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‘PDP can’t beat APC in Kwara’

Kwara South All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial aspirant Anu Ibiwoye, in this interview with ADEKUNLE JIMOH, speaks about the Ahmed Administration and why the governor deserves a second term.

Why are you contesting for the Senate?

All of us are political beings and we look at what goes on in our environment. I have developed interest in politics when I was a banker and when I was Special Assistant to the Minister of Women Affairs and Youth Development. From that platform, I have become interested in what is going on in my community. I have realised that we do not have the kind of representation that we should have, particularly in the Kwara South. And when you look at the politicians on the field, I felt we needed to come out boldly to say we can improve on the quality of representation and we came into politics as a direct response to the gap that was obvious in our representation in Kwara South.

I also believe there is the need to provide mentorship for our youths; young people that we can identify with, young people who can identify with us and who we could correct and channel their energies into constructive use. We felt that gap was there and they needed somebody who will be committed to the people in getting result.

Do you think you have the wherewithal to delve into the murky waters of politics?

I may not have the kind of money that people throw around in politics, but I have been able to achieve everything I needed to do. I am not playing money politics. I am not buying people. Of course, you need money to run your programmes, and projects, but I am not buying the people’s conscience.

I am using the little that I have to project my message and appeal to the people. So far, God has been able to meet my needs. I have not borrowed or done any launching. I have not been begging. I have people who have supported me with their resources. I have people supporting me with their time and energy.

There are different categories of people. There are people who are out to do a contract. We are going to pay them for the services they are rendering. There are other people who see themselves as partners in this project; that this thing we are doing belongs to all of us. It is not about monetary gains, but a commitment to what we want to achieve. Politics is not about money. Some people have money and they are throwing it around. But, you also find out that it is not how much you spend that determines what you get; it is about how well you are able to connect to the people.

Politics in Nigeria has been monetised because of poverty and deprivation. We hope we can get more people to do empowerment programmes to alleviate poverty in addition to what government is doing. So, it is something that we all must collectively to move this country forward.

What is the assurance that you will emerge as the senatorial candidate at the primaries?

I am happy that the party has said there is no automatic ticket for anybody. It means everybody will go to the electorate to canvass for votes. That is a right step in the right direction. At least, it is a departure from imposition. In 2011, I also had the opportunity to do what I am trying to do now and you will also see that we are course. We ran election in 2011 and even, when we did not win, we did not leave Kwara.

We didn’t leave the people. We have continued on the course and we have metamorphosed into the APC. We have been building the party; working with leadership and government to ensure that the dividends of democracy are delivered to the people. You find out that government is now more responsive, more proactive and it is more committed to delivering dividends of democracy to the people. So, this for me, is not only about position, but it is about getting a better society for our people through representation.

You are from the South. What is your view on the second term ambition of Governor Ahmed?

Naturally, the South should be allowed to have a second shot at the governorship. I think more importantly, I would support the governor for a second term. This is necessary to ensure stability and enable him complete his programmes. The governor has done well and he has good intention for the people, particularly people of the South. I have interacted with him personally and I was with him while on tour of project sites in Kwara South. We saw rural electrification and roads under construction and more importantly, he had an opportunity to get a feedback from the people.

I am a committed supporter of his second term because I believe that that will afford him the opportunity to complete those projects he has started.

Is Kwara better under the APC administration?

Certainly, Kwara will fare better under the APC. One of the problems we are facing is that the Federal Government has not been accountable to the people. They have always relied on the federal might. Now, you have a government that is in the opposition at the national and state levels. We have seen in Nigeria today that it is possible for an incumbent to lose an election. We saw that in Ekiti. We have also seen in Osun that it is possible for an incumbent to retain power, if he is in touch with the people at the grassroots and delivering dividends of democracy. There is no federal might that can displace you. Now, more than ever before, the people have become the centre of the activities of government. So, there is change and it is clear.

PDP is banking on the federal might to wrest power from the APC in Kwara. What is your view?

They should go and learn from Osun. The federal might will not deliver anything to the PDP. It is a misplaced priority and I think they should go and work to get popular votes from the electorate. The federal might will not deliver anything to anybody in Kwara. This government is with the people. The people have decided to stay with the APC and there is no federal might that canh change anything in Kwara. We have made our choice and the APC is our choice.

What is your reaction to Saraki’s defection to the APC

My interpretation of what had happened is that it has become very clear that Nigeria needs a rescue mission and Saraki is a very influential politician. He has been a major supporter of government; a major stabiliser. He was the Chairman of the Governors’ Forum for almost four years and that forum brought stability to governance. And, at a critical point, when late President Yar’Adua died, the forum brought stability in a transition.

Some governors insisted that the Federal Government should do the right thing and when they refused to do that, a few of them took a decision to join the progressives to salvage the country. His defection to the APC was a bold step at rescuing Nigeria from the crutches of people who currently run the country; who have no will to rescue Nigeria from the myriad of problems confronting the country. These problems include insecurity, corruption, unemployment and power outage. This is the time when like-minded people should come together to rescue the country so that we can move forward. And I believe that Senator Bukola Saraki is leading that group of people to chart a new political course for this country.

What is your advice to Kwara youths?

The future belongs to the young people and, as long as they do not brace up for the challenge, things that are important will continue to elude them. There are opportunities for many young people in Nigeria. Dr Bukola Saraki was a governor as a youth and it is very clear that he has laid the foundation for greatness in Kwara. A generation of young people is running this country. We must get our young people prepared to take responsibilities because, if theydo not focus and channel their energies to constructive use, these opportunities will continue to elude them. I am a young man and I have come this far by dint of hard work and commitment and I believe we should harness the potentials of our youths and channel their energies to constructive use so that they can truly be the leaders of tomorrow.

October 6, 2014
2015: Bayelsa stakeholders insist on zoning

Elders and leaders of thought from the Bayelsa East Senatorial District on Saturday insisted that their seats in the National Assembly must be rotated between the two local government areas in the district.

They said the zoning system in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) must be applied in selecting their representatives at the 2015 General Elections.

The stakeholders in a statement after their well-attended meeting at the Ogbia Brotherhood Hall, Ogbia Town, asked persons occupying the seats to stop dreaming about reelections in 2015. “We reaffirm the existing zoning system in the senatorial district. In view of the success of the rotation formula in the past election years, the next slot for the senatorial seat should go to Brass LGA.

“The same also applied to the position of the member of the House of Representatives between Nembe and Brass LGAs which should also rotate to Brass LGA. “In the same vein, in Ogbia LGA, the position for the House of Representatives is also to move to Ayama axis as the Kolo Creek and Oloibiri groups have all taken their turns in the persons of Hon. Clever Ikisikpo and Hon. Nadu Karibo”, they said.

The communiqué was signed by over 95 prominent politicians and elders from the zone.

Among prominent stakeholders who signed the communique are the Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral, John Jonah (retd); Chief Victor Akpe, King A. J. Turner, Prof. Edmund Alison-Oguru, Senator Nimi Amange and George Fente.

October 5, 2014
2015: Bayelsa stakeholders insist on zoning

Elders and leaders of thought from the Bayelsa East Senatorial District on Saturday insisted that their seats in the National Assembly must be rotated between the two local government areas in the district.

They said the zoning system in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) must be applied in selecting their representatives at the 2015 General Elections.

The stakeholders in a statement after their well-attended meeting at the Ogbia Brotherhood Hall, Ogbia Town, asked persons occupying the seats to stop dreaming about reelections in 2015. “We reaffirm the existing zoning system in the senatorial district. In view of the success of the rotation formula in the past election years, the next slot for the senatorial seat should go to Brass LGA.

“The same also applied to the position of the member of the House of Representatives between Nembe and Brass LGAs which should also rotate to Brass LGA. “In the same vein, in Ogbia LGA, the position for the House of Representatives is also to move to Ayama axis as the Kolo Creek and Oloibiri groups have all taken their turns in the persons of Hon. Clever Ikisikpo and Hon. Nadu Karibo”, they said.

The communiqué was signed by over 95 prominent politicians and elders from the zone.

Among prominent stakeholders who signed the communique are the Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral, John Jonah (retd); Chief Victor Akpe, King A. J. Turner, Prof. Edmund Alison-Oguru, Senator Nimi Amange and George Fente.

October 5, 2014
Enugu-East endorses Ugwuanyi as consensus candidate

THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus in the Enugu West Senatorial District has endorsed the candidature of the member representing the Udenu/Igboeze North Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, for the 2015 gubernatorial election in Enugu State.

The caucus made the endorsement via a unanimous voice vote at a meeting held at the Government House, Enugu and presided over by Governor Sullivan Chime.

The motion for the adoption of Hon. Ugwuanyi was moved by a former senator from the zone, Chief Ben Collins Ndu, and was seconded by the Leader of the Enugu House of Assembly, Hon. Ude Okoye.

In attendance at the meeting were chieftains of the party and political leaders in the zone, including party executives, political appointees and both state and federal legislators from the zone. Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo and Special Adviser to the President on NEPAD, Mrs Fidelia Njeze, led the list of federal appointees while Honourables Toby Okechukwu and Ogbuefi Ozomgbachi represented the National Assembly.

Chime informed the caucus that Senator Ike Ekweremadu was aware of the meeting but had sought permission to be excused due to his official engagements abroad.

Addressing the gathering before and after the vote, Chime recalled that pursuant to the party’s decision to zone the gubernatorial slot to it, the Enugu North caucus of the party had last week unanimously adopted Hon Ugwuanyi as its consensus candidate for gubernatorial seat.

He noted that the Enugu East caucus had quickly followed suit hence the need to summon the meeting to Enugu West to take its own decision on the matter.

The governor further stressed that the party was the only structure through which any aspirant to an elective office could become successful adding that anyone seeking to rely on his own private structure was bound to fail.

October 5, 2014
When APC leaders stormed Kogi

Tony Akowe captures the rhythm of the recent All Progressives Congress (APC) political rally in Kogi where many chieftains of Peoples Democratic Party defected to APC

As early as 10.00 am, they began to arrive at the Lokoja Township Stadium bearing different banners and campaign posters of party chieftains and chanting the praises of the party while denigrating the ruling Peoples Democratic Party. It was a rally organised by the party to receive members of the PDP who were dumping the party for the APC. All roads leading to the stadium were practically taken over by the supporters, while the police had a hectic time controlling the crowd.

Campaign posters of former military Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, and Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso were everywhere in the stadium and so were those of the aspirants to the various political offices in Kogi State, from the State House of Assembly to the Senate. Surprisingly, there were no campaign posters for the position of the governor at the stadium.

While the people waited for the dignitaries to arrive for the rally scheduled to begin at 12.00 noon, they sang, danced and made caricature of the PDP.

The arrival of Governor Kwankwaso threw the stadium into excitement which grew stronger as other personalities arrived the stadium. Atiku Abubakar, General Muhammadu Buhari and the leader of the party in the state, Prince Abubakar Audu, all arrived at the stadium almost at the same time to the admiration of the people.

But with the event ready for a smooth take off at about 1.35, The Master of Ceremony and former member of the House of Representatives, Dino Melaye, announced that the plane carrying one of the national leaders of the party and former Lagos State governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was on his way to the event with two unnamed governors from the South-West were prevented from landing at the Obajana Airstrip. He announced later that former Kwara State governor, Senator Bukola Saraki, was also prevented from landing in the state to attend the event.

The Nation gathered that the present PDP government in the state has practically frustrated some of the party leaders in the state, including a former party chairman of the PDP for eight years, relegating them to the background in the administration of the state and failing to heed advice to develop the state.

Speaking at the event, the APC Chairman in the state, Alhaji Haddy Ametuo, said the day marked the end of the PDP in Kogi State and Nigeria. Ametuo expressed the belief that with some of the top leaders of the ruling party joining the main opposition party in the state, the state was set to witness a tremendous transformation. He said that under the PDP government, Kogo has suffered from what he called leadership kwashiorkor. According to him, the APC was the best party for Nigeria and Kogi State, saying “we have to vote the PDP out in the forthcoming election”. He told the decampees that “as you join the APC, you have become equal partners with the founders of the party. We must join hands to push out the party that has saddled us with insecurity and lack of development for a long time”.

National Chairman of the Party and former Edo State governor, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, who arrived the stadium alongside some national officers of the party just as the Deputy National Chairman was receiving the decampees, told the gathering that they had remained out of power and allowed Idris Wada to mismanage the state because they failed to protect their votes. He said “As I drive to this stadium, I saw serious mismanagement of resources as the road was virtually impassable. Look at the roof of this stadium, it is an eyesore. We must not allow what happened during the election into the Niger East Senatorial election to happen again. I will tell you a story. I was at an event during the election and the chairman of the occasion was a PDP member. When the results were coming in, he left his seat and came to show me the results he had received. From that result, it was clear that where we were winning because there was nowhere they got up to 25 percent of the votes. But we started celebrating and went to sleep; but they did not go to sleep and that was how we lost that election.”

Oyegun said further that “the APC is growing so fast. Many of you know I have been here three times in the past and I tell you this is the greatest number of crowd I have seen. The PDP is finished anyway. Have we forgotten the N20 billion? Have we forgotten the N225 million armored tank? Can we forget the $9.6 million? Can we forget Boko Haram? And, look at it here in Kogi State, look at the very stadium we are standing, where the government cannot fix its roofs. But, I want to tell you that as soon as APC comes into power, we will change all these for the better. Teachers are not paid, workers are not paid and it is a challenge for you to ensure that they do not rise again. It is not an easy job, but we shall not make the mistake we made in the past. I want to assure you that APC is the only party with vision, dependable and willing to do the needful.”

The Deputy National Chairman, Senator Lawal Shuibu, who received the decampees which include two former Speakers of the Kogi State House of Assembly and a two time PDP chairman in the state, said the event marked the end of the PDP in the state with the exit of some of the former leaders of the party since 1999. He explained that the APC believes in good governance which has been lacking in the state, pointing out that since the inception of PDP government, the state has witnessed total lack of development and insecurity.

Other speakers emphasised the need to vote out the PDP in the next election, especially in the state which has suffered from lack of development since the inception of the present administration. Buhari told the gathering that the only way they can vote out the PDP was by ensuring that they collect their voters cards, while those who have lost theirs, or destroyed them should take advantage of the update of the voters register to go and register. He assured them of the determination of the APC to secure and effectively manage Nigeria, promising that the party, if elected, will provide good healthcare, security and qualitative education which had eluded Nigerians since 1999. He said “the APC will stop the stealing of the money that belongs to all. This is the only opportunity we have to get the only country we have back into good reckoning. Let those who cannot perform give way to those who can do the job”. He reminded them of the task ahead saying “in the next five months, there will be no sleep, there will be no rest until we take over Aso Rock”.

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, who stole the heart of the audience with his Change Wada and Change Jonathan slogan told them that they lost the government house to the PDP because they failed to defend their votes in the last elections and enjoined them not to allow the same thing to happen in the next elections. In the next election, he said the people must be prepared to defend their votes if they hope to have a quality government in place in the state, pointing out that both Governor Idris Wada and President Goodluck Jonathan have failed Nigerians.

Atiku, who had his supporters in good numbers displaying his campaign posters, expressed confidence that APC will emerge victorious at the next presidential election in 2015.

Kwankwasiyan exponent, Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, expressed worry about the rising rate of corruption, insecurity and total lack of development in the country. He assured that the APC was prepared to give the country a new type of leadership and free it from bad leadership. The Kano state governor said: “There is corruption in the land, in the air and water, crude oil theft, Boko Haram in the north, kidnapping in the south, no electricity and no jobs. This is why we need change in the country. APC is prepared to make the country a better place”.

While welcoming the defectors to the party, he urged all those who may have left the APC to make a detour in order to join hands with the progressives to salvage the country.

Other dignitaries at the rally included, APC Deputy National Chairman, Senator Lawal Shuaibu, National Deputy Chairman, South West, Engr. Segun Oni, former governor of Kogi State, Prince Abubakar Audu, former

Minister of State for Petroleum, Shuaib Abdullahi, APC National Treasurer, Bala Muhammed and National Organizing Secretary, Senator Osita Izunaso, among.

Those who joined the party with their supporters are two former speakers who at one time or the other acted as governor, Clarence Olafemi, Abdulahi Bello, Alhajj Ibrahim Aliko, Chief John Odanwu, Amb. Isaac Onu, former members of the state House of Assembly, including, a member representing Kogi Constituency, Salihu Akawu, and 10 former chairmen of local government councils.

October 5, 2014
Danjuma and Taraba power struggle

Recent allegation that fomer Defence Minister, General T Y Danjuma, has anointed Hon. Darius Ishaku for the governorship ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Taraba State has deepened the political intrigues in the state. Associate Editor, Sam Egburonu, takes a look at Danjuma’s roles in the Taraba political quagmire since 2013, when ailing Governor Danbaba first returned home

Since some reports last month claimed that former Defence Minister, General T. Y. Danjuma has anointed the Chairman of Southern Taraba Stakeholders Forum (STSF), Hon. Darius Ishiaku, for the governorship ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Taraba State, the role of the elder statesman in the prolonged leadership crisis in the state has been in focus.

As would be expected, the alleged endorsement has been the subject of strongly worded advertorials and verbal exchanges between the various stakeholders in Taraba; ahead 2015. For example, in an advertorial last month by Concerned Youths of Southern Taraba, entitled “Re: Open Letter to our Elder Statesman, General TY Danjuma- Rejoinder,” the group appealed to the people of Southern Taraba to be very alert of what they described as “any attempt to set us up against one another,” adding, “Our desire to produce the next governor of Taraba State has the support of all well-meaning Tarabans who believe that the spirit of live and let live is the only way forward in Taraba Project.”

It would be recalled that shortly before the alleged position of the retired military leader and elder statesman in the ongoing agitation for power change in the state featured in the news, STSF had set up a committee which screened aspirants and reportedly recommended three: Senator Bwacha, Hon. Ishiaku and Retired Col. Agbu.

That exercise itself generated so much controversy that insiders said it helped to further divide rather than cement the state PDP. For example, while some stakeholders alleged then that Danjuma and other respected elder statesmen and traditional leaders were behind the decision of the screening committee, others said the retired army general had nothing to do with the development.

So, as recent reports directly alleged that Danjuma had singled out Ishiaku for the plum job in 2015, political temperature of the state expectedly rose very rapidly. As a result, the retired general, who is one of the most revered elder statesmen in the state, has also become a subject of public criticism.

For example, during the week, a group in Taraba, known as DSK Project 2015, openly faulted Danjuma over the alleged endorsement of the Minister of State for Niger Delta, as consensus candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Southern Taraba.

Director-General of DSK Project 2015, Senator Abdulaziz Ibrahim, made the position of his group known at a press conference in Jalingo. At the conference Ibrahim said Danjuma was “misinformed” by “Abuja-based politicians into endorsing Ishaku as against the earlier decision of the southern zone which chose Chief David Sabo Kente as its consensus candidate.”

He said: “While we respect Gen. TY Danjuma as a national elder-statesman and distinguished military general of Taraba State extraction, we fear he allowed himself to be misdirected-through misinformation-by a group of politicians who are based in Abuja, who have no direct contact with the grassroots – our local populace in Taraba”.

He alleged that Danjuma had earlier accepted the outcome of Southern Senate’s Committee on the aspirants but has now turned around to endorse another candidate.

According to him, the Southern Senate Committee, headed by Chief D.S. Nyapuri, with support of Danjuma had prior to this time scrutinised the candidature of all 13 aspirants of Southern zone extraction and came up with the name of Kente.

“We, the DSK Project 2015 group and I particularly, as the Director-General, distance ourselves from the attempt to divide southern zone in order to derail our objective of power shift. We abide by the decision of the first and authentic southern senate under Chief Nyapuri, which endorsed Chief David Sabo Kente as the consensus aspirant in PDP from the Southern Zone.”

But reports from some people who described themselves as Danjuma’s loyalists said the elder statesman is still for the Minister of State of the Ministry of Niger Delta, notwithstanding the criticisms.

Former Commissioner of Information in Taraba, Emmanuel Bello, was for example quoted in the news during the week as insisting that “the emergence of Ishaku had the blessing of all stakeholders from the Southern zone and that all other aspirants have thrown their weights behind him.”

Danjuma’s and the Taraba governorship crisis

Since the first return of ailing Governor Danbaba Suntai in 2013 and the leadership crisis that followed, Danjuma has remained one of the elders of the state the world looked upon to help resolve the impasse. Investigation confirms however that he has not failed in showing interest in resolving the thorny matter. What however seems to be a subject of controversy is the allegation from Suntai’s opponents that the elder statesman may have taken sides in the political crisis.

As far back as October 2013, exactly a year ago, Danjuma was first accused by some stakeholders of taking sides in favour of his political grandson, Governor Suntai, because he allegedly held secret political meeting with the governor’s wife, Hawwa, in their home.

Ishmael Joshua, a resident in Jalingo, however countered allegation that the said meeting was a secret meeting. According to her, the news of the said meeting was broadcast in Jalingo and the general only said it was a private visit. “Are we saying he has no right to visit the family of the ailing governor? I can’t see how that amounts to taking sides. Even if he does, how many of the critics can lay claims to knowing what is good for us more that TY,” she querried.

Before the alleged secret visit, the return of Suntai, who is regarded as Danjuma’s political godson, had created ripples in the state’s political circles and split the loyalty of the leadership and members of the state House of Assembly between the governor and his deputy, Acting Governor Garba Umar.

Although Danjuma described his visit to Suntai as “private” and declined to talk to journalists, it was reported that he threw his weight behind Suntai in the crisis that involved that State House of Assembly and pleaded that in the political impasse, the law should take its course, a position his critics said would favour Suntai.

One year after, with the alleged endorsement adding up to heat up the Taraba polity, it seems Danjuma and other elder statesmen like him in the state have no option than to rise above criticism to douse the tension and prepare the state for peaceful elections ahead 2015.

With the second return of Suntai last month, the tense political situation in Taraba is not only renewed, it has indeed peaked with the latest claims that Danjuma, just like what he did in 2013, may have resolved not to sit by and watch the worst happen to his state but to be part of the process that would help ensure a radical change in the state. Like before, that effort, according to Dr. Lawrence Sani, has been “deliberately misinterpreted by political bigots who are using this opportunity to heap up insults on the elder statesman. Knowing how courageous TY is, I do not see him feeling intimidated.”

So far, the atmosphere, fired by the fuel of suspicion and wild allegations, is becoming hotter by the day.

Commenting on the development, Acting Governor Garba Umah said, “We have once again stepped into a tense situation occasioned by the second return of His Excellency, Governor Danbaba Suntai, from treatment abroad. The insistence by a powerful bloc on the state that I hand over to my boss even against professional advice is at the centre of the current impasse.”

Umar made the observation when he visited the national headquarters of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) last week.

He emphasised the fact that the request was against professional advice that Suntai is not fit to govern for now, and told the members of the National Working Committee of the party that a panel raised by the State House of Assembly would determine if the governor was fit to rule or not.

According to him, “The state of affairs in our state has generally been stable since the intervention as His Excellency Governor Suntai continues to receive medical care within and outside the country. As can be clearly seen over this period, the medical condition of Governor Suntai is improving. And we are waiting for the doctors to certify him to be fit to resume his duties.

“This has forced the State Executive Council to request the State House of Assembly to set up a medical panel to verify the state of health of our beloved governor. I’ve heard people say the motive behind the setting up of the panel is to remove the governor. This is not true. It is merely intended to determine if I can hand over to him or not.”

Observers said it is a repeat of the 2013 scenerio, a confirmation that in the strange power game in Taraba, the state has gone a full circle.

Where all these intrigues will leave the state remains to be seen as the 2015 general elections draw nearer.

October 5, 2014
‘APGA not collapsing into PDP’

Edozie Udeze had a recent encounter with Chief Anselem Dunu, the member representing Anaocha Constituency II in Anambra State House of Assembly. The chieftain of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) says, among others, that in a democratic society, politicians are free to join or defect to new parties, adding that APGA is not collapsing into PDP.

For some time now the political situation in Anambra State has been hot and a little confusing. In this respect Dunu’s contention therefore comes on the heels of incessant carpeting and cross-carpeting of many politicians in recent times. “You see, we are in a democratic era. And as a democratic society, every citizen of this country has some rights and privileges. These are the sort of rights no one can trample upon or try to deny them. Politics, as far as we know, is a game where players feel free to be who they are. Therefore that some former members of APGA, the ruling party in the state, have decided to move to another party is still part of the game of politicking. No one can deny them of that right. Indeed, decamping, cross-carpeting and political re-alignments are all part of the game,” he said.

Danu who was once the Secretary-General of Ichida Town Union and a former civil servant contended that this is a society where people are free to associate with whomsoever they wish. “It depends on the person and who he or she wants to associate with. I have no quarrel with those who have elected to dump our party for another. I felt however that it would have been better if they had remained in the party. This is so because it was APGA that gave them the limelight. It was APGA that sponsored them into where they are today. All the same, everything is left for the Nigerian constitution to take care of. Well, I personally wish them good luck; they can go and I must tell you here that does not in any way affect APGA. The party, to the best of my knowledge, is waxing stronger and stronger. To us, the party can do without them,” he said.

Dunu, an economist, defended the party as one that has a national spread. “Let me make it clear here that APGA is not a regional party. No, it is not. The National Chairman of the party is from Anambra State, but what of other officers of the party? Have you talked about the secretary and other officers? APGA has offices in all states of the federation; we contested the senate by-election that was just conducted in Niger State and the party’s presence was visibly felt. We didn’t win, but we have the spread. Then coming down to the basics, the party must have places where it is always very strong. Our party is strong in Anambra State. There is no doubt about that and it is there for all to see.”

The lawmaker, however, made reference to the person of the Late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, whom he said his spirit is still behind the progress of the party. “In fact, the strong spirit that happens to be behind APGA is that of our great hero, the Ikemba Nnewi. You cannot deny that fact. Now, I cannot say because APGA is the one controlling Anambra State, that makes it limited to the state or the region. In Imo State, the party is strong and alive. The only thing is that we won there but they stole our mandate. But we are poised to gain it back in 2015. In Abia State too we are making serious incursions. The progress there is fast and rapid. With time, others will join. In Igboland, at times, we find it difficult to understand certain things. But once we understand and the person understands where you are going, he will follow you. Come 2015, you will see a difference. I can assure you of that.”

Concerning the efforts being put in place to ensure that the Igbo cultural and linguistic values are not allowed to fizzle out, the lawmaker said; “Well, in the first place, it is not the responsibility of the House to force people to keep to their cultures and norms. It is not necessarily for the Assembly. This is a job and responsibility of everyone who calls himself an Igbo man or woman. Yes, the Assembly will lead the way; it will set examples for others to follow. But other persons must follow. Indeed, there is a need for Igbo cultural revival. Our children are missing it and we are missing our children. Most of them do not know how to speak their mother tongue again. It is a cause for concern and with the law the State Assembly enacted that said every Wednesday of the week both the government and the people, in fact every official transaction in the state must be in Igbo, we have set the pace already.”

So far, most Houses of Assembly in Igbo land have insisted that the local language be taught in all the catchment areas. This way, children are made to be in tune with their language and are able to communicate very well in it.

On the insinuation that APGA is gradually collapsing into the PDP, he said, “No that is not true. What we are saying is that President Jonathan is doing well. And since he is doing well, let us give him a second chance. The support is not for the PDP; it is for the president so that he will have the opportunity to do more. There is no way our great party can collapse into another one,” he stated with deep conviction.

October 5, 2014
Ogun 2015: PDP blocs form alliance against Amosun

Hitherto sworn political enemies in the battle for the soul of Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are back as friends to achieve just one objective: get Governor Ibikunle Amosun out of office in 2015. In this report, Assistant Editor, Remi Adelowo, examines the prospects and the thorny issues that could likely endanger the alliance

In the run-up to the 2011 general elections, the Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was virtually in tatters.

For some reasons, including the ego of the leading gladiators which resulted in the failure of the party to forge a common front, the party was whitewashed in the governorship election by the then opposition party, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

Prelude

At the heat of the crisis, the principal actors who included former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; ex-governor, Gbenga Daniel; former Minister of Commerce, Jubril Martins-Kuye; major financier of the party, Buruji Kashamu, amongst other chieftains, did not see eye to eye.

On one hand, Obasanjo, who had fallen out with Daniel, had seized control of the party structures using his influence at the Presidency to have his way. In concert with Kashamu, who invested heavily in the project, the former president ensured the emergence of Gen. Tunji Olurin (retd) from Ogun West Senatorial zone as the PDP governorship candidate.

Daniel somehow saw this coming and had a Plan B. Having realised that he was losing grip of the Ogun PDP and, like most outgoing governors desirous of handing over to a trusted ally, Daniel had surreptitiously floated another political party, Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN), a platform he used to install his former aide and close associate, Gboyega Nasiru Isiaka, as the party’s 2011 governorship candidate.

Though the PPN won a sprinkle of seats in the House of Assembly elections and at the House of Representatives mostly from the Ogun West zone, its candidate and that of the PDP were defeated by the now defunct ACN’s Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

Failed reconciliation moves

With the 2011 election already won and lost, Kashamu putting his wealth to maximum advantage took control of the Ogun PDP by facilitating the election of his supporters from the ward to the state levels. In the process, he fell out with Obasanjo, who also wanted one of his allies, Senator Dipo Odujinrin, as the state party chairman.

Several attempts to broker truce between the two warring camps were unsuccessful due to disagreements over the sharing formula of party offices. One of such reconciliatory meetings was held at the Lagos residence of former minister, Jubril Martins-Kuye, with Kashamu; a former senator, Lekan Mustapha and other party chieftains in attendance.

With Obasanjo having also fallen out with President Goodluck Jonathan, Kashamu soon began to call the shots in Ogun PDP and by extension a few other state chapters of the PDP in the South West.

Piqued by this development, the Obasanjo camp became completely ostracised from the party and have kept a distance from the affairs of the Ogun PDP.

Jonathan 2015 project

With the PDP determined to make an inroad into the South West in order to brighten the chances of Jonathan in the 2015 presidential elections, underground moves commenced to bring former members of the party back into the fold.

One of such members is Daniel, who had since berthed in the Labour Party (LP) and has been installed by the national leadership of the party as the Ogun LP leader.

The former governor, who would be formally received back in PDP on October 8, had earlier spoken of his desire to work in alliance with the PDP to ensure Jonathan wins the South West zone in 2015.

But his gesture was not welcome by Kashamu. However, the former governor refused to be bullied. In a statement issued some weeks ago, he described Kashamu as “suffering from political inexperience and over-confidence.”

Kashamu, who is currently the Chairman, Organisation and Mobilisation Committee of South West PDP, fired back in salvos. Describing Daniel as “someone suffering from an overdose of political prostitution,” the PDP chieftain in a statement by his media aide, Austin Onyiokor said, “It is Daniel that is suffering from overdose of political prostitution as a result of his serial defeat in the battle for the souls of the various parties he sought to ply his trade.

“It is laughable that a renowned political prostitute like Daniel can refer to someone, who has defeated him several times as inexperienced and over-confident. What Daniel probably presumes to be his experience is how he uses party platform to negotiate and feather his own nest just like he did in 2011. The national leadership of our great party, the PDP, is wiser now and will not fall for such tricks anymore.

“Perhaps, he thought we have forgotten that it was the same Daniel, who jumped from the Alliance for Democracy (AD) to the PDP and from PDP to PPN, now PPN to LP, after the PDP made him all that he claims to be today.

“Now, he has gone back to LP and yet he says he wants to collaborate with us to chase away the APC government in Ogun State. We say no. How can you collaborate with us to chase away the APC government when you are fielding candidates for the same offices apart from the Presidency?”

Truce at last?

In the last few weeks, Daniel had held separate meetings with Kashamu and Jubril Martine-Kuye preparatory to his formal return to the PDP.

The agenda of these meetings, it was gathered, is on the need to present a united front against Governor Amosun ahead the 2015 governorship elections.

It is, however, not clear yet whether concrete agreements have been reached by the gladiators on issues such as the sharing of party offices and choice of governorship candidate.

Who picks the PDP ticket?

The Nation gathered that one of the issues that may prove contentious within the new alliance is the choice of a governorship candidate and the state leader of the party.

But a former commissioner in the Daniel-led administration, who is a PDP chieftain, disagreed. He told our correspondent on the condition of anonymity that only one goal is paramount among PDP leaders in the state.

He said: “Nobody is talking about who will be the leader of the party in the state at the moment. The agenda right now is how to defeat (Governor) Amosun. And the only way that can happen is for our leaders, who are scattered in different parties, to unite. Anything short of that would spell doom for the party at the polls, because to defeat an incumbent has never been as easy task.”

While expressing his optimism on the prospects of achieving unity in the party, the former commissioner added, “Once we choose our governorship candidate, that person would serve as the rallying point for the party in the state.”

The list of governorship aspirants in Ogun PDP include a third term lawmaker, Abiodun Akinlade, who is also the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology; two former federal lawmakers, Kayode Amusan and Sikiru Ogundele.

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, is also rumoured to be interested in the ticket, but sources disclosed that he is yet to formally declare his intention due to the “negative signals he is getting from leaders of the party in Ogun State.”

Bankole, according to a source, is wary of plunging headlong into the race unless he receives fool-proof assurances from party leaders to back his aspiration.

But those assurances may be hard to come by, as other aspirants, particularly Akinlade, has since taken off from the starting blocks in the race for the PDP 2015 governorship ticket.

In the last five months, the lawmaker, who hails from Ogun West zone, which is yet to produce the state governor since its creation in 1976, has been quietly mobilising party leaders from the three senatorial zones in the state in furtherance of his ambition.

Kashamu tackles Daniel for Ogun East senate ticket

Another thorny issue that may put the impending alliance in jeopardy is the alleged plan by Buruji Kashamu to contest for the Ogun East Senatorial ticket against Daniel, who is also interested in the seat.

This development, according to a source, is a clear indication that Kashamu is not ready to cede his leadership status in the party to Daniel. Kashamu’s camp is afraid that if Daniel wins the seat, he could use his privileged position to assume the leadership of the party, particularly if the PDP fails to unseat Amosun.

As the reconciliation process trudges on, it remains to be seen whether this would be enough to dislodge Amosun from the Oke Mosan Government House.

October 5, 2014
‘APGA not collapsing into PDP’

Edozie Udeze had a recent encounter with Chief Anselem Dunu, the member representing Anaocha Constituency II in Anambra State House of Assembly. The chieftain of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) says, among others, that in a democratic society, politicians are free to join or defect to new parties, adding that APGA is not collapsing into PDP.

For some time now the political situation in Anambra State has been hot and a little confusing. In this respect Dunu’s contention therefore comes on the heels of incessant carpeting and cross-carpeting of many politicians in recent times. “You see, we are in a democratic era. And as a democratic society, every citizen of this country has some rights and privileges. These are the sort of rights no one can trample upon or try to deny them. Politics, as far as we know, is a game where players feel free to be who they are. Therefore that some former members of APGA, the ruling party in the state, have decided to move to another party is still part of the game of politicking. No one can deny them of that right. Indeed, decamping, cross-carpeting and political re-alignments are all part of the game,” he said.

Danu who was once the Secretary-General of Ichida Town Union and a former civil servant contended that this is a society where people are free to associate with whomsoever they wish. “It depends on the person and who he or she wants to associate with. I have no quarrel with those who have elected to dump our party for another. I felt however that it would have been better if they had remained in the party. This is so because it was APGA that gave them the limelight. It was APGA that sponsored them into where they are today. All the same, everything is left for the Nigerian constitution to take care of. Well, I personally wish them good luck; they can go and I must tell you here that does not in any way affect APGA. The party, to the best of my knowledge, is waxing stronger and stronger. To us, the party can do without them,” he said.

Dunu, an economist, defended the party as one that has a national spread. “Let me make it clear here that APGA is not a regional party. No, it is not. The National Chairman of the party is from Anambra State, but what of other officers of the party? Have you talked about the secretary and other officers? APGA has offices in all states of the federation; we contested the senate by-election that was just conducted in Niger State and the party’s presence was visibly felt. We didn’t win, but we have the spread. Then coming down to the basics, the party must have places where it is always very strong. Our party is strong in Anambra State. There is no doubt about that and it is there for all to see.”

The lawmaker, however, made reference to the person of the Late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, whom he said his spirit is still behind the progress of the party. “In fact, the strong spirit that happens to be behind APGA is that of our great hero, the Ikemba Nnewi. You cannot deny that fact. Now, I cannot say because APGA is the one controlling Anambra State, that makes it limited to the state or the region. In Imo State, the party is strong and alive. The only thing is that we won there but they stole our mandate. But we are poised to gain it back in 2015. In Abia State too we are making serious incursions. The progress there is fast and rapid. With time, others will join. In Igboland, at times, we find it difficult to understand certain things. But once we understand and the person understands where you are going, he will follow you. Come 2015, you will see a difference. I can assure you of that.”

Concerning the efforts being put in place to ensure that the Igbo cultural and linguistic values are not allowed to fizzle out, the lawmaker said; “Well, in the first place, it is not the responsibility of the House to force people to keep to their cultures and norms. It is not necessarily for the Assembly. This is a job and responsibility of everyone who calls himself an Igbo man or woman. Yes, the Assembly will lead the way; it will set examples for others to follow. But other persons must follow. Indeed, there is a need for Igbo cultural revival. Our children are missing it and we are missing our children. Most of them do not know how to speak their mother tongue again. It is a cause for concern and with the law the State Assembly enacted that said every Wednesday of the week both the government and the people, in fact every official transaction in the state must be in Igbo, we have set the pace already.”

So far, most Houses of Assembly in Igbo land have insisted that the local language be taught in all the catchment areas. This way, children are made to be in tune with their language and are able to communicate very well in it.

On the insinuation that APGA is gradually collapsing into the PDP, he said, “No that is not true. What we are saying is that President Jonathan is doing well. And since he is doing well, let us give him a second chance. The support is not for the PDP; it is for the president so that he will have the opportunity to do more. There is no way our great party can collapse into another one,” he stated with deep conviction.

October 5, 2014
2015: PDP may lose Rivers to APC, says group

THE declaration by the chairman of the Rivers State chapter of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Felix Obuah, that zoning principle would not be upheld in choosing the party’s candidate for the up-coming governorship election has continued to receive knocks from members of the party in the state.

A group, the ‘Coalition of Democrats’ ( CoD), yesterday in Port Harcourt, the state capital, joined other political pressure groups in the state to campaign against the perceived plan by the PDP to impose a governorship candidate on the people.

In a statement signed by its media Director and Publicity, Philip Gbaranwi, the group predicted victory for the state APC in the election if the PDP insists on doing away with zoning and rotational arrangement for the governorship seat.

It will be recalled that Obua, after a meeting with members of his executive and party chairmen from the 23 local government areas of the state, had resolved to jettison zoning of electives offices, especially the governorship position of the state in the 2015 election. Analysts believed that the move was meant to pave way for the Supervisory Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike, to succeed Governor Chibuike Amaechi next year.

Wike and Amaechi are from the same Ikwerre ethnic nationality and of the south east senatorial district. Groups and individuals, especially from the agitating riverine and Ogoni extractions of the state, had earlier condemned the announcement, maintaining that it is wrong for another Ikwerre person to emerge governor after Amaechi.

Meanwhile, Governor Amaechi and his All Progressive Congress (APC), members have been canvassing for either a riverine or Ogoni governorship candidate to allow for equity, justice and fair play in the multi-ethnic state. Earlier several groups and organizations had opposed the plan. A delegate at the just-concluded National Conference, Annkio Briggs, had said that the state would be forced to vote against the PDP if it did not present a riverine or Ogoni candidate in 2015.

October 4, 2014