The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Southwest

  • Famakinwa, an asset to Southwest, says Adams

    Famakinwa, an asset to Southwest, says Adams

    The death of Dipo Famakinwa, Director – General of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN), has been described as a tragedy for the Yoruba race and the country.

    The Coordinator of Oodua  Peoples Congress (OPC), Otunba Gani Adams, said Famakinwa was a great asset to the Southwest and Nigeria. In a statement in Lagos, the OPC leader said: “It is heart breaking to learn about the exit of a special breed Yoruba man who displayed unalloyed personal commitment to integrative development initiative of Yoruba land . It is a tragedy not only for his family but the Yoruba race in particular”

    Adams, the convener Oodua Progressive Union (OPU), added: “It is a tragedy .It is sad that death has removed and cut down one of the most deeply intelligent and sound Yoruba young turks from our midst. Dipo Famakinwa was a prominent and accomplished Yoruba ICON who was diligent and thorough at his duty post. A wonderful son of Oduduwa who was blessed with a prodigious native intelligent laced with intellectual soundness. He was a man of yesterday, today and tomorrow combined. Honestly, death has not been fair to the Yoruba race’

    Adams said: “Mr Famakinwa was unique in deeds, acts and personal relations. He has this special interest in the development and unity of the Yoruba race and spent most of his life engaging in pro Yoruba development ventures without pecuniary consideration. Honestly, death has not been fair to the race”

    He sympathised with the family of the deceased and prayed to God to give them the fortitude to bear the loss of ‘one of the most vibrant Yoruba cultural developers”

    Adams called on the governors of the Southwest to immortalise the late Famakinwa who has quietly done a lot of work on the integration of Yoruba state.

    He said: “I am using this opportunity to call on the governors of the South West not to let his death being the demise of his persons and works on the face of the Earth. Mr Famakinwa did his best for the region; we should immortalize him, not only for his person but to encourage others. We are missing him. May the Lord grant him eternal Rest! He was a useful personality for the West”

  • Southwest governors set to tackle militants

    Southwest governors set to tackle militants

    SOUTHWEST governors are set to tackle militants who have made seaside communities unsafe.

    The governors of the six Southwest States of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Osun and Ekiti are to meet in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital next Monday.

    They are to deliberate on measures to tackle the increasing challenges posed by the militants.

    According to the Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Taiwo Adeoluwa, some of the thematic areas to be discussed include: “export development initiatives for the Western region, security, in view of the current contemporary unwholesome activities of some criminal elements parading themselves as militants now ravaging parts of the region.”

    The meeting, being convened under aegis of the South West Governors’ Forum, would also afford the governors opportunity to discuss the security of the zone “in view of the current contemporary unwholesome activities of some criminal elements parading themselves as militants now ravaging parts of the region.”

    In a statement, the SSG stated that the meeting would also evaluate the key areas of cooperation for the unity, progress and development of the region as well as collaboration that would engender good governance.

  • Promoting business, culture in Southwest

    In Nigeria, culture plays a dominant role in the lives of the people. It serves as a symbol of unity and help in shaping the way people perceive things. This is evident among the people of the South West where cultural norm and values are held sacred.

    As part of their culture, indigenous music has a lot of influence on their socio-economic lifestyle. It is perceived as a medium of communication where the instruments are used to send messages for correcting the ills plaguing the society or as a means of relating what the deities have concurred on issues of vital importance.

    The importance attached to their culture is evident in the way they greet, an attitude which has become part of their daily life. While greetings are exchanged, it is important for the people to smile and when asked about the wellbeing of someone, time is given to respond as this is considered to be polite.

    The Yorubas greet their elders with a lot of respect. The boys prostrate to greet their elders, while their female counterparts greet by kneeling on one or two knees depending on the tribe.

    Also, other aspects of the people’s culture are seen in the way they dance, in art works, dressing and philosophy. Proverbs and adages form an important part of their everyday language and are used extensively in all forms of communication, but music plays a dominant role in uniting the Yorubas without barriers.

    This has brought to fore the efforts made by Goldberg, also known as ‘Your Excellency,’ a product from the stables of Nigerian Breweries Plc, in promoting the rich cultural heritage of the people of the South West through music, like the Fuji t’o Bam musical concerts.

    It is a talent hunt initiative aimed at discovering promising Fuji artistes and empowering them to contribute to the growth of the entertainment culture of the people of the South West.

    It would be recalled that the brand in 2012 launched the Fuji t’o Bam initiative and has since then produced young Fuji musicians with bright future.

    Fuji music which has grown in leaps and bounds is a fusion of certain musical influences like ‘Sakara, Apala, Juju and to an extent, highlife. Indeed, the growth of Fuji music has been astronomical, particularly, since the mid-80s when the ace Fuji music artiste, Wasiu Ayinde Barrister waxed his ground-breaking ‘TALA-84’, apart from establishing his musical hegemony and imprint in the minds of the South west elite.

    To every Yoruba in the South West, Fuji music needs no introduction. It is so engrained in the socio-cultural life of the people such that it easily appeals to their feelings and admiration. This was one of the factors that led to the success of previous Fuji t’o Bam concerts organised by Goldberg in the South West.

    The indigenous musical platform, which concluded its fourth edition in 2016, had led to the discovery of Fuji talents. Apart from Tope Ajani, who after months of thrills, drills, excitement and emotions, emerged the Wura1 for the 2016 contest; Fuji t’o Bam has also brought to the limelight young Fuji musicians like Akeem Okiki from Osogbo in Osun State after winning the 2015 title; Twinzobia Twins from Ibadan, Oyo State in 2014; and Antenna, winner of the first edition in 2013.

    This year, Goldberg would bring the best of Fuji and Juju music under an umbrella body called “Ariya Repete”, which would commence audition and selection in major cities in the South West in April.

    It would be an unparalleled experience where young Fuji and Juju artistes would compete in their various capacities to win fabulous prizes and recording deals.

    Meanwhile, the inclusion of Juju music, christened ‘Juju to Gbayi’ into Goldberg’s musical concerts came from feedback from lovers of Juju music who felt marginalised and even tried to pass off as Fuji musicians so as to get a chance to contest.

    They felt the urge to partake in similar musical competition where Juju artistes can also be nurtured for future development.

    To achieve the desired results in this initiative, Nigerian Breweries Plc recently organised the Ariya Repete roundtable, like it did for Fuji t’o Bam to deliberate on how to make Ariya Repete a household emblem in Yorubaland.

    The special guest of honour was the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi, (Ojaja II), who was represented by Oba Adebiyi Asoya, the Asoya of Ile Asoya Kingdom.

    In the course of this, notable speakers such as Prof. Tunde Babawale, former Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC) and of the Department of Political Science, University of Lagos, gave the keynote address on the topic: Our Music as a Socio-Cultural Lubricant: Juju and Fuji Music Genres of Southwest Nigeria as Case Studies.

    He traced the origin of Juju music to the old Saro (Olowogbowo) quarter of Lagos where the music genre emerged from ‘asiko’ music associated with “area boys” in the quarter and added that it also incorporated Brazilian Samba elements and the guitar style of Kru sailors from Liberia.

    According to Babawale, the music of the culture of the people of the South West, which is Juju and Fuji, has positively impacted every area of life of the Yorubas, including the reduction of socio-economic tension and the prevalence of religious tolerance.

    Babawale posited that it was a man named Tunde King who later transformed ‘Asiko’music into Juju.  Tunde King and his contemporaries such as Akanbi Wright, J. O. Araba, Daniel Ojoge Aleshinloye and others introduced dundundrums, electric guitars and later acoustic guitars in the process of creating Juju music.

    He said until the 1960s, Juju music rendered in Oyo dialect was mainly performed in Lagos.  By the early 60, its performance had spread to other parts of Yorubaland incorporating other Yoruba dialects like Ijesa and Ekiti.

  • Tinubu: Southwest behind Buhari

    Tinubu: Southwest behind Buhari

    •’Lagos is No 1 state’

    All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has assured President Muhammadu Buhari of Yoruba support, saying Southwest support for the President and APC government remains unshaken.

    Tinubu called on Nigerians to stay focused and support the President as he continues rebuilding the nation.

    Speaking at the weekend at the Southwest zonal meeting of National Committee of Buhari Support Groups (NCBSG) in Lagos, the national leader who was represented by the National Vice Chairman (Southwest), Chief Pius Akinyelure, said the Buhari administration would turn around the economy.

    “Southwest support for Buhari is unshaken, despite the various challenges in the country, which we believe the present government is addressing. There is no doubt that there is no party in Nigeria that can surpass APC’s achievement in office.

    “We are doing the best we can with the little resources we have to move the nation forward. We need support to turn things around in the country,” he said.

    Speaking further, the APC national leader said Lagos is No.1 performing state in the country.

    He spoke on the collaboration between Lagos and Kebbi to boost rice production in the country.

    In his response, President Buhari, who was represented by Senator Ajayi Boroffice, urged Nigerians to be positive, adding that the change message must be carried to all  nooks and crannies of Nigeria.

    Appreciating various groups and individuals working for his success, the President said he was optimistic Nigerians would laugh and celebrate at last.

    At the meeting, zonal and state coordinators of NCBSG were presented with appointment letters.

    The National Secretary, Otunba Abiodun Ajiboye, said the mission of NCBSG is to galvanise the public towards identifying with the Buhari administration.

    Senator Rilwan Adesoji Akanbi said he was in support of the Buhari administration, adding that the administration has done much to address some of the problems facing the country.

     

  • Fuel scarcity looms in Southwest

    The Southwest branch of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has threatened to withdraw services, following the introduction of Bulk Purchase Agreement (BPA) fee by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

    If the marketers make good their threat, it will spark another round of petrol scarcity in the region.

    The association yesterday lamented the introduction of BPA, noting that petroleum marketers were usually exempted from payment of such fees.

    It warned that the introduction of a five-year BPA fee by NNPC may set it on a collision course with its members.

    The Chairman, IPMAN Ibadan Depot, Raheem Tayo, confirmed the development to The Nation, adding that the NNPC’s decision was unacceptable.

    He said: “How can our members be subjected to the payment of N125,000 annually for BPA fee, when we load petroleum products from private depots that charge far above the recommended retail price fixed by the government.”

    According to Tayo, NNPC’s request that the BPA fee be paid five years upfront, amounting to N625,000 per marketer may turn out to be the last straw that will break the camel’s back.

  • Towards Southwest integration

    Towards Southwest integration

    Southwest governors recently met in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, under the umbrella of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) to discuss the socio-economic challenges confronting to the zone. ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA examines the resolutions reached by the governors, which are expected to be of great benefit to the region.

    The people of Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti state capital, knew that political bigwigs were around on that fateful day. They came to town with their retinue of aides for an all-important meeting.

    Their advance teams had arrived a day earlier awaiting the arrival of their bosses. By the time the Southwest governors stormed the capital of the Fountain of Knowledge, they made for that iconic edifice, the new Government House, Ayoba Hill, where musicians, drummers and dancers were entertaining guests.

    By the time the governors arrived, every space within the complex had been filled with vehicles. Inside the Banquet Hall of the Government House, traditional rulers, members of the House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council and other political office holders were seated.

    Governor Ayo Fayose, who wore a flowing agbada played, host to his colleagues. The governors set aside their political differences and put the interest of the Southwest on the front burner.

    Others who attended the quarterly meeting include Akinwumi Ambode (Lagos), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun) Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo) and Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), who was represented by his deputy, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga.

    Ambode, Amosun, Ajimobi and Aregbesola belong to the All Progressives Congress (APC) while Mimiko and Fayose are members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

    For Mimiko, it was a valedictory attendance at the meeting. He has now been succeeded by Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu (SAN).

    Fayose will be the lone ranger  in the PDP camp at the next meeting to be held in Ogun State next month.

    The meeting was in two parts-the opening ceremony witnessed by everybody present inside the banquet hall and a closed ceremony which was only attended by governors, who were expected to come out with a communique.

    Fayose, in his welcome address, raised some thought-provoking issues affecting the Southwest in the Nigerian federation, saying that the zones deserves to get what it is presently getting.

    The Ekiti governor said the Southwest rail project will go a long way in changing the economic fortunes of the zone and usher in a new beginning pleading that “the project must not die.”

    Fayose called for a common education curriculum among the states and a security synergy to curb criminal activities across boundaries of the member-states.

    He condemned the allocation to the Southwest in the 2017 budget of the Federal Government, most especially on construction and rehabilitation of federal roads in the zone, water and irrigation projects.

    Describing Southwest as “one of the least beneficiaries in the 2017 Federal Government budget,” Fayose charged members of the Federal Executive Council and the National Assembly from the zone to always defend the interests of their people.

    He said: “The federal government 2017 budget is about N7 trillion and the only capital project allocated to Ekiti State is the Akure – Ado Ekiti road to which N250 million was earmarked.

    “What can N250 million do on Akure–Ado Road that is begging for reconstruction? There is even no guarantee that the N250 million budgetary provision will be made available at the end of the day. I am sure this is applicable to other states too compared to other zones.

    “We must, therefore, ask pertinent questions. How much did the federal government allocate to irrigation, construction of dams and storage facilities to boast agriculture  in the Southwest?”

    Fayose advised leaders in the zone to respect political beliefs and opinions of others and never allow national politics to divide them.

    He said: “Most importantly, it is not our own making that we are brothers from the same zone, and if we are serious about developing this zone, we have no option than to be our brothers’ keeper.

    “Therefore, to move the Southwest zone forward, we must respect the political beliefs and opinions of others and we must not do anything that will undermine one another.

    “To me, national politics should add value to us, and not divide us.

    “Americans go about fighting their political battles without undermining the collective interests of their country, and that is the kind of spirit with which we must operate, if the Yoruba nation must regain its pride of place in the Nigeria nation.

    “We must constantly ask ourselves; where is the Southwest in the scheme of things in Nigeria?

    Fayose described the menace of herdsmen as a major impediment to the development of agriculture in the Southwest region.

    Fayose asked: “How do we continue to encourage our people to embrace farming when their investments are being lost daily?”

    After the opening ceremony, the governors proceeded to a closed door session where they deliberated on issues affecting the Southwest and emerged about three hours later with their resolutions.

    Following the delibrations, Southwest governors approved the constitution of a Regional Technical Working Group (TWG) on Integrated Infrastructural Development to incorporate multimodal transportation system.

    The project is expected to incorporate highways, rail, watering air; energy and power; digital and telecoms; leisure and entertainment as well as water infrastructure.

    According to a communique issued at the end of the meeting, the governor’s resolved  to strengthen the economic relations in the in the region yesterday adopting a policy for the pursuit of common educational, security and agricultural policies for the zone.

    The governors resolved to make  it a matter of compulsion to monitor Federal Government’s budgetary allocations  to  agriculture  to the zone, to boost farming  and make it a common interest in the region.

    According to the communique, it is expedient for the zone to exchange notes in the area of security through convergence of security chiefs and other intelligence institutions to manage  the aerial, land and waterway security architecture of the zone.

    They also reiterated their commitment to a convergence of Commissioners of Police of the states of Western Nigeria and intelligence institutions to meet regularly and compare notes and work together in the region to work together to manage aerial, land and waterways security in the region.

    They resolved to achieve integrated, advanced and well-managed transportation infrastructure, for enhanced socio-economic development and well-being of the people of the Region.

    “The governors unanimous in addressing the declining moral standards and put in structures to manage the loss of values and virtues in the society. A first step is a quality assurance and morality framework as a critical part of regional education.

    “One centre each is to be donated by the governments of the states of western Nigeria as Regional Centre of Excellence”, he said.

    Governor Ambode of Lagos also showed commitment towards making his state a critical stakeholder  and critical part of Odua Investment group.

    Fayose said the governors also adopted the Southwest Regional Integrated Commercial Agriculture Development Programme (RICARD), with Lagos to champion a structured regional food exchange programme.

    “We also approve the report of the sports development strategic plan of action for southwest Nigeria. Lagos was carefully chosen to host of DAWN inter-collegiate games to strengthen the bonds and competitiveness among the youth in the region.

    “States were also mandated to design modalities to key into the proposed rail project as a primary driver of inter-modal transportation system for the whole region”.

    The governors agreed to host the next meeting in Ogun State in April, 2017.

  • Amosun: Southwest regional integration necessary

    Amosun: Southwest regional integration necessary

    Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun yesterday said Southwest regional integration was necessary for the region to develop.
    He said the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) has offered another opportunity for the region to offer direction that could lead to its socio-economic development.
    The governor spoke at the 2017 edition of the Southwest Governance Innovations Conference in Abeokuta, the state capital, aimed at charting a road map for quality governance and service delivery in Southwest states.
    The Conference with the theme: “Innovative Governance and Effective Service Delivery”, was organised by DAWN in partnership with Department for International Development (DFID) and PERL, with scores of participants from the private sector, heads of service and commissioners.
    Those who spoke include the Chief Executive Officer of Proshare Nigeria Limited, Dr. Olufemi Awoyemi, Dr. Dayo Adelogu, Ogun State Commissioner for Urban and Regional Planning, Mrs. Ronke Sokefun, Director of Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), Ijebu – Ode, Rev. Patrick Ngoye, Ogun State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Bimbo Ashiru and Mrs Olubunmi Fadairo.
    Amosun, who was represented by Deputy Governor Yetunde Onanuga, called for the “harnessing and pooling together” of the strength and comparative advantages of each part for the overall development of the region.
    “Providence has been so good to us that the region belongs to O’odua family. This means we share a long history of relationship that cuts across sphere of culture which amongst other include language and religion.
    “A geographical contiguity also makes it easier; this allows for easier cooperation. We should, therefore, take advantage of all these opportunities to create a united front to drive the process of the development of the region,” he said.
    He, however, warned that the development envisaged for the region through the DAWN won’t just happen if the civil service in the states do not key into the agenda.
    Awoyemi blamed the nation’s slow development on lack of innovations.
    He said for Nigeria to move forward, it must separate good innovations from routine governance, whereby “successive government dropped good innovations by their predecessors.”

     

  • Southwest’s difficult DAWN

    AT a well-attended meeting of Southwest governors hosted by the feisty and voluble Ekiti governor Ayo Fayose last Monday, the region’s governors reiterated their determination to join hands and ideas to develop the region in line with the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN). They sensibly de-emphasised political leanings and other differences in order to adumbrate ideational and infrastructural landmarks they expect to foster regional integration. The reluctant proselyte and outgoing governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Mimiko, who used to hem and haw over the DAWN project in his days of glory, was in attendance. Governors Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State and Rauf Aregbesola remain very constant as probably the proudest promoters of DAWN, and rarely miss any meeting. The most noticeable and inspiring presence, however, was that of Lagos governor, Akinwumi Ambode, who needed no persuasion to identify with the initiative immediately he assumed office in 2015.
    If the mood of the last meeting and the communiqué effortlessly agreed to are any indication of future promises, there is some hope that the region could be revitalised and remoulded as a pacesetter. Reading the communiqué, Mr Fayose, listed a number of decisions reached by the governors. But whereas the governor’s meeting took meaningful and practical decisions, the unity meetings that took place in the region weeks ago were less successful mainly because of their presumptions. In addition, the decisions reached at the unity meetings were vague, needlessly ambitious, and seemed to have disregarded history. The Southwest may have a dominant political party calling the shots, but that dominance is diluted by other political persuasions in the region, as well as strands of political thinking even within the dominant party. There was never a time the region spoke with one partisan voice, and may really never need to. What is important is for the region’s governments to deliver more abundant life for its people.
    Equally more important is how the region would regain the “loss of (its) values and virtues” and arrest “declining moral standards” contained in the communiqué when even Mr Fayose who read the communiqué is himself engaged in a losing battle to find his own cracked moral compass, and one or two other governors in the region can’t seem to determine where to draw the line between the intangibles of constitutional rule and the ephemeral of self-aggrandisement. It is, however, reassuring that the governors have de-emphasised their individual differences and party leanings to promote development. The DAWN document is a rigorous, well conceived document capable of making the region a showpiece should governors prove capable of putting their shoulders to the wheel. If only Lagos and Ondo had been part of the agenda right from the beginning.

  • Air Force extends medical outreach to IDPs in Southwest

    Air Force extends medical outreach to IDPs in Southwest

    THE Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has begun a two-day medical outreach for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the Southwest.
    Over 300 IDPs at the Festac, Satellite Town and Ajah camps in Lagos State were given medical screening and treatments by officers from NAF Medical Services at the United Nations Commission for Refugees, Migrants and IDPs in Ikoyi.
    The inauguration of the programme, withn the theme: We Care, We Share, was attended by the Federal Commissioner, Hajiya Sadiya Farouq; Acting Ambassador of Trinidad and Tobago in Nigeria, Garth Lamsee and NAF’s Director of Humanitarian Services, Air Commodore Harold Onyechi.
    Hajiya Farouq hailed the Chief of the Air Staff , Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar and the Chief of Medical Services, Air Vice Marshal S. M. Shinkafi, for taking the lead in providing medical care for IDPs across Nigeria.
    She said: “The NAF is not only living up to its constitutional responsibility of securing our land, airspace and overall territorial integrity, but also engaging in humanitarian assistance to our persons of concern.
    “Plans are in earnest to ensure that the IDPs are resettled as soon as possible in their home communities. There are also plans to equip them with self-reliant skills so that those of them who may not wish to be voluntarily relocated to their states, when it is time, would have a viable means of livelihood.”
    According to her, the commission was conversant with the current spate of internal displacement in the Northeast and the attendant issues being faced by these persons of concern in health, shelter, food, education, among others.
    Hajiya Farouq went on: “It is therefore one of the major policy drives of this government, to not only ensure that all persons of concern are properly catered for, but also proffer durable solutions, which encompasses resettlement and return of IDPs to their previous places of abode.
    “This medical intervention is an important activity in a series being carried out in collaboration with NAF and is expected to be a continuous exercise, involving more IDPs in this zone.”
    Some of the services rendered to the IDPs include eye test, dental clinic, ante-natal, general outpatient services, laboratory services and outpatient pharmacy.
    Lamsee, who donated some consumables to the IDPs on behalf of his country he feels a moral responsibility to stand in solidarity with the IDPs in recognition of their horrific humanitarian crisis.
    He assured them that they would endure, survive and eventually rise from their current state.
    Appreciating NAF’s gesture, some of the IDPs who said they fled Michika in Adamawa State in 2014, stated that they have since taken to begging to survive.
    To Lekshi David, a 30-year-old mother of three, she usually earned between N50 and N100 daily from begging, which she uses to support her family.
    She said: “I have not seen my husband since 2014 that we ran from Michika. My home and shop were burnt down and I was pregnant then. I fled with my other baby and stated staying in Festac. Since then I have been begging. I have not seen my husband since then. Most times, people would give me food and sometimes I make N50 or N100.
    “So, with that kind of money, I cannot afford to go to the hospital or take any of my children there. That is why I am happy that the NAF remembered us with this their programme.”
    Another beneficiary, Sarah Simon, who said she would love to return home, however expressed concerns that Boko Haram terrorists were still attacking neighbouring communities.

  • Fayose divides Southwest PDP

    Fayose divides Southwest PDP

    The challenges facing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are far from being over. The emergence of Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State as the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum appears to have polarised stakeholders in the Southwest. MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE examines the development.

    The recent appointment of Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose as the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has polarised the Southwest PDP. Stakeholders in the zone are agitating for the zoning of the national chairmanship to the region. They believe that Fayose’s appointment may jeopardise the chance of the zone to get the slot.

    A party elder, Chief Ebenezer Babatope has urged party members to halt their divisive tendencies. He spoke against the backdrop of the perception that Fayose’s leadership of the forum may further retard the progress of the party.

    He said those who want the party dead have become so potent and that part of their strategy is to fly the kite of the new mega party project. He said anything outside resuscitating the PDP to return to it glorious moments were wicked and diabolical.

    The former minister said the strategy of the dissidents is to unsettle the Southwest PDP, by zoning the national chairmanship position to the South, instead of Southwest. He said the idea is wicked and manipulative, adding it was to test the integrity of the Southwest PDP.

    He said: “We know that they are back at their old game. We understand they are even concocting a new scenario by merely zoning the national chairmanship position to the South, without specifying the zone that will take up the slot, as it is usually done.

    “This is not acceptable to us. This is blatant treachery and a dubious attempt to rob the Southwest of what it deserves. We will not take this lying low. Out of all the six geographical zones, the Southwest is the only zone that has never occupied the position of the position.

    “We are ready to fight. We are willing to dig into the trenches to protect and defend what is our right. If they are stubborn and indifferent to our position, we are capable and willing to help them pull down the house.”

    Explaining further, Babatope said it was unfortunate that the forces that marred the last PDP convention in Port Harcourt were again toying with the soul of the party. He urged members loyal to the party resist the new twist.

    He added: “I want to talk to you today with deliberate forthrightness, with deep sense and consciousness of a concerned elder who cannot afford to sit down quietly and pretend everything is going on well in my party. In truth and in fact, the PDP is terribly ailing, sick, prostrated by greed, hobbled by selfishness, stricken by the absence of equity and maimed by the dark conspiracies of little men who want to play God.

    “We lost the last election in 2015 because the highest hierarchy of our party was hijacked and swindled by fly–by-night mercenaries who virtually shoved aside men and women of character and impeccable merit and moral distinction who in more enlightened times could have helped us secure a deserved victory.”

    The PDP chieftain explained that the forces have become so potent that the party needs extra caution to survive the onslaught. The PDP chieftain further said the party was torn asunder, stressing there is no sense of coherence in it.

    He said: “The founding fathers insisted that every tribe, tongue and geo-political zone must have a sense of belonging and a sense of equal participation in the affairs of our party. The PDP zoning principle was to cultivate our common bond and our common brotherhood. In this rotational platform, all major positions in the party hierarchy were to be distributed evenly and appropriately among the zones.”

    Babatope also expressed disappointment over the new scenario, adding that the PDP leadership was trying to shift the goal post in the agreement that was reached before the botched Port Harcourt convention.

    He said party chieftains reached a consensus during that convention, to zone the National Chairman, National Treasurer and Deputy National Publicity Secretary to the Southwest. He added: “It reserved the post of the First Deputy National Chairman, National Legal Adviser, Deputy National Women Leader and Deputy National Auditor to the Southsouth, while the Southeast got National Organising Secretary, National Youth Leader and Deputy National Financial Secretary.

    “In order to pose a counter force to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the PDP leadership zoned the Presidency to the North. This is to ensure that no stone is left unturned in the permutation ahead of 2019.

    “Other positions zoned to the North include: Deputy National Chairman 2, National Secretary, National Financial Secretary, National Publicity Secretary, National Auditor, National Women Leader, Deputy National Treasurer, Deputy National Organising Secretary, Deputy National Youth Leader and Deputy National Legal Adviser.”

    If the speculation that informed the fears expressed by Babatope is anything to go by, analysts believe it would revive old scores. Indications are that members who went to the Port Harcourt convention with their minds made up for some candidates would be targeted for punishment.

    Observers have however doubt whether Fayose has the temperament to bring the illusive peace to the party. They believe that the PDP needs someone who is accommodative and patient, to weigh and examine difficult issues when they are raised. Such observers say the combative approach of the governor to issues would plunge the party into deeper crisis. They noted that his approach to issues has always been controversial and such stance would not heal the wound that has been inflicted on the party.

    The position of the different forces contesting for the soul of the party notwithstanding, stakeholders believe that Fayose’ must rise up to the occasion and watch against being used. They said it was on this premise that Babatope quickly warned them to beware.

    Babatope is a close ally and supporter of former Deputy National Chairman, Chief Olabode George, who was a candidate for National Chairman at the last convention. George is still very much in contention and remains a major factor in the Southwest gunning for the position. His campaign for the position was well publicised and most of the people from the Southwest are backing him, because of his experience and managerial skills.

    Lagos State factional PDP Chairman, Segun Adewale, said the Makarfi group is responsible for the division in the party. He explained that it was an allegation that could not be substantiated; that PDP is trying to temper with the zoning arrangement.

    He said: “For over 15 years, Southwest leadership had been under a leader who has not won any election in Lagos. It is time we let go this tired legs and allow youths who are much vibrant to pilot the affairs of the party.”

    George and Agbaje are the major contenders for the chairmanship in the zone. Agbaje indicated his interest in the race at a time when George enjoyed enormous support from the Southwest. The former Lagos State governorship candidate in the last general elections was backed mainly by Wike and Fayose. It is said that Agbaje’s entrance to the race was to frustrate the ambition of the former Deputy National Chairman.

    Former Minister of Education, Prof. Tunde Adeniran, former Minister of Sport and Youth Development, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, Senator Bode Olajumoke and Chief Chief Shuibu Oyedokun, also contested for the position.

    Analysts say the party is at the crossroads once again and that it is imperative for it to unite, to play its role effectively as the opposition.