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  • Battle for APC tickets in Taraba, Benue

    Battle for APC tickets in Taraba, Benue

    There is a sharp contrast in the contest for the governorship tickets of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba and  Benue states. Deputy Political Editor RAYMOND MORDI examines the issues  that will to shape the contest in the two states.

    Next year’s general elections promise to be an epic battle between the  Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC). Being the first general elections since the formation of the APC, it is more or less a battle for supremacy for both parties. In the North East state of Taraba and the North central state of Benue particularly, the opposition stands a good chance, for the first time since the return to civilian rule in 1999, of taking over the two states. This however depends largely on the calibre of candidates that flies its flag in the various elective positions.

    The die is cast, as the APC is set for tomorrow’s governorship primaries in the two states. In Taraba, there is no contest as such, as Senator Aisha Alhassan, is fast emerging as the consensus candidate of the party for the governorship position.

    Observers say there are only three genuine governorship aspirants in the state this time around; with two of them coming from the ruling PDP and the third one being the sole contender from the APC, Alhassan.

    Easy ride for Alhassan in Taraba

    But, the APC has the upper hand, in the sense that it is facing the governorship contest as a united entity. While the APC, which has settled for Senator Alhassan as its candidate is already strategising on how to take over the state, the PDP on the other hand is still enmeshed in internal crisis over who succeeds the ailing Governor Danbaba Suntai.

    Alhassan made a foray into the political scene in 2011, when she contested for the Senate. She floored two political heavyweights in the person of former Governor Jolly Nyame and the then sitting Senator, Anthony Manzo, to clinch the seat.

    Alhasssan is an amazon of sorts and a lady of many firsts. For example, she was the first female to occupy the Office of Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Taraba State. She is also the first female politician to contest and beat two men in an election for the senatorial seat, which she now occupies. Now, she is on the verge of becoming the first female to vie for the office of the governor of the state. Given what she has done in the last three and half years to uplift the living conditions of her constituents, she may be on the threshold of making history once again.

    Alhassan comes from a family with a sound political background and appear to enjoy the support of the womenfolk and the youths. Her father was elected into the Federal House of Representatives in 1959 under the defunct Northern Peoples Congress (NPC).

    Zoning in Benue

    In Benue State, Governor Gabriel Suswam will be handing over the mantle of leadership to another person come May 2015, having spent the maximum constitutional two terms of eight years in office. Whoever will take over from Suswam will be expected to carry the people’s hopes for improved welfare and security.

    A kind of zoning arrangement has been in place over time in the state, even though it has mainly been among the two Tiv-dominated, hugely population zones of Benue North East and Benue North West. There is a growing recognition nevertheless that Benue South should be given the chance, since the two Tiv-speaking zones have governed in the persons of Senator George Akume (1999-2007) and Suswam (2007 till date). Benue South is largely Idoma.

    But, the only obstacle to the Benue South agitation is the governorship aspiration of a Tiv sub-tribe, which also feels they have been alienated. This feeling is based on the fact that of the five families that make up the Tiv lineage, the Masev, Ihiarev, Nongov, collectively known as the MINDA, have not produced a governor of the state since its creation in 1976. The other four members of the Tiv family have ruled the state and so there is sympathy among the Tiv population for the MINDA to succeed Suswam before power could rotate Benue South.

    Besides zoning, other factors expected to shape the emergence of the next governor of Benue State are political experience and educational background.

    Three-horse race

    The APC’s chances in Benue this time around are fairly bright. Though Benue has been governed by the PDP since the return to civilian rule in 1999, the APC has been making incursions into the state over the years. So far, only three persons are contesting for the party’s governorship ticket for the forthcoming election. They are: the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hon. Emmanuel Jime; retired Permanent Secretary, Akanga Audu; and the 2011 governorship candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Prof. Steven Ugba.

    Jime

    Given the circumstances surrounding the race for the APC ticket in the state, Jime who has become more or less the rallying point for the party in Benue State in recent times perhaps has the brightest chance in the contest. Barring any last minute political realignment in the fold, he looks set to get the ticket. This is because he appears to be the most sellable candidate for the party in next year’s governorship contest.

    This could be gleaned from the massive support he enjoys from party members and the generality of the people in the state, who see him as a symbol of their yearnings and aspirations for change. For instance, he was surrounded by die-hard supporters three weeks ago when he arrived Makurdi, the Benue State capital, to pick up his nomination form.

    A former speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly and two-time member of the House of Representative, Jime only recently defected from the PDP to the APC and he is viewed as the likely candidate of the party. Jime, who hails from Makurdi in the MINDA area, has promised to bring policies that would bring the majority of the people out of poverty, if he becomes governor.

    Audu

    Audu, a former Permanent Secretary who served the current administration of Governor Suswan, is perceived as competent and qualified to govern. The big-time farmer who is also from the MINDA’s axis, equally served former Governor Akume.

    But, critics say age is no longer on his side and that he may be a hard sell for the party during the election.

    Ugba  

    As a former governorship candidate of one of the legacy parties that formed the APC, Ugba equally has a good chance of picking the ticket. He gave incumbent Governor Suswan a good fight during the the last election in 2011 and by even by pursuing his petition to the Supreme Court.

    But, observers say he may have lost the passion and drive for the contest, following his long-drawn out battle with Suswan. For instance, such observers argue that his presence when Jime collected his nomination form suggests that he might step down for the latter in the very last minute.

    Others

    The former Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Dr. Samuel Ortom, who has just transferred allegiance to the APC, may be a surprise beneficiary of the party’s governorship ticket. Ortom switched loyalty at the last minute, when he realized that his aspirations within his former party, the PDP, were under threat.

    A grassroots politician, Dr. Ortom enjoyed wide support within the party and outside and therefore, stands a better chance of becoming the flag bearer of PDP in the state. He possessed the kind of charisma that is highly valued in political circles and his popularity cut across all the three senatorial districts of the state.

    Even before now, he has always enjoyed the support from the opposition. Many have argued that he knows the job description better than other aspirants, having been an industrialist, entrepreneur and a farmer by extension.

  • Osun on the march again

    Osun on the march again

    As the final countdown to Saturday’s gubernatorial election in Osun State begins, global attention would once again be focused on Nigeria as the wobbling and fumbling continues in the nation’s quest to join the leagues of real democracies.

    And as had always been the case with elections in western Nigeria since independence, it is going to be a straight fight between federal might and the people’s will. Why the federal government or rather the party at the centre is always interested in controlling south west Nigeria against the wish of the majority beats one’s imagination. I don’t want to hazard a guess, but suffice to say that each attempt whether successful or not have always had grave consequences for the country.

    Attempt by the NPC/NCNC controlled federal government in the first republic to take over western region through its lackeys in the region led to the western regional crisis that later snowballed into the crisis that eventually ended Nigeria’s first attempt at democratic rule. Recall what happened to the second republic when the ruling National Party of Nigeria (NPN) of President Shehu Shagari forcefully claimed victory in Ondo State. The only ‘successful’ takeover of political power in the south west by the party at the centre to date was in 2003 when ‘son-of-the-soil’ President Olusegun Obasanjo manipulated the process, using the federal might, to claim victory for his Peoples democratic Party (PDP)in all but one of the south west states.

    But not too long after, the people realized their mistake and took back what they lost to the PDP, safe Ondo State. Again, applying the federal might policy of intimidation, the federal government is on another mission to forcefully take over the south west targeting Ekiti and Osun states as prelude to pocketing the remaining four states of the region in the 2015 general elections. And with Ekiti already in the bag, Abuja is full of confidence that Osun too will fall. In the last few weeks, the state has been fully militarized by the Commander-In-Chief, President Goodluck Jonathan, who in defiance of wise counsel has moved soldiers, State Security operatives and of course the police into Osun to ‘deliver’ the state to the PDP. Whether he succeeds or not and what becomes of our democracy after Saturday is in the hands of time. For Jonathan, securing Osun, Ekiti and the rest of the south west states is not so much for the wealth of the region, but the millions of votes he needs to secure a second term. Whereas his party men in the region are only interested in the key to the treasuries of the Yoruba states in order to squander the resources.

    With this premise, it is easier to understand the battle that lies ahead for the people of Osun State as the local ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate Governor Rauf Aregbesola confronts the PDP and its flag bearer, Senator Iyiola Omisore stoutly backed by the government at the centre.

    Saturday’s election is not so much in the hands of Aregbesola or Omisore but the people of the state who must decide the direction they want to take their future. Where Osun State was before Aregbesola came in and where it is today should be their guide, and I will use education to illustrate my point here.

    As a beneficiary of the Bola Ige administration free education programme in Oyo in the second republic, I recall what most members of my generation then were going through to go to school and stay in school before the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) came to power in the region in 1979 and education was made free. No more school fees; no more buying of books, all our parents had to do was feed us and buy our school uniform. I can still recall the happiness on my parents’ face when newly sworn in governor Bola Ige announced this at the Liberty stadium on October 1, 1979. They both heaved a sigh of relief as they listened to the pronouncement on radio. Before then they had been finding it difficult paying the school fees of my siblings and I. Even though the skeptics, especially in the NPN said it wasn’t possible and derided the quality of education we were getting in public schools, millions of parents stood by the UPN and their governors defying the federal might to secure their children’s future. Today that decision has been well justified; their sacrifice have not been in vain, their children are now successful men and women in their various fields, thanks in no small measure to the free education programme of the day. The NPN federal government did offer rice and money that time but they rejected them.

    If one looks at the contributions of the Aregbesola administration in the last four years or thereabout to improving the standard of education in Osun State, one is tempted to say that if only for that he deserves, without blinking an eye, a second term in office. And that is the truth.

    I don’t want to talk about the beautiful schools he has built all over the state or even the reclassification of schools that he has done, as some are wont to argue that aesthetics are not enough to make good schools, what about the free feeding programme on which over N3 billion is being spent annually; free school uniforms. What about the tablet of knowledge or ‘Opon Imo’ (a miniature computer or tablet) containing the entire senior Secondary School syllabus, books and WAEC/GCE examination papers given to Senior Secondary School students to prepare them for their final exams.

    Any parent or guardian that understands what it takes to buy whole set of books for their children or ward(s), buy their uniform, pay their school fees and above all feed them (at least once a day) will appreciate the burden that Governor Aregbesola has taken off their shoulders. And it is only right and even godly to appreciate the man by giving him another term in office. This is the least they can do for a man who has taken it upon himself to better their lot. To Governor Rauf Aregbesola, serving the people (of Osun) is a commandment from God. I chose to dwell on his education programme (only a fraction of his achievements in this sector) because I believe, like Chief Obafemi Awolowo who saw the future of his Yoruba people in education far back in the 50s that is the best foundation for the future.

    Aregbesola has laid a solid foundation for the future of his people in Osun, the people should allow him to build it further by rewarding him with a second term. Any other decision to the contrary could lead to eternal regret. A word is enough for the wise.

     

  • Commissioner calls for reforms in NYSC

    The Federal Commis-sioner representing Abia State at the National Population Commission [NPC], Dr Sam Ahaiwe, has called for a reform in the activities of the National Youth Service Corps [NYSC] to accommodate the current situation for the youths.

    Ahaiwe said that youths of the country should be taken into consideration if the country has plans for a better future for itself and that engaging the youths in a meaningful venture will ensure that their future is guaranteed.

    Speaking in Umuahia as part of the activities marking this year’s World Population Day, Ahaiwe said the reform in the NYSC should be done in such a way that the young graduates would be taught entrepreneurial skills which they will use after leaving the service.

    Ahaiwe said NYSC graduates during the entrepreneurial training should be taught the rudiments of farming, “as the federal government had brought up loans for farmers, they will benefit from the loan with which they will engage themselves.”

     

     

     

     

     

    He said that apart from training them in farming, the youths of the country, after their youth service year, should also be trained in other forms of skills, stressing that when the youths are properly trained, the society will be the better for it.

    He said that the theme of this year’s Population Day, which is ‘Investing in Young People’, is quite apt, “When we consider what has been happening in the country in recent time like bombings by Boko-Haram insurgents.”

     

  • NPC to spend N100bn on 2016 census

    The National Population Commission on Wednesday announced that it would spend N100 billion on the conduct of national census in 2016.

    The Chairman of the commission, Mr. Eze Duruiheoma, announced this at a news conference in Abuja.

    He said the security situation in the country would not deter the commission from conducting the census.

    He said the commission was thinking positively that the security situation in the country would improve before 2016.

    Duruiheoma said the new conference was part of efforts to mobilise and sensitise Nigerians on the importance of the 2016 census.

    “Proper understanding of what the nation stands to gain and what it is expected to lose if not conducted, will help in forging consensus and support base for the census.’’

    The NPC chief said the demographic profile of any country was not static as it was expected to change considerably over a period of ten years.

    He said accurate and reliable census would drive the transformation process at all stages.

    “For this data to serve its purpose, it must be current and reflect the present realities of the Nigerian people.

    “Conducting the 2016 census therefore becomes the only option for the country to obtain comprehensive and up to date information on the Nigerian people,’’ the News Agency of Nigeria quoted Duruiheoma as saying at the briefing.

    He said with President Goodluck Jonathan’s directive to achieve 100 per cent in the vital registration by 2015, the commission had embarked on the registration of births and deaths in the country.

     

  • Mark urges China to document sales of military hardwares

    Mark urges China to document sales of military hardwares

    As part of efforts to curb the activities of the Boko Haram, Senate President David Mark yesterday urged the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People’s Congress (NPC), Mr. Zhang Dejiang, to initiate laws that would ensure the documentation of all buyers and sellers of military  hardwares and uniforms from China.

    Mark spoke during an interactive meeting with Dejiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Kola Ologbondiyan, in Abuja.

    The statement quoted the Senate President to have said that “because of our country’s (Nigeria) current challenges, every interface between our countries’ parliaments should centre on military training and strategy, technology transfer, poverty reduction and job creation.

    “We also ask that to further assist our fight against terrorism, buyers and sellers of military uniforms and hardwares from your country should be properly documented. This will enable us trace the sources of military uniforms and hardwares available to these terrorists.

    “We want to reassure you that we are doing everything possible to rescue the over 230 girls abducted by the terrorists.

    “We also appreciate the assistance that has been promised and made available by the international community including China.

    “We believe that the terrorists and insurgents in our country have connections with other terrorists and possibly with some international terrorists groups.

    “We also believe that China with her experience in strategies and tactics can help in intelligence gathering to enable us halt the murderous acts of the Boko Haram.”

    Dejiang described terrorism “as a common enemy,” stressing that “China is a victim. We will stand firmly with Nigeria.”

    He added that “China has been following the abduction of the girls and we will help to the best of our abilities and we hope the girls will return home as soon as possible.

    “We condemn the abduction of these girls in the strongest terms. China will also give active support in ensuring that the girls are brought back home.”

     

     

  • Don’t politicise census, NPC warns

    Don’t politicise census, NPC warns

    NIGERIA has been unable to have undisputable, verifiable census because of the politics attached to it.

    Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Chief Eze Duruiheoma, stated this yesterday.

    He warned against politicising the issue, stating that it affects national planning and development.

    He also assured that the commission will adopt modern technologies in the collection, processing and dissemination of census data to provide the nation with real data and aid national planning.

    Duruiheoma, who visited the Anambra office of the commission yesterday, noted that only a reliable, accurate and verifiable census figure would ensure the realisation of the transformation agenda of the federal government.

    He stated that the commission is committed to delivering a successful census.

    The NPC boss said: “The Commission plans to conduct a truly scientific census which data will be widely available to planners at the national, state and local government levels. Towards this end cutting edge technology will be adopted.

    “Methodology and strategies for the conduct of biometric-based census are being finalised.

    “Data from vital events will also complement and yield additional data for planning purposes, in line with the strategic direction of the commission; we hope to achieve complete coverage in the registration of births and deaths by 2015.”

  • Still on Polytechnic teachers strike

    Still on Polytechnic teachers strike

    SIR: It is almost a year now that academic activities in federal polytechnics across the country has been halted as a result of the prolonged strike action by the Academic Staff of Union of Polytechnics (ASUP).The most pathetic of all in the unfolding tragedy is the media blackout for the first four months of the strike.

    The major part of ASUP demands is the repeal of the Polytechnic Act and also the implementation of the White Paper of Federal Government Polytechnic Visitation Committee. These two demands are very germane if truly we really need polytechnics that will play a vital role in the educational, scientific and technological progress of Nigeria. Polytechnics are established to train and produce the technical manpower necessary for execution of the nation’s development plans, goals and strategies.

    One other demand of the striking polytechnic lecturers is the establishment of National Polytechnic Commission (NPC). This is because the National Board for Technical Education Act 9 of January 1977, which places Polytechnics under the purview of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), has outlived its usefulness. Current demands on polytechnic education require an abrogation of the law.

    But then, the core of the demands of the striking polytechnic teachers is the issue of underfunding. The results of manifest under-funding of our Polytechnics are to be found in the poor maintenance of existing facilities and infrastructures, of crammed spaces and unwholesome learning environment. Today, students contribute money to buy markers, white board, board, chalk and practical materials in their various campuses just as campus hostels are noting to write about.

    Now that the strike is nearing a whole year, Academic Staff of Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) needs to step up the struggle with mass protests to draw attention to the issues; the National Association of Nigeria Polytechnic (NAPS) must be ready to mobilize Nigerian Polytechnic students to compel the government to meet the demands of lecturers. It is only through this we can fight and win the struggle for revitalization of Nigeria Polytechnics.

    • Dimeji Macaulay

    Minna, Niger State.

     

  • Reps flay Commission over N400m Service Wide Vote

    The House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts yesterday grilled the National Planning Commission (NPC) over alleged missing N400 million it received from the Service Wide Vote.

    The Secretary of the commission, Ntufam Fidel Ugbo, could not give adequate answers on the N400 million the Budget Office said it gave the Commission in 2012.

    The Chairman of the Committee, Solomon Adeola Olamilekan, requested the Secretary to the Commission to present the committee with the transaction details.

    Also yesterday, the Committee summoned the Director- General of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Patrick Ziakede Apkobolokemi, to appear before it today over alleged mismanagement of funds.

    The lawmaker said if he fails to appear before the committee, it would have no option than to issue a warrant of arrest on him.

    He said the decision of the committee is hinged on the fact that over ten invitations had been extended to the NIMASA boss without him appearing to defend the Auditor-General of the Federation’s query against the agency.

    A member of the committee, Ossai Ossai, urged that should the NIMASA boss fail to appear today, a warrant of arrest should be issued against him.

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) yesterday denied collecting the N65 million under the Service Wide Vote as claimed by the Budget Office.

    Its Chairman, Alhaji Ahmadu Giade, said the agency did not receive such funds.

    Giade said the last time the agency received money from the Budget Office was in April 2009. He said it was paid N52 million. The NDLEA chief said he was not aware of the receipt of N65.2 million in October 2009.

    The committee fixed another date for further hearing of the case, urging the NDLEA boss to ensure safe custody of the official documents.

  • FG, EU sign N6b renewable energy financing agreement 

    FG, EU sign N6b renewable energy financing agreement 

    The European Union (EU) has supported Nigeria with N6 billion (€27m) to improve access to modern and sustainable energy sources.

    The development is through the Energising Access to Sustainable Energy (EASE) programme.

    The Supervising Minister of National Planning Commission (NPC), Bashir Yuguda, signed the financial agreement on behalf of the Federal Government while EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Michel Arrion, signed for the EU.

    Explaining the modality of the implementation, the minister said the programme code named “Energy and Restoration Programme” would be implemented through the Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and the German Development Cooperation Agency (GIZ).

    “There will be additional support from the International Development Association (IDA) for demonstration of the commercial viability of small scale gas processing in the Niger delta region of the country,” he said.

    He informed that the sum of €4.4 million has been budgeted for the energy and restoration programme, stating the EU would contribute €27 million while GIZ and World Bank/Global Environmental Facility would bring €9 million to the table.

    Yuguda said: ”By authorising the financing agreement today, Nigeria will be on the right track to improve access to modern and sustainable energy sources in Nigeria.”

    He said the programme would support the design of state electricity plans, capacity development of selected institutions, development of strategies to increase access to energy and tackle deforestation.

    Arrion said while Nigeria had demonstrated commitment by privatising electricity, the EU was complementing its efforts with renewable energy, vocational training for the power sector and advice on energy governance.

  • Jonathan appoints Tukur as NRC chairman

    Jonathan appoints Tukur as NRC chairman

    …Ghaji Bello to head NPC

    President Goodluck Jonathan has appointed the immediate past Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Bamanga Tukur, as the new Chairman of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).

    Tukur resigned his appointment in PDP last Thursday following the crisis rocking the party which led to the defection of five PDP governors and many lawmakers to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    In a two-paragraph statement, the Special Assistant (Media) to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sam Nwaobasi, said the appointment is with immediate effect.

    The statement reads: “His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has approved the following appointments: (i) Alhaji Bamanga Tukur – as Chairman, Nigerian Railway Corporation.”

    “(ii) Dr. Ghaji Ismaila Bello – as Director-General, National Population Commission, with effect from January 8, 2014.”