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Tag: how far

  • Ogun 2019: How far can Akinlade go?

    Four governorship aspirants–Dapo Abiodun All Progressives Congress (APC), Adekunle Akinlade (Allied Peoples Movement), Gboyega Isiaka (African Democratic Congress and Ladi Adebutu (Peoples Democratic Party)–are struggling to succeed Governor Ibikunle Amosun. Who gets the crown? Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines the succession battle.

    President Muhammadu Buhari the Ogun State. The ruling party All Progressives Congress (APC) is polarised, having failed to resolve its post-primary crisis.

    Ogun APC has maintained that Dapo Abiodun, a businessman, is its authentic candidate. In protest, a governorship aspirant, Adekunle Akinlade, a member of the House of Representatives, has defected from the party to seek refuge in the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).

    Beside the split in the APC, which may affect its chances at the poll, the party will still have to contend with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)candidate, who may either be Senator Buruji Kashamu or Ladi Adebutu. Also, Gboyega Isiaka from Yewa is running on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    History is repeating itself in the Gateway State. Four years ago, APC leaders, including Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Segun Adesegun, Gbenga Kaka, Akin Odunsi and other chieftains, called it quit with the platform. They supported candidates on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Amosun was accused of high handedness and undue influence. Despite the crisis, the governor secured a second term.

    But, the governor has been in the eye of the storm in recent times. The bone of contention is succession. Amosun is supporting power shift to Yewa, old Egbado Division, which has not enjoyed the slot before. But, some people do not share his sentiments. To them, if there is zoning, it is between Ijebu/Remo and Egba/Yewa. The governor has disagreed, saying it is the turn of the allegedly marginalised zone.

    As the party broke into two, the National Working Committee (NWC) waded into the imbroglio and pronounced Abiodun as the candidate. The reconciliation mooted by the party has failed. Last week, there was a final parting of ways between supporters of Abiodun and Akinlade.

    As a huge crowd of APM converged on the MKO Stadium, Abeokuta, the capital, for the kick of the governorship campaign by Akinlade, some APC elders were locked in sober reflection. Can Akinlade win without the support of the other camp? Can Abiodun beat his PDP rival, unless the two camps put efforts together?

    Around 12.10 pm, Akinlade rode into the venue, accompanied by his running mate, Mrs. Adepeju Adebajo. Shouts of the party slogan: ‘Triple A, sustaining the mission,’ filed the air as he alighted from his long campaign vehicle. Smiles lit up his face as he was cheered by the crowd. In that mood of excitement, he moved round the pavilion, waving at the supporters.

    Receiving the flag from the party’s national chairman, Mamman Yusuf, Akinlade, who hails from Yewa Division, Ogun West Senatorial District, promised to build on the achievements of Governor Ibikunle Amosun, if elected in next year’s election.

    A party chieftain, Jide Ojuko, justified Akinlade’s ambition, saying that, since the state was created 42 years ago, Yewa has not produced any governor. He urged the people to troop out to endorse him at the poll in the spirit of equity, justice and fairplay.

    However, Yusuf and Mamman emphasised that the party has resolved to adopt President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as presidential candidate and Governor Ibikunle Amosun as senatorial candidate for Ogun West. Also, the APM chieftains said the party has adopted Lekan Mustapha as senatorial candidate for the Ogun East District.

    But, they urged members to vote for the party’s lone senatorial candidate for Ogun West, Olusegun Gbeleyi.

    Party supporters came from the three senatorial districts, holding cassava tuber, the party symbol. Royal fathers under the aegis of the ‘Progressives Obas Forun,’ led by the Olunla of Itori, Oba Fatai Akama, also endorsed Akinlade, urging the people to vote for him so that he can take the the state to the promised land.

    According to observers, the commencement of the campaigns may have further dimmed any hope of reconciliation in the APC, which Akinlade dumped for the APM, following the post-primary crisi that engulfed the ruling party.

    Akinlade is believed to be enjoying the tacit support of Amosun, who has been at loggerheads with the party leadership over the choice of Dapo Abiodun as the APC candidate.

    Although the governor was not present at the venue, his majority of his commissioners, special advisers, aides and other big wigs accompanied Akinlade and vowed to mobilise for his victory.

    The Director General of Akinlade Campaign Organisation and former Steel Minister Sarafadeen Isola, and his deputy, Dr. Babatunde Ipaye, were in a happy mood. Welcoming the party faithful, Isola described the APM as a movement necessitated by the collective desire to resist injustice and inequality. In his view, the movement is beyond party affiliations.

    He said: “The people of Ogun State have decided to put take their destiny in their hands. That is why we are supporting Akinlade. Akinlade was given the mandate. The mandate was manipulated. The people have decided to use fairness to fight unfairness, justice to fight injustice and equity to fight inequality.”

    Isola added: “The crowd is a testimony that the people will vote for Akinlade, who will set up a government of continuity to sustain the vision of Governor Amosun. That continuity and orderly succession is residing with Akinlade.”

    To Ojuko, the people of Yewa should not miss the chance to produce the next governor. He said: “Let our people prepare and get their PVCs to vote for Akinlade.” Echoing him, a former APC Women Leader said: “Let us come out from the East, West and Central to vote for Akinlade.”

    Her colleague, Mrs Ogunanwo, said: “This is a movement against injustice and unfairness.” In apparent criticism of APC National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole’s position on the Ogun APC crisis, she added: “Tell them in Abuja that labour law cannot work for us in Ogun.”

    A leader of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Olawale balogun, lauded Akinlade’s zeal for youth development, adding that students will mobilise to ensure that he becomes the governor.

    A chieftain, Dipo Ogunwole, who spoke on behalf of Ogun East, said: “The unity of Ogun us being demonstrated here today. This is a movement to victory.”

    Oba Akama, who led other royal fathers, said: “The king of heaven who installs earthly kings will lead us to the promised land. Amosun has tried for Ogun. We cannot afford to be stagnant. We want continuity, which can be guaranteed by the APM. Amosun has performed. Akinlade will perform better.”

    Akinlade, who was accompanied by his wife, promised to set up a government of continuity in post-Amosun era so that he can build on the governor’s legacies.

    “The journey has been a long and tortuous one,” he said, urging party followers to sustain the tempo to the end.

    The flag bearer lauded Amosun for raining the bar of governance, adding that, with the right steps and determination, Ogun will rise to its potentials.

    Akinlade said the state needed a right successor, who has been part of the administration in the last seven and half years, to succeed the governor. He noted that Amosun attracted 128 companies to the Gateway State because he provided a conducive atmosphere germane to business growth, stressing that the strides in infrastructural development led to the inflow of investment.

    He said: ‘Ogun has become one of the largest producers of rice in Nigeria. Human capital development is rising. The least we can do is to ensure an orderly succession to a government that can build on the successes.”

    He also reflected on the struggle for the ticket, describing it as a fight for freedom. “The people of Ogun has inalienable right to choose their leader and resist imposition.

    Akinlade maintained that he is the best for Ogun, if the state is to consolidate the current achievements in education, health and agriculture. He also promised to address the challenge of youth unemployment through skill acquisition programme.

    Akinlade commended President Buhari for his good leadership, fight against corruption and agricultural revolution.  Peeping into next year, he said: “Our victory is assured. You the people have resolved to stand with us and vote for APM. Our people have tested us and found us to be trustworthy.”

     

     

  • 2019: How far can a ‘Third Force’ go?

    2019: How far can a ‘Third Force’ go?

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s call for formation of a new political coalition has raised fresh issues on the fate of existing parties, 2019 General Elections and Nigerian political future. Associate Editor, Sam Egburonu, reports on the viability of floating such a new political coalition that would possibly defeat the existing parties in the next general elections scheduled to hold barely a year away

    FORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo ignited fresh fire on Nigeria’s political turf last week Tuesday when, through a Special Press Statement, he advised President Muhammadu Buhari not to recontest for the office in 2019.

    He also carpeted both the ruling political party, All Progressives Congress (APC) and the leading opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and suggested the formation of a new political alliance as the way forward for Nigeria.

    “I only appeal to brother Buhari to consider a deserved rest at this point in time and at this age… I have had occasion in the past to say that the two main political parties – APC and PDP – were wobbling. I must reiterate that nothing has happened to convince me otherwise. If anything, I am reinforced in my conviction,” he said, adding, “We have only one choice left to take us out of Egypt to the Promised Land. And that is the coalition of the concerned and the willing – ready for positive and drastic change, progress and involvement.”

    He also gave the name of the proposed organisation as Coalition for Nigeria (CN) and explained briefly what would be its aims and operational modalities.

    Since then, the political theatre has caught fire as Nigerians at various levels and interests have reacted in diverse ways. While political stakeholders have so far responded with uncontrolled sentiment and emotion, applauding or condemning the proposal, depending on their current political stance and future interests, informed analysts who spoke to The Nation during the week have expressed concern over the timeline as they wonder how viable it could be to set up a new political coalition today that would possibly defeat both the ruling APC, PDP and the other existing political parties in a general election that is scheduled to hold barely a year away.

    Anger, accolade, dismissals

    As would be expected, the letter elicited immediate, though mixed reactions from Nigerians. Incidentally, both Buhari’s supporters and opponents have been reacting passionately.

    For example, while former Governor of Abia State and APC chieftain, Orji Uzor Kalu, described Obasanjo’s assessment of Buhari’s administration as ‘unfair,’ reiterating his achievements, people like Senator Shehu Sani, an APC senator representing Kaduna Central reportedly hailed the former president, urging Buhari to accept the advice and bow out. Also, while some angry Nigerians lashed out that both Buhari and Obasanjo have expired and should go home and have well-deserved rest, some Buhari defenders alleged that it was a distraction fired by a hidden selfish agenda that is not in the interest of Nigerians and Nigeria.

    As the resultant verbal exchanges rage, the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, in his official response, however said the Federal Government has “no reason to believe that former President Obasanjo has any motive beyond the well-being of the nation in issuing his Special Press Statement. We have also taken his admonition in good faith, and we thank him most sincerely for taking time off his busy schedule to pen such a long statement.”

    The virulent reactions aside, critical observers, aware of Obasanjo’s antecedent, said both the advice and the proposal would certainly impact greatly on the 2019 election campaigns. “From the way Chief Obasanjo spoke, it is obvious he has concluded plans for the new political party he wants to take over in 2019. He has the name, the logo, the aims and all that. What is remaining, if you ask me, is to find out the viability of the envisioned political party. The question I am asking is if we are going to witness a repeat of what happened in 2015. Given the level of disillusionment in the polity, I have no doubt that a well-positioned political movement will make unbelievable impact between now and 2019.  Of course, if the people behind the new project are serious minded and if it is a well spread movement, anything can happen in 2019,” said Dr. Maxwell Uchendu, a political scientist and the Director of Hilltop Institute.

    Any connection with Okuniyi’s NIM?

    Shortly after Obasanjo made his proposal open, critics alleged that he had perfected plans to impose another president on the nation and as such may have been working underground long before now. The former President’s alleged recent consultations with many top political stakeholders across the country in the last months were advanced as proof of the allegation.

    As a result of this, concerned analysts have been asking questions like: Who are the people in the envisaged coalition? Are they not the same faces we are used to in APC, PDP and the other old political parties, or will Obasanjo float a movement made up of fresh politicians and professionals who have not been dented in politics?

    It would be recalled that just late last November, Mr. Olawale Okuniyi, convened a Political Summit Group in Abuja, where some known political leaders like the former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, along with top professionals like prominent lawyer, Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) and Prof Tom Utomi of Lagos Business School, floated a new political organisation with the name, the “National Intervention Movement.”   While Okuniyi was named the Director-General, Agbakoba emerged the Leader of the National Steering Committee of the organisation. Other members of the committee are Donald Duke, Prof. Pat Utomi, Dr. Kemi George, Isa Aremu, Dr. Abduljalil Tafawa Balewa, Rabiu Isaiku Rabiu and Senator Abubakar Gada.

    Explaining the vision and the aim of the movement, the Director-General, Okuniyi, said, “We deliberated on reviewing the problem of Nigeria which is more political than economic. We decided it is better to find a collective solution to the problem that we should initiate a national political movement.

    “We decided to set up a National Intervention Movement; we are to merge with all other formations to find this solution.”

    Coming barely a month after the NIM, observers are already asking if there is any connection between the Okuniyi’s National Intervention Movement (NIM) and the proposal of a national coalition, named Coalition Nigeria (CN) now being proposed by Obasanjo.

    How far can CN go?

    Primary investigation carried out by The Nation during the week shows that the planed coalition is no longer a mere vision. It is being concretised as former associates of Obasanjo and some disgruntled chieftains of both PDP and APC have begun late night meetings, evidently to be part of the new vision.

    Already, some media reports said the political movement promoted by former Nigerian president, Olusegun Obasanjo, Coalition for Nigeria, would be launched January, 31 and that it is currently coordinated by a former Governor of Osun State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, a known associate of Obasanjo. The reports said Oyinlola would serve as the National Spokesperson of the movement and that he would work with other spokespersons at different levels.

    But as Uchendu explains, no matter the efforts made by the associates to concretise the plan, they will have to contain with some obvious hurdles that must be overcome by such a late comer in a major election. “Of course, it will not be easy. One, the supporters of the sitting president will not just sit down and watch them take over Aso Rock. No. What that means is that the campaigns would be rough and tough,” he said, adding; “As you said in your question, it is a fact that any new political organisation just before a major election would have to race against time. The 2019 election will likely hold in February of 2019, roughly 12 months from now, so the coalition must do more work than the other parties. Don’t forget that the processes that will lead to the emergence of candidates is likely to commence latest by June, and we are yet to see the members of the new group,” he said.

    What Obasanjo said

    ONLY appeal to brother Buhari to consider a deserved rest at this point in time and at this age. I continue to wish him robust health to enjoy his retirement from active public service. President Buhari does not necessarily need to heed my advice. But whether or not he heeds it, Nigeria needs to move on and move forward.

    I have had occasion in the past to say that the two main political parties – APC and PDP – were wobbling. I must reiterate that nothing has happened to convince me otherwise. If anything, I am reinforced in my conviction. The recent show of PDP must give grave and great concern to lovers of Nigeria. To claim, as has been credited to the chief kingmaker of PDP, that for procuring the Supreme Court judgement for his faction of the Party, he must dictate the tune all the way and this is indeed fraught with danger. If neither APC nor PDP is a worthy horse to ride to lead Nigeria at this crucial and critical time, what then do we do? Remember Farooq Kperogi, an Associate Professor at the Kennesaw State University, Georgia, United States, calls it “a cruel Hobson’s choice; it’s like a choice between six and half a dozen, between evil and evil. Any selection or deflection would be a distinction without a difference.” We cannot just sit down lamenting and wringing our hands desperately and hopelessly.

    “….What has emerged from the opposition has shown no better promise from their antecedents. As the leader of that party for eight years as President of Nigeria, I can categorically say there is nothing to write home about in their new team. We have only one choice left to take us out of Egypt to the Promised Land. And that is the coalition of the concerned and the willing – ready for positive and drastic change, progress and involvement….

    ….Today, Nigeria needs all hands on deck. All hands of men and women of goodwill must be on deck. We need all hands to move our country forward.

    We need a Coalition for Nigeria, CN. Such a Movement at this juncture needs not be a political party but one to which all well-meaning Nigerians can belong. That Movement must be a coalition for democracy, good governance, social and economic well-being and progress. Coalition to salvage and redeem our country. You can count me with such a Movement…”

  • Cross River 2015: How far can Ayade go?

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain Senator Ben Ayade has joined the governorship race in Cross River State. His candidature has been endorsed by some groups and associations. But, can he get the ticket? MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE examines his chances at the primaries. 

    Sen. Ben Ayade has joined the governorship race in Cross River State. Many groups and associations have also endorsed him. The senator from the Cross River North District is not the only aspirant in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). But, the people of Bekwarra, Obanliku Obudu, Ogoja and Yala, which constitute the district, see him as the likely successor to Governor Liyel Imoke.

    The senator has been on tour of the state for weeks. Monarchs, community leaders and politicians have been cheering him. Some have alluded to his partisan credibility, trustworthiness, vision, progressivism, resourcefulness, transparency and humanity. But, there are those who argue that he should not aspire to be the governor. Their argument is that there are other dynamic aspirants on ground. The question is: can Ayade secure the ticket at the primaries?

    At a rally in Calabar, the state capital, last week, over 40 socio-political groups and non-governmental organisations from seven local government areas of the South District endorsed him. The umbrella group, the Southern Peoples Coalition (SPC) has described him as the best man for the job. “Having taken a closer look and having done a proper check on the governorship aspirants, Senator Ben Ayade remains the best material to step into the big shoes of Governor Liyel Imoke in 2015,” the group said.

    Another group, the Coalition of Youth and Women Groups, South and Central Zone, endorsed the senator. The group described him as a man of intellect, ideas, experience. The coalition, which claims to have begun consultations with other stakeholders said Ayade will take the state to a greater height. “Having watched the tireless effort of Governor Imoke and his infrastructural legacies, only the best epitomized by Ayade is good enough to further his developmental strides. He will be an easy choice for the party,” it added.

    Many stakeholders are rooting for Ayade because they see him as a focused young politician, who can defend Imoke’s legacies and build on his achievements. Another association, ‘Women for Ayade Group,’ urged PDP chieftains to mobilise delegates to adopt him at the primaries.  Rising from a meeting in Ikom, the women said that the senator has demonstrated the qualities of a good leader through his various empowerment programmes.

    Top PDP leaders have not spoken on Ayade’s ambition. The governor has said that aspirants will compete for the ticket at the primaries.

  • Madiba…how far can life support go?

    Madiba…how far can life support go?

    South African President Jacob Zuma has said former President Nelson Mandela’s condition has improved, but still remains critical.

    “He is much better today (yesterday) than he was when I saw him last night (Wednesday),” Mr. Zuma said after speaking to the 94-year-old’s medical team.

    One of the anti-apartheid icon’s daughters told NBC News in an exclusive interview yesterday that Mandela “is not going to go anywhere anytime soon”.

    Speaking to Special Correspondent Charlayne Hunter-Gault, Zindzi Mandela said her father was “very comfortable” and “responding” as he battles a lung infection at a Pretoria hospital.

    “His whole legacy is about fighting,” she said. “I can’t stress enough what a fighter he is. He’s a strong man.”

    When asked whether the family would welcome a visit by President Barack Obama, who is due to visit South Africa this weekend, Mandela said she wasn’t aware of any formal request but added that decision would be left with doctors treating the Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

    NBC’s Keir Simmons reports from outside the Pretoria, South Africa, hospital where Nelson Mandela is being treated, as the presidential spokesman says “it doesn’t look good” and Mandela’s daughter asks people to respect his privacy.

    She described Mandela’s condition as “typical for a 94-year-old man whose health is frail.”

    “He is with us,” Mandela added.

    Meanwhile, Mandela’s eldest daughter said he appeared to be able to hear family members.

    Speaking to SABC radio, Makaziwe Mandela said: “I won’t lie, it doesn’t look good. But as I say, if we speak to him, he responds and tries to open his eyes. He’s still there. He might be waning off, but he’s still there.”

    Other members of the former South African president’s family thanked well-wishers around the world for their support.

    “Sometimes it is very hard for all of us in the family,” said Swati Dlamini, one of Mandela’s 17 grandchildren. “We just appreciate that he’s loved.”

    Relatives collected flowers from outside the hospital on Thursday. A choir prayed and sang outside the building, as other people arrived to deliver bouquets and messages of support for the 94-year-old. By late afternoon, a crowd of about 1,000 people had gathered nearby.

    Earlier, one family member described Mandela’s condition as “stable.” However, presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj told reporters that the condition remained “critical.”

    Mandela has already spent 20 days in the hospital, his fourth hospitalization in six months.

    Zuma canceled a trip to Mozambique in an indication of heightened concern about Mandela, who is widely regarded as the father of the nation and whose health deteriorated last weekend.

    In a statement, Zuma said that Mandela was “much better” yesterday than he had been the previous night.

    “The medical team continues to do a sterling job,” he added.

    South Africa’s first black president – an icon of the anti-apartheid struggle – has been in hospital in Pretoria since 8 June with a lung infection.

    Mr. Zuma cancelled a visit to Mozambique to visit Mr Mandela in hospital.

    Meanwhile Mr Mandela’s daughter Makaziwe said he was “still there” and responding to touch.

    Emotional crowds have gathered outside the hospital, adding messages of support for Mr. Mandela, known by his clan name Madiba.

    Children released 94 balloons – one for every year of the ex-president’s life – into the air in his honour.

    Correspondents say South Africans now seem resigned to the prospect of his death.

    “We don’t like seeing Mandela going through so much pain, he has had a tough time in his life and he’s gone through a lot of struggle. I think this struggle should get over sooner,” Khulile Mlondleni told Reuters news agency.

    “We are all going to feel bad when he passes (away), but at the same time we will be celebrating his life. He has done so many great things for this country,” said 25-year-old John Ndlovu, quoted by the agency.

    US President Barack Obama, who is in Senegal, described Mr. Mandela as “a hero for the world”.

    “His legacy will linger on through the ages,” he said.

    After visiting her grandfather in hospital on Wednesday, Ndileka Mandela said it was an anxious time for the family.

    “He’s stable and we’d like to say that we thank everybody for giving their support and praying with us… we are anxious as you know that he is critical but he’s in a stable condition right now,” she said.

    “It’s been hard, especially because of all of this – that we have to do everything in the public eye.”

    Mandela’s daughter Makaziwe said while the situation was serious he was still responsive.

    “He doesn’t look good, I’m not going to lie,” she said, after seeing him on Wednesday night.

    “But as I say, if we speak to him, he responds and tries to open his eyes. He’s still there. He might be waning off, but he’s still there,” she told public broadcaster SABC.

    She was also highly critical of the behaviour of the international media.

    “There is sort of a racist element with many of the foreign national media where they cross boundaries – it’s like truly vultures waiting (for) when the lion has devoured the buffalo… we don’t mind the interest but I just think that it has gone overboard,” Ms Mandela said.

    Zuma’s spokesman Mac Maharaj also criticised some media outlets for broadcasting unverified information, as rumours spread on social media sites.

    Media reports say the bodies of three of Mandela’s children are to be moved from his birthplace to his home in Qunu, where he himself has said he wants to be buried.

    They include his son Makgatho, who died of an Aids-related illness in 2005.

    Mandela is revered for leading the fight against white minority rule in South Africa and then preaching reconciliation despite being imprisoned for 27 years.

    He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 and was elected president the following year. He left office in 1999 after a single term.

    Mandela retired from public life in 2004 and has rarely been seen at official events since.

    He has a long history of lung problems, and was diagnosed with tuberculosis in the 1980s while he was a prisoner on Robben Island, off Cape Town.

    After his release, Mandela said the tuberculosis was probably caused by dampness in his prison cell.