The Nation Newspaper

Tag: point

  • The point critics of Sanusi miss

    SIR: The claim that HRH Muhammadu Sanusi II is lowering the estimation of the royal throne by his public deportment is in my opinion both incorrect and misplaced.

    In the first place, the enigma of a royal throne shouldn’t have been inspired by the semi-robotic postures of the Emirs- not answering greetings or saying the mere “ameen” to goodwill prayers personally except through some aides (as if they are incapacitated or something), not sitting in company of masses or talking freely among fellow human beings and responding to intellectual posers and tasking their subjects in productive debates.

    The eminence of royal institution should be one that is inspired by excellence in positivity- some unique quality of intellection and confidence to stand for the bitter truth against odds, or some bold move to redefine the age-long Islamically incompatible traditions of the palace and the royal line in general.

    So, if the nature of leadership of the traditional Institution is truly Islamic, we shouldn’t find offence in Emir Sanusi bowing over to speak with some governors, or because he sat right in the middle of student audience in the Bayero University Kano symposium etc.

    Islam is a humble religion. His ways may not appeal to the orthodox fan base of the blue-blooded royalties really, but are massively disarming the teaming antagonists of the institution who see no sense in the overly egotistic styles of the royal palace.

    We are beginning to identify with the institution as truly ours.

     

    • Habibu abubakar,

    habubakar992@gmail.com

  • ‘Why Jakande is still a reference point’

    ‘Why Jakande is still a reference point’

    Alhaja Sikirat Abimbola Jakande, wife of former Lagos State Governor Lateef Jakande, is 70 today. In this interview with Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU and MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE, the former First Lady explains how she met the eminent politician, his style in office and his triumphs over political vicissitudes.

    How do you feel celebrating 70?

    I feel great celebrating 70 years. I am so happy for the wonders God has done in my life. I cannot say anything other than thank God for His mercy upon my life. I thank God for saving my life in moments of difficulties and for giving me the grace to be 70 years. I pray that God will continue to uphold me and protect me from any evil.

    How did you meet your husband?

    I met him at Ibadan, in the home of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, while I was working with Mama HID Awolowo. When he approached me for marriage, I consulted with Mama Awolowo and they gave me their consent because they knew him very well. He is a man they trusted. Though he was a journalist, that was not what attracted him to me. It was his closeness to the Awolowo family. He was like a son to them; they knew his quality and honesty of purpose. I did not have any difficulty in accepting his proposal because Mama Awolowo gave him a pass mark.

    Did you ever imagine that he would be great in life?

    Whatever any one will be in life, it will be in accordance with destiny. God is the one that can specify the extent people can go in life. Nobody can be categorical on what will happen later in life. When he was a journalist, he used to visit the Tribune Office, Ibadan every week. I never knew whether he would become a governor or minister. But, one thing happened. We got married and we have been living together.

    When he became governor, how did you feel?

    I am a simple person by nature and up till now, I am still a simple person. I have not become arrogant simply because my husband became governor. My husband and I lead a simple life. When he was governor, we allowed everybody unrestricted access to our house. We accommodated everybody, irrespective of tribe. Our house was home to Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and other tribes. We still maintain the same style up till now. This place you are conducting this interview was the same place we lived when he was governor and that is where we are still living. You don’t need to fill any form or observe certain protocols before you access our place. There was a police officer attached to Alhaji Jakande. he drew the attention of Alhaji to the fact that he needed to restrict people because of the way they freely came to see him. But, Alhaji told him that the people voted for him and he could not prevent them from seeing him. That was how he handled the matter. People are still commending him for his style of government, which allowed people to freely see him. They have continued to pray for him. they said he did well as governor of Lagos. Last week, when we went to Lagos Island in preparation for my birthday, a woman told Alhaji that no administration can compare with his. We did not harass anybody and he was a simple man. For four years, we remained in this house when he was governor. We accommodated people and up till now, people are still coming for help.

    How did you cope with the life of the wife of a politician whereby your husband never had the time to attend to issues at home?

    I never took this thing seriously. So, nobody will say that Alhaja is not good. Just as he was busy, I was equally meeting people who desired attention. Whoever came looking for Alhaji was given the seat to wait for him, if it was not urgent. I did my bit to give him the necessary support.

    How did you feel when the military sacked your husband as governor and he was not allowed to complete his tenure?

    We did not carry this thing on our head. I was here when the military came knocking my doors. The security man came knocking my door. I asked him what was the matter, but he could not respond. I initially thought it was armed robbers that came. The soldiers had gone to the nearby police station to ask for the residence of my husband. When the police showed them our house, they could not believe that Jakande would be living in that type of apartment they saw. They did not meet Alhaji at home because he went to Badagry. We tried to reach Alhaji, not knowing that all the soldiers had disconnected communication lines. So, I started moving from one place to the other in search of Alhaji. It was on my way back home, I saw his driver, who told me that Alhaji was taken to the Ikeja Cantonment. When I met him there, he asked me to bring for him clothes, food and praying mat. I went there and met him. He told me that the soldiers had done their home work and found that it was only him among other governors who never travelled abroad during their tenure. It was true. It was only Alhaji who did not travel outside the country during the fours year of his administration. They told him at the cantonment that we should not worry, that no harm would be done to him. The late General Sani Abacha even asked his wife to make provision for the feeding of Jakande while at the cantonment.

    He was detained for 18 months. how did you cope with the situation?         

    I had to be strong during the period. I was not feeling bad because I knew he did nothing wrong. He did well as a governor; there was no misconduct of any form. He was a hard working man who did his best for the state. Even, when the wives of the commissioners visited me, I attended to them the same way I am doing right now. I was fully convinced that my husband would be free because he did commit any crime. I took food to him and whatever I prepared for him, he ate. Up till now, he does not have a particular choice of food he eats at any point in time. So, I simply prepare good food for him that he will like up till today. He is not a problem to me when it comes to eating.

    At a time, Jakande wanted to be President of Nigeria. Did you feel bad that the dream did not come true?

    I did not feel bad for any reason. The first day he broke the news to me that he wanted to contest for the President of Nigeria, it came as shock. Lawyer Awotesu came to our house and wanted to find out from me whether Alhaji wanted to contest for the President of Nigeria? He said they would not allow Chief Olu Falae to contest. I told him Alhaji was not contesting because I knew he does not have the money. If you want to contest for any position in Nigeria, you must have plenty money. And we don’t have money. But, I cannot say we are poor. All that I know is that anything you intend to do in Nigeria, you must have money. But, three days after, on Sunday morning, Alhaji called me and told me that he wanted to run for the President. It was like someone hit the hammer on my head. I asked him about the money. He said he has no money, but his love for the country was propelling him to serve. He said Nigeria was like a cracked wall and if it is allowed to go on like that, it would collapse and when that happened, nobody will be able get it standing. If people like Baba Awolowo were to be around, he would have urged Baba to go and contest for the third time. He said he would not want God to blame him for not utilising the knowledge he gave him. The day he broke the news I had headache, I told him people will mock him because he does not have the kind of money. He went to see General Ibrahim Babangida and gave him his plan of action. Babangida commended him for his ideas and he travelled across the country to sell his manifesto. Babangida later aborted the transition programme. So, nothing bothered me about the whole exercise. He wanted to serve and he never planned to go there to look for money. Since that is the case, I was not disappointed about it. If he was allowed to run, he could have done more than what he achieved in Lagos.

    Afenifere blamed him for not resigning as Minister under Abacha. How did you feel when this happened?

    I am not afraid of anybody. I know all the Afenifere peoples’ condition and character. When Alhaji wanted to be a minister, Senator Adefuye and General Oladipo Diya came to see Alhaji that Chief M.K.O Abiola asked them to see Alhaji. It was Abiola himself that nominated Alhaji for the Minister of Works and Housing because of his performance in Lagos State. He said they did not want to make Chief Bola Ige minister. that was why Chief Ebenezer Babatope was used to replace Ige. Mama Mobolaji Osomo was nominated by Papa Adekunle Ajasin for ministerial position. Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Abiola himself came here and met Alhaji. Alhaji asked Abiola what about June 12, Abiola said there was no problem. After their discussion and immediately they left, Alhaji called all the local government chairmen of Lagos State and they were here. I made breakfast for all of them. Alhaji briefed them about what transpired and they put what was discussed to vote. It was only Bayo Osiyemi that objected and Alhaji said majority carried the vote. He accepted to serve as minister. Those shouting that Alhaji did not allow Abacha to release Abiola were not making honest statement. When Abiola was informed that he would be placed on house arrest, Alhaji persuaded him to accept the condition because they cannot harm him under house arrest. But, some people misadvised Abiola and put him into problem and he never accepted house arrest. The people who misadvised him are the Afenifere. The Oba of Lagos even castigated the people who misadvised him and said they had no common sense. If Alhaji had resigned, they probably would have killed him. But, nobody came here to tell Alhaji that he should leave the government for one reason or the other. Nobody can say Alhaji is a bad man or corrupt politician. He is a honest and hard working man. You can depend on him. even, Alhaji Shehu Shagari said if only Alhaji became a member of his cabinet, he would be happy. Alhaji and Baba Awolowo never quarreled. The people that are not honest, who are bent on getting something are the ones trying to destroy his name. The quality of Alhaji is there and nobody can take that away from him. I am not trying to over praise him, but what I know is that he will not think of evil about anybody. Even, when you come to report someone to Alhaji that such a person is insulting him, Alhaji will not say anything, until he sees that person and ask him.

    What is your assessment of women participation in politics?

    I must say what a man can do, a woman can also do. Women are now fighting for positions in government. And if any government must fill five positions, let women occupy at list two slots from the five. We are the one working for them to attain any position they want to attain. Besides, women are more than men, in terms of number. My advice to women politicians to participate well and accommodate shades of opinion in their areas. They should consider what people will say after leaving office.

  • Orji happy with point at Sharks

    Orji happy with point at Sharks

    Heartland chief coach, Bethel Orji, has approved as quite satisfactory the score draw at Sharks.

    The Naze Millionaires were forced to a 1-1 draw by the Garden City landlords in a Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) match day 14 clash on Sunday, at the Liberation Stadium, Port Harcourt.

    NPFL top scorer Bright Ejike scored the match opener while Fortune Omoniwari evened scores for the home side in the dying minute of the encounter.

    Orji said his wards could have done better if they had normal preparation without the distraction over the cash crunch crisis.

    “It’s a good result for us given the crisis that preceded the game with threat of boycott and inadequate preparation.

    “I think picking a point on the road in such circumstances and against no mean an opponents, Sharks is good.

    “I’m certain we could have done far better than we performed if everything had been in the right places for us.

    “Sharks are good and experienced side, they actually gave good account of themselves in the encounter.

    “Football is a 90 minutes game, we scored quite early in the game, held on until the hosts pulled the equaliser in the dying minutes of the game,” said the former Enyimba Feeders and OUK coach to supersport.com.

    The shared points at Sharks takes the Owerri outfit’s total earnings to 22 from a possible 42 in the 14-week old Nigerian top flight.

  • LAGOS as unique selling point

    More than just a publicity stunt, the projection of the political vision of Lagos State governorship hopeful Akinwunmi Ambode through an inventive acronym, LAGOS, bespeaks thoughtfulness. At the well-attended October 24 ceremony at the Onikan Stadium, Lagos, where he formally expressed his desire to govern the state, Ambode of the All Progressives Congress (APC) declared: “Our message is LAGOS. LAGOS is Leadership, LAGOS is Accountability, LAGOS is Good Governance, LAGOS is Opportunities and LAGOS is Service. This is what I stand for.”

    It is interesting, and a demonstration of impressive originality, that he has been able to package his guiding principles in a capsule named after the state he seeks to govern. More importantly, his antecedents indicate that he is a man who can walk the talk. His credentials in leadership, accountability and service are showcased and reinforced by the well-publicised letter of commendation he received from Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola following his voluntary retirement from the state civil service after a 27-year career that he ended as the Accountant-General from 2006 to 2012.

    At the risk of repetitiveness, the well-quoted letter simply cannot be ignored or downplayed in considering Ambode’s suitability for the office of governor. Fashola reportedly wrote, in what stands as a glowing testimony to Ambode’s observed and undeniable quality: “I write on behalf of the people of Lagos to commend your high sense of dedication, selflessness and integrity which you brought to bear on the civil service. I wish to specifically remark that working closely with you has been of tremendous mutual benefit, particularly in the present administration.” He continued: “You have displayed high sense of professionalism and have been a good team player, guided by the philosophy of a true public officer, who must place himself last while rendering service to the public. We are convinced that your brilliance and zeal will make you excel in your future endeavours.” It is beyond question that Fashola knew what he was talking about, and that his striking song of praise for Ambode was firmly rooted in reality.

    It is unsurprising that Ambode, 51, the Chief Executive Officer of Brandsmiths Consulting, made a passing reference to the characterisation at his May 15 book launch at the Civic Centre, Lagos.  The presentation of two books, Public Sector Accounting by Ambode, and his biography, The Art of Selfless Service by Marina Osoba, provided a fitting forum for him to bask in the glory of his recognition.   “The letter of commendation by Fashola is my gold medal for public service,” Ambode said at the event.

    Perhaps the most credible governorship hopeful in Lagos State today, irrespective of whether the other aspirants belong to his party or are members of rival parties, Ambode represents a positive mix of knowledge-driven vision and experience of the workings of the administrative system, qualities which Lagos would require of its next political helmsman to build on the acknowledged achievements of the Fashola era. It is instructive to note that Ambode himself has signified his intention to pursue “continuity of excellence.”

    It is probable that such pursuit would require a reimagined governmental approach to cope with the increasing challenges of a megacity with a population of over 10 million, which may soon become a metacity with at least a population of 20 million. Indeed, an individual with Ambode’s broad perspective, reinforced by post-retirement training in top international business and leadership institutions, may be in a better position to manage the diversity of the populace for the social good.

    This is certainly not the time, or more precisely, the time is past when governorship aspirants, especially in Lagos, with its urban sophistication, would expect that all it takes is mouthing populist slogans without manifest competence in what may be considered essential to modern governance, namely, a solid developmental visualisation informed by a practical blueprint. In this regard, Ambode’s concrete history recommends him.

    In particular, Ambode’s critical role in the creation of the State Treasury Office (STO) should be of special significance in rating him as a governorship aspirant. The STO has been acknowledged as a ground-breaking development which has fundamentally improved how the state’s funds are raised, budgeted, managed and spent. It goes without saying that Ambode’s demonstrated authoritative grasp of treasury issues would most likely be an advantage. ”If we take the concept of resource generation, allocation and distribution into cognisance and apply the principles of good governance, we will achieve economic growth and development,” Ambode said while presenting a paper titled “Public Finance: Probity and Accountability” at a workshop organised in August by the Lagos State Government and the Lagos Business School.

    Also important is Ambode’s work experience at the local government level, given that the so-called third tier is regarded as the closest to the people. Ambode himself observed: “If you work successfully at Local Government level and you are able to make a difference, there is nowhere else you cannot work successfully.”

    It is noteworthy that, beyond his respected financial wizardry and managerial mastery, Ambode’s claim to selfless service, which is also recognised, is another plus. This aspect may be considered fundamental because a leader without a correct sense of service is ultimately negative.  Service to the people, in the purest sense of the concept, is apparently not alien to Ambode.  According to him, “A true leader sees his work as selfless service towards a higher purpose. A true leader should be judged by what he has not – ego, arrogance and self interest.”

    Demonstrable commitment to good governance and ability to deliver what the people yearn for should rank among the uppermost qualifications for the type of progressive leadership that would benefit the state at this point in time. As Fashola prepares to leave the stage, the state deserves an exemplary successor who will be focused on excellence in office informed by a mastery of wealth creation and a humanitarian orientation.

    In a newspaper interview, Ambode shed light on his understanding of good governance, which is an essential aspect of his vision. He said:  “In essence, the elected government is like a caretaker for the rest of the people, overseeing their resources on their behalf. The citizens remain the landlord while the elected officials are only caretakers.”  He further said: “Arising from this, good government can only thrive where the resources of the people are judiciously distributed to various sectors/needs in the society in a just and equitable manner that makes life easier for every person.”

    Ambode’s positioning with LAGOS, in the countdown to the APC governorship primary election in the state, and indeed next year’s general elections, deserves serious attention from the electorate, considering his profile and the unassailable evidence of its genuineness.

  • Eagles claim a point in Cape Town

    Eagles claim a point in Cape Town

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria claimed their first point in qualifying after drawing 0-0 with South Africa in their African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at Cape Town Stadium.

    Chances were hard to come by in the opening 45 minutes, as South Africa and Nigeria went into the halftime break with the scores tied at 0-0.

    South Africa were seeing a lot of the ball early on, and were asking most of the questions in the first half, with Sibusiso Vilakazi proving to be a bit of trouble for the Nigeria defence.

    The home side nearly went ahead in the eighth minute as Manla Masango broke down the right flank and his cross ended at up at the feet of Oupa Manyisa, but his effort was blocked by Efe Ambrose.

    It took a while for Stephen Keshi’s men to get into the game and they produced their first meaningful effort on target, with Nosa Igiebor blasting just over the bar from the edge of the area.

    Keshi was hoping to see more from Russia-based duo, Ahmed Musa and Emmanuel Emenike, with the latter virtually non-existent in the first half.

    Tokelo Rantie came close to giving Bafana the lead in the 60th minute, the striker latched onto a through ball from Andile Jali, before firing one into the side-netting.

    The Super Eagles nearly took the lead in the 80th minute, as substitute Osaguona’s header was cleared off the line by Erick Mathoho.

    Minutes later and South Africa almost went ahead, as Rantie was left one on one with Austin Ejide, but the Super Eagles goalkeeper did well to deny the striker.

    Keshi’s men pushed on for the winner in the closing stages but they could not break the deadlock and had to settle for a point.

  • ‘Stopping spot kicks has always been my strong point’

    ‘Stopping spot kicks has always been my strong point’

    Prime FC goalkeeper Adejare Adeniyi has revealed the secret behind his penalty saves in the ongoing Federation Cup tournament.  The 22-year-old, who has sharp reflexes in goal, said he had been a keen penalty stopper since his secondary school days at the Anglican Grammar School, Ogbomoso.

    Adejare became a hero at the club after saving the Omoluabi Giants in four Federation Cup matches which they won via spot-kicks at the ongoing tournament.

    He was instrumental to Prime defeating El-Kanemi Babes in the Round of 64, edging out last year’s finalists, Warri Wolves in the Round of 32, First Bank in Round of 16 and repeated same magic against Gateway United.

    The former Crown FC safehand has saved 10 out of 20 penalties to keep the 2012 Federation Cup giant killers in this year’s tournament.

    “I thank God for my form so far. It has been the will of God, but I have been a keen penalty stopper since I was in secondary school and stopping spot kicks has always been a part of me. I thank God for the performance of the team so far,” he said.

  • 3SC target away point against Go Round

    3SC target away point against Go Round

    3SC of Ibadan have arrived Omoku ahead of today’s National League tie with Go Round brimming with confidence to hold on to the top of the table.

    The Oluyole Warriors were relegated at the end of last season but are eyeing a sensational return after just a season in the lower division. They are presently on top of the log with 33 points ahead of second placed Gabros FC of Nnewi who are on 32 points.

    The club’s Media Officer, Jubril Arowolo told SportingLife that the players were in high spirits and have vowed not to leave Omoku without anything as they seek consolidation on their first spot in the league.

    “We are in Port Harcourt and are ready for Go Round. We know it won’t be easy but our sights are set on getting something out of the tie. We are on course in the promotion race,” Arowolo told SportingLife.

    The Ibadan sides defeated Stationary Stores 3-0 in the last league encounter with goals from Nojeem Olukokun, Taofeek Adepoju and Olufemi Ajayi Junior in the 11th, 47th and 80th minutes last Wednesday.