The Nation Newspaper

Tag: leadership

  • Coca-Cola brands and the burden of market leadership

    Coca-Cola brands and the burden of market leadership

    Arguably one of the world’s famous bottler of soft drinks, Coca-Cola is battling with the allegation of ‘poisonous’  Fanta and Sprite. But will the allegation affect the market dominance of the giant’s product? WALE AJETUNMOBI reports. 

    These are not the best of times for Coca-Cola Company – a frontline bottler of of soft drinks. There is a raging controversy over the consumption of its products and criticisms against the bottling company have been on the rise since 2000. There have been growing concerns over health effects, environmental issues, animal testing, economic business practices and employee issues.

    The company has multiple lawsuits to contend with. Its brands are some of the world most assaulted. In every market, the volatile competition has thrown many blows against one of world’s oldest brands. It has been from one trouble to the other from its Coke, Fanta to Sprite brands.

    Not a few consumers confirm these assaults, regulatory authorities in various market where the brands thread like a colossal are often knocking at the company’s door to explain one consumer violation or the other.

    The dust raised by half-filled bottles of Fanta and Sprite accusations in 2014 had hardly been cleared by Consumer Protection Council (CPC) before another was raised last week. A Lagos State High Court, Igbosere, judge, Justice Adedayo Oyebanji, on March 14, ordered the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to compel the Nigeria Bottling Company (NBC) Plc, manufacturers of Fanta and Sprite soft drinks, to include a written warning that the drinks should not be taken with Vitamin C.

    It was the climax of a nine-year old suit against NBC and NAFDAC. A Lagos-based businessman, Dr. Emmanuel Fijabi Adebo and his firm, Fijabi Adebo Holdings Ltd., who dragged NBC and NAFDAC to the court, urged the court to direct NAFDAC to conduct routine laboratory tests of all soft drinks and allied products of the company, to guarantee their safety on the account of negligence and breached of duty of care owed its customers and consumers in the production of Fanta and Sprite with excessive “benzoic acid and sunset” additive

    For the conglomerate, the ruling was another blow within two years in Nigeria. In the case of half-filled Sprite bottle two years ago, the CPC got a complaint from a consumer, regarding two half-empty cans of “Sprite” purchased in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Coca-Cola and the NBC were blamed for their nonchalant attitude towards the directive of the council. The CPC leadership was blamed by stakeholders for high handedness. But the CPC, its members and the beverage giant have moved on.

    Regardless of where the pendulum of judgment finally swung, it is obvious that the CPC/Coca-Cola matter was a major issue of consumerism in 2015.

    Unlike the case of half-filled bottle, the last case has been more frightening.  The court warned that taking Fanta and Sprite with Vitamin C is poisonous and awarded N2 million against NAFDAC for failing “to live up to expectations”. It said the agency failed the citizenry  by certifying as satisfactory for human consumption, products which, in the United Kingdom (UK), failed sample test for human consumption and became poisonous when taken with Ascorbic Acid, known as Vitamin C.

    Fijabi, also counsel to the plaintiffs, Mr. Abiodun Onidare, in an amended statement of claim, alleged that sometime in March 2007, Fijabi Adebo Holdings, bought large quantities of Coca-Cola, Fanta Orange, Sprite, Fanta Lemon, Fanta Pineapple and Soda Water from NBC for export to the UK for retail purpose.

    “In consideration of the fact that this case was filed in 2008 and has been in court for nine years, N2 million is awarded against NAFDAC. Interest shall be paid on the cost awarded at the rate of 10 per cent per annum until liquidation of the said sum,” Justice Oyebanji said.

    A public relations consultant for the NBC, Bolaji Abimbola, took to Facebook and posted releases to debunk the claims in an apparent move to insulate the brand.

    He said: “Both Benzoic Acid and Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) are ingredients approved by international food safety regulators and used in many food and beverage products around the world. These ingredients are also used in combination in some products within levels which may differ from one country to another as approved by the respective national food and drug regulators in line with the range prescribed by CODEX, the joint intergovernmental body responsible for harmonizing international food standards.

    “All Coca-Cola products, including Fanta and Sprite, produced and sold in Nigeria, contain quantities and combinations of various ingredients in line with the CODEX standards and the national levels approved by NAFDAC. While Fanta contains a combination of Benzoic and Ascorbic Acids, Sprite does not contain Ascorbic Acid (only Benzoic Acid).

    “The recent court order relating to this matter has been appealed by NAFDAC and the Nigerian Bottling Company Limited respectively. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to product quality, safety and consumer satisfaction.”

    In the poisonous case saga, the claimants averred that as a registered exporter with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), they could lawfully export the products of NBC to any part of the world.

    “In fact, Nigeria Bottling Company was aware that the products the purchased were meant for export,” he stated.

    Consequently, apart from other reliefs, the claimants demanded N15, 119,619.37 as special damages and N1, 622,000 being the money admittedly received from the claimants.

    The NBC, in its amended statement of defence filed by Mr. T. O. Busari, admitted supplying the products but contended that the product manufactured by the company were meant for local distribution and consumption as the company does not manufacture its products for export.

    Coca-Cola brand of soft drinks, he maintained is manufactured and bottled by various Coca-Cola franchise holders in most countries of the world, including the United Kingdom.

    The company denied that it was negligent in the manufacturing of its products as alleged, stressing that stringent quality control procedures were adopted in its production process to ensure that its products are safe for consumption of the final user.

    The company denied that the damages alleged by the claimants were occasioned by its negligence as the level of the chemical components in its soft drinks is safe for local consumption.

    It contended that the claimants’ claims are speculative, frivolous and vexatious and should be dismissed with substantial costs.

     

    Leadership unshaken by market threats

    With the enormity of this case which has dragged for nine years without the consumers knowing until the bubble burst recently, will Coca-Cola company brands market dominance loose grip, perhaps to competitors like AJE Group, maker of BigCola company which has a near perfect substitute for both Sprite and Fanta? Will 7Up and Pepsi step-up their game, seize the moment to snatch a slice of Fanta and Sprite market share? Will the consumer fear factor favour any of the competitors? Expert says “No”.

     

    Brand loyalty, bonding

    “Over the years, Coca-Cola Company has developed a thick skin for market assaults either from competitors, regulators or consumers. The Coca-Cola Company is one of the most renowned beverage companies in the world. It controls the largest chunk of the soft drink market around the world, distributing roughly 160 different products.

    According to Forbes Magazine, Coca-Cola is one of the world’s most innovative companies with a networth of $192.8 billion. It has invested on many social causes, such as campaign against obesity and other environmental causes. The kind of campaigns the brand flag is consumer-bonding, ‘Share A Coke’ campaign is an example of such greats.

    “Apart from that, the level of the brand bond with consumers, you can call it reckless but there is nothing you can do about it. The most important thing is for both regulators and the company to collaborate and resolve any issues having to do with safety.

    “This is because if the company sales drop, the entire global economy will feel it because there will be mass retrenchment, revenue drop for government.  So, nobody should rejoice over any marketing assault against the brand”, a marketing communication expert certified by the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), who pleaded for anonymity, said.

     

    Will the leadership slip?

    While no one knows how the case will end? Some experts believe that the market sales will drop in the meantime with little or no brand shift to other competing brands like 7Up, Big Cole variants among others as a result of what expert termed “transferred fear factor”, a situation whereby consumers run away from a brand as a result of injurious effect and by extension do not want to near any similar brand.

    They believe that the consumers will move on with time. This expected drop in sales is believed will also affect subtitude brands.

    “The sales might slightly shift downward but on a short term outlook. The brands will pick up. It has a way of surviving issues like this everywhere it operates. This is no gain to a competing brand because of consumers’ orientation.

    The transferred fear factor will cause consumers to run away from similar brands. So, that is why I said it is no really a gain to similar brands like 7Up, Big Cola etch. So, I see Fanta and Sprite retaining their normal share of market till the dust settle,” said Aderoju Richard, a client relationship manager with a leading marketing communication firm who has worked on the Fanta, Sprite, 7Up and Pepsi.

  • Bishop calls for sacrificial leadership

    Bishop calls for sacrificial leadership

    The Methodist Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos Central, Rt. Rev Olugbenga Fayeyiwa, has urged leaders to sacrifice selves for the good of the country.

    He said sacrifice precedes blessings and promotion, which comes from God alone.

    Fafeyiwa spoke in his sermon at the Williams’ Memorial Methodist Cathedral, Ago Ijaiye, where he was enthroned as Bishop of Lagos Central.

    He said such sacrifice is crucial to the understanding of what God can do.

    Using the example of Abraham, who almost sacrificed his son, Isaac, he urged those in leadership positions not to be afraid of being tested.

    He warned against indulging in self promotion or promotion by others.

  • Leadership tussle tears Jebba apart

    The long-drawn fight for the throne of Jebba town, Kwara State, between the families of Abdulkadir Adebara and Kayode Okedara has refused to settle. The battle, apart from being about the crown, is also about ownership of the land in the community.

    The battle assumed a frightening dimension when in 2006, barely after the coronation of Adebara, he was arraigned in the court for impersonation. He spent 19 days in detention before he was granted bail.

    Okedara, his rival to the throne became the principal witness in a case the Kwara State government instituted against Adebara’s ascension. He spent 19 days in Ilorin prison before he was bailed.

    The court affirmed Adebara the legitimate traditional ruler of Jebba after eight years. Despite this, the Kwara State government is still challenging the court’s decision and refused to pay his entitlement.

    The palace spokesperson, Ibrahim Adebara said there were plans to banish the traditional ruler over a crisis that took place within the community which the palace did not instigate.

    He said the palace had written the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly on the unforeseen development, but no response was received.

    “We wrote to the Speaker of the House, as well as various committees in the House after the attack. There was no response, but the latest move now is that they are planning to make an announcement to banish the Oba from the community.

    Government’s misgiving about the traditional ruler was demonstrated on how it handled a crisis that took place at the palace. The government which did not condemn the development waited for another five months to demand for explanation from the transitional ruler the cause of crisis.

    The government’s query to the traditional ruler stated: “It has come to attention of the Kwara Government that during the last Eid-il-Fitri, the public peace of the people of Jebba and environ was disturbed.

    “It is on record that before intervention of the law enforcement agencies, some people had lost their lives and many other sustained varied degrees of injuries.

    ”I therefore have the directive of the governor to demand for explanation from you on the cause of the incident and the role played by your personage.”

    Responding on behalf of the palace, Adebara said the letter addressed to king was disrespectfully mailed to him through a commercial motorcyclist.

    He said: “Our response was that the police had arrested the masterminds of the Sallah day violence before they were obviously embarrassed by the Department of Public Prosecution’s advice.

    “I wish to emphasize that my loyal subjects and I were in a celebration mood, the attack was surprise, carried out in cold blood and unprovoked.

    “It was particularly a surprise because such had never happened in Jebba. We are doing our best to ensure that justice is done, and we are confident that the state government did not issue a statement to condemn the attack on the Oba.”

    The palace further made it clear, weeks after the incident, the Senate President Bukola Saraki mandated former Kwara State Commissioner for Information, Abdulkareem Adisa to brief him on what transpired during the Sallah celebration.

    The unprecedented episode has created some wound in not only the minds of the affected Oba, but also members of his enlarge family and diverse people of Jebba, who are not up till this moment convinced that the act perpetrated was not the handiwork of members of the Okedara family.

  • IBB, leadership and PDP’s military wing

    IBB, leadership and PDP’s military wing

    IT obviously didn’t seem fair to former military president Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida that ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo should continue to hug all the limelight. But in recent years, Chief Obasanjo has managed by circumstances and deliberate orchestration to situate himself squarely at the centre of national affairs. General Babangida’s health may not permit, and the quality and relevance of his submissions may leave much to be desired, but having cavorted at that same national centre between 1985 and 1999, and even a little beyond that time, he seems pained that he is living as somnolently as one who is in suspended animation. He had once likened himself, perhaps unintentionally, to an evil genius, and to the football maestro, Maradona, and had thus dominated public affairs for years on end with his highfalutin political and social experiments. And with nostalgic fondness, he also remembers how the controversies he constantly and mischievously stirred helped nurture his myth. It is not unlikely that he craved an occasion when he could say something new and shocking, something to engage and agitate the public. That occasion soon presented itself last week, which he grabbed with both hands by speaking with gusto about a previously unknown Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) military wing.

    Chief Obasanjo and Gen.Babangida have doubtless both played prominent, if not dominant, roles in Nigerian politics. Until they breathe their last, they will insist on doing so. Neither the irrelevance nor inappropriateness and controversiality of their views will attenuate that desire. Chief Obasanjo virtually took up the last two weeks. The next two weeks or possibly more will be taken up by Gen Babangida’s ‘PDP military wing’ talk. There will be editorials, and, as this column believes, there will be many column pieces on that shocking and disturbing revelation. Some of the rejoinders will be angry, and others snide and even outrightly abusive. But Gen Babangida will be satisfied that he is still capable of attracting newspaper front pages and dominating discussions, no matter how fleetingly. There are not many leaders out of office who are enamoured of anonymity or reclusiveness.

    Gen Babangida chose the occasion of his interaction with members of the Strategy and Inter-Party Affairs of the PDP, led by its chairman, Professor Jerry Gana, to expatiate upon the founding principles and politics of the former ruling party. The committee, which reports to the Ahmed Makarfi faction of the PDP leadership, had visited him at his Hill Top residence in Minna  last week to intimate him of their findings, and perhaps to solicit his support, even if indirectly, in the struggle for the soul and leadership of the PDP . “From foundation stage, I saw PDP as IRA (Irish Republican Army),” boasted the former military head of state in his response to the Prof Gana presentation. “We are the military wing of the PDP. We took a lot of interest, and when I say we, I mean my boss  TY Danjuma, Obasanjo, myself, Gen. Aliyu Mohammed. I term us as IRA military wing of PDP. I thank God we came up with the old concept, and one of our counterparts then said that PDP would rule for 60  years.”

    The general’s comparisons, as his leadership history shows, may be awful and disconcerting, and sometimes his words may not convey the right meanings he intends, apart from being often inexact. Otherwise, of all the comparisons in the world, why choose the militant IRA as a backroom model for the PDP when nothing in the founding of the party bore any semblance to Sinn Fein? PDP may have in its fold many retired generals, some of whom have maintained an implacable hold on Nigeria and continue to throttle its destiny, but both the founding and existential principles of the IRA and Sinn Fein bear no real resemblance to the PDP nor to its philosophically undistinguished military members. Sinn Fein was the left-wing nationalist face of the armed IRA that waged a military campaign for independence in Northern Ireland. What did the PDP military wing represent?

    It is not clear whether the other generals Gen Babangida mentioned as constituting the membership of the military wing of the PDP see themselves as such, or whether they will repudiate that comparison. But likening themselves to IRA, despite Irish group’s dangerous denotations, is not even as egregious as gloating over the expected six-decade reign of the PDP. “One of our counterparts then said that the PDP would rule for 60 years,” Gen Babangida had said. It would be thrilling to know which of his counterparts made that shameful prophecy. Notwithstanding, the point is that the general and many PDP leaders obviously took that 60-year reign to heart. More importantly, Gen Babangida himself spoke fondly of that reign, and he would doubtless have revelled in it had it come to pass not minding its dangerous effects on the polity.

    This is the crux of the matter. Even if the generals had seen themselves as the military wing of the PDP and had modelled themselves along the line of the IRA, and if ‘one counterpart’ or another had spoken giddily of the PDP ruling Nigeria for 60 years, the visit of Prof Gana’s panel should have afforded Gen Babangida the opportunity to declaim upon Nigeria’s leadership troubles. In particular, given his age and past roles, he would have contributed to the wealth of knowledge on Nigerian affairs had he spoken on the PDP’s founding principles, the suppositions held by many party leaders, military or civilian, and what lessons they have learnt and are recommending regarding the principles of democracy, federalism, rule of law and other salient leadership issues. Instead of these, the general preferred to boast somewhat.

    Gen Babangida’s revelatory remarks are, however, not without some usefulness. He enables Nigerians to take a measure of their leaders, how sometimes parochial and insular they are, the poor vision that guides and drives them, and often what mean and base principles inform the choices they make. Surely it should have occurred to the general’s ‘counterpart’ that had PDP ruled for 60 years — a silly and arbitrary figure no doubt — democracy would have found it difficult to survive, let alone flourish. Unlike the Sinn Fein and the IRA, the military wing of the PDP obviously inspired and directed everything about Nigeria’s so-called biggest party. That inspiration was, however, short-sighted, abysmal and demeaning.

    The PDP’s military wing is probably still strong and influential. But since they are neither principled as Nigerians would like nor ideological as they seem to think, they will continue to exert a very unhealthy influence on national politics. They virtually perverted the early years of Nigerian democracy during which they laid a militarised and illiberal foundation for civil rule. Should they regain power without the drastic and fundamental changes required to bring about the change Nigeria needs and yearns for, the country will groan unbearably. After all, festooned with its own military faction, the APC has ruled Nigeria like a one-party state, after apparently succumbing to the same spirit of intolerance and excesses that undid the PDP.

  • Summiteers challenge youths on leadership

    They were not simply reminded that they are leaders of tomorrow. At a summit in Enugu organised by the state youth council, youths were also told to be honest, hard-working and pursue their skills rather than wait for government or search endlessly for white collar jobs. Youths can outperform their older counterparts, declared Prof. Hillary Edeoga, a former Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State.

    Edeoga was one of several attendees of the summit who urged the youths to take their place in the development of the nation.

    The summit was titled “Youths as Agents of Positive Change”.

    Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi was represented by his Special Adviser on Youth Affairs, Dr. Chukwuemeka Asogwa.

    Prof Edeoga stressed the need for youths to be empowered and involved in policymaking.

    “The youths are the leaders of today and tomorrow,” Prof. Edeoga said. “Youths have a role in sustainable development for they are the future. They can be and are part of the solution. Young people have a role in building and rebuilding themselves, their families, their communities, and the larger institutions that shape the quality of life. Every nation needs a significant number of people who are willing to change the status quo, to garner support for innovation and support and advocate for young people.”

    Prof. Edeoga maintained that young people can outperform their older counterparts in leadership and administration roles, owing to their energy and creativity. He credited so many landmark achievements made towards the independence of our nation to the efforts of the Nigerian youths of those days. He then admonished the youths to make honesty and diligence their watchwords.

    One of the guest speakers, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Mr. C.O.C Egumgbe, in his speech, advised the youths to be honest always and to seek competence. Barr. Egumgbe who was also the founding PDP Chairman of Enugu state, maintained that all his life and career, honesty and competence have always stood him out.

    He said, “Young people should always be honest in all their undertakings, especially when they are given opportunities. They shouldn’t be after what amount of money they could amass, but should use every opportunity to attain competence.”

    Another speaker, the South-South Regional Recovery Manager, Skye Bank Plc, Mr. Ejike Aroh, who delivered his speech in Igbo language,  encouraged the youths to be very productive and to always develop their selves and their acquired skills/talents. He frowned at the habit of waiting for unavailable white collar jobs instead of engaging oneself in a worthwhile venture. He said, “Don’t wait for white collar jobs, package whatever business or skills you have and earn a living with it.”

    He also cited honesty and integrity as the two indispensable qualities for the growth and development of any youth.

    Mr. Aroh further appreciated His Excellency, the Governor of Enugu State and Dr. Chukwuemeka Asogwa the SA to the Governor on Youth Affairs for their thoughtfulness and interest in focusing on the youth who constitute a majority of the population of the state and who have latent potentials that need to be harnessed and properly channelled to achieve positive impact in the society. And for his ardent interest in the propagation of the Igbo cultural heritage and language, Mr. Aroh promised sponsorship for an Igbo writing contest, if organized by the Enugu State Youth outh Council.

    The CEO, Peace Mass Transit Ltd, Dr. Sam Onyishi, in his speech, told the youths to imbibe the attitude of doing things for themselves and not waiting for everything, especially employment from the government. He identified pride and lack of focus as some of the things that militate against the development of Nigerian youths. He advised the youths to be willing and determined to grow from small businesses, and to avoid spending from their businesses still trying to survive. He said, “Stop waiting for the government to give you everything. If you know what you are doing, with N500,000 you are made for life.”

    He advised that youths should come together in partnership, pull their resources together to enable them achieve their aims. “Stop waiting, start doing something. Come together, united we stand, divided we fall.”

    He stated that youths should not be discouraged by the fear of failure. He maintained that failure is a constant in business. “I myself have failed and I still fail in some business decisions. The number of times we failed is not the problem; it is the ability to rise again. Don’t spend from your new business, until you grow the business.” He added.

    The CEO, Softran System Enterprise Nig. Ltd, Chief Chris Onyekachi, in his own speech, maintained that the development of any nation is highly linked to how empowered are her youths. He said that the youth must seriously work towards their personal development and that of their society too. He stated that no nation attains greatness without the growth and development of her young people, hence the need for the society to treat as very important, issues bothering on youth empowerment. He however, enjoined the youth to be honest, hardworking, focused and humble, citing these qualities as the vehicles that have ferried him to the position he has attained today. He said, “Young people are the hope of any nation. They determine the development of any country… I advise you to be hardworking and most importantly, honest. Be honest in all you do. Don’t fall for quick money syndrome. Work hard and stop showing off. Be humble, be focused and pray to God, you will succeed.” He asked youths present in the event to send any well written business proposal of their choice to his official mail. He promised to sponsor the best 20 business proposals received from the youths present at the programme. He also promised to offer free business advice and consultancy services to the youth present, anytime.

    Another main speaker at the summit, the chairman of PENGASSAN, South-South/South-East Zone, Comr. Azubuike, M. Azubuike, also admonished the youths to be innovative, courageous and responsible so as to help take the state and the nation to an enviable height.

    Majority of the speakers at the event frowned at the current trends of unemployed youth using very expensive electronic gadgets such as exotic phones and tablets. They encouraged the youths to concentrate more on building businesses and skills than owning luxuries.

    Other invited guests include the former SA to the Governor of Enugu state on youth affairs, Comr. Barr. Obiora Onyia; the commissioner of Environment and Mineral Resources, Amb. Fidel Ayogu, among others.

    The facilitator of the event and president of Enugu State Youth Council, Comr. Nnaemeka Agada, said that the summit was to support the effort of the governor in his efforts towards the development of the youth in the state.

    Youths present at the event include unemployed graduates and students from different tertiary institutions in the state.

  • Tinubu: visionary leadership necessary for good governance

    All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has identified visionary leadership and strong intellectual ability as keys to the entrenchment of good governance in Nigeria.

    Speaking at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State at the first National Conference of Nigerian Political Science Association, Southwest Zone, Tinubu noted that the challenges facing the nation were as a result of inexperienced men and women occupying leadership positions.

    Represented by eminent scholar Prof. Adebayo Williams, the APC leader said it was imperative to have proper orientation for would-be leaders if the challenges must be eradicated.

    He said: “Excellent political leadership should be based on essential and strategic political vision.

    “In taking steps especially to lead, you must plan and strategise.

    “There cannot be national progress without adequate security.”

    Governor Rauf Aregbesola challenged political scientists to provide information and advice to political leaders.

    Aregbesola decried the alienation between the academic community and the larger society.

    The governor, who identified productivity as the duty of leaders, underscored the need for politicians to be concerned on areas to effectively cater for the needs of the populace.

    In his keynote address, titled: “Democracy, Nation Building and Development in Nigeria,” former Ekiti State University Vice Chancellor Prof. Dipo  Kolawole called for the refocusing, redefinition and re-conceptualisation of the government at the centre.

    Noting that Nigerians want performance from their leaders, Kolawole hinted that the constraints to national development were adue to leaders’ inattention to democratic policies.

    The don said the Federal Government should engage key stakeholders and show concern about the wellbeing of the people.

    Kolawole said: “We must refocus our politics by redefining areas where we can debate issues for the betterment of the country.

    “Nigeria must try to reclaim its leadership position in Africa so that deserved respect will be its pride.”

    He contended that the success of Nigeria’s democracy depends on democratically enlightened and vibrant individuals.

  • PDP leadership crisis: Who is behind Sheriff, Makarfi?

    PDP leadership crisis: Who is behind Sheriff, Makarfi?

    Court decisions notwithstanding, members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are still divided over the authentic leader of the main opposition party. Assistant Editor, Dare Odufowokan, uncovers the supporters of each of the two contending national chairmen.

    Who is on our side? That seems to be the most important question now engaging the attention of Senator Ali Modu Sheriff and Senator Ahmed Makarfi and their supporters as the two gladiators step up their battle for the leadership of the former ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Prominent and not so prominent members of the party in the 36 states are queuing up behind their choice between the two factions.

    The state branches of the party have  also been making their voices heard on whose  side they are although that does not  tell all the story as many of the state branches themselves are divided.

    Despite the Court of Appeal’s decision confirming Sheriff as the rightful National Chairman of the party, state governors, elected on the platform of the party and the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the party, have pitched their tents with Makarfi, who also has the backing of ministers in the Goodluck Jonathan administration.

    However, The Nation gathered that Sheriff is “not without government’s support in  Gombe and  Taraba states,” especially after the Court of Appeal’s verdict.

    The situation is no less delicate in the National Assembly where the majority of the members elected on the platform of the party are supporting Makarfi.

    While the Minority Leader of the House, Hon. Leo Ogor, named Makarfi as the rightful leader of the party, a member from Ogun State, Hon. Adesegun Adekoya, said Sheriff, having won in the court, is the National Chairman of PDP.

    Reacting to reports that the PDP caucus under his leadership is factionalized on account of the crisis in the party, Ogor told The Nation that there is no division within the caucus.

    “Yes, some people are merely seeking attention with the issue you raised. But that is not enough for you to say there is crack in the caucus,” he said in response to a question.

    He added: “What you are seeing should be expected. Whenever there is a new development, some people will always want to seek attention by causing trouble.

    “We are not surprised. What is important is for you to know that the caucus is made up of over a hundred honorable members of the National Assembly elected on the platform of our party, the PDP.

    “The caucus met and took a position. We all agreed that Makarfi is the one in charge of affairs of the PDP and we are with him. So, if we now have a few people raising their voices high against a collective decision of our caucus, it simply means they are against the majority and should not be taken serious. All these people talking about cracks or division should be ignored.”

    Senator Ben Bruce from Bayelsa State is one of the minority members of the National Assembly backing  Sheriff as the legitimate leader of the party.

    “I am supporting Ali Modu Sheriff because it is the only way to preserve the party,” Bruce said.

    “We will work with Ali Modu Sheriff and go to a convention. Right now, PDP is on a course towards destruction and abiding by the judgement of the court is the only thing that can save us.

    “I therefore call for an end to the fighting. And I am supporting Ali Modu Sheriff because it is the only way to preserve the party. Right now, what Nigeria has is a one-party state, there is no opposition. Enough is enough.

    “This is the time for PDP to unite, we are a formidable force.”

    With Makarfi in the Caretaker Committee are Senator Ben Obi, who is the Secretary of the faction, Senator Odion Ugbesia, Senator Abdul Ningi, Barrister Kevin Usman, Prince Dayo Adeyeye and Mrs. Aisha Aliyu.

    Also with him are Ekiti, Ondo, Rivers, Delta, Cross Rivers, Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, Enugu, Abia and Ebonyi States chapters.

    This is largely on the strength of the support the faction enjoys from the serving governors of these states.

    The Makarfi faction is also enjoying the support of the party’s Board of Trustees. The chairman of the board, Senator Walid Jibril, has been very consistent in rejecting Sheriff.

    Ex-Senate President Adolphus Wabara, Senator Ahmadu Alli, Inna Ciroma, Bode George and many others are strongly with Makarfi.

    With Sheriff are Dr. Cairo Ojuogbo, who is Deputy Chairman, Professor Wale Oladipo, who is National Secretary, Benard Mikko , Acting National Publicity Secretary, Adewole Adeyanju, Financial Secretary and Dennis Alonge-Niyi, National Youth Leader.

    While the Sheriff faction cannot boast of enjoying the open support of any of the PDP governors, there are indications that it is not without the sympathy of one or two of the state helmsmen, especially after its string of judicial victories.

    “In Gombe and Taraba states, the Sheriff faction is not without government’s support. This is largely because the party in those two states is more open to finding solution to the whole crisis than supporting any of the factions,” a source said.

    Even the BoT is not 100 percent with Makarfi. Former Deputy Senate President, Ibrahim Mantu, leads the pack of BoT who are with Sheriff.

    The rest are Chief Shuaib Oyedokun, Alhaji Mohammed Abba Gana and Senator Chris Anyanwu. The faction is also said to be enjoying the support of some former ministers in the immediate past administration.

    The zones

    The two factions command a sizeable followership in the South-West amongst party chieftains.

    While the party chairmen in five of the six states in the zone recently paid a solidarity visit to Sheriff, most of the notable leaders of the party in the zone prefer to be counted on the side of Makarfi.

    These include Chief Bode George, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Hon. Dimeji Bankole, as well as the only PDP governor in the zone, Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State.

    Other political bigwigs in the zone supporting the Makarfi faction are Prince Iyiola Omisore, Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo, Sen. Adesewe Ogunlewe, Jumoke Akinjide, Mulikat Akande, Jumoke Akindele, Alhaji Jelili Adesiyan, Segun Adegoke, Doyin Okupe , Mr. Jimi Agbaje, Engr. Jide Adeniji, Dr. Saka Balogun, Prof Taoheed Adedoja and Engr. Clement Faboyede.

    Also in this category are Elder Joju Fadairo, Akogun Bisi Jinadu, Engr Bashir Awotorebo, Senator Adeseun Ayoade, Barr. Ojo Williams, Barr. Niyi Owolade, Chief Folorunso Akintade, Barr. Gboyega Oguntuwase and Chief Bola Olu-Ojo.

    Factional South-West Zonal Chairman, Chief Makanjuola Ogundipe, and Senator Buruji Kashamu are the commanders of the Sheriff forces in the region.

    The faction, it was learnt, has the support of Shuaib Oyedokun, Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim, Pegba Otemolu, Prince Adekola Razaq, Senator Teslim Folarin. The faction however appears to be in firm control of the party in Ogun and Osun states, while it also boasts of factional members in the other South-West states.

    In the South-East states of Enugu, Abia and Ebonyi, the Makarfi faction is in firm control owing to the support it enjoys from the state governors. But in Anambra and Imo states, where the PDP is not in government, the party is factionalized and divided into camps loyal to the two factions.

    The situation has sparked a mass defection of PDP members to the rival All Progressives Congress (APC) in this zone.

    The scenario in the South-South is not different from what is happening in the South-East.

    The Makarfi faction has the support of the PDP governors of Rivers, Cross Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa.

    However, the situation is different in Edo State which is not under the control of the party.

    Here, the PDP is factionalized although the Makarfi faction loyal to Chief Tony Anenih is stronger in the state while the Sheriff faction has its men on the ground too.

    The bad blood generated by the last governorship primaries underlines how badly fragmented the party is in Edo State.

    There appears to be less interest in either of the factional chairmen among members of the party in the North-Central, North-East and North-West.

    Expectedly, the two men enjoy support in their home states (Kaduna for Makarfi and Borno for Sheriff), but beyond that, there seems to be no particular interest for any of the two leaders.

    “Maybe because the two gladiators are from the region, there is no much rancor over who should lead the party here in the North,” a party chieftain told The Nation.

    “Save for a few people who are directly involved, most of us are more interested in seeing the crisis resolved than pitching tents with either of the claimants. Don’t also forget that the party is struggling to win back its support base here in the north,” the source said.

    Hon. Adekoya, who represents Ijebu North/East/Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency in Ogun State, said the decision of the Court of Appeal has provided a lasting solution to the PDP crisis as many of the party’s chieftains have decided to be law abiding in their approach to the issue.

    The legislator, who belongs to the Kashamu faction of the party in Ogun State, said the Makarfi faction should accept the verdict in the interest of the party.

    “You can quote me anywhere, any day: the court has spoken,” he said.

    “Sheriff is the authentic chairman of our party. We are for Sheriff. As a lawmaker, I should not be a lawbreaker. All the people in my constituency, down to the last councillor, are for Sheriff. If you go to Osun State, Hon. Wole Oke is for Sheriff. Go and check in all the states, you will find out that many of us are for Sheriff.”

    But a member of the PDP Board of Trustees, Chief Bode George, disagrees, insisting that Makarfi was duly elected as the chairman of the party’s caretaker committee at a convention called by Sheriff himself. The PDP chieftain said Sheriff ceased to be chairman of the party after the said convention, in line with the rules of the party.

    His words: “Makarfi was duly elected as the caretaker committee chairman. Sheriff became the National Chairman of the party after his predecessor, Adamu Mu’azu.

    “The moment he convened a convention, he ceased to be the chairman. So, Sheriff has ceased to be the chairman by the virtue of that arrangement. This is the problem. I told him privately and publicly to step down.

    “As far as I am concerned, handing back the leadership of the party to Sheriff is a step backwards from repositioning the PDP. The judgment reminds me of the decimation of the old Action Group and that does not portend a good omen for democracy.”

    States not spared

    In Ogun State, there are two factions of the party, each of which supports Makarfi and Sheriff.

    Members of the party loyal to Senator Kashamu are supporters of the Chief Bayo Dayo-led faction. This faction is the more visible than the other.

    Pegba Otemolu, Semiu Shodipo, Fatai Adeyanju, Segun Seriki, Daisi Akitan, and Bowale Solaja among others are other leading lights of the Sheriff faction of the PDP in the state.

    The faction, which occupies the state secretariat of the party in Abeokuta, the state capital, is locked in a battle with the other faction loyal to the Makarfi camp.

    The Makarfi faction in the state is chaired by Sikirulai Ogundele and operates from the secretariat of the party in another part of the city.  It is the faction patronized by Daniel, Adebutu and many other chieftains of the party, including the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole and Tolu Bankole.

    In Ekiti, the party is divided into two factions loyal to Fayose and Makanjuola Ogundipe, the governor and zonal chairman respectively. While the Fayose faction is understandably more visible, owing to government patronage and sentiments, the other faction has remained relentless in its claim to being the authentic leadership of the party in the state, especially so after it was declared the authentic executive council by a high court recently .

    The Fayose faction, which originally started out as a support base for Senator Sheriff as the national chairman of the party, is now loyal to the Makarfi camp at the national level, while the Ogundipe faction remains committed to its initial support for Sheriff. Both Fayose and Ogundipe, alongside their supporters, have engaged in many face-offs since the party became fictionalized in the state.

    In Osun, the Makarfi faction is led by Senator Iyiola Omisore, gubernatorial candidate of the party in the last general election. He has in the camp the likes of the factional chairman of the party, Dr. Bayo Faforiji. The faction is the one operating from the state PDP secretariat located on Osogbo/Gbongan road in the state capital. The faction, according to observers of the party in the state, appears to be the more active.

    The other camp is led by the National Secretary of the Sheriff-led faction of the party, Prof. Wale Oladipo and the factional Chairman of the party in the State, Mr. Soji Adagunodo. Also in this faction are the immediate past Chairman of the party in the state, Alhaji Gani Olaoluwa, as well as Secretary of Adagunodo-led executive, Bola Ajao.

    In Lagos State, the Makarfi faction, led by Bode George, is the more visible but another faction of the party in the state has also been consistent in its claim to authenticity.

    It is obvious that the crisis at the national level is seriously affecting the state chapter as the two factions remain at dagger drawn in the struggle for the soul of the party in the state.

    The Makarfi faction in the state is led by Moshood Salvador while the Sheriff faction has Segun Adewale as its chairman. The two factions, for months, have engaged each other in an unending war of words with no sign of improvement in their relationship. While most of the party bigwigs led by Bode George are with the Salvador group, Adewale appears to be undaunted in his determination to remain in charge.

    Following a bloody clash by the factions at the state secretariat of the party in Ikeja, the premises were sealed off by the police and both factions have been operating from different locations in the city. Adewale has as his secretary, Shina Ladeinde. But the lawmaker representing Ajeromi-Ifelodun Constituency in the National Assembly, Rita Orji, who was elected on the platform of the PDP, while speaking on the matter, said the party has no chairman in the state.

    She said those parading themselves as chairmen of the party are not recognized by the party. She hoped for a quick resolution of the crisis in time for the coming council polls in the state.

    In Imo State, the two factions are being led by former House of Representatives Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha and former governor, Ikedi Ohakim. The two have been struggling for the soul of the troubled party for years. Consequently, the party is divided into two separate camps, made up of their respective supporters.

    Last year, the factions held parallel congresses and elected two sets of executives in the state.

    In Plateau State, the party has Makarfi and Sheriff factions. The party became fictionalized last year after Sheriff, upon his declaration as the authentic leader of the party by the court, sacked the then executives of the party in the state and inaugurated new ones. Also, while the old executives refused to go and pledged loyalty to the Makarfi faction, the new ones remained in office and are loyal to Sheriff.

  • ENACTUS promotes value-driven leadership at forum

    Students from 32 tertiary institutions converged on the Covenant University (CU) in Ota, Ogun State, for a leadership conference organised by Entrepreneurial Action In Us (ENACTUS), an international non-profit organisation promoting free enterprise.

    The event, whose theme was: Energising the next generation of value-driven leaders, was a platform for students to engage high-profile speakers in discussion on leadership and its values.

    There were participants from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) in Ondo State; Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State; Babcock University (BABCOCK), Ilisan Remo, Ogun State; Bayero University, Kano (BUK); Ekiti State University (EKSU); Federal Polytechnic, Idah (IDAH POLY), Kogi State; Federal Polytechnic, Offa (OFFA POLY); Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Imo State; Federal Polytechnic, Kaduna (KADPOLY) and Niger Delta University (NDU). Others were Bayelsa State University; Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), Ondo State; University of Ibadan (UI); University of Lagos (UNILAG); University of Calabar (UNICAL), University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU),  Ile-Ife, Osun State, among others.

    The session was opened by ENACTUS Country Director Mr Michael Ajayi, who inspired participants with his definition of value-driven leadership as one that “empowers people and develops society”.

    He urged the youth to imbibe virtues that would develop their leadership skills.

    On ENACTUS activities, Ajayi said the organisation remained dedicated to inspiring students to improve their immediate society through their entrepreneurial action.

    He said: “ENACTUS provides a platform for students’ teams in tertiary institutions to create community development projects that will explore their ingenuity and talents towards improving livelihoods in the society.”

    He said the teams were guided by educators and business leaders as they used entrepreneurial approach to empower people and be part of their success.

    “The activities of the teams transform both the lives of the people we serve and the lives of our students as they develop more effective, values-driven leadership,” he said.

    Mr Lanre Olusola, a life coach, energised the participants with his motivational speech. He listed steps to follow in becoming an extraordinary leader.

    Another speaker, Mr Daberechi Okedurum, took the participants on building problem-solving skills. He harped on mind development, saying the youngsters would become problem solvers if they feed their minds with positive thoughts.

    Other speakers included two senior programme officers with ENACTUS, Mr Deji Ojo and Mr Raphael Anagbe, their counterpart in Finance and Administration, Mr Emmanuel Udo, and Mr Lanre Ogungbe, Information Technology manager with ENACTUS.

    Oluwakorede Sanni, Higher National Diploma (HND) 1 Computer Science student of RUGIPO, said the conference inspired him to create values that would help him motivate his team members in their activities.

    Mirabelle Ogochukwu, a 300-Level Literary Studies student UNICAL, said: “I have learnt that a good leader doesn’t transfer blames to others. Taking responsibility for every action, whether good or bad, is a virtue in value-driven leadership. I also learnt that listening to opinions of team members is a good trait of a leader.”

    Yusuf Usman Umar, a 300-Level student of  Federal University Dutse, in Jigawa State, said the conference did not only teach him what was needed to be a leader, but also to have heart of patriotism to help and boost the livelihoods of his community through entrepreneurial action.

    Oyekanmi Kolo, the team leader of OFFA POLY chapter of ENACTUS, said: “The leadership conference has enriched my knowledge about team work. I have been encouraged, motivated and inspired to be an exceptional leader.”

  • A-Z of Campus Leadership, launched

    A-Z of Campus Leadership, launched

    Recently, former editorial page editor of The Nation newspaper, Sola Fasure, publicly presented a book titled, A-Z of Campus Leadership (Volume 1) written by Femi Tiamiyu. The book which contains winning nuggets that will help campus leaders navigate, nurture and unleash their leadership skills in their institution and beyond, was presented at the Alumni Complex of the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos.

    While presenting the book, Fasure linked his relationship with the author to their thriving moments at the Vintage Media Venture and spoke highly of him, while encouraging the excited audience to see the book as a solution to some of the world’s problems. He decried the low drive of Africans to put historical events into documentation. He recommended the book to every institution, workplace and agency in Nigeria, Africa and the world at large. “The book is a good tool to train leaders, youth wings, instructors, students, organisations and is available for small and bulk delivery in major outlets in the country or by personally contacting the author’s social media timelines or website.” He said.

    The author, Femi Tiamuyu, a proud alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) retraced the circumstances leading to the birth of the blockbuster, as events that surfaced right from his 200-Level days back on campus and how the dream evolved from just a passion to a burden to see a generation of leaders come to terms and reality with the nitty-gritty of leadership. “Every functional society is structured by rules, values, mores and operated through effective leadership. Leadership, often the missing link, in some people’s toolkits; yet a basic ingredient to facilitate, compensate and manage progress.” He said.

    Meanwhile, Bola Adesope, a professional in Project Management & Organisational Structuring, while reviewing the book made comparison to the speed of development happening in United Arab Emirate and how the Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum responded in an interview session of the essentials of an effective leadership. Mr Adesope linked the three factors mentioned by the Emirate Leader as major themes the Author mentioned in his piece – projects, delegation and communication.

  • Leadership, corruption and migration

    I start today on the premise that leadership matters in governance and is indeed the ideal catalyst for political stability and economic progress. I also aver that while the world is distracted by the anti establishment emergence of the populist leadership of Donald Trump in America’s 2016 presidential elections, other nations of the world are experiencing worse issues than the controversial migration ban by the US leader on seven majority Muslim nations on Trump’s list. Anyway, the US judiciary has shown the new US president that he cannot run America solo as its presidential system has an in built system of checks and balances that works literally like an automatic stop watch. Events and news from Nigeria, S Africa, Pakistan and France, provide food for thought today in terms of today’s topic.

    Issues arising from these events show that corporate and political leadership can make or mar an institution and much more a whole nation. Leadership is about integrity and trust and once these twin virtues are betrayed, institutional decay and social malaise set in and corruption, an incurable cancer in any such perverse system, rears its ugly head. This is what I shall illustrate, candidly and vividly, today . Firstly the news from Nigeria is, as usual, shocking and unbelievable.

    At an on going trial of the Senate President it was alleged that 77m naira was lodged in in one day in an account whose owner’s salary was just a bit above a quarter of a million. In another news item the boss of the Nigerian Customs Service who was in office for just six years was alleged to have embezzled 40 bn naira and about 17 exotic cars were found in a compound owned by him. In an era of fake news one can be forgiven for doubting the authenticity of these news. But these are published stories from Nigeria’s leading newspapers and not mischievous social media which values speed of viral information at the expense of truth.

    This is verifiable truth being revealed in our courts and in effect show a betrayal of leadership at the level at which the leaders involved have operated to the detriment of the goals and objectives of the public institutions over which they presided as leaders. Also from S Africa came the news that the nation’s President Jacob Zuma has ordered S Africans not to attack foreign nationals living in that nation. The president’s order came on the heels of the news of persistent attacks on Nigerians by S Africans accusing Nigerians of drug trafficking and taking their jobs. This really is like giving dog a bad name in order to hang it.

    This is because while one can sadly agree that the 419 saga and drug trafficking have given Nigeria a bad name, Nigerians are largely hard working people who strive hard to make their mark in the commercial life of any nation, wherever on earth that they work in, including S Africa. Anyway we hope that the S Africans listen to their president and stop attacking Nigerians as historically the free S Africa they now enjoy would have been impossible but for the contribution of Nigeria and its people to the Anti- Apartheid Struggle that led to the freedom of Nelson Mandela from prison after 27 years of incarceration on Robben Island .

    Indeed Nigeria’s civil servants contributed part of their hard earned salary to the Anti Apartheid fund set up by the Federal government to pursue the fight against Apartheid until it collapsed and held a free and fair election from which Nelson Mandela emerged from prison to be president. Such a huge sacrifice and contribution on the part of Nigerians to the political and economic emancipation of S Africa should not now be rewarded by attacks on Nigerians living in S Africa as this will be nothing less than a shameful act of ingratitude to Nigerians and Nigeria by the people of S Africa. It is necessary to mention here that the S African president has problems on his plate just as challenging as his loose control of xenophobia by his people.

    A S African court recently ruled that his withdrawal of his nation’s membership from the International Court of Justice – ICC – was illegal as it was not an act of Parliament which is the judicial requirement. To me that shows that the rule of law is still prevalent in S Africa in spite of the massive odor of corruption that pervades the presidency of President Jacob Zuma. In fact the fear of future prosecution for corruption by the ICC once he leaves office was the rationale for President Zuma’s sudden withdrawal of S Africa’s membership from the ICC, an act which the judiciary in the country has now dismissed as unilateral and unconstitutional. Which means that this court ruling has compounded President Zuma’s poor image on integrity and has fuelled the charge of the opposition which heckles and abuses him annually in Parliament whenever he comes to Parliament to present his state budget. Anyway, Nigerians expect him to still have enough authority and credibility to stop his country men from killing Nigerians working peacefully in S Africa as has been the case from reports in the last few weeks.

    Let us now look at how xenophobia and migration have affected real and potential leadership in other parts of the world namely Pakistan, and France. In Pakistan the Army is waging a huge war against Islamic militancy and terrorism after innocent Muslims were killed in a shrine by terrorists recently. Hundreds of terrorists have been killed in recent weeks and the Army is virtually closing the border between Afghanistan, the base of the terrorists and Pakistan.

    The rise in spate of terror has been attributed to a change of leadership of the Pakistani army and the time needed by that change to come to understand the game on hand. But Pakistan is a fiercely democratic society just as it is very Islamic. Some have mooted the idea that only a military government in Pakistan can confront and defeat the Islamic terrorists once and for all but the politicians will not give such talk any consideration what so ever.

    Yet it is becoming increasingly clear that democratic mandate and arrangements are ineffective against terrorism by Islamic extremists in a very Islamic nation. How far the military and political leadership can accommodate each other in this leadership tenterhook will determine the fate of the security and political stability of Pakistan in the foreseeable future. In France a serious potential political leadership is facing threats based on its positions on migration and xenophobia. Marine Le Pen who is the leader of the Far Right National Front Party in France and who has boasted that the next French presidential elections this year will go the way of Brexit in the UK and the emergence of Donal Trump in the US is now facing trumped up charges. She is facing a charge that some of her aides were being paid from illegal funds from the EU which is a form of abuse of office or misuse of funds.

    But she has denied the charges as politically motivated and she has refused to attend a police interview and technically she can not be arrested because she is a Member of the European Parliament. She has alleged that she cannot get justice given that this is an election time and I believe her. In addition the fact that she has promised to do a Brexit if she is elected president could very well have aroused the hostility of the bureaucrats in Brussels who have brought up the charges. To me this looks like the tax returns issue of Donald Trump in the last US presidential elections.

    Yet Trump won in spite of this. I expect the French electorate to treat Le Pen similarly on this trumped up EU charges. This is a politician well respected for her commitment to principles part of which led to her expulsion of her father from the Party he founded.

    That sort of steely principle and guts also made her to refuse to attend a meeting with an Islamic Mufti in Lebanon where she was asked to cover her head. She refused and left although she had gone there to woo the votes of Lebanese French in this year’s presidential elections. Le Pen’s leadership style is indeed made of sterner stuff and I expect the French to show that her time has in this coming French presidential elections. Just as the US electorate showed the American political elite and haughty party establishment that no one can stop an idea whose time has come when they created an unexpected upset by electing Donald Trump as the 45th US president in the 2016 presidential elections. Once again long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.