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Tag: President Goodluck Jonathan

  • Jonathan: we must win war against insurgency

    Jonathan: we must win war against insurgency

    President Goodluck Jonathan has reaffirmed the determination and commitment of the Federal Government to win the fight against all forms of terrorism, particularly those being perpetrated by the Boko Haram sect.

    He, however, stressed that to win the war, it would require the cooperation of the citizens, urging support for the government.

    The president stated this at the inauguration of the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation (SABMF) office building in Kaduna.

    He was represented by the Honourable Minister of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs and Supervising Minister of Labour and Productivity, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki SAN.

    Jonathan reiterated that the security and welfare of the Nigerians is paramount to his administration, adding that it would do all it takes to achieve it.

    “Nigeria is indeed faced with several challenges particularly that of security. But I want to assure Nigerians that no matter how long it takes, the war against all forms of insurgency is a must win.

    “The cooperation of all Nigerians is however solicited in the fight against insurgency for it to succeed”, he stressed.

    On the late Saduana of Sokoto, President Jonathan said: “Sir Ahamadu Bello left indelible footprints in the sand of time. Today, close to half a century of his demise, his image has continued to loom larger than life. He is humility personified, who lived a life dedicated to service.

    “As one of the founding fathers of this great nation, Sir Ahmadu Bello, along with other great nationalists, toed the path of dialogue and peaceful decolonisation of Nigeria.

    “The late Sir Ahmadu Bello will never be forgotten for his legacies and love for his dear country and people, which he lived and died for. He built a solid foundation for both the north and Nigeria”.

     

  • Jonathan urges oil producing nations on falling prices

    Jonathan urges oil producing nations on falling prices

    President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday called on oil producing countries to cooperate more and work together to overcome the current challenges of falling crude oil prices.

    He spoke at an audience with Angola’s new Ambassador to Nigeria, Eustaquio Janeiero Quibato at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Jonathan, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said African oil producing countries needed to come together and strategise on the best ways of protecting their domestic economies from the vagaries of fluctuating oil prices.

    He said: “We are blessed with oil and we must continue to do all that we possibly can to maximise its benefits for our countries and the African continent.”

    Calling for the expansion of trade, economic, cultural and political cooperation between the two countries, he said that Nigeria and Angola have always had cordial bilateral relations.

    “For years, we have had a solid relationship. Historically, we have been together; so Nigeria and Angola should also work with greater synergy at continental and global fora,” he added.

  • 2015: Ex-Presidents, others to meet Obasanjo, Babangida over Jonathan

    2015: Ex-Presidents, others to meet Obasanjo, Babangida over Jonathan

    The political intrigues ahead of 2015 general elections continue as the Presidency, in what could be described as a last minute ditch effort to woo aggrieved chieftains of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has resolved to send a delegation of former Heads of State and Presidents, amongst others, to meet with ex-Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, over the re-election bid of President Goodluck Jonathan.

    A very reliable source told The Nation that the move, which also enjoys the backing of the national leadership of the ruling party, was a fall-out of a recent meeting of some elder statesmen with the President few hours after the last Council of State meeting in Abuja.

    “The move, an attempt to garner vital support for Jonathan, involves begging and seeking the forgiveness of former Presidents Obasanjo and Babangida for President Jonathan.

    The idea was mooted after some eminent members of the Council of State met and discussed with the President over recent actions and inactions of some Council members ahead of the 2015 general elections.

    Following observations that some former leaders, including Obasanjo and Babangida have, in recent times kept their distance from the presidency, it was resolved that a delegation be sent to them to curry their support for the current administration,” our source said.

    The Nation however, learnt that President Jonathan has approved the setting up of a committee of five, comprising  three former leaders; Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Alhaji Shehu Shagari and Chief Ernest Shonekan; the Senate President, David Mark and the national chairman of the ruling party, Adamu Muazu, to reach out to the two statesmen on his behalf.

    While Obasanjo was at the last Council of State meeting, Babangida, who returned to the country a few days before the meeting, after months of recuperating abroad, was absent.

    “Though Obasanjo attended the last meeting, it was obvious to all those present that his presence was out of mere routine. He is known to be very critical of the Jonathan administration. For Babangida, his silence and inaction over matters relating to the current administration is even more worrisome to the presidency.”

    While the committee is expected to talk Obasanjo into reducing his criticism of Jonathan’s government in the months leading to the next presidential election, it is being hoped that it will succeed in getting Babangida to throw his weight behind the president’s re-election bid.

    “It is not good for Jonathan’s 2015 ambition that someone of Obasanjo’s calibre is opposed to him. Also, Babangida is not known to have endorsed or support Jonathan’s re-election bid up till now. These are the task being given to the committee in the interest of the country,” our source added.

    The Nation also learnt that the President was told that some credible reports at the disposal of Council members does not favour his re-election bid largely because of the frosty relationship between him and some prominent party chieftains across the country.

    Also, findings by our correspondent revealed that the fear of the likes of Obasanjo, Babangida and Danjuma joining forces with the Bola Tinubu, Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC), to confront the ruling PDP in the 2015 presidential election, is top amongst the reasons why the presidency agreed that the delegation should be sent out to make amends.

  • BBOG demands end to terrorism

    BBOG demands end to terrorism

    The group championing the call for the rescue April 14, abducted girls in Chibok,  #Bringbackourgirls have called on President Goodluck Jonathan to take immediate actions to end terrorism in the country.

    It also demanded immediate rescue of the 219ý kidnapped students of the Government Girls College, Chibok, who have spent over 200 days in the den of the extremist sect, Boko Haram.

    Commiserating with families who lost their loved ones in the recent Mubi and Gombe attacks, the group said the President must move to protect and restore the nation’s territorial integrity.

    “We are extremely shocked and gravely perturbed that the insurgency seems to be engulfing more cities within the North-East zone even at a time the federal government confidently announced a ceasefire of its counter terrorism war.

    “Let no one pretend that we are not facing the most substantial threat to the integrity and existence of our country.

    “We cannot but remind our federal government that time is running out and that these endangered daughters of our nation have been in travails for too longý.

    “yFollowing the high hopes and anxiety that emanated from the federal government’s announcement that our girls would be brought back within days, a number of their agonising parents have been hospitalised for hypertension.

    “What this means is that our government must urgently avoid a situation that would be fatal for these long suffering families of our Chibok girls.

    “Mr. President, it is time to end all distractions that evidently stand in the way of Nigeria winning this counter insurgency war under ýyour leadership.

    “The only venture worthy of our Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces at this critical time that portends danger for the future of our country; is to unflaggingly concenýtrate on the security and welfare of the people of Nigeria,” the group said.

    The group’s statement, which was endorsed by former Minister of Education Dr. Oby Ezekwesili and 13 others, reads: “We wish to commiserate with all Nigerians who lost loved ones in Mubi Local Government Area of Adamawa State and neighbouring communities as the towns and villages came under heavy and horrendous assaults from the Boko Haram insurgents in the last few days. We also condole families of the victims of the Gombe bomb blast.

    “We are extremely shocked and gravely perturbed that the insurgency seems to be engulfing more cities within the North-East zone even at a time the Federal Government confidently announced a ceasefire of its counter terrorism war.  Let no one pretend that we are not facing the most substantial threat to the integrity and existence of our country. What more extreme manifestations are we waiting for than the evidence of a rampaging group of terrorists carrying out heinous carnage in Mubi in Adamawa, Borno, Yobe and Gombe barely two weeks after the Chief of Defence Staff publicly conveyed a stand down order to our troops who were in the front prosecuting the war?

    “We, like most Nigerians are at a loss on what the latest development means for our counter insurgency war and for the safety of our citizens and territory. Has the purported ‘ceasefire’ failed, in the assessment of our military and the Federal Government? What explains the gruesome reality that after the “ceasefire” announcement of October 17th, the terrorists have been attacking many more communities, especially in Borno and Adamawa states and today, Gombe which used to be relatively peaceful? How do we explain the escalating number of innocent citizens being killed or taken hostage after they had been informed by our Government of a negotiated truce and détente?  Has our Federal Government through the military given a new and countermanding order to our soldiers to resume the war and protect our citizens and territory?

    “We do not speak without factual distressing context on this subject. Our movement is privy to several on-the-scene reports of the bloody and horrendous attacks on Mubi as told by affected Nigerians. For example, a family of two of our abducted #ChibokGirls was involved in an accident yesterday in which two of their daughters sustained injuries while fleeing Mubi. Another case concerns a member of our Movement who has lost contact with about thirty members of his nuclear and extended families resident in Mubi until yesterday’s gruesome attack by terrorists. Even more heart wrenching are confirmed reports of Internally Displaced Persons camped in Mubi town who are yet again on the run now, unsure of destinations to find safety. These are just a few of the many dehumanizing experiences our citizens are experiencing without effective support from our authorities.

    “While we in #BringBackOurGirls movement will continue to fiercely hope for the best outcome despite these troubling developments;

    “We firmly demand that the Federal Government moves immediately to protect and restore the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

    “We also demand that the worsening humanitarian conditions of all Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) be immediately addressed and their sufferings ameliorated.

    “Lastly, we demand the immediate rescue of our 219 Chibok Girls. We cannot but remind our Federal Government that time is running out and that these endangered daughter of our nation have been in travail for too long. Today is sadly DAY 200 since their abduction on April 14th, 2014. Following the high hopes and anxiety that emanated from the Federal Government two weeks old announcement that our Girls would be brought back within days, a number of their agonising Parents have been hospitalised for hypertension. What this means is that our Government must urgently avoid a situation that would be fatal for these long suffering families of our Chibok Girls.

    “To our President, we have but one message from all the members of our movement as well as Nigerians who share in our cause. It is this:

    “Mr. President, it is time to end all distractions that evidently stand in the way of Nigeria winning this counter insurgency war under your leadership. The only venture worthy of our Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces at this critical time that portends danger for the future of our country; is to unflaggingly concentrate on the security and welfare of the people of Nigeria. According to our 1999 Constitution, that is besides any other thing, primary purpose of government. Therefore, nothing else matters to Nigerians during these moments of daily national tragedies, Mr President.”

     

     

  • Jonathan’s secret panel

    Jonathan’s secret panel

    Oritsejafor, Asari-Dokubo should be probed openly over the $9.3m arms deal scandal

    The attempt by President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration to surreptitiously clear the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor and Alhaji Asari-Dokubo of any wrong doing in the $9.3 million arms deal scandal, through a secret panel, is a mockery of democratic ethos. In what appears an image laundry exercise, there is a report that a secret panel, allegedly set up by the Federal Government, drawn from security agencies to probe the involvement of the CAN President, whose private aircraft was used to ferry the money, and Asari-Dokubo, who was alleged to be among the persons that ferried the money to South-Africa, have cleared the duo of any wrongdoing.

    According to the release by PR Nigeria, a media outfit reportedly close to the military, “a special team, comprising security agents, intelligence experts and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has investigated the $9.3 million cash-for-arms deal and submitted its report to the Presidency”. We view the choice of a secret panel by the presidency which has been accused of collusion in the transaction as offending the legal maxim: Nemo unquam judicet in se – Let no one ever be a judge in his own cause. So, considering that many view with suspicion the relationship between President Jonathan and the indicted persons, it is dubious to clandestinely use executive powers to exonerate them.

    For the majority of Nigerians, the idea of a secret panel in a democracy is a misnomer. Such a procedure is a mockery of the doctrine of the rule of law, which should be the guiding principle for any democratic government. If indeed the Presidency is desirous of coming clean over that murky affair, what is appropriate would be an administrative panel of enquiry constituted in a manner to show its independence and capacity for impartiality. It is the panel that will publicly determine the extent of involvement of the CAN President and Asari-Dokubo, in the cash-for-arms deal.

    Anything short of a public enquiry would, as in the present circumstance, merely increase the level of suspicion among Nigerians, as to the real intention of the Presidency in the matter. As many have argued when the news broke, the CAN president whose plane was used to ferry the cash and Asari-Dokubo who was alleged to be on the plane, are notable supporters of the President, and who in their vociferous support for him, have threatened fire and brimstone against any perceived opponent of his. So, could it be that in his desperation to reciprocate their support for him, President Jonathan hurriedly forgot his constitutional oath to always act without fear or favour, in the discharge of his responsibilities?

    Also worrisome is why the names of the members of the panel should be a secret matter. In the current circumstance of secrecy, how do Nigerians know whether those who sat on the panel are not surrogates or relations of the investigated persons? Indeed, is it not possible that with the use of secret panel members, the actual findings of the panel could be supplanted with a false report or even the members clearly exhibiting bias, knowing that their identities are hidden from the public?

    With the report in the media that the panel has turned in its report to the Presidency, one can legitimately conclude that it was the President that set it up. But what is not clear is what rules and regulations the panel used to arrive at its advertised findings. Since its members were allegedly drawn from the security agencies, is it possible that they applied military standards in arriving at the decision? Or, could such a body apply the basic tenets of fair hearing, which implies the right of the accusers to be allowed to put their case against the accused and the need to offer an accused the opportunity to clear oneself in a circumstance devoid of any form of intimidation.

    To show that the panel may not have the requisite capacity to properly conduct such an enquiry, the media release said: “It was true that the CAN President’s jet was used, but we found out that it was without his knowledge … And you may be aware that the lease trend is peculiar to private jet owners in the country”. A simple question that this assertion failed to answer is whether even if it is a trend, is such a trend lawful, considering that the plane in question was purchased for private use, and for which taxes from such dubious income will not be paid? The report did not also explain why a private plane should be hired by the National Security Adviser and used for a military assignment. What is needed for all the parties concerned to come clean is an open and transparent enquiry, to allay the concerns of the general public.

    As far as we are concerned, those suspected of involvement in the scandal still have questions to answer, to exonerate themselves. That is not the duty of a secret panel.

  • Who is fooling who?

    Most politicians are notorious for making false promises and claims. To get elected, they usually make promises which they cannot fulfil. They promise their supporters and voters heaven on earth even when it is very clear that they do not have the capacity to be true to their words.

    When they fail to live up to their promises, they are not usually honest enough to admit their failure. They make false claims and brag about what they claim to have achieved to justify asking for another term or seeking another position.

    They can be very disingenuous in their desperate bid to hang on to power like we are currently witnessing in the race for 2015.

    Even when it is apparent that not much transformation has taken place in the lives of Nigerians across the country, some incumbent political office holders have come up with laughable claims of not only being endorsed by their supporters, but financial contributions to buy/purchase nomination forms.

    Last Thursday, President Goodluck Jonathan joined the list of aspirants who reportedly enjoy so much support that their supporters decided to contribute money for them to buy forms.

    According to his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Reuben Abati, over N98million was contributed by a cross section of Nigerians for President Jonathan to buy the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) N22m Presidential nomination form.

    Before President Jonathan, Akwa Ibom State Governor,  Godswill Akpabio, now seeking Senatorial seat after two terms as Governor;  Senate President, David Mark who has served three terms as Senator; and Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima have made similar claims of having their nomination forms paid for.

    Before now, supporters have always been known to contribute to campaign funds, but this new wave of claims of supporters buying forms is vintage Nigerian politicians who can be trusted to do anything to  back their claims of being the ‘people’s candidate’.

    If only the Presidential aspirant of the All Progressive Congress (APC), General Mohammed Buhari knew better, like other politicians, he would have sought the financial support of his supporters to pay for his nomination form to test their loyalty instead of getting a loan to pay for his form as he claimed.

    President Jonathan and others can deceive themselves about the contributions to pay for their forms, but only those who don’t know the ways of politicians will believe them. This false claim, like many others is to give the false impression of how popular their candidature is.

    If indeed some supporters paid for the forms, it must have been from what they have benefited from the aspirants or what they hope to get. The incumbent aspirants have more than enough to pay for their forms and should have spared us the joke about the financial contributions.

    Apart from the financial support claim/Aside the claim of financial support, aspirants should also stop claiming that they are contesting based on the call by their ‘people’. If they don’t have enough personal conviction to run or don’t have the capacity for any office, they should not (contest).

    Nigerians are tired of having (reluctant)? candidates who don’t have any clear agenda about what to do to improve on the level of governance in the country. What we need are candidates with clear vision of how to genuinely transform the country and reverse the decline in virtually every sector in the country.

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  • Why the battle for North-West, North-East is crucial

    Why the battle for North-West, North-East is crucial

    As the nation moves towards the 2015 poll, the unsung battle fields are the North-West and the North-East. Our MANAGING EDITOR, NORTHERN OPERATION, YUSUF ALLI X-rays the governorship race in the 12 states in the two geopolitical zones.

    Prologue:
    To say next year’s governorship election is going to be tough is to say the obvious. The toughness in not in the tension that would accompany or herald it, rather it is in the jockeying and level of interests and reputation that would be at stake and be tested. In these reports, our correspondents have pieced together compelling analysis of the politics, issues and events that would shape the winners and losers in the leading parties.

    In spite of its boast that it has a firm control of the South-South, South-East, and a little incursion into the South-West, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP and President Goodluck Jonathan know that they have serious challenges in winning voters in the North, especially the North-West and the North-East.

    Although Vice-President Namadi Sambo is from the North -West, he is yet to secure the electoral confidence of the zone. A panicky Jonathan had offered a helping hand to his deputy in the last few months. He had to renew his rapprochement with angry Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State through some shuttles to the state which included the commissioning of the state-owned International Airport in Dutse. Not minding public opinion on insurgency in the North-East, the presidency ensured that ex-Governor Modu Ali Sheriff was admitted into the PDP.

    Still undone, the President reconciled with the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi for what a Minister described as “a politically strategic reconciliation” for 2015 poll to win Kano State. Though the President was aware that the Emir has a close-knitted relationship with key figures in the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), the emergency reconciliation was designed to prick the Emir’s conscience to be “neutral” while all the parties fight for the soul of Kano.

    Yet, as the President was ‘gaining mileage’ in Kano, he is fast losing whatever is the goodwill left for him in Sokoto State with the hounding of Speaker Aminu Tambuwal whose security aides were withdrawn for defecting to APC. The anger of the people of Sokoto State was not about defection but the apparent double standards of the Presidency.

    Unknown to many, the battle for the North-West and the North-East is crucial for Jonathan, PDP and all the parties for many reasons. There is jostle for the huge voters in the two geopolitical zones. Going by the number of registered voters recently released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, out of 70,383,427 eligible voters nationwide, the North-West and the North-East have combined voters’ roll of 29,064,009. While the North-West accounts for 18,616,499 voters, the North-East has 10,447,510. Whereas both the South-East and South-South have total of voters’ register of 16,664,968.

    There is no reason why the President and PDP will not have more than a passing interest in the two zones in a poll system where, according to Section 133(a) and (b) of the 1999 Constitution, a President is deemed duly elected with majority of YES votes and one-quarter of the votes cast in at least 24 states.

    Also, the defection of some PDP governors and ex-governors to APC in the South-West has strengthened the hold of the opposition in the North-West and North-East. For instance, out of six states in the North-West, three (Kano, Sokoto and Zamfara) are under the control of the APC. In the North-East, PDP controls four states (two ridden with crisis) and APC manages two.

    The gubernatorial race

    What will define governorship race in the North-West and North-East are the incumbency factor; quest for power shift; resistance to imposition or godfathers; types of candidates chosen by parties; attitude of the PDP-led Federal Government to insurgency; religion; defection of governors from PDP to APC and performance of the outgoing governors and those aspiring for second term in office. The outlook so far in some of the affected states (across all parties) are as follows;  Kebbi (23 aspirants), Bauchi (23), Katsina (19), Sokoto (10), Kaduna (10), Kano (10), Taraba (9), Zamfara (7), Adamawa (7), Gombe (5) and Yobe (5). The list includes serious and unserious aspirants.

    In Kaduna State, the turf is between APC and the PDP. Contrary to the prediction of a walkover for Governor Ramalan Yero, five others are challenging him. These are former Minister of Aviation, Felix Hyat; former Secretary to the State Government, Samiala Abdullahi; and a former member of the Senate, Zego Aziz, Jimmy Nabaida Dung, Air Commodore John Bako Ajeye (rtd) and Haruna Zego Aziz. For Yero, he is banking on his mentor, Vice-President Namadi Sambo rather than performance.

    The people of Southern Kaduna, who had been victims of insurgency and militia attacks are not only demanding the return of power to their area to compensate for the death of ex-Governor Patrick Yakowa in office, they want a new governor who can guarantee them adequate security. The failure of PDP to restore peace to Southern Kaduna might lead to protest votes for APC which is already gaining ground in the area. The removal of the former Group Managing Director of NNPC, Engr. Andrew Yakubu (a Southerner from Kaduna) has fueled the anger against PDP.

    The APC, through one of its merger parties (the CPC), which gave PDP a run for its money in 2011 is in good stead to reclaim its stolen mandate. Already, former FCT Minister Nasir el-Rufai, the Director-General of the Progressive Governors Forum, Alh. Salihu Mohammed Lukman, Isah Ashiru, Mr. James Bawa Magaji, and Haruna Saeed Kajuru have indicated interest in the APC ticket to challenge Yero whose performance could not match his predecessors like Senator Ahmed Makarfi and VP Sambo. The loss of Kaduna State to APC will confirm the assumption that Sambo had been a “paper weight” politician were it not for Makarfi who brought him into politics or bestowed power on him. But if the VP gets his bearing in 2015, he would have proved that he is a political giant.

    With the shutting out of Governor Bala Ngilari by the PDP’s National Working Committee during the week, it is going to be a battle royale by ex-UBEC Executive Secretary, Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Modibbo; ex-EFCC Chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Markus Gundiri; Auwal Tukur; ex-Minister Aliyu Idi Hong; and Sen. Abubakar H. Girei for PDP slot. In the APC, Senator Jibrilla Bindow has to go through the hurdles of primaries with his previous challengers. Ex-Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has a fresh opportunity to install his chosen one as the party’s governorship candidate. Already, the party’s structure has returned to Turakin Adamawa.

    In Kebbi State, the battle line is drawn between Governor Saidu Dakingari and those for either power shift or against imposition of candidate.  In PDP, while the governor from Kebbi North seeks to impose a former Coordinator of the Counter Terrorism Centre in the Presidency, Maj-Gen Sarki Yaki Bello (Kebbi Central) as the party’s governorship candidate, other stakeholders are opposed to it. They are demanding free and fair primaries. One of those in the vanguard for due process is a kingmaker and ex-Governor of Kebbi State, Senator Adamu Aliero. In fact, the PDP Chairman in the state, Mansur Shehu Mansa resigned to vie for the governorship ticket. Others in the race in PDP are Deputy Governor Ibrahim Khalid Aliyu; moneybag Senator Atiku Bagudu; Bala Na’Allah, Gen Muhammadu Dan’Hanne Isah, Alhaji Zubairu Turaki, Alh Hussani Adamu, Bala Kaoje, Alh Sama’ila Sambawa and Elder Ishaku Daudu, Senator Mohammed Magoro; Businessman Adamu Hussein.

    The APC has a crack set of aspirants like ex-Secretary to the State Government, Ahmed Samma; Dr. Yahaya Aliyu; Malam Bukhari Bello;  Dr. Yahaya Abubakar Abdullahi, Abubakar Atiku Bunu, Abubakar Chika Malami, Ahmed Mohammed Sama, Salihu Isah Nataro, Bala Musa Sakaba, Mohammed Nasir Sala Koko, Sadeeq Sule Iko-Sami, Suleiman Mohammed Argungu, Rtd Col Inuwa Bawa and Sadiq Yelwa.

    The demand for power shift to the South, which has never produced a governor, is likely to play a key role in the emergence of the next governor. Past governors, Aliero (Kebbi Central) and Dakingari (Kebbi North) were produced by other zones. The people of Kebbi South covering Zuru, Yauri and Argungu might part ways with PDP if it does not concede the slot to them. This explains why APC is in good stead to win the state if it is more tactical. The implosion which the imposition of Gen. Yaki Bello might generate in PDP will add value to the advantage of the opposition.

    As for Borno State, the courage with which Governor Kashim Shettima had defied insurgency to perform in office is a plus for him. The success of the administration has intimidated the PDP such that governorship aspirants are cautious flying the flag of the party. So far, only veteran gubernatorial aspirant, Kashim Imam has shown interest in PDP ticket to slug it out with Governor Shettima. Imam is over relying on ex-Governor Modu Ali Sheriff to install him as the governor in 2015. Despite his alleged denial of his involvement in Boko Haram, the unending insurgency has created a political burden for Sheriff. The same insurgency factor informed why he lost election into the Senate and it might backfire for him in 2015. The rising profile of his emergency ex-godson, Governor Kashim Shettima has reduced his political profile. For a politician who used to enter Maiduguri with about 200 military and police escorts, Sheriff’s touch with the grassroots is rated low at present. By the voting pattern of Borno State since the Second Republic, APC is the party to defeat because the people of the state do not vote for mainstream party; they always prefer a progressive tent. “I think it is a cultural thing,” said a source.

    As for Sokoto,  Governor Aliyu Wammako Magatakarda still holds the ace. A strategist, he is rated to have the Midas touch for winning elections irrespective of the party he moves to. Those struggling to replace Wammako on PDP platform are Deputy Governor Mukhtari Shagari, Senator Abdallah Wali, a friend of the President, Senator Abubakar Umar Gada and ex-Minister of Transport, Alhaji Yusuf Sulaiman. The sidelining of ex-Governor Attahiru Bafarawa by the presidency after defecting from APC to PDP has compounded the woes of PDP in Sokoto State. Out of the bigwigs who defected to PDP, Bafarawa is yet to be politically rehabilitated. This is making his supporters to have a second thought. Aspirants on the platform of the APC are Senator Umaru Dahiru, Alhaji Faruk Malami Yabo, Alhaji Yushe’u Kebbe, Barrister Aliyu Abubakar Sayyinna and Ibrahim Dambuwa. The defection of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, to the APC has left the gubernatorial flank open in Sokoto State. The ambition of Shagari might prove fatal for PDP in the state. The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mr. Sambo Dasuki is also under pressure to return his state to the ruling party. Though not a politician, Dasuki could wield influence to back the ruling party.

    In Kano, the search for a credible candidate by the PDP has given APC much leeway to dictate the pace. This dilemma of the ruling party in Kano accounted for the confidence of Governor Musa Rabiu Kwankwaso on APC’s chances. Those seeking PDP governorship nod are Mohammed Abacha, who was recently given legal soft-landing for more than $500million allegedly looted by his father  and cronies in office as a military Head of State; Risqua Murtala, the son of a former Head of State, Murtala Muhammed whose tenure reshaped Nigeria;  and Dr Akilu Indabawa among others. The PDP is depending on the war chest (looted funds) of the Abachas to displace APC government in the state but a source added: “It takes more than money to win election in Kano State.” The fact that ex-Governor Ibrahim Shekarau (Minister of Education) is disallowed from controlling the party machinery in the state and shopping for a credible candidate might not help the fortunes of PDP. Shekarau wants an open race but the presidency seems to ave its anointed candidate.

    If APC has any challenge, it is about applying wisdom to pick its flag bearer in Kano State. Those interested in being APC candidate are retired Col. Lawal Jafaru Isa, Deputy Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Senator (ex-Governor Kabir Gaya), Rep Suleiman Kawu Sumaila, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, Alhaji Rabiu Suleiman Bichi and Alhaji Salihu Sagir Takai.

    In Taraba State, the Acting Governor, Garba Umar is locked in a battle for the governorship ticket with the ex- Minister of State for Niger Delta Arch Darius Ishaku. The chances of Ishaku were buoyed by the decision of Senator Emmanuel Bwacha (another Danjuma boy) to step down. Until the ill-fated plane crash of outgoing Governor Danbaba Fulani Suntai, Bwacha was set for the Government House in Jalingo. Others interested in the race are Chief David Sabo Kente, Senator Joel Ikenya, Agbu Kefas and Ezekiel Irimiya. The problem with the jostle for the PDP ticket in the state is that it might degenerate into tribal and religious conflicts. The Muslims in the state consider the emergence of the Acting Governor as an opportunity for power shift but the Christians want the power back at all cost. With incumbency factor and the right of First Refusal accorded all sitting governors by PDP, Umar might emerge PDP candidate.

    The APC is waiting in the wings for any slip from PDP. Those after APC governorship ticket are Senator Aisha Jummai Alhassan and Dr. Jonah Wachap.

    The jostle for the PDP flag in Bauchi State might see Governor Isa Yuguda rekindling his age old rivalry with the National Chairman of PDP, Alh. Adamu Muazu. In line with the trend in his party, Yuguda is said to be “highly” interested in his successor. His camp is already rejoicing over the chickening out of the race by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed at the last minute. Mohammed, who was earlier anointed by the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan was able to read the handwriting on the wall on the ‘cold war’ between Yuguda and Muazu. He chose the ministerial comfort, rather than gamble, to wait for another day. In Bauchi, PDP governorship aspirants include Deputy Senate Leader Abdul Ningi, Senator Babayo Garba Gamawa, Dr. Musa Babayo, ex-Minister of State for Health Professor Mohammed Ali Pate, ex-SSG, Ahmed Ibrahim Dandija, Alhaji Aminu Hammayo, Alhaji Muhammad Sani Alamin, Alhaji Mohammed Nadada Umar, Alhaji Magaji Udubo, Senator Abubakar Maikafi, Haruna Umar, Senator Baba Tela and Alhaji Shehu Gabam. The roll after the collection of nomination forms will determine who is set for the contest or not.

    The APC aspirants are ex-Minister of Police Affairs, Dr. Ibrahim Yakubu Lame, Mohammed Abubakar, Sadiq Mahmud, Senator Suleiman Gamawa, Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Nuhu Gidado and Abdullahi Tanko Ningi.

    For Yobe, Governor Ibrahim Gaidam of the APC might emerge the party’s aspirant although he has an aspirant, Alhaji Yahaya Muhammad to contest with. The Gaidam aspiration is enhanced by the fact that the political godfather of the state, three-term ex-Governor Bukar Abba Ibrahim is supporting him. A well-respected politician, Ibrahim commands large following in the state. He is regarded as the “political heartbeat” of Yobe State. The state has also been voting for the opposition since 1999. The insurgency in the state and apparent lack of solution by the PDP has foreclosed its victory in Yobe State. Crawling for the PDP slot are ex-Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Yerima Ngama, Alhaji Ibrahim Talba and another veteran governorship aspirant and ex-Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Adamu Maina Waziri.

    Regarding Katsina State, although the incumbent Governor Ibrahim Shema is keeping his game plan to his chest, he has an anointed candidate in mind. He is presently preoccupied with how to check the ravaging APC than PDP’s internal politics. Notwithstanding, aspirants reading the lips of Shema are Senator Ibrahim Muhammad Idah (a former Permanent Secretary and ally of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua but now romancing President Jonathan), Umar Abdullahi Tsauri Tata, Alhaji Sunusi Dan Bello Na Adiyalle, Kabir Abdullahi Barkiya, Ahmad Aminu Yar’Adua, Nura Khalil, Musa Adamu Funtua and Nasiru Umar Dutsima.

    To avoid a repeat of the crisis on the 2011 governorship primaries, which led to the loss of Katsina State by the defunct CPC, the APC is trying to manage the situation. In terms of support, a presidential aspirant, ex-Head of State, Muhammadu Buhari is enjoying cult followership in the state. The APC aspirants are Alhaji Aminu Masari, Senator Sadiq Yar’Adua, Senator Abu Ibrahim, Senator Kanti Bello, Col. Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, Mannir Yakubu, Abubakar Ismaila, Dr. Usman Bugaje, Alhaji Sada Ilu and Alhaji Garba Aminci. Senator Yakubu Lado is also out to be Katsina State Governor on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM). If APC has any obstacle in Katsina, it is the alleged ‘good’ performance of the governor. The opposition will have to come up with a better roadmap for the state.

    With ex-Governor Sani Yerima still in APC, the party will retain its grip on Zamfara State. This explains why Governor Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar appears to be emerging as a sole aspirant of the party. His challengers in PDP are former Governor Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi, Rep. Bello Mutawalle, Alhaji Ibrahim Shehu Gusau, Alhaji Sagir Hamidu and Alhaji Bashir Adamu. The Minister of Defence, Lt. Gen. Aliyu Gusau could have saved the day for PDP in the state but age is said to be slowing him down. Gusau also detests the growing money politics in the state. At a point, some PDP stalwarts wanted ex-IGP Mohammed Abubakar as the party’s candidate but the presidency could not decode their message. The same presidency is yet to fulfill its promise to compensate Abubakar with an ambassadorial posting after failing to extend his tenure.

    In Gombe State, the stake is between the incumbent Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo and his estranged political godfather, Senator Danjuma Goje, who is now the natural leader of APC in the state. Whoever is ‘anointed’ by Goje will be Dankwambo’s opponent. The PDP and APC rating in the state is 50 percent apiece.

  • Jonathan’s 2015 declaration committee searches for venue

    Jonathan’s 2015 declaration committee searches for venue

    •Breaks into sub-committees

    Presidential Declaration Committee yesterday broke into sub-committees as it intensifies its search for a suitable venue for President Goodluck Jonathan to publicly declare his bid to contest the presidential election.

    Speaking with State House correspondents at the end of its meeting, the Chairman of the committee, Haliru Mohammed, said the Venue Sub-committee had been tasked to select from a choice of venues that would be appropriate for certain aspects of the decoration that could entail solemnity or razzmatazz.

    He said: “We have set up sub-committees to do the  activities of the arrangement. We will get the copies of the sub-committees to the secretariat. The sub-committees will make their programmes based on their terms of reference. They will get the budget and then we will start rolling.

    “We are considering a number of venues. The nature of the organisation will determine the venue because there are events that are solemn that could be done in a room like a meeting. There are events that require razzmatazz that only could be done in an arena. We haven’t decided the format yet.”

    “It is one of the jobs of the sub-committees to decide the format and the procedure. When that is done, we will decide the appropriate venue for that kind of arrangement.”

    On how soon the venue will be found, he said: “That one could be done as early as next week. Once the committees start, we have the Event Committee, we have the Venue Committee because we need inputs from people. This is why we have the sub-committees.”

    “When they decide on their format, that is when we have the venue of the event because each event determines its own venue,” he added

    Abia State Governor Theodore Orji said: “Governors are actually involved because the states are involved. We have broken into committees.”

    Each committee has its specific responsibilities to perform that will be in overall interest of what we have in mind. And that is successful declaration of the president.

    On Gumi’s advice to President Jonathan, he said: “Well, every person can say anything. You can advise somebody, it is left for that person to take your advice or not. That is a personal advice, but the general advice is for the president to contest.”

     

    END

     

     

    Wage Deregulation: Nlc To Work Against Those Who Trample On Workers Right

     

    FROM TONY AKOWE, ABUJA

    OCTOBER 27, 2014

     

    The. Nigeria Labour Congress has vowed to work against the interest of members of the National Assembly and any other political office seeker who chooses to trample on the right of the Nigerian worker.

    In a communique at the end of its National a executive Council meeting in Abuja on Monday night and signed by President and General Secretary, Abdulwahid Omar and Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson, the NLC said that in the interest of industrial harmony, those enjoying undeserved advantages should not do anything to further make life more difficult for Nigerian workers.

    The meeting mandated the leadership of the Union to meet with the leadership of the Senate to verify the true position of the claim that it is leading the crusade for the deregulation of wages in the country.

    The communique reads: “The National Executive Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress after an exhaustive deliberation at the Top Rank Hotel Galaxy, Abuja resolved as follows:

    “The NEC-in-Council condemned in very strong terms the reported stepping down of Labour, including Wages from the Exclusive List to the Concurrent List by the National Assembly (NASS);

    “In spite of denials by some officers of the National Assembly to the contrary, NEC directed its members to commence immediate mobilization of members including visiting their representatives in the State Houses of Assembly and  the National Assembly to demand their input in maintaining the statuesquo  of Labour on the Exclusive List.

    “The NEC-in-Session mandated the leadership of the Congress to meet with the leadership of the Senate to ascertain the veracity  or otherwise of the claim that it is leading the crusade for the deregulation of wages in the Country on the one hand;

    and meet the leadership of the House of Representatives for re-assurance that it has not relinquished its honourable pledge to retain Wages on the Exclusive List, on the other.

    “The NEC warned that it will work against the interest of any seeker of political office who chooses to trample on the rights of Nigerian workers;

    “The NEC advises that in the interest of industrial harmony, those enjoying undeserved advantages should not do anything to further make life more difficult for Nigerian workers”.

    ENDS

     

     

     

  • Jonathan again?

    Barring any change, President Goodluck Jonathan is expected to formally declare his intention to contest a second term on November 11.

    The announcement last Friday by the Chairman of the Presidential Declaration  Committee, Dr. Haliru Bello, has been long-awaited.

    President Jonathan’s interest to remain in Aso Rock had never been in doubt. The question has always been when would he make the  declaration? He probably would have done so before now but for the abduction of the Chibok girls which has remained a major albatross for his administration.

    To have embarked on any open political campaign when over 200 girls are still being  held by the Boko Haram terrorists would have been considered insensitive. It is therefore understandable why President Jonathan waited this long while his supporters, under various guises, are having a field day drumming up support for him and making him look like a reluctant candidate who should be persuaded to remain in office.

    Unlike other presidential aspirants in the All Progressives Congress (APC) who still have to contest for the ticket of their party in case the proposed consensus agreement fails, Jonathan has been adopted as the sole candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    As it is, the 2015 presidential election promises to be an epic battle between Jonathan and whoever is fielded by the APC.

    Based on the performance of   Jonathan’s government which has been generally scored low on various indicators,  I am one of those who believe that  it is time for Nigerians to vote for a change. We deserve more than the kind of lack lustre leadership we have endured under President Jonathan.

    Another four years under President Jonathan who does not seem to have a solution to the high level insecurity, economic decline, decay of infrastructure, unemployment, endless strikes and many other issues will not augur well for the country.  We are sliding on  all fronts and it is time to reverse the precarious situation we have found ourselves by voting for another leader who has what it takes to tackle the challenges confronting the country.

    The opposition definitely needs a formidable candidate to beat President Jonathan,  who, among other factors, has the advantage of being an incumbent with lots of resources to deploy for the presidential election.

    It is up to the APC aspirants not to allow President Jonathan to  fulfill his ambition by putting the interest of the party before their personal ambition. The election of the party’s candidate must be as rancou-free as possible.

    Those who fail to get the party’s nomination must rally round the winner with all available resources if  the ‘transformation to nowhere’  government of President Jonathan is to become history.

  • Senate puts wages on concurrent list

    Senate puts wages on concurrent list

    Presidential assent will no longer be required to amend any section of the constitution – if the clause is endorsed by President Goodluck Jonathan.

    This is one of the highlights of the conference report of the review of the 1999 Constitution adopted yesterday by the Senate.

    The upper chamber adopted the report wholesale without debate.

    The lawmakers noted that the provision “enhances the sovereignty of the citizens through their elected representatives by removing the need for presidential assent in constitution alteration while “it also replaces the word “Act” wherever it appears with the word “Bill”.

    Wages, Pensions, Railways, among others are to be removed from the exclusive list to be taken concurrently by the Federal and State governments.

    Apart from abolishing presidential assent in constitution alteration, the lawmakers also adopted referendum for state creation.

    The Senate adopted the provision, which confers immunity on legislators in respect of words spoken or written in the exercise of their legislative duties.

    The lawmakers strengthened the administration of local governments by providing for their funding, tenure, election and clearly delineated their powers and responsibilities to ensure effective service delivery as well as insulated them from undue and counter-productive interference from state governments.

    They approved the Right to Education and the Right to Health, as fundamental Rights in the constitution as well as adopted the establishment of the National Assembly Service Commission and State House of Assembly Commission to be enshrined in the constitution.

    The lawmakers altered Section 59 of the Constitution by voting to bypass the president if he failed to sign a bill presented to him within 30 days.

    The Senators agreed that “within seven days, the President of the Senate shall convene a joint sitting of the National Assembly to reconsider the bill.

    “If passed by two-thirds majority of members of both Houses at such joint sitting, the Bill shall become law and the assent of the President shall not be required.”

    The Senate noted that the alteration “resolves the impasse where the President or Governor of a state neglects to signify his assent or withholds such assent. This will strengthen legislatures authority and enable timely passage of laws for good governance.

    The lawmakers approved the provision which authorised the President of the Senate to convene a joint meeting of the National Assembly to reconsider a money bill where the President withholds his assent.

    Section 65 and 106 of the alteration provided for independent candidacy in elections while Section 67 made it mandatory for the President to attend a joint meeting of the National Assembly once a year to deliver a state of the nation address.

    Approved Section 81 engendered accountability and efficient service delivery by providing for the funding of the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation, Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, National Security Agencies, The Nigeria Police, The Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission, directly from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation.

    The lawmakers adopted Section 82 and 122, which reduce the period within which the President or the Governor of a state may authorise the withdrawal of moneys from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation in the absence of an Appropriation Act from six months to three months.

    Adopted Section 84(4)(A-F) creates the Office of the Accountant General for the Federal Government..

    To curtail refusal of appointees of the Federal or state governments’ to obey summons, the lawmakers adopted Section 89 and 129, which empowers the National Assembly and the Houses of Assembly to prescribe sanctions, civil or criminal or both for failure, refusal or neglect to obey summons issued by a legislative House or a committee of any of the Houses.

    The Senate accepted Section 121, which it said engendered accountability and efficient service delivery by providing for the funding of the House of Assembly, Auditor-General of the State and the Attorney-General of a State directly from the State Consolidated Fund.

    The lawmakers approved Section 124, which they described as a consequential provision of the making of local government a full third tier government, by creating the Office of the Auditor-General  of the Local Government as well as the State Local Government Service Commission.

    The Section, it said, “deletes the State Independent Electoral Commission”.

    Sections 134 and 179, which the Senate accepted, extend the time for conducting presidential of governorship re-run to 21 days instead of the seven days for both presidential and gubernatorial elections.

    It adopted Section 174 and 211, which establishes the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Attorney-General of a state as distinct from the Minister of Justice and Commissioner for Justice.

    The lawmakers accepted  Section 223, which empowers the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to de-register political parties for non-fulfillment of certain conditions such as breach of registration requirements and failure to secure/win either a presidential, governorship,  local government chairmanship or a seat in the National or State Assembly.

    They accepted Section 228 which confers powers on the National Assembly to make laws for the procedures, guidelines and qualification for access to the ballot by political parties and independent candidates.

    The lawmakers approved Section 241, which provides that a court of tribunal shall not stay any proceedings on account of any interlocutory appeal.

    They accepted the provision of Section 251 which confers exclusive jurisdiction on the Federal High Court for trial of electoral offences.

    Section 285, which the Senate accepted, provides time for determination of pre-election matters, establishment of local government election tribunals and time for determination of election petitions.

    Specifically, the Section provides that where a force majeure (unforeseen event) occurs, the period of the force majeure shall not be counted in computation of the 180 days for the purpose of determining election petitions.

    Under the Second Schedule, Part 1 and 11(Legislative Powers) the Senate agreed that “The Exclusive Powers under Part 1 to the Schedule of the Constitution is congested, cumbersome and unwieldy.

    “There is, therefore, the need to decongest the Exclusive List by maintaining only items of utmost importance to the Federation as a whole, and transferring some items to the concurrent List.

    “Committee therefore substituted ‘Post and Telegraphs’ with ‘Post and Telecommunications’, included National Security Agencies and removed Pensions, Railways, Stamp Duties and Wages from the Exclusive Legislative List.

    The Senate also approved the provision that transferred and included in the Concurrent List Arbitration, Environment, Health, Housing, Railways, Road Safety, Stamp Duties, Wages, Land and Agriculture, Youths.

    On immunity, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu said that the conference committee accepted the Senate version of the issue which retains immunity.