situation on factors varying from the fall in oil prices to the depletion of the Excess Crude Account and the role of the Bureaus De Change (BDCs).

    It would be recalled that former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala had a run-in with the 36 governors under the auspices of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. Against her advice, significant portions of the Excess Crude Account (ECA) were used to augment monthly allocations to local and state authorities. The states had maintained that rainy days were already at hand and in fact (the rain) was already pouring, so the money needed to be used right away.

    This rash nature of the governors, who always want to spend, spend, and spend, is why we are presently facing this freefall in the value of the naira. If they had heeded the counsel of the former finance boss to save for the rainy day, we would not be in the mess we are in now.

    But, no! They decided to feed fat on the nation’s oil boom and ended up plunging the entire country into economic crisis. Between 2011 and 2014, the 36 states of the federation received a total of N2.92 trillion from the Excess Crude Account. This amount alone is close to 50% of the country’s 2016 budget. What would be the strength of the naira if these monies were saved and not expended by the governors?

    Dr Okonjo-Iweala also said that a significant portion of the billions of dollars drained from the oil savings account over the past two years was distributed to “powerful governors” instead of being saved.

    The decline in oil price reduced the earnings of the country. This situation in turn made the CBN to devalue the naira last year by eight percent stating that it was running out of forex reserves with which to defend the currency.

    If the governors had not arm-twisted Dr Okonjo-Iweala by depleting the ECA, the CBN would have had enough forex to defend the naira instead of having to devalue it. And since then, the naira has declined steadily before its recent rise against the dollar.

    You would remember that these same state governors requested $2 billion from the ECA to complete projects and provide security ahead of last year’s elections. The powers the governors wield have to be put on a leash lest they run this nation aground with their insatiable appetite. Nigerians must rise up and speak with one voice to confront waste in government so that our economy can be brought back to life.

     

    • Daniel Osofisan,

    University of Jos

  • PDP governors beg Jonathan’s ex-ministers

    PDP governors beg Jonathan’s ex-ministers

    …in bid to save Sheriff

    •Mimiko sends chartered jet to Abuja • Embattled party chair pleads with ex-Minister Turaki
    •Ex-ministers meet Tuesday

    Governor Segun Mimiko of Ondo State yesterday, on behalf of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors, launched  a fresh initiative to save Senator Ali Modu Sheriff from being humiliated out as National Chairman of the PDP.

    Mimiko, who doubles as chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, invited some former ministers in the cabinet of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan to a meeting to beg them to accept Sheriff who was picked by PDP governors as the party’s new national  chairman.

    Many influential members of the PDP, particularly ministers in the Jonathan Administration, are uncomfortable with Sheriff’s leadership of the party, and are threatening to dump the party if the governors’ decision is not reversed.

    The party’s Board of Trustees (BoT) is not disposed to confirming Sheriff’s nomination either.

    The governor dispatched a chartered jet to convey the ex-ministers to Abuja for the parley but some of them declined to honour the invitation.

    They opted to meet on Tuesday decide their  next line of action.

    The Forum of ex-PDP Ministers may be expanded to include those who served under ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo and  ex-President Umaru Yar’Adua .

    Mimiko, investigations revealed, is greatly  disturbed by the negative reactions sparked by Sheriff’s selection.

    A well placed party source  said: “In the last 72 hours, Mimiko has been personally reaching out to all the aggrieved ex-Ministers, state chairmen of PDP, Senators, members of the House of Representatives and members of the Board of Trustees(BOT).

    “Today (yesterday), a chartered jet was provided by Mimiko to bring the aggrieved ex-Ministers to Abuja but some of them shunned the sudden invitation. A delegation led by ex-Minister of Special Duties, Tanimu Turaki (SAN), however, left for Akure.

    “Mimiko is trying to pacify all groups in order to allow Sheriff to be in charge. He does not want the crisis in the party to degenerate further.

    “The governor has been making calls to all those who are against Sheriff. He asked them to sheathe their swords. He is trying to save Sheriff. The truth is that Governors Ayo Fayose and Nyesom Wike led us to this mess.

    “The ex-Ministers are however adamant. They have fixed a meeting for Tuesday to decide the next line of action.”

    Sheriff himself has embarked on reconciliation shuttles to strategic leaders of the party.

    For a start, he has  paid a surprise visit to Turaki, who is coordinating the Forum of ex-PDP Ministers.

    Another source said that Sheriff  seemed to be monitoring  the ex-Ministers’ meeting.

    “Before the meeting ended on Wednesday night, Sheriff was already waiting in Turaki’s home. He begged the ex-Minister to prevail on his colleagues to give him the opportunity to lead the party,” the source said.

    “The ex-governor assured Turaki that he would not disappoint the party if allowed to lead the party.

    “But there was no concrete assurance from Turaki who said he would consult widely.’

     

    Fani-Kayode  explodes over Sheriff’s selection

    Aviation Minister in the Obasanjo Administration, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, said yesterday that he found Sheriff’s coming distasteful, evil and godless. Fani-Kayode said the former Borno governor is nursing an agenda to fly the party’s  Presidential flag in 2019.

    He said Sheriff’s selection as the party’s national chairman cannot stand.

    He said: “As a consequence of this calamitous decision, we have, literally overnight, become a shell, nay, a shadow, of what we used to be. Unfolding events will prove my assertion true. I have no doubt that time will eventually prove me right and vindicate me.

    “The bitter truth is that this arrangement is an affront against the Living God and it cannot stand. Yet, if it does stand, the party will pay a heavy price for it because it will inevitably lead to the end of the PDP as we know it.

    “Imposing Ali Modu-Sheriff is an insult to all those that have fought for, led, served, defended, supported and risked everything for the party, at every level, over the last 17 years. Only the deeply malevolent can be comfortable with such an arrangement.

    “It is evil. It is godless. It is indefensible. It is shameful, and as long as it stands the PDP does not have the moral standing or authority to criticise or condemn others. Those that made this decision behind closed doors and without proper or wide consultations have murdered sleep.

    “They have not only betrayed the confidence that the rest of us bestowed upon them but they have also prepared the coffin for our great party and dug its grave. It is a tragedy of monumental proportions and I have little doubt that God will judge them for what they have done.

    “Ali Modu-Sheriff’s long-term plan to highjack the leadership of the party for as long as possible, remain as National Chairman indefinitely and emerge as the party’s presidential candidate in 2019 will fail because it does not have the blessing of God. Time will prove me right.”

    Fani-Kayode praised the BOT and state chairmen of PDP  for rejecting Sheriff’s selection.

    He added: “The truth is that appointing him as our Acting National Chairman is like appointing Jack the Ripper as the leader of the Conservative party in Victorian England.

    “Kudos must go to the elders in the PDP Board of Trustees, a number of State Party Chairmen and a number of key individuals in the PDP Ministers Forum for taking a courageous and noble stand by rejecting and resisting the imposition of this abominable monstrosity.

    “What Ali Modu Sheriff stands for and represents is utterly repugnant to every fibre of my being. Yet, I have no objection to his being a member of the PDP simply because politics is a game of numbers. It is a game in which everyone, no matter how big or small, counts. If you want your party to grow and make progress you must accept the good, the bad and the ugly.

    “To this end, when he left the APC and joined the PDP sometime back, I was one of those that gladly welcomed him into our ranks and defended him in the public realm. This was at a time when others criticised the party for accepting him.

    “Evidently, we have sold our birthright and heritage, not just for a mess of pottage like Esau, but rather for a free ride on a private jet.

    “This is what a party that was once led by successive groups of seasoned and formidable intellectuals and great men of power, vision, courage and good character has been reduced to. This is what the party that was founded and once led by giants like President Olusegun Obasanjo, Chief Tony Anenih, General Ibrahim Babangida, General Aliyu Gusau, Alhaji Adamu Ciroma,  General T.Y. Danjuma, Vice President Abubakar Atiku, President Umaru Yar’adua, President Goodluck Jonathan, Chief Bode George, Col. Ahmadu Alli, Chief E.K. Clark, Professor Jerry Gana, Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, Chief Ken Nnamani  and so many others has degenerated to? What a pity! What a monumental tragedy!

    “This is a party that once boasted of having in its ranks many promising and dynamic bright young stars that were collectively capable of shaking the very foundation of the civilised world and creating new frontiers and greater hope for the future of our people and our beleaguered nation. How are the mighty fallen.”

  • PDP governors to aggrieved members: accept new party chair

    PDP governors to aggrieved members: accept new party chair

    Deoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors have urged members kicking against Senator Ali Modu Sheriff as National Chairman to bury the hatchet.

    The governors in a statement signed by the Coordinator of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Mr. Osaro Onaiwu, said they did not expect every member to be on the same page with the choice.

    The statement said: “It has come to our notice that some members of our great party have expressed their reservations on the emergence of the new National Chairman, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff.

    “As it is expected, not everybody can be on the same page in such matters even though of the same party. We wish to appeal to our members to keep the bigger picture in mind, which is to reposition ahead of 2019 with individuals that have the track record in power play.

    “It is in this regard that our esteemed members should think carefully before joining the crowd of those baying ‘death to the PDP’. As a national party, it is important that every matter is looked at from all sides and not just the negative narrative of the opposition party”.

    The governors argued that while it was normal for dissent in a large and national party like the PDP, members should not lose sight of the bigger picture, which is to re-strategize ahead of 2019 and the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states.

    Calling on members to support the new party chairman, the governors said Sheriff’s choice was in the party’s best interest.

    Described as the substantive national chairman, Sheriff is expected to complete the tenure of the Northeast zone as specified by the party’s constitution.

  • Governors: we trust Sheriff to reposition PDP

    Governors: we trust Sheriff to reposition PDP

    The Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Governors Forum yesterday  expressed confidence in the ability of National Chairman Ali Modu Sheriff, to reposition the party and make it more inclusive.

    A statement by the Coordinator of the forum, Mr. Osaro Onaiwu, yesterday in Abuja quoted the governors as saying the choice of Sheriff, ex-governor and senator, came after a careful deliberation, given the battle ahead.

    “Sheriff is coming on the job with immense wealth of experience and will, no doubt, use his vast network to rebuild the party.

    “He will restore members’ confidence and act as a counterforce to the many antics of the present APC regime.”

    The governors urged the national chairman to avoid all diversionary tactics and work toward uniting all aggrieved members and fashion out modalities to woo new party faithful.

    “We urge you to shun all diversionary tactics that might be thrown at you and concentrate on how to bring all aggrieved party members together; as well as fashion out ways to woo new members, especially the youths.

    “The forum is solidly behind you and will deploy its support to ensure that the shared vision for our party is realised as we prepare for 2019.”

    The governors said the situation in the country was an opportunity for Sheriff to show that the PDP remained the only truly national party that could reunite the country.

  • Governors fine-tune regional restoration

    Governors fine-tune regional restoration

    As a presidential committee chaired by Lt-Gen TY Danjuma sets about the task of rebuilding the Northeast, the region’s governors are sourcing funds and other facilities for the same purpose. DUKU JOEL reports

    Things seem to be shaping up in the region after the havoc caused by Boko Haram insurgents. President Muhammadu Buhari has set up a committee to drive a rebuilding plan. The retired Lt-Gen TY Danjuma, chair of the committee, has said the project will cost over N2tr. Governors of the region are also playing a part, spending three days in Saudi Arabia in discussion with the influential Islamic Development Bank (IDB) for intervention in the restoration plan. They secured a pledge from their hosts.

    Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima led the Borno State delegation. Also on the trip were governors Tanko Almakura (Nasarawa), Nasir el-Rufai (Kaduna), Mohammed Abubakar (Jigawa) and Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano). With them too were representatives of the New Nigerian Development Company owned by the 19 Northern states, some Commissioners of Agriculture, Education, Post-Insurgency Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement and a host of others, including former Chief Economic Adviser to the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Dr Tanimu Yakubu Kurfi.

    They met with the President, Dr Ahmad Mohamed Ali and Vice President, Operations of the IDB Group at the bank’s headquarters in Jedda.

    Shettima’s spokesman Malam Isa Gusau said, “The decision to seek critical development partnership with the IDB, was part of resolutions reached by the 19 governors, irrespective of religious and political divide, at one of their meetings held September, 2015, in Kaduna and was chaired by Governor Kashim Shettima, which deliberated on ways of tackling challenges of agriculture, poverty, education, maternal mortality ýand other problems most prevalent in the north than any part of Nigeria.”

    The delegation also held meetings with the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation, ITFC and the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment & Export Credit (ICIEC), Islamic Research and Training Institute (IRTI), Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD), all of which under the IDB, for the good of the North.

    The IDB pledged to develop a comprehensive plan for the reconstruction.

    “We will work together to come up with a comprehensive and constructive plan to support northern Nigeria,” the president of the Bank Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali said.

    He added, saying, “We will start with education, particularly bilingual education, and other areas such as job creation. Before you leave Jeddah, I would like to have a list of your priority areas, from education, power to agriculture and so on”.

    The Vice President (operations), of IDB Dr. Mansur Muhtar also assured the delegation that IDB will do its best to look into various areas of intervention, particularly in the development of infrastructure which is a key priority in the bank’s 10 year development strategy.

    He commended the delegation for visiting IDB, while hoping  that the visit will open up new vistas   of stronger partnership that will culminate to massive  mobilization of  resources for the development of the region.

    Governor Shettima expressed the resolve of the group to reverse the poverty trend in the region. He described the region as “a giant with feet of clay”, adding, “Poverty wears a northern face”.

    Speaking further, he said,  “The region is suffering from joblessness, low access to education and healthcare facilities, despite the abundant resources in the region.”

    With the Saudi trip, residents of the region can hope.

     

  • PDP govs in u-turn, back ex-minister Wakil as chair

    PDP govs in u-turn, back ex-minister Wakil as chair

    •Opt for ex-Minister Wakil
    •Wakil, Juta, Bala Mohammed, Lawal, Gulak, Jalo battle for top seat

    Power seems to be tilting in favour of former Minister of State for Power, Mohammed Wakil, to take over as the next chairman of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    PDP governors and other influential stakeholders are said to be rooting for him over and above other aspirants for the position.

    The choice of Wakil, who is from Borno State, is also said to have received the blessing of some members of the Board of Trustees of the party.

    Notwithstanding, five other aspirants from the North-East have not given up on their ambition to lead the party.

    They are the National Vice Chairman (North-East) of the party, Girigiri Lawal ; Second Republic Governor of the defunct Gongola State, Wilberforce Juta;  ex-Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Bala Mohammed ; Deputy National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Abdullahi Jalo and Ahmed Gulak, former Special Adviser on Political Matters to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.

    The PDP governors, it was gathered, opted for Wakil on account of age, his cosmopolitan outlook and being receptive to advice.

    It was also learnt that as a former Majority Leader of the House of

    Representatives from 1999 -2003, Wakil may serve as a bridge builder between the party and its members in the Legislature.

    A source familiar with the unfolding scenario said: “We have spent the last five days consulting across all the strata of the party.

    “The PDP governors who led the search group, have met with other stakeholders and built a consensus on Wakil.

    “Some members of the BOT and the National Working Committee (NWC) have also endorsed the choice of Wakil.

    “The NWC and the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the PDP will meet during the week on the recommendation of Wakil and weigh options on others who have not given up.

    “What we are trying to do is to avoid going into election in order not to cause fresh division in PDP. We cannot afford any move to divide us again.”

    Another source said: “The governors and some stakeholders opted for Wakil because age is on his side. He is also well-respected by most leaders of this party. We need a bridge builder to reshape PDP.

    “Wakil was born on 6 June 1965 in Damboa Local Government of Borno State and is a graduate of law faculty of the University of Maiduguri, Borno State.

    “We also discovered that the North-East vital to PDP’s political calculations for 2019.”

    Responding to a question, the source said: “The governors are skeptical about the choice of ex-Minister Bala Mohammed because he has a strong financial muscle and might be difficult to control.

    “Some party leaders also cautioned the party not to pick Bala Mohammed because he just left a strategic office and the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari may join issues with him on the management of the Federal Capital Territory.

    Those sympathetic to the ex-FCT Minister and four others are demanding for election of the candidate by the North-East Caucus.

    They claimed that any imposition of a new chairman without the input of the North-East Caucus might not fly.

    “These five aspirants have embarked on intense lobbying too. They have not given up at all. So, the next few days are left for horse-trading. In politics, a minute is important.

    “Whatever the leaders of the party decide, we still have to make peace with Gulak who is in court.”

    The PDP had last Tuesday slated a meeting of the North-East Caucus for Gombe to elect a new chairman but tension forced the party to shift the session.

    Article 14.5 of the PDP Constitution says: “Where a vacancy occurs in any of the offices of the party, the Committee shall appoint a substitute from the zone where the officer originated pending the conduct of election to fill the vacancy.”

     

  • Governors, senators storm Abia for Gov Ikpeazu’s mother’s burial

    Governors, senators and other top dignitaries, yesterday witnessed the internment of the remains of the mother of the governor of Abia State, Deaconess Bessie Ikpeazu, in Umuobiakwa community, Obingwa council area of Abia State.

    Leading the dignitaries were Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari; Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose; Cross River State governor, Prof. Ben Ayade; Akwa Ibom State governor, Chief Udom Emmanuel; Ebonyi State governor, Chief Dave Umahi and the Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu.

    Other dignitaries who graced the event include Anambra State deputy governor, Chief Nkem Okeke, Senator Theodore Orji, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Chief Judge of Abia State, Justice Theresa Uzokwevernor of Anambra State, Dr. Peter Obi among others.

    Speaking at the occasion, Ekweremadu described death as a fulfillment of God’s design for man on earth, which was inevitable and beyond human remedy.

    He noted that the deceased lived a fulfilled life on earth and has gone back to her creator, and urged Governor Ikpeazu to strive to deliver more democracy dividends to the people of the state.

    In his homily at the funeral service, President of the Eastern Nigeria Union Mission of the Seventh Day Adventist, SDA, Church, Pastor Bassey Udoh, said the late Deaconess Bessie lived for the less-privileged and touched many lives.

    Udoh, who admonished the people to live worthy lives in order to be remembered for their good works when they die, commended Ikpeazu for the democracy dividends he had delivered in the state since he assumed office, and charged him not to relent.

    According to the cleric, “Mama Bessie Ikpeazu has done her part. She touched many lives; people should strive to do good and make a difference wherever they find themselves. Life is not about what you acquire. It is not about position.”

    He urged the bereaved family not to mourn like people without hope, and advised them to take solace in the fact that Mama Bessie lived an exemplary life while on earth.

  • Governors, Sanusi: we won’t accept attempt to rewrite history

    Governors, Sanusi: we won’t accept attempt to rewrite history

    Northern leaders talked tough yesterday, saying they would not accept attempt to rewrite the country’s history and discredit their leaders, who were killed in the January 15, 1966 coup.

    The governors and traditional rulers said attempt at attributing the problems that led to the coup to Sir Ahmadu Bello and other North’s leaders killed in the putsch would not be accepted,

    They added: “As long as we are alive, we will defend their honour.”

    Speaking at the 50th commemoration of the death of Sir Ahmadu Bello, the first and only Premier of the Northern Region, the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, said although Nigeria had moved on, history should not be rewritten.

    Sanusi, who said he did not want to be misunderstood, noted that while the North was interested in peace, unity and development of the nation, it would insist on being respected by all Nigerians.

    He said: Tomorrow (today) marks exactly 50 years of the incident in the history of this country in which a number of leaders were killed. Sir Ahmadu Bello was one, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was another. Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, Chief Okotie Eboh and a number of Generals that hailed from this part of the country as well as the Western part were assassinated.

    “These have happened, though sad, we have forgotten about them and moved on as a nation. But 50 years later, before our eyes, this history is being rewritten and those who killed are claiming to be the victims.

    “It is important that we keep history truthful and even if we forgive and forget, we must never allow history to be rewritten because what is happening in Nigeria today is a new narrative.

    “Sardauna was not a victim; Tafawa Balewa was not a victim, they were the cause of the problem. We cannot accept this. We do not want people to reopen old wounds because everyone has been hurt, everyone has been offended, everyone has lost people, everyone has been marginalised, everyone has tasted power, everyone has produced good leaders and corrupt leaders.

    “No one has monopoly of power or corruption or oppression. So, why don’t we, as one country learn from our history because history cannot be forgotten.

    “Karl Marx said history is often repeated. The first time it happened, it is a tragedy, the second time it happened, it is a farce because if you do not learn from history and it repeats itself, it is no longer a tragedy, but a farcical result of your failure to learn from the past.

    “I am not saying Sardauna and Tafawa Balewa were perfect, but they were heroes and like all heroes, they had faults. But they were better than anything this country has produced. If you have problems with Sardauna, bring your own Sarduana and compare. So, let us please move on as one country.

    “The time has gone and we cannot allow ourselves to get into this ethnic, political and religious battles. However, we owe it to the memory of these gentlemen who were murdered. I think we should make it clear that so long as we are alive, we will defend their honour.

    “I know that newspapers like headlines from the Emir of Kano. So that we don’t cast the wrong headlines, we are calling for peace, we are calling for unity, we are calling for tolerance, but we are insisting on respect because we will not be disrespected.”

    Speaking on behalf of the North’s governors, Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai said the governors were in alliance with the opinion expressed by the Emir of Kano, adding that they would not accept any attempt to discredit those whose legacies they enjoyed.

    He said: “The governors agree fully with the sentiment and statement expressed by the Emir of Kano. As northern governors, we want peace in Nigeria, we want unity in our diversity, we want development in Nigeria.

    “But we will not accept a situation in which our parents, our forefathers are being insulted. We will not accept any attempt to rewrite history and discredit those whose legacies we enjoy.”

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Mubammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, urged North’s leaders to stop hiding under the shadows of the late Sardauna and take up the challenge of building a North of their dream, noting that 50 years was a long time.

    The Sultan, who decried the growing level of intolerance and unemployment in the North, said Christianity and Islam, the two major religions in the country, did not encourage corruption and bad governance.

    Said he: “I challenge all of us to stop hiding under the shadows of Sarduana. If we want to see the North of our dream, all of us here, the leaders and the followers, must behave like Sardauna because if we have good leaders with a bad follower-ship, we will still have problem and if you have bad leaders and good follower-ship, you will still have problems.

    “My quarrel is with the leaders of the North. You have a lot of problems in your hands. You came at a time when we don’t have enough resources. We have so many citizens who are jobless and want to live their lives. You have to provide for everybody.

    “I challenge you to take up the mantle of leadership and face the challenge very well. See how you can create jobs for the teeming youth roaming the streets with nothing to do because there is a time bomb waiting to happen.

    “Anybody who has nothing to do and is hungry can be used for 10 kobo. We have written a lot of letters to the governors on this and we will follow up. The issue is that the jobless youths must be engaged. How we do, it is our own problem because we have the people to do the job.

    “So, I appeal to our governors to take up this serious challenge and keep our children off the streets. Let them be useful to the society.

    “There are many important projects across the northern states which have been abandoned. How can we resuscitate them? For example, the Ajaokuta Steel Company. The Northern Governors’ Forum should take up the challenge and see how they can work toward the completion of the project because it is capable of creating thousands of jobs for our people.

    “Let us diversify from oil and take agriculture serious. God has been merciful to us by giving us arable land. How can our leaders take up the challenge of paying attention to agriculture, especially cash crops?

    “We can make a lot of money from these cash crops. If we do, we will make a lot of money from agriculture in the next four or five years and I can assure you that the North will be better for it.

    “We know the importance of agriculture. For example, cotton, which brings to the American coffers about 150 billon dollars every year. Let us also see how we can improve on our cash crops to help our farmers help our people.

    “As I said, let us get out of the shadows of Sardauna. Fifty years is a long period. Let us work with the principles he left for us, which is work ethic and fighting corruption.

    “All of us are either Muslims or Christians. These two religions never encourage corruption or bad governance. We talk of Sardauna legacies. As Christians and Muslims, where did we go wrong that we have ethnic rivalry in the northern states? We have religious bigotry across the North.

    “Christians and Muslims are killing themselves under one excuse or the other. When did all these things start? If we want a true North, let us look back and see at what point we started derailing and from there, let us retrace our steps back to where we should be and let us move this North and Nigeria forward.”

  • Governors make case for unity, hope

    Governors make case for unity, hope

    GOVERNORS felicitated yesterday with the citizens in their new year’s messages, declaring that the country’s prosperity in the years ahead lies in its unity and hope for a better future.

    They called for peaceful co-existence of all the federating units, patriotism, prayers and rededication of energy towards rebuilding the economy.

    Niger State Governor Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, who admitted that last year was tough in terms of security and economic challenges, was optimistic that the nation would surmount its challenges in the new year.

    He called on the people to pray for the sustenance of peace and unity in the country, stressing that “our collective prosperity as a nation and as a people is dependent on the unity and peaceful co-existence of the people”.

    The governor called on the citizens to shun mischief and unproductive activities that were capable of causing disaffection among the people and jeopardising the existing cordial and relatively peaceful atmosphere enjoyed in the country.

    The governor assured his people that the policies and programmes of his administration in the new year would be people-oriented, with a promise to stay focused and committed to service delivery that would improve their condition and standard of living.

    Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun called on Nigerians to renew their dedication to patriotism, duty and productivity in the year 2016.

    Amosun, who made this known in his goodwill message, asked the citizenry to use the opportunity of the festive period to reflect on the journey ahead as a nation.

    He said: “We must map out improved and effective strategies for greater achievements in the New Year. Without doubt, our tomorrow will be better than our today.”

    The governor assured Nigerians, especially Ogun State indigenes and residents, that the New Year would bring greater infrastructural growth for the state.

    He noted that the state would mark its 40th anniversary in February 2016 and assured of his administration’s unalloyed dedication to the successful accomplishment of its mission to rebuild Ogun State.

    Kogi State Governor Idris Wada urged his people not to despair in the face of the challenges confronting the state and the nation.

    In a message yesterday in Lokoja by his Chief Communications Manager, Mr. Phrank Shaibu, the governor urged the people to see the new year with renewed optimism and to be active participants in the struggle to emancipate the state from poverty and underdevelopment.

    He thanked the people for conducting themselves peacefully during the last governorship election and expressed satisfaction at the decorous manner in which they have always handled outcomes of elections.

    Imo State Governor and the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors’ Forum,  Rochas Okorocha,  called on Nigerians to continue to pray for the APC-led Federal Government and President Muhammadu Buhari over the challenges confronting the country.

    The governor in a massage issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo,  appealed to Nigerians to keep faith with the administration,  adding that “the year 2016 no doubt, will be a wonderful year for the nation”.

    He prayed that  those behind Boko Haram, Pro-Biafra protests, militancy in the Southsouth and ills bedeviling the country would see the need for total peace in the new year.

    Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwaunyi urged Nigerians to use the opportunity of the celebration to rededicate themselves and all their useful energies to the urgent task of rebuilding the nation’s economy.

    While felicitating with the people on the celebration, Ugwuanyi  noted that Nigerians, along with all those in authorities,  needed a deep sober reflection and unity of purpose in tackling the myriads of socio-economic problems that confronted the people  in 2015.

    He lauded Nigerians for bearing with stoic philosophy the heavy burden brought by the economic situation and called for prayers and abiding faith in God to see the nation through to its aspirations.

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed urged his people to rededicate themselves to the pursuit of making the state a model in the country.

    Ahmed, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba, said although the year 2016 might be challenging due to the economic problems in the country, his administration remains committed to improving the economic wellbeing of the people and the state’s infrastructural growth.

    The governor, however, lauded the people for appreciating the challenges across the country and assured them that the new year promises a better future for the state.