The Nation Newspaper

Tag: peaceful

  • Agbaje to Lagosians: Prepare for peaceful poll

    Agbaje to Lagosians: Prepare for peaceful poll

    Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Mr. Jimi Agbaje has asked Lagosians to prepare for credible and peaceful elections.

    He urged the people to support his bid to rule the state, assuring that he will implement people-oriented programmes, if elected as governor.

    Agbaje lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for putting in place structures that will improve the electoral process.

    In his new year message, the politician urged Nigerians to demonstrate a commitment to violence-free and fraud-proof polls.

    He said: “Everyone must realise that the elections will usually come and go. Therefore, politicians and citizens must work towards holding elections that will not end in bloodshed or lead to the dislocation of the life of ordinary Nigerians. The roadmap towards peaceful elections is through electoral sanctity. The wishes of Nigerians, as expressed through the ballot box, must remain inviolable and sacrosanct.”

    Agbaje said politicians must imbibe the attitude of President Goodluck Jonathan, who has always maintained that his ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian.

    He enjoined to be optimistic about a better Nigeria, where the country will triumph over its challenges.  Thanking God for the progress made by the country, he advised the people to support the President in his bid to move the country forward.

  • Towards peaceful 2015 elections

    Towards peaceful 2015 elections

    Members of Liberty Chamber, a students’ group at the Faculty of Law, University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) have held a public lecture on security agencies’ role in the forthcoming general elections. TOYIN ALI (300-Level Law) reports.

    What is the role of security agencies in ensuring a violence-free general election? This was the thrust of discussion at a public lecture organised by Liberty Chambers, a students’ group at the Faculty of Law of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN).

    The lecture with the theme: Security agencies and the management of electoral violence in Nigeria: Lessons for 2015 general election was held in honour of Mr Kolapo Aliyu Abdulkadir, a lawyer and Deputy Registrar at the National Maritime Authority.

    While declaring the event opened, the faculty’s Dean, Dr Yusuf Arowosaye, extolled the honoree’s virtues for his professionalism, which he said made him to become an authority in maritime law and administration.

    The dean praised members of the Liberty Chamber for charting the course for what he called “intellectual discussion” on how the election would be successful and free of controversy.

    The guest lecturer, Dr Adegboyega Kareem of the Institute for Security Studies in Lagos, said the conduct of security agents would determine whether the 2015 general elections would be peaceful, stressing that security agents must shun partisanship in order not to derail the democracy.

    He said: “As the 2015 elections draw closer, it is expected that the security agencies define their responsibilities and prevent, intercept and control electoral violence. Their conduct and loyalty to the constitution would contribute to the sustenance of democracy in the country.”

    While canvassing for a free and credible process, Kareem urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to use technology to conduct the elections. He said INEC should deploy electronic gadgets, such as video recorder to monitor campaign rallies, parties’ conventions and distribution of electoral materials during the elections.

    “These electronic gadgets would assist the INEC to prosecute violators of the numerous extant laws governing the elections as well as bring about orderliness in the process,” he added.

    The lecture was followed by the launch of Advocatus, a magazine published by staff and students of the faculty. While launching the magazine, Abdulkadir donated N100,000 in addition to other gift items given to the students.

    The honoree was presented an award for his contribution to the development of maritime law.

    Some students, who spoke with CAMPUSLIFE, praised the chamber for the event, describing it as “intellectual exercise”.

    Ali Ibrahim, a 200-Law student, said: “I am very proud to be part of this excellent team in the school. As this would be the first time a chamber of the faculty would produce a magazine.”

    Sodik Kolapo, also in 200-Level Law, described the event as unprecedented, saying it took determination and hard work to hold such event.

    In his remarks, the chamber’s president, Bamigbola Jimoh, a 400-Level Law student, thanked the honoree for personally attending the event, saying: “Your name will continue to tread in the foot print of humanity.”

    The event, held in the newly commissioned Faculty of Art Lecture Theatre, was attended by guests from within and outside the campus.

  • Peaceful, colourful Christmas in Ibadan

    IBADAN, the Oyo Stare capital and other towns in the state experienced a peaceful Christmas and Boxing Day celebrations which extended to the weekend. The celebrations were also colourful with beautifully decorated recreation centres receiving large crowds of families across the city.

    Places such as Cocoa/Heritage Mall, University of Ibadan Zoological Garden, Trans Amusement Park and Agodi Resort witnessed a surge in patronage up till yesterday as residents basked in the joy of the season.

    The large turn-out at night clubs, film houses and other recreational centres did not reflect the mood of the austerity measures announced by the federal government earlier in the month. But the traffic gridlocks that plagued Ibadan from Monday disappeared during the Christmas celebration.

    Roads such as Dugbe-Mokola, Iwo Road, Akobo, Old and New Ife Road and Sanngo were free from traffic. Police also mounted more surveillance across the state with many patrol vehicles plying major roads to prevent and quell any violence.

  • Craving for a peaceful world

    “Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man.” – Mahatma Ghandi

    With the passing of every other day, world inhabitants get aggressively intolerant with each other. Due to diminishing diplomatic composure, lack of statecraft, unwillingness to let go and self destructive instincts as occasioned by environmental degradation and population explosion, violence is brewing across hitherto peaceful borders.

    Aside states that are at arms with each other, fissiparous terrorists groups with no defined territorial boundary like Al-Qaeda, Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad alias Boko Haram, Islamic State of Iraq and Levant, ISIL, National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad, MNLA, amongst others are causing havoc, creating international nuisance and bloodshed. At every turn around the world, chaos reign supreme; Ukraine in Eastern Europe, Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan in Middle East, Somalia in East Africa, Central African Republic, South Sudan in North Africa, Mali and Nigeria in West Africa, are just few collections of unrest across the globe.

    Violence can be narrowed down to any behavior involving physical force intended to hurt, damage, or kill someone or something. The World Health Organization defines violence as “the intentional use of physical force or power, threatened or actual, against oneself, another person, or against a group or community, which either results in or has a high likelihood of resulting in injury, death, psychological harm, maldevelopment, or deprivation. Over the years, incidence of violence had grown in leaps and bounds, from medieval warring empires collecting slaves and colonizing nations, to nations at war in themselves in a civil context, to materialist wars of diamonds and crude oil that has further impoverished the people than liberate them.

    In the last decade, violence or violent uprising has been tied around religion, protecting sovereign states, seeking inclusive democracy, reducing the ownership of nuclear weapon and combating world terrorism. In Africa, violence as occasioned by rural banditry has been exponential as nomads try to seek greener pasture through relatively declining grazing lands which presumably was caused by population explosion and urban expansion.  Amidst these are also sectarian violence claiming lives every other day.

    Today, the world is unsettled, chaotic, brutish, nasty and dangerously positioned. Under the cover of religious bigotry, territorial realignment, ethnic dominance, resource control, sustenance of geographical sovereignty, expansion of political dynasty and establishment of world hegemony, human blood are being violently spilled. We are fast losing our humanity and this portray clearly that the entire world is in disarray.  We have continuously harped on our fault lines as a basis to wage and remain at war. To be frank, it is the self-centred instinct to subjugate other nations, individuals or corporations to the whims and caprices of an aggressor(s) that has continued to escalate the divide. The world as a whole needs to stand up to this challenge in the face of an abiding aphorism – threat of injustice anywhere is threat to justice everywhere.

    It was Austrian neurologist, Sigmund Freud, who tried to explain that humans naturally grow from the state of child-like impetuous actions to a state of creating balance and judging between what is right and wrong. Taking a clue from Freud’s theory of ID, Ego and Super Ego, we as humans need to know what is right or wrong. Capitalizing on the depravity of others to gain mundane advantage places a burden of rightness on every cause of action that has led to shedding of human blood; discriminatory practices, arms trading, debt burden, population explosion, climate change, economic deprivation, child labour, unemployment and gender inequality.

    Another major obstacle to attaining world peace is the proliferation of arms. Isn’t it scandalous that the nations with the highest sales in arms are the most peaceful? They are, the agent provocateurs currently running around as peace advocates. Developing nations get loans from developed nations to purchase arms to annihilate their own people. This stringed action entrenched them in the vicious circle of debt repayment that further impoverishes the people.

    Wars bring more wars not peace, even the biblical postulation of an eye for an eye as contained in the law given to Moses has been overridden by Jesus Christ’s abiding love and the will to forgive and forget. Prophet Muhammad in copious texts established that the religion he came to redefine called Islam means peace. Mahatma Ghandi once said, ”an eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.” Today, non-violence, sculpture of a knotted gun by Karl Fredrik stands permanently outside UN Headquarters in New York. The revolver with a knotted barrel and the muzzle pointing upwards tacitly depicts the need to destroy and discontinue the production of weapons of human destruction of all categories.

    Human beings are the eyes of the world; violence brings tears to the world’s eyes. The United Nations choose October 2 to commemorate and “disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness.” It advocates for “the universal relevance of the principle of non-violence” and the desire “to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence”. Despite the UN’s advocacy, peace still remains the most expensive commodity in the global market.

    It may seem that the idea of world peace is an illusion when the greed of man is not tamed, and conflict amongst humans continues unabated, but well managed human interaction hinged on structured diplomatic manoeuvring can reduce conflict to barest minimum. Truth be told, one of the major hindrance to world peace is the politics of influence exercised by the super powers that double as world police. The proliferation of small arms and its regulation within the international community is also of great concern. Inasmuch as arms can still be purchased arbitrarily at the black market, curtailing violence would remain Herculean task.

    In the bid to prevent war, some theorists advocated for a military deterrence strategy, Mutually Assured Destruction, MAD, that suggest possible annihilation of either the attacker or defender, but they would have seen the futility of the theory that seek to stockpile armour under perceived fears of attack. Rather than abate, acquiring nuclear weapons has led to more killing than bringing peace. As long as we still have states that carry nuclear, biological and chemical weapons under the umbrella of defensive weapons, peace would remain an illusion. We should remember people go to war believing that they have been cheated, they go to war to seek presumed justice, and they go to war to seek redress. As much as we try to be empathetic in regards to why they are taking arms, the world must as a point of duty condemn violence in whatever form.

    In a monograph on ‘Boko Haram, the Government and Peace Negotiation’, Professor James B. Kantiok, stated that “peace cannot be brought about by fine phrases, jingles and nice lectures; it involves hard work and sacrifice.

    Unemployment causes many to stray into the waiting hands of eccentric rebels who cash on their state of lack to buy their loyalty. We sure can achieve a non-violent world, but it would start with food on every man’s table and a sense of belonging. Corruption is also an albatross to peaceful coexistence; governmental institutions should be strengthened to monitor developmental project compliance.

    The citizens must be given a sense of belonging to participate in government and chose for themselves their representatives in a transparent, peaceful and democratically acceptable manner. Today, a huge number of youths in what has been termed ‘Umbrella Revolution’ are occupying Central Park in Hong Kong, demanding for an inclusive democracy. One can only hope it does not get too violent before the government listen to its people. Peace is not abstract, it is visual.

    Mojeed-Sanni writes from Centre for Democracy and Development, Abuja.

  • ‘2015 elections will be peaceful’

    ‘2015 elections will be peaceful’

    The Presiding Prelate of Bible Pattern Evangelical Mission, Port-Harcourt, Bishop Benjamin Solomon, clocked 50 recently. He spoke with Precious Dikewoha on his life, church and the nation. Excerpts

    WHat are you biggest memories as you clock 50?

    Actually, there are many major events in my life that are unforgettable. I could remember that I was struck with the spirit of death at the age of five and there was no hope that I could survive. My parent lost hope, everyone lost hope. It was from one ritual house to another to ensure that I survive. But when my father discovered that it was clear that I will die because of the satanic attacks, he became worried about the whole thing.

    My father himself also ran away from his hometown in 1930 because of the fear of death. So when he heard that his son was dying, he came back and took me to Sapale to watch over me. To God be the glory today I am alive.

    Another remarkable thing is how I got born again. It was in the means of struggling with the spirit of death in 1976 that I gave my life to God.  There was no hope that I will survive but with the ministry of Archbishop Idahosa, I was able to receive one of his books.

    I read it and believe what he said in the book. That was how I got my salvation. Unexpectedly I saw myself in the ministry doing the work of God. I started as an evangelist and later find myself as a pastor.  Today God has been doing a wonderful work through me and we have celebrated many testimonies through my ministry.

    What were these childhood attacks all about?

    The power of death was on me. To be specific, whenever good thing wanted to happen in my live, this spirit will reoccur. I find myself dying and waking up and at that point. I understand that my future was at stake. That mean I must die, I knew I will die and my father also knew I will die.

    So while struggling with the strange spirit, I heard that Jesus can save.  So I said if the power of God upon me can do this for me I will serve him all the days of my life. I discovered that Jesus can change all things and make a difference in my life.

    So it is the fear to escape death that led me to Christ.  Though, there are different ways that God bring people to serve him, because in my family the whole thing was clear that men don’t survive but women can survive. As I am talking to you in my own generation I am the last man standing.

    So, how has life been at 50?

    I believe strongly that I am expecting another phase of my life because God is taking me somewhere. I have a lot of testimonies to share. I have been in this work for over three decades. I got born again early enough and since then it has been one scenario and the other.

    To God’s glory one of the things that really shocked my life was the proof that Jesus is real. When God met me and said ‘this is what I want you to do for me’, I wasn’t really interested. When you see pastors in those days, you can hardly admire them. Even their parents cried for them.

    So when it became clear that I will become a pastor, I struggled very hard to escape it. My father was never happy with me. In fact, it’s like telling my father to commit suicide. I came from a family background that valued education so much with well- placed in the society. That his only son will now be somebody addressed as pastor was unthinkable.

    It wasn’t easy but I thank God that at the end I answered the divine call. When God called me in 1985-1986 that I was going to work in His vineyard as a deliverance minister, I cried.

    But I said to myself  this is not what God wants for me but God proved to me that power belongs to Him. Honestly, God proves to me that if He can use Apostle Peter he can use me. Today through my hands many have escaped death and through my hands different kinds of healing and miracles had taken place in the name of Jesus and not by my power.

    Why did you protest the ultimatum given to President Jonathan by the Northern elders?

    I protested because I don’t like seeing people playing politics of bitterness. When they made that statement, I said to myself if the northern elders can give such commands, it means they had hands in the abduction of the Chibok girls. They knew where they were kept.  And to stop Jonathan from contesting is to ensure that he didn’t get to know the hideouts of the abducted girls.

    With the assistance of America in the fight against insurgency,  I know it will take them more time to achieve result because  American have not done enough  in fighting terrorism in Africa. They were in Iraq for many years, including other African countries without being able to achieve enough results.

    It took them over ten years before they could get Bin Laden because I knew that it will take them time to achieve result here in Nigeria.  What we need now is the cooperation of the Northern elders. A lot has been said against Jonathan due to the activities of the Boko Haram in the North. There was a time when one of the northerners said if Jonathan will not contest in 2015 the issue of Boko Haram will be over.

    I think the Federal government itself is not helping matters. They should have published the names of those sponsoring Boko Haram because that is the only way we could know the truth of this insurgency.

    You supported the recent sack of resident doctors. How do you feel now that they are back to work?

    When you look at the state of the nation, you will discover that because of freedom of expression people are agitating for one thing or the other and also protesting for their rights. Look at how desperate people can be when doctors went on strike without considering that the country is in need of their service with the outbreak of Ebola.

    For me the Federal government shouldn’t have changed its mind on the sack directive.  I wanted them sacked for abandoning their duties at the critical time. Look, you can’t hold the country to ransom for things that could cripple the nation.  If you ask me I think the National Assembly has not tried enough to contain these incessant strikes.

    I don’t think there is any developed country where health and education workers go on strike as it is in Nigeria. The National Assembly can put a stop to this strike by dialoguing with the Federal government while their operation is going on and not keeping the nation on standstill.  It is only in Nigeria where education sector is being closed down for one year. But this can be handled. I also think that why people are agitating for increased of welfare and other pays is because of the huge amount of money been taken home by public office holders.

    So if a professor in the University cannot boast of N1million in two months and a House of the Assembly member gets N100 million in two months it is irritating.  People are not happy seeing those entrusted with their votes becoming millionaires overnight while they are living in misery.

    In Rivers State, many believe that there will be deaths in 2015. What is the church doing to avert this looming calamity?

    Right now, Churches in Nigeria are not sleeping. We are watchmen; I want to assure the people that 2015 elections will be peaceful. The transition we are going into is going to take people unawares because many of those who are fighting as if Nigeria is their own property will not be alive see the election.

    The church is seriously praying that those who want to cause problem in Rivers State will be crushed to death. Rivers State has been peaceful since I came to the state. And what happened in other states hardly happen here.

    2015 elections will be peaceful because the children of God have already prayed and decreed just like the powers of darkness is working harder to get innocent blood. So we are also awake to ensure that no blood is being made available for the agents of darkness.

    To get victory is to always pray for Nigeria. God has revealed that any politician who wants to cause crisis or take human life for his or her selfish interest will die before the Election Day. This is a guarantee that there will be free and fair election in 2015. There are forces working against the peace of this country because they make their wealth through crisis.

    So they are bent to ensure that the country does not have peace.  Of course, the only solution is fasting and prayer.

  • ‘2015 elections will be peaceful’

    ‘2015 elections will be peaceful’

    Elder Olaiya Phillips is the chairman of Northern States Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF). He spoke with Sunday Oguntola on the numerous challenges facing Christians in the north and the raging terror war. Excerpts:  

    NOSCEF has always alleged northern Christians are marginalised. What are some of these marginalisations? Also, are there documents or evidence to prove these?

    All NOSCEF did was to highlight the overwhelming body of evidence provided by various independent bodies and organisations.

    I would refer you to the observations made by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) in their 2014 Annual Report.  The report recognisesd that “Christian leaders in the northern states protest northern state governments’ discrimination against Christians in the denial of applications to build or repair places of worship, access to education and state-run media, representation in government bodies, and government employment.”

    The USCIRF’s findings also correspond with the conclusions of the report produced in 2012 by the Presidential Committee on the Security Challenges in the Northeast. The committee alleged neglect and a lack of concern by some state governments in the North towards Christian minorities, including a disregard for their legitimate rights and demands.

    They acknowledged some Northern state governments had deliberately denied the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy to churches and prevented the teaching of Christian Religious Studies in schools alongside Islamic Religious Studies. Their report also found evidence to suggest politicians had set up private militias in the run-up to the 2003 general elections to intimidate political opponents and voters.

    It alleged that, following the elections, and having achieved their primary purpose, the politicians cut their ties to these militias who then gravitated towards religious extremism and groups such as Boko Haram.

    In addition, in a December 2013 report, “‘Leave Everything to God’: Accountability for Inter-Communal Violence in Plateau and Kaduna States” Human Rights Watch analysed the pattern of violence that has engulfed the two aforementioned states since 2010.  The report documented how a lack of accountability for communal violence and mass murder had led to preventable cycles of violence and reprisal killings in those states.

    Are you pleased with the anti-terror war?

    I am not sure how anyone could be ‘pleased’ with the Federal and State Government’s continuing war against Boko Haram’s brand of terrorism. I am certainly not ‘pleased’ that an anti-terror war is necessary.

    Am I pleased that children continue to be kidnapped and murdered? No.  Am I pleased that whole communities, particularly communities with significant Christian populations in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe have been forced to leave behind their homes, business and belongings? No.  Am I pleased there has not been a day that has gone by this year, that the report of yet another horrific attack has occurred against innocent civilians across Northern Nigeria? No.

    The only benefit I can see is that the Nigerian public is now more aware than ever of the atrocious crimes committed by Boko Haram against innocent Nigerians of all religions and the persistent discrimination that Northern Christians face on a daily basis.  We cannot ignore their evil brand of Islamic extremism any longer.  Nigeria must face up to this task, defeat Boko Haram and end the discrimination of minorities.

    Boko Haram seems to be making serious strides lately, even declaring a caliphate in some parts of the north. Why do you think the sect appears unbeatable?

    Boko Haram is not unbeatable and I haven’t heard anyone other than their supporters and sympathisers suggest otherwise.

    The rise of Boko Haram must be placed in a wider historical context of the organisation.  When President Goodluck Jonathan introduced the State of Emergency following a wave of Boko Haram attacks at the end of 2011, the military succeeded in suppressing the group’s activity.

    You will remember that at the time the group was able to commit terrorist atrocities in major cities across the north of the country, including Abuja, Bauchi, Damaturu, Kano, Gombe, Jos and Yola.  Following the military surge, the group’0s activities were limited to the three most North-Eastern States in which they operate to this day.

    But then Boko Haram changed strategy.  Instead of large scale attack on urban centres, they began attacking remote communities in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe.  They focused on communities that were home to populations of Christians and moderate Muslims in their attempt to convert or kill those who did not agree with their extremist beliefs.

    Despite the military’s early successes they were unprepared to cope with Boko Haram’s hit- and- run tactics and have since struggled to mount a successful counter insurgency campaign.

    This is part of a wider phenomenon of global Islamic terrorists employing vicious and horrendous methods to slaughter innocent people who refuse to yield to their doctrine.  Boko Haram, Al Shabab, the Islamic State and the Taliban – this is a global problem that threatens the security of many, if not all nations.

    How soon will NOSCEF be in a position to recommend certified candidates for elections?

    NOSCEF was formed to provide a strong voice and powerful vehicle for the Northern Christian community and their support for the values of justice, equality and fairness.  It has become increasingly apparent to both NOSCEF and our members that there are very few politicians who are willing to speak up for the Northern Christian community or the values we believe in.

    For years, NOSCEF has been increasingly vocal in drawing the nation’s – and in particular both State and National level politicians’ – attention to the increasing discrimination and victimisation of the Northern Christian community.

    Yet hardly a word has been uttered on the subject on the floors of both Houses of the National Assembly.  The mere mention of the blatant political persecution of the Christian community in States such as Adamawa, Borno or Yobe is met with disregard and contempt from the Governors’ spokespeople.

    We have come to the realisation, that although we can give our community a voice, we cannot make our politicians listen.  We will therefore be actively supporting candidates of various political parties in 2015 who will finally stand up for the Northern Christian community.

    Should religion determine who rules Nigeria come 2015?

    I am sure many NOSCEF members will have a preference on who they want to vote for next year, we encourage all our members to join us in supporting political parties and candidates that will speak up for our community and demonstrate a commitment to our organisation’s values of justice, equality and fairness. The presidential candidate who is best able to do this will be receiving NOCSEF’s support.

    Do you fear that Christianity might be wiped out in the north in no distant time going by the insurgency?

    Abubakar Shekau, the leader and spokesperson of Boko Haram, has consistently stated that the group’s primary target is the Christian community.  In addition, the group has been actively encouraging other Muslims to join their campaign of violence against Christians in their local communities.

    Boko Haram’s crimes – and the surge of refugees they have created – have spread a wave of instability across Northern Nigeria and the country as a whole.  Tensions have risen within communities – from East to West, from the North, slowly creeping South – as extremists answer their call to join their campaign of jihad.

    Approximately six months ago, NOSCEF members in Taraba State – more than 500kms from the violence in the North-East – began to raise concerns following the arrival of a sudden and unprecedented influx of people from outside the region who gave the appearance of cattle herders.

    Unlike the cattle herders they are accustomed to, this new group travelled without family, arrived outside of the normal seasonal movements and were armed with sophisticated weaponry.  Shortly after their arrival, attacks against Christians increased.

    Since January this year there have been numerous reports of violence in Taraba State against the Christian population at the hands of heavily armed Islamic extremists. Hundreds of members of that Christian community have been murdered and thousands more forced from their homes.  The Islamist extremists destroyed their villages, their farms and their churches.

    While the nation’s current focus is quite rightly on vile criminals such as Boko Haram and the disgusting atrocities they commit, we must not underestimate how much danger a sectarian conflict across Northern Nigeria poses.

    Religious minorities can no longer suffer while their rights are violated.  NOSCEF cannot remain silent while Northern Christians endure persecution.  We must bring an end to the persecutions of Northern Christians before our community is consigned to the pages of history.

  • Osun 2014: Quest for peaceful elections

    Osun 2014: Quest for peaceful elections

    In Osun State, the political atmosphere is tense but concerned stakeholders are exploring and advancing ways of ensuring a peaceful governorship election in the state, reports Associate Editor, Sam Egburonu, who felt the pulse of the people this week when he visited Osogbo, Osun State capital this week for a pre-election sensitization workshop 

    As the 19 participating political parties in the Osun State governorship election flag-off the last lap of their campaigns ahead the August 9, 2015 governorship election, stakeholders and concerned observers are worried over the tensed political atmosphere in the South-West state.

    This is because actions and the body language of the principal actors, especially that of the leading candidates, almost suggest preparedness for violence. But The Nation learnt in Oshogbo that elders, officials and other concerned stakeholders are working hard to ensure free, fair and violence-free election.

    Observers said the tension may be attributed to the large number of candidates and political parties angling to take over the  Government House in Oshogbo.

    As at this weekend, there are indications that not less than 19 governorship candidates have been cleared to contest the August 9, 2014, Osun governorship election.

    Some of the candidates include, Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Iyiola Omisore of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Fatai Akinbade of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Olusegun Akinwusi of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Niyi Owolade of Accord Party (A), Adeoye Adeyinka of AA, Senator Sunday Olawale Fajinmi of AD, Prof. Akintunde Adebimpe Adetunji of APGA, Alhaji Rafiu Shehu Anifowoshe of CPP, Ganiyu Abiodun Lawal of PPA, Adeoti Ibrahim Abiodun of UPN amongst others.

    “Though we all expected issue-based campaign, given the large number and the quality of the aspirants, we are worried because what we are seeing today are more of character assassination and tendency to be violent,” said Muyiwa Olatunde, a teacher and social analyst in Oshogbo. Olatunde said “as a result of what we are seeing, we are afraid of what will happen during the forthcoming election.”

    So, as at Thursday, July 17, 2014, when the office of the Special Adviser to the President on Inter-Party Affairs organised a well attended Osun State Governorship Election Sensitisation Workshop at Leisure Spring Hotel, Oshogbo, some of the governorship candidates present, while pledging their willingness to ensure peaceful election in August, accused the two leading candidates, Governor Rauf Aregbesola of APC and Senator Iyiola Omisore PDP, who were personally absent, of being responsible for most of the reported cases of violence so far.

    They accused the top candidates of deploying armed thugs, sharing money to buy support and making reckless utterances calculated to heat up the polity.

    As would be expected, the major speakers at the seminar highlighted the evils of violence in the polity and advised all to eschew violence in the interest of the state and the people.

    The convener, Senior Adviser to the President on Inter-Party Affairs (SAP-IPA), Senator Ben Obi, emphasised the fact that all well-meaning Nigerians should be the most concerned when the electoral environment is over-heated by aggressive and provocative language, threats and other forms of intimidation. He concluded by saying, “Osun State, all eyes are on you to address the tense political atmosphere and eschew political infamy.”

    The chairman of the workshop, Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (Rtd), in his speech read on his behalf by a representative, observed that “a country cannot be truly democratic until its citizens have opportunity to choose their representatives through elections that are free and fair but we are all aware that the public expectations are on the low side as they are wary of political parties and politicians.

    In his key-note address, the Vice President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Issa Aremu, called on Nigerian politicians to de-emphasize personalities and elevate ideas, adding, “Let’s have a healthy debate about fixing electricity, reviving the railways and repositioning our foreign policies instead of throwing missiles at each other.”

    The Guest Speaker, Prof. Kayode Soremekun of the Department of Political Science and International Relations, Covenant University, Ota, in a paper entitled, “From Maigad to Megida: Violence as the Nemesis of Electoral Politics in Nigeria,” observed that “it seems as if violence as a weapon of political redress against electoral fraud is becoming a cataclysm in Nigeria politics.” He therefore said: “One of the ingredients of development is the existence of an acceptable means of leadership succession. Indeed, the perception of political competition as a zero-sum game is an evidence of underdevelopment.”

    In his contribution, Dr. Yunuso Tanko, the Chairman of Inter-Party Advisory Council identified three issues he described as fundamental to the achievement of peaceful election. First, “if you want peace, make sure you give peace. The second is that our political leaders must learn to consult widely to carry the people along and finally, “please, do not be greedy.”

    Other speakers, who spoke in the same fashion include: INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, and Head of Political section of the European Union, Paul Edwards. While Jega, in a speech read by his representative, said if candidates, parties and their agents abide by existing electoral rules, elections would be free, fair and violence-free, Edwards said “democracy is a journey, a journey that never ends,” adding that “Osun election will be another step in this journey.” The diplomat however warned that in Osun election, whoever gets into power, the winner must be the people, for in democracy power belongs to the people.”

    Part of the 8-point resolutions of the workshop, according to a communiqué, signed by all the political parties include: That pre-election sensitisation workshops have continued to be veritable platforms for inter-party interactions, concretizing the ideals of democracy and achieving the objectives of free and fair elections in Nigeria; that politicians and public office seekers should know that in any election, the people should be the ultimate winner and so the gubernatorial election in Osun State should demonstrate that forthcoming election should advance the process of democratic process; that there is the need to avoid over-heating of the political atmosphere by shunning aggressive and provocative language, threats and other forms of intimidation; that ideas, not just personalities should reign supreme in political discourse in Osun State; that adequate security be provided during the election period to prevent election mal-practices and ensure that voters exercise their civic duty without let or hindrance….”

    Even before the July 17 workshop, elders, agencies and other stakeholders, who had expressed concern over the signals that all may go awry have called on all the candidates and the participating political parties to exercise caution and ensure peaceful election.

    For example, shortly after the recent violent attacks between individuals alleged to be APC and PDP supporters in Ile-Ife, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, called a press conference in his palace where he handed down stern warning to all political actors in the forthcoming election “to eschew acts capable of breaching the peace of the ancient town.”

    At the conference, Oba Sijuwade, who spoke through the Obalufe of Ife, Oba S. F Omisakin, said “the attention of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, has been drawn to the recent waves of violence orchestrated by politicians in some areas in Ile-Ife”.

    According to him, “landlords and tenants, residing in Ile-Ife and its environs, are hereby enjoined to embrace peace in the conduct of their political activities. Political parties concerned are advised to refrain from violence and play politics in the most peaceful style of Chief Obafemi Awolowo of the blessed memory”.

    The royal father also said:”Ooni remains committed to Ife sons and daughters, who have been contributing both in cash and kind to the progress and development of Ile-Ife, but says capital NO to violence, political thuggery as miscreants, lawless and political thugs shall be handed over to the law enforcement agencies”.

    He added: “Senator Iyiola Omisore, Rauf Aregbesola, Fatai Akinbade, Segun Akinwusi and others contesting the governorship election are all my sons,” adding, “I have no preferred candidate among all the candidates’ they are all my children. There is none of them that would emerge as the winner that can neglect Ile-Ife, this is because they are all from the source”, he said.

    Other stakeholders and the actors have spoken in similar fashion. For example, the All Progressives Congress (APC) recently said it would do everything to ensure a peaceful conduct of the Aug. 9 governorship election in Osun.

    Sen. Chris Ngige, APC chieftain and former governor of Anambra, who made the statement on behalf of his party told newsmen after a meeting of the party’s leaders at Government House, Osogbo that the meeting was centred on how to ensure that peace prevail before, during and after the election.

    “Peace is what we have been talking about because we need peace to conduct election but sometimes to achieve peace, we have to make extra efforts,’’ he said.

    Mr Segun Oni, a former governor of Ekiti, also confirmed that resolve when he said the ruling party would do everything possible to ensure that Osun election was credible, free and fair.

    In his own reaction, the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Lai Muhammed, warned the powers that be against rigging the governorship election in Osun State under whatever guise, saying that it will be “foolhardy for anybody to attempt to rig election in Osun state.”

    The PDP has also pledged to ensure a violence-free Osun election. Earlier in the week, it was no less a PDP leader than the Vice President, Namadi Sambo, that gave the assurance.

    According to him, “Mr. President has assured that there will be free and fair election and we must put back our strength and strategies that Osun State people are given another opportunity to decide their mandate.

    “The ruling party comprises of respected elders, traditional rulers, the youth, women and everybody, who would not do anything to cause trouble.

    “We are a peaceful party and we are looking forward to have a peaceful election in Osun State,” he said.

    The umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is also not left out.

    Recently, the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Segun Agbaje, said his commission is aware of the political tension in Osun and will do everything within its powers to be on top of the situation during the elections.

    According to him: “There will be improved security deployment. I cannot say the level of security deployment in Osun will be less than that of Ekiti. This is because of the utterances of the political leaders and the heavy threat of violence.”

    The assurances notwithstanding, people who spoke to The Nation in Oshogbo during the week, expressed fear. “From what we see on daily bases here in Oshogbo and in other parts of the state, I think it will only take innovative strategies to stop the supporters of the desperate candidates from fomenting trouble on the day of election. That is why we are worried,” said Mrs. Gbemi Odukoya, a nurse in Oshogbo.

    Is INEC ready?

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured Nigerians that it is prepared for the August 9, 2014 governorship election in Osun State.

    Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Segun Agbaje, gave this assurance recently at an event tagged “Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room,” a platform organised by the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) for civil society organistions to assess the level of INEC’s preparedness for the Osun election.

    The REC explained that of the 1,407,222 total registered voters in the state, INEC has distributed permanent voter cards (PVC) to 63 percent, translating to 792,200 of the registered voters, adding that 1,250,569 of such PVC were received from the INEC headquarters before July 11.

    According to him, his commission will engage in its final phase of PVC distribution on July 26 and 27.

    Other materials for the Osun election include about 7,000 mats, which according to the REC have been “ordered to complement available bedding facilities provided in all the Registration Areas Centres (RACs) to afford INEC officials the minimum comfort preparatory to their deployment to the field.”

    On the security of the supplied electoral materials, Agbaje however said only non-sensitive electoral materials have so far been deployed and that the commission will wait until August 6, before it will allow the release of more sensitive materials from the state’s branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    The electoral umpire said INEC has done all it can to ensure that the Osun election would end up as an improvement on the Ekiti election.

    “The Anambra case was not as bad as being portrayed.  If Ekiti is said to have been an improvement, we want to build on that improvement with the Osun election to ensure that we have the best in 2015,” he said.

    Agbaje, who confirmed that 19 candidates have been cleared to contest the election, warned that no voter will be allowed to cast ballot without PVC.

  • Vision for a peaceful Nigeria

    In 2001, my cousin Sadie Ette was among victims of the September 11 tragedy. It is now more than 13 years since that tragic incident changed our world, and even though there is still pain and anguish for me and other members of her family, I find the ideals of Peaceful Tomorrow (an organization established by family members of 9/11) as one that could be replicated in Nigeria to tackle the incessant strife, tribal conflicts, and terrorist attacks that have led to unnecessary bloodshed and property destruction in Nigeria in the past few years.

    The Peaceful Tomorrow’s organization (of which I am a member) was launched as a project of the Fellowship of Reconciliation – USA in February 2002. The name of the organization comes from a statement made by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., that “Wars are poor chisels for carving out peaceful tomorrows.”

    What founding members of this organization share is “a belief that the violence that took their loved ones’ lives could spin out of control, and fear could be manipulated by politicians and the media to justify foreign and domestic policies that would increase violence while decreasing U.S. citizens’ rights and liberties over the years to come.”

    I believe these ideals can also be used as a peace-initiative template (either collaboratively or independently) in Nigeria, especially with a world that is now so interconnected in many ways.

    For instance, Sadie was born in the USA but her parents, who attended school in Georgia are from Eket, Akwa Ibom State. I am a first cousin of Sadie, and to emphasize how interconnected we are: My mom (who Sadie lived with while attending school in Ekpoma) is from Eket , my dad from Benin, I did my youth service at the Nigerian Military School in Zaria, worked in Lagos, travelled extensively across the country as a journalist before emigrating to the USA in 1989.

    And from these varied experiences the simple truth is we are all one; what every family desires is peace, stability, sustenance and a roof over their heads.

    One of the biggest challenges in this century will be how much attention our leaders pay to international integration as well as events in other parts (like the terrorist incidents in Nigeria) that could have a cascading effect on other parts of the world.

    In fact, President Barack Obama harped on this fact in 2009 during a visit to Ghana, when he said: “The 21st century will be shaped by what happens not just in Rome or Moscow or Washington, but by what happens in Accra as well…This is the simple truth of a time when the boundaries between people are overwhelmed by our connections. Your prosperity can expand America’s prosperity. Your health and security can contribute to the world’s health and security. And the strength of your democracy can help advance human rights for people everywhere.” While this speech was intended for Ghanaians, I believe the message resonates for countries like Nigeria as well, which has in the last few years, been struggling with issues that threaten the countries security and stability.

    World leaders and organizations need to put more emphasis on introducing lasting peace initiatives on the African continent not just because of its importance, but also because it is the right thing to do.

    Africa is increasingly becoming important in this era of globalization, so it is crucial that the western World begins to invest in sustainable development initiatives here, and not just on only what can be derived from the continent. The fact that World Bank statistics identifies seven of the 10 fastest growing economies as being on the African continent places more importance on peace and stability.

    This point was also emphasized by former UN Ambassador and civil rights leader Andrew Young at a lecture I attended October 2012 in Oakland, California organized by the Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Center. In his speech titled “I Dream a World that Works” presented at the Barbara Lee (U.S. Congresswoman) and Elihu Harris (former Oakland Mayor) Lecture Series, Young projected that America’s leadership role will have to be intertwined with what it does to ensure success and stability in the African continent.

    I was in Nigeria a few weeks after that conference, and one of the items that dominated the news while I was there was an attack on a Catholic church in the northern Nigeria city of Kaduna that left scores dead and many others wounded.

    In fact these kamikaze-style attacks have become a recurring trend continuing into 2014, especially in the north-eastern part of Nigeria and have the potential of triggering a deeper ethnic conflict if not stemmed. In addition to this the Niger Delta region has been restive for some time now, too. In fact these attacks have now become so bloody, frequent and daring that Nigerians are now beginning to ask themselves: What is really going on?

    With an economy that the Economist magazine has predicted will soon outpace South Africa’s economy to become Africa’s largest economy, it is important that the world begins to pay more attention to this scourge in Nigeria.

    It is encouraging to see recent partnerships between Nigeria and the United States in tackling this scourge’ solidified by a Nigeria-U.S. Bi-National Commission meeting in Abuja in February.

    Following the meeting the U.S. Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, assured that with the backing of the U.S. the Nigerian government and its military will defeat Boko Haram.

    But the Nigerian government still needs to step up the pace and utilize every resource at its disposal in stemming this tide especially as we approach an election year.

    • Edokpayi is Nigerian-American journalist and strategic communications expert.

  • Lawmaker urges peaceful co-existence

    A Member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, representing Mushin Constituency 1, Mrs Adefunmilayo Tejuoso, has urged Muslims and Christians to live in peace to promote development in the country.

    At a Ramadan prayer lecture held at the Odi Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA) Secretariat, she said Muslims should use the holy period to embrace their Christian neighbours and bury any difference that exist among them.

    She said: “As a representative of the people, you have to be able to identify with those who are in your religion and those who share other beliefs. We have to appreciate Ramadan and encourage our people to do well to those who come their way.

    “This is the time to give to the less-privileged; it is a period when you have to be charitable. Even when you have lots of money and you don’t give to those who are in need, it means you are not doing what God wants. Ramadan offers such a moment and that is why I urge my Muslim brethren to show love to their Christian brethren by coming together so that we can make progress in our country.”

    She stated that those who want peace must learn to share with others who don’t have. According to her, it is only when the haves share with the haves-not that they could sleep with their eyes closed.

    “Though I am a Christian, I have come to appreciate the Ramadan period, to take part in this prayer session, to pray for the development of our constituency, the state and the country.

    “You should also remember that in Lagos State, there is no religious divide, there is complete harmony here. We want the country to know that when there is peace, there will be growth, development will happen and our people would be better for it.

    “If you respect other peoples’ religion, it does not mean you are changing to their religion but we must know that we are all created by God and it is Him that we are worshipping,” she said.

    “If you must live in peace with someone you must be tolerant and appreciate religious divides. The Christians should learn to appreciate the Muslims and vice versa,” she added.

    She noted that Islam is a friendly religion which gives humanity abundant opportunities to be their brother’s keeper.

    “You see they pray five times daily, if adherents of the religion could spend as much time communicating with God and seeking His divine blessing for humanity, its means it is a peaceful religion. Those who have hidden under the cover to commit unacceptable things should have a rethink,” Mrs Tejuoso warned.

    The Chief Imam of Odi Olowo/Ojuwoye Alhaji, Abdul Gafar Shittu said there would be peace in the country because God would intervene in what is happening.

    He thanked the lawmaker for observing the Ramadan prayer session with them and prayed God to continue to strengthen her and the formers Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Muiz Banire, who he said is a strong pillar and supporter of Islam in the constituency.

  • Madiba deserves a peaceful, perfect end, says Archbishop

    Madiba deserves a peaceful, perfect end, says Archbishop

    Archbishop of Cape Town (Anglican Communion) Thabo Makgoba has offered prayer for “a peaceful and perfect end’’ for former South African President Nelson Mandela.

    Makgoba led some Christians and some members of Mandela’s family to the Mediclinic Heart Hospital in Pretoria on Tuesday night to offer prayer for the man fondly called the Madiba.

    The copy of the prayer read by Makgoba, which was made available to reporters yesterday, said: “During this hard time of watching and waiting, May we be filled with gratitude for all the good that he has done for us and for our nation.”

    It also said his legacy should be honoured through our lives.

    “‘Grant him eternal healing and relief from pain and suffering. “Grant him, a quiet night and a peaceful, perfect, end, we pray,’’ the prayer read.

    During these 19-day vigil, his family and the world, have watched as the 94-year-old slipped from what the presidency called “a stable to a critical condition’’.

    The members of Mandela’s extended family held what they called urgent and important meeting’’ at his Qunu country home in the Eastern Cape to discuss his state of health on Tuesday.

    Two of Mandela’s daughters and at least two grandchildren were seen gathering for a meeting in the village of Qunu, where the charismatic former leader spent his childhood tending cattle for his parents who lived in a mud hut.

    A senior member of Mandela’s extended family told newsmen that the meeting was called “to discuss delicate matters’’, amid speculation that the location of his eventual grave was on the agenda.

    Meanwhile, a South Africa national newspaper, “Beeld’’ reported yesterday that two hours after the meeting between Mandela’s family and government officials in Qunu, a machine digger was driven to the community just as the family members prepared to take a decision on the planned gravesite for the anti apartheid hero.

    On Tuesday, Mandela’s family members, local clan leaders and national government officials arrived at Mthatha airport and held a meeting at Mandela’s home for two hours before leaving again for Mthatha.

    Those who attended the meeting include Public Service and Administration Minister Lindiwe Sisulu and United Democratic Movement (UDM) leader Bantu Holomisa,

    Holomisa, it is believed would be involved in any future  funeral arrangements for the South African Icon, a local  newspaper ‘Beeld’ reported.

    Beeld also reported that “after the meeting, Madiba’s grandson, Ndaba Mandela, went to inspect a proposed the grave site for the South African leader.

    “A digger arrived about two hours later driven to Qunu in a truck. It is parked in Qunu about 150 metres from the proposed grave site,” the newspaper added.

    “Chief Mfundo Mtirara, a relation of Madiba, and head of the Matyenenqgina community near Qunu, said the family meeting held on Tuesday was called to discuss “very sensitive issues” and that the subject of the discussions was only known to members of family’’ the paper said.