The Nation Newspaper

Tag: House

  • Buhari in Imo Government House

    Sir: The need for change of government was in the air. One Father Mbaka had reversed himself from support for President Goodluck Jonathan to General Muhammadu Buhari in a sermon. Nigerians being vaingloriously responsive to prophecy drifted in massive support of Buhari. His visit was described by some as evidence of Divine intervention. Party faithful were mustered with GSM invitation to Governor’s office and they thronged out to hear what the governor had to say about the visit. Elders were invited to boost authenticity. I was among the invited.

    Governor Rochas Okorocha had invited us to develop an advice to him on what he would raise before the presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC). Our discussions on what was to be presented to the prospective president, was marshaled out in dilated offerings that denied aged people their promise of breakfast. Table had been laid. Consensus was reached on two people to make presentations on behalf of Imo Council of Elders after some contentions were raised on persons within the fold. The candidate was believed to be on board and landing time was long since reached. All of a sudden alert came that entourage of the candidate was on ground at Governor’s private residence. The governor in his usual reverence for visitors almost dashed out to receive them and forgot that he had assembled at least 20 seniors in his home from time-barred breakfast time of 7.30 up until alarm blew. Some seniors were on medication that demanded food before using. They suffered through the long period before Buhari came and after 11 a.m. when his entourage moved in. The seniors were abandoned in separate parts of Okorocha’s mansion to their pains. It was necessary after breakfast with the hallowed guest to move to Sam Mbakwe Chambers for a formal meeting with the visiting guest and his entourage comprised of top executives of APC and some of their board members.

    Chief of extemporization, Governor Okorocha opened up at Sam Mbakwe Hall formally welcoming candidate Buhari to Owerri. His wits about his defeat at primaries set up a mild uproar. He himself rushed through what could have been presented by the nominated duo for time to return on a scheduled flight had come. Governor Okorocha could only speak about roads-Enugu to Port Harcourt, Aba to Calabar and Owerri Port Harcourt as primary arteries. He wanted direct contract on Second Niger Bridge. He forgot Petrochemical Plant that had huge employment and subsidiary industry potentials. He did not dwell enough on national insecurity and the threat on Igbo people with amazing potentials for dispersal all over the world and the need to ensure their safety and productive life wherever they may dwell and make positive contributions. He forgot to stress that the real responsibility of leadership is protection of the led and assurance that only the best technocrats should be engaged without discrimination to fend for the betterment of the majority. Those who qualify to add multiples to national wealth and well being should be engaged without qualms as to origin. The bottom line of good governance is pervasive wealth and well being of all in the land. If one tribe can assure that why should a president bother? The decline of Nigeria should be levied on Quota.

    Buhari did not address any of the issues raised to him by Governor Rochas. He spoke of his military exploits and precipitately landed on his quip on Jonathan that corruption was growing in leaps and bounds under his watch and something drastic had to be done about it. I believe he will choose the right technocrats for the job if he lands it. He did not address the price Ndigbo have had to pay through the war years and the losses of relevance their loss of the third position in Nigeria has cost them. Neglect of Ndigbo will always count as Nigeria’s loss any time into the far future. The disintegration proclivity was not even on Buhari’s radar. The Boko Haram debacle did not feature.

    Famished like desert dwellers, elders dispersed with glum faces and utter revulsion for the treatment meted out to them.

     

    • M A C Odu,

    Owerri, Imo State

  • Suntai’s brother wins House ticket

    Suntai’s brother wins House ticket

    Taraba State Governor Dambaba Suntai’s younger brother, Babangida, has emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representives flag bearer in Bali/Gassol Constituency.

    Also, Acting Governor Abubakar Sani Danladi is the PDP senatorial candidate for  Northern Taraba Zone. A source said, although the ticket was reserved for the former acting governor, Garba Umar, the  party changed its mind, following protests by top party leaders.

    Danladi, who hails from Karim-Lamido Local Government Area, has been Suntai’s deputy since 2007.

    Danladi was impeached in October 2012 by the House of Assembly. But, the Supreme Court ordered his reinstatement in November last year. The ticket is a payback for Danladi, who initially refused to contest, added the source.

    Babangida Suntai exuded confidence, saying that he will win the general election. He said he successfully resisted attempts to edge him out of the primaries.

    He added: “I am very happy that I have gotten the ticket. It was really tough, but I forged ahead. They told me to run for the House of Assembly, but I refused. Others asked me to step down so that they will ‘settle’ me, but I forged ahead.”

    Suntai was planning to run for the Senate after the expiration of his second term. But, the plane crash truncated his ambition. His associates said that he is happy that his younger brother became a parliamentary aspirant.

    Babangida Suntai defeated the House of Representatives member, Haruna Manu, at the primaries.

    However, Manu was elected as the running mate to the governorship candidate, Darius Dickson Ishaku.

  • A divided house goes for shadow poll

    A divided house goes for shadow poll

    There is crisis in the Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as it holds governorship primary  today to elect its governorship candidate for next year’s election. The party is polarised by the ambition of two aspirants-Jimi Agbaje and Musiliu Obanikoro. Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU writes on the acrimonious preparations for the shadow poll and the tension unleashed by the bitter competition for power.

    The die is cast between former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro and the Afenifere chieftain, Jimi Agbaje, a  pharmacist. The two politicians are the frontliners in today’s Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primaries. Other aspirants – Dr. Segun Ogundimu, Mr. Bola Gbadamosi, Ambassador Tokunbo Kamson and Mr. Deji Doherty, an engineer-may be like spectators at the shadow poll.

    Ahead of the exercise, there is tension in the troubled chapter. Party sources said that there is desperation on both sides. Although Agbade has not approached the contest as a do-or-die matter, those supporting him are hinging their survival on his ambition and success at the general elections. Also, those backing Obanikoro are not leaving any stone unturned to get the ticket.

    Prominent PDP leaders backing Agbaje include Chief Olabode George and Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, the former Minister of Works. George has fired salvos at Obanikoro, saying that he joined the race to cause trouble. He said it was curious that he resigned as a minister, few months after he was appointed by President Goodluck Jonathan. George also said that Obanikoro was peddling falsehood, clarifying that he has not been endorsed by the President. In his view, Obanikoro’s candidacy may dent the image of the party before Lagosians.

    The bitter struggle underscores the personality crisis and ego war between George and Obanikoro. At the weekend, the former High Commissioner to Ghana returned the torrent of missiles from George. He said the retired naval officer and former military governor of Ondo State is his rival at the primaries, and not Agbaje, who he described as a foreigner in the chapter. He boasted that he will win the primaries without George’s support.  His supporters said that it is a not an empty boasting, recalling that he Obanikoro beat George’s candidate, Mrs. Hilda Williams, at the 2007 primaries.

    A party chieftian hinted at the weekend that Lagos PDP is in trouble again. Reflecting on the division, he said the party would be weakened by the escalation of crisis, ahead of the general elections. “If Agbaje wins, the supporters of Obanikoro will not support him because reconciliation is always difficult in this party. Also, if Obanikoro becomes the candidate, with what is happening now, George and his group will not support him. Is the party not jinxed? That is the situation now.”

    But, Ogunlewe, who is backing Agbaje, disagreed. He said while the shadow election is the internal affairs of the PDP, Lagosians will determine the fate of candidates at the general elections. The former minister said there is no way Lagosians will prefer Obanikoro to the All progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, who he described as a reputable chartered accountant and financial expert.

    Ogunlewe added: “A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) is leaving the position now. Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun is a chartered accountant and a financial expert. Mimiko is a medical doctor. Ajimobi has profile. Where is Obanikoro coming from? Is he electable? The question is which type of governor do you want? In 2015, people will vote for personality, not party.”

    Obanikoro has been described as the most formidable aspirant. Politically, he is also the most experienced politician in the fold, having served as the Chairman of Lagos City Council, Vice Chairman of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC), Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture, senator between 2003 and 2007, High Commissioner to Ghana and Chairman of the National Industrial Training Fund. In 2007, he was the governorship candidate. Many believe that  strong Obanikoro has a structure and resources to fund campaigns and run for the election.

    However, Agbaje is not a push over. The Afenifere chieftain is a credible politician. He is loved by many people. In 2007, he was one of the aggrieved aspirants who defected from the Alliance for Democracy (AD), following the primaries that threw up Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) as the candidate. As the candidate of the Democratic Peoples Alliance (DPA), he did not make much impact during the election. Agbaje is rich. He also has a network of friends ready to support his bid. But, his strength lies in his integrity and credibility. Lamenting his defection to the PDP, a chieftain of the APC said: “Agbaje has been around for a long time. He was there when the PDP was described as the nest of killers. Can he stand the sight of blood? Can he handle gun? Can he wait when he sees cutlass and broken bottles at campaigns? That is why I said that he has joined a bad company.”

    For 15 years, the Lagos PDP has gazing at the Government House. Its ambition to produce the governor has been aborted by the progressive bloc. In 1999, the PDP candidate, Chief Dapo Sarumi, was defeated by the Alliance for Democracy (AD) flag bearer, Senator Bola Tinubu. In 2003, former Governor Tinubu also defeated the PDP challenger, the late Mr. Funso Williams. In 2007, the PDP candidate, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, lost his deposit. He was defeated by the Action Congress (AC) candidate, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN). Initially, the Williams’ widow, Hilda, was named as the flag bearer, following the primaries at the National Stadium, Surulere. But, based on the strategic advice of a PDP leader, Chief Tony Anenih, the ticket was given to Obanikoro. In 2011, Dr. Ade Dosunmu of the PDP could not make impact. He was also defeated by Fashola.

    Since its inception, the PDP has not known peace. Ahead of the primaries and the general elections, the party is in turmoil. The bickering has led to the defection of many chieftains to the ruling party in the state. The defectors include Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, Senator Tony Adefuye, Chief Yomi Finnih, Dr. Aganga-Williams, Chief Demola Seriki and Chief Wale Mogaji. Prominent ACN chieftains, who had earlier defected to the PDP, have also retrace their steps. They include Mr. Tunde Braimoh, Enock Ajiboso, and Dauda Kako-Are ran back to the AC.

    Since the report of the Harmonisation Committee led by Chief Tunde Osunrinde from Ogun State was not implemented, the politics of exclusion permeated the chapter. Osunrinde had recommended the sharing of party officers on equitable basis so that peace could reign. Owing to the non-implementation of the report, other leaders, including Ogunlewe, Mrs. Modupe Sasore, the late Senator Wahab Dosunmu, and other chieftains were working at cross purposes with George.

    In fact, in 2011, many of them perceived Dr. Ade Dosunmu, not as the party candidate, but as George’s candidate. The party went for the election as a divided house. On poll day, it was crushed by the ACN. After the election, PDP leaders started to trade blames. A reconciliation move was mooted by some elders. But, it did not see the light of the day.

    Since last year, some elders have been brainstorming on how to package the party. Ogunlewe said necessity made it compelling to the chapter to do a thorough soul-searching. A team of researcher was sent out to do a pseudo-survey on the prospect of the party in next year’s polls. Its finding showed that the party was rejected in the past because the candidates could not compete favourably with candidates of the AD, AC and ACN. Consequently, a search team was set up to look for a credible candidate. None could be found in the party, as it were. Therefore the party tried to extend its tentacles beyond the fold. Agbaje’s name was suggested. But, some people pointed out that it may be difficult to convince him.

    Ahead of 2007, Agbaje was contacted by George. At that time, Williams had just assassinated. Prof. Wole Soyinka’s description of the PDP as the nest of killers came to his mind. He told George: “ Do you want me dead like Funso Williams?” Also, former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel had beckoned on Agbaje to join the PDP. But, he also refused. Agbaje also refused to return to his former political family. Although he was persuaded to join the ACN in 2011, he rejected the offer of a juicy portfolio.

    When Agbaje eventually accepted to join the party, he joined because he believed that he would be endorsed as a consensus candidate. He met a party in crisis, making it difficult for the party to enlarged its coast.  Crisis resolution in the fold is also defective. Its leader, George, has often come under attack for alleged monopolisation and personalisation of party power. It has also become increasingly difficult for Lagosians to embrace the PDP because the state has been neglected by the PDP Federal Government.

    Sources said that the research team found out that Lagosians were favourably disposed to Agbaje’s candidature. Therefore, he was introduced to the PDP national leadership and members were urged them to work for him. Agbaje gave a condition. He said that he would accept the offer to fly the flag of the party, if peace returns to the party. This necessitated the settlement of the rift between George and Ogunlewe. But, the suspicion and gulf between George and Obanikoro has remained.

    When Obanikoro became minister, many thought that the coast was clear for Agbaje to emerge as the flag bearer. Trouble started when he resigned, after weeks of speculation. Agbaje camp was jittery because it was not indifferent to Obanikoro’s antecedents and past feats. When the Lagos PDP Elders’ Forum tacitly endorsed the pharmacist, Obanikoro replied that it will not work. His associate, Dr. Adetokunbo Pearse, who has traversed the major parties, spit fire, saying that only Obanikoro can win the poll for the PDP. The former governorship aspirant is supporting Obanikoro, having claimed that he has been edged out from the contest.

    Obanikoro has also accused George of interfering in the congresses. He said the party will insist on free and fair primaries.

    However, the elders’ forum explained at the weekend why Obanikoro cannot win the general election for the PDP. The group described him as a “certified spoiler, twisting and turning in the winds, thrashing about in wild, uncoordinated confusion, frozen in a destructive fixation to weaken our party before he jumps ship.”

    Ogunlewe, who spoke with reporters, said the elders have rejected Obanikoro, adding that he cannot add to the fortune of the PDP. He took exception to Obanikoro’s statement that He is contesting, not against Agbaje, but against George, who is seriously mobilising for him. He said: “George is not an aspirant. Why should Obanikoro say he is contesting against him? George has been supporting the steady rise of Obanikoro, even before he became a minister. The point of departure is that George has said that he had supported him to become minister and he cannot support his governorship bid.

    “There will be a level-playing ground. Whoever wins will be supported by the party. But, why should Obanikoro be fanning the embers of disunity. He was the Chairman of the Reconciliation Committee that brought into existence the structure of the party at ward, local government and state levels. What he should do is not to insult the leadership of the party, but to seek the support of the structures. He should be a game player and not  spoiler.”

    Ogunlewe said there is no controversy over Agbaje’s defection to the PDP, adding that he has been cleared to participate at the primaries. He added: “Let him come and beat Agbaje with his certificates, honour and integrity. People will not vote for those who have baggage. We want credible candidates. APC has shown us the way by picking from the East Senatorial District a Christian, a chartered accountant. They have shown us the way. We cannot go below that.

    “The people are already assessing Ambode. In the Lagos PDP, we don’t want those who have age problem, those who have questionable credential. People are still asking this question: how was City Hall burnt? In 2007, Obasanjo said Lagps PDP had picked a candidate and that we should go an sell him. But, he said we should wash him, put grease on his body. Take him to the sun and see whther people will take him from you. In 2015, voters will ask questions. We don’t want to look stupid. We will not return to Babylon.”

  • Ex-lawmaker for House of Representatives

    A chieftain of the Urhobo Youth Forum for Change (UYFC) and former Niger Delta militant Isreal Akpodoro has declared his support for President Goodluck Jonathan’s bid for a second term in office.

    The diminutive ex-militant declared: “President Goodluck Jonathan is our sole candidate in Urhobo land.” He made the declaration in Asaba, the Delta State capital last Wednesday.

    Akpodoro noted that the President had tried his best at moving the nation forward, adding that Nigeria is a complex society.

    According to the Urhobo-born ex-militant, President Jonathan, has proven that development was not impossible in the country citing infrastructure, agriculture, power, education, peace and security as those areas the Jonathan led-Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration excelled beyond the “imagination of the ordinary Nigerian.”

    The Urhobo youth leader argued that the Jonathan government has done well in his revenue drive for the country. He cited the Ugborodo Gas Project in Delta State as a milestone, which only a leader with vision and mission can initiate and establish.

    Akpodoro urged the feuding host communities to give peace a chance, adding that the project was capable of removing idle youths from the streets.

    He said the project is big enough to cater for the needs of all the stakeholders. The Urhobo youth leader called on fellow ex-militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo and Chief Ayiri Emami, to enter into peaceful dialogue on how best to resolve the issues impeding the official take-off of the project.

  • Tambuwal: House rejects plan to reconvene plenary

    Tambuwal: House rejects plan to reconvene plenary

    Mu’azu, others mount pressure on PDP Reps 

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders have embarked on some desperate measures to seize the House from Speaker Aminu Tambuwal.

    Party Chairman Adamu Mu’azu is set to meet today the party’s caucus in the House — in a move to get members’ support for a plot to impeach Tambuwal, who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Besides, Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha is under pressure to reconvene plenary, which Tambuwal suspended till December 3.

    But the House warned yesterday that such a plan was illegal.

    In a statement, House  spokesman Zakari Mohammed said the rule book is clear on reconvening the House.

    According to him, only the Speaker is empowered to reconvene the House after it has been adjourned for one reason or the other.

    The statement reads: “The House of Representatives adjourned sitting of its plenary on 28th of October to 3rd December 2014 to allow members of the House carry out pre Pre- Budget oversight activities in preparation for the 2015 Budget and also to meet the political calendar of all the political parties.

    “This adjournment was unanimously approved by all the Principal Officers of the House without dissent and the motion was moved by Hon Mulikat- Adeola-Akande, the Majority Leader .The Speaker, Rt. Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal approved with the Gavel.

    “There has been intense media focus on this adjournment and media inquiries on the appropriate procedure for re- convening of the House of Representatives from its Recess , if it becomes necessary. The following clarification has become imperative.

    “The procedure for reconvening or Re-Assembly of the House is contained in the House Standing Orders made pursuant to Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which empowers the House to regulate its own procedure, including the procedure for Summoning and Recess of the House.

    “Order V, Rule 18(2) of the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives provides as follows;

    “Whenever the House stands adjourned either to a date fixed by Resolution or the Rules of the House, and it is represented by the Leaders of the Political Parties in the House to the Speaker that the public interest requires that the House should meet on an earlier or a later date or time than that on which it stands adjourned, the Speaker MAY give notice accordingly, and the House shall meet on the date and at the time stated in the notice.”

    “This means that the Leaders of all the political parties in the House, especially the Majority and Minority Leaders respectively, MUST consent before the representation is made to the Speaker who has a discretion to agree or not.

    “This briefing is for the information and guidance of all Nigerians”.

    PeoplesDemocratic Party (PDP) leaders are facing a tough task getting House of Representatives members to remove Speaker Aminu Tambuwal.

    The PDP has been mounting pressure on its members in the House to reconvene the House and remove the Speaker.

    Tambuwal’s security detail has been withdrawn by Inspector General of Police Sulaiman Abba – a move that has received widespread condemnation.

    The PDP leadership has slated a meeting for today with its lawmakers in the House.

    It was summoned by party Chairman Adamu Mu’azu. Ahead of today’s meeting the PDP house caucus met in Abuja on Saturday night.

    They have tabled three conditions before Muazu for the removal of Tambuwal.

    The conditions are: •automatic tickets for members who are governorship, senatorial and seeking a return to the House;

    •a bond to clip the wings of governors who have hijacked all the processes for free and fair primaries; and

    • freedom to elect whoever they prefer as Speaker instead of foisting House Leader Mulikat Akande-Adeola on them.

    The APC caucus in the House filed a case seeking an injunction to stop the PDP leaders from reconvening the House till December 3.

    Amid the looming war in the House, the Presidency was rattled by a statement from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) declaring the withdrawal of Tambuwal’s security as illegal.

    It was also gathered that the Chairman of PDP Governors Forum, Akwa Ibom Governor Godswill Akpabio, confronted Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha for allowing the PDP Caucus in the House to lose out.

    But Ihedioha reportedly fired back, asking a “dumbfounded” Akpabio what the forum had done to assist the caucus to consolidate its grip on the House.

    PDP Representatives met on Saturday in Abuja on the invitation of Mu’azu.

    A source at the session said: “We had a pre-meeting session since the agenda was obvious to all of us. Most of us were angry that it is only when the party wants to use us for selfish end that we are considered important.

    “We cannot remember when last Muazu and the NWC met us on policy issues, the development of the nation and the fortune of the party.

    “The party did not even deem it fit to put us into confidence on the modalities for the 2015 poll primaries and how to retain good hands among us. The party even had the gut to tell all House members from Bayelsa State to forget about second term ticket. Now, we are relevant because of plans to remove Tambuwal.”

    Another PDP Representative said: “We have come up with two conditions which the party must meet for the removal of the Speaker.

    “One, the party must give us automatic tikets irrespective of which office we are seeking.   Those aspiring to be governors, senators and second term in the House of Representatives should be given automatic chances.

    “We insisted that we won’t sign for the House to reconvene until the issue of automatic ticket is sorted out by the party.

    “Secondly, the party should check the governors who are deliberately frustrating the aspiration of most of our members in 2015. These governors must stop imposition of candidates; we want free and fair primaries.

    “We want freedom to choose whoever we want as Speaker after the removal of Tambuwal. We do not want the party to foist the House Leader on us.”

    As part of its counter-plot, the APC Caucus in the House will today head for court, seeking an injunction to restrain PDP members from reconvening the House.

    The Federal Government was on Saturday rattled by a statement from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which declared the withdrawal of Tambuwal’s security aides as illegal.

    Since the statement was issued, NBA President Augustine Alegeh (SAN) is said to have been under intense pressure from some Presidency officials.

    “But the NBA leadership stood by its position on Tambuwal and asked the government to allow the court to make a pronouncement,” another source said.

    The anti-Tambuwal project is, however, causing disaffection within the ranks and file of the party.

    It was learnt that at a meeting convened last Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Akpabio confronted Ihedioha.

    A PDP source added: “In the presence of President Goodluck Jonathan, Akpabio confronted the deputy speaker on why the PDP Caucus was being taken for granted by the opposition. Like a headmaster, Akpabio was shouting.

    “But Ihedioha fired back and asked Akpabio to explain what the PDP Governors Forum had done to support the PDP Caucus in the House.

    “Those at the session had to calm frayed nerves to restore normalcy.”

  • APC chietain joins House of Assembly race

    APC chietain joins House of Assembly race

    FormerChairman of  Ajeromi Local Government Area of Lagos State, Dr Abiola Ajijola, is eyeing the House of Assembly seat in Ajeromi/Ifelodun Constituency 1 in next year’s elections.

    The seat is currently occupied by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Kolawole Taiwo, who has been serving in the House since 1999.

    Ajijola said he wanted to bounce back, 17 years after leaving power. The medical practitioner said: “Although I left office in 1997 after a remarkable 16-month experience in grassroots administration before the military coup, I have always been a card-carrying member of progressive parties, including the Alliance for Democracy (AD), the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the All Progressives Congress (APC). In fact, I belong to the party’s apex leadership body known as G10 in my local government area.

    “I am in the race to step up my commitment to bringing the fruits of governance to the people. I firmly believe that,with patriotic representation in the House, my constituency should be better than it is today and it takes selfless representation driven by undiluted patriotism to turn things around for the people. This is my concern.”

    Ajijola said that the fifth term aganda of Hon. Taiwo would not threaten his ambition. He said: “He (Taiwo) is no threat to my ambition; in fact, most people see my coming out as his greatest challenge because of my popularity based on what I did when I was chairman and my unbroken relationship with the people. This is democracy, a system that gives room for freedom of choice by the electorate.

    “ Hon Taiwo has served for four terms in the House and people have seen what he could do. I feel it is simply fair for someone else to have a shot and bring his acumen to bear in further serving the constituency in the best interest of the people.”

    The aspirant said the exemplary services delivered by the party’s national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, when he governed the state and Governor Babatunde Fashola’s exploits are enough to convince Lagosians that the APC is better than the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

  • 2015: Battle for Abia Government House

    2015: Battle for Abia Government House

    No fewer than 10 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirants are warming up for  primaries in Abia State. Governor Theodore Orji is pushing for power shift to Ukwa Ngwa, Abia South Senatorial District. But, some stakeholders are calling for a level-playing field for contenders. Who becomes the flag bearer? Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines the scramble for power in the Southeast state.  

    The succession battle started last year. At the ceremony marking the 22nd anniversary of the creation of Abia State, Governor Theodore Orji reflected on  governance and peoples’ expectations. He told stakeholders in Umuahia, the state capital, that the next governor would inherit some challenges.  He highlighted some of the virtues expected of his successor.

    Orji said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate would be a credible politician worthy of peoples’ vote. The governor said he would not impose any aspirant. He was also emphatic that he would not permit any imposition by any stakeholder.

    Few weeks ago, the governor maintained that his views had not changed. When critics alleged that he had already anointed a candidate, he dispelled the rumour. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Ajunwa, the governor said  the candidate would emerge in a democratic primaries. Orji said no aspirant would be excluded from the process, adding that the state would not be under any family domination and idol worship.

    “There was a time in the history of Abia State that nobody could become an ordinary councilor without worshiping an idol. After worshiping an idol, you then worship an individual and his family. Abia people may not have known what I did for them; my major achievement is the liberation of Abia State from idol worship and family domination,” he stressed.

    However, the governor said the ruling party will adopt zoning for next year’s poll. This statement has implications for the contest. In fact, it has polarised the state into pro-zoning and anti-zoning forces.

    In the last one month, the contest has assumed a new dimension. Aspirants have embarked on last minute consultations with stakeholders across the 17 councils areas. Some of them have been endorsed by various individuals and groups. Keen watchers of the Abia politics have described the state as a potential flashpoint, owing to the interplay of forces.

    Sources said former Governor Orji Kalu and his supporters are challenging the governor to a duel. There is a plot to weaken him, ahead of the exercise. But, the governor is also gathering supporters to resist the onslaught. The entire South District is backing the governor, following his support for the rotational principle.

    Haling the adoption of zoning, the leader of the Abia Democratic Movement, Prince Sonny Aku, said: “Let no none take Abia for granted. Power must shift and the next governor must come from Ukwa Ngwa.

    “Those who had rule the state cannot come back through the back door through their crony. It will not work. The governor must not be disturbed or distracted. He must complete all his projects and be allowed to hand over to an Ukwa Ngua man. We will not sit down and fold our arms. We will not allow anybody to rubbish the governor. Any attack on the governor is an attack on Abias.”

    Aku, a prominent businessman and community leader, added: “We will do everything legally to stop the attack on the governor and the confusion they want to create to deny the people of Nkwa Ngwa their right. Abia will go where the governor will go. Governor Orji has followers and Abia people are with him. In 2015, power shift to Ukwa Ngwa is non-negotiable. Anybody who wants to truncate this agenda should wait and see what will happen. Those who have skeletons in their pocket will be exposed. Abia people know the source of their wealth.”

    But, apart from zoning, there are other factors that will shape the contest. These include the quality of aspirants, their popularity among stakeholders and delegates, financial strength and the influence of the governor,  who is expected to hand over to a successor who has the ability to continue with the modest foundation laid by his administration.

    Close associates of the governor insist that it would be a great disservice to the state, if any aspirant who has a link with past retrogressive forces succeeds  him. In their view, another retrogressive successor may reverse the gains of the last seven and half years.

    A PDP chieftain from  Ohafia Council, Chief Kalu Asiegbu, said Abia cannot afford to return to another period of doom. “If I have my way, I will call on  delegates to the primaries to shun any aspirant who held positions during the last administration between 1999 and 2007,” he said.

    Also, the Methodist Archbishop of Umuahia, Most Rev. Sunday Agwu, said  the state must not return to what he described as the years of locust. At a thanksgiving service organised for the Secretary to the Government (SSG), Prof. Mkpa Agu Mkpa, at the Wesley Methodist Church, Umuahia, the cleric also reflected on zoning, saying that it is only meaningful, if it throws up a competent person. Turning to the governor, he said: “We have heard that your party has a zoning system. So, you intend to hand over to Ukwa/Ngwa indigenes. Your Excellency, our plea is that you should be careful about the person you are handing over to.

    “We will not want to have a governor who is selfish, inaccessible, an idol worshipper, not compassionate, parochial, clannish and inhumane, or a governor who does not like to support the work of God.”

    Aspirants eyeing Orji’s job include Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Mr. Friday Nwosu, a lawyer, Senator Nkechi Nwaogu, Mr. Marc Wabara, Mr. Okey Emuchay, Mr. Uche Ogah, Chief Acho Nwakanma and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Bank Plc, Dr. Alex Otti.

    Nwosu has been endorsed by party chieftains, monarchs, religious leaders, businessmen, women groups, youths and non-indigenes, who are fascinated by his hard work, accomplishments and integrity.

    Nwosu hails from Obingwa Council. He is popular across the three districts. He is a staunch supporter of the governor. Observers see him as a front runner, a bridge builder, who is not in the race to settle scores, a loyal party man and an aspirant who does not have links with previous rulers of the state. Nwosu is also perceived as a non-controversial figure.

    Declaring his ambition in Umuahia, he said: “I’m in the race for the governorship position in Abia State, not just to run, but to build on the foundation laid by Governor Theodore Orji, who has laid a solid foundation for the State. As a legal practitioner of 22 years standing, I have the capacity, vision and commitment to take the state to the next level.

    “I offer my wealth of experience to serve and assure you I will not disappoint the people of Abia State. If I have any plans to deceive Abia people when I become governor, let God stop me, but if I have good intentions for the people of the state better than other aspirants, let God make me governor to the glory of His name. I vow to serve God and humanity selflessly.”

    Nwosu urged the people to support Orji. “Abia state has witnessed several administrations in the past, yet, it has no secretariat, conference centre and other structures. Ministries were scattered around the state capital while the Government House is rented. It was only during Governor Orji’s tenure that things began to change for the state.”

    Abaribe, who is in the race for the second time, is a former deputy governor. He was shoved aside as the number two citizen under former Governor Kalu. He went to the defunct All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP). When he returned to the PDP, he bounced back as a senator. In the Upper Chamber, he is the spokesman.

    Like Nwosu, the senator is favoured by zoning. Besides, he said that he is the most qualified for the front seat, having served as the deputy governor. Many groups and associations have also endorsed Abaribe.

    Nwaogu is the only woman in the race. She is an Amazon. She is popular in her district. But, she is not favoured by zoning.

    The senator is active in the Senate. He is also in touch with the grassroots. On regular occasions, he has organised empowerment programmes for constituents, who have applauded her kind gestures. Nwaogwu has supporters. But, it appears that she may not be favoured, owing to gender consideration.

    Nwakanma is a seasoned banker. He is popular in the financial sector. He is also perceived as a man of integrity. But, he is new in politics.

  • “Defeating Ogun APC won’t be easy’

    House of Representatives’ member, Abiodun Akinlade, has urged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State to “set aside personal interest” and unite to wrest power from Governor Ibikunle Amosun and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015.

    Akinlade said in the next few months, it would be “tough” for the PDP members when political battle for elective offices begins.

    He urged party supporters to bury their differences and come together to defeat Amosun and APC.

    The lawmaker, who was elected to represent the Yewa South – Ipokia Federal Constituency seat on the ticket of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), gave the advice at the PDP Secretariat in Abeokuta after submitting his letter of intention to contest for the governorship in 2015.

    Akinlade, who moved from PDP to ACN, Labour Party (LP) and then back to PDP between 2011 and this year, expressed optimism that he would defeat the incumbent governor, if given the ticket to run on PDP’s platform.

  • State House braces against Ebola

    The reality of the outbreak of the deadly Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria is now overwhelming members of staff of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The possibility of its outbreak at the Presidential Villa was conveyed in an Internal Circular last week to all State House personnel by the Chief Physician to the President, Dr. Fortune Fiberesima.

    To avert an outbreak of the disease in the Villa, he said the numerous bats and monkeys in the Aso Rock are part of the animals that have been discovered to be hosts to the disease and have the capacity to spread the deadly disease.

    While monkeys freely move around the Presidential Villa from the thick forest surrounding the Seat of Power, bats sling on almost every tree at the Presidential Villa.

    Faeces of monkeys and bats are common sights on anything or object placed within the State House, including cars parked at the various parking lots.

    Dr. Fiberesima, in the Internal Circular, warned State House personnel against contact with these animals, either dead or alive.

    He also warned them against using hands to clear faeces of the animals on their cars.

    Stressing that hand gloves are available for members of staff on request at the State House Medical Centre (SHMC), he warned car owners in the Villa to water-hose vehicles parked under trees (with or without faeces of animal droppings on them) properly before washing them.

    The circular entitled “Precautionary Measures, Re: Outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria”, reads: “In view of the recent outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease and that certain animals (bats and monkeys) have been linked with the virus, the following precautionary measures are deemed necessary: “Avoid physical contact with bats and monkeys, whether dead or alive.

    “Do not pick dead bats and monkeys. Please, immediately notify the Public Health Unit of the State House Medical Centre for proper disposal.

    “Avoid using hands to clear animal droppings (animal faeces) on parked cars.

    “Hand gloves are available at the SHMC on request.

    “Water-hose vehicles parked under trees (with or without animal droppings on them) properly before washing.

    “Sanitise hands or wash your hands with soap and water as often as possible.

    “The aforementioned measures are purely precautionary, in view of the large number of bats and monkeys in the Villa.”

    Apart from photocopies of the circular placed on notice boards at strategic points, copies were also given to many members of staff at the Presidential Villa in order to create enough awareness.

    Among the top government officials listed as the recipients of the internal circular are the Chief of Staff to the President, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Vice-President, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, All Senior Special Assistants/ Special Assistants to the President and Vice-President, Permanent Secretary of State House, SCOP, ADC, Chief Security Officer, CPSO, Commander of Guards Brigade and the Office of the First Lady.

    Besides the circular, sanitisers are often spread on the palms of members of staff and visitors to the Presidential Villa at some entry points.

    Last Wednesday and Thursday when many people were at the Villa for the Federal Executive Council and the National Economic Council meetings respectively, some members of staff were positioned with sanitisers to ensure that palms of visitor are purified after handling the door handles.

    To further prevent any outbreak of the disease at the Villa, the management of the State House has also ensured that hygienic hand washing liquid soaps are placed in most toilets in the Villa.

    On Wednesday last week, President Goodluck Jonathan also demonstrated with hygienic hand washing machine against the spread of the disease during a Special Presidential meeting on Ebola Virus at the State House.

    The meeting was attended by state governors, commissioners of health from various states of the federation, Federal Government officials and World Health Organisation Representative in Nigeria.

    Speaking with State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, spoke against secrecy and non-disclosure of infected person or persons who show symptoms of the disease.

    He said: “This is not the time to make fast Naira. Next week will be defining for us, to know whether cases have multiplied. This is not something you keep in religious house to pray. Infected persons are not patients you can move by taxis. If they need prayers now, it can be done electronically.

    “We are now 99 per cent following the cases. We need to have a 100 per cent because if we have one infected person, it is a global risk not just Nigeria.

    “We have to drop our traditional behaviours like shaking of hands and nobody should be offended. You have to stop defecating and urinating in public, particularly at this time of our challenges.”

    The Enugu State Governor, Sullivan Chime said: “From the reports of the meeting, it is clear Nigeria has the capacity to fight Ebola virus, but there is need for standardised practice in combating it.”

    We hope that the ongoing efforts at various levels towards tackling the Ebola scourge will not only keep the disease away from the Presidential Villa and all the areas yet to be infected, but will also kick out the disease from the states that are battling with it.

  • Doctors in the house

    Doctors in the house

    Forty-one graduating medical students of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) took the Hippocratic Oath last week during their induction. STANLEY UCHEGBU (Accounting) and JOHNFRANKLIN UCHEGBU (400-Level Medical Radiography and Radiological Science) report.

    After six years of training, it was time for graduating medical students of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Cross River State, to be certified as medical doctors. No fewer than 41 of them took the Hippocratic Oath at their induction at the International Conference Center last week.

    The graduates led a procession into the venue amid thunderous applause by guests, including parents and guardians. They looked resplendent in their well-tailored suits. They beamed with smile, perhaps heaving a sigh of relief after many years of training.

    The Vice Chancellor, Prof James Epoke, represented by his deputy on Academics, Prof Austin Obiekezie, described the graduates as “tear rubber” while declaring the ceremony open.

    The VC congratulated the doctors for surpassing the “difficult period”, which he said was part of the medical training before graduation. He also hailed their parents and sponsors for providing the resources to support the graduates throughout their stay in medical college.

    Prof Epoke advised the inductees to embrace hard work, noting that it was a virtue that could make them to reach the pinnacle of their career. He equally told them to stick to the guideline of the profession and bring ethics to bear when faced with difficult situation.

    The Provost of the medical college, Prof Saturday Etuk, said it was a long journey filled with anxiety and fears for the graduates, adding: “You have all successfully completed the first phase of training as the medical doctors.”

    He advised them not to betray the confidence reposed in them by involving in unethical practices that would portray the institution in bad light. He implored them to work hard in consonant with their training and to be good ambassadors.

    In his lecture entitled: Equations of life, guest lecturer and Pro-chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Prof Rowland Ndoma-Egba, said life was in two categories: compulsion and compunction.

    According to him, compulsion is when people obey the law, while compunction is individual’s perception and thinking of the law.

    He said: “Success in life is a product of attitude and aptitude, which one has ability to control. Attitude and aptitude have a component that must be done by compulsion. Attitude in compunction is a team work that is based on mutual respect, good communication skill, decent dressing and etiquette.”

    Speaking on ambition, achievement and frustration, Prof Ndoma-Egba said that frustration was in direct variation with ambition and achievement, adding that good ambition was a conqueror of frustration.

    While administering the oath on the physicians, representative of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Dr Ogban Ikpoti, noted that the oath placed a moral burden on the graduates to live above board, stressing that they would be held accountable for whatever action they took in course of practice.

    Dean of Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Prof Maurice Asuquo, urged the graduates to reflect and ponder on the oath and be guided appropriately but its provision, adding that continuous education was the armour of a medical practitioner.

    Highlight of the event was award presentation to the best graduating student. The winner, Muriel Inyang, won Dr Bassey Kubiangha Education Foundation award, Samuel and Isabella Inyang Foundation award and Provost Prize.

    Other recipients of the award were the best students in first professional examination. They are Edochi Oka and Ugbe Beshikinashi.

    Muriel appreciated her parents for moral and financial support during her training in the college.

    Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Rita Oku, the class representatives, praised the management for providing a conducive learning environment for them. She also acknowledged the support and care of lecturers and staff of the college.

    A parent, Mr Alexander Utuobong, said he was proud of her daughter. He said: “For anyone to gain admission into any tertiary institution, there are a lot of hurdles one has to scale but in my own case, my daughter beats all odds all the way from Kogi State to secure admission without paying her way in. I don’t know anybody here, yet she was given admission on merit. I am happy that she has become a medical doctor.”

    Nworie Chinweuba, an inductee, said: “I feel elated that my dream to become a medical doctor has now been actualised.”

    Other graduates were full of appreciation to God, promising to be good ambassadors their alma mater.