The Nation Newspaper

Tag: politicians

  • Sportsmanship can teach politicians to win honourably

    Participating in sports is an important part of King’s College culture, says its Principal, Otunba Dele Olapeju.  However, he adds that the boys are taught to learn to be modest in victory or in defeat – a lesson he said politicians need to learn.

    Olapeju spoke at the 95th inter-house sports competition of the 106-year old school held at its main campus behind the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos Island.

    He said: “We need  to prove to our nation that engaging in competitions either political or otherwise is not a duel or warfare and therefore should not emit bad blood and violence either verbal of physical.

    “In education, we have the cognitive, psychomotor and effective domain. All these domains make a total man. If you are good in sports, and you don’t have the character, you become an embarrassment to the nation. King’s College is promoting values. If you are losing, you lose gallantly and if you are winning, you win with humility, it’s not about you winning all the time.”

    He appealed to old boys, corporate organizations and others to donate to the school’s sports endowment fund to further develop sports in the college.

    Oladele, who retires in November, said that sport has grown tremendously at the college since he assumed office five years ago.

    The track and field activities that took place at the competition provided much entertainment for guests, parents and the pupils.  The various track events were interspersed with calisthenics performances by the junior pupils of King’s College and the girls from Queen’s College.

    At the end of stiff competition, Panes House came first with 17 gold, 15 silver, and 11 bronze medals.  They were followed by Mckee Wright (13 gold, 21 silver, and 10 bronze medals) in second position; Hyde Johnson in the third position (10 gold, seven silver, and 13 bronze).  Harman’s House was fourth with five gold, 12 silver and 12 bronze medals.

     

  • Our Girls; Politicians, bankers: No corruption difference? Fight ‘Illegally legal’ NASS salaries for life

    Our Girls; Politicians, bankers: No corruption difference? Fight ‘Illegally legal’ NASS salaries for life

    Our girls and many of our people have been missing on, before and since April 14, 2014. Many others, over 10,000, lie dead in mostly unmarked graves and there are the perhaps millions displaced or injured. The recent King of Saudi Arabia was also buried in an unmarked grave even though he had almost $20 billion, not as rich as Dangote whose name appears in the Swiss branch of HSBC discussions about international tax evasion and undisclosed secret bank accounts confirming international bankers’ fraud. In the 60s, the magazine West Africa advertised Swiss Accounts. Corruption has been around forever.

    The civil service, political and economic banking class all stink of manipulative corruption igniting the historic anti-corruption stance of the Buhari campaign facing the reactionary ‘who-is-who’ in ‘Who is afraid of Buhari?’ on the other side. Millions of Nigerians are frustratingly sick of the personal and public service cost of corruption consuming as much as 50% of budgets of most LGAs, states, federal government organisations.  This cost of corruption is murderous and is an election issue and an affront to national pride. Corruption thought is seen in the high political wages; bankers’ corruption is seen in high bank rates and destructive naira value. Political corruption includes a weak security strategy, near-perpetual darkness, potholes filling our roads, poor education and health delivery systems, high graft in government functions and services, cost of doing business, the greedy open hands of all uniformed organisations, poor return on the contract naira, the education exodus to Ghana, the growing Diaspora population and even worse – the corrupt funding of political parties by government/ contractor corruption.

    African leaders could have directed the Africa Union to declare ‘2015-2025 -The Solar 10 Years’ and negotiated the cutting edge solarisation of Africa as an ‘African-Anti-Poverty, Job Creation’ strategy against the invasion of fortress Europe and as a priority of development from village to Presidential Villa. Of course very few African countries have the criminally low power supply that Giant of Africa, Nigeria, has. The Nigerian citizen has been punished by politics for ever. All our powerlessness, suffering, falling naira, high interest rates are all caused by a lack of true leadership. It seems the leaders have got well ahead of the followers in ‘benefits’. In Nigeria we have a ’Politicians’ Paradise’  Vs a ‘Citizens Cesspool’ of preventable suffering from which we foolishly smile and applaud when we get chairs in a classroom or a few potholes filled or  a 31% pass in WAEC or ‘only 20 deaths from Ebola’ or a 50kmph slow-train while they get a new presidential plane.

    People wake up!! Do not applaud at the dregs given you while they steal us blind. Nigeria was never supposed by God to be so bad.  God gave us oil, geological minerals, millions of hard working people, 12 hours daylight a day, a good climate filled with solar energy, a naira valued at $1.2:1Naira in 1970. Where have they gone?

    Last week the National Assembly, NASS approved for themselves new salaries-for-life for certain national officers within the NASS. This is after receiving huge unknown Salaries and Perks, while in office which are SAPping our budget dry. All this in a country where politicians are regrettably the highest paid in the world while they cannot pay others their salaries and pensions. All this in a country whose currency has plummeted from N150 to 200+ or 25% and whose oil revenues have fallen by 50% through falling oil prices and reduced demand.  Is this ‘Salaries for life’ law a copycat law from the USA, EU or UK? Is there not a body which fixes Salaries and Perks for political office holders? This body perhaps called the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal something has failed yet again to curb the politicians who are drinking greedily from the near-empty well of Nigeria’s budget. But these politicians are already stupendously wealthy at the nation’s expense. How greedy can a man get? How many golf courses, private jets or mansions in different continents does a man need while fellow Nigerians are protesting seeking unpaid salaries and stolen pensions and food for children? This law giving life salaries and perks to even one NASS member is an insult to our sensibilities, morally reprehensible and though NASS may make it legal, it is an illegality and must be challenged in the courts as ‘ILLEGALLY LEGAL’. Today officers, tomorrow everyone in NASS. This must be challenged in court and some political parties must take this as a key policy strategy like the excessively high political salaries and the need to cut the NASS and state and LGA from ‘full time’ to ‘Part-Time with Sitting Allowances’. The politician appears as a blood-sucking leech on Nigeria’s budget. This political class must be stopped before there is nothing left.  Nigeria has had seven+ years of plenty stolen and faces politically induced seven years of resultant famine.  We need a change.

    Apologies for a missing sentence on Feb 18. The full paragraph was: Nigeria’s builders must visit The Pan Atlantic University Lekki, Lagos has a fantastic eco-friendly building, Enterprise Development Centre, powered by solar energy. All Nigeria’s buildings must be eco-friendly buildings. Of course Africa’s traditional mud and grass buildings were eco-friendly. There is a new National Solar Policy suggesting that all new houses under the new Nigerian Housing Policy and all new government and corporate buildings must include renewable energy, solar. These are huge policy steps

     

  • Ruler urges politicians to shun violence

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, has urged politicians to shun violence and embrace peace as the general elections draw nearer.

    He advised them to remember the poor and the supporters of their respective parties when they get to power.

    The monarch who spoke last weekend when the campaign train of the governorship candidate of the People Democratic Party (PDP) in the State, Senator Teslim Folarin paid him a courtesy visit, described Folarin as one of his sons who cannot be denied of his rights in the palace.

    According to him, Folarin was the only governorship candidate to be allowed campaign at the ‘Ojude Aremo’ (king palace) adding that many parties had written to that effect but were not allowed.

    “By God grace, your dreams shall be achieved. I want to beg all politicians to shun violence and embrace peace before, during, and after the coming elections. Folarin is my son. He is the first person to be taken to national assembly with a traditional ruler. I took him to the senate in 2003 when he contested and won the Oyo central senatorial seat. Among all the governorship contestants, he is the only one to be allowed here at the Ojude Aremo, for you to know that he is my son. Please when you get to power, don forget the poor masses and your supporters” he noted.

    The traditional ruler who, prayed for the governorship candidate to actualise his dreams admonished him not to be intoxicated by power after winning the election.

    Earlier, a former member of the National Assembly Senator, Chief Lekan Balogun and the former national vice chairman of the party, Chief Yekini Adeojo had described Folarin as an intelligent and highly respectiveful individual who had promised to consult the traditional rulers before taking decisions.

    Balogun said Folarin had severally displayed his readiness to listen to elders during his time as a senator and even till date, he continue to listen to the elders.

    Adeojo on his own part described Folarin as the choice of the people due to him overwhelming acceptance everywhere he visited with his campaign team.

    While reacting, the governorship candidate said PDP is a party of peace adding that those who were responsible for violence in the party had left.

    Meanwhile, the former special adviser to governor Ajimobi on the Youth, Hon. John Ebode who resigned in January 20th has defected to the PDP.

    He said he believed so much in the leadership of the former senate leader and as a youth, he understands the plight of this generation adding that his decision was taken in the best interest of the state and the youth, especially students.

  • Monarch urges politicians on peace

    Monarch urges politicians on peace

    The Ona of Abaji and chairman of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) council of chiefs, Alhaji Adamu Yunusa, had urged politicians in the area to play politics according to the rules of the game without any rancor or acrimony.

    Yunusa, who spoke when the FCT All Progressive Congress (APC) senatorial candidate, Senator Sidi Ali, the party House of representatives candidate, Alhaji Zakari Angulu Dobi, and their supporters visited the monarch at his palace to seek for his blessings towards the general election.

    According to the monarch, any child who is going out to look something good either for himself or for the entire society, must surely go to seek for his father’s blessing irrespective of any background he or she comes from.

    “So I want to  appeal to all of you here to advised all your supporters to avoid any abusive or provocative comments that may ignite any violent reaction from opponent, as God gives power to who he wishes and take it anytime right from the day such person was born, “ he said.

  • Moderate your utterances, don urges politicians

    A professor of Islamic Studies at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Olanrewaju Badmus, has urged politicians to moderate their utterances.

    Badmus urged them to avoid any action that could cause violence before, during and after the elections.

    The university don delivered the  256th inaugural lecture of the institution. Its title was: “Utilising the Qu’ran, Stabilizing the Society.”

    He criticised the current leadership for squandering the resources and fueling corruption.

    Badmus said: “That  Nigerians are passing through a difficult period is reflected in the inability of the government to rescue the abducted Chibok girls; it has also reflected in the insecurity of lives and property, the lack of effective poverty alleviation programme and the absence of prosperity-driven policies.

    “A large part of the world today, including our dear country, is experiencing instability and insecurity because leaders promote injustice and corruption and neglect the welfare of followers.

    “Only recently, a former Secretary of State for the United States of America, Mrs. Hillary Clinton, lambasted the Nigerian leadership for squandering the resources of the people and indirectly festering corruption.

    “Leadership as a position of trust is fragile and it has to be handled with care by eschewing unethical behavior and conduct, which hinder peaceful co-existence and stability of human society. If leaders will function well according to expectation, there will be a functional economic package which will benefit the rich and the poor.

  • Monarch cautions politicians

    The Ona of Abaji and chairman of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Adamu Yunusa, had urged politicians to avoid acrimony.

    Yunusa, who spoke when the FCT All Progressive Congress (APC) senatorial candidate, Senator Sidi Ali, the party House of Representatives candidate, Alhaji Zakari Angulu Dobi, and their supporters visited the monarch at his palace to seek for his blessings towards the general election.

    The monarch said any child who is going out to look something good either for himself or for the entire society, must surely go to seek for his father’s blessing irrespective of any background he or she comes from.

    “So I want to  appeal to all of you here to advise all your supporters to avoid any abusive or provocative comments that may ignite any violent reaction from opponent, as God gives power to who he wishes and take it anytime right from the day such person was born, “ he said.

     

  • Cleric urges politicians to focus on issues

    Cleric urges politicians to focus on issues

    The Bishop of the Bible Life Church, Prof. Leonard Umunna, has urged politicians to focus on issue-based campaigns, instead of attacking personalities. “Politics should be based on issues,” he said.

    Umunna faulted the attacks on the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari ,over his certificates and age.

    He recalled that the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe contested for the Presidency in their old age.

    “Let us deal with issues so that Nigeria is not consumed,” he said.

    Umunna said campaigns based on ethnic sentiments must also be avoided. He said: “Sentiments and ethnic politics have not led us anywhere but backward.”

    The priest, who spoke with reporters in Lagos, rejected the call for the postponement of the general elections, saying that it is unnecessary.

    He blamed the country’s economic woes on inept leadership. According to him, Nigerians will have an opportunity to choose a leader who would make a difference next month.

    Urging voters to make a wise choice, he said: “We’re suffering from inept leadership. We do not select the right people. A good leader brings honour to his people and there is no loser in a winning team.”

    On the collection of Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs), Umunna said the cards should be used along with the temporary voter cards inorder not to disenfranchise those who are yet to collect theirs.

    “In other countries, people are allowed to vote with their national identity cards. I have a temporary voter card, which nobody has said is deficient. Those who do not have PVCs should be allowed to vote with their temporary voter cards,”he said.

    Umunna added: “Not having a PVC should not stop a person from voting. There are many people who registered, but were told that their PVCs were not ready or available due to no fault of their own.

    “My church was used as a registration point, yet many of those who registered there had gone to the PVC collection centre without finding theirs.

    “Till now, I don’t have a PVC ,even though this church was a registration point. Some have gone to the local government, but who is giving you?”

    Umunna said Nigeria cannot develop, until a truly people’s constitution is enacted. “Nigerians should give themselves a godly constitution,” he added.

    The cleric predicted that the elections will not be marred by violence, adding: “There will be peace in the country. There shall be no bloodbath.”

    He also dismissed rumours that Nigeria could be Islamised or turned to a Sharia state, if Gen. Buhari is elected.

    Umunna said: “Our constitution does not allow for the Islamisation of the country.”

    He urged the six geo-political zones to rise up against insurgency in the Northeast. The priest said: “Those in the South should wake up and speak up against insurgency. Let us look at the root causes.”

    The bishop urged the Federal Government to take proactive measures to protect Nigerians abroad from being convicted and executed for crimes without fair hearing.

    Speaking against the background of Nigerians said to have been executed in Indonesia, Umunna said: “Let our government be proactive to ensure that our citizens get a fair hearing before being convicted.”

  • Police to prosecute ‘troublesome’ politicians in Kwara

    Ahead of next month’s general elections, the Kwara State Police Command has vowed to arrest and prosecute any politician found in possession of dangerous weapons.

    Police Commissioner Salihu Garba read the riot act at a security meeting with political stakeholders in Ilorin, the state capital.

    The police chief said the police command would not tolerate the proliferation of firearms.

    He said: “We are not going to give anybody the permit to carry guns. We would not allow anyone to kill us. If you have a disagreement with your opponent, there is a better way to settle it – through the ballot. And if you have cars with factory-fitted tinted glasses, please obtain an official permit so that you can use it.”

    Following the speculation that the police command was planning an indiscriminate arrest of politicians during the general elections, Garba said only those who foment trouble would be arrested.

    He said: “We are not planning to arrest people indiscriminately. I am a human being and I would not like my liberty to be tampered with unnecessarily. Please, let’s talk to our children and wards not to be used by politicians as political thugs. If you do not commit any offence, walahi talahi, Garuba will not arrest or detain anybody.

  • Resident doctors to politicians: invest in health

    Resident doctors have appealed to politicians to invest in the health sector.

    The doctors said politicians should give priority to the provision of excellent health infrastructure and invest more in the sector because the well-being of the populace depends on it.

    President of the association in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Dr. Isaac Akerele made the call at a news briefing on the implementation of the consolidated salary structure in Abuja.

    Akerele said : “Politicians should take the agenda of health very important. Health for all Nigerians. Investment in health should be dear to their heart and be the first.  If that will be the only thing they will focus on.

    “Doctors have to be de-tribalised to be a good doctor. We believe that health care should be given equally irrespective of the political parties. “He urged them to avoid travelling overseas for treatment that could be provided locally.

    Speaking on their welfare,  the ARD disclosed that the Federal Capital erritory Authority (FCTA) is yet to implement the new consolidated salary structure for the association.

    He urged the FCT Minister  to hasten implementation of the new structure to adequately cater for their welfare.

    “Our arrears must be paid before the end of January to douse tension of medical workers especially the resident doctors before end of January,” Akerele added.

     

  • Group cautions politicians

    The Acting National Coordinator of the Committee for Democracy and Rights of the People (CDRP), Comrade Saka Waheed, has urged politicians to desist from unruly behaviours capable of affecting the credibility of the general elections.

    The rights activist, who spoke in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, advised stakeholders to embrace peace and transquility.

    He described the attack on the All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters in Rivers State as a bad omen. He said that a trend of violence has emerged with the disruption of a peaceful rally in Akure and the burning of President Jonathan’s campaign bus in Jos, Plateau State capital, by angry youth. He said these actions are condemnable, parochial and disgusting.

    Saka stressed: “The purpose of election, both in theory and practise through-out the world, is to allow people in their respective environment to freely, fairly and happily choose their leaders.

    “For an election to be free and fair, the United Nations says the general environment must be free from certain things. These include violence, coercion, bribery, corruption, cheating, intimidation, rigging and abuse of incumbency. Any attempt by political parties to use any of these approaches to subvert the people shall be categorised as a deliberate sabotage of Nigeria’s fledgling democracy.”

    Saka, who is also the Osun state Coordinator of Human Rights Agenda Network (HRAN), urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the political class and security agencies to perceive the election as another opportunity to consolidate democracy.

    He said: “The election is not about one political party or the other, but about the strengthening of our democratic institution. Therefore, any hiccup in the process will tactically and technically put Nigeria in serious confrontation.”