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Tag: Mamora

  • Durojaiye, Mamora, Fasanmi blast Afenifere, YCE

    Eminent Yoruba leaders have berated leaders of the Afenifere and Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) for turning themselves into the foot soldiers of President Goodluck Jonathan in the Southwest.

    Afenifere leader Senator Ayo Fasanmi, Afenifere chieftain Senator Biyi Durojaiye and former Senate Minority Leader Olorunnimbe Mamora said the elders had no mandate to speak on behalf of the Yoruba and could not decide for them which presidential candidate to vote for on March 28.

    Leaders of Afenifere, YCE and members of the Peoples Democratic (PDP) met in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, to mobilise support for Jonathan’s re-election at a post National Conference Summit at the Premier Hotel.

    They hinged their decision on Jonathan’s willingness to implement the recommendations of the National Conference held last year.

    Durojaiye said he did not understand the criteria or the rationale for endorsing an administration that had been criticised by Afenifere leaders for marginalising the Southwest.

    “What has changed now that they want the Yoruba to overlook? Is it because Jonathan has engaged some Yoruba elements to castigate former President Olusegun Obasanjo?

    “I am amazed that some Yoruba leaders are asking our people to support a government that cannot guarantee security, that lacks good morals, that has the tenacity to hold on to power at all cost, that changes the rule of the game at its convenience, that plots to remove the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC ) Chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega.

    “We must be consistent with the principle of protecting the general interest of our own, which the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo stood for all his life. That principle made him more popular in death.

    “Awo is revered because of his landmark achievements in education, health and rural integration that stood him out among his peers. People should just have a rethink and stop ridiculing themselves.”

    Mamora said: “No person or group of people in Yoruba land can claim to be the custodian of the collective will of the Yoruba. The Yoruba are well educated, knowledgeable and cannot be led by the nose. They know what is good for them and how to get it.

    “The directive of the Afenifere and YCE leaders will not sway the Yoruba from voting for the candidate of their choice. They cannot be swayed by any grandstanding.

    “I know the Yoruba will vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari. We are not unmindful of the alleged exchange of money here and there that is making people to act against their conscience. We are not bothered. We still have majority of the Yoruba who understand the issues at stake and will never compromise.”

    On the claim of the Afenifere leaders that only Jonathan can implement the National Conference report, the former Minority leader said: “No one can claim exclusive ability to implement the report. They should not confuse people. The implementation cannot be done outside the National Assembly.

    “It may interest you to know that true federalism and devolution of power are contained in the APC manifesto. Suffice to say that if Buhari is elected, he will ensure the implementation of the National Conference report.”

    Fasanmi appealed to the people of the Southwest to ignore the self-serving endorsements by a few in the region.

    “The people of the Southwest should be consistent with their progressive tradition, vote for Buhari who will adopt and implement policies that will benefit Yoruba and all Nigerians.”

    The YCE had earlier distanced itself from Jonathan’s endorsement by Afenifere.

    Members of the group also met with the President in Lagos recently during which they demanded good governance. The YCE President, Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo, was present at the Ibadan summit.

    Afenifere leader Chief Ayo Adebanjo, who chaired the occasion, traced the history of the Yoruba struggle for true federalism to the colonial period, which he recalled eventually led to the birth of the three regional constitutions used in the three regions during the First Republic.

    According to him, Awolowo and his compatriots insisted from the start in allowing each region to move at its own pace ,which paid off when practised in the First Republic.

    He said: “We are not here because of the interest of political parties but because of the Yoruba race. Many of those shouting ‘Buhari’ today don’t know what we went through.  Our duty is to educate them about the past.”

    “It is in the interest of the Yoruba to allow Jonathan return to change the constitution.

    “The change we need is not a change of personality but a change of the constitution.”

    The National Leader of the group, Chief Reuben Fasoranti and other speakers concurred with Adebanjo.

    In his welcome address, the convener and Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, said the programme was to map out the future of the Yoruba in Nigeria.

    He explained that the choice of Ibadan was informed by its strategic political and social importance among the entire Yoruba race.

    “We, Yoruba, are one of the most blessed in the world. This was demonstrated in the First Republc that we can lead for others to follow, hence, we are campaigning for the implementation of the recommendations of the conference.

    At the summit were former governors Adebayo Alao-Akala (Oyo), Gbenga Daniel (Ogun) and Peter Obi (Anambra);  former  PDP governorship candidate in Osun State Iyiola Omisore; Oyo PDP governorship candidate Teslim Folarin; Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to the president Dr Doyin Okupe; retired archbishop of Methodist Church, Ayo Ladigbolu; Sen. Hosea Agboola, Chief Olu Falae, Alhaji Yekini Adeojo, factional leader of the Odu’a People’s Congress (OPC), Chief Gani Adams; Sen. Femi Okunronmu, Prof. Dupe Olatunbosun; Chief Shuaibu Oyedokun; PDP National Secretary Prof. Wale Oladipo; Chief Abiola Ogundokun; Chief Isola Filani; Sen. Lekan Balogun; Chief Richard Akinjide and his daughter who is the minister of state for the Federal Capital Territory, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide; Dr Kunle Olajide, Dr Frederick Fasehun, Prof. Niyi Akinnaso, UCH CMD, Prof. Temitope Alonge, Prof. Bola Omotoso and Mr Tony Uranta.

  • Mamora: Jonathan’s playing ethnic card

    Mamora: Jonathan’s playing ethnic card

    Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora is the Deputy Director-General (Operations) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Organisation. In this interview with Assistant Editor LEKE SALAUDEEN, he speaks on the poll’s shift, preparation for the elections, APC’s chances, hate campaigns, insecurity, failed anti-graft war and the endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan for a second term by Afenifere. 

    Having toured the whole country as a member of the APC campaign committee, how would you assess the mood of the nation?

    Judging from what I personally witnessed during our campaign tour, the entire country appears ready for the change we are talking about. The enthusiasm, the excitement, the willingness and readiness with which the people have welcomed us, embraced us so far to me bear eloquent testimony to their desire for change. Everything points to the fact that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration has outlived its usefulness. The generality of the people are yearning for a new lease of life which the APC is offering.

    What is your reaction to polls shift announced by INEC?

    What is crystal clear to me is that whatever they are doing, whatever the pretences they are making, it is obvious to me that it was not borne out of genuine love for Nigerians, but for their selfishness and the desire to hold on to power. All they are interested in is to cling on to power by any means possible. Why is it now that they are pushing for polls shift? When we know from the grapevine that it is all delay tactics to frustrate Nigerians who are enthusiastic and the excitement of the people who had fixed their gaze on February 14.

    They wanted to diminish the enthusiasm of the people to vote out the PDP government. They cannot weep more than the bereaved. INEC is constitutionally empowered to determine issues pertaining to elections. It is supposed to be impartial and independent. The subterranean move by President Goodluck Jonathan and the PDP was geared towards scuttling the electoral process. It was a sad reminder of the prelude to the annulment of June 12, 1993 presidential election, which started with the inglorious activities of Association for Better Nigeria (ABN) under Arthur Nzeribe. It is a de ja vu coming into play this time around.

    But, President Jonathan has denied influencing INEC in the decision to shift the polls. Do you agree?

    It was obvious from the way they went about it that President Jonathan and his campaign organisation forced the polls shift on INEC. If you look at the chronology of that perfidy; the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, had indicated that they were ready to provide the security to hold elections, but less than two weeks after, the National Security Adviser Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) went to London to ask for postponement not because of security, but the logistics associated with the distribution of Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs). Prof. Attahiru Jega responded that there was 70 per cent distribution of the voter’s cards in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe and said he will be willing to extend collection up to February 14. Few days later, the PDP came up with a demand for poll shift by six weeks. The military followed suit by saying they cannot provide security for the polls until after six weeks. INEC had no choice but to succumb to the pressure.

    The decision to ask for the postponement was not based on altruism. It was concocted to hoodwink Nigerians. It was based on compulsion and deceit to achieve their diabolical end. What the PDP has done is not just to commit fraud; they have also succeeded in raping the country and the generality of Nigerians. They are doing all this because they realise the day of reckoning is at hand. Their time is up. It is a case of a drowning man clinging to any available object to remain afloat.

    If the elections were to hold tomorrow, what are the chances of the APC?

    If the elections were to hold tomorrow, the APC will win. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and his running mate, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo will win hands down. I can assure you that if the elections were free and fair, devoid of illegal use of security apparatus and the votes properly counted, the APC will be victorious. Our chances are as bright as day light. The PDP knows; that is why they are showing this level of desperation: the hate campaign, propaganda assaulting our senses and sensibilities on daily basis, particularly on electronic and print media. They are making issues out of Gen. Buhari’s certificate, his late wife and daughter. They have descended so low in their desperation to cling on to power. The hate campaign against Buhari is unprecedented in the history of electioneering campaign in this country. These are nothing but evidence of desperation. The more they attempt to denigrate him, assassinate his character or pull him down, the more his popularity soars.

    We are aware of other things they have lined up. If they have their way, they will truncate the electoral process and democracy. They are working hard, but they will fail, because the message of hope the APC is bringing to this country is unstoppable.

    Are you worried about the role the media is playing in the electoral process?

    What I expect of the media as the fourth estate of the realm is to sift the chaffs from the grains, enlighten and educate the people. I expect some adverts and documentaries should have been censored. The regulatory agencies the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) and Nigeria Press Council (NPC) seem to have abdicated their responsibilities and that is why many television stations and newspapers have thrown ethics to the wind. The NTA appears to have been in an unholy alliance or part of the conspiracy to malign Gen. Buhari in the hate campaign.

    Are you surprised that Afenifere directed the Yoruba people to vote for President Jonathan?

    It is unfortunate that the Afenifere is no longer what it used to be. It is a shadow of its old self. I can’t be bother about the directive that is coming from the Afenifere. I know that the Afenifere does not and cannot have that power to determine who the entire Yoruba people would vote for. May be I need to remind you that I as Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, between 1999 and 2003, I was Convener of the Afenifere restructuring group in 2002, when Pa Abraham Adesanya was the leader. Following the submission of our report, the inability to implement it was the beginning of the crisis in Afenifere.

    Well, the Yoruba of the younger generation have since left the old Afenifere bloc to form the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), which to all intents and purposes is more vibrant and has a better understanding of the yearnings and aspirations of the Yoruba, as encapsulated in the Yoruba agenda. No wonder the ARG has distanced and dissociated itself and condemned the directive to vote for Jonathan and the PDP.

    I am happy the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE), a credible association, also distanced itself from that directive. That tells you that the Afenifere cannot in any position determine how the Yorubas should cast their votes.

    Don’t you find a contradiction in the statement of President Jonathan that his generation has failed and his quest for another term?

    It is an admission of failure. He should bow out. It was the same Jonathan who once said he would only do one term as president and that if he could not change the country in four years, it will not matter if he’s there for 100 years. If after six years, the man is seeking for re-election; it is left to Nigerians to shine their eyes. Jonathan’s administration is known for catalogues of broken promises.

    How would the APC tackle corruption if it takes over the rein of power?

    What the APC promises is that under Buhari, we will do it differently. That is part of the message of hope we bring to Nigerians. One of the important pillars of democracy is the rule of law. Enthronement of the rule of law is what we want to make possible as against the rule of impunity. There can be no progress without applying sanctions against people who breach the law. That is accountability. When people know they will be called to account, they will do the right thing. The APC will not witch-hunt. People will be answerable through due process.

    It appears Nigerians are more divided along ethnic and religious lines than they were in 2011. Do you agree?

    Never in the history of this country has it been so divided along ethnic and religious lines than under the PDP and the Jonathan Presidency. The hallmark of the PDP and Jonathan Presidential Campaign Organisation is whipping up ethnic and tribal sentiments in electioneering campaign. You will recall that Femi Fani-Kayode accused the APC leadership of being essentially Islamists when it is convenient for him to do so. The Vice President, Namadi Sambo, was quoted recently to have accused the APC of being largely Christians; that the party has established 5,000 churches. You can see the divisive game being played by the Jonathan camp. Happily, it was a Muslim northerner that replied Sambo, saying that he would not be swayed by that kind puerile argument. Nigerians have made up their minds on whom to vote for, irrespective of religion or tribe.

  • Mamora, Ali, Akintola, Sani kick

    Mamora, Ali, Akintola, Sani kick

    The poll shift announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has drawn the ire of Nigerians who considered it a setback for democracy.

    Deputy Director General of All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Organisation, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora described the postponement as conspiracy from the highest level of government against the people of Nigeria.

    Mamora said what the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) “has done is not just to commit  fraud, they have also succeeded in raping the country and the generality of Nigerians.

    He said: “If you look at the chronology of that perfidy, the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marsall Alex Badeh said they were ready to provide the security to hold elections but less than two weeks, the National Security Adviser Col, Sambo Dasuki (rtd) went to London to ask for postponement not because of security. Jega responded that there was 70 per cent distribution of voter’s cards in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe. Jega said he will be willing to extend collection up to February 14.

    “The decision to ask for postponement was not based on altruism. It was concocted to hoodwink Nigerians. It was based on compulsion and deceit to achieve their diabolical end”, Mamora stated.

    Legal luminary Malam Yusuf Ali (SAN) said the election was postponed to satisfy the selfish interest of those who are bent in drawing us back. He said the reasons given for the postponement are quite amazing.

    Ali claimed that there is no logic postponing the election because of Boko Haram insurgence cited by the security agencies. If the security agencies have failed in the past four years to end terrorists’ activities, what is the guarantee that they will bring the insurgents under submission within six weeks, he asked.

    His words: “If they have not been able to get rid of Boko Haram insurgents in the last four years, what magic wand would they apply to achieve this within six weeks. I can’t see any justification for the postponement; moreover, there is no state of emergency anywhere in this country”.

    The position of the military that they cannot guarantee security for February elections, according to him, is an admission of failure. The primary responsibility of the security forces is to protect lives and property at all times, the legal luminary pointed out.

    “INEC is the principal actor in election matter. I don’t know why those playing supportive role should now be dictating when elections should hold”, he added.

    Another Senior Advocate Chief Niyi Akintola expressed disappointment over the shift  INEC. It was a very sad development that the military will now decide for us when elections should hold in a civilian era, he said.

    Akintola wondered why military chiefs who should be on top of security matters are saying they cannot guarantee security for the elections. I don’t know what kind of military commanders we have in this country.

    Civil rights activist, Malam Shehu Sani condemned the postponment. He said there is no justification or rational for the  shift.

    Sani said the excuses given by Prof  Jega were untenable. The postponement is aimed at given President Jonathan and PDP time to re-strategise for the elction adding the excuse of security challenges is untenable because elections hold in countries like Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria and Pakistan where there is war and high degree of insurgence.

    He said it was apparent that PDP would lose the election if it were to hold on February 14  and 28. No matter how long the elections are postponed, Jonathan and PDP will lose, he added.

    To Ajibola Bashiru, INEC was simply blackmailed by the security agencies acting the script of President Jonathan and the PDP.

    Bashir, a lawyer, said the postponement has shown  President Jonathan is ready to sacrifice democratic gains of Nigeria in the past 15 years on the altar of personal ambition. It also shows his slide towards civilian autocracy backed by a corrupt and inept military hierarchy. He called on Nigerians to brace up for the struggle for liberation from inept leadership.

  • Mamora cautions against hard-line politics

    Mamora cautions against hard-line politics

    Former Senate Minority Leader Olorunnimbe Mamora has urged the Federal Government to keep an open mind in its dealings with the Boko Haram sect over the schoolgirls abducted in Chibok, Borno State.

     Mamora said the government should not lose sight of what is at stake – the lives of over 200 innocent young girls.

    The senator noted that it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that the girls are rescued safely from their Boko Haram captors.

    Against the backdrop of President Goodluck Jonathan’s declaration that the government would not swap Boko Haram prisoners for the abducted schoolgirls, Mamora cautioned the government against ruling out negotiation with the dreadful sect.

    He said it was unfortunate Nigeria was in a precarious security situation where the insurgents were dictating the terms.

    “But we have to keep an open mind because of the over 200 lives that are involved,”  he said.

    “In a situation like this, you don’t have to maintain a hard-line decision, even if it involves only one live. The government should show concern. However, the government should be sure that Boko Haram is indeed ready for negotiation.”

  • Party registration: Mamora tours Lagos East

    Chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by former senate minority leader, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, last Thursday, swooped on registration units within the Lagos East senatorial district to monitor the ongoing party registration exercise.

    The train of party leaders, which arrived Ikorodu Local Government Area around noon, was received by members of Japhetism Vanguard, led by the Secretary to the Local Government (SLG), Hon. Japhet Odesanya, and taken round the council area for what Mamora called an on-the-spot assessment of the party-ordered registration exercise.

    Speaking to party members and supporters at Ojogbe junction, the former Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, urged them to remain committed to the party. He opined that it is only when they are committed and united as members of the APC that the party will continue to win elections in the area.

    He added that as a party that believes in true democracy, the APC will bring about the desired change if it is elected to run the federal government in 2015. He then urged the people to continue to work towards the victory of the party in all forthcoming elections.

    The former senate whip also challenged youths in the L.G.A to be ready to contribute their quota to the socio-political development of the area and the country at large. To this end, he urged them to participate fully in the politics of their immediate community.

    “All politics are local. You cannot be a politician without participating in the activities of your immediate locality. Even the president didn’t get into office without local politics. If he wants to vote now, he will return to his Otuoke ward to vote,” he said.

    Mamora also decried the alleged attack on some registration centres in the area by hoodlums suspected to have been sponsored by the opposition party.

    “’Some of the registration officers and innocent people came out to identify with the movement for change by getting registered as members of the APC,  were attacked by thugs, allegedly sponsored by the opposition, to destabilise the exercise.

    “Our registration units in some wards here in Ikorodu were attacked. Some of our leaders and members narrowly escaped being maimed when violence was unleashed on them at some units by enemies of our party,’’ he alleged.

    He advised registration officers and members not to be intimidated by the attacks, and called on the police to ensure security in the registration centres.

  • National Assembly’s interference illegal, says Mamora

    A former Senate Deputy Minority Leader Olorunnimbe Mamora yesterday criticised the Ad Hoc Committee of the House of Representatives for suspending legislative activities of the Kogi State House of Assembly.

    He said the decision may be meddlesomeness in the affairs of the Assembly.

    In a telephone conversation, Mamora noted that an intervention by the National Assembly must be friendly and in consonance with Section 305 of the Constitution.

    According to him, any interference should be on insecurity and public order in the affected state.

    Mawora also said such intervention must be on finding amicable solution to a crisis.

    According to him, any matter which violates Section 92 of the Constitution – which stipulates that impeachment of the Speaker of a House of Assembly must be carried out by two-thirds majority of members – could only be reversed by a court of competent jurisdiction.

    The former lawmaker noted that an intervention by the National Assembly should be friendly.

    Emphasising that the National Assembly lacks the power to suspend activities of any Assembly, Mamora said the federal legislature is only empowered to make laws for an Assembly during a state of emergency in such state.

    He explained that since no state of emergency has been declared in Kogi “care must be taken not to give the impression of meddlesomeness”.

    Mamora added: “My understanding is that it is within the context of the declaration of a state of emergency in a state that the National Assembly can legislate for a House of Assembly, as it was the case in Plateau and Ekiti states. What exists in Kogi Assembly is just a skirmish, as it was the case in Ogun State… The National Assembly did not suspend the House activities.”