The Nation Newspaper

Tag: second

  • Second chance

    • PwC’s fresh opportunity to lay bare the NNPC morass

    The nation would appear set on another phase of the journey to resolve the riddle behind the $20 billion alleged to be missing from the coffers of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

    Last week, Uyi Akpata, Country Senior Partner, Nigeria and Regional West Market Area for PricewaterCoopers (PwC), told journalists at a workshop that his firm had been re-engaged by the Federal Government for another round of audit; but this time, with a much wider scope.

    He gave a picture of what to expect: “What I think that may be different from this audit, compared to the first one, is that there may be strong learning points in terms of plugging revenue leakages or erosions that may be minimised going forward, especially in the face of dwindling revenue that is available to government… People have seen that report and for the benefit of hindsight…have suggested to government that there is a need to widen the scope because NNPC may not be the only organisation involved in this governance issue. There may be a need to extend it to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs)”.

    The above justification – or rationalisation – obviously makes eminent sense only in the context of the disappointing outcome of the previous exercise.  Although that took 18 months to conclude, it yielded practically very little in terms of establishing if indeed anything was missing; and if so, how much; and by extension, the individuals and entities responsible for them. It goes without saying, therefore, that the latest exercise only became necessary because the past effort failed.

    The reasons behind that failure are certainly not far-fetched. Whereas Nigerians were, quite rightly, outraged by the allegation that a whopping $20 billion was missing from the NNPC accounts, the Jonathan administration left no one in doubt that the last thing it wanted was an investigation to establish the veracity or otherwise of the weighty allegation. Indeed, it took relentless pressure mounted by civil society and a broad section of Nigerians to get the administration to agree on the need for a forensic audit.

    Even at that, the procedure it prescribed for the auditors turned out to be rather restrictive – deliberately so – for a supposedly forensic undertaking.  Worse, however, was the bad faith by officials – with tacit support at the highest levels of government, of course – which guaranteed that the key agencies central to the investigations refused to cooperate.  So, in the end, an exercise touted as a forensic one was reduced to a mockery of its essence.

    And so PwC, in what amounted to repudiation of the entire work, could only aver in its covering note to the Auditor-General of the Federation that:  “The procedures we performed did not constitute an examination or a review in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards or attestation standards”!

    The good thing is that PwC now has an opportunity to make good on its earlier effort. This time around, we expect that PwC will follow every trail, as indeed every transaction within its expanded scope. Time was when auditors took shelter behind technicalese to produce reports that are neither relevant nor actionable.

    But Nigerians will recognise the difference when they see the masquerades behind the plunder of the commonwealth unmasked and punished – the so-called Strategic Alliance Agreements (SAA), reported to have bled the treasury to the tune of billions of dollars.  Or when the opaque practices, which allowed highly connected individuals to defraud the nation, are finally dismantled.

    That would be a good test of PwC’s commitments, not just to highest professional standards but to Nigeria.  That should be the most compelling argument for justifying its re-engagement after its last outing.

  • NSIA spends $2.2m on Second Niger bridge, says MD

    NSIA spends $2.2m on Second Niger bridge, says MD

    The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) has spent $2.21million (about N439.78million) towards the construction of the Second Niger Bridge, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Uche Orji, has said.

    Orji, who gave an update yesterday at a media briefing in Lagos, said the Agency, acting through its wholly owned subsidiary, NSIA Motorways Investment Company (NMIC), is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Works and Julius Berger Investments (JBI) as joint sponsors on the financing, development and construction of the Project.

    The bridge which is estimated to gulp $700million by 2012 estimates, is billed for completion in 48months, he said.

    The 11.9km length bridge, Uche pointed out, is structured as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) and would be constructed and operated on a Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) basis.

    He said: “It is expected that the Bridge would be constructed and delivered in 48 months. When completed, the Bridge and adjacent roads will have six  lanes with three  in each direction.”

    He said the Project was initially estimated to cost N108 billion excluding duties and Value Added Tax (VAT), stating that if VAT if duties and VAT are included, the Project cost would jump to N117.9billion. “This was equivalent to $700 million at the then prevailing exchange rate of N154/$, pointing out that the final project cost would naturally be affected by exchange rate fluctuations and other variables.

    Orji, who was accompanied by the Chief Investment Officer/Executive Director, Hanspeter Ackermann and  the Chief Risk Officer/Executive Director, Stella Ojekwe-Onyejeli, said the Federal Government has made a N30 billion commitment to the Project, but has released N18.3 so far, adding that the consortium would raise the remaining funds for the project from Nigerian and international lenders and equity providers.

    He said to underline its commitment to accountability and transparency, the NSIA assembled a team of Nigerian and international advisers with proven capabilities and global experience in PPP infrastructure projects to ensure the Project gets first-class advisory services, stating that these consultants were engaged through a rigorous and competitive procurement process.

    He said the total consultancy services cost so far is less than one per cent of the estimated project cost, saying the cost, was far below going international rates. As he put it: “Whilst there is no standardised benchmark for transaction costs, the European Investment Bank’s Economic and Financial Report No. 3 of 2005, indicates that, on the average, the level of transaction cost for the procurement phase  of PPP projects is over 10 per cent of the capital value of the relevant project in Ireland, the Netherlands, Portugal, and the United Kingdom.” He however pointed out that this EIB survey estimate, excludes other costs related to contrast monitoring and renegotiation in the operational phase of the relevant projects.

    He said NSIA’s technical consultants on this project have been instrumental in value-engineering the project and reducing the initial project cost to the current level, adding that the agency has put in place a multi-stage approval process for all disbursements under which all payments involving construction are made only after approval by a third-party engineering firm, which matches work completed against amounts due.

    Orji expressed concern that the NSIA has yet to receive any additional funding apart from the initial $1billion it received from inception, but nevertheless struck a positive cord that it has in its possession about $550million it is managing for two government agencies, including the Debt Management Office (DMO).

    He said the chances of additional inflow from official sources are slim, given that government’s main source of revenue – crude oil, has suffered about 50 per cent price decline, “consequently, I do not anticipate a substantial growth in the funds under management through that source.”

  • ‘Jonathan doesn’t deserve second term’

    ‘Jonathan doesn’t deserve second term’

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Hon. Fatai Olukoga, in this interview with DADA ALADELOKUN, explains why the party must continue to steer the ship of the state.

    There are fears that the general elections will make or mar Nigeria. What is your position?

    The election will hold this year. No matter the plans they are having, the people will come out and vote. Nigerians are ready to cast their votes for the right candidates. And of course, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is trying to cause problems; this we could see through the bombardment of the APC’s Data Office in Lagos. They came up with the unfounded allegation that the APC is trying to scuttle the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) register. They used the Department of Security Service (DSS) and other agencies like the police to intimidate the APC and cause trouble so that at the end, the election will not hold. But on February 14, Nigerians will troop out for the elections.

    What do make of the various calls for the postponement of the elections?

    To me, Nigerians are ready for the elections. There are some politicians who are aware that they have not performed or done anything to warrant the people’s support; I mean the PDP. They have equally seen that other political parties have come out with credible candidates to vie for posts. They have erred in the areas of tackling insurgency and others areas. Nigerians have seen that the President is not a man of integrity, who started first by saying he would not contest for second term. Now, he wants to contest for second term, when there are documents to show when he said he would not run for a second term. He has again said he would set up another body that will tackle corruption. So, what happens to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and other anti-graft agencies? It all goes to say that they don’t have the capability to fight corruption. What the President ought to have done is to honourably resign.

    What makes the APC better than the PDP?

    In most of the APC states, we can see what they are doing. We can see the level of development in the states. It happened during Asiwaju Bola Tinubu era in Lagos State; we can see what Mr. Babatunde Fashola is doing. When Gbenga Daniel ran Ogun State for  has something to show in states they have governed. What can the PDP put forward in terms of what it has done for the people?

    Many people have complained about their inability to have their PVCs. How should the matter be resolved?

    I think it is a good thing that government has listened to the cries of Nigerians over the inability to access the PVC. Just recently, President Goodluck Jonathan said the PVC should be provided for the people. I think the decision was taken because they are aware that they have been caught in their game. They are aware that they have made the mistake. They were hiding the PVC by not allowing them to get to the people. The PVC distribution was not effectively handled; they asked the people to go to councils to collect their PVC which is far away from where they reside. At the councils, people were queuing endlessly for the PVC. The people have to go to a particular place to get their PVC and where you see overcrowded people for the purpose of collecting PVC is not good enough. You could see what happened during the recruitment at the Nigerian Immigration Services employment. People died because they had to go to one particular place for the exercise. That shows they don’t know what they are doing. If they know how to govern, they would not come up with that type of suggestion. I can assure you that in 2015 when the APC comes into power, the problems of mismanaging the economy will be addressed. We have seen from the President’s campaign, his agenda in term of how he will run the country. He has told us what he is going to do in terms of employment, insurgency and other issues. The APC government in Lagos State has brought development to the five divisions that make up the state. In the coming years, money will be sunk to the Lagos State employment drive which will further generate employment for our youths in the state.

    The PDP’s ineptitude is very obvious. For instance, the Lagos State PDP campaign slogan is bold idea. But, what the bold idea is has not been articulated to the people. I can assure you that the APC candidate will take advantage of what the present administration has done and build more on it. The APC has the template but does the PDP have a template? I want to say they don’t have anything convincing to offer to the people of Lagos State.

    With all that is happening, can INEC conduct a credible election?

    With the way INEC is conducting itself, I will say boldly that the commission has been bought. When Prof. Attahiru Jega got INEC’s job he said he will be honest in the discharge of his duty but from what we have been seeing that promise is being compromised. So, people can see that he has been bought. Also, the police, State Security Service (SSS), army and other agencies of government have been bought. That is why they said that Lagos had a voting population of six million in 2011, and they now say it is four million and even at that, the four million cannot get their PVC.

  • Jonathan and Second Niger Bridge

    SIR: “When the first bridge was built, it was during the presidency of Nnamdi Azikiwe; the second Niger bridge will be built under the presidency of Azikiwe Jonathan.” “I will go on exile on the completion

    of my term in office if I didn’t build the bridge by 2015“.

    President Goodluck “Azikiwe” Jonathan made that promise in his remarks at a Town Hall Meeting held on August 31, 2011 in the commercial city of Onitsha as part of activities marking his one-day visit to Anambra State. The issue of Second Niger Bridge naturally came up during the Town Hall Meeting since Jonathan had during his campaigns for the 2011 presidential ballot promised to construct the bridge if elected President.

    To convince his audience that serious efforts are being made to build the bridge, he invited Works Minister Mike Onolomemen and Finance Minister Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to brief the people on what was being done about the construction of the bridge. Typically, Onolomemen reeled out the technical details about the design of the bridge and the companies bidding to construct it, while Okonjo-Iweala unfolded the financial arrangements being made to construct the bridge.

    At the end of the meeting, some of the participants, among them, a businessman, Prince Arthur Eze were so thrilled that they urged President Jonathan to seriously consider seeking re-election in 2015.

    Prince Arthur would be less enthusiastic about President Jonathan’s re-election bid if he were to be interviewed on the subject today. If he exudes the same sentiments and excitements over Jonathan’s

    Presidency beyond 2015, it would be because of something else. And it would because of identity politics.

    A few days ago, the president was seen inspecting the “Second Niger Bridge map” on his campaign trip to Anambra State! This is an indication that no starting block has been signposted in a swathe of

    empty space where the bridge was supposedly “erected”! After four years of deceptive and hollow platitudes the president who chiefly identified himself with the Ndigbo couldn’t fulfil a simple electoral promise.

    Now, the basic presumption amongst majority of the Igbos is that President Jonathan is one of their own. But the more entrenched this politics of overt sentiment and identity surface, the more extreme and widespread poverty that plagues them under the same administration with severe intensity. Yet, the poverty visited on the Igbos by the PDP government is the same thing as the one witnessed amongst the Kanuri, Yoruba, Niger Delta or any other tribes.

    The most annoying aspect of next month’s election is not about President Jonathan’s 2011 broken promises which he repeated in 2015. It’s not entirely because of stunting virtually all the national institutions, namely, education, Military, Police, Judiciary, EFCC, ICPC, and the like. It’s the avowed threat of the President’s men to declare him the winner of the election before the election ever takes place.

    The PDP and its presidential candidate may wish to continue to persuade and manipulate the few who are unable to see beyond the facade and fascist enslavement inherent in the party for all  they

    care. The height of electoral impunity is when a political party or any government for that matter wishes to subvert the people’s mandate and interests and declare itself victorious in total negation and against the electoral aspiration of the electorate. Nigerians are looking up to that watershed, when they will determine their destiny at the polling booths, comes February 14.

     

    • Erasmus Ikhide,
  • Women still playing second fiddle in politics

    Women still playing second fiddle in politics

    The political climate in Nigeria since 1999 has provided a platform for the Nigerian women to re-assert themselves. They have been active in the political scene, as members of the National Assembly, ministers and as deputy governors. MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE takes a look at the issue.

    Names like Queen Amina of Zaria, the Megira (Queen Mother) in ancient Kanem Borno, Moremi in Ile-Ife and Emotan in Benin Empire readily comes to mind as some of the notable women that were active politically in pre-colonial times. The importance of the role of women in social change was demonstrated in 1929, when the women of Aba in the Southeast stormed the streets to agitate for better living condition. But, with the passage of time, women’s role in the society reduced considerably. This eventually led to calls for enabling laws to put a benchmark for the participation of women in socio-political and economic life of societies. This was the premise upon which the 1985 International Women Conference in Beijing, China took place.

    No one can deny the impact of the Beijing declaration in politics, even in Nigeria. But, in terms of elective positions occupied by women, the progress has been very slow. Going by the number of women at the National Assembly and other elective offices, it is obvious that women still have a long way to go, as far as the 30 per cent benchmark recommended in Beijing is concerned. At the beginning of the current political dispensation in 1999, the percentage of women who vied for elective positions was put at 2.7 per cent in the Senate and about five per cent at the House of Representatives. In 2007, the figure rose to 8.25 per cent for the Senate and 7.22 per cent for the House of Representatives.

    But, the 2007 figure is still a far cry from the 30 per cent recommended by the International Women Conference in Beijing, China in 1985. Even at the Federal Government level, where efforts have been made to achieve the recommendation through appointments in ministerial posts, the courage to contest elective position by women has been minimal.

    Right now, only seven out of the 109 senators are women. This amounts 6.4 per cent. Similarly, only 25 out of the 362 members of the House of Representatives or 6.9 per cent are women. Analysts believe this is not encouraging enough. The female senators who have been distinguished themselves so far, they are in various committees where their impacts have been felt.

    In the Senate we have senators Oluremi Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos State, Nkechi Nwaogu of the People Democratic Party (PDP) Abia State, Margery Chuba-Okadigbo PDP Anambra State, Chris Anyanwu PDP Imo State, Zainab Kadir-Kure PDP Niger State, Helen Esuene PDP Akwa Ibom State and Nenadi Usman PDP Kaduna State who are all making wakes in the country.

    Nwaogu who is the chairman Committee on Banking sponsored the bill that gave birth to Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) with the mandate to stabilise the financial sector. Her duties as the chairman of the committee has been applauded, ensuring that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other monetary institution work in accordance with laid down rules and regulation.

    The promotion of the rights and dignity of the poor by Senator Tinubu has brought the suffering of the downtrodden to the front burner. The senator has been canvassing for the wellbeing of many Nigerians who are not even sure of the next meal, much more what to put over their heads as shelter.

    Her constituency programme and donations made to the poor has taken many youths out of the streets. The youths have been empowered to seek alternative source of livelihood. During her tenure as the First Lady of Lagos State, her non-governmental organisation the New Era Foundation promoted and assisted women who learn new skills and crafts.

    Senator Nenadi Usman has given the people of Kaduna North a sense of belonging. Her representation at the National Assembly indicated that the people who voted for her did the right thing. As a former Commissioner in three ministries; Women Affairs, Environment and Natural Resources, and Health the confidence reposed in her during her service to Kaduna State has been re-asserted at other national assignments.

    She is one of the few women that have been calling for an increase women participation in politics. The lawmaker was around during the National Republic Convention (NRC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) days pitching her tent with NRC. Usman has empowered lots of women and youth during the period under review.

    Hon. Mulikat Akande Adeola of the House of Representatives narrowly missed the speakership of the House. Though, the position eluded her, her performance at the lower chamber is exemplifying. She is an advocate and supporter of legislations that will impact positively on her constituency and the country as a whole.

    Similarly, the lower chamber could not have earned the much-needed respect it enjoys without the contributions of members like Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Beni Lar, Uzoamaka Nnaji and Olajumoke Okoya-Thomas.

    Their contributions to debates on issues in the House have been very robust. This has justified the growing agitation for greater women participation in all the facets of the country’s national life.

    In some states likes Osun, Ekiti, Lagos, Anambra, Akwa Ibom and Anambra where women have served as deputy governors and governor, it has become the maxim in the political circle to look for a female deputy governor for gender balancing. This is no doubt based on their contribution in the past.

    They have equally been considered on religious grounds, because they are believed to be more compassionate than their male counterparts. Though firm in some instances, women never lose the sight of the fact that they are the mothers of the nation who the youth and vulnerable group of the society look up to.

    In Lagos State, the two governorship candidates of the major political parties, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode of the APC and Mr. Jimi Agbaje of the PDP have chosen Dr. Oluranti Adebule and Alhaja Safurat Abdulkareem respectively as their running mates in the forthcoming governorship election. The duo was chosen based on their religious background. Their impact among the market women, the women advocacy group and the gender sensitive Nigerian society cannot be relegated. They are expected to drum support for the success of their parties at the polls.

    Despite all the modalities put in place to get more women involved politics, their participation is still below expectation. The First Lady and wife of the Benue State governor Yemisi Suswam at a public lecture at the University of Jos noted that the 35 per cent women affirmation by the Federal Government had not been met.

    Mrs. Suswan who advocated for gender equality during the lecture noted that the process must start with the encouragement of women in the economic sector. She said that women lacked equal opportunity in politics like their male counterparts.  According to her, there are lots of challenges that constrained women from making progress in their various careers, stressing that custom and culture have being a major handicap on the ladder of progress of women.

    She said most challenges being faced by women due to lack of formal education have persisted for too long and that preference was given to the male child when it comes to mental and physical development by parents.

    She decried the culture that forbids women from seeking employment. She said women are being over burdened with abnormal conditions when they seek paid job or contest for elective positions in society.

    In the same vein, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa said women have not been courageous enough to stand up to be counted in the political environment. She said the opportunities that are available to women have not been well utilised. She said: ‘’Women are always afraid to venture into business; they often ask whether they will succeed when they go into business. This is a problem; even in the field of politics they are afraid. Their male counterparts know that women have this fear. As a result, men now use that fear to intimidate women.

    “If the women can conquer fear, they will be able to realise their dreams. When they are ready to face whatever obstacle that stands on their way, they will make progress. I have been in politics for over 23 years; I have come to understand that women need to take bold initiatives to be able to overcome the challenges.’’

    The senator said women should drop the notion that they want to take over from men, noting that they should strive to collaborate with them to move the country forward. “We should have confidence in ourselves; we should think of complementing each other. There are areas that you can be good at and there are areas that I can good at. It is not about pushing men out. I don’t believe in feminism; I believe that the strength of a woman is your ability to things as a woman. I like being a woman because woman means beauty and if I have another opportunity of coming back to this world, I will like to come back as a woman.’’

    Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan has reaffirmed his drive for women affirmation, saying that his administration is gender friendly. At the Nigerian Women Strategy Conference, President Jonathan said one of the policy-direction of his government is the increased women participation in governance.

    He said: ‘’We have set the target of meeting the Millennium Development Goals of promoting gender equality, empowerment and the 35 affirmative Action on Women representation in governance. I am proud that our women have never had it so good. Our administration, to say the least, is gender-friendly.

    ‘’Apart from the accomplishment of women in the political sphere and their career pursuits, we have had significant progress in their meteoric rise to the pinnacle of their professions. We have had Women Speakers, woman governor, deputy governors, members of the House of Representatives, members of the Houses of Assembly, local government chairperson and councillors at the grassroots.’’

    However, women still have a long way to go in their quest to occupy key positions in the polity. Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Senator Kofoworola Bucknor said only women know what they want. She added that it is up to the male folk to support them.

    She said: “By the next dispensation, we should be able to have a woman governor in the country. We have not been able to achieve this because most of the time men will not support them. They would say if there is a woman there, how can they go to the woman to ask for favour?

    ‘’How can a woman be boss over me? But I still maintain that women are better managers. They manage their household and family finances. If they are given the chance to manage the finances of the country, I think they will instil more fiscal discipline and Nigeria will be better for it.’’

    Hon. Dabiri-Erewa said the 35 per cent affirmation in Nigeria is a ruse, noting that countries with least socio-political pedigree in Africa have fared better than Nigeria in term of women participation in public and the private sectors of the country’s national life.

    She said: “There are some countries that are better than Nigeria in Africa in terms of women affirmation. Countries like Rwanda and Kenya. Nigeria is far down the ladder; I even see the figure reducing in the parliament come next election.

  • Jonathan’s second term bid divides Urhobo

    Jonathan’s second term bid divides Urhobo

    Crisis is brewing in Urhoboland over alleged moves by prominent leaders of the Urhobo Progressives Union (UPU) to mobilise support for the second term ambition of President Goodluck Jonathan and other Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag bearers in the general election.

    Members of the group said that the move to tilt support towards the PDP has violated the  last year’s “Ovwiamughe Declaration” that the ethnic group will cast one million bloc votes for the All progressives Congress (APC) at the general elections,because the PDP failed to zone its governorship ticket to Urhoboland.

    Following the death of the former UPU leader, Gen. Patrick Aziza, under whose leadership the Urhobo nation backed the PDP, his successor, Chief Joe Omene, allegedly reneged on the declaration when he indicated that Urhobo could support Chief Great Ogboru, the Labour Party (LP)  governorship candidate. That was few weeks after he assured the APC governorship candidate, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, of his support. However, Omene denied the allegation, saying that he will always protect the interest of the tribe.

    A meeting of UPU stakeholders at Mosogar, Ethiope East Council Area to explore the possibility of fielding a single Urhobo candidate, in line with Ovwiamughe Declaration, ended abruptly. Many leaders of the association rose against the pressure on Urhobo people to support the PDP, following its failure to zone the ticket to the ethnic group.

    It was alleged that majority of the UPU executives were bent on actualising the original Uvwiamuge Declaration that Emerhor should be adopted as the consensus candidate. But, the meeting had to adjourn, following a resolution that the matter should be brought before the Urhobo Council of Traditional Rulers, and the youth and women wings for ratification.

    An executive member who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said: “Majority of the executives agreed in a voice vote at the meeting that the Ovwiamughe Declaration should stand and that a drastic decision must be taken to checkmate the unbecoming attitude of those violating the declaration.”

    Some Urhobos had earlier called for the resignation and or removal of Omene as the President-General of the UPU, following the allegation that he was rooting for the President’s second term ambition. But, he denied the allegation, saying that he cannot go against the wishes of the group.

    Justice Otitiri, a political analyst, said: “Urhobo must now know we have a PDP mole as UPU leader. The reality is staring us in the face now.

    “Omene has been championing the suspension of the Amoris, Magages, and other Urhobos by the UPU, for supporting Anioma governorship ambition and the PDP generally. Now, he is the one trying to truncate the collective decision the Urhobo has made on the alter of his selfish pact with President Jonathan. He should honourably resign or be dismissed as the UPU leader.”

    The National Vice Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Mumakai-Unagha, who was at meeting, said: “I am very surprised by this confusion of a U-turn being promoted by some of us. Urhobo must not be deceived that President is willing to support Urhobo governorship through Labour Party.

    “If he is interested in Urhobo governorship, he would have supported us for the Delta PDP ticket when we wrote him six months ago. This resentful u-turn if allowed to succeed it would have long term negative consequences for the Urhobo nation.

    “The UPU would have lost all its credibility. Nobody would respect UPU anymore. Ovwiamughe Declaration had space for only PDP and APC. Since PDP has failed and undermined us, APC is the exclusive choice for Urhobo to support. It an oath we all, especially the UPU leadership, swore to abide. There is no going back.”

  • Can Ajimobi break second term jinx?

    Can Ajimobi break second term jinx?

    The Oyo State All Progressives Congress (APC) is crisis ridden, ahead of next year’s elections. Assistant LEKE SALAUDEEN examines the impact the crisis may have on the re-election bid of Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

    MANY stakeholders believe that, judging by his performance in the last three and half years, Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State deserves a second term. But, in the light of latest developments, the governor, who is the leader  of the All Progressives Congress (APC), can no longer take his re-election for granted.  This is owing to the intra-party squabble that has polarised the party. The crisis has weakened the party structure and decimated its membership. The crisis started manifesting, shortly after Ajimobi’s inauguration in May 2011. It was alleged that the governor did not consult the party leadership while constituting his cabinet and that he picked his commissioners from outside the party. At the, time, aggrieved party members, who claimed to have worked for his victory, protest to registered against the decision.

    The feud  led to the defection of Senator Femi Lanlehin (Oyo South) and Senator Ayoade Adeseun (Oyo Central). The duo accused Ajimobi of shutting out party stakeholders from his administration. Lanlehin defected to the Accord Party, while Adeseun joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).  Many party leaders are not happy with the governor’s attitude towards  stakeholders and they are contemplating leaving the fold. It was learnt that a chieftain of the party, Chief Michael Koleoso, prevailed on aggrieved members, including the two senators, not to dump the party to no avail.

    Analysts see the exit of the two senators as a dangerous signal for the APC, saying it under scores a reflection of the selfish ambition of party leaders who are supposed to work together to ensure the party’s success at the polls next year. The governor, they say, must improve his relationship with the people and work harder on the membership drive.

    Apparently, Ajimobi has a different view. He sees the defection of Lanlehin as a big relief, according to observers, because he considers the latter as a major threat to his re-election bid. Lanlehin had never hidden his plan to contest for the governorship election next year. He was the major opponent of Ajimobi for the ticket in 2011, but he lost to the governor. He was however pacified with the Oyo South senatorial ticket. In spite of the attempt to mend  the cracks, the relationship between them has not been cordial. Lanlehin is the most vocal critic of the Ajimobi Administration.

    Against this background, an epic battle for the Agodi Government House is in the offing. The question on the lips of many observers is; can Ajimobi break the second term jinx? The history of the state suggests that no  governor has ever won a second term.

    A party stalwart, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, beyond Lanlehin and Adeseun’s exit, the internal wrangling in the party is weakening its structure. He said the governor has given little or no regard to other stakeholders in the appointments of commissioners, advisers and the caretaker chairmen of the 33 local government areas.

    He said: “When the appointments into political office were to be made, shortly after 2011 election, Governor Ajimobi told party leaders to submit names of nominees, which they did. But, to their utter dismay, most of the nominees didn’t make the list. The governor allocated juicy positions to his loyalists referred to as ‘Senaco’.  Since then, the party has been divided between Senaco and those of former Governor Lam Adeshina, known as ‘Lamists.”

    He said the last cabinet reshuffle has created rumbles within the party. Some of the commissioners, he said, were sent packing because of their loyalty to the Lam Adesina group.

    From the opposition’s point of view, the governor’s performance alone cannot earn him  a second tenure. Former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP Alhaji Yekini Adeojo said the governor cannot get a second term. He explained that some of the governor’s policies have brought hardship to the people. He cited the Urban Renewal Project, which has led to the demolition of structures. But the government has defended its action by explaining that alternatives are being provided to the affected persons, despite the fact that nobody allocated the structures being demolished to the owners.

    A youth activist, Mr. Akin Olagunju, however disagreed with Adeojo’s position. He said  Ajimobi is set to re-write the political history of Oyo State by becoming the first governor to run and win a second term  notwithstanding the opposition propaganda. Olagunju said the crisis rocking the PDP in the state may be a big plus for Ajimobi,  if the party remains divided.

    The chairman of the APC, Chief Akin Oke,  also dismissed the idea that Oyo people do not elect a governor twice. He described it as a myth, saying the performance of Ajimobi in his first term so far has surpassed the imagination of the opposition and would see him through the polls. Oke said the experience of the people during the Alao-Akala’s administration would also be a key factor in determining the success of Ajimobi at the poll. He argued that the restoration of peace by the governor cannot be wished away. He maintained that if no governor had served the state twice, Ajimobi would be the first to do so because of his excellent performance.

    The governor himself has vowed to break the second term jinx saying he will be the first governor to achieve that. “I will be the first governor to break that jinx. Who says Ibadan never serves a governor twice? I will be the first to achieve that,” he said.

    Ajimobi maintained that, since he was the one serving the people of Ibadan and Oyo State in general, the notion would not apply to him. His words: “We are the one serving the people and not the people serving us. The notion that no governor ever served twice in Oyo State is wrong because Awolowo and Akintola governed the state twice. Ajimobi stressed that his performance would speak for him in the next election.

    Dr. Lekan Olagoke, an Ibadan-based university don, agreed with Oke and Ajimobi. He argued that the governor’s activities  have impacted positively on the lives of the people. “He has shown greater commitment to service through his Urban Renewal Programme, which had placed the major cities in the state on a new pedestal,” he noted.

    Olagoke made  reference to Ibadan, which hitherto was classified as the dirtiest city in West Africa, pointiing out that Ajimobi has successfully changed the face of the metropolis. He said the governor has restored peace and security in Ibadan, which used to be a theatre of war between the warring factions of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).  Other achievements, according to him, are the dualisation of roads leading to all the major cities and towns around the capital; youth empowerment scheme for unemployed graduates; and free medical services for the people including surgical operations.

    The political scientist argued that the ideal thing in a society where performance is the criteria for re-election is to allow Ajimobi to have a second term.

    Similarly, Alhaji Wasiu Adekunle, a trader based in Ibadan, is rooting for Ajimobi’s re-election to enable him complete the numerous projects. He commended Ajimobi for his developmental strides.

    Adekunle lauded the Ajimobi Administration for putting smiles on the faces of market men and women, and  artisans, through the provision of N300 million interest-free loans. “In fairness to him, Ajimobi cannot be written off as a non-performer, considering where the state is coming from. He is the best thing to have ever happened to the state in terms of governance,” he said.

    Legal luminary Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN) said the politics of Oyo State is unique in the sense that it is not political parties that would determine who wins the election. According to him, traditional, professional and cultural elites determine who governs the state.

    Akintola said any political party that underrates the influence of Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadan and Soun of Ogbomoso is doomed politically. He said the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) is also influential in deciding the political direction for the people. He said it was not Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) that won the election for Ajimobi in 2011. Rather, he was the choice of the elite. “I know  the role played by the Alafin and the late Alhaji Azeez Arisekola Alao in that election. I know the role played by Chief Lekan Balogun, Senator Teslim Folarin, Elder Wole Oyelese and Chief Yekini Adeojo, despite the fact that all of them are PDP members. It was the collective effort of the elite that brought Ajimobi to power, not ACN or APC”, he added.

    For Moshood Erubami, the President of Nigeria Voters Assembly, a civil society organisation, there is no doubt that Ajimobi would be returned by the electorates in next year’s election. He said the governor has demonstrated enough courage to assist the people and ensure that governance meets their  genuine desires.

    Erubami said: “This is a governor that is daily adding value reconstructing  the state, re-orienting the indigenes, restoring hope and transforming governance with demonstrated character of integrity. His style of governance has been posing questions to his predecessors about where the monies being committed to development projects during his administration were being put during their own tenure that nothing concrete was visible beyond fuji and juju fanfare on daily basis.

    “The face of Ibadan had remained  rough, dirty and structurally defective in the last 30 years, with nothing to show for the years of government and governance in the state. This made it difficult to attract investors to site industry in the state, thereby reducing it to a teacher’s state without major platform for sustainable human development.

    “The current environmental beautification effort of government is quite discernible to all as everyone can note the order being brought to motor garages, the changing face of our road, reduction in traffic hold-ups. Past governments had created different security outfits to address insecurity and other societal decay, but none was as effective and mobile as Operation Burst, which is ever mobile and steadfast in curbing brigandage in the society. Never before has any administration introduced a security outfit that is as mobile and effective as Operation Burst.”

    No civilian governor has spent more than a term in Oyo State, since it was created in 1976. The late Chief Bola Ige, who was elected in 1979 tried to retain the position in 1983, but lost to Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, who took over from Ige in October, 1983, spent only three months in office due to military intervention. The late Chief Kolapo Ishola, who came into office during the transition programme of Gen, Ibrahim Babangida did not also complete his first term due to Gen. Sani Abacha’s coup that overthrew the Interim National Government (ING) headed by Chief Ernest Shonekan in 1993.

    The late Adesina, who came to office in 1999, could not win in 2003. He lost to Rasheed Ladoja, who had a turbulent tenure, following a face-off with the strong man of Ibadan politics, the late Chief Lamidi Adedibu. Ladoja’s impeachment and his eventual restoration by the Supreme Court  prevented him from seeking a second term. The PDP had already conducted its  primaries and the  ticket for the 2007 election had been given to Alao-Akala before his reinstatement. Alao-Akala won the election. He governed for four years. His attempt to secure a second term in 2011 also failed, like those of his predecessors.

  • Kwara 2015: Ahmed’s battle for second term

    Kwara 2015: Ahmed’s battle for second term

    Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has been endorsed for second term by many stakeholders. Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU writes on the succession battle in the Northcentral state between the ruling All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Ahead of next year’s general elections, Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed’s second term ambition has been endorsed by no fewer than 15 groups and associations. They include students’ bodies, women groups, the National Union of Road Transport Workers Union (NURTW), and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Also, musicians, artisans, traditional rulers and influential political leaders from the three senatorial districts are backing him. To many observers, these are core stakeholders who can mobilise for his victory at the poll.

    However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has decried the gale of endorsements, saying that it will not work. The party said that it will not brighten the chance of the governor in the election.

    Few weeks ago, the Kwara North Youth Consultative Forum, the National Association of Kwara State Students (NAKSS), and the Ilorin Emirate Students Union also promised to support his candidature, if Ahmed emerges as the flag bearer of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Giving reasons for supporting the governor’s bid, the students said that his people-oriented policies and programmes are worthy of commendation. Their leadern Ajadi Muyideen, lauded what he described as Ahmed’s selfless service to the people. He expressed gratitude to the goverment for the payment of bursary to tertiary students. He said the move wsas a relief to parents.

    “As a body that always fights for students, we want to personally salute the courage of our dear governor for his good works and we assure him of our unalloyed support at all times,” he said.

    Also, the Ilorin Emirate Students Union, in its statement signed by its President, Alaburo Sherifideen, described the governor’s achievements in education as unprecedented. Sherifideen noted that the governor had been sensitive to public yearnings, pointing out that the reduction of tuition fees at the Kwara State University, Malete, by 50 per cent has reduced dropouts rate among tertiary students. He also praised the governor for making primary and post-primary education tuition free. He said the renovation and construction of classrooms had enhanced a conducive atmosphere for learning in schools.

    The Coordinator of Kwara North Youth Consultative Forum, Ibrahim Kutan Muhammed, said Ahmed has success stories to tell in  health, agriculture, energy, works and transport, education and youth development. “In view of his doggedness, the Kwara North Youth Consultative Forum is in full support of the governor for a second term in 2015 so that he can continue the good work,” he added.

    However, despite the gale of endorsements, Ahmed has other hurdles to cross. Kwara Central District, like the South, is agitating for power shift, although the zone had enjoyed the slot for 12 years. There are other calculations. The Peoples Democratic party (PDP) may zone its governorship to the Central, which is more populous and has a history of bloc votes. The propaganda of the opposition party is strong. Ahmed has been painted as the product of Saraki Dynasty at a time some elements are pushing for a shift in political alliance.

    However, the governor may have done his calculations very well, ahead of the electioneering. For three and half years that he has ruled the state, he has not stirred any controversy. Also, no politician has come between him and his political leader, Senator Bukola Saraki. Unlike other states, where crises between predecessors and their successors have reached the peak, there is a cordial relationship between the former governor and Ahmed. His leader and the entire political camp are proud of his achievements. There appears to be an understanding that, since Saraki spent two terms of eight years, that precedent should be followed.

    However, as the succession battle gathers momentum, the second term battle will not be a walkover for the governor. Ahmed has to work harder to secure a second term.

    Following Saraki’s defection to the APC, some calculations were altered. There are new permutations. There is a debate on which senatorial district is likely to guarantee victory for the party, especially when the PDP is working to snatch victory from it. Since last year, some people have said that the defection may cost the governor the second term ticket. Although there is no consensus yet on succession in the APC, some party chieftains believe that Ahmed’s political future hangs in the balance, despite the fact that he has performed. However, those against his ambition allude to political expediency, claiming that since the PDP is likely to pick its flag bearer from Kwara Central, the ruling party should not be indifferent to its implications for the election. This latter group feels that another a stronger aspirant would be a better option.

    Kwara Central has the highest number of voters. Therefore, it is the target of the PDP.  The  aspirants in the zone include Dele Belgore (SAN) and Prof. Oba Abdurahaman. But, the zone cannot solely install the governor. Therefore, the opposition party is also mobilising support in the  South, where the governor comes from, and the North, to pull the rug of the feet of the APC.

    In spite of the permutation, the APC is still believed to have an edge over the PDP. The ruling party is popular across the three districts. Not only has it been able to overcome the regression to ethnic division by the PDP, but, unlike the PDP, which lacks an arrowhead, the APC is forging ahead under the leadership of Saraki, ably supported by his lieutenant, Ahmed.

    But, the uneasiness in the APC, which was triggered by the strategic decision of the PDP to pick its candidate from the Central, has not fizzled out. Since the zone is regarded as a huge electoral asset, given the fact that it boasts of the highest number of registered voters, the anxiety in the APC and among the governor’s is not unfounded.

    If the PDP eventually picks its candidate from the zone, as being speculated, the South, where the governor hails from, would be up for grabs. Sources said that the North could go either way. But, the endorsements may altered the conjecture, as the APC and its supporters are not sleeping on guard. In fact, the endorsements are part of the strategies to convince the anti-second term ambition that people are pushing for continuity because Ahmed is popular.

    A strong message was sent to the governor’s critics when he was endorsed by stakeholders from the North District. The Emir of Lafiagi, Alhaji Kawu Haliru, has thrown his weight behind his second term bid. The endorsement ceremony was witnessed by former Governor Shaaba Lafiagi, who is representing the district in the Senate, House of Representatives member Aman Pategi, many public office holders, community leaders, representatives of professional groups, youths, women, artisans and peasants. Speakers at the event highlighted developmental projects and  empowerment schemes across the districts. Urging the APC to field him in next year’s poll, they maintained that the governor has lived up to expectation.

    Emir Haliru, a highly respected leader, is believed to have spoken the minds of his people. Analysts believe that his blessings also came as a relieve to the governor’s camp, as it meant that the zone’s agitation for power shift, may not affect APC’s chances at the polls.

    The endorsement by stakeholders from the North is also significant for another reason. It may weaken the alleged one term pact between the governor and his leader. In 2011, the feeling was that Ahmed will spend one term and handover to a governor from the North. But, since the endorsement of the governor, there has not been any contrary view.

    Also, the North, like the Central, has the advantage of a bloc vote. Although there are some PDP governorship aspirants from the zone, they are paper weight actors.

    The South, where the governor hails from, is solidly behind the him. Many analysts believe that the endorsement and the mobilisation of indigenes appear to have properly positioned the governor for the final endorsement by the party. In fact, his kinsmen have embarked on an aggressive mobilisation for his ambition. During the voter’s registration, they trooped out for the exercise. Now, the calculation is that the combined forces of Saraki in the Central and Ahmed’s foot soldiers in the South should forge a working alliance with compatriots in the North to ensure the push for continuity next year.

    However, the PDP is of the opinion that the APC’s calculations would hit the rock. According to its leaders, this agenda may not work.  The PDP believes that endorsements do not translate into electoral victory, adding that the royal father who has endorsed Ahmed lacked the mandate of the voting public.

    The PDP Deputy Publicity Secretary, Femi Yusuf, doubted the validity of the endorsements, saying that it is unreliable.  He said the next election would be a battle of supremacy between the APC and the PDP. Faulting the endorsements, he said they were instigated by the government.

    “We see the endorsement as a mere figment of the imagination of the APC. It does not provide the party with any leverage when the election comes.

    “That aside, the traditional ruler is a civil servant, who collects salary from the state government monthly. So, what do you expect? When they are endorsing him for a second term, what would warrant the endorsement? What have they done for the area  for them to say he should continue in office?

    “You can only deserve endorsement, if you have surpassed the previous administrations. But, the past 12 years have shown that the people of the North District have been neglected. Go to Baruten or Kayama, Lafiagi and Patigi to see for yourself.”

    However, the Special Adviser to the governor on Communication Strategy, Alhaji Raheem Adedoyin, disagreed with the PDP spokesman. He said:”The governor, through his ‘Shared Prosperity Agenda’, has sustained the impactful developmental momentum of his predecessor and he actually deserves the support of well-meaning people to continue his people-oriented projects.

    “He has successfully consolidated on the projects of the former governor and opened up new ones, which have direct bearing on the people and that simply explains why the people are clamouring for continuity.”

  • GDP stands at 6.5 per cent in second quarter of 2014

    GDP stands at 6.5 per cent in second quarter of 2014

    The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) yesterday said the growth rate of real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) stood at 6.54 per cent in second quarter of this year.

    In a statement  by the Statistician-General of the Federation, Dr Yemi Kale, in Abuja, Kale said the figure was 0.14 higher than 5.40 per cent recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2013, and also higher than the 6.21per cent recorded in the first quarter of 2014.

    “In the second quarter of 2014, Nigeria’s Nominal GDP (at basic prices) was estimated at N 21.7 billion and16.1 billion in real terms.

    “In the corresponding quarter of 2013, nominal GDP was estimated N19.9 billion and N15.1 billion in real terms,’’ the statistician-general said.

    He said the average daily crude oil production in the second quarter of 2014 stood at 2.21 Million Barrel Per Daily (MBPD) as against 2.11 mbpd in the corresponding quarter of 2013.

    “This is an increase of 0.10 mbpd or 4.7 per cent. In addition, the US dollar price of crude increased significantly from an average price of 104.31 per cent in second (Q2) 2013 to 112.25 in Q2 of 2014, an increase of 7.6 per cent.

    “Consequently, Oil GDP was valued at N2.6 billion in nominal terms in the second quarter of 2014, compared to N2.6 billion recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2013,’’ he said.

    He said real growth in the oil sector was recorded at 5.40 per cent in Q2 2014 (-5.22% quarter-on-quarter), indicating better performance compared to -16.42 per cent growth recorded in Q2 of 2013.

    Kale said the non-oil real sector of the economy grew by 6.71per cent in the second quarter of 2014.

    “This is a decline of 2.17 percentage points from the 8.88 per cent growth recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2013.

    “Relative to Q1 of 2013, non-oil growth was also lower by 1.49 percentage points when growth was recorded at 8.21 per cent.’’

    Kale said the services sector accounted for the largest share of real GDP in the second quarter of 2014, amounting to N8.5 billion or 53.15 per cent.

    “Industry ranked second with a contribution of N4.2 billion or 25.96 per cent, while agriculture constituted the smallest sector in the second quarter, representing N3.4 billion or 20.89 per cent of GDP.’’

  • Chairmen advocate second term for Ajimobi

    Chairmen advocate second term for Ajimobi

    Eleven local government chairmen in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, have solicited support from two artisan groups for the re-election of Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

    The council bosses, through an initiative organised by the Association of Local Government (ALGON), Oyo State chapter, donated to two artisan associations – the National Automobile Technicians Association (NATA) and the National Union of Tailors (NUT), tools in an empowerment programme to boost their productivity.

    The event, which featured the distribution of items, such as breast drill machine, spraying kits, blow lamps, gloor turches, gas guages, socket wrench sets, sewing machines, tool boxes and generators, was attended by an official of the State Universal Education Board (SUBEB), Alhaji Busari Adebisi; the National Vice- President of NATA, Comrade Dele Odewale; the National Vice-President of the NUT, Chief Rasheed Ibitade; the Chairman, ALGON, Oyo State branch, Mr. Yekeen Popoola; the Chairman of the Oyo State Water Corporation, Mr. Bosun Ajuwon, among others.

    The Chairman of Ibadan South East Local Government, Mr. Mobolaji Najimudeen, said they felt the need to empower the artisans with tools to boost productivity.