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Tag: politician

  • Politician cautions against campaign of calumny

    Politician cautions against campaign of calumny

    Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Dr. Solomon Akin-Aina has advised aspirants to avoid campaign of calumny and character assassination, ahead of primaries and general elections.

    He lamented that political rivals have been portraying him in bad light before the party leadership out of envy by linking him with an alleged media publication, with a view to gain favour from the party leader.

    Reiterating his loyalty to the party and its National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the former Chairman of Ojo Local Government Area the peculiar character assassination i typical of political foes and desperate politician bent on denting his image.

    He dissociated himself from any embarrassing media publication, which he said is being exploited to drag his name in the mud before esteemed party leaders. He said: “Asiwaju Tinubu, our leader, and I have a common purpose as far as Ojo politics is concerned. I believe in his leadership and I have confidence on his ability to restore political logjams.”

    Akin-Aina, who said he was eminently qualified to vie for the House of Representatives in Ojo Constituency, said the contest is not a do-or-die affair.  He said: “As a Ph.D holder, I am more qualified. I have the ability, the experience, the skill, training and knowledge. I left public office in 2007. Instead of being idle, I went to the university to equip myself. I have two masters degrees and a doctorate degree in education.

    “Five of us are contesting for the House of Representatives. Those who are threatened by my intimidating profile and credential are the people behind the false publication about me. But, the leaders they seek to impress are wiser than them. Some of these aspirants have committed offences and they want to use me for settlement. I will advise them to leave me out of the predicament. One of them even said that he gave me N2 million and paid my allowances from 2007 to date. I challenge him to present the evidence before our party leaders.”

  • Four shot dead over politician’s N50,000 gift

    Four shot dead over politician’s N50,000 gift

    Four persons were reportedly shot dead when hoodlums clashed over a N50,000 cash gift by a politician in Mosafejo, Amukoko in Lagos, at the weekend.

    Those injured are in hospital.

    The politician was said to have given the money in appreciation of his constituents’ support.

    The trouble started when the hoodlums disagreed over how to share the cash.

    A group threatened to cause trouble when those with the money insisted on taking a larger share.

    It was gathered that a similar incident occurred last year when one person was killed over a N20,000 cash gift by the politician.

    A resident, who pleaded for anonymity, said one of those killed was a member of the vigilant group simply identified as Omoba.

    The source said Omoba, who resided at Opeleye Street, Ajegunle went to the scene to restore peace but was caught in the cross fire.

    The hoodlums, it was learnt trailed another man to an Indian hemp joint on Ogungbe Street and also killed him, the other two were killed at Ajenifuja Street in Amukoko.

    A resident, Tunde Saheed, advised the politician to look for other ways of rehabilitating the hoodlums and stop giving them money.

    “If not for poverty, would they have descended so low?. If he really wants to assist them he should find other means. He should not allow his gesture to cause death in this community again because it is wrong”, he said.

    A source at Amukoko Police Station confirmed that the matter was being investigated.

  • Photo: Aspirant on his kneels for votes

    Photo: Aspirant on his kneels for votes

    Hon Samson Osagie on his kneels pleading with APC members to vote for him
    Hon Samson Osagie on his kneels pleading with APC members to vote for him

  • Pastor denies link with Delta politician

    A political and religious leader in Delta North Senatorial district , Delta State, Pastor Anthony Enuenwosu, has denied a report that he is mobilising people for Chief Kenneth Gbagi’s governorship ambition in 2015.

    Enuenwosu faulted a report that he had been directed by the leader of Delta Elders, Leaders and Stakeholders Forum, Chief Edwin Clark, to work for Gbagi .

    He described the publication as false and an attempt to tarnish his image before Clark and his  teeming  followers  and create cheap publicity for Gbagi in his quest to occupy Government House.

    The clergy man said:  “I want to make it categorically clear that I, Pastor Anthony Enuenwosu, state that at no time did I make a statement that our National Leader, Clark has directed me to fully mobilise my Delta North people to work and ensure that Kenneth Gbagi goes to Delta Government House.  I never discuss that with  Clark and at no time made such statement. Clark is capable of speaking for himself.  I am not his spokesman.

  • Politician rewards students with laptops, iPads

    Politician rewards students with laptops, iPads

    Former Governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party, Mr Kenneth Imansuangbon has given 126 laptops and nine iPads and cash to participants of an essay competition he sponsored.

    Participating institutions included University of Benin (Uniben), Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Federal Polytechnic, Auchi as well as junior and senior secondary schools from across the 18 local government areas of the state.

    Speaking during the award, Imasuangbon however said the scores from the state showed a fall in standard of education.

    He said he decided to bring the essay competition to the state because of prayers offered by people when he was involved in an accident last year.

    He said: “In the past seven years, Kenneth Imansuangbon’s Essay Competition has always been hosted in Abuja. But because of the prayers of Edo people for my recovery after the accident last year, I decided to extend the competition to schools in the state.

    “I want to raise the bar of standard of education in the state and to be remembered not for the amount of money in my account but by what people would say about me.”

    Imansuangbon, who is the Proprietor of Pace Setters Group of Schools, Abuja disclosed that the computers/ipads, including cash prizes of N100,000; N70,000 and N50,000 were for the top three winners of the secondary school categories, while the ipads were for the undergraduates.

    Earlier, National Coordinator, Kenneth Imansuangbon Essay Competition, Mr. Segun Awogbade, noted that the competition was brought to Edo State to bring out the ingenuity among the young ones so that in future, they can successfully take the mantle of leadership.

    In their goodwill messages, the Chief Imam of Benin, Skeik Abdulfatai Enabulele; Rt. Rev. Peter Imansuen, Bishop, Benin Anglican Communion; Rev. Felix Omobude; President, Penticostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN); Chief Dan Orbih, Chairman, Edo State PDP; and Mr. Washington Osifo, Edo State Commissioner for Higher Education thanked Imansuangbon for championing a cause that would enable the younger generation secure their future and be good leaders of tomorrow.

    Two of the beneficiaries, Ighoyivwi Joy, a 600-Level Pharmacy student of UNIBEN, and Etuk Blessed, a pupil of Gloryland Group of School, expressed joy for being part of those that won prizes in the essay competition.

    They thanked Imansuangbon for the gesture and prayed God to continue to bless him and his family.

  • Peterside: Mbu a politician in police uniform

    Peterside: Mbu a politician in police uniform

    The immediate past controversial Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Joseph Mbu, is settling down to his new posting in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory and his successor, Tunji Ogunsakin, is proving to be his opposite. For a long time to come, the people of Rivers and politicians, especially those in the opposition will remember Mbu.

    Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Dakuku Peterside, in an interview, said forgetting Mbu easily would be difficult given the fact that “he was a politician in police uniform”.

    On whether or not Mbu’s transfer to Abuja may signify the beginning of peace in Rivers State, he said: “Yes and No. Yes because I believe that the police authorities have replaced him with a more professional and competent public officer. CP Mbu who was at the center of the show of shame in Rivers State is simply a politician in police uniform. In the discharge of police responsibility, integrity and impartiality are fundamental if the people you are supposed to police must have confidence in you. Joseph Mbu did not earn and could not have enjoyed the confidence of Rivers State people.

    “Conversely no, because the insecurity in Rivers State is an institutional problem facilitated by the same persons whose duty it is to care about the protection of lives and properties of the people of Rivers State. The transfer of Mbu could be change of strategy due to the persistent pressure of the people and concerns raised by both Chambers of the National Assembly and other, well-meaning members of Nigerian society. You know evil cannot thrive for a long time. Our approach is to wait and see.”

    Peterside, who represents the Andoni/Opbo/Nkoro in the House of Representatives, said Mbu and those who sent him could not have affected the fortunes of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State.

    He said: “APC is actually a mass movement whose time has come. APC offers Rivers people hope as the platform that will restore the dignity of the Rivers man. APC is waxing stronger and stronger by the day as more persons realize that the dynamics of national politics has changed. The reality that PDP will soon be an opposition party stares everybody at the face. The non performance, avoidable mistakes and insensitivity of PDP has further contributed to strengthening APC. The difference between APC and PDP in Rivers State can be likened to the difference between light and darkness. Rivers people would once more be rewarded for their contribution to the national economy. Rivers people know that a good friend is better than a bad brother. The days ahead will show that the ordinary people of Rivers State would love quality service as represented by Governor Amaechi to continue and will outrightly reject corruption and politics of exclusion.”

    Speaking on how APC can retain power in Rivers after the next general elections, he said: “Retaining power in Rivers State is a combination of factors. Who among the gladiators will protect in a fair and equitable manner the interest of all Rivers people against the interest of a particular clan. From the antecedents of the political actors and leaders, who will work for the interest of Rivers people above personal consideration? Who among these political actors have character and competence? Character will be key in Rivers people deciding who to follow. APC in Rivers State is led by men of character who have shown that given the opportunity they will place the interest of Rivers State above their selfish interest. Leaders of APC in Rivers State are those who can give youths in Rivers State hope that there is a future for them against the current regime of hopelessness, exclusion and violence. APC in Rivers State has proven beyond doubt that they have capacity to bring about change. Most importantly, APC leadership in Rivers State is populated by God fearing men and women. The recent party registration exercise in Rivers State has shown that majority of registered voters in Rivers State registered as members of APC to the chagrin of our detractors.”

    He disagreed with people who believe that Governor Rotimi Amaechi is stubborn. As far as he is concerned, Amaechi is only vocal and forthright, adding: “Nobody will take away the fact that Amaechi is fighting for the right ideals. Nobody will deny the fact that Amaechi has performed well, has character and can go to any length to protect the things dear to the minds of Rivers people. Governor Amaechi is not our everyday politician who quite often lacks courage and do not have principles and ideals to live for. Love him or hate him, Governor Amaechi represents the new face of democracy in Nigeria. Whenever Governor Rotimi Amaechi has cause to challenge the establishment it is certainly in the interest of the people and not for selfish interest or ego. A few persons would have preferred the status quo to remain, yet hopes for change. What a contradiction? It is almost obvious that nobody is comfortable with the way things are going currently in the country but very few are ready to risk the comfort of their life and office to champion change in society.”

    He faulted the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) belief that the APC would disintegrate with time, describing the view as unfortunate.The PDP, he said, is behaving like the proverbial woman who cannot give birth and is blaming her mate.

    Peterside also spoke on the allegation that some of the movements from the APC to the PDP were induced.

    “You are aware that there is allegation that some of these movements are influenced by inducement. I may not know the veracity of that allegation but it is definitely a scenario. Ultimately what I am sure is that most members of the National Assembly identity with the philosophy of APC which is change. Very few persons are comfortable with the current dysfunctional system. Most persons yearn for change meaning they believe in APC though local factors vary. You cannot ignore the influence of local politics thus you have a few persons whose heart is in party A but they are physically in party B.”

    Peterside, who recently walked out on the budget defence of the Ministry of Works, gave an insight into the action. He said he was not playing into the gallery.

    Said he: “I looked through the budget proposal of the Executive and confirmed that there is absolutely no intention to do any project in Rivers State in the year 2014 despite our contribution to the national economy and the votes we gave to the current government. I raised alarm that the implication of denying ordinary Rivers people infrastructural projects is akin to declaring war on innocent Rivers people. I perceive this zero allocation to all federal road projects in Rivers State as an extension of the political persecution Rivers State is going through for some time now. I considered it morally indefensible to sit in a session where Rivers State will be denied its due. I had to loudly register my protest by staging a walk out. I am told the Hon. Minister did not deny my assertion but explained that the Ministry discovered that Ahoada-Omoku road dualisation has been awarded by NDDC thus his Ministry is not proceeding with it. The Minister said the money meant for that project will be applied to Degema-Abonnema road which is nowhere in the budget. How he will do that is yet to be seen as there is no budgetary provision for such. The Minister is not the National Assembly that appropriates. The Minister claimed that Bonny-Bodo road will be executed under public private partnership after being listed in the budget for several years. On rehabilitation of Enugu-PH expressway, the Minister said it will be given adequate attention this year but refused to acknowledge that Rivers State government has awarded the section that is in Rivers State to JDP Limited, an Israeli firm. JDP is on site, so Enugu-PH Expressway cannot be said to be a project in Rivers State. Eleme flyover is a project started and executed by Rivers State government through Julius Berger though it was allocated no fund. Eleme flyover to Onne awarded to RCC is not funded. It is obvious that there is a deliberate plan to exclude Rivers State from infrastructural development but like all their previous attempts, this one will fail too. Rivers people will respond to all these injustices at the appropriate time.”

     

  • Orubebe: You can be a good Christian and a good Politician

    Orubebe: You can be a good Christian and a good Politician

    Until recently, Godsday Orubebe was Minister of Niger Delta. He resigned to pursue his dream of becoming Delta State’s next governor. In this encounter with Okungbowa Aiwerie, he discussed politics and Christianity, among others.

    Ogbobagbene is an obscure community deep in the Niger Delta creeks. What motivated your building a church here?

    My father’s mother fished on the lake within the community; so my father followed her here. I grew up to see very few houses, not more than twenty thatched buildings. And we lived a communal life where you could eat in any person’s home. Due to the size of the community, people kept saying the town was not growing because there were witches in the community. So, we became a laughing stock of neighbouring communities. Although we are blessed with sand and people will come and dig sand to build block houses, but we the owners of the resources never had the funds to build block houses. I remember when one of my uncles was discussing with a friend who visited and sand dredging was going on that day and the community wanted the dredgers to pay for the sand, my uncle’s friend replied that Ogbobagbene did not understand the value of sand. I was in the restroom when this discussion was going on. I cried to God throughout that night. I cried: “God, give us the opportunity to know the value of sand”. Today God has blessed us; my brothers, sisters, cousins and nephews have all built houses in this community. You have buildings all over the community .This area, which is built up, was supposed to have been bewitched. The community believed anyone who built a house here would die. A wealthy uncle of mine who attempted to build his house on this side of the community suddenly died. So, when I wanted to build my first house (you know I happened to be the first son of my mother), my mother kicked against it. I told her I am different from other people. I told her I am a child of God and that I had my own destiny. I called my pastors and consecrated the land and I built my home. Soon, everyone started building on this side of the community. For this feat, the community bestowed the title of “Amafinowei” meaning “The man God sent to develop the town”. God spoke to me about this vision; He said build a place for me for people to come and worship me. This centre is non-denominational. The centre runs a series of projects, such as support for widows and elderly. Every last August of the year, we have a very major event where over a thousand widows and the elderly are clothed, fed and empowered.

    How do you combine your role as a preacher and politician?

    By practice, I am a politician. I studied Political Science. I was born a politician. In 1987, in Lagos I was praying and speaking to God. I asked God to reveal to me what I was created to accomplish on earth. God revealed to me that I was meant to be a politician. I am a politician by practice and by calling a servant of God. What I do is that there is a thin separating line between my Christian life and my political life. I do not mix the two. When I am doing politics, I face the activities of politics and when I am preaching, I do not bring in politics into it. When I am practising politics, I bring in the values of Christianity. These are the values of love, equity, good; these are the things I bring into politics. So, my Christian life affects my political life. I do things differently in politics by bringing in the values of Christianity. I want to bring a new concept of love in politics, transparency, doing what is right and keeping your promises. The issues of deceit are frowned upon in Christianity. I have come into politics to let people know that you can be a good Christian and be a good politician.

    As the 2015 general elections draws near, many are scared that violence may mar the elections, what is your advice to politicians?

    If we see politics as service to humanity, then there will be no issue of if I do not get it, no one else gets it. The do-or-die attitude, some people feel it is their birthright to govern others. If we see ourselves as one, if we share love one with one and other, if we think about the development of this country, all the crisis will go away. From 1960 till date, Nigeria has been enmeshed in one crisis or another, and Nigeria has the capacity to absorb any crisis thrown at her. God has a way of taking care of the problems of Nigeria. So, my advice to politicians is that we should not see politics as a do-or-die game. We should see it as a game where brothers and sisters are thinking of becoming governor with the sole aim of taking care of the people. If that is the general thinking of everybody, we should be happy that any one that is there will do the wish of the people. I believe God will take care of 2015. There will be no crisis; we are praying for peace. God has always sustained the country because of the prayer of the saints.

    How do we deepen democracy?

    We deepen democracy by imbibing the values of Christianity and Islam, which are centred on love and by strengthening the institution of democracy, like INEC, to improve the welfare of the people. Take for instance, we are talking about the issues of Boko Haram, the money that would have been used in combating the insurgency is enough to do a number of things to empower the people. During the Niger Delta crisis, crude oil production went very low. If there is a crisis, it affects the resources of the country. A lot of states in the Northeast, the governors are crying of paucity of resources, the resources are not there to do the things ordinarily they are expected to do. If we allow the system to grow and we see government as service to the people and we love one and other, we will deepen democracy.

    During the programme, you repeatedly mentioned that every decision you have passed through is shown to you first by God and it often comes to pass. Will this replicate itself in the2015 gubernatorial race?

    The life of anybody on earth is determined by God. If God wants me to govern Delta State, it is God that knows how He will take care of the process to take me to that exalted seat. I have joined the governorship race in Delta. What will be the outcome is to be determined by God. I can only say let’s wait for God to take care of the process.

    PDP has a zoning policy which may conflict with your ambition…

    Zoning is defined by participation by all, zoning is an all-inclusive term that says that everybody must have a stake in the activities of governance, and we are graduating to a system which is that if you have somebody who can do work to satisfy all sectors, nobody will be talking of one ethnic group or another. If the resources of a nation are well-distributed to all corners, nobody will care if his or her kinsman is governor or not. In Delta State, over the period we have always had everybody working and contesting together at the end of the day whether the person is from whatever area; if he emerges, we all rally around that person to where we are going. If you are talking about zoning and you want to define it to suit yourself, then it becomes an injustice to other people. In Delta State, we have so many ethnic nationalities and if you are talking about Mr. A from an ethnic nationality and Mr. B from another ethnic nationality and you think that where Mr. A is coming from should be able to represent another ethnic group, which of course is not what should happen in government, supposing it is like that the people from the area that have not gotten anything will also say they have not we have not been represented. Delta State from creation till date we have never had an Ijaw man as governor of the state. So even if you want to look at it very from that perspective, you will see that the Ijaw man has the right to say he has to be the next governor if we are talking about zoning properly. I am talking about candidates coming out to sell themselves to the people. We should look out for someone who would unite the state; someone who will bring about love, peace and development and above all bringing concepts within the confines of Christianity in order to transparently deliver to the people of our state.

  • No clap for FERMA’s cruel joke;  Ipadeola; Sovereign citizen, Politician is paid servant

    Are we a nation lacking good parents? After unimaginable suffering with delays and death on the Lagos-Ibadan road, misnamed expressway, the FERMA dares to congratulate itself for ‘intervening to save road users’. An arrogant and cruel FERMA joke? Rubbish. Where was FERMA when potholes were begging to be filled? FERMA last did petty work on that road when the President visited Abeokuta 3+ years ago. We are all presidents and the S-NC will prove it! FERMA should be ashamed as it is responsible for the negligence turning roads into dirt tracks. Is this the road the Aviation Minister will drive her bomb-proof cars valued at N250m? It is too late for Nigerians to say ‘thank you’. What type of Nigerian government has FERMA and equipment but stands aside, witnessing more death, damage and suffering for years? Is that political, administrative, engineering or corruption failure? Shame on FERMA! Shamefully for Africa in 2013 and Nigeria and its 4th UN Security Council Non-Permanent Seat, government acts as if only foreigner contractors can fill potholes. Is FERMA a salary-for-nothing joke just ‘discovering’ the road like David Livingstone? If so, it is a deadly joke and Nigerian road users are maxi-angry! Once again government treats Nigerians like idiot children with negligent irresponsible parents. We will not clap for FERMA! Why are citizens allowed to feel bastards in a country which tars roads for presidents and visitors but makes potholes for its citizens? Mad priorities, abi?

    Congratulations and gbosas to the unassuming Tade Ipadeola LLB on winning the 2013 LNG Prize for Literature for The Sahara Testaments published by Hornbill African Poets after winning the Delphic Laurel in Poetry from South Korea recently which he showed me then. I also submitted my work The Laterite Road -an African Travel Odyssey published by Evans for the NLG Prize but did not even make the long list. I am therefore definitely jealous and envious in the nicest possible way. Tade’s book, which I am now reading, is an intellectual masterpiece, demonstrating rhyme and reason in and out of season. In some parts it requires a large dictionary or internet access to wikipedia and more while reading, for full comprehension. It is a living breathing look at our Africa….an excerpt…

    Listen, the desert is singing, singing, just singing.

    It is a duet, a duet with the breeze

    and

    Is taboo. They stay attached like Nigerian inflation

    Of which Fela sang with his tenor saxophone.

    An excerpt from my work The Laterite Road anticipates the recent over 500 deaths at Lampedusa

    Survivors of the desert sea storm

    Destined for Mediterranean thirst and drowning,

    In leaking boats bent on sinking.

    Forcing entry into Fortress Europe,

    Burning in the Sahara,

    Or drowning in the Mediterranean

    Destined for Melilla, Lampedusa,

    Sicily, Italy.

    Young bodies beaten black and blue,

    Crushed on Europe’s wet rocks.

    More lost young African building blocks

    Taken from the African Renaissance Building

    On the laterite road.

    You can celebrate this success. Buy Tade’s book and mine as a present for someone today, to improve the reading culture and make a new generation of Nigerians authors into household names.

    All those who have strangled Nigeria through ‘Nigeria’s 40 Years of the Locust’ and installed a ‘Paradise Lost’ have nothing to offer the new S-National Conference. There will be a S-NC but is S ‘Stupid or Sovereign’, ‘Silly or Serious’? Let the over-50s leave the stage with their ‘wisdom’ that left Nigeria waterless, powerless, education-less, health-less, train-less, road-less, naira-worthless and nearly futureless. The over-50s should ignore ‘overpowering desires to “serve”, yet again’.

    The people are sovereign, delegating authority to the political class. But the S-NC is much more than ‘politics’ and politicians do not have a moral track record of putting the nation above greed. The citizens suffer ‘A VIOLENT DEMOCRACY’ and ’DEMOCRATIC RAPE’. The politicians are the expensive employees of the people. So how dare politicians claim sovereignty? The statements from NASS on ‘final sovereignty’ are military and darkly dangerous. Parliaments which disregard people’s power ALWAYS fall. Politicians must ‘take a bow’ or face oblivion. Can they not see the great power of this ‘2013 MOVEMENT’? Get on board or be side-lined. Allowing the NASS final say is a denial of the Nigerian citizen’s sovereignty. How can a servant, paid to occupy a house by his master, claim that he owns the house and the master? WE DEMAND A REFERENDUM.

    Can Nigerian politicians be trusted to work for Nigeria? Can they abolish one house of the National Assembly, NASS and go British parliamentary in their ‘Eternal Retirement Home’. Can they implement needed salaries and perks cuts which SAP Nigeria dry and catalyse the impending economic destruction of Nigeria in the next five years? As merely another interest group in Nigeria numerically less than 0.01% but 100% noisy in the media, politicians and political parties should step aside and watch 99.99% of Nigerians take the stage. It is time to tame the politician made into a monster by himself, people and the press! The Guild of Editors, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ and the media should meet to re-strategise for the S-NC and institute policy and interview strategies to give space to Nigerians and ignore politicians. It is the politicians past actions and their future employment terms and conditions that are for assessment and decisions by the ‘exam body’ comprising all Nigerians at the S-NC. Politicians should await the Nation’s Examination Result.

    To be continued.

  • No separate heaven for politician, says Baptist leader

    No separate heaven for politician, says Baptist leader

    The President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Supo Ayokunle, has tasked Christians in politics to uphold the values of honesty, fairness, righteousness and integrity.

    He said God will hold politicians accountable just like any other person, stating that there is no separate heaven for those in politics.

    Ayokunle spoke recently during the conferment of the Grand Armour Bearer of Christ on the former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, and his wife, Olufunke.

    He said God is angry with Nigeria because those who need to bear the armour of God in integrity, holiness, righteousness have derailed to idolatry, wickedness and corrupt practices.

    According to the Baptist leader: “There is a battle for the church and God is enlisting people who will join in the army as successful armour bearers. We must first receive the armour which is the grace of God.”

    Ayokunle, who was represented by Rev. Femi Okunola, noted that politics is part of the church life, stating that the devil is highly interested in politics, which can build or ruin the destiny of a nation.

    According to him: “We must focus more on heavenly demands, pray more for heavenly grace, trust more on heavenly father, who can keep, direct and assist us in bringing good govenance to the people and help us to make heaven at the end of life.”

    The visioner, Dr. Henry Ozomata, said that the award was in recognition of the recipients in blazing the trail in service to God and humanity.

    Daniel said that the award was a surprise and further motivation for him to do more for God and the Christian community as long as he lives.

  • ‘NANS has become a tool for politicians’

    Why did you join students’ unionism?

    It is because I have the passion to serve my fellow students and be their voice, so that they can be heard. I want to make sure that their welfare is guaranteed every time.

    What are your objectives?

    I want to give a voice to students. I also want to take the association of Abia students to a level where it will be respected by the government and the people as the mouthpiece of youths. Through our activities, we want to ensure that the Abia State government implements policies that will make the less-privileged among us to be proud of being an indigene of the state. I have also said my administration would pursue the disbursement of bursary and scholarship to students so that the indigent among us can go to school.

    Is there hope that the Abia government would pay bursary?

    Of course! In fact, it is not being hoped for; it is being implemented. Since the creation of the state in August 1991, no government has deemed it necessary to pay bursary to students. This is why we must commend Governor Theodore Orji for taking steps to address students’ issues. So, we know the governor keeps promises and that we are expecting that he would not renege on his promise on bursary.

    What are the challenges of leading Abia State students?

    The challenges are enormous. But I must confess that the students are one of the challenges. Everyone expects to be attended to with the speed of light; they don’t even bother that we are also students. However, the greatest challenge has been funding. Notwithstanding, we have been trying our best and it is evident in the peace we have experienced since we were sworn in.

    Do you think the association has fared better under Governor Orji?

    Much of the success we have recorded was achieved because of the support and understanding of the governor, who is running a student-friendly administration. There has never been anytime we called on him on students’ issues and he ignored us. He has shown that he is a father to us. To show that he is serious about students’ welfare, he appointed one of us, Comrade Afulike Christian, as Special Adviser on Students’ Matters. But then, there are other promises including a bus to make running the association easy. We hope he will keep his promise.

    What is your opinion on NANS crisis?

    NANS is being turned to a political organisation, where money is playing a major role. It is painful to see this kind of things happening to a noble association that had played a vital role in democratic struggle of the nation. I am a member of NANS and I would not be happy hearing unprintable things about the association. It is even painful that the association is now being used by politicians for hooliganism. I use this medium to implore NANS officials to resolve their differences and chart a common agenda for students.

    What is your advice for Abia students?

    Let them be steadfast in their academic pursuit. They must continue to be law-abiding and diligent in everything they do because the future belongs to us. They must know that there is no sweet without sweat.