The Nation Newspaper

Tag: parties

  • Re: Plenty parties, plenty problems

    SIR: Thanks for Femi Macaulay’s article titled “Plenty Parties, Plenty Problems” published in The Nation of December 25. I believe there is a serious problem ahead, if nothing is done about the way parties are registered in Nigeria. This thing has been turned into a joke.

    Some of the questions begging for answers are: How will INEC manage 67 parties we now have, with a possibility of more coming on board before 2019?  How will INEC monitor their primaries as required by law?  How will the ballot papers look like?  How will voters be able to handle these ballot papers with many confusing symbols that will run into many pages?  etc.

    I don’t think we are a serious nation; registration of parties has been turned to ordinary registration of “ business name” in CAC.

    The intervention of the National Assembly is required (urgently) to empower INEC control the number of political parties, because the current number is unwieldy for any General election.

    One of the things to be considered in the proposed legislation is the introduction of payment of “Deposits” of say N100 million by by parties before they are registered or allowed to participate in an election. The existing parties should also pay this deposit before they participate in any election.

    This deposit will be refunded to any party that is able to secure 3-5 seats in the National Assembly (House of Representatives). However a party that fails to secure the prescribed number of seats will lose its deposit and should be deregistered.

    There is a need to sanitize the whole process of party registration, in order to avert the looming danger ahead.

    My proposal should help to check the proliferation of parties and also discourage the political rascals in our midst,who have turned everything to a joke.

     

    • Yomi Unuigbe,

    Akobo, Ibadan.

     

  • Plenty parties, plenty problems

    Plenty parties, plenty problems

    Paradoxically, political parties are causing problems for the country when they should bring solutions. With a confounding multiplicity of parties, the country’s political landscape reflects a poverty of plenty.  There are so many parties but so little political progress.

    The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu, highlighted this problem of unproductive plenty at a National Stakeholders’ Forum on Elections in Abuja on December 19.  The event followed INEC’s announcement of general election schedules:  February 16, 2019, for the Presidential and National Assembly elections and March 2, 2019, for the Governorship, State Assembly and the Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Yakubu, who was represented at the forum by INEC’s National Commissioner Adekunle Ogunmola, said: “We will continue to register parties as long as they comply with the legal requirements. Our hands are tied. There is no way we can stop registering parties. We will continue to register them until the time stipulated in the constitution. By the time the issue of independent candidate takes off, there will be more problem for INEC. The highest number we have done in governorship election is in Anambra State, with 27 parties.”

    As things stand, there will certainly be more problems. A startling December 15 report said:  ”Nigeria now has 67 political parties.” This new figure is a result of the registration of 21 new parties by INEC. If INEC properly followed the registration process and the new parties satisfied the registration conditions, it does not make the number of existing parties less problematic.

    Now, let’s check out the names of the latest additions to the list of parties.  According to a  report: “The 21 newly registered parties are: All Blending Party, All Grassroots Alliance, Alliance for New Nigeria, Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party, Coalition for Change, Freedom and Justice Party, Grassroots Development Party of Nigeria, Justice Must Prevail Party, Mass Action Joint Alliance, Legacy Party of Nigeria, Mass Action Joint Alliance, Modern Democratic Party, National Interest Party, National Rescue Mission, New Progressive Movement, Nigeria Democratic Congress Party, People’s Alliance for National Development and Liberty, People’s Trust, Providence People’s Congress, Re-Build Nigeria Party, Restoration Party of Nigeria and Sustainable National Party.”

    It is unclear how these new parties formed their names, and what factors and influences prevailed at the stage of name formation.  But some of these names are curious, suggesting that they are creations of curious minds. Some of these names are clearly fanciful, suggesting attention to form over substance.  It is worth pondering on this question: What should be the important considerations when creating a party name?

    But a name is not enough, no matter how it sounds and what it is meant to say to the public. A political party will not be rated according to what its name says.  For example, the former federal ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was not progressive and could even be said to have been ironically anti-people. It is easier to give a party a progressive-sounding name than to ensure that the party is progressive-minded.

    These questions are unavoidable: Does Nigeria need 67 parties?  Does the number of parties mean that they are so different from one another?  Why do more and more people think they must form parties?  How many of these 67 parties are parties properly so called? How many of these parties are sustainable?  Further questions: What will happen in the 2019 general election?  How many of these parties are strong enough to compete for power? Additional questions: Will more parties be registered? Are more associations seeking registration?

    Even INEC is uneasy and reportedly seeking the intervention of the National Assembly to enable it control the number of political parties through an enabling law. An INEC National Commissioner was quoted as saying:  ”From the way we are going, we need to apply legal control on the formation and registration of political parties in this country. We should think outside the box for the way out. So far, INEC has registered 67 parties. This number is unwieldy for general election… we cannot afford the luxury of having uncontrolled number of parties.”

    If nothing is done, it is likely the number of parties will continue to rise. The official gave an insight into the situation:  “And the law is fluid; INEC is mandated to register parties at least six months to the general election. As an electoral agency, you may base your projection on a number of parties and new registration can alter your plans.”

    He added: “We have about 94 pending applications from associations seeking to be political parties. By implication, we may still register more parties before the 2019 general election. The latest 21 registered parties were among the 115 pending applications before INEC. We are hamstrung by the law; we cannot reject the applications of associations seeking to be parties as long as they have met the basic requirements.” For manageability of the party system, he called on the National Assembly “to revisit the laws on party registration for a tidier electoral system guided by the Electoral Act.”

    Perhaps it is too easy to register a political party in Nigeria.  Before the 21 new parties, there were 46 parties, and there are applicants expecting to be registered. It is true that democracy encourages diversity, but it is also true that diversity can be difficult.

    Interestingly, every party claims to be interested in progress, but not every party is progressive. Indeed, it may be said that not all progress is progressive. Tragically, the scramble for party registration may well be a self-serving project for many of those involved. The history of the party system in Nigeria has several examples of parties formed by self-absorbed individuals for self-centred purposes.

    It is easy to see that the country’s undesirable level of development easily creates room for the formation of new parties. There is room for the promoters of new parties because there is room for progress. After the failure and fall of the PDP, which ruled from 1999 to 2015, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is struggling to show that it is positively different.

    In the final analysis, the problem with Nigeria is not a shortage of political parties, but a shortage of progressive politicians who can work for progress.

  • A word for Oyo opposition parties

    SIR: A hundred men will only make an encampment; it takes a woman to make a home. Politicians in Nigeria are a funny lot; they have started the race for 2019 general elections. It is fine! However, it is difficult to ascertain the sincerity of their action on the electorate. We have had enough of chicaneries in the land. Unfulfilled promises and outright lies have continued to abate for many years. Hopes have been dashed; bridges have been built across the desserts.

    Electricity supply has been extended to the bottom of our rivers. Fake boreholes are all over the place. But the reality is that Nigerians lot is getting worse by the day – like abundance promised us is utopian.

    It is on the heels of all these that the coalition of opposition parties in Oyo State has been meeting and planning how to wrestle power from the ruling APC in 2019. History teaches man but man has ever failed to learn from it. In 2015 and before, there was a similar situation but things fell apart in the PDP camp. It broke into many factions with many if not all forming or aligning with other political parties thereby rendering PDP and its candidates naked. They had lost the election before the election day.

    We do not need a political scientist to tell us that Accord, SDP and Labour parties were children of PDP in Oyo State. It was alleged that Satan, the invisible foe of man was the agent sent by the unknown forces to dismantle them.

    Now, what can the opposition parties do in order not to let history repeat itself?

    If a spell of dying in the forest is cast on a man, he should not go on a hunting expedition to avert it. Leaders of these opposition parties need to pocket their ambition if they truly want to occupy Government House, Agodi come 2019. If any of them takes a hard line posture, it is a failure “ab initio”. They should pray against the evil force that makes a man act contrary to the established norms. Truth never hurts its teller.

     

    • Olatunde Alao,

        Akata – Ogbomoso.

  • Nigerian Breweries holds parties for Aba consumers

    Nigerian Breweries holds parties for Aba consumers

    Nigerian Breweries Plc will hold the “33” Export Friendship Experience Parties today in Aba, Abia State.

    The event is expected to provide opportunity for consumers of the beer to bond and share moments during the holiday period.

    The party also provides platform for friends and lovers of the beer brand to connect and get unforgettable experience.

    Expected at the event are top DJs and comedians in the Nigerian entertainment industry such as DJ Real, DJ Kaywise, DJ Kentalky, MC Shakara, Ajebo, Omobaba and Comedian Bash.

    The brand has consistently treated consumers across the country during the weekends to the best of music, games, and comedy.

    Last Sunday, friends in Agege, Lagos witnessed as consumers and friends had memorable experiences with their friends while getting rewarded.

    “My first experience was at the party held in Festac in March and it was totally great,” said Abiodun Majekodunmi, a guest at the event.

    Continuing, he said: “Personally, It’s a wonderful concept that a brand is building on friendship to engage Nigerians, especially its consumers.

    “These events have become an interesting way for people like us to celebrate each other and relax.”

    The Portfolio Manager, Mainstream Lager and Stout, Nigerian Breweries, Emmanuel Agu, emphasised the brand’s reputation as the number one friendship beer evidenced by the testimonials and immense interests of the consumers in the friendship parties across Nigeria.

    Agu said: “The Friendship Experience parties are opportunities for us to directly engage and connect with our consumers.

    “The brand will continue to build on this exciting platform to allow our consumers create and experience great moments with their friends.”

     

  • Why I still attend parties at 75 -Abah Folawiyo

    Why I still attend parties at 75 -Abah Folawiyo

    For Nigeria’s doyen of style and fashion, Hajia Abah Folawiyo, today is not just like any other. It is the day the widow of the late Baba Adini of Nigeria, Alhaji Wahab Iyanda Folawiyo, hit the landmark age of 75. She took time off during the week to speak with KAYODE ALFRED about her life with and without her late husband, why she still goes to parties at 75 and why she is not a fan of elaborate wedding parties.  She also counters Nigerians, including Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, who believe that Nigeria’s jollof rice is superior to Ghana’s. 

    Congratulations on your landmark age of 75. What is the secret of your good looks at such an advanced age?

    I thank God for his mercies for keeping me in good health, which is also reflecting outwardly. There is really no secret to one looking good. I think it is something in my genes. What I do basically is just to keep myself fine.

    You clocked 75 in a clime where life expectancy is about 53 years. What would you say are the things that have worked in your favour?

    What has worked in my favour is being happy. I am a happy person and I always like to make the people around me happy. Living a quiet lifestyle has also helped.

    You look much younger than your age. What is your daily beauty routine?

    Thanks be to God. My daily routine is nothing big or special. Like I said earlier, I am a happy person and I am happy with what I do. Aside that, I like dressing well. I like to see people dressed up and looking beautiful with the dresses I make for them. Generally, I am a happy person, very accommodating regardless of who you are. I take people the way they are.

    You still honour invitations and create time to honour your friends. How are you able to keep up with all that?

    I don’t go to everybody’s party. I am very selective on the occasions I attend. I select the people I love and those that I know love me also, those are the people I attend their parties or honour their invitation. People see me and think I like to party. The truth is lots of people love me and want me around them. So to appreciate them, I attend their occasions when the need arises.

    How would you describe your journey through life so far?

    I thank God, because my journey so far has been very successful. I have been very happy and I have worked hard. And I believe that the sky for me is the limit.

    Tell us about your growing up years.

    I didn’t grow up in Nigeria. I grew up in Ghana with my mum. It was a long journey from Ghana, then coming here. My mother moved here, married a Nigerian, so we all moved down here. That was when my journey started.

    When I was in Ghana, I was making dresses. When I got here (Nigeria) I continued and it started booming. It became better than it was when I was in Accra.

    Can you still recollect the exact year you moved to Nigeria from Ghana?

    I don’t think so, because it’s been a long time and I was very young.

    Did you have to move to Nigeria?

    My mother got married to a Nigerian and I had to move with her.

    You are one of the people that pioneered fashion business in Africa. What inspired you to go into that line of business?

    I was born into fashion. My mother used to be a dressmaker in Accra in those days. My grandmother too was a dressmaker. In fact, my maternal family line was into fashion and dressmaking. Through helping my mother in fixing buttons and other things, it got into my head until it reached the point I could not see myself doing any other thing aside making dresses and fashion as a whole.

    Are there things about the business you wish you had done differently?

    Well, since I started at a very young age and all my heart was in fashion, I didn’t think of any other thing I could have done other than fashion and dressmaking. For me, fashion was an in-born thing.

    How has life been without the Baba Adinni?

    You want to make me cry this morning. Well, there aren’t many changes except that I miss him dearly. Apart from that, everything has been the same with me: people running around me, taking care of me, loving me. The children also all take care of me and love me like their father did when he was around. I’m also lucky to have amazing step-children and my son, Segun Awolowo, is always with me. So also are his wife and my grandchildren. Everybody is around me and they all make me happy. At times when I am down, I call one of my stepchildren and they make me happy. I don’t have any difficulty at all, and I thank God for that.

    If the Baba Adinni were alive, how do you think he would have celebrated your 75th birthday?

    Wow! The sky would have been the limit! Whatever I wanted, he would have done it for me. I remember my 50th and 60th birthdays were such big celebrations.

    What plans have you made for your forthcoming 75th birthday celebration?

    I am not going to do anything besides prayers and open house where my friends will come to have lunch and have fun.

    What do you miss the most about Baba?

    I miss everything about him. He is such a kindhearted man, prayerful, and he put me into it too. I am very prayerful as well. He made me the Iya Adinni of the Surulere Central Mosque. I am always there for prayers. We had a good life together. He loved travelling, going on cruises, and we always went together. We were very happy together and I miss that part a lot, especially the cruising.

    Before he died, on his sick bed, he was always asking me when we would be going on holidays and what we would be doing, and I would tell him, ‘Oh, let’s do this or that.’ The last time, I told him let’s go to Acapulco, and he said Acapulco koo Acapulco nii (laughs). But I knew if he had wanted to go to Acapulco, we would have gone there, although I don’t know where it is. He was that kind of person.

    How do you feel whenever you remember him?

    Any time I remember him, I cry. Any time I look at his picture, I cry, because I miss him a lot. He was everything to me. He really pampered me and he really loved me.

    You have lived a good life no doubt. You have had your fair share of success and adversity. What would you say has been the major highlight of your beautiful life so far?

    Maybe when I had fashion shows. I had fashion shows everywhere in West Africa. I had fashion shows in England when I lived there. And since that was and is my passion, it made me very fulfilled.

    In your younger days, although you were very visible on the social scene, you were still able to keep your home very well. It is unlike these days where divorce, separation and domestic violence is on the increase. What is your advice for the women of this generation?

    What I will say is that women of these days marry their work. Many of them don’t really care for their husbands; they have the attitude of once I’m making money, I don’t really care about him. But all that is not important. You need to care for your home first, and whatever your husband wants is what you should do. In my days, we didn’t believe in this large money we spend now. It was little money and we were happy. But now, ladies like big money. In those days, I made dresses for like N5,000 or N10, 000. But now, you can make a dress for N50, 000 or N100, 000, and I’m wondering, is it not the same cut and sew?

    It is believed in some quarters that many elaborate weddings end up as loveless marriages that soon crash. What is your take on this?

    Exactly! I don’t even believe in elaborate wedding. If you want to get married, go to the registry and get married, then go home to have a small get together. But these days, if they don’t have a big party, they won’t be satisfied. Many of such marriages end up crashing. We have to curb elaborate weddings. Let the children be together without all the fanfare. The money you spend in that party, you give it to them or put it in a fixed account; it will yield interest for them to take care of themselves and their own children.

    You have a strong bond with your son, Barrister Segun Awolowo. What is your relationship like?

    He is the only child I have, so we are very close. He is like my husband, my father. He tells me what to do. Whatever he asks me to do is what I do. He loves me dearly and we interact like he is my father, not like mother and son. Whenever something is bothering me, we sit and talk about it and same goes for him too. We are very close and he is a lovely son; very kind and caring. He’s very proud of me and I am proud of him also. And my son’s wife is super amazing. She’s the daughter I didn’t have.

    Are you still in touch with your Ghanaian roots?

    Why won’t I when my mother is from there? When you are born in Ghana, you are automatically a Ghanaian. I grew up there and have lots of family there. My mother’s sisters are all there. While some of them are alive, some are dead. I am very close to them. I always go to Ghana. It is my second home.

    What do you like about Ghanaians?

    We are very calm. We are not ‘go, go, go’ like Nigerians. We are very contented with what we have and we live quiet life.

    There was recently a debate on which is better between Nigerian and Ghanaian jollof rice. What is your take on the argument?

    Oh yes! Ghana’s jollof rice is better than Nigeria’s, maybe because of the rice they use in cooking it. The perfume rice/basmati rice and the way they cook it are different. In fact, all the caterers are copying Ghana’s jollof rice. It is the best. If I cook it for you, you will lick the plate with your tongue (laughs).

    What is happening to your passion for the fashion industry and Labanella especially?

    With Labanella, we made our own star. Labanella is well known everywhere. I have retired now. I retired at 60. But a lot of the designers dress me up whenever I want to go out. I just tell them make me a dress and they do it happily. While some of them charge me, some do it free of charge. I have lots of them who have been in Labanella for a long time. All the designers love and appreciate me.

    But you see, you can’t advise them these days. They tell you, you are old-fashioned and our thinking is different. Well, good luck to them if that makes them rich and happy. I appreciate all of them, but I will always tell them to stop the outrageous charges for making clothes.

    When you started your fashion outfit, did you foresee that the fashion industry was going to be big like this?

    When we started, I didn’t, because I was in there for the passion. We were not making so much money like they do now. I had my factory in Surulere. I had about 60 machines with good tailors and I was always there cutting and sewing. But we were not making so much money, and we weren’t even thinking about the money either. The little we got, we were satisfied as long as I was able to pay my tailors and keep the factory moving. But now when I look at the money designers make, I’m like wow, why didn’t I make this kind of money they are making now? And I don’t see what they are sewing that I can’t sew even better.

    Are you still part of FADAN?

    Yes, I am. I am their life Matron of Honour. Whenever there is a meeting, they call me and I advise them.  I tell them what to do. Even the president of FADAN is coming here today to discuss some things with me.

    What is your advice for the up and coming designers?

    You have to work hard and concentrate on what you are doing. You don’t leave it to your tailors. Be with them, tell them what you want and everything will be fine. Many call themselves designers and they are nothing near that. The tailors also have their association. They even create better than the so-called designers. Many of the designers are good, but majority of them are tailors. Don’t kill talent. Whatever a designer that went to designing school does, I can also do.

    I remember in England I worked with a designer. When they were on the table, I did straight cutting without using pattern or sketch, and they were amazed. When I first got there, the boss gave me a sample of dress that I should do the collar and sleeve. Before the man came back, I had finished the whole dress and hung it by the one they gave me. When he asked who owned the dress, I told him I made it.

    Can you still remember the name of the Fashion House in England where you worked?

    I will have to check my book because it has been a long time.

    Do you wish that one of your grandchildren takes over Labanella?

    All my grandchildren, even my last grandson, cut and design for me. I sell their designs in my shop. The first girl, Seun, is fantastic. Although they are all working and doing other things, I know they will retire to fashion. Especially Seun, because she loves fashion as much as I do. Seun already told me, ‘Grandma, just wait, when I’m ready, you will be surprised. And by the Grace of God, you will still be alive to see me do it.”

    How will you like to be remembered?

    Well, I will like to be remembered as the same ABBA, fashion woman that touched so many lives, and I’m still touching lives. Like Mrs. Remi Tinubu, since the very first time I made clothe for her, she loved it, because she’s a very simple person. Up till now, I still make clothes for her.

    You have lots of celebrity friends. Which of them are your close friends?

    All of them are my close friends. If I tell you this one is my close friend, the other one will be jealous. They are all close to me and I appreciate them. They all love me in return.

    How do you relax?

    I watch Nigerian movie 24/7, both Yoruba and English films. They help me relax.

    Who are your favourite actors and actresses?

    I have lots of actors and actresses, and I love all of them. If I choose one, the other will be jealous. They all call me mummy. They are all favourites because they are very talented.

    Do you have a foundation through which you touch people’s lives? Because when Baba was alive, he had lots of people he took care of…

    That was Baba. And because he had lots of money, I supported him doing that. I do my little things, like giving to the mosque, because I don’t really have that kind of money.

    You are very fashionable. Aside being a fashion designer, when you are spotted at an event, you always look gorgeous even at your age. How do you do it?

    Like I said before, fashion is all in the mind. When I want to go out, I just think of it like, what are they celebrating? The occasion determines what I wear. I don’t like to overdress or dress more than the celebrant. But at the same time, I like to look beautiful.

  • INEC registers five new political parties

    INEC registers five new political parties

    Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has registered five new political parties.

    The new political parties are; Young Progressive Party (YPP), Advanced People’s Democratic Alliance (APDA), New Generation Party of Nigeria (NGP), All Democratic People’s Movement (ADPM) and Action Democratic Party (ADP).

    With the registration of the five new political parties, the number of political parties in Nigeria now stands 45.

    The announcement was made in Kaduna Wednesday evening after several hours of the commission’s meeting at Hotel Seventeen.

    Briefing newsmen on the outcome of the meeting, the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Prince Adedeji Soyebi said, only five out of the 95 associations that applied for registration succeeded.

    According Soyebi, two of the associations had earlier withdrew their applications voluntarily, while the remaining 88 did not meet the requirements for registration as political parties.

    His words, “the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) held its usual weekly meeting today and reviewed, among other things, the on-going nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which began on 27th April 2017.

    “In the meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) and Administrative Secretaries, the Commission received and considered submissions from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as reports from some accredited observers of the CVR exercise.

    “The Commission noted the challenges encountered so far, and is addressing them.

    “At present, 95 Associations have applied to the Commission for registration as political parties. Two of the associations voluntarily withdrew their applications.

    “The Commission today approved the applications of five of the associations which have fulfilled the constitutional requirements for registration.

    They are: Young Progressive Party (YPP), Advanced People’s Democratic Alliance (APDA), New Generation Party of Nigeria (NGP), All Democratic People’s Movement (ADPM) and Action Democratic Party (ADP).

    “With the registration of the above parties, there are now 45 political parties in Nigeria”, he said.

    On the Voter Registration, INEC said, “As at Friday 2nd June 2017, a total of 760,989 persons have registered across the country, made up of 59. 5 percent males and 40.5 percent females. So far, 31,808 persons have collected their PVCs while 34, 560 others applied for transfer of Polling Units.

    “Due to budgetary constraints, the Commission cannot for now decentralize to the Registration Area level. However, due considerations shall be given to certain areas with peculiar challenges.

    “The Commission decided that, in view of the Anambra State governorship election scheduled for 17thNovember 2017, the CVR will be decentralized to the Registration Area (Ward) level from 10th to 16th August, 2017. The same consideration shall be given to Ekiti and Osun states which have governorship elections in 2018″.

     

  • A season of parties

    A season of parties

    It has been a season of revelry.

    Minna was throbbing with the rich and the powerful on May 13. So was Lagos where the pulsating rhythm of the state’s 50th anniversary flowed into other jollification, including the society wedding of former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s son. Abuja was also in a party mood; former Edo State Governor Lucky Igbinedion turned 60. Deputy Senate President Ike  Ekweremadu  clocked 55.

    Minna snatched away the prize for hosting the biggest of the parties, not because of its lavishness and grandeur, but for the  impressive congregation of the crème de la crème of politics and power. A mixture of grandees and prominent personalities – in business and the professions.

    That was only to be expected at the wedding of former military president Gen. Ibrahim Babangida’s daughter Halima.

    The array of private jets that landed at the city’s airport was breathtaking. For days it became the subject of gossip in the social media. With such men of means, why do we have so much poverty with us? Do these people live among us?

    Some of the comments were lurid; others lucid. For how long are we going to begrudge our men of affluence, their taste and style?

    Anyway, that isn’t the story. Just consider the A class guests list and the sitting arrangement. The chance meetings. Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan shared the front row with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. They sat beside each other.

    I do not know if they had met since the 2015 election, which then incumbent Dr Jonathan lost. They exchanged greetings quite all right. But banter? What was going through their minds as they maintained their straight faces. Those occasional smiles were about other matters at the party, I bet.

    What would Dr Jonathan have loved to tell Tinubu, the architect of the coalition of progressives that dealt the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) its most devastating blow ever?

    “Were you fair to me? Are you pleased with the situation of things now? Why didn’t you help me? What exactly did I do wrong? They said I didn’t fight corruption and I tried to educate them; corruption and stealing are two different issues; we don’t have to mix them. Now you can see how complex the whole thing is. I won’t criticise anybody o, but is this the change you envisioned?”

    “Thank you, your Excellency. We had to do what we did to save everybody, including you. To have allowed the nonsense to go on endlessly would have amounted to a class suicide. It had to stop. No apologies.”

    Former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff and his rival Ahmed Makarfi were there. Both are leading the two major factions of what is left of the PDP. They shook hands and smiled. What was going on in their belligerent minds?

    “You’ll soon see yourself, yeye man; the Supreme Court will deliver the hammer blow.”

    “You can’t chase me out of a house that  others and I sweated to build.”

    “We’ll see what you’ll do after this case. We’ll see the man who has the people’s support.”

    “On the rule of law I stand. You people invited me to save the party and you decided to dump me. Just like that.  No. Nobody can use me. I’m too big for that.”

    Former Niger State Governor  Babangida “Servant Leader” Aliyu, fresh from a brief detention, was there. He was all smiles, perhaps to tell his adversaries whose efforts have landed him in court for alleged corruption, that he wasn’t finished yet. Talk of resilience. Did he pump his successor Abubakar Sani-Bello’s hand? What kind of meeting was it? Warm? Cold? Felicitious? Convivial?

    This is the first time in a long time that former First Ladies Turai Yar’Adua and Dame Patience “Mama Peace” Jonathan have had the unusual chance of sitting next to each other. When last did they meet? What did they talk about? Was it just the usual “good to see you again”? Did the Abuja land dispute in which they tore at each other like some prized fighter crop up?

    Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai was there. So was Senator Shehu Sani, his arch-rival and critic-in-chief. Did they exchange pleasantries? Both were photographed – separately – smiling broadly. The two prominent citizens have been locked in a bitter war of wits over the governor’s style. Sani was once suspended for anti-party activity, but the senator would not keep quiet. He keeps hurling invectives at His Excellency, overstretching his capacity to tolerate dissent

    Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso was there – red cap and all. Did he run into his successor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje? Interestingly, Ganduje would not drop the red cap, the symbol of Kwankwasiyya, the political movement nurtured by the former governor, even as both politicians are holding each other by the throat over the control of the state’s politics. In Kano, it is Kwankwasiyya versus Gandujiyya. And there they were, the two leading lights, partying.

    It was perhaps Abdullahi Dikko Inde’s first outing in a long time. The former Customs chief had disappeared from the social radar after some yet unproven allegations of serious fraud.

    Right there in Minna were men who have played major roles in the Nigerian story – from the military era to civil rule. They symbolise our success and failure, our defeat and victory, our heroic struggles and villainous enterprises, our gains and pains.

    From Minna, the party moved to Lagos where former President Olusegun Obasanjo hosted a colourful wedding for his son, Olujonwo and Tope, daughter of frontline businessman Chief Adebutu “Baba Ijebu” Kessington.

    There were governors and former governors, foremost businessmen and traditional rulers. Chief Olabode George was there. “O, he has settled with Baba,” a colleague screamed upon seeing the photograph of the PDP chieftain and his wife Roli at the wedding.  Beside George sat Makarfi, cool and composed as usual. Then somebody asked: “Where is Sheriff?”

    Former Governor Gbenga Daniel was also there, all smiles. And so was Dr Doyin Okupe, Obasanjo’s former spokesman who once fell out of favour. “Okupe? Baba has really changed; he is magnanimous now,” a guest remarked.

    Chief Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion’s 60th birthday party in Abuja was nothing close to those fairytale birthdays of yore that the family patriarch Chief Osawaru Igbinedion celebrated on at least three continents. In New York, Johannesburg and, of course, London.

    Apparently in the spirit of the recession and in line with the body language of the present administration, Lucky Igbinedion decided to celebrate his day in Abuja.  A touch of modesty there.  Those he thought  he had lost some weight – in cash – got the message.  How wrong they were!

    The celebrator, decked out in an all-white Bini outfit, , fire-red beads dangling from his neck and his trademark heavy moustache lush as ever, was in a festive mood.

    “So, Lucky is now 60,” a colleague said, wondering how old the former governor was when he ruled Edo State. The cynical fellow recalled how Chief Igbinedion mounted the podium to campaign for his beloved son in whom the people had apparently lost confidence.

    The old man saved his son’s shot at a second term when he told a cheering crowd of supporters: “Una say Lucky fail, Lucky fail. Yes. If your pickin fail for one class, he no go repeat?”

    The message hit home. Igbinedion got another term. He was later to be convicted for corruption and ordered to pay a hefty fine.  Action man that he is, he simply strolled to his car, opened its trunk, dug out the cash, paid the fine, and walked away a free man.

    At the Abuja party was Chief James Onanefe “Ogidigboigbo” Ibori, who has just finished doing a term in London. He was the toast of the show, I am told. Everybody wanted to shake his hand. But for the fact that it was well advertised as Igbinedion’s birthday, the event would have been mistaken for one of those parties to welcome Ibori from the London trip – his longest and, definitely, most memorable ever. Only two days ago, he was awarded a staggering sum of one pound (N483) damages against the UK authorities for a two-day illegal detention after his release from jail. Justice – at last.

    Unknown to many, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark had been preparing for his 90th birthday. Today. He took some time off the planning the other day to throw a jab at Obasanjo over some aspects of Segun Adeniyi’s books, which he felt the former President influenced. Obasanjo, a master of repartee and put-downs, simply ignored the Ijaw leader.

    The merrymaking goes on – recession or no recession.  Will they ever spare a thought for the poor?

     

    The coup talk and all that hysteria

    It is reassuring that the military came out yesterday to say that there are no plots to roll out tanks and halt our democratic march. Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai’s warning to officers hobnobbing with politicians was nothing out of the ordinary, the Defence Headquarters said.

    But why did the clarification come this late? Was somebody flying a kite?

    I gather from knowledgeable sources that the mammy market has not recovered its  rhythm since the Gen. Buratai warning shot.

    With the clarification, we can safely and merrily return to sharing bowls of steaming-hot peppersoup with our military brothers.

    All’s well that ends well.

          

     

     

  • Glo’s 54-city concert kicks off with #Stay Buzzin Parties

    Glo’s 54-city concert kicks off with #Stay Buzzin Parties

    The much anticipated mega shows by indigenous telco, Globacom, kicked off with superlative parties in five Nigerian cities, signaling the fun to be expected during the six-month-long festival of music and comedy.

    The company had earlier announced its readiness to give back to its customers, through a music and comedy road show that will have its celebrity artistes perform in 54 cities for the next six months.

    Tagged Glo #Stay Buzzin, the kick-off parties which held last Friday in Lagos, Ibadan, Abuja, Benin and Port Harcourt simultaneously drew youths and other fun lovers who savored the evening with entertainment superstars.

    Ahead of the shows, starting on April 7, the company also used the parties to introduce Glo Cafe, an app designed for all categories of telecom subscribers, particularly students and youths. The App, described as a one-stop telecom solution, offers games, videos, music, sports, entertainment and e-commerce.

    “Glo Cafe is not just an entertainment portal, but it also helps customers recharge data and airtime, e-top up, as well as maintain their account status, among other values.  It can be downloaded by existing subscribers by sending Buzz to 288,” he company said in a statement.

    In Lagos, the show was held at the House of Haze near the University of Lagos. Students of the school and those from the Yaba Polytechnic came out in large numbers and their thirst for fun was assuaged with good music  and rich doze of comedy from Omni, Whalemouth and humour merchant,  Bovi, who anchored the show. The atmosphere was further electrified when mega star and King of the Street, Olamide arrived the party.

    Olaniyi Opeyemi, president of the Faculty of Arts students, University of Lagos, said after the show: “I had a whole load of fun tonight. Well packaged show and I give kudos to Globacom for thinking about the welfare of the youths. The Glo Cafe App and the shows will really improve our social, educational and financial life. Glo is indeed representing the Nigerian dream.”

  • ‘On economy, government should consult across parties’

    ‘On economy, government should consult across parties’

    Dr. Phillip Ntoh, a former World Bank Consultant, erstwhile Finance Commissioner and now Provost, Abia State College of Education, Technical, Arochukwu (ASCETA), in this brief encounter at the institute’s matriculation ceremony, spoke about the country’s economy, the politics and governance in Abia State under Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, and other issues. Excerpts  

    On Nigerian economy, are you worried that we are not getting it right?

    The situation is worrisome but this is not the platform for such discussion. I have made presentations at different fora and have granted interviews on the issue, so I do not think I want to continue to talk about it. As I have said at different fora, I still think that government needs to make more consultation. There is no situation that is unsurmountable, there is a solution to every challenge and that solution is what one expects from government. They should not limit their search for solution but must cut across parties and ensure they get the best advice. We have seasoned experts, scholars that abound in Nigeria and beyond; it is the duty of government to locate those people and tap from their expertise. There is nothing about the economy that cannot be tackled; the GDP and other micro economic indicators, like inflation rate, purchasing power, exchange rate etc. With good plan and good efforts on the part of government to redirect some of their policies we can revise the trend of what we have today. There is the need to convert our raw materials into finished goods; it is the only way to add value that you produce. There is the need to diversify the economy and the plans must be convincing that we are serious. The signal of what we are passing through now was there because when I was the finance commissioner I know I wrote a memo to the governor and made predictions on the economy but as I said, this is not the platform for such discussion or debate.

    How would you assess Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s leadership in Abia State?

    I can tell you that Governor Ikpeazu has done so well in all aspects. The way you assess a leader is the ability to manage scarce resources at ones disposal. He has done well to ensure that the state is working. The state, if you go round, is but a construction site and he is ensuring that no sector is neglected. This is the first time for instance that a sitting governor is visiting ASCETA and that goes to show you that his ears are everywhere and he has the passion to develop Abia. He is always interested in what happens in every part of the state and to me that is the hallmark of leadership: to rise up as occasion demands in tackling challenges.

    You are already one year in office; what are the problems you have encountered and the prospects?

    For me the job is like a test case. A test in the sense that having performed excellently as a commissioner for finance under the Governor Theodore Orji administration, the present governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, looked at it as a test coming from the ivory tower to see if I will perform again. It is also a test given the fact that the school is located in my local government. So, the people from my area will want me to prove myself again. It is also a test case by my colleagues in the university who will want to see what this academic can do. So that is why to me, given the background, I felt this is another opportunity to prove myself. For me, it is a call to serve my people especially against the background that the institution has been in a state of coma or moribund for the past seven years.

    What are the challenges or major projects you have?

    In terms of projects, aside infrastructure, which I may say has no end, we will continue to work on the environment so as to make it more conducive for our students and staff. Another issue or challenge one is facing is enhancing the staff welfare package because if they are not well motivated, they won’t do much. I want to ensure the staff welfare package is taken care off. The governor has shown great interest in this direction. Immediately I assumed office, he directed me to set up a committee that will harmonise their salary; that will be at par with what other state-owned institutions earn. So, we have concluded our report and the governor, knowing the kind of person he is, will soon give approval to that report.

  • Nigeria’s pastries parties

    It is often rendered in the plural form – pastries. It refers to all manner of food made from flour and dough. Breads, cakes and the usual fast food fair, such as burgers, donuts, meat-pies, sausage rolls, muffins, cookies and uncountable other dough derivatives.

    Modern man is actually fixated at the oral and of course, anal stages of his development (or even a configuration of both), but let us stick with the oral. And before you begin to ask what Hardball’s fixation about modern man and his duodenal proclivities, the story is actually about  Nigeria’s political parties as a metaphor for modern man stuck to his mouth.

    This matter is informed by the sudden realisation that in recent memory of political parties in Nigeria that is since 1999, the business has been about the stomach.

    In fact, one cannot seem to help but imagine political parties in Nigeria as pastries shops where enticing arrays of edibles are on display. Nothing else matters here but the munchy, crunchy fanfare. So are Nigeria’s political parties. Let’s call them pastries parties: nothing going on except power position and perquisites.

    Since 1999 to date, not one party has been able to rise beyond what Hardball wants to describe as pastries inanities. And it doesn’t matter whether it’s a ruling party or a fallen one. In fact, the more entrenched and influential a party is, the more bitterly fractious it is. You always get the impression of wayward children gathered to share a candy.

    For 16 years from 1999 to 2015, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) never had a moment of respite, nor did they give Nigerians peace of mind. Hardball would bet that young people of today do not and may never know the civilised way of organising a political party.

    At every level, from the headquarters to state, local government and ward levels, there was an endless festival of rancour and acrimony. Unfortunately, this has continued in the PDP today even after its crashing fall from power.

    If Nigerians thought that the All Progressives Congress (APC), which recently unhorsed the PDP, was going to be a model of how to organise a political party and use it as engine for driving the political economy of a country, they must be sorely disappointed if not disillusioned now.

    Like in PDP, there is always some feud going on in APC since it ascended the helm of the polity last year. It reminds of one of the grimmer Igbo sayings: gbute isi, gbakwata agban. Roughly: a situation of “harvesting of skulls and yanking of jaws.”

    As you read this, the demons of the land are bursting the soul of PDP; the APC is bleeding profusely; rent in many parts; APGA’s fairly new chairman has just been toppled… on and on, the sad movie goes, pastries parties all.