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Tag: Jerry Gana

  • Tinubu hails Jerry Gana at 80, celebrates decades of service to Nigeria

    Tinubu hails Jerry Gana at 80, celebrates decades of service to Nigeria

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated elder statesman, renowned academic, and veteran politician, Professor Jerry Gana, on his 80th birthday, describing him as one of Nigeria’s most dedicated public servants and a patriot who has contributed immensely to national development.

    In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu paid glowing tribute to Professor Gana’s long and distinguished career in public life, noting that his contributions have left an enduring imprint on Nigeria’s socio-political landscape.

    The President highlighted Professor Gana’s extensive record of public service, including his role as a two-time Minister of Information and Culture/National Orientation under different administrations, and his leadership of the Mass Mobilisation for Social Justice and Economic Recovery (MAMSER) during the administration of President Ibrahim Babangida.

    Read Also: First Lady rallies Nigerians behind Tinubu’s drive for an HIV-free Nigeria by 2030

    He also recalled the octogenarian’s brief but notable tenure as a Senator in the aborted Second Republic.

    Describing the former minister as “a fine gentleman, a prolific communicator, a mass mobiliser, and a passionate patriot blessed with the gift of oratory,” President Tinubu commended Professor Gana’s tireless mobilisation and sensitisation efforts aimed at promoting unity, peace, and national development.

    According to the President, Gana’s work over the decades has consistently advanced Nigeria’s core values and ideals, making him one of the country’s most recognisable voices for social cohesion, good governance, and civic responsibility.

    President Tinubu wished the celebrant a joyful 80th birthday and prayed that God grant him “many more years of good health and a sound mind” to continue contributing to the nation.

    The President reaffirmed the administration’s recognition of national figures whose service and sacrifice have strengthened Nigeria’s democratic journey.

  • Jonathan and Jerry Gana’s categorical imperative

    Jonathan and Jerry Gana’s categorical imperative

    Two Saturdays ago, while exulting over the successful election of new officials for the Niger State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Jerry Gana, a party chieftain and former Information minister, issued the categorical imperative that Nigerians were disillusioned with the APC and wanted ex-president Goodluck Jonathan back. He didn’t make it a hypothetical imperative. He simply announced to the whole world and his party that the former president would be contesting the 2027 presidential poll on the PDP platform.

    Prof. Gana put it elegantly but provocatively: “I can confirm that Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will contest the presidential election in 2027 as PDP candidate and you will vote for him to return as President again…PDP has tremendous opportunity in 2027 because it is truly a grassroots party. The people of Nigeria love the PDP because it came with programmes that were people-oriented. That is why they remember PDP immensely, and they are urging us to come back.”

    Read Also: Minister Oyetola: Marine, blue economy set to replace oil as Nigeria’s main revenue source

    Not only did his party issue a rebuttal the following day through its publicity secretary Debo Ologunagba, they also confirmed that Dr Jonathan was nothing more than one of the options they were contemplating. They may, however, be chasing a chimera, since the footloose Dr Jonathan may in fact be exploring other options. It is unclear that party chieftains who have spent so much to keep the party afloat would casually surrender the nomination to Dr Jonathan who had for years detached himself from the party. To reap where he did not sow would not only violate natural law, it would also fly in the face of Kant’s categorical imperative.

  • Nigeria must begin to retain best brains, says Jerry Gana

    Nigeria must begin to retain best brains, says Jerry Gana

    A former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, has stressed the need for the country to encourage and retain best brains in the university, invest in top quality human resources for it to move forward in all facets of life.

    Gana said to achieve and sustain academic excellence,  first class brains should be encouraged to remain in the nation’s challenged  university system.

    The former minister spoke on Saturday at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island,Lagos, at   the public presentation of Prof. Steve Okecha’s latest book entitled: “The Nigerian University System: Downswings and way forward”. The author  is a retired professor of Chemistry and university administrator.

    While lauding the author for his robust intellect, he  said most successful universities in the world invest in faculty development which he described as the corner stone of academic excellence and development.

    The keynote speaker said strong institutional leadership,good governance and transparency were  required for sustaining academic excellence, adding that  first class brains are being discouraged, while politicians are celebrated frequently.

    He said: “We don’t celebrate first class brains, we are discouraging them. In Nigeria, we only celebrate politicians.

    “Most successful universities invest in faculty development,  faculty is the cornerstone of academic  excellence. It is crucial to teaching.

    “First class brains should be encouraged to remain in the university system.It is extremely important. We must be deliberate about retaining our best brains, high quality people. We should also reward excellence in teaching. We have not been rewarding the academia.

    ‘‘University teachers are not seriously looked after, not only in terms of money, but recognition. We need to rediscover the importance of retaining honour in the university system. We should give the pride of place to creative thinkers,we must deliberately encourage them retain them, motivate them.”

    Gana underscored the significance of research and innovation, student engagement and technology to sustain excellence and national development.

    “It is important to invest in technology, Nigerian youths are doing well in technology. They are very vibrant and technology savvy, they would rule the world.

    Technology has the potential to transform teaching and learning, so we must embrace innovative teaching approaches by using educational technology infrastructure. University lecturers must go for refresher courses to be ahead of students in terms of technology,” he added.

    Chairman of the occasion, a former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke, said since education took a backseat in the  country, it has failed to advance among nations of the world.

    He blamed the political class for neglecting education and sending their wards  to school abroad. He praised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his funding initiatives toward the education sector.

    Read Also: ‘Edo APC Dep Gov candidate Idahosa not arrested in Europe’

    “We are the cause,we the political class have been contemptible of education. We elite rather send our children to school abroad,hence we neglected our own education. Once you send a young child abroad,we have a deculturised child,they don’t fit when they come back. If I have my way ,you can’t leave this country until you are 18 years old,” he said.

    Okecha,  a former Special Adviser to ex-Minister of Education,  Ruqayyahtu Ahmed Rufa’i, said it was imperative to find solutions to the rot and decline of the university system, adding that  the country no longer provided a good environment for learning.

    “A country that cannot provide and water and light for 24 hours,has no business establishing a university.

    In  the past, Nigerian universities were globally recognised and they did well,” he added.

    The reviewer, Prof. Nkem Onyekpe of the Department of History, University of Lagos, the author’s call for a state of emergency in the university system was necessary to address the challenges head on.

     “This book is a critical anatomy of the problems of Nigeria University System. It is readable, simple and clear. It is not simplistic though. The book is compelling and empirically produced. Anyone who reads it will be moved to action.

    ‘‘His call for a state of emergency in the university education is logical to address the problems. The book will be useful to government and private universities, among others,” he said.

    Chairman Editorial Board of The Nation, Mr. Sam Omatseye, said: “I am happy you wrote this book. We are a nation of turmoil and paralysis at the same time.  The problems are an existential horror. We are a nation of  many horrors and pains. Academics should not be left only to academics, but responsible politicians. We have paralysis and turmoil at the same time in the country.”

  • Gana to deliver Ogun Anglican Diocese Synod’s lecture

    A scholar and politician, Prof. Jerry Gana, is expected to deliver a lecture at the Third Session of the 10th Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Yewa, Ogun State, which begins from today to June 9, at the St. James Church, Oke-Odan, Ogun State.

    Gana, according to a statement, will deliver a lecture on the topic: “Soul Winning, the Kingdoms Business”. The event will also feature health talk and other aspects of church life.

    Read Also: Gana’s SDP endorses Atiku

    The synod with the theme: “Behold, We Found Him” John 1:45, will be presided over by the Bishop of Yewa, Rt Rev.  Michael Oluwarohunbi. About 250 delegates will attend the event, comprising both priests and the laity.

    The synod opening service, holding at 4p.m today, will feature the guest preacher, the Bishop of Kafanchan, Rt. Rev. Markus Dogo. Bishop Oluwarohunbi will deliver his charge to Christians and the nation at large on Friday by 11 am.

    The grand finale of the synod will hold on June 9, with a thanksgiving service. Rt Archbishop of Ondo Province and retired Bishop of Ondo, Most Reverend (Prof.) George Lasebikan will be the guest preacher.

  • I’m surprised by judgment of Supreme Court, says Jerry Gana

    Presidential aspirant under the platform of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, Prof. Jerry Gana, has said he was disappointed by the Supreme Court’s judgment that declared a former governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, the authentic presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party.

    While Duke emerged the candidate of the party, a lower court nullified his nomination and declared a former Minister of Information, Prof Jerry Gana, as the candidate.

    Not satisfied with the judgement, Duke approached the Court of Appeal which upturned the lower court’s judgement and declared him the candidate.

    Also not satisfied, Gana approached the Supreme Court.

    The apex court, however, on Friday upheld the appellate court’s decision and declared Duke the party’s candidate.

    The Director-General of Gana’s campaign team, Dr Ike Neliaku, in a statement on Sunday titled “Before the Curtain Draws” said the apex court was not supreme because it was infallible but only because it was the final court in the country.

    Read Also: I’ll not tolerate stealing as President – Jerry Gana

    According to him, time would reveal the consequences of the judgment.

    He said members of the team would continue to uphold their collective principles for the emergence of a new and credible political order in Nigeria.

    He said although the beginning might have been tough, victory was assured.

    The statement read, “As disappointed as we may all feel, it is important to remind ourselves of the saying that the Supreme Court is not supreme because it is infallible but only because it is the final court of the land.

    “It is only time that will reveal the grave consequences and implications of that judgment.

    “We wish to most sincerely acknowledge the support, solidarity, goodwill and faithfulness demonstrated by numerous party members, friends and associates across the nation, for standing with us throughout this journey. It is deeply encouraging to find many men and women committed to the ideals of integrity in politics and governance.

    “We salute the courage and bravery of these distinguished compatriots. We will continue to invest in these virtues, insisting that, contrary to the majority opinion of today’s men, the end does not necessarily, and must not, justify the means.

    “By God’s grace, within this period, we have grown and bonded into one big and formidable political family, with structures across the country. We shall continue to march on and flourish, under the leadership of Prof Jerry Gana, CON.

    “Together, we will continue to resolutely uphold our collective principles and vision for the emergence of a new and credible political order in Nigeria. The beginning may have been tough, but with tenacity of heart and sincerity of purpose, victory is assured.

    “We are grateful to God for giving us the strength, grace and courage to have come this far. As in the proverbial saying, ‘weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning.’

    “We hope to soon convene a consultative meeting to jointly review and decide our collective future.”

  • SDP expels Gana, suspends Duke

    The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), on Tuesday expelled former Minister of  Information, Prof Jerry Gana and Chief Supo Shonibare over what it described as anti-party activities.
    The party also suspended the former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke of the same offence.
    Details later……

  • Gana kicks over adoption of Buhari by SDP

    Former Minister of Information Prof. Jerry Gana has rejected the adoption of President Muhammadu Buhari by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as its candidate for the February 16 presidential poll.

    Gana and his G19 presidential campaign team also condemned the action as the height of betrayal by the party’s leadership.

    Briefing reporters on the development on Friday in Abuja, Dr. Ike Neliaku, Director General, G19 Presidential Campaign Team of Prof. Jerry Gana, said majority of the authentic and principled National Executive Committee (NEC) members were not invited to the meeting.

    Neliaku said: ” On recent happenings within our party, the Social Democratic Party, we are therefore compelled to once again reach out to you and millions of Nigerians who are shocked by the pronouncement of yesterday by some renegade members of our Party, the SDP, under the guise of a National Executive Committee (NEC) purportedly met in Abuja and resolved to adopt the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), as its consensus candidate in the forthcoming presidential election.

    “We wish to categorically condemn and dissociate ourselves from this unfortunate, retrogressive, outrageous, unjust, mercantilist, disgraceful betrayal of trust and antiparty activity led by a small faction loyal to the running mate to Donald Duke, Alhaji Shehu Gabam.

    “Their pronouncement puts the party in a political mudslide that not only put the party in bad light but is injurious to all other SDP Candidates standing election on the platform of the party.

    “This repulsive duplicity is unacceptable to our Campaign Team, our supporters and millions of esteemed SDP members whose voices we represent and on whose mandate this statement is issued.

    Read Also: I’ll not tolerate stealing as President – Jerry Gana

    “We note that majority of authentic and principled NEC members were not invited to the said meeting; while some that were invited boycotted the meeting.

    “Likewise, hirelings were recruited to bear the identities of genuine NEC members, who, though were invited but chose not to be a part of their envisaged insidious plot packaged in a desperate bid to create a perception of acceptability so as to enhance the value of their merchandise and ultimately increase the revenue of their transaction.”

    The team added: “We also like to state that the purported suspension of the National Publicity Secretary and some State chairmen of our party is laughable and unacceptable as due process and constitutional provisions were not followed.”

    Gana’s campaign team said while it was the right and prerogative of a political party to nominate, endorse or even adopt a candidate of its choice, the action must represent the popular will of the people.

    It said: “The process must be inclusive, and the outcome must be transparent. In this instance, these were not so.

    “We use this medium to call on all SDP members, supporters and advocates to take a definite stand against this totally unacceptable precedence.

    “While we await the judgment of the Supreme Court, we will continue to maintain our single focus and keep hope alive.”

    Gana, according to Neliaku will convene a stakeholder’s conference on Monday, in Abuja to mobilise, plan and organise how to win elections in various constituencies.

  • Gana rejects Appeal Court affirmation of Duke

    Former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana, has rejected Thursday’s Appeal Court judgement, which affirmed former governor of Cross River State Donald Duke as presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

    This came as national chairman of the party, Chief Olu Falae, called on all aggrieved members of the party to bury their differences and support Duke’s presidential ambition.

    Gana, addressing the media, on Friday in Abuja, through his campaign organisation, said having carefully weighed the views and options presented by SDP’s stakeholders and supporters, it was his considered opinion the judgement was erroneous, contradictory and a miscarriage of justice.

    Read Also: Appeal Court sacks Jerry Gana as SDP presidential candidate

    Director General, G19 Presidential Campaign Team of Prof. Gana,Dr Ike Neliaku, said: “Arising from the above and many other lacunas and contradiction in the judgement, we have carefully weighed the views and options presented by our stakeholders and supporters across the world and resolve to accede to what is in the long term interest of our democracy.

    “It is therefore our considered opinion that the judgement of the Court of Appeal is erroneous, contradictory and a miscarriage of justice.

    “The decision is therefore not acceptable to us

    “Accordingly, our candidate, Prof. Jerry Gana, has resolved to appeal the judgement at the Appeal Court.”

    Details later……..

  • Appeal Court sacks Jerry Gana as SDP presidential candidate

    *Reverses judgment making Gana candidate
    *Asks Gana to pay Duke N500,000 as cost

    The Court of Appeal in Abuja has declared ex-Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke as the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

    In a unanimous decision by a three-man panel, led by Justice Abdul Aboki, the court set aside the December 14, 2018 judgment of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) which had declared Jerry Gana the candidate of the party.

    Read Also; Imo APC expels guber candidate

    The court awarded N500,000 cost against Gana, in favour of Duke.

    Details later.

  • SDP crisis: I can’t be Duke’s running mate in 2019 election – Gana

    The embattled former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana on Saturday disclosed that he is in the Social Democratic Party (SDP), to win the forthcoming 2019 presidential election and not to be running mate to former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke. 

    Gana, at the unveiling of his campaign programme tagged ‘SWIFT’ said the leadership of SDP would not want to take the decision of him accepting to become running mate to Duke, if the party wants to win election. 

    The development is following the judgment of a Federal Capital Territory (FCT), high Court in Maitama a week ago declaring Jerry Gana, the winner of the presidential primary election of the SDP conducted on October 6 this year.

    The party had declared a former Governor of Cross River State, Mr. Donald Duke, winner of the election and its flag bearer for the 2019 presidential election. 

    Duke at the primary polled 812 votes, while Gana had 611. 

    Gana who was not satisfied with the outcome of the primary went to court seeking to be declared the winner in line with the zoning and rotation formula of the party’s constitution.  

    He promised to unity Nigeria and also obey the rule of law if he wins the presidential election in 2019. 

    His words: “I do not mind at all but, the party will definitely want a strategy, that is a winning strategy. Let us be very realistic the South South have just concluded a turn of the presidency during former President Goodluck Jonathan, if Nigerians are to be real they will know that it is too soon to have a presidential candidate running for an election from that zone. 

    Read Also: Gana loses out as SDP affirms Duke as presidential candidate

    “The other zones of Nigeria would also want to have the vote, so if you want to win election the party will not do that. But if they want to just play politics they would do that. I am not for that I am for winning election.”

    Gana vowed that securing Nigeria and its people will be the primary responsibility of his administration if elected. 

    He said: “we have identified unresolved conflicts, realities of injustice, prebendalism, ethno-religious crises, kidnapping, militancy, banditry, armed criminality, defective state structure and failure of governance. These have resulted in the negative backlashes and security challenges in our nation. Accordingly, we shall strengthen security of life and property to facilitate a qualitative development of the nation; reconcile the Nigerian peoples for better harmony, understanding and unity; and restructure the Federation for prosperity, equity and progress.

    “We cannot continue to live in denial that we are not a crisis-torn, conflict triggered and deeply divided people and expect the same people to build a progressive nation. The reality is that the country is at war with itself. We should take advantage of our heterogeneous nature, exploit the strength and synergy of our diversity to build a strong, united and progressive Nigeria. This is possible! It can be done! And we are determined to do it! Unfortunately, we have emphasized our differences and promoted the things that divide us, rather than those things that unite us. These matters have become sources of tension within and amongst the various peoples of Nigeria.”