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Tag: governors

  • FULL LIST: Four governors who died in office

    FULL LIST: Four governors who died in office

    Death is inevitable! There is no doubt that the outgoing year, 2023, has proved to be a lethal year as it has claimed the lives of many Nigerians, including some prominent politicians and influential personalities.

    The news of the demise of Ondo state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu has evoked the memory of governors who died as incumbents in Nigeria.

    This piece takes a quick glance into the lives of these historic leaders who died while in office as governors.

    Oluwarotimi Akeredolu

    Ondo state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), ex-president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and ex-Attorney General of Ondo State, was a second-term governor before his death.

    Aketi, as he was fondly called by friends and admirers, wore many hats and was acknowledged by many of his contemporaries as a dogged leader with unbending personal convictions.

    Read Also: Governor Akeredolu’s death a painful loss – Speaker Abbas

    Until his death, he was the Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, a body with governors of the 17 states in Southern Nigeria as members.

    Patrick Yakowa

    Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa served as governor of Kaduna State from 2010 to 2012 when he died in a helicopter crash.

    He was killed alongside five others in the crash in Ogbia Creek, Bayelsa state in 2012.

    He was appointed deputy governor in July 2005 and returned as Kaduna’s number two citizen in the April 2007 election.

    He was sworn in as governor on 20 May 2010, succeeding former Governor Namadi Sambo who had been sworn in as vice president the day before.

    Mamman Bello Ali

    Mamman Bello Ali represented Yobe South Senatorial District between 1999 and 2007 and was the chairman senate committee on public account.

    He contested and won the governorship election in Yobe in 2007 under the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and was in office until he died in 2009.

    He died of leukaemia while receiving treatment at a hospital in Florida, United States.

    Shehu Kangiwa

    Shehu Kangiwa died in office in a polo accident in January 1982. Kangiwa was the governor of Sokoto State at the time of his death.

    Kamgiwa’s deputy, Garba Nadama, was sworn in as the Sokoto governor until November 1983 when Muhammadu Buhari took over power through a military coup.

    Kangiwa was fondly called the ‘Smiling governor’. He was elected governor of Sokoto under the platform of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) but his administration was short-lived.

    He died in November 1981, falling from a horse while playing polo in the 1981 edition of the Georgian League in Kaduna. He left behind nine children at the time.

    In 1982 Unisteel Ltd. presented The Shehu Kangiwa Cup in his memory, and the cup is now sponsored by the Sokoto State Government

  • Ondo governors’ obsession with varsities

    Ondo governors’ obsession with varsities

    • By Collins Akinujomu

    Sir: The establishment of universities in Ondo State can best be described as a means of political compensation rather than an act of necessity intended for the advancement of the education sector in the state. Presently, the state has three state-owned universities: the state’s premier university, Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA), Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECTH), formerly Ondo State University of Science and Technology (OSUSTECH), and the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED). There is the state-owned polytechnic, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Owo; the state has no college of education of its own.

    Successive governors in Ondo State between 1999 and the present have established at least one university. While the creation of higher institutions of learning is not a misfortune for any state, the circumstances surrounding their creation might be questionable. For instance, the need, location, and timing of establishing state-owned universities in Ondo State raise serious concerns.

    It is generally perceived in Ondo State that all the governors that have come on board have used the establishment of universities to compensate their kinsmen.

    It all started with the creation of Adekunle Ajasin University in 1999. Prior to this time, Ondo State University, located in Ado-Ekiti, had been carved out as part of the newly created Ekiti State; hence, the need for another university in present-day Ondo State. This necessitated the relocation of Ondo State University to Akungba-Akoko. However, the question of why the school is not sited in Ikare-Akoko, perceived to be the administrative and commercial headquarters of the Akokos at the time, remains unanswered. Chief Adebayo Adefarati chose to site the new Ondo State University, named Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA), adjacent to his residential house in Akungba-Akoko.

    Former governor, Olusegun Agagu, who took over from Adefarati, repeated the scenario with the creation of the Ondo State University of Science and Technology (OSUSTECTH). In an interview he granted on September 29, 2009, he admitted that the creation of OSUSTECH, now OAUSTECTH, in his local government, Okitipupa, was to appease and compensate the grievances of the people of the southern part of the state, who claimed that section of the state is left without higher institutions.

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     When former governor Olusegun Mimiko came into office between 2009 and 2017, despite popular demands on the state government to create a College of Medicine in AAUA and to develop the two existing universities, Mimiko instead established a full-fledged University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED) in his hometown of Ondo, the same town already housing two higher institutions: Adeyemi College of Education, now the University of Education, and Wesley University.

    And now the recent move by the Oluwarotimi Akeredolu administration to upgrade the only state-owned polytechnic, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic (RUGIPO), in Owo, his hometown, to Ondo State University (OSUO). Owo is currently home to Achievers University and the polytechnic. The decision of the Akeredolu administration merely follows the pattern of previous governors.

    Ondo State currently occupies the 13th position in the list of states with the highest Internally Generated Revenue and cannot boast of any thriving public company since the defunct state-owned Owena Motel. The state needs to make more investments in the economic sector, including the creation of public companies, corporations, and business enterprises that will facilitate jobs and reduce the unemployment rate in the state. Ondo State government must realize that higher institutions, particularly universities, are centres for research and development and places of knowledge production and at no point should they be seen as a means of investment or generating revenue.

    •Collins Akinujomu,

    collinsadeyemi5@gmail.com>

  • Governors wash handsoff ‘wasteful’ spendings

    Governors wash handsoff ‘wasteful’ spendings

    • Sanwo-Olu, Akeredolu, Obaseki, Otti, Adeleke defend integrity

    Five governors battling with public criticisms over alleged misapplication of public funds yesterday defended the financial activities of their administrations.

    Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Alex Otti (Abia),  Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Godwin Obaseki (Edo), and Ademola Adeleke  (Osun) denied the allegations of unscrupulous spending brought up against them in scoail media posts after scrutiny of their state budgets.

    Sanwo-Olu clarified his administration’s procurement record released by the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency (PPA).

    He assured Lagosians of impactful governance, noting that his administration will continue to welcome criticism so as to further improve on governance in the state.

    Sanwo-Olu, while appreciating critics of the document, said the state will continue to publish its spending and keep it open for public scrutiny.

    The governor spoke at the Commissioning of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) Building, PWD Ikeja.

    In a footage shared on his “X” handle by Jubril Gawat, Senior Special Assistant to the state governor, Sanwo-Olu said: “We are committed, responsible and transparent. We don’t have problem with anybody, or any individual. We acknowledge that these are ways we should be doing things.

    The clarification was sequel to the Labour Party (LP) candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour.s allegation that the state funded Sanwo-Olu’s post-election legal dispute.

    At the commissioning event, Sanwo-Olu stated: “We appreciate criticism. We appreciate the fact that people can look at us in the face that we need to do well in the state.

    “So, we don’t have a problem with the originator of an open letter. In fact, we like it and we want to thank him, and that’s to say that indeed, to be a government that’s firm and responsible, we should not shy away from criticism.

    “But it is only when criticism is malicious and it is to misrepresent the truth and that’s where there’s a problem.

    “Some officers in Lagos have all come out to say that indeed we can make mistakes on some lines of items. I heard of a particular one that an item was meant to be N2 million but it was written as N2 billion.

    “For me, I’m leading a team of very dedicated public officials; I’m leading a team of committed civil servants. I’m leading a team of self-motivated public officials that want to stand and say that they can be well recognised.”

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Governors sacked by Appeal Court and reason for their dismissal

    Also, Lagos State Commissioner of Information, Gbenga Omotoso, and Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Ope George provided insights into the recently released 2023 Lagos Procurement Budget.

    Omotoso said allegations against the governor concerning payment of lawyers using funds from the state treasury were false adding that the aim was total transparency and there was no room for uncalculated spending.

    He said: “I say categorically that there was nothing like that. It’s all false; fake from incredible sources.

    “A document was prepared for this but Gov. Sanwo-Olu did not approve it because he knows the implication. Anybody who has proof that government money left the treasury as legal fees for Gov. Sanwo-Olu should come public.”

    Both commissioners stated that focus should be taken off the label of each item and focus should be put on the elaboration of each one. They stated that the governor paid more attention to social attention through skill acquisition, and other means.

    Akeredolu washed his hands off the sum of N7.3 billion contingency fund he allegedly spent on himself while on medical vacation.

    He said the spent N7.3 billion not captured in the 2023 fiscal year budget was the total sum received from the Federal Government as “Infrastructure Support Fund.”

    The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, said he did not personally spend the money while on medical vacation.

    He said the N7.3 billion constituted the cumulative amount of palliative funds received from the Federal Government and allocated under the contingency sub-heading to address unforeseen expenses not initially budgeted for, but became necessary during the fiscal year.

    He said:  “While the original contingency fund in the 2023 budget was N1,069,000,000.00, the additional N7 billion represents funds received from the Federal Government labeled as “Infrastructure Support Fund,” specifically for palliatives meant to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal.

    “In accordance with the Ondo State Public Finance Management Law 2017, the establishment of a Contingency Fund is outlined in Part five, sub-section (i) and (ii). It states: A contingency Fund is hereby established. (ii) The contingency Fund may be utilised for making money available to meet emergency expenditure (other than statutory expenditure) which is not provided for in the Appropriation Law for the current year and which although otherwise failing to be met out of the consolidated Revenue Fund or Capital Expenditure and Development Fund, cannot without serious injury to the public interest be postponed until a Supplementary Appropriation Law providing for it can be enacted.”

    “Contingency funds are designed to address emergency expenditures not provided for in the current year’s Appropriation Law, but crucial to the public interest and requiring immediate attention.

    “Governor Akeredolu did not personally spend the N7.3 billion; rather, these funds were appropriately utilised for palliatives. The funds were released to the state by the Federal Government as part of efforts to mitigate the impact of the fuel subsidy removal nationwide.

    “Our administration remains committed to the highest standards of financial responsibility. Any claim of impropriety is unfounded. We encourage the public to rely on accurate information and refrain from being swayed by sensational claims lacking factual basis.

    “The Palliative Committee will in due course avail members of the public the details of the expenditure of the palliative fund.”

    Akeredolu said he made the clarification for the sake of transparency and accountability, which were values synonymous with his administration.

    Abia State Governor Otti has also debunked the allegation of spending N927 million on feeding alone.

    Otti came under criticism by opposition parties  after reports in the social media that the state government spent over N927 million on his feeding in the last four months.

    But a joint statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the governor, Mr. Kazie Uko, and the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Media, Ferdinand Ekeoma, described the report as false.

    Uko and Ekeoma, in the statement tagged: “Abia State Q3 Budget Expenses: Understanding the Issues,” said the government has spent N223,389,889.84 as cost for refreshments and meals by the entire government of Abia State within the period under review.

    The aides disclosed that the state government has spent the sum of N397,520,734.84 as cost for welfare.

    The statement reads: “Following the publication of government’s commitment to transparency, good governance and fiscal discipline, it has become necessary to shed more light on the afore-mentioned report.

    “This is even more so when there are certain distorted reports on social media, alleging that the Abia State Government had spent close to N1 billion on feeding and welfare for the Governor’s Office, within the period under review.

    “The accurate situation is that nothing in that region has been spent in the Governor’s Office.

    The total amount spent so far by the entire government of Abia State for refreshments and meals for the period is N223,389,889.84.

    “The figure above is as captured in all the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government.”

  • Rivers crisis: Why we are with Tinubu, by PDP governors

    Rivers crisis: Why we are with Tinubu, by PDP governors

    • Situation capable of breaking down security
    • I’ll protect party structure, Wike insists

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors yesterday justified their backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s intervention in the Rivers State political crisis.

    They explained that the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) was desirous of the quick resolution of the conflict, adding that the president’s mediation became necessary to prevent its spread to other states. 

    As the NGF intensified its crisis resolution, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike said he had no cause to interfere in the governance of Rivers, having served its people for eight years as governor.

    He maintained that his priority was limited to the protection of the political structures built since 2015.

    Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who had assured that the rift between him and the minister would be amicably resolved, secured another court injunction that put on hold the impeachment moves against him by the House of Assembly.

    Why we supported Tinubu’s mediation, by PDP governors

    PDP Governors’ Forum Chairman, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, defended President Tinubu’s intervention in the rift.

    He said contrary to criticisms by some PDP chieftains believed to be loyal to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar that its commendation of President Tinubu was “too patronising” and capable of leading the PDP into oblivion, the truce brokered by him was consistent with the NGF agenda.

    The Forum’s Director General, CID Maduabum, said in a statement that the action of the Bauchi governor was an act of courtesy.

    He added that Tinubu’s intervention in Rivers and his non-interference in the proceedings of the election tribunals were commendable.

    The Forum’s statement reads: “For the avoidance of doubts and to clarify the sequence of events, it was, in fact, the Chairman of the NGF, Governor Malam Abdul-Rahman Abdul-Razaq of Kwara State, an APC Governor, that took leadership in intimating Mr. President of the situation in Rivers State.

    “All the governors of 36 states supported the move. In particular, the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed, lent his weight and support to the move. 

    “It should be noted that Gov. Fubara is a member of the NGF and the Vice-Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum. President Tinubu agreed to intervene as requested.

    “It is most disingenuous for certain persons to lampoon the courtesies extended to Mr. President for his intervention. 

    “It should be noted that the events that played out in Rivers had national security implications; it had the potential to lead to a breakdown of law and order. 

    “Indeed, the Rivers State Police Command acknowledged as much in its statement issued on Wednesday, November 1, 2023.

    “Mr. President as the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, and effectively the Chief Security Officer of the nation, had to intervene to nip the crises in the bud. “Indeed, Nigeria’s history is replete with instances where a development in one state could snowball and affect the whole country. 

    “Rivers State is one of the major oil-producing states in Nigeria. A breach of the peace in Rivers State, considering its strategic value and importance, no doubt, could affect other states of the federation.

    “Indeed, it is a sign of good leadership and a high sense of duty that Gov. Mohammed summoned and held an emergency meeting of the Forum immediately after the Rivers State matter came up. We think that he deserves credit for this.”

    Flaying the attacks on Governor Mohammed, the Forum added: “There is no way Governor Mohammed, being a lover of peace in all parts of the country, could fold his hands and fail to act or appreciate the good efforts of the President in finding a solution to the crisis.

    “This further explains the shuttle diplomacy employed by the PDP Governors’ Forum led by Governor Mohammed in visiting and counselling the dramatis personae in the crises.

    “Those castigating the Chairman and other members of the PDP Governors’ Forum seem to have forgotten that the unity, peace and tranquillity of the country transcend politics and political leanings.

    “The Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum has not in any way done anything wrong by thanking the efforts of the President to resolve the crisis in Rivers.

    “Senator Mohammed is not trying and will not do anything to hand over the PDP, a leading and formidable opposition party, to the President, who was elected on the platform of another party.

    Read Also: Fubara: Rivers NASS caucus declares support for Wike

    “The situation in Rivers on October 30 was not just a PDP affair.”

    Wike: We will defend party structures

    Wike, who received members of the Rivers State Caucus of the National Assembly in Abuja, said the onus was on stakeholders to defend the party structures.

    The federal legislators who visited his office in solidarity reiterated their loyalty to the minister. 

    Wike emphasised that any move aimed at destroying the political structures that were built since 2015 will be resisted.

    He said he was not interested in the governance of Rivers, stressing that his hands are full as FCT minister.

    He said: “I am not interested in the governance of Rivers. I am here as governor in FCT. I am interested in the political structure we’ve built over the years in Rivers.

    “Anybody who tries it will get the resistance of his life; anybody who puts his hands in Rivers political structures, what you see, you see.”

    The minister chided those who accused him of demanding 25 per cent from Fubara, saying that they were ignorant.

    He said: ‘’I was governor for eight years. I am now FCT minister, not just minister, and some will say that I am asking for 25 per cent; that is madness.”

    Wike said in life, people should learn to appreciate those who in one way or another contributed to their lives.

    He charged the legislators not to disappoint the state and the country.

    Wike stressed: “Those of you that God has given the opportunity, don’t disappoint your state, don’t disappoint Nigerians. 

    “When you make a mistake, we will call you to order. Take it in good faith; don’t say we are coming for kickbacks.”

    The leader of the delegation, Kingsley Chinda, House of Representatives Minority Leader, said: “We thank you for your invaluable support for all of us. You supported us all through the primaries. You are the reason why we are in the National Assembly today.”

    Chinda noted that in barely three months, Wike has changed the face of the FCT, reminiscent of his days as governor of Rivers.

    He also condemned the political crisis in the state, saying that it was unwarranted.

    Members of the Rivers State National Assembly Caucus that visited Wike were all three senators from Rivers State and 11 House of Representatives members.

    They are: Senators Barinada Mingi, Ipalibo Harry Banigo and Allwell Onyeso.

    The House members apart from Chinda are Honey Felix Nwike, Boniface Emerungwa, Blessing Emezureke, Victor Onozor, Fun Deakor, Solomon Bob, Kelechi Nworgu, Hart Cyril Goodwill and Allison Anderson.

    Impeachment: Another court restrains Rivers Assembly, others

    A Federal High Court in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, restrained the House of Assembly from proceeding with the impeachment of the governor.

    Justice Phoebe Ayua issued the warning while ruling on an ex-parte motion filed in a suit instituted against the state Assembly and eight others by two members of the PDP in the state – Amadi Madubuochi and Goya Oluka.

    The judge gave the ruling after listening to Eric Omare, counsel for the applicants/plaintiffs.

    The lawyer argued that the move to impeach Fubara was unlawful because the legislators had not established any wrongdoing against him.

    In a copy of the enrolled order, Justice Ayua said: “An order is made directing that all parties on record respect the court and should not take any step concerning the subject matter in this matter, since the matter is already before this court (sub judice), pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.”

    Justice Ayua also ordered that the respondents be notified about the pending suit, marked: FHC/PH/CS/234/2023 and motion on notice for interlocutory injunctions.

    He adjourned till November 9 for a hearing of the motion on notice.

    Respondents/defendants in the suit are the Rivers State House of Assembly, the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, the Chief Judge, the Commissioner of Police, the Director of Department of State Services (DSS), the Governor, the Deputy Governor of Rivers State and the Inspector General of the (IGP).

  • Governors to Nigerians: emulate Prophet Mohammad’s virtues

    Governors to Nigerians: emulate Prophet Mohammad’s virtues

    • State executives call for unity, peace, tolerance

    Governors yesterday urged fellow citizens to emulate the humaneness of Holy Prophet Mohammad (Peace be upon him) and pray for peace, unity, and progress of the country.

    They called for prayers, togetherness, tolerance, and patriotism among fellow Nigerians to enable those in positions of authority to succeed in taking the country to greater heights.

    The governors greeted Muslim leaders across the country and beyond, saying it was necessary for all Nigerians to unite and put the country first, irrespective of religious, political, and ethnic differences.

    Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang urged the citizens to emulate the timeless lessons from the Holy Prophet’s life, including perseverance, devotion, sacrifice, tolerance, charity, selflessness, and humility.

    In a statement by his spokesman Gyang Bere, the governor said besides prayers, the celebration should also reflect matters that strengthen the bonds of unity within the state and the nation.

    Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya urged Muslims to draw inspiration from the Holy Prophet’s teachings of service, peaceful co-existence and exemplary leadership.

    In a statement by the Director General of Press Affairs in the Government House, Malam Ismaila Misili, the governor said: “As we commemorate this great day, let us continue to emulate the noble Messenger of Allah in our actions, interactions, and relationships for the betterment of our society.”

    Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah urged Nigerians to learn to coexist peacefully, regardless of their religious beliefs.

    In a message by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Dan Nwomeh, on the celebration of Maolud Nabiyy, the governor implored the residents to take inspiration from Holy Prophet’s life and “practise the virtues of peace, humility, selfless sacrifice, devotion, love of neighbours, and support for government at all levels”.

    He added: “In a time like this in the history of our nation, there is much we can learn from the Prophet’s life that will act as catalyst for nation-building and national growth. We owe it to ourselves to always uphold the law.”

    Read Also: Woman flees after killing husband with pestle in Ondo

    Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia urged Muslims across the country and the state to promote peaceful coexistence.

    In a Maulud Nabiyy message by his Chief Press Secretary, Kulas Tersoo, the governor said: “As you rejoice in the celebration of the birth of Prophet Mohammad, be mindful of the need to pray for peace and unity amongst the citizens, which form the fulcrum for the progress of our dear Benue State and nation.”

    Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri urged Muslims, especially those in the state, to be their brother’s keeper.

    In a statement in Yenagoa, the state capital, by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, the governor said: “I implore adherents of the faith to demonstrate practical love, patriotism and ensure peaceful co-existence with others. The principles of good neighbourliness and being a brother’s keeper are best manifested at a season as this.

    “Bayelsa remains a home for all. It is a state where, as stipulated in the Nigerian Constitution, everyone freely practices their religion without hindrance or let.”

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq enjoined Muslims to imbibe the Holy Prophet’s “time-tested values for sincerity of purpose, fairness, compassion to all, constant remembrance of God, and a strong sense of community built on the fear of God and collective good”.

    The governor spoke when he visited the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, who was accompanied by his chiefs and prominent religious leaders during the Maolud Nabiyy celebration.

    He said: “There is no limitation to how far we can go, if we always act as a community of people united by common humanity and interdependence. I urge us to work together as one people joined by one destiny and exemplary values.”

    Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke emphasised the essence of religious tolerance, peace, and unity to the overall development of the society.

    In his Maolud Nabiyy message to the residents, Adeleke said: “We must work on ourselves to embrace our individual differences and pursue a harmonious coexistence with our neighbours, irrespective of colour, faith and tongue.”

    Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi admonished Muslims to imbibe the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) which encompass peace, justice, kindness, and tolerance.

    In a statement in Lokoja by his media aide, Mr. Onogwu Mohammed, Governor Bello said: “Let us use this occasion to strengthen our bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, extend a helping hand to those in need, and foster a sense of harmony within our communities.

    “As we celebrate this auspicious occasion, let us all recognise that both leaders and citizens alike have essential roles to play in ensuring a peaceful and crime-free society, which forms the foundation for growth and development in our respective communities.”

  • Deputy governors’ moments of angst

    Deputy governors’ moments of angst

    • By Idowu Akinlotan

    Whichever way they turn, deputy governors appear to be damned. Damned if they do anything; and damned if they don’t. No story brings this dilemma to the surface as dramatically as the plights of Ondo State deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and Edo State deputy governor, Philip Shaibu. Both are currently perched dangerously on the horns of a dilemma, considering how quickly their governors have turned against them, and with the voluble and unpredictable Mr Shaibu groveling more farcically than the fairly tactless Mr Aiyedatiwa. But whether tactless or unpredictable, both deputy governors face an uncertain future and the prospect of impeachment. In Edo the governor, Godwin Obaseki, accuses his deputy of crass ambition packaged to undermine the state’s zoning succession formula thus endangering the chances of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in next year’s off-season governorship election. In Ondo State, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu returned from a three-month medical leave with a vengeance to cut his allegedly malfeasant deputy to size over charges of gross misconduct.

    Whatever the Edo and Ondo deputy governors are going through is of course not countrywide. Most deputy governors have not fallen out with their bosses, having creatively interpreted the constitution to deny themselves of any willpower. Indeed, they are at their governors’ beck and call, with each deputy governor burying in varying degrees his pride and character. On the whole, they cut a pitiable sight in their subsumption of personal ego and character to their bosses’. However, someone like Mr Shaibu had thought he could force the hands of Mr Obaseki, especially considering how the governor himself ‘forced’ the hands of his former boss and mentor, Adams Oshiomhole, now a senator. Apart from the politics and dynamics regarding which Edo senatorial zone should present the PDP’s governorship candidate, Mr Shaibu believed he could in fact generate different political momentum his boss would find irresistible, if not even admirable. His naivety led him into audaciously kick-starting his preparations for Poll 2024 by energising the state’s grassroots before calculating the cost of Mr Obaseki’s opposition.

    The situation in Ondo is comparable. For the reticent and undifferentiating Mr Aiyedatiwa, it is not clear whether he would have dared to bite the bullet had his boss not gone away for an extended and cryptically uncertain period. There were whispers among the governor’s pickthanks that the deputy/acting governor was too ambitious. Mr Aiyedatiwa’s opponents even psychoanalysed him by reporting to the hospitalised governor that his deputy did not wish him to return from medical leave, and that his disloyalty was so provocative and flagrant that it led him to try asserting himself upon an unwilling staff and cabinet. Secret and antagonistic reports flooded the governor’s hospital room, concentrating his bile, inflaming his rage, and turning him into an explosive device upon his return. Weeks after his return, Mr Akeredolu exploded a depth bomb on Mr Aiyedatiwa’s head without even waiting to investigate his deputy’s alleged perfidy. It was obviously enough that the already controversial deputy, whose home front is frazzled by domestic dissent, was tactlessly and openly assertive.

    Read Also: Yoruba elders seek return of Akintoye, Igboho from exile

    Edo’s Mr Shaibu has unglamourously tried to walk back his short-lived revolt against Mr Obaseki. He had talked tough one day, and moderated the next day; went to court another day, and withdrew his suit on yet another inglorious and ignominious day. Perhaps he felt the Obaseki administration was in any case near the end of its tenure, and the governor had become a lame duck. It was a gross miscalculation. Mr Obaseki is not a democrat, nor a politician incommoded by the niceties of the rule of law. He fights to the bitter end, and his opponents must have the commonsense to also fight him to the end, if they are not to be humiliated. The governor would be eager to bite off his opponent’s ears in a boxing ring if he felt threatened, as he in fact did to the previous House of Assembly whom he compelled to fly at half-mast virtually throughout their tenure. For a man whose politics and war tactics lack finesse, he is not the kind of politician with whom a shoddily prepared and half-hearted combatant would like to grapple. But Mr Shaibu entered the ring with tattered gloves, shoes without laces, and weight that was suicidally featherweight. Predictably, the governor made short work of him. Even at the onset of Mr Shaibu’s rebellion, it was unthinkable that he stood a chance of winning. Mid-way into the combat, the outcome was no longer in doubt, especially when Mr Obaseki turned up the screw a little by exiling the governor to a nondescript office outside the Government House. Mr Shaibu realised too late that a deputy governor is only as important as the governor makes him. Now, he is attempting to worm his way into the confidences of a clearly and enthusiastically vengeful governor. A few days ago, the deputy governor grovelled in an unspeakable way that can only elicit the governor’s contempt. Mr Obaseki will simply sneer at him.

    Mr Aiyedatiwa does not stand any chance in Ondo.  If Mr Obaseki was reluctant to go the route of impeachment, and will probably not do so, for his deputy is already spent and disgraced, the generally litigious Mr Akeredolu suffers no trepidation in the courts. The Ondo House of Assembly has begun impeachment moves, and the deputy governor is already put on notice for gross misconduct, an infraction whose interpretation the courts have ceded almost entirely to the legislature. Mr Aiyedatiwa does not stand a cat in hell’s chance of surviving the onslaught. The question is whether Ondo will beat other states’ impeachment records. Indeed, the deputy governor’s only chance of surviving the sally from his enemies is to rally the party’s national leadership, assuming those ones are minded to weigh in.

    There are suggestions that some constitutional improvisations can be found to make deputy governors more relevant and less prone to rebellion. If lawmakers can’t resolve the local government autonomy conundrum, they cannot also resolve that of endangered deputy governors. Let every deputy governor get wise and find a way to survive, even if it means leaving behind in his home every impediment to his survivability, including his character and personality. The alternative is too grim to contemplate.

  • Governors, APC, ministers laud First Lady’s contributions to democracy, humanity

    Governors, APC, ministers laud First Lady’s contributions to democracy, humanity

    • Eminent Nigerians celebrate Senator Tinubu at 63

    Eminent Nigerians yesterday poured more encomiums on the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as she celebrated her 63rd birthday.

    Governors Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau) and Yahaya Bello (Kogi) described the First Lady as a distinguished and patriotic Nigerian who has dedicated her life to democracy and humanity.

    They said Senator Tinubu is an inspiring testament to her unwavering commitment to God and humanity.

    In a statement in Jos, the state capital, by his spokesman Gyang Bere, Governor Mutfwang acknowledged Senator Tinubu’s steadfast support for her husband, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying she has stood as a strong pillar throughout their shared journey.

    Highlighting the profound impact of the First Lady’s numerous programmes aimed at fostering societal development, the governor expressed the pride of the government and people of Plateau State in their association with her commendable initiatives.

    In his congratulatory message to the erstwhile Lagos East senator, Governor bello said: “It is worth noting that her service to both God and her fellow citizens has been characterised by unwavering compassion and dedication. 

    “As we mark this significant milestone in her life, my heartfelt prayer is for God to bestow upon her continued good health and fulfillment of her life’s aspirations.” 

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    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) described the First Lady as a positive role model in many areas of human endeavours.

    In a statement in Abuja, by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC said Senator Tinubu’s exemplary life stood her out in many roles that providence trusted on her in the last 63 years.

    “Today, we celebrate this titan, a woman of great strength, courage and purpose, a kindhearted fountain of inspiration, a tireless giver and nurturer who has touched the lives of millions of Nigerians, especially women, youth, children and the most vulnerable citizens across our land.

    “Now that Providence has bestowed grace on you as the First Lady of our nation in this epoch of great expectations, we are confident that you will continue to be the bedrock of support for our dear President as he leads the onerous efforts to remake and set our country on a path of balanced and sustainable growth and prosperity.

    “On behalf of the National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, distinguished members of the National Working Committee (NWC), leaders and members of our great party, here is wishing you God’s wisdom, guidance, excellent health and great joy, now and in the many years to come.

    “Congratulations, and Happy Birthday, Your Excellency,” the statement said.

    Also, Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris hailed Senator Tinubu for impacting on lives of the less privileged.

    In his congratulatory message, the minister said the First Lady “within a few months into the life of this administration, had established herself as the mother of the nation and the underbelly of the government by her advocacy and good works, as well as the lives she has touched”.

  • That Rwandan retreat by Nigerian governors

    That Rwandan retreat by Nigerian governors

    The United Nations (UN) through its many agencies continues to play very significant roles in global development. It does seem that developing nations get the lion share of the global interventions. Whether the developing nations maximally utilize the grants, research and information from UN agencies depends on the various tiers of leadership in such countries. Every individual is a global citizen but each country through its governance structures determine what steps they must take in addition to the contributions from UN and other development agencies in the world.

    Nigeria has over the years benefitted in no small measure from UN interventions through UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, UN Women,  UNESCO, MDGs and other agencies. These holistic interventions have great impacts on the different human demographics and institutions of state. However, the impact of the interventions depends so much on the human factor buried in the leadership and the people.

    The leaders in the various tiers of government have their constitutional roles in governance and articulation of policies and their near-perfect executions determine which countries develop and which ones would temporarily or permanently bear the ‘developing’ or third world tags. The UN agency interventions cover all strata of society from conception, childhood, school age, adolescents, youth, men and women and even immigrants and refugees. The role of the leaderships and government institutions in the success or failure of UN interventions often depends on the vision and mission of the various leaders in the society.

    The Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) recently attended a UNDP Executive Leadership three-day retreat in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. Of the 36 governors in Nigeria, 15 and three deputy governors attended.  According to the UNDP, the purpose was to avail  them the opportunity to, “re-imagine Nigeria’s leadership to achieve transformation and nationwide sustainable development”.

    The governor of Anambra state, Prof. Charles Soludo in a TV interview after the retreat was asked how much his government spent on the trip given the paucity of funds affecting the country. He claimed that he only travelled with one aide and that he just walked into the aircraft and went to Rwanda and came back. He did not overtly say that the trip was an all-expenses paid trip by UNDP but he went ahead to say that the only possibility of any money spent by some of the attendees might have been at the Rwandan Genocide Memorial where the management urged any of their visitors that wanted to drop any token as they depend on the goodwill of visitors to run the memorial building to run the project.

    From investigations, the choice of Rwanda was deliberate. The country has become an investment and tourism hub in Africa. It has started attracting the attention of a world that appreciates order and progress. The second reason even if laughable was the fact that the country is far from home and would enable the governors to be focused and face the process with possibly zero distractions. Really?

     It would offer them a sample of how far Rwanda seems to have come since the 1994 genocide that claimed the lives of close to a million Rwandans from a senseless war sparked off  by the instigated tribal bigotry that possibly had its origin from the colonial era. The physiological ‘differences’ between the Hutus and the Tutsis were allegedly highlighted by the colonialists in their divide-and-rule game and taken up by subsequent political elite.

    The Roundtable Conversation finds the retreat and the venue very apt. Even if the governments of each state picked the bill, it is still worth every dime. Nigerian leaders need to be in Rwanda. It is a joy of every African to notice how the world has been gravitating towards Rwanda simply because the leadership has worked for the people using the best development input in the world – the people of Rwanda. There was a deliberate effort by the President Paul Kagame-led leadership to reposition the country using the best of its citizens.

    He banished the tribal bigotry that led to the devastating war in the first place. He made the citizens realize that no one or country can make Rwanda functional except the citizens. He closed down many churches that had hitherto distracted the people with false narratives. He mandated everyone who desired to open a church to go get a theology degree and apply for license. That was a masterstroke in a continent where  some shady individuals have been validating the words of the iconic Karl Marx that, “Religion is the Opium of the Masses”. Africa has more religious houses than industries and the people are some of the poorest and least developed of all continents.

    Read Also: Obasanjo orders Oyo monarchs to stand, greet

    In Nigeria, politicians are notorious for profiting from the exaggerated religiosity of the people.  Most of the governors at the retreat and those that  were absent use religion as a divisive tool. It is good they went to see Rwanda after President Paul Kagame tried to streamline issues about religion. Most of those governors during the electioneering campaigns tried to influence the choice of the people with even intra-religious sects/enominations and it did not matter if they are Christians or Muslims. In states where the population is almost 99% Christians, politicians often exploit denominations and set the people against each other.

    The Nigerian governors are part of the political class that exploits tribal differences to set the people against each other.  The last elections in Nigeria had most of the violence instigated by tribal bigotry on all sides but it was quite bloody in some states and lives were even lost. This form of bigotry has set the country on edge and even after the elections, the wounds are yet to heal. The citizens seem to be remarkably polarized along ethnic/religious lines due to political intrigues and horse-trading. The Rwandan Genocide Memorial should be imprinted in the psyche of those governors that attended.

    The Nigerian political class revels in exclusion at all levels, women, youth, rural communities etc. do not often get full representation.

    Rwanda has the highest number of women parliamentarians in the world at more than 61%. Understandable as the circumstances are, Nigerian political space in contrast has one of the world’s least gender/youth  inclusion. There is no female governor in Nigeria. Even though women like late Margaret Ekpo, Gambo Sawaba and Funmilayo Ransom Kuti and other remarkable women are known for their roles in the fight for the country’s independence, there is only reference to Nigeria’s ‘Founding Fathers’.

    The gender exclusion in Nigerian political space has dire consequences on the development of the country. Most governors have fewer than three women in their cabinet. Some states have no women in the Houses of Assembly, the legislative houses that make laws that affect women and others.  The country has 133million people living in multi-dimensional poverty and 4million was added in the first quarter of 2023. More than half of the poor and disposed are women.

    The governors might attempt some puerile defense of the gender inequity as not being wholly their fault but we also know that they all belong to different political parties and in Nigeria, governors through their Governors’ Forum, regional governors’ forum and other self-preservation associations wield tremendous influences in their political parties so they all have the capacity to change the narrative but might never due to selfish interests. It is good they saw the difference women in leadership can bring to a country.

    The governors met President Paul Kagame, they interacted with him and the hope is that they might have been humbled by his stellar achievements in leadership. Say what anyone will, he might not be perfect being human but he is today the global leadership icon coming from Africa. The Rwandan economy speaks to a global investment/tourism  community. He is not one to bend to neo-imperialism that most African leaders at all levels have seen to be suffering from.

    The sense of leadership of the president is as productive as it is admirable. For a country with fewer natural resources than some states in Nigeria, it is amazing how much he has invested and developed human capital.  While most educated and talented young people are leaving Nigeria in their millions for greener pastures even in some other African countries in the now infamous ‘jakpa’ syndrome, graduates and skilled Rwandan youths eagerly return to Rwanda after their education from anywhere in the world.

    Did the governors find out why the young people are so eager to work for their country? The leadership of Rwanda understands the value of human capital to development. Nigeria has more than 20million out-of-school children, in a global environment where ideas and technology uplift countries, how many of the governors understand the value of education? How many are investing in the children of their states through basic education programmes?

    Rwandan Air is helping Rwanda tell the world of the viable economy through aviation. Did the Akwa Ibom state governor attend to tap from this idea so as to grow Ibom Air that seems to be doing well locally? Aviation is a global business and given the place of Akwa Ibom in the Nigerian oil sector, investing in aviation by learning from Rwanda won’t be a bad idea.

    Nigerian political class love summits, conference, talk-shops and retreats. The problem is that the time and money invested in such verbal jamborees often have nothing to show in practical terms. It seems that many people in the Nigerian political sphere care less about patriotism and leadership excellence rooted in well-thought out policies that are achievable through better planning.  The Roundtable Conversation is waiting to document the achievements of the governors realizing that UNDP and the world are watching.

    ●The dialogue continues…

  • Governors, UNDP and Rwandan retreat

    Governors, UNDP and Rwandan retreat

    It was at first thought that the three-day retreat organised for Nigerian governors in Kigali, Rwanda, last week was a needless junket. That supposition raised a national din. Then it later emerged that the trip, attended by some 19 governors, was in fact bankrolled by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Oh, well, notwithstanding, said the murmurers, it was humiliating shipping so many governors overseas when they could easily learn from top development experts and political scientists in abundant supply in Nigeria. Head or tail, the governors couldn’t win.

    However, among other things and facilitators, shipped from Nigeria and elsewhere, it was established that the governors actually went to understudy the Rwandese experience that indicated the transformation of that tiny Central African country of 14 million people into an inspiring haven of development and stability. After the retreat organised to help Nigerian governors re-imagine leadership and leverage technology, the 19 men agreed that effective leadership was in high demand in Africa. They may be right. What they are unlikely to have understood, however, is that leadership has its own chemistry, probably a genetic side too, which a leader must intrinsically possess to be effective, imaginative, and charismatic. If a leader does not have it, he does not have it, as they say in Nigeria. It can’ be learnt in a retreat or a classroom. Ruling millions of people is not the same as running a company, no matter how large and successful.

    Read Also: Nigerian governors commend UNDP, others over Rwandan training

    Did the junketing governors pay any attention to the durability and future stability of the Rwandan example they had gone to understudy? Apart from the unhealthily long stay of President Paul Kagame in office since year 2000, not to say the lack of discernible political recruitment system incorporating all ethnic groups, including the majority Hutu, it remains to be seen how the post-Kagame period would look like. Here, a comparison with the post-Josip Broz Tito’s Yugoslavian experience is relevant. President Tito gingerly cobbled together an artificial federation that quickly unraveled barely a decade after he died in office in 1980, having ruled for 27 years. It is instructive that a few days after the retreat, and in light of the coup in Gabon, Mr Kagame quickly shuffled his military and sacked more than a thousand officers, including 12 generals.

    Funding and locating the retreat in Kigali is hardly the problem, contrary to the noise many Nigerian analysts and patriots made. The far bigger issue is determining the factors that produce and shape great leaders, be they governors or presidents. A cursory look at Nigerian history paints a dismal picture as far as producing great leaders is concerned. For instance, eight years of the Obasanjo presidency ended in chaotic, debilitative succession; and eight years of the Buhari presidency nearly ended anticlimactically, thereby indicating poverty of thoughts. Sorry to prick the balloons of the 19 travelling governors, but they don’t teach or learn the complex chemistry and metaphysics of political leadership in retreats. That is why great leaders are rare and exceptional, and are in high demand everywhere, not only in Africa.

  • Governors, Akpabio, Akume lead APC battles in Imo, Kogi, Bayelsa

    Governors, Akpabio, Akume lead APC battles in Imo, Kogi, Bayelsa

    Seven governors, Secretary to the Government of the Federation(SGF), George Akume, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu and two ministers are to lead the All Progressives Congress(APC) governorship campaigns in Kogi, Bayelsa and  Imo states.

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos); Dapo Abiodun (Ogun),  Umar Bago (Niger) and Uba Sani (Kaduna) will co-chair a 135-member team for Kogi.

    Governors Bassey Otu(Cross River), Francis Nwifuru(Ebonyi), Kalu and Minister of State for  Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, are to jointly head a 138-member council for Imo State.

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    A 123-member  team for Bayelsa State will be co-chaired by Governor Muhammad Yahaya of Gombe State, Akume, Akpabio and Defence Minister  Mohammed Badaru.

    APC’s National Organising Secretary Sulaiman  Argungu said yesterday that the ruling party’s    National Working Committee (NWC) approved the three campaign councils after consultations.

    Argungu explained that no date has been fixed for the inauguration of the members of the councils. 

    The governorship elections in the three states will hold on November 11.