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Tag: President Goodluck

  • What becomes of Jonathan’s women?

    What becomes of Jonathan’s women?

    In the past few years, the administration of outgoing President Goodluck has given women more voice in government. While some of the women were humble with power, others became burdens to the government. In this piece, YUSUF ALLI, MANAGING EDITOR, NORTHERN OPERATION looks at what next for Jonathan’s women.

    Disputably, the outgoing government of President Goodluck Jonathan prided itself as having increased women’s participation in government from 10% to above 30 %. In a foreword to a book, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Champion for Women, the controversial Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, said: “This is indeed, not just historic, but something special in the history of Nigeria! Half the world’s population is female but the international average of women in elected office is only around 20%. Look at the top office-holders, and the figure is lower still; in Nigeria, however, one in three members of the Federal Executive Cabinet is a woman. It is a fact of which all Nigerians, male and female, can be justly proud.”

    Some of the key appointments bestowed on women in the last four years were the Chief Justice of the Federation, ministerial appointments, Directors-General / Executive Secretaries of key parastatals, the first female Rear Admiral, and the enrolment of female regular combatant into the Nigeria Defence Academy among others.

    But the most contentious had to do with the appointment of female ministers.  It was a motley crowd with mixed grill results. From the self-styled mother of the nation, First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan, whose grammatical blunders were theatrical, to the untouchable ex-Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah.

    The women in Jonathan’s team regaled the nation with different scenarios. Miffed by the absurdity of some of the women in government, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo at a point said there were five presidents in Nigeria, referring to President Jonathan, the First Lady, Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke; ex-Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah; and the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr.(Mrs.) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

    Their unexpected disengagement from power leaves a question: what becomes of them?  The list includes the first female Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Alison-Madueke; the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala; the Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe; Oloye Jumoke Akinjide; the Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson; Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina; Minister of State for Education, Prof. Viola Onwuliri; and Minister of State for Agriculture, Hajia Asabe Asmau Ahmed.

    Others are Minister of Land, Housing and Urban Development, Mrs. Akon Eyakenyi; Minister of Environment, Mrs. Lawrencia Laraba-Mallam; Minister of Information, Sen. Patricia Akwashiki; Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Mrs. Hauwa’u Lawan Bappa; ex-Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah; ex-Minister of Environment, Mrs. Hadiza Ibrahim Mailafia; ex-Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Lady Amal Pepple; ex-Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufai; ex-Minister of State for Power, Hajiya Zainab Ibrahim Kuchi; ex-Minister of State for Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada.

    OKONJO-IWEALA

    The 61-year old, Minister of Finance since 2011 had occupied the same office between 2003 and 2006. For a brief period, she was also Minister of Foreign Affairs. Her second missionary journey into the Federal Executive Council has been lack luster, riddled with controversies and largely a disaster. Right from the onset, she assumed the unconstitutional status of the Coordinating Minister for the Economy to the consternation of her colleagues in the cabinet. In spite of the constitutional aberration of the office as conferred on her with fiat by the President, she pretended all was well while usurping the position of Vice President Namadi Sambo, who is naturally in charge of the coordination of the economy. Besides most Ministers go cap in hand to her for budgetary allocation, the implementation of the nation’s budget had hardly reached 60 per cent implementation in the last four years. To her credit, the economy grew to become the largest in Africa, following a rebasing exercise, with little impact on the standard of living of Nigerians. Although Okonjo-Iweala serves on the Advisory Board of Global Financial Integrity, it was amazing that under her nose there was fuel subsidy scam and about $20b oil cash could not be accounted for. All manner of consultants were imported to manage the economy in one form or the other. There can be no better verdict on the state of the economy than the 10-page treatise of a former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Prof  Chukwuma Soludo, who said: “Our public finance is hemorrhaging to the point that estimated over N30tn is missing, or stolen or unaccounted for, or simply mismanaged.”  Certainly, this her second coming has affected her rating as a development economist. She is likely to return to her NGO, NOI Global Consulting after a troubled tenure. But no one will listen to her shriek voice anymore. Above all, she has a job to clear her name of the financial sleaze in President Jonathan’s government.

    ALISON-MADUEKE

    Born in December 1960, the Queen of the oil sector has set a record of being the most powerful minister Nigeria has ever produced. Her words were law in the Federal Executive Council and no Minister could oppose her memo.  Doing so will incur the wrath of the powers that be.

    Ministers dote on her because that is the surest way to win the hearts of forces at the Presidential Villa. Once at a session of the Federal Executive council (FEC), she banged the phone to the consternation of all. Yet, there was no reprimand because she towers above all. In his bid to get reappointment after cabinet dissolution, a former Minister allegedly once prostrated for Alison-Madueke in her home.

    A mermaid with her unique beauty, the minister who grew up in Mubi had been a trail blazer with many firsts including the first Nigerian woman to be on the board of Shell Petroleum Development Company, Nigeria; the first female Minister of Petroleum Resources; the first female Petroleum Minister to work with five Group Managing Directors of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC); and the first female OPEC President. The fuel subsidy scam under her care led to a nationwide shut down in January 2012 and the protest almost brought the Jonathan administration to its knees. Apart from the local content development initiative, it is difficult to point out any spectacular achievement of her in office. The failures were like anthills: over $20b oil funds unaccounted for; disinvestment in the oil sector by International Oil Companies (IOCs); fall in the sale of crude oil; non-passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB); increase in oil theft; award of N4b  pipeline protection contract to ex-militants and militia leaders. Although she still has an assignment in OPEC, it is likely she might step aside as the cartel’s President because the slot is usually for a country and not an individual. What next is being a player in the oil sector.  But before she becomes an oil baroness, she may appear before many panels to defend her tenure. She will have rough days ahead but she has the gut to survive the odds.

    OMOBOLA JOHNSON

    The Minister of Communication Technology was born on June 28, 1963 to the family of the late High Chief Bayo Akinnola, who was the Lisa of Ondo Kingdom. Born into a family noted for its integrity and hard work, she was the Country Director of Accenture (a Management Consultancy Group) before she emerged as a Minister. Though on the quiet side, she has been able to achieve an increase in ratio of mobile subscriptions from 68.49% in 2011 to about 85% in 2015. Also, the mobile phone coverage which stood at 40% in 2012 might increased to about 55 to 60 per cent before the end of the year. Her greatest weakness is the inability of her ministry to address epileptic GSM service by telecoms firms. Though the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) imposed over N1.17billion on some telecoms firms, the sanctions were like mere slap on the wrist. Mrs. Johnson might return to the private sector after leaving office.

    SARAH RENG OCHEKPE

    A quiet and highly religious Minister, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe was born in October 1961. A trained journalist and holder of Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Jos. During her tenure, Nigeria has been able to achieve about 69-70 per cent access to potable water; constructed or rehabilitated 33 dams and 28 earth dams nationwide; and executed 15 irrigation projects which could create two million jobs when fully utilized.   The ministry also secured a N2.4billion grant from Japan for water supply to five states. She was also able to address annual flooding in the country by developing Flood Control and Early Warning System (FEWS). For the first time in the history of the Ministry of Water Resources, she ran a trouble or scandal free tenure. Soft spoken and brilliant, Mrs. Ochekpe ran into political storm when she coordinated the controversial campaign dinner for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and President Goodluck Jonathan  where about N21billion was raised beyond the N1billion campaign limit in the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended). Before she could be consumed by the campaign fund crisis, former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana came to her aid by claiming that the funds were meant for the completion of PDP National Secretariat. After May 29, Mrs. Ochekpe will remain a key grassroots player in Plateau State from where she was catapulted into national limelight. She used to be a member of Afri Foundation seeking to tackle poverty in Africa. Definitely, she will return to local politics because she is rated as “loyal”.

    JUMOKE AKINJIDE

    A product of Harvard Law School, the 56-year old Oloye Jumoke Akinjide is often judged in the shadow of her father, Chief Richard Osuolale Akinjide (SAN) who was known for the controversial 12 2/3 politics at the Presidential Election Tribunal in 1979 which led to the upholding of the election of ex-President Shehu Shagari. Oloye Akinjide’s vision was for the FCT to be “among the top 20 capital cities in the world.” But she is leaving a decrepit city whose master plan has been abused by Abuja land grabbers. All the six Area Councils she superintends are gradually turning into slums where nothing works. She has spent the last two years preoccupied with politics in Oyo State because of her deferred governorship aspiration. She is likely to return to her Newman Legal Office after her tenure has elapsed. But take a bet, she will not stop playing politics in Oyo State because she thinks she is a force to reckon with.

    VIOLA ONWULIRI

    A Professor of Biochemistry, she was a shadow minister under the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan in the last four years.

    Her devastating moment in office was when she lost her amiable husband, Prof. Celestine Onwuliri in the DANA Air crash of June 3, 2012.  A mother of five and grandmother of three, she was born in June 1956.

    While as a Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, she was in charge of bilateral agreements and the coordination of Bi-National Commission with the United States. She burnt her political fingers recently when she was involved in a protest march with some widows in Owerri, Imo State. With the way she was panting after a raw deal in Owerri, she does not have a strong heart for politics. She has the choice to return to the Faculty of Medical Sciences at the University of Jos or engage in NGO and church activities which have earned her more than 200 recognitions.

    ZAINAB MAINA

    One of the oldest in the cabinet, Hajiya Maina was born in 1948. A caterer par excellence, she has spent a greater part of her life as an advocate for women. Apart from being a former National President of the National Council for Women Societies of Nigeria, the climax of her career was in 1994 when she was appointed as the Executive Secretary of the Adamawa State Women Commission. During her administration, she has been able to prevail on 23 states to pass the Child Rights Act; she launched the National Database for Vulnerable Children; promoted Affirmative Action which led to more positions for women beyond the 20% target set by the UN and establishment of skill acquisition schemes in 20 VVF Rehabilitation centres nationwide. She is going back to the grassroots for more women advocacy after May 29.

    STELLA ODUAH

    Despite the fact that she is no longer in President Jonathan’s cabinet, Princess Stella Oduah is one of the five mighty hands behind the wheels in the presidency. In and out of office, she remains an unseen hand. While in office, she embarked on the remodeling of Lagos New General Aviation Terminal, and airports in Kano, Maiduguri, Sokoto, Ilorin, Katsina, and Akure. She also renovated Hajj terminals in Kano, Kaduna, Abuja and Sokoto. Hardworking but rated as power drunk, the 53-year old ex-Minister was one of the “untouchables” in Jonathan’s cabinet until she was indicted for the purchase of two bulletproof (armoured cars) at a cost of N255million for use as a Minister. The scam led to her unceremonious exit from the cabinet.

    President Jonathan’s foot-dragging on Oduah’s fate almost created a moral problem for his administration. After sullen period, the princess has regained her track. She is now a Senator-elect from Anambra State.

    After May 29, she has a date with history because she is still being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    AMA PEPPLE

    Until she was suddenly sacked by President Goodluck Jonathan, she was one of the most experienced female ministers Nigeria has ever produced. Armed with a First Class Bachelor’s Honours from University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), she was a Clerk to the Senate, ex-Permanent Secretary in seven Federal Ministries.  As a Minister, she developed National Housing Policy and National Urban Development Policy. Her early exit from the cabinet was due to her audacity in telling the President to settle his political differences with Governor Rotimi Amaechi. Not minding her age, she knelt down for President Jonathan in order to avert the inevitability of losing his re-election bid. She was booted out of the cabinet. But today, she can walk tall because she has been vindicated by the defeat of Jonathan. She is a good chorister in church. She might bounce back to power soon.

    PATRICIA AKWASHIKI

    Born on November 2, 1953, Patricia Naomi Akwashiki, once representing Nasarawa North as a Senator. Though she is presently the Minister of Information, she was yet to settle down when her boss was defeated during the Presidential Election. As a Senator, she sponsored a bill to amend the Code of Conduct Bureau Act. As a politician, she had defected from the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). She may likely return to politics which has entered her blood.

    ASABE ASMAU AHMED

    Before her appointment, she has had a brilliant career in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and what a source described as a “rewarding experience” in the private sector. A reputable town planner, Asabe is also respected for her frankness, honesty and devotion to duty. She will surely go back to the private sector.

    AKON EYAKENYI

    A former Commissioner for Industry, Commerce and Tourism in Akwa IbomState, she is a nominee of Governor Godswill Akpabio. With the Ministry of Land, Housing and Urban Development proving a hard nut to crack since she came on board, she is likely going back to her state for local politicking.

     

    LAWRENCIA LARABA MALLAM

    Prior to her nomination, she was the National President of Catholic Women Organization (CWO). Her appointment was borne out of political exigency and calculation for the just-concluded Presidential Election.

    As a grassroots mobilizer, she could however not save Jonathan from defeat in Kaduna. She may return to church activism.

  • President shifts Ondo rally as 46 PDP leaders join APC

    President shifts Ondo rally as 46 PDP leaders join APC

    •Party in disarray as Mimiko’s leadership is rejected

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)in Ondo State might have fallen apart with yesterday’s defection of 48 ky members to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Following the development, President Goodluck’s campaign – slated for today in Akure, the state capital, was cancelled.

    Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko who is the Southwest coordinator of the Jonathan campaign, received a huge jolt by the defections, announced at a news conference in Akure, it was learnt.

    Since Mimiko’s return from the Labour Party (LP) to the PDP, the party in the state has not knonw peace.

    Party leaders have accused the governor of playing politics of exclusion.

    Part of the reasons they gave is his choice of Mr. Tokunbo Modupe as the Jonathan campaign coordinator in the state when he (mimiko) is the Southwest coordinator. He was accused of not giving any consideration to the original members of the PDP.

    Mimiko’s spokesman Mr. Eni Ekinsola, however, said the Presidential Campaign in Akure was rescheduled because of the need for the President to receive visiting former Secretary General of the United Nations (UN), Mr. Kofi Annan.

    The defectors who were mostly former political office holders, old PDP members and former Labour Party(LP) chieftains include, the Chief of Staff to former Governor Olusegun Agagu, Mr. Femi Agagu, former Speakers of the State Assembly, Victor Olabimtan and Taofeek Abdulsalam, a House of Representatives member for Owo/Ose federal constituency, Eniolorunda Omosule, Niran Sule, Akinyemi Akinnigbagbe and Tola Wewe.

    Others are Prince Olowokanga, Bukola Tenabe, Boye Adegbemisoye, Olaitan Ayeni, Mrs Tola Owoh, Ife Iji, Felix Okereji, Akinyugha Jones, Kunle Odidi, Abiodun Jerome, Pelemo Samuel, E.O Obagbemi, Ade Obe, Banji Ajaka, Tolu Babaleye, Akin Aibinuomo, Funso Esan, Kole Oluwajana and Feyi Bali.

    The rest are: Deolu Ijose, Otunba Itiola, Deji Aiyejoto, Tolu Fadahunsi, Tony Jayeola, Tola Akinseye, Yinka Orokoto, Jide Ipinsagba, F.A Falohun, Kunle Adebayo, Razaq Obe, Rasak Isijola, Falana Tajudeen, Segun Adagunodo, Wale Ogunmola, Prince Kiladejo, Wale Adegbakinro Hon. Olasunkanmi and Tunde Taiwo.

    Agagu,  who spoke on their behalf, hinged their defection on the fact that Nigeria needs a change and Ondo state needs a new direction.

    The former CoS said those in their group were formidable stakeholders.

    He decried the level of tyranny and bad leadership in the state.

    Agagu said the defectors included former state party chairman, working committee members, members of National Assembly, Speakers and members of the State Assembly, commissioners and Special Advisers, Permanent Secretaries and Senior Civil Servants; Chairmen of Boards, parastatals and local government councils, special assistants, councilors and established grassroots political leaders.

    He added that they had resolved to embrace change which the APC represents and drum support for the victory of General Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd) and Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and other candidates of the party.

    The former CoS said: “We took this decision after lenghty sessions of consultation with friends,political associates as well as supporters in all the 203 wards of the state. We have also received the confidence of distinguished elder statesmen, non political young amd elderly citizens who are concerned about the future of our dear state and country.

    “Today is indeed a watershed in the political history of Ondo State. Never before have so many notable people chosen to desert a political party at the same time like this.

    ‘’There are several reasons for our decision but most important is the obvious fact that Nigeria needs change and Ondo State,  a new direction, we need change which is the burden of good, honest, diligent, prepared, tested and competent leadership.

    “Change, which is a mission to a destination of greatness where our state and nation ought to be. Change from broken promises, broken infrastruture, broken confidence, broken trust, broken leadership and broken future, all from which our people daily and consistently suffer”.

    Receiving the defectors, National Vice Chairman (Southwest) of APC, Chief Pius Akinyelure assured them of level play ground,stressing that there is no founder, no joiner in the party.

    Akinyelure charged members  to go back to their local governments and collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

    State APC Chairman, Isaac Kekemeke, said the defection of prominent chieftains of PDP has finally collapsed the structure of the party.

    The former Secretary to the State Government(SSG)said the party and the entire citizenry would resist any attempt to rig the elections.

    He urged INEC to allow collection of PVC,urging the electoral body to inform the people that “Kaadi Igbeayo” could not substitute PVC.

    Dignitaries at the event include Senator Ajayi Boroffice,Chief Tayo Alasoadura, Lebi Morayo, Ifedayo Abegunde, Adedipe Adegboyga, Ade Adetimehin, Tunji Abayomi, Erelu Modupe-Akindele Johnson, Kehinde Adeniran, Abayomi Adesanya, Olu Adegboro, Solagbade Amodeni,Adewale Omojuwa, among others.

  • Nigeria will overcome its challenges, Jonathan assures

    Nigeria will overcome its challenges, Jonathan assures

    President Goodluck Jonathan has said that the challenges Nigeria is going through are teething problems in nation-building and will be overcomed.

    He spoke when Vice President Namadi Sambo led the muslim community in Nigeria on sallah homage to the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The President pointed out that there are many killings across the globe that are not in line with religious beliefs.

    “A number of things that has to do with our belief system suppose to encourage us to see our neighbour as ourselves. What is happening globally now has no religious basis. Only yesterday, a British Aid worker was slaughtered by ISIS and that is not Islamic.

    “Boko Haram killing innocent children and women in market places, in mosques, schools definitely has nothing to do with religion. For us as a nation, this period we should use it to charge ourselves, call on ourselves, encourage ourselves to continue to pray for the forgiveness of those who are doing things that are not religious and for Allah to see us through, ” the President said.

    He went on: “I believe in this country, I believe that Nigeria has a lot to offer not only to Nigerians but to the world and that surely we will get to where we want to go.

    “Whatever obstacles we see are very ephemeral and part of history of nation building, if you read the history of all nations, there is no nation that does not pass through some challenges but they got over it and move ahead, I think we are getting over our problems.”

    Vice President Namadi Sambo thanked Jonathan for his continued support to muslims in Nigeria towards performing one of the cardinal pillars of Islam.

    He prayed for continued peace in Nigeria and for God to continue to give President Jonathan the wisdom and the strength to lead the nation and to achieve the transformation agenda.

    He presented his sallah card to the President while the Minister of State for FCT, Akinjide Olajumoke presented another card on behalf of the muslim community in the FCT.
    Speaking with State House correspondents at the end of the ceremony, Akinjide Olajumoke said: “We thank God that we have seen another sallah and we pray that God will continue to guide this administration.”

    Among dignitaries at the Sallah homage include the Acting Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba,  Primate of Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh and National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki.

  • Nine ministers axed:should have been 39

    Good riddance! Be gone and fare thee well. This is what we all must say to the ministers fired from President Goodluck Jonathan’s cabinet on Wednesday. We hear some of them burst into tears, while they actually ought to jubilate and be grateful that they were relieved of a burden that was obviously breaking their weak backs. Many Nigerians had long expected this sack but Jonathan doodled apparently not quite understanding the essence of a cabinet. Many expected a near clean sweep; or something like 19, or even 39, for left to this column, only about three to half a dozen of the lot have shown that they can think through their responsibilities and deliver any result.

    SELF-SERVING PRESIDENCY But by this cabinet change (if we must call it that), Jonathan has shown how pitiably mixed up he is in his bid to run a government and how he is not ‘working’ and his administration will continue to flounder even if he stayed a 100 years in office. Now he has sacked these fellows by the tag of ministers not because they were not up to speed on the job but because they will not serve his political purpose in the coming months. The pack of Ruqayyat Rufai, Okon Ewa-Bassey, Olugbenga Ashiru, Ama Pepple, Shamsudeen Usman, Hadiza Mailafia, Olusola Obada, Bukar Tijani and Zainab Kuchi have been marinated in the rich trappings of Jonathan’s presidential powers that often becomes Nigeria’s public office holders, in the past two or more years.

    But what we call a cabinet here is a glorified royal court where the king’s men didn’t have to work or exert their minds; all they need do is to be ever present at the royal court, smile broadly at the king’s lame jokes to be acceptable in the king’s presence. Now this horde has become an irritant to the king and they are hereby thrown out like litter. This is the way our executive cabinets have worked at all levels since the British left these shores; members of the executive largely serve the boss and not the people. Now they have been sacked not because they have not performed in their duty posts but because they are deemed no longer useful to the boss man.

    NO GRAND VISION President Jonathan fell deep into the same hole like all his predecessors. He picked underlings, party wags, personal aides, in-laws and mistresses of party big men to form a cabinet. Some had never held down a serious job in their lives and many who can never run a store were saddled with an entire ministry and accompanying agencies. Because neither the boss nor the messengers have any strategic vision for the job or the country, they end up destabilizing the system instead of adding or bringing any value to bear on it.

    The result is that after four or even 20 years, the country would not be much different from how they met it. Our education for instance, would be in the doldrums and ASUU would continue to bicker; we will keep having a ministry of planning that cannot see beyond today and ministry in charge of housing that cannot manage to build a row of sheds in four years. Therefore, naught upon naught is naught; there is no grand vision, no overriding national interest being pursued and no strategic perspective brought to the job.

    In this light it would be asking too much if we begin to question or interrogate the performances of these so-called ministers in the last two years. Safe to Gbenga Ashiru who managed to project some respectability in Nigeria’s foreign policy, most of the others (including those still on their seats) cannot be remembered for any positive contribution while they warmed their various seats. Prof. Rufai in the education ministry will be remembered for protracted ASUU strike and education policy that changed every session. She seemed always out of her depths while her upstart junior minister was rather illiterate for such most important job. Both the president and his appointees can’t seem to fathom the import and majesty of education in this age.

    Mama Ama(l) Pepple, a retired civil servant, one would wager she doses half the time in office having segued from a lifetime of wearisome Nigerian bureaucracy into heading a ministry. One cannot remember that she delivered anything, not in housing, not in urban development in two years. Mrs. Obada was noticed cutting tapes here and there and that was all. Prof. Ewa-Bassey was neither seen nor heard anywhere and it would not have mattered if we did not have a ministry in charge of science and technology. Mrs. Mailafia manned one of the most important ministries in modern times but bet she did not realize just how critical issues of environment are in today’s world. She never lifted off the ground. Mrs Kuchi, the junior minister for power could not be expected to have put in any work if her senior counterpart was de-fenestrated and thrown out by the scruff of the neck; all one has for her is sympathy.

    The same emotion I extend to Mr. Tijani, the junior for agriculture who must have been dazed by the bamboozling and bombastic razzmatazz of his senior man, Akinwunmi Adesina. Shamsudeen Usman who was in-charge of National Planning was particularly pathetic. He has been around as cabinet minister for nearly two decades under various governments and manning different ministries. All these years, one hardly remembers him for any performance on the job or freshness of thought; he is remembered as a time-server and bench warmer. This last outing however, completely unraveled the former bank chief. As the man in charge of National Planning, not one day did he give the nation nary a thread of insight about our condition yesterday, today or tomorrow. Worse, the vision 20-20-20 which was on his corridor died a natural death right their in his hands. In fact he carried on as if he was doing the rest of us a favour serving us in the executive council.

    Beyond the sacked ones, most of the rest really ought to be chucked out if it was really all about service. Just a few instances: what on earth is Ms Omobola Johnson (Communications) doing there; what can we point to if she leaves today? Same for Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu (Health), one cannot see any imprint or monument. Labaran Maku has not brought anything to his office apart from the odium of a ministerial visit (we remember him for something at least); Goodsday Orubebe (Niger Delta ministry) has nothing to offer, same for Onolememen (Works). Akinwunmi Adesina is all fancy foot works with neither depth nor results and ditto for Olusegun Aganga who has lived a fantasy world of phantom investors.

    Apart from one or two, this cabinet and its leadership have been a debacle, to say it straight. Let’s be rid of them!