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  • Kano emirate crisis and the future of traditional institutions

    Kano emirate crisis and the future of traditional institutions

     “A nation is great not by its size alone. It is the will, the cohesion, the stamina, the discipline of its people and the quality of their leaders which ensure it an honorable place in history.”- Mr. Lee Kuan Yew – the First Prime Minister of Singapore.

    The Situation in Kano

    The ongoing game of thrones in the emirate of Kano is a symptom of ailing traditional institutions across Nigeria, that is gradually eroding its value in the scheme of governance in Nigeria. The traditional institutions are fast becoming political collateral damages in the feud between political titans at the state and federal levels. Sadly, the traditional rulers have either deliberately or inadvertently allowed themselves to become pawns in the chess game of politicians with devastating short- and long-term consequences on the institutions. Interestingly, the decline of the power and influence of traditional institutions in Nigeria started circa 1840 during the colonial era – for economic reasons, and then more prominently in the 1950s up to this day. I will discuss this trend further in this missive.

     The ongoing feud within the royal house of Kano, amongst brothers, cousins, and in-laws leaves much to be desired, especially given the fact that they allowed politicians to infiltrate their ranks, divide them, and have now turned them against themselves.  It is a sad period in the history of Kano. 

    As a son of Kano, as a child of traditional institutions, I dare say that Kano has significance in the scheme of things; traditional, spiritual, religious, and cultural, for almost over 1,000 years (over a millennium). It is a critical and strategic location that hitherto bestrides arguably the biggest emirate in West Africa, in terms of land mass and population; because, currently, Kano State has 44 local governments with a growing population of over 14 million people. It is also the second most important state in terms of electoral value with over 6 million registered voters, competing only with Lagos. Therefore, handling the sensitivities and sensibilities of the Emirate crisis is key to the political stability of the State and consequently the region. 

    Lagos is launching the Blue Rail transport system, initiating the Red Rail system, and planning to set up a new airport that will be the biggest and best in West Africa, it is one of the largest economies in Africa, etc. But in Kano State, we are struggling with social media influencers, and we are struggling with the throne of Kano. I don’t feel happy about it. It is ironic that we have a traditional institution and a royal throne that is about 1,024 years old and yet, instead of blazing the trail on the positive side, we are becoming a laughing stock in the eyes of everybody. It’s unfortunate. I do hope that there will be a way forward for us in Kano as soon as possible so that we can put the issue of the royal tussle behind us and face a bigger and more important issue of governance so that citizens can get out of brutal current national and sub-national socio-economic problems. Indeed, what will remain a fact is the huge political uncertainty, and build-up to the 2027 elections because, truth be told – there will be political consequences for the actions/inactions of political gladiators at the Federal and state levels.

    Historical perspectives, trends, and impacts assessment of traditional institutions

    I recall that as far back as around 1840, the basis and processes of the removal of the likes of King Jaja of Opbo (deposed in 1887), the likes of Oba Ovoronwem of Benin Kingdom (deposed in 1897), Oba Akintoye who was the Oba of Lagos (deposed in 1845), and Sarki Ali Ibn Abdullah Maje-Karofi (aka Alu Mai Sango), the Emir of Kano(deposed in 1903), were more for economic reasons, whence, those kings were removed and exiled and how some of them returned to their thrones. However, the basis and processes of removal of traditional leaders became more political than economic from the 1950s, particularly around 1955 when the then Premier of the Western region, late Chief Obafemi Awolowo Oba Adeyemi, the Alaafin of Oyo (deposed in 1955)  and exiled him to Lagos; in 1963, the Emir of Kano Sir, Muhammdu Sunusi I had to abdicate the throne due his feud with the Premier of the Northern region, Sir Ahmadu Bello, and then in 2005 when then Governor of Kebbi State, Alhaji Adamu Aliero deposed the Emir of Gwandu. Recently, at the twilight of his administration, in January this year, Governor Yahaya Bello deposed two Emirs in Kogi State who hitherto have been critical pillars of traditional institutions in Kogi State and exiled them out of Kogi, they are His Royal Highness, Alhaji Abdulrazaq Isah Koto, the Ohimege-Igu Koton-Karfe, and His Royal Highness, Sam Bola Ojoa, the Olu Magongo of Magongo. Governor Yahaya Bello also suspended indefinitely His Royal Highness, Boniface Musa, the Onu-Ife in Omala Local Government Area Therefore, from the 1950s the removal of traditional rulers became more for political reasons than any other reason. 

    The traditional institutions also became more politically motivated when some progressive elements like the late Mallam Aminu Kano in northern Nigeria, and the like of Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, etc in southern Nigeria felt that some of the traditional institutions were becoming more politically involved and less value-adding to the masses they were ruling and were leading more towards the ruling political parties that were more inclined to conservative political ideals.

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     The pivotal moment for the traditional institutions in Nigeria, from around 1967 A law was subsequently passed during the military region that reduced the powers and status of traditional institutions in Nigeria and basically cornered the traditional institutions to the local government level.

    A call for the preservation of our traditional institutions

    My humble contribution with regards to how our traditional institutions will be well preserved and protected in a way and manner that they will be more value-adding and impactful is that we start having conversations amongst leaders of thought, interest groups, and stakeholders within the traditional institutions, academia, and political leadership particularly the executive and legislative arms of government; to come out with a policy framework that will protect our traditional institutions in the interest of the preservation of our identities and core values. This is because, all Nigerians and indeed Africans come from somewhere where we all have traditional institutions that are the custodians of our cultures, traditions, history, and even in some cases spiritual values.

     Accordingly, the preservation of traditional institutions should be of concern to us in the interest of the conservation of our identities, albeit with some modifications so as to put the traditional institutions on their toes to be more impactful, rather than the current “sense of entitlement” mentality of most of the traditional rulers, which has made them be considered more parasitic than symbiotic by progressive elements of our society (and rightly so in some cases).  This topic should be important to all of us because we all come somewhere that we call home, or our roots – those are our identities. We can see how our brothers and sisters in the United States of America, the United Kingdom, etc. are trying to trace their genealogy from centuries ago to understand who they really are and where their forebears came from. This is because, in my opinion, whoever does not have a root or does not identify with his/her root is a lost soul. 

    Based on the foregoing, I use this opportunity to speak directly to the traditional institutions. With profound respect, the traditional institutions became the pawns in the game of politicians. They should recognize that respect for themselves, and that they are better and stronger when they are united than when they allow politics to polarize them. I recognize the fact that even the previous traditional leaders were involved in politics because indeed every human being is a “political animal”. But I believe that they should be more strategic and play more frontally neutral political roles, and not allow themselves to be used as political cannon-fodders which is what led to this sad situation in Kano where the traditional leaders are losing their mystic powers, charisma, popularity, respect and reverence in our Country. 

    Another key issue is the issue of materialism and greed. With due respect, most of our traditional leaders are so materialistic that they kowtow to politicians – it is a gory spectacle! As custodians of culture, tradition, and core values, traditional leaders who know their worth will have core values and standards they should not go below. By the time politicians start depositing them, one after the other, the value and relevance of the traditional institutions will diminish and most likely die over time. From time immemorial, traditional rulers used to be masters of strategy, warriors, and sometimes philosophers. Therefore, strategic positioning, integrity, emotional intelligence, and genuine love for their people and not just themselves and their children, will be the critical success factors to their sustainability. If they maintain those ideals, the politicians will have no choice but to focus on the delivery of good governance especially at the state level.

  • Nigerian public institutions overstretched, says ex-NASENI boss

    Nigerian public institutions overstretched, says ex-NASENI boss

    A former Executive Chairman/ Chief Executive of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Professor Mohammed Haruna yesterday called attention to what he described as the dilapidated and outdated infrastructure and equipment in most of the nation’s public institutions.

    He said the situation required an immediate solution and urged well-to-do Nigerians to invest in education.

    He spoke at at the commissioning of a boulevard in honour of the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage Muh’d in Havilla University, Nde Ikom in Cross River State.

    He said education is a key to achieving qualitative livelihood and broad social integration of individuals and society.

    But he said millions of Nigerians without access to quality education are threats to society.

    He said: “It is no longer news that the carrying capacities of most of our tertiary public institutions are overstretched and are burdened with dilapidated and outdated infrastructure and equipment.

    “It is estimated that more than half of the two hundred and thirteen (213) million population of Nigeria are under the age of twenty (20) with a large percentage of out-of-school children and dropouts.

    “According to UNICEF, one in every five of the world’s out-of-school children is in Nigeria. A lot of those who make it to the end of secondary education find it difficult to gain admission into tertiary institutions due to limited carrying capacity.

    “For years, Nigeria’s budgetary allocation to the education sector has consistently been below the recommended benchmark for developing nations.

    “A recent study for the period of 1960-2023, computed the average annual budgetary allocation made to the education sector of Nigeria at about 5.94%. This is below UNESCO’s recommendation of 15%, 20%, and 26% at different levels of education. “The annual percentage budgetary allocations to the sector by the Governments of Ghana, South Africa, Senegal, Kenya, Egypt, and Morocco are significantly higher than that of Nigeria.

    “At the last count, the current total number of Ninety-One (91) public and seventy-nine (79) private universities added to a total number of eighty-seven (87) public polytechnics are inadequate to meet the demand of the nation. In addition, several of these universities have no infrastructure and equipment required for even a standard college.

    “The quality and quantity of infrastructure I am commissioning here today on behalf of his highness, the Emir of Lafia and Chairman, Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs, Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad (I) is highly impressive and worthy of emulation.”

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    Haruna advocated more investments in education because those without access can become threats to society.

    He said: “Since an ignorant population is not only a liability to the nation but equally constitutes a huge security threat to our existence, let me call on Nigerians with means to individually and in collaboration or partnership to join hands and establish standard educational institutions that can provide quality entrepreneurial and affordable education as a societal social responsibility.

    “Remember, if you have the means to sponsor the education of your children alone, your neighbour’s children without the same opportunity will not allow you and your family to live safely and happily in no distant time.”

    “Nigerians with means to individually and in collaboration or partnership to join hands and establish standard educational institutions that can provide quality entrepreneurial and affordable education as a societal social responsibility.”

     The former NASENI boss said Education is a key to achieving qualitative livelihood, and broad social integration of individuals and society.

    He said: “We live in a dynamic world with nation’s competitiveness and strength measured and characterized by changing technologies and production methods.

    “Wealth of nations is now human capital that transforms core economic endeavours to a knowledge base and not a commodity or raw material. Education is key to this advancement.

    “No country can achieve sustainable socio-economic development without substantial investment in human capital. Education is a key to achieving qualitative livelihood and broad social integration of individuals and society.”

  • Foundation donates art book to institutions

    As part of contribution to the growth of art in Nigeria, Nero Asibelua Foundation has donated some copies of a book titled: Collecting Art..a handbook, to institutions offering art in Nigeria.

    The book writen by Prof Fabian Ajogwu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Jess Castellote, a Spanish national, who has been working in Nigeria since 1984, was donated at Quintessence Art Gallery, Ikoyi, Lagos.

    Among the book’s recipients were the Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, Lagos, Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu, Yaba College of Technology and University of PortHarcourt, Rivers State.

    According to chairman of the foundation, Mr Nero Asibelua, the book is a must have for art practitioners as well as art collectors for the understanding and improvement of art business and preservation, among others, in the 21st century.

    “The donation of this book is about donating knowledge to art Institutions in Nigeria in order to improve the knowledge and business of art,” he said.

    He recalled his ignorance in the business of art year’s back when he sold a Ben Enwonwu’sart piece his father left for him at a very cheap price to an art collector who resold at a triple price of he sold to him.

    “I sold in ignorance because I didn’t know better then. It is very unfortunate in this time that most people are not educated enough. They are not taking the opportunity to know the issues of art. It is not in the art itself but it is in the kind of people that produces it. In art, I believe strongly it is posterity that counts. When you have a piece of art and you are diligent about it and you do it properly it will out leaves you. I have visited most art museums in the world and art is history of life,” he added.

    Sharing her experience on art collecting, Prof Ebun Clark, who was the special guest of honour, narrated when she started collecting art.

    “It was delightful just to buy an art piece, My husband and I bought art for the love of it. Then there was no secondary market. The artist would bring them to us to buy. The first art piece we bought was in 1965 and it’s still hanging on the wall. It’s titled: The Prince. When we deliberated on the amount we bought a piece, whether it was 30 pounds or 20, it was Baba Bruce who brought the painting to us and the interesting part is that he documented every piece he sold to us. We must not forget the role of Mbari Club in Ibadan, which was a journal for black art to the world.

    Dr Frank Ugiomoh of Department of Fine Art, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, described investment in art as an investment in knowledge.

    The authors, who gave brief hint about the book, said that it is to educate artists about how to do art business in 21st, how to protect works as well as help broaden their minds. They added that artists should take their works seriously because if they do not take care of their works someone else will take advantage of it.

    Prof Fabian said: “The book is to imbibe knowledge to everyone, artist, collectors, gallery owners and essentially anyone who is connected to the art to understand the intricacies of the proprietary right for artist, the intellectual property, guiding them properly to optimise the wealth that they create, to know how to preserve art work, how to sell it, insurance issues, sell and resell and what are the rights of the artist in relation to if perhaps you bought a piece of art can someone go and strip it and makeT-shirt out of it and make a screen saver out of it? what are the sub-sectors of those rights? We also look at how to preserve art, how to pass art works from one generation to another, inheritance tax issues and e’s a whole lot.”

    However, the guests were entertained with soulful jazz melodies by Asibelua Foundation band.

  • Strong institutions vital to democracy

    Sir: If democracy is to survive in Nigeria, strong institutions are a “sine qua non”.  This is because democracy – as opposed to our age-long traditional system, or the military rule that we recently experienced, cannot deliver its valued dividend in an atmosphere of weak public institutions and endemic corruption.

    Democracy has proven to be the preferred choice of many nations in the world today.  Its advantage over all other systems of government includes being the bulwark of freedom and platform for rapid development and peaceful transition.  The system works through various institutions, the principal ones being the executive, legislature, and judiciary.  These three provide the traditional checks and balances to the system.  They have to be strong to form the three cords that are not easily broken.  Any weakness in any of these institutions will, over time, force the others to fall like a pack of cards in terms of integrity.

    Nigeria is blessed with a good soil, weather and rich mineral resources (including abundance of crude oil).  Unfortunately, we went through many years of military rule because we allowed the democratic system that we first practiced to slip away from our hand.  Even then, it is a shame that we are still where we are today in terms of economic development.

    Every leakage in the nation’s wealth must have passed through one institution or the other.  It is these institutions generally that must be strengthened to make it difficult or impossible for any rascal to pass through them. All public servants and other operators of our democratic institutions (including the police and financial houses) must be equipped to stand on principles: from the cleaners to the chief executives. They should be paid well enough to be able to live decently on their legitimate incomes. They should also be given the necessary moral and legal backing to enable them to look anybody straight in the face, stand their ground and still keep their jobs intact.

    History tells the story of a farm boy employed to man the gate of his master’s farm in late 18th century France.  A long stick was all that was stretched across the farm’s gate as a barrier.  One day, Napoleon Bonaparte, while on holiday, arrived on horseback at the farm with his security details and the boy was asked to remove the stick for the Emperor of France to ride through. The boy insisted that his order was not to allow anybody to pass through the gate – not even the Emperor of France.  But Napoleon did not permit his security details to harm or “discipline” the boy.  Instead, he turned back to take another route and famously said: “If I had an army of soldiers who, like this boy, could neither be cowed nor paid into disobeying orders, I would conquer the world!”

     

    • Faith Toluwanimi Onilude, Ota, Ogun State.
  • Nasarawa State-owned tertiary institutions suspend strike

    Nasarawa State-owned tertiary institutions suspend strike

    The Joint Union of Tertiary Institutions in Nasarawa State has suspended the infinite strike action it began on Feb. 16.

    Mr Ariks Samuel-Bashayi, state’s Chairman of the union, announced the suspension of the strike while briefing newsmen on Friday at the College of Education, Akwanga, after the union’s emergency meeting.

    He stated that the suspension of the strike was due to the commitment made by the state government through the respective management of the three state-owned tertiary institutions.

    He said, “Though all our demands are not met, but because of appeals and interventions by the stakeholders, the union shifted ground to give room for further discussion.
    “The state government and other stakeholders appealed to the union to call off the strike in order to pave way for further negotiation.”

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    The chairman, therefore, called on all members of the union to resume work immediately pending further directives.

    Newsmen reports that the union had embarked on an indefinite strike since Feb. 16, citing government’s refusal to address welfare- related issues.

    The Institutions involved are: the College of Education, Akwanga, College of Agriculture, Lafia and the Nasarawa State Polytechnic, Lafia.

    NAN

     

  • Wike calls for investment in science research institutions

    Wike calls for investment in science research institutions

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has stated that investments in science research  institutions will revive the  country’s economy.

    Speaking during a visit by the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, to the Government House, Port Harcourt yesterday, Wike said a diversified  economy would create  jobs for the people.

    He said: “We must sustain the development of technology for the growth of the country.  I urge that we begin to use research reports from science institutes to attain growth.

    “The development of relevant machinery and equipment will create jobs locally and enhance  the economy “.

    The governor hailed the minister for establishing the Chemical Equipment and Machinery Development Institute in Port Harcourt.

    He said the minister exhibited maturity by siting the project in Rivers State.

    Wike directed the Administrator of Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority to liaise with the Ministry of Science and Technology for the allocation of land for the institute.

     Onu stated that  the Chemical Equipment and Machinery Development Institute is part of the process to build a knowledge-based economy to sustain the country.

    Onu said over reliance  on oil and gas made it difficult  for  the country’s  economy to grow in view of emerging realities.

    He said: “The decision has been made to make Nigeria an innovation-driven economy. We are determined to ensure that this  succeeds.

     “If there is a problem with oil, we will still strive. For us to do this, we need to build capacity, look inward and use our natural resources in ways to improve our economy “.

    The minister said Rivers State plays an important role in the chemical and petrochemical sector.

    “We want the institute to be a centre of excellence in the chemical and petrochemical sector.  The results of the research will be available to the private sector.  We will be in a position to grow our economy “, he said.

  • El-Rufai orders reopening of institutions

    Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai said yesterday that following improvement in security in Southern Kaduna, the government would reopen tertiary institutions.

    He said his administration would adopt a multi-campus structure for tertiary institutions, under which at least one tertiary institution will be located in each of the 23 local governments.

    Speaking when he received stakeholders from Southern Kaduna, the governor thanked the delegation, which include Air Commodore Emmanuel Jekada (retd); Catholic Bishop of Zaria, Bishop George Dodo; Justice Haruna Makeri; Mrs. Grace Ambi; Dr. Bege Katuka, among others, for helping to stabilise and restore peace.

    He said he was delighted on their roles in promoting peace in Southern Kaduna.

    El-Rufai said people invested their time, energy and resources in the cause of peace.

    His words: “I salute you for helping to uphold a common humanity, for keeping the voice of reason alive. It is voices like yours that are helping to anchor peace, upsetting the designs of people who think a relentless focus on ethnicity and religion is the best way to advance their personal agenda. We are determined not to allow anyone profit from strife. Thank you for your contributions to the steady advance of peace.”

    The governor said government institutions would operate a multi-campus structure.

    “This policy has been approved by the Executive Council to expand access to higher education, make accreditation of courses more cost-effective and respond to the desire by communities to host tertiary institutions.”

    He said a multi-campus structure would make the institutions more inclusive and expand the range of courses students could study by making most courses available on campuses.

    “The memo presented to the Executive Council indicates that the government hopes the campuses spread across the state can, over time, evolve into fully-fledged universities.

    ‘’That was how the campuses of University of California and those of University of London evolved. This multi-campus policy will be implemented in a way that assigns at least one tertiary institution to each of the 23 local governments. The laws of some of our institutions are being amended to reflect this.”

    El-Rufai reiterated a commitment to transform Kaduna State University (KASU) to a world-class university. Part of the transition to a multi-campus structure entails moving KASU main campus to a purpose-built main facility behind NTI in Rigachikun.

    Members of the delegation hailed the governor for reopening schools and for adopting the multi-campus structure.

    Bishop Dodo said it was clear the government had good intention.

    Air Commodore Jekada thanked security agencies and the government for restoring order and making a return to normalcy possible. He pledged that they would support and cooperate with the government for peace and development in Southern Kaduna.

    The governor also hosted security chiefs. He hailed them for restoring peace.

    Police Commissioner Agyole Abeh, who led the delegation to the Government House, said the police deployed more personnel and armoured personnel carriers in Birnin Gwari and Southern Kaduna, to complement those on ground.

    He thanked El-Rufai for the commendations and pledged the commitment of security agencies to ensure peace.

  • ‘Fed Govt can’t fund tertiary institutions’

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Bello has said there is need for more alumni of tertiary institutions to join in funding universities in the country in order to improve the overall standard of the schools.

    The minister who disclosed this while receiving the Alumni Association of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria led by the President, Prof. Ahmed Tijani Mora, that paid him a courtesy visit, said reliance on Federal Government funding alone for tertiary institutions is no longer sustainable as there are too many issues competing for the lean resources of government.

    Bello said Alumni associations have to take a lot of initiatives and drive as is the case in other intentionally renowned universities around the world, to ensure that universities in the country continue to function and play their roles in the society.

    According to the Minister: “We do know that many of the internationally renowned universities in the world basically, are now being run by funds from investments and more importantly also, funds from their Alumni associations. Usually, it is these funds that were used to provide the initial investments that keep the universities running. Any country, especially in the western world that you speak of, you will be able to identify one or two universities where the alumni associations are very strong.”

    In a statement issued by his Special Assistant (Media), Abubakar Sani, the minister stated that the country could benefit from the huge remittances that Nigerians make to Alumni associations of foreign universities, stressing that it would not be out of place if Nigerians also showed concern for the welfare of schools in this country as government is no longer able to fund these schools the way it did in the past due to dwindling resources.

    Bello, however, praised the resourcefulness of the current ABU Alumni Association for the numerous capital intensive projects it has embarked upon to improve the overall welfare of the school, saying this would not have been possible without a strong leadership and highly motivated administrative officials at its secretariat.

    The minister while acknowledging the huge challenge in accomplishing these tasks said the most important thing is not really the amount raised, but the ability to sustain it on a long term basis, no matter how little it is.

    “That sustainability will not be possible if we don’t have an Executive Council (EXCO) that is very strong like your own and probably also, in addition to the exco, having a crop of full time highly paid, highly dedicated staff to run the administration of the secretariat. There is no doubt that the current exco of the Alumni association will be able to build on the great work done by the previous exco as well as the other previous leadership of the Alumni association,” the Minister stressed.

    Bello who stated that the ABU has the advantage of having most of its alumni in various institutions of the Federal Government in the FCT, most notably the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), advised the current exco to reach out to these individuals, including those that are now retired to encourage them to participate in its activities.

    He assured that the FCT Administration will provide the association with all the needed support through the FCT branch, especially on some of the requests it has made to the FCT Minister.

    The President, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Alumni Association, Prof. Ahmed Tijani Mora, said the ABU is the largest University in Nigeria, West Africa and sub-Saharan Africa, and by extension, the Alumni Association is the largest with over 800,000 students having graduated from the university.

    He listed four major projects that the current NEC of the association is carrying out, including an overhead pedestrian bridge at the North Gate, ABU, across the busy Zaria-Sokoto Highway, which would cost N80 million.

    Other projects he said include a laptop computer loan scheme for students, post graduate students’ hostel as well as the intra-city-bus shuttle service for students to begin initially with five number, 33-seater buses.

    Prof. Mora said the members of the Association in the FCT and anywhere in Nigeria and the Diaspora were ready and would be willing to bring their skills, expertise and competences in the services of the FCT to make it great and most beautiful and safe place to live.

     

  • ‘Nigeria can only fight corruption with strong institutions’

    ‘Nigeria can only fight corruption with strong institutions’

    The negative aspect of corruption is that people take the money outside the country. they will go and spent it elsewhere, so that we will all miss the opportunity for development. If they can steal and spend it within Nigeria, Nigerians will benefit. But, when they take it out, we will start to lose as a nation. That is the most terrible aspect of corruption.

    People in Gujba and Gulani are displaced by the Boko haram insurgency. The communities needs rehabilitation and reconstruction. Can we know the position of the Northeast Development Commission?

    Well, Gujba and Gulani were once completely taken over by Boko haram militants. For over two years, I have not been able to go to my village. this is to tell you how serious the situation was. now, peace has returned. Most of the boko haram have been killed or disappeared, and people are going back to their villages.

    It‘s fortunate that we could not hold election in some of the liberated communities, because pockets of the Boko haram militants in those locations are still heating on soft targets. but, definitely, they don’t have a territorial control of even a square inch of Gulani and Gujba local government areas.

    As peace gradually returned, the state government is helping a lot in carrying food and all sorts of basic human requirements to those communities, and people will use the facilities to clear their farms in this rainy season.

    The Northeast Development Commission is a permanent body just like Niger Delta Development Commission; it will attract budgetary attention and allocation every year. We have gone through the first reading and second reading. what remains is the third reading and the passage of the bill. And there has not been any opposition from anybody on this commission. So, it is just a matter of patience and things well be all right.

    But people in these communities have returned without shelter, some even sleep in an open…

    The return of peace is the biggest consoling factor in all the equation. things will continue to get better and government will continue to help at the local, state and federal levels. In addition to that, the national assembly members’ caucuses on geopolitical zones are also helping matters. We have recently met and agreed that every senator should donate the  sum of N1 million and every member, house of representatives N500, 000. The money will be directly deducted and then, whatever the national assembly leadership gives will be put together and brought  to them as assistance. We have been doing that over and over again.

    What is your take on the Saraki case?

    Well, Saraki saga is an unfortunate saga.  The  saga is a saga, it will still continue. Saraki will be tried; the court will definitely make their pronouncement. Whatever the court decides, we will obey the court. The worst that could happen is to go to the Supreme Court where everything ends. But, I can assure you that 99 percent of the senate is behind Saraki for a simple reason that we are all human beings and we do make mistakes.

    When you stay as a governor for eight years or a big man for many years, there is no way you can account for every kobo. So, if anybody wants to investigate you thoroughly, he will find a fault here and there. They may not necessarily be a falsehood you are intended in any way to harm the economy or not intended to be a financial crime as being speculated.

    But, do you believe that the trial is politically motivated?

    I believe so, but politically motivated from which angle? It looks like it is a local political motivation from Kwara. Definitely, President Muhammadu Buhari has no hand, and definitely the federal government of Nigeria did not initiate it. It was a local politics in Ilorin. People made complaints. They gave out the details of what they thought Saraki had and he didn’t declare. That was how EFCC came in and started investigation.

    You said it would be difficult for somebody to be a governor for eight years and make no mistake. Do we assume that former governors in the senate were in solidarity with Saraki?

    Of course, yes. You pretty knew that there are so many governors who are in the same shoes with Saraki, whose trials have been initiated, but they were not publicised like that of Saraki because he is the Senate president. Almost every former governor in the senate with the exception of Bukar Abba Ibrahim has one case or the other with EFCC or CCT. Some had even died like the case like Alamas… or Alamesia (Alamieyeseigha) and others.

    It’s not easy to fight corruption, especially when it comes to an individual. That is why those of us do believe that corruption can best be dealt with through institutions. Let’s strengthen our institution. Stop giving out bribe and also taking  bribes. If nobody gives out, nobody takes and all things being equal. Institutional fight against corruption is actually the best fight we can have as a nation. It has begun and it will continue for a very long time.

    The negative aspect of corruption is that people take the money outside the country. they will go and spent it elsewhere, so that we will all miss the opportunity for development. If they can steal and spend it within Nigeria, Nigerians will benefit. But, when they take it out, we will start to lose as a nation. That is the most terrible aspect of corruption.

    But, there is this apprehension that, if the court verdict does not favour Saraki, the PDP will take control of the House. In fact, some even said that the PDP has taken over the Senate?

    How, Why? The APC is still in the majority; whether Saraki is in or out, there is no way PDP can take over senate presidency with the presence of over 60 senators from APC against 50 PDP senators. There is just no way.

    The last time, they had what they had. The PDP had to come in and assist Saraki to win Senate President. Because so many APC senators were asked to go to the International Conference Centre, we were there and we don’t even know what was happening. they had the election. So, the PDP were in the majority then and they forced the APC who are in the minority then to agree that Saraki is the President and Ekweremadu is the deputy senate president.

    It‘s not that in any way we are against Ike Ekweremadu. he is a good legislator. I don’t mind him continuing to be deputy senate president, because he is a very decent human being. But there is no way the leadership will be taken over by PDP.

    When you contested for Presidency with President Muhammadu Buhari, you said at the eagle square that Buhari was unsellable.  Do you still hold to that impression?

    I attempted. I absolutely believe in Buhari. I absolutely believed in his leadership. He has been tested, tried and found to be worthy leader. He is a leader who is incorruptible, honest, transparent, and straightforward and a leader who will tell you direct as he knows and understand.

    Besides, at that time I wanted to be president, do you want me to be praising Buhari or what?

    Is it because you are in the same political party that is why you are praising him now?

    No, we were in the same political party when I stepped down for him, and condemned him. Because I wanted to be president, so I needed  to get something against him, no matter how minor. But now, we are on the same page, the same party, and I really trust him.

    The government of APC will be one year old on May 29. As a senator, what do you think is the problem with the administration?

    You know, when things go wrong for a very long period of time, improving it  and bringing normalcy will never be easy, it takes time. President Muhammadu Buhari has collected, now in his custody over N2.5 trillion from people whom with impunity stole our money within the period of nearly one year you have talked about, and he is still collecting.

    What is now delaying things is the lack of the passage of the bill on the budget.  It will be illegal for the President to spend any money without appropriation. He is waiting for appropriation, and I understand that by next week, he will sign the budget, budget would be law and once it becomes law, Buhari will be the most anxious to implement it. I know the kind of hardship people are going through. We, the elected people, know how it bites our pockets, everyday from Monday to Friday I have to send out N300,000 to N400,000 to people in dire  need in my constituency and other areas. I believed other legislators are also under the same problem. So, our hope is that thing will be better very soon, InshaAllah.

    You have been elected three times as governor and now senator for the third time. There is the rumour that Governor Gaidam will contest your position, having come from the same zone. Will you contest with him?

    Well, 2019 is still very far away from now. I haven’t thought about it at all, but I can assure you if the governor wants to have my senatorial seat in 2019, it is all his. I have had enough. I made my contributions, I  have made my point. I have a lot of other things to do, particularly educating my children, taking care of my farm, my constituency, my state and appearing in national affairs. So, I don’t think there is going to be any controversy at all. If he wants, it I will hand over to him and he doesn’t want it, I will take it. And, definitely, will not have primary election with governor Ibrahim Gaidam not to talk about having election again him in the PDP. I will never be in PDP; of course I will always oppose PDP because they are on the right wing politics and I am always at the left wing politics whether slightly or further down.

    The name Bukar Abba Ibrahim is a household name in Yobe politics and the country as a whole. Can you survive without politics?

    I started politics right from primary school like Malam Aminu Kano. I have been in politic for the last 60 years, on and off. So, I do intend to be on the left till I die, and I will continue to contribute till  I die because no human being will live forever.

  • Olanipekun calls for strong democratic institutions

    Former Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) President Wole Olanipekun has called for  strong institutions to strengthen the nation’s democracy.

    He said Nigeria found itself in its present sorry state because it lacked enduring institutions, which are independent, impartial, properly structured, manned and funded to enjoy the people’s confidence.

    Olanipekun spoke yesterday while delivering the 22nd Convocation Lecture of Ekiti State University, (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti.

    The lecture was titled: “Breaking the Jinx-the Cyclical Nature of Nigeria’s Problems.”

    The former pro chancellor and chairman of council, University of Ibadan, called for decentralisation of policing in Nigeria.

    He said the country had the capacity to break the jinx of leadership and development if leaders and followers were sincere.

    “They (institutions) are creations of the constitution. They  should be made to survive all governments.

    “The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), for example, should not be turned into Automated Teller Machine (ATM) of any government in power.

    “The police and allied institutions should not be subjected to the whims and caprices of whosoever is/are in power.

    “They should be able to investigate any person or persons, no matter his position and not wait until after they leave office before blowing whistles.”

    Olanipekun argued that political offices in Nigeria should be made less attractive and the allure of elective offices be reduced to engender the culture of selfless service.

    “I see no reason why our lawmakers should take up the mandate on a full time basis.

    “This is why they turn elections into do-and-die affairs, because they have ceased to have a life.

    “Nigeria is now suffused with an unlimited number of ‘your excellencies’ that are far less than excellent.

    “Mr Vice Chancellor, you should earn more than a governor.

    “In the United States, university presidents earn more than the president.

    “No ward councillor should earn more than a primary school teacher or a secondary school teacher.

    “Nobody can be Alpha and Omega. We should respect and honour our leaders.

    “We should not worship our leaders because that amounts to sycophancy. Nobody is indispensable.”