The Nation Newspaper

Tag: succeed

  • ‘Olusola will succeed Fayose’

    ‘Olusola will succeed Fayose’

    The Publicity Ssecretary of the Ekiti State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Jackson Adebayo, spoke with Correspondent ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, on Governor Ayodele Fayose’s presidential election and the endorsement of Deputy Governor Kolapo Olusola for governor.

    Governor Fayose has just declared his intention to run for Presidency. How do you see this ?

    It is a thing of joy and we, I mean the PDP family, in Ekiti State support it 100 percent. First, Fayose is a leader and loyal member of our party and he has the right under the constitution of our party and that of Nigeria to do so. We are also happy that somebody from Ekiti State is taking a shot at the Presidency at this time and I think, we must all, irrespective of our party or religion differences support this project, because it is going to be to the benefit of all.

    And we are going to work for him. So, to us in PDP in Ekiti State. It is a welcome development.

    Recently, some stakeholders of your party endorsed Deputy Governor Kolapo Olusola as “sole candidate” of the PDP for the 2018 governorship Election. Can you tell us what prompted such an action?

    As you know that the election that brought in this present PDP-led administration was conducted in 2014 and in less that ten months now another election would hold in Ekiti. Ordinarily, a year in being set aside by any politician to begin the process of prosecuting another election. So this is what informed the action of our party’s stakeholders. In their own wisdom, they decided to do,that now before the party begins to go into a lot of divisions. Leaders of like mind in PDP came together and said among all those jostling for governorship position, who would be sellable? And we discovered that the deputy governor, Prof. Kolapo Olusola would fit in.To us as a party, we don’t see it as a crisis because the stakeholders that came together are all members of the PDP, we still have other members with different interests with other aspirants, they can also support their candidates of choice.The party is not angry with them, because we are still going for primary. It is at the primary that anyone who has the majority of votes of delegates would emerge the party’s flag bearer.

    But, you know that once the governor throws his weight behind an aspirant, he or she is likely to win the primary…

    Actually, in some cases, it doesn’t work like that whoever the governor supports would win the primary. It happened in recent elections and most of them did not win. To answer your question, the stakeholders talked to themselves. It is not the party that invited them and they inform the party about their plan and you know that we are also, part of them. I am aware that all the governorship aspirants have been called to a meeting by the governor and the matter was discussed there. At the meeting it was agreed that, if the governor is pursuing his case to complete his remaining seven months in office before his illegal impeachment, they are prepared to drop their ambition. Even the stakeholders meeting that we are talking about, everybody was invited, the governor was on air for two days inviting all members of our party. And that is why you saw some governorship aspirants at the meeting. For those who were not at the meeting, it is not that they were not invited but they refused to come.

    Are saying your party can manage this situation?

    Well, we still have a lot of time and space for reconciliation, understanding and education. The primary cannot be held earlier than next year January. So, we still have more time to appeal to the aggrieved members.

    But, one of the aggrieved contenders alleged that Governor Fayose was actually plotting to sell the PDP, with the adoption of his deputy. Do you agree with that ?

    That is his own opinion and it is just unfortunate that such is coming from a staunch member of our party. Because, I don’t  think anybody has the capacity to sell any party. Nobody can sell PDP in Ekiti. And Fayose is not planning to sell PDP anyway. Governor Fayose, as a member of PDP has the right to support any candidate of his choice, just like any other.

    How are you going to ensure that the governorship primary is free, fair and transparent?

    The primary is going be conducted by the National Secretariat, the state would only provide the delegates. There is no problem about that because the delegates would emerge from ward level and each ward knows who should be it delegates.

    Are you assuring us that your can manage this crisis?

    It is already being managed. Like I said earlier, it is not a crisis  per se, because nobody has left our party and nobody has said that he or she would leave the party. So,if there is anybody complaining now,it is normal.

    Don’t you think the PDP will suffer same fate as in Ondo State during the last Governorship Election, if aspirants take legal action against it?

    No: There is no legal action that can be taken now. Because, the primary has not been held. So what is going to be the basis of the action?

  • ‘Olusola will succeed Fayose’

    ‘Olusola will succeed Fayose’

    The Publicity Ssecretary of the Ekiti State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Jackson Adebayo, spoke with Correspondent ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, on Governor Ayodele Fayose’s presidential election and the endorsement of Deputy Governor Kolapo Olusola for governor.

    Governor Fayose has just declared his intention to run for Presidency. How do you see this ?

    It is a thing of joy and we, I mean the PDP family, in Ekiti State support it 100 percent. First, Fayose is a leader and loyal member of our party and he has the right under the constitution of our party and that of Nigeria to do so. We are also happy that somebody from Ekiti State is taking a shot at the Presidency at this time and I think, we must all, irrespective of our party or religion differences support this project, because it is going to be to the benefit of all.

    And we are going to work for him. So, to us in PDP in Ekiti State. It is a welcome development.

    Recently, some stakeholders of your party endorsed Deputy Governor Kolapo Olusola as “sole candidate” of the PDP for the 2018 governorship Election. Can you tell us what prompted such an action?

    As you know that the election that brought in this present PDP-led administration was conducted in 2014 and in less that ten months now another election would hold in Ekiti. Ordinarily, a year in being set aside by any politician to begin the process of prosecuting another election. So this is what informed the action of our party’s stakeholders. In their own wisdom, they decided to do,that now before the party begins to go into a lot of divisions. Leaders of like mind in PDP came together and said among all those jostling for governorship position, who would be sellable? And we discovered that the deputy governor, Prof. Kolapo Olusola would fit in.To us as a party, we don’t see it as a crisis because the stakeholders that came together are all members of the PDP, we still have other members with different interests with other aspirants, they can also support their candidates of choice.The party is not angry with them, because we are still going for primary. It is at the primary that anyone who has the majority of votes of delegates would emerge the party’s flag bearer.

    But, you know that once the governor throws his weight behind an aspirant, he or she is likely to win the primary…

    Actually, in some cases, it doesn’t work like that whoever the governor supports would win the primary. It happened in recent elections and most of them did not win. To answer your question, the stakeholders talked to themselves. It is not the party that invited them and they inform the party about their plan and you know that we are also, part of them. I am aware that all the governorship aspirants have been called to a meeting by the governor and the matter was discussed there. At the meeting it was agreed that, if the governor is pursuing his case to complete his remaining seven months in office before his illegal impeachment, they are prepared to drop their ambition. Even the stakeholders meeting that we are talking about, everybody was invited, the governor was on air for two days inviting all members of our party. And that is why you saw some governorship aspirants at the meeting. For those who were not at the meeting, it is not that they were not invited but they refused to come.

    Are saying your party can manage this situation?

    Well, we still have a lot of time and space for reconciliation, understanding and education. The primary cannot be held earlier than next year January. So, we still have more time to appeal to the aggrieved members.

    But, one of the aggrieved contenders alleged that Governor Fayose was actually plotting to sell the PDP, with the adoption of his deputy. Do you agree with that ?

    That is his own opinion and it is just unfortunate that such is coming from a staunch member of our party. Because, I don’t  think anybody has the capacity to sell any party. Nobody can sell PDP in Ekiti. And Fayose is not planning to sell PDP anyway. Governor Fayose, as a member of PDP has the right to support any candidate of his choice, just like any other.

    How are you going to ensure that the governorship primary is free, fair and transparent?

    The primary is going be conducted by the National Secretariat, the state would only provide the delegates. There is no problem about that because the delegates would emerge from ward level and each ward knows who should be it delegates.

    Are you assuring us that your can manage this crisis?

    It is already being managed. Like I said earlier, it is not a crisis  per se, because nobody has left our party and nobody has said that he or she would leave the party. So,if there is anybody complaining now,it is normal.

    Don’t you think the PDP will suffer same fate as in Ondo State during the last Governorship Election, if aspirants take legal action against it?

    No: There is no legal action that can be taken now. Because, the primary has not been held. So what is going to be the basis of the action?

  • I’ll succeed Ajimobi in 2019, says Shittu

    The Minister of Communications, Mr Adebayo Shittu, has said he will succeed Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi in 2019.

    Addressing reporters in Ibadan, the state capital, after a meeting with members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Egbeda Local Government Area and Ajorosun Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Shittu, who is a governorship aspirant, said he would take over from Ajimobi to improve on the governor’s record.

    The minister said he is the most experienced of the aspirants, having held several public offices and learnt politics from the Premier of the defunct Western Region, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

    He said: “I was a member of the State House of Assembly in 1979 and two-time commissioner in the state. I have also contested the governorship seat in the state twice before I became a minister.

    “These are experiences you cannot buy. Oyo is too advanced and sophisticated to be handled by inexperienced administrators.”

    Shittu dismissed the re-alignment in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying the party was a non-starter at state and federal levels.

    The minister noted that 38 road contractors had abandoned work two years before President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office.

    He said the development contributed to unemployment, as workers, including labourers, bricklayers and iron benders, were sacked.

    According to him, the PDP administration’s negligence and incompetence in handling the Boko Haram insurgency at inception led to the escalation of the problem to the current security challenges facing the country.

  • ‘How women lawyers can succeed’

    Wife of Rivers State Governor Justice Eberechi Wike has advised women lawyers not to see themselves as inferior to their male counterparts.

    According to her, what a male lawyer can do, a female lawyer can do better.

    She said women lawyers ould succeed by being focused, and by working even harder.

    Justice Wike spoke at a session by the Women Forum of the African Bar Association (AFBA) at its just-concluded yearly conference in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

    Justice Wike advised women lawyers to choose their husbands carefully.

    Making the wrong choices about a partner, she said, could have repercussions on a women lawyer’s progress in the legal profession.

    Mrs Wike said women should continue to improve themselves academically and should not make excuses at the workplace.

    “Women must have a clear idea of where they’re going. No one should be static. Get more education and improve your capacity to earn more. Do something to improve yourself. Never stop learning. It is a continuous thing. You can learn by even listening to news.

    “Some women work not because of money but because they want to feel good about themselves and to improve the society in their own little ways. Women should invest. Don’t spend all your money on jewelry,” she said.

    According to Mrs Wike, women should not limit themselves. They should also choose their husbands carefully because “there are men who want you to depend on them”.

    She said every woman ought to be engaged because it would improve their self-respect and mental health.

    “Sitting down at home has a way of affecting you. A woman must have something she is doing. A woman must be careful the kind of woman she marries. If you marry a husband who wants a housewife, it will be difficult to actualise your dreams.

    “Always watch your husband’s temperament. Some men may feel insecure. Nobody is too big to suffer domestic violence. Parents should teach their children from childhood not to feel superior to their female siblings, like asking girls to go to the kitchen,” she said.

    Meanwhile, Also, Justice Elsie Johnson has urged women lawyers to enforce their right in court.

    She said they should “be quick” to litigate issues affecting women rather than complaining.

    “Take the matter to court. For instance, why would Nigeria sign treaties and not domesticate and enforce them? You can go to ECOWAS court and challenge them. You don’t even need to exhaust local remedy. Let us name and shame.

    “Take the mantle. Go to court and challenge the margina-lisation of women. You may not win, but someone somewhere could hear you. It’s also all about the politics of who hears the case,” Justice Johnson said.

    She urged women to choose career in which they have a passion for.

    “A lot of women don’t act like professional lawyers,” she said, and called for a change in their approach to work so that women can be reckoned with like their male counterparts.

    A Senior Advocate, Prof Ernest Ojukwu, urged women to take up leadership positions.

    He recalled that during his studies at the Nigerian Law School, no woman law student ran for the student representative council seat, despite urging them to do so.

  • Why I want to succeed Ajimobi, by Akintola

    Ibadan legal luminary, Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN), has said he wants to succeed Governor Abiola Ajimobi to sustain his legacies.

    Akintola is aspiring for governorship on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The legal icon spoke at the weekend on Impact Business Radio, an Ibadan, Oyo State-based radion station.

    He said Ajimobi has raised the bar of governance and politics to the level that failure to sustain his legacies and build on them will take Oyo State back to the dark days of violence and amala politics.

    According to him, Oyo State has witnessed great development under Ajimobi, including the enthronement of peace, entrenchment of intellectual politics and massive infrastructural development.

    Akintola noted that stamping out violence and brigandage cleared the turf for intellectuals to join the race to the Agodi Government House.

    He said: “Say what you like against Governor Ajimobi, but he has raised the bar of governance. Gone are the days when government was for illiterates, by illiterates for the enlightened in the state. That has stopped.

    “We are now running a government of the enlightened, by the enlightened and for the enlightened. Can people walk the streets freely like they are doing now some seven years ago? That Ajimobi was able to bring back peace is his biggest achievement.

  • Buhari should play politics to succeed, says Osifo

    Buhari should play politics to succeed, says Osifo

    Eddy Osifo, a lawyer, is former Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources in the defunct Bendel State. In this interview with Osagie Otabor in Benin, the Edo State capital, he speaks on the crisis in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and how President Muhammadu Buhari can succeed in office.

    How do you see the current face off between the Executive and the Senate?

    The APC as a party appears to be in government only and not in politics. If they are in politics, some of them who grew wings in the National Assembly wouldn’t have been able to do so. Because the APC is not in politics, it created a discounted tune between the executive and the legislature. If the APC were in politiccs, they would have known how to deal with the situation. The situation is not legal, it is political. I am particularly pissed by the rejection of Magu because Nigerains have never had it so good, in terms of recovery of of stolen properties of the federal government, particularly money before this time. The average Nigerian is in support of Magu and if there is a referadum between Magu and those legislature, Magu will defect them. Magu has not been caught stealing. He has only been blamed for some ethical conduct like he lives in luxury. One of them was that he took a first class flight to the hajj. That is not luxury. A person of his status is entitled to take first class flight. When I was Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources in Bendel State, I took Fisrt Class flight to Brazil, USA and Isreal. Whenyou are in certain position, you are entitiled to some things. Magu has not been caught in an act of stealing  or colloding with looters. They would have alleged more serious things. They have a right of rejection and the President has a right of renomination. But, the President should pay some attention to politics. It appears he has abandoned his party and the party has become weakened in that process. He should dedicate 40 per cent of his time to politics and 60 per cent to governance and for all Nigerians. The President is from a political party. He must nurture the party and strengthen it.

    Why is it that the fight in the Senate is more from the APC Senators?

    Those APC senators are the ones fighting anti-corruption crusade. Corruption is fighting back through the lawmakers. The President should not listen to such demands. They want to blackmail him. I do not see why people who belong to the same party are not supporting the ideology and programme of that party. If the APC is strong and really faces politics, such peole should not be reelected. If it were in our time, we will make their constituency hot for them and there is a way of doing it. If you make their constituency ask them question; whether they are representing Nigeria or their own interest. They are representing their own interest and not Nigeria.

    What is your assessment of Obaseki administration?

    He has shown that he is a very enlightened and sophisticated governor. There are areas he has touched, which were neglected by his predecessor. For example, the issue of technical education. All these theoretical things are responsible for graduates going from street to street without jobs. Obaseki is tackling the problem headlong and also tarring adjoining roads. We are observing him and he is making statements, which shown aggression against poverty and squalor in the state.

    Will Obaseki succeed in his action by separating politics from governance?

    He wil not succeed. If he does that, his political powers will be eroded. He must give 40 per cent of his attention to politics and he must keep making the party stronger and stronger so that when the party talks, nobody else can talk senseless things, unless you talk sensible things. In the party I belonged to which was led by Awolowo, when Awolowo tables a programme he will listn to your views, if your views are too selfish he will know and make you feel ashamed from superior arguments. Obaseki must not separate politics from governance. Politicians are not the selfish people we take them to be in this country. It is the dirty people who call it a dirty game. It is the most honourable thing. That is why you are called honourable when you win election. They are now turning it from honourable to dishonourable. They are to be despicably honest and not acquiring riches and personal wealth. That is what Buhari is returning it back to. Obaseki can succeed if he is not personally interested in wealth. That is the first cardinal principle of any ruler. That will make him not to be bias in taking decision. I see them distributing chickens to women to encourage them in farming. If they can do it to men, it will be a good thing. I see Obaseki as a versatile man. The indication he has showned show that he will succeed

    Will Buhari succeed as a President?

    He will suceeed with his economic policy. The only place he is lacking is his political policies or refusing to turn the APC into an idealogiccal group. If you hate wealth to the extent of not using it for yourself, the party you lead should be that nobody who loves personal wealth would like to enter such party. Many people want to live simple lives than those who want to acquire primitive wealth. I said Buhari will succeed because you will disover that all contractors that abandon projects across the country have returned to site. He has paid the mobilisation fee for the second Niger Bridge that eluded previous governments for 16 years. When he was away, everything was going on smoothly as if he was around. From all indications, Buhari is bound to succeed.

    What do say about the Senate and the Custom boss?

    It should be properly investigated by an independent body and not the Senate. The Senate should not continue to be their own judge in their own cause. If they continue to do that, they will have no respect for their belief in the rule of law or democracy. If there is an allegation that vehicles were imported without adequate payment, it should be investigated by another body and not the senate. We cannot believe that they are not bias.

  • How Buhari can succeed, by Bamaiyi

    How Buhari can succeed, by Bamaiyi

    Former Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi (retd) is presenting a book titled: ‘’The Vindication of a General’’ today in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). In this interview with reporters, he speaks on his military career and his incarceration for eight years. Bamaiyi also urges Nigerians to support President Muhammadu Buhari in his bid to transform the country. He warns that Nigeria may not survive another civil war. Excerpts:

    Why did you enlist in the Army?

    As a child, I had always wanted to be a soldier and I am glad that I achieved my ambition in life of being a soldier which I joined while I was teaching in a primary school. I joined the Army as a soldier in the Education Corps where I rose to the rank of Corporal before going to the Defence Academy and got commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on July 5, 1968. I was involved in the Nigeria Civil war from July 1968 to the end of the war.

    I enjoyed my military career because I never had problems with my commanders and my promotions went well. I never missed any promotion. The wish of every officer is to reach the rank of a General. I did not only achieve that but by the grace of God, I was appointed the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) in March, 1996 and held that post for over three years. Due to the involvement of the Military in politics, I had a turbulent tenure because I stood for the Army keeping away from politics. This stand caused me problems which ended me in detention in prison for over eight years, because I objected to a military person taking over from us in 1999.

    I must confess that in spite of what I went through, I had a fulfilled and successful military career. I believe that this country would have been better if we did not make the mistake of bringing a retired military person in 1999.

    What is your book ‘’The Vindication of a General’’ about?

    It is true that I am presenting a book, titled: ‘’Vindication of a General’’. The book is about my military career, the intrigues backstabbing for standing for what I believed I was eventually persecuted and kept in prison for over eight years because I opposed a military officer taking over from us in 1999.

    I was charged to court and stood trial for over eight years for an arranged attempted murder of the late Alex Ibru. I was discharged and acquitted in 2008. My acquittal and the situation we find ourselves today as a nation has vindicated me.

    Do you have any plan for peace  resolution foundation?

    I have not thought of setting up a peace foundation or any kind of foundation but it is not impossible that I could set up something in future to assist our young generations.

    You have been silent on national issues over the years…

    I have not really been silent, I have been making efforts to make contacts when necessary. For example, when the Northeast problem was causing us embarrassment, as a former military officer, I met the former President, discussed how the nation was being embarrassed with the performance of the military in the war area. We had a good discussion and I made some recommendations which unfortunately he did not have time to implement because of politics. I have applied in writing to see the present President to draw his attention to areas I feel very strongly need attention in the country at present. I am yet to get response on the application.

    Which areas does the criminal justice system need amendment ?

    In order to dispense justice quickly and fairly, a lot has to be done right, from the investigation of cases to the trial stage. Cases are sometimes delayed due to bad investigation. The attitude of lawyers, corruption in the judiciary, sometimes interference by the state have negative effect on the judiciary.  I am, however, glad that the judiciary itself is awake and is trying to deal with corrupt judges. This will be useful. I also hope that something is done about lawyers who deliberately delay cases by unnecessary adjournment.

    How would you assess the present administration?

    I believe President Muhammadu Buhari meant well for the nation. What I am not sure about is the quality of those working with him, I mean his ministers and personal staff. They do not appear to be in the same boat with the President because a lot of embarrassing situations abound, that showed lack of coordination. For example, the case of the Acting chairman of the Economic and Finanacial Crime Commission (EFCC) Ibrahim Magu. The Department of State Security (DSS) is under the Presidency and one would have thought that they will coordinate issues of national interest, but that is not happening.

    Look at the fight against corruption; to me, the President appears to be alone and on his own. The Senate appears to be indifferent to this. As I understand, many of them have corruption cases with EFCC. I believe that if one is accused of any wrong doing, the right thing to do is allow court process to be completed. Avoiding investigation and trial is not the solution to such accusations.

    As a former Chief of Army Staff, what is your advice on insurgency?

    I believe that the Boko Haram insurgency is being handled well. I congratulate the President on the support he is giving to the Military, by ensuring that they are given the necessary support to fight Boko Haram. I congratulate the Military leadership on doing the nation proud in the fight against Boko Haram. Let’s not forget that insurgency is not a battle you will overcome overnight, it is not a battle won by the military alone. We need to go back to the use of native intelligence where everyone is involved at ward level. Everyone must be involved in information and intelligence gathering to defeat this insurgency.

     What are your regrets?

    I have always done things the way my conscience guides me, so I have no regrets in my life. Once you are guided by your conscience and maintain your integrity, you do not regret anything. I am convinced that I did my best in every responsibility I carried out in my life.

    What is your advice to Nigerians?

    My advice to Nigerians is that we should support the present administration to succeed, love one another, put aside our religious differences because if God wanted the world to be one religion, He had the power to do it. For the youth, they should realise that they are future leaders. They should learn from the mistakes of the elders and avoid such mistakes. They must not allow selfish people who call themselves elders to mislead them in causing problems that could divide this country.

    Nigerians must not forget that we fought an avoidable 30-month war with loss of lives. We must, therefore, ensure that we avoid anything that can lead of war.

  • NPFL players must have patience to succeed-Lawal

    NPFL players must have patience to succeed-Lawal

    Former  Nigeria international Garba Lawal believes Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) players can make a career breakthrough if they remain focused and have the spirit of patience.

    Following the surprise switch of Ezekiel Bassey from Enyimba to Barcelona II in January, the former Super Eagles star insists players can actualise their dreams in Nigeria if they shun fraudulent agents.

    “The important thing for most players is that they need to remain focused,” Lawal told Goal.

    “I watch the local leagues. Most of the players get carried away by agents. During our time, we did not have agents – maybe that’s why we concentrated playing good football.

    “Some of the agents sway them with their sweet mouths and they follow them. As a player, you should know what you want. Let them talk, but you focus on playing what you’ve been playing.

    “Don’t leave what you have and start thinking of grabbing what is not possible. Hold on to what you have. If you’re here, you stay and keep trying your best.

    “If you keep listening to those agents who promise to take you to this or that country – you will just get yourself distracted for nothing.

    “Football is all about time and opportunity. If the time comes, that opportunity you have will make a way for you.

    “But if it is yet to come, remain calm. Patience is very difficult but very important and with it, you will succeed.”

     

  • ‘How Akeredolu can succeed’

    ‘How Akeredolu can succeed’

    Prince Anthony Olatujoye, lawyer and former Director of Legal Services, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), is a commentator on national affairs. In this interview with reporters in Lagos on what should be the priorities of the incoming administration in Ondo State, Olatujoye says the new helmsman, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), must deliver on his campaign promises, if he wants to make a difference. Deputy Political Editor RAYMOND MORDI was there.

    Some people have expressed fears that Akeredolu will have some difficulty governing Ondo State, because he lacks political experience…

    Notwithstanding this opinion, the incoming governor is a man that has an insight into and an understanding of the problems of Ondo State. He is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) who has been actively involved in national politics from the inception of the Fourth Republic. He actively participated in a vast array of election cases over the years that have shaped the landscape of Nigeria’s political firmament. Furthermore, he served as Attorney-General of Ondo State between 1997 and 1999 and was also the Chairman of the Legal Aid Council between 2005 and 2006. His tenure as President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) in 2008 was one of the most successful and productive. He has a strong grassroots presence in the political architecture of the state, having worked assiduously for his governorship election in 2012 and 2016. Thus, without doubt, he has a strong political structure. I do not believe that a person needs to have previously been elected to a political office to be a good politician. What is important is that a leader must have the ability and sagacity to achieve the tasks and goals of governance he has set for the state. I have no doubt that Aketi, as we call him, is robustly equipped to bring good leadership and succour to our people.

    Akeredolu is coming at a time the Ondo State House of Assembly is dominated by the PDP. Will this impede his progress, as a governor elected on the platform of the APC? 

    A politician must be willing to cooperate with other stakeholders, if he wants to succeed. I believe that his experience as a learned SAN and a former Attorney-General would be instrumental in balancing the various interests, for the overall benefit of the people of Ondo State. His guiding principle should be the protection of the people and tranquillity amongst members of the House of Assembly, irrespective of political leaning. He should be able to manage the various competing interests that may emerge, based on his experience and legal training. The legislators are all indigenes of Ondo State; therefore their priority should be to work in harmony with the new governor to deliver good governance to the people.

    What is your advice to the incoming governor?

    To succeed, the cardinal thing which the new governor must put in place is a structure for good governance. He should work diligently to ensure that his administration is not only dynamic and robust, but also transparent and people-oriented. He should also try to keep faith with his campaign promises. He should stick to his manifesto, this is because the promises he made during his campaign remain the social contract between him and the people of Ondo state. His first shot should be to pay the backlog of salaries and pension arrears his predecessor would leave behind. Ondo State workers and senior citizens are yearning for Aketi’s understanding of their impecunious situation and the need to remedy this in good time.

    As for the restive unemployed youth, the government should create jobs through massive investments in agriculture; the reactivation of moribund industries such as the cocoa, oil palm and cassava industries, as well as the Oluwa Glass Company in Igbokoda. He should also partner with private sector players to bring some other industrial initiatives to the state, as well as improve primary healthcare and sanitise the educational system, with a view to restoring the age-long tradition of educational excellence for which Ondo State is reputed.

    Which areas do you think he should accord priority?

    The incoming governor has to accord priority to areas of job creation and infrastructural development, especially roads and waterways as quickly as he can find the resources to do so, in order to strengthen and increase wealth creation opportunities in Ondo State. The electric power situation in various areas of the state is near comatose; especially in Ondo South Senatorial District and this situation has a disabling effect on economic development. Therefore, improved power supply should be given prompt attention. Prioritising collaboration with the Federal Government in providing social security for the vulnerable and the School Feeding Programme as is being done in some states should also be given accelerated consideration.

    What   are   some of the pitfalls of his predecessor that he must avoid?

    I would say probably the failure of the Mimiko administration can be linked to its inability to effectively and efficiently manage the state’s resources for the purpose of revamping and reviving the state’s comatose industries and factories.

    The roads are generally in a sorry pass, the waterways are not properly managed hence their deplorable condition and the attendant non-economic value unnecessarily placed on the farmers and other users. If the entire infrastructure had been effectively managed or fixed, the internally generated revenue (IGR) of Ondo State would have significantly improved and the issue of irregular payments of staff salaries, among others, would have been minimal.

    Successive governments have failed to exploit the state’s mineral resources, especially bitumen. Do you see Akeredolu falling into this trap?

    Of course, you may be correct that the previous governments have been unable to exploit the mineral resources of the state to its fullest potentials. This may be because the authority to do that falls within the purview of the Federal Government. What the incoming governor has to do, however, is to quickly create platforms conducive for partnership with the Ministry of Mines and Steel, so that all mineral resources, particularly the state’s rich bitumen deposits, can be better exploited to the benefit of the state. Also, foreign investors should be invited and encouraged to participate in the mining of available solid minerals for the economic enrichment of the state.

    How would you rate the outgoing Mimiko administration?

    Mimiko has not done too badly, given the meagre resources allocated to the state during his tenure. But he could have done better if he had efficiently deployed the funds from the special allocation to oil–producing states (the 13 per cent Derivation Fund) towards the development of the state. Though electricity supply to the state is relatively poor, I would score a little above average in the provision of health services and education. Akeredolu needs to preserve and improve upon these initiatives. He also needs to collaborate with his counterparts in neighbouring states, particularly Lagos, with a view to adapting their successful economic strategies to the unique advancement needs of Ondo State.

    What should Akeredolu do to ensure harmony between government and civil servants?

    The new governor is expected to maintain a cordial relationship with the organised labour in Ondo State by ensuring that salaries are paid on time and by putting in place an effective/efficient workforce. This can also be achieved through proper training and re-training of civil servants in the values that would ensure a better discharge of their duties and responsibilities. Furthermore, he should find dynamic ways to block leakages in the civil service with a view to enthroning probity and accountability.

    What is your view on the present crisis rocking the Ondo State House of Assembly?

    That is an internal matter for the PDP, which controls the majority in the House to resolve. But, as a well-meaning indigene of Ondo State, I advise that the issue be quickly addressed, so that the incoming governor does not inherit a crisis-ridden assembly. It does appear however that some PDP members are considering defecting to the APC, to become more relevant under the new dispensation.

    What kind of cabinet should Akeredolu put in place to succeed?

    The new governor can have a cabinet that is not only inclusive, but moderate; one which is made up of people with proven capacity – with people who are honest and willing to serve the people notwithstanding party affiliation. Ondo State has 18 local government areas, but he does not necessarily need 18 commissioners that will work with him. Rather, he may pick his officers by zoning equal positions to the three senatorial districts. Indeed, he needs tested hands to assist him in making a difference as governor.

  • Nigeria needs people of strong character to succeed, says Osinbajo

    Nigeria needs people of strong character to succeed, says Osinbajo

    •Osinbajo, Gowon, Sanusi, Sule, others eulogise Wali 

    Acting President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday insisted Nigeria needed men and women of strong character to achieve economic and political growth.

    Osinbajo spoke in Abuja while eulogising the late Ambassador Isa Wali, during the 50th anniversary of his death at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.

    The event was organised by the Isa Wali Empowerment Initiative (IWEI), an organisation founded in memory of the late diplomat.

    Others, who also spoke well of the former Nigeria high commissioner in Ghana, who died on February 19, 1967, include the former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II,  and elder statesman Maitama Sule.

    Osinbajo described the late Wali as a crusader of social justice, who fought for the rights of people.

    Wali, he said, was a man who had a good sense of justice and shared some universal set of values that helped in development across the globe.

    The Acting President likened him to Martin Luther of the United States of America and Nelson Mandela of South Africa who he said fought for people in their countries.

    Stressing that such people with human values were abundant in Nigeria, he said there was need to identify them to contribute to nation-building.

    He said: “Our nation is in need of people who stand for human values, those who believe in trust-worthiness, integrity, honesty and hard work.

    “We need to have those values and emphasise them because these are values that build nations around the world.

    “Our nation needs more of visionary men and women that are ready to put the nation ahead of them,” he added

    He explained that to move Nigeria where everyone would be proud of, citizens must stand for these values.

    “Ambassador Wali was well ahead of his time. You can see this with his desire to teach his wife how to drive in those days,” he stated

    Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II said the late envoy was in the fore-front of promoting the cause of women and their rights in northern Nigeria as well as children’s dignity.

    According to him, Wali was far ahead of his time, adding that his views were still relevant.

    He noted that Wali spoke against violence against women and polygamy.

    His emirate, he said, was considering a family law to make domestic violence against women illegal and set condition to fulfill before a man could marry a second wife.

    The law, he said, would also spell out the roles of the father besides just giving birth to them.

    The emir said societies had seen the consequences of men who were not economically viable and marry many wives, and end up giving birth to children they could not fend for.

    Chairman of the occasion Isaac Sagay said Wali died on duty and was not honoured by the Federal Government.

    He called on the Federal Government to honour the late diplomat to serve as encouragement to other Nigerians.

    On his part, elder statesman Maitama Sule said Nigeria’s problem remained the absence of dedicated and committed people, who were courageous like late Wali.

    According to him, the backwardness of the country now was not part of the Nigerian character.

    He said Nigeria was a decent country, which started on a right-footing with right values and character.

    He added that countries, such as India, Brazil, who were at the same level with Nigeria in the 1960s, have left Nigeria far behind.

    He said: “There is corruption today, even institutions and tradition have been affected. We are no longer ourselves. There is the demise of values.

    “We need to revisit the past. What we need is leadership. We have even politicise the civil service.”

    Minister of Environment Amina Mohammed said there was need for good leadership at all levels and not only in government.

    Besides gender disparity, she said there was need to look at ethnic disparity.

    Dignitaries at the event include former Chief Justices of Nigeria Mohammed Uwais and Aloma Murktar and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Na’Aba.