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  • Senate versus Tinubu

    The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Thursday, June 26, mandated its Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions to investigate comments allegedly made by Senator Oluremi Tinubu (Lagos Central) which was said to have disparaged members of the Senate. She was said to have accused leaders of the Senate of providing uninspiring leadership and always pandering to the whims and caprices of the executive arm of government. The committee, headed by Senator Ayo Akinyelure (Ondo Central) was given two weeks to conclude their assignment and report back to the Senate.

    Specifically, Mrs. Tinubu, the quiet and easy-going wife of the former governor of Lagos State Senator Bola Tinubu, a leader of the opposition All Progressive Congress (A.P.C) was accused of saying, “The Senate is not a place I really want to go back to except APC becomes the majority. But if it is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government, I don’t think it is the environment I want to be again. I have had my fill”. She then allegedly said that the Senate had failed Nigerians.

    There have been insinuations that the swiftness with which the matter was tabled before the Senate by the Majority Leader Senator Ndoma-Egba a member of the PDP before the presiding officer, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu also of the (PDP) has a political coloration. It has been suggested by some women activists that the action is driven by male chauvinism. Others are of the view that the whole probe is targeted not at embarrassing Mrs. Tinubu herself, but her husband, a frontline leader of the APC, Asiwaju Tinubu.

    This writer is not interested in the above insinuations but is greatly disturbed that  the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria sitting in Abuja which should be addressing serious national issues including the debilitating insurgency threatening to destroy the fabric of the Nigerian nation, crude oil theft, mass unemployment, kidnappings, armed robbery, crisis in the education sector to mention but a few, should busy itself with a comment made in faraway Lagos by a politician which should have attracted little or no attention if they were actually busy addressing critical  issues affecting the common man.

    In the first place, the probe is a gross violation of Mrs. Tinubu’s right to freedom of expression as enshrined in Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution. Section 39(1) provides, “Every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression including freedom to hold opinion and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference”. The point to note here is that the constitution being the supreme law of the land is far and above any other law including the Rules of the Senate.

    Secondly, since the allegation against Mrs. Tinubu is coming from the Senate itself, is it right for the Senate to sit in trial against her? One of the cardinal rules of natural justice is expressed in the Latin Maxim “Nemo judex incausa sua”. In other words, one cannot be a judge in his own case. Here, apart from the constitutional violation of abridging Mrs. Tinubu’s right to freedom of expression, the Senate is the accuser, the prosecutor and the judge. It is doubtful if the committee can turn in a fair and impartial verdict under the circumstance.

    Further, the Senate should be aware that Nigerians have overtime been worried about the parliament, including the House of Representatives and how they have been using their time to serve Nigerians. Budgets have never been passed on time for several years. Important Bills like the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) have been in limbo for many years without receiving due attention, while they focus on unimportant issues. It is like the proverbial adage of a man chasing rats while his house is on fire. A classical case of misplaced priority.

    Is it any wonder that there have been calls that the parliament should be made a part-time institution and that their salaries and emoluments should be slashed considerably relative to the national minimum wage? Some have even suggested that the number of the people in the parliament should be reduced or be made unicameral instead of bicameral to reduce wastages. In other words, many people do not think the parliament deserves the wages they earn due to this attitude to work and insensitivity to national issues.

    In the United States of America that practices the presidential system of government just like Nigeria, the issue of freedom of expression is taken so seriously that it is enshrined in their constitution. In the first Amendment to the Bills of Rights, it provides, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the exercise of speech or of the press or the right of the people to peaceable assembly and to petition the government for a relief of grievances”.

    In England, the Prime Minister normally comes under attack from the opposition whenever he makes his weekly appearance on the floor of the House of Commons. Just last week David Cameron was verbally attacked and heckled by the opposition members for hiring the jailed Editor of News of the World. The point here is that it serves no useful purpose to loose valuable man hours investigating a speech made by a member of the parliament, outside the parliament to her constituents when critical national issues are begging for urgent attention.

    Indeed, Mrs. Tinubu’s probe by the Senate is nothing more than what the English playwright; William Shakespeare would refer to as much ado about nothing. It is a storm in a tea cup and does not portray the Senate in good light.

    • Njoku is a Lawyer.
  • Jonathan, Tinubu, governors mourn Arisekola-Alao

    Jonathan, Tinubu, governors mourn Arisekola-Alao

    President Goodluck Jonathan, All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Southwest governors have mourned the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Abdulazeez Arisekola-Alao, who died yesterday. He was 69.

    Jonathan said he received with “great shock and sadness” the news of Arisekola-Alao’s death.

    A statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Reuben Abati, reads: “On behalf of himself, the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria, President Jonathan extends sincere condolences to the Arisekola-Alao family, as well as the people of Ibadan and Oyo State, on the passing away of the famed Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland.

    “As they mourn the famous entrepreneur, community and religious leader, President Jonathan urges his family, relatives, friends, associates and dependants to be comforted by the fact that Arisekola-Alao lived a fulfilled life and leaves behind a legacy of significant and commendable achievements.

    “The President notes that Alhaji Arisekola-Alao will always be remembered and honoured, especially for the remarkable entrepreneurial skills with which he established many successful businesses and created jobs for numerous Nigerians, as well as for his religious leadership and philanthropic gestures.”

    Tinubu said the late Arisekola-Alao’s greatness will continue even in death.

    Describing his demise as “sorrowful and shocking”, the former Lagos State governor said: “That such a great man, who still had so much to offer his people and country, could die so suddenly is painful and a huge loss. His death has left a great vacuum in the religious and socio-political spheres. He will be missed.

    “I condole with his family, the Muslim Umah and the government and people of Oyo State. His unexpected departure has left us all in some sort of a quandary because he was one of a kind, rare and specially gifted.  He touched the lives of ordinary and great people and lived a life of service. He will be difficult to replace.

    “He will remain some sort of a legend because he took on great challenges and left a legacy of service. His greatness is in the service he rendered his immediate community and his staying power was his wisdom and open mindedness to work with others to find solutions to problems. He was a great man who lived a great life. May his soul rest in peace.”

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi described Arisekola-Alao’s death as “tragic, disheartening and a big blow”, to Oyo and Nigeria.

    In a statement by his media aide, Dr. Festus Adedayo, Ajimobi said: “Aare cannot die, as those who lived the kind of life he lived, with imprints in the lives of millions of people, never die. He lived a life that was devoted to the lives of others. It is indeed the end of an era for us in Ibadan and Nigeria in general.”

    Ajimobi described the late Arisekola-Alao as “a devout Muslim, shrewd businessman and a philanthropist”, whose commitment to the cause of the downtrodden in the society was unequalled.

    He said: “Uncle Arisekola-Alao was an upright, consistent and principled man. He called a spade by its name without minding whose ox was gored. He was also a pillar of support to our administration. His wise counsel helped tremendously in the success so far recorded by our government.” Although he said the religious leader’s death was painful and the vacuum created by his passage would be hard to fill, the governor, said the late Arisekola-Alao lived a fulfilled life.

    Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, in a statement by his media aide, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Wakama, said: “It is unfortunate that Arisekola-Alao died at a time a lot of Muslims would have benefited from his generosity, but Almighty Allah knows best.”

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, in a statement by the Director of Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, said Arisekola-Alao’s death reinforces the essence of mankind’s existence, “which is to lead a good life and render service to humanity”.

    The statement reads: “His death is sad, shocking and unfortunate. He led a good life, a life full of positive examples. Arisekola-Alao was a notable figure, successful businessman, a consistent philanthropist and community leader.

    “As the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, he demonstrated his love for peace as a religious leader and led a God-fearing life. On behalf of my family and the people of Osun State, I convey our heart-felt condolences to the immediate and extended family of the later business doyen, Ajimobi, the entire Muslim Ummah and the people of Oyo State. May the soul of the deceased be admitted into Aljana Firdaus.”

    Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko described Arisekola-Alao’s passing as “shocking and a great loss to the nation”.

    In a condolence message by his Commissioner for Information, Kayode Akinmade, Mimiko said the death of the deputy head of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, was “most unfortunate and a loss irreparable”.

    He said: “No doubt, Aare Arisekola-Alao is still needed around and would be sorely missed by all for his spiritual and fatherly role.”

    Mimiko said the businessman “lived an exemplary life and was a blessing to his generation as he made his mark in leadership, service to God and humanity”.

    Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola said the late Arisekola-Alao would be sorely missed by all for his “widely acknowledged philanthropy, statesmanship and entrepreneurial leadership”.

    Condoling with the government and people of Oyo State, Fashola said the indelible marks left by the late Arisekola-Alao in commerce and industry, as well as the economic development of the Southwest and Nigeria, would never be forgotten.

    He urged the late businessman’s family, friends and associates to take solace in his good deeds and prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the soul of the departed Aljanah Firdaus.

  • Tinubu urges government on security

    Tinubu urges government on security

    Senator Oluremi Tinubu (Lagos Central) has urged the Federal Government to provide adequate security for Nigerians.

    She spoke yesterday at the Eko Club in Surulere, Lagos, during the 11th Town Hall Meeting with her constituents.

    Urging the government to stand up to its responsibilities, Mrs. Tinubu said the only time the government accepted that there was a problem with its policy was when it increased the pump price of petroleum products, noting that the protest that followed the action forced the government to reduce the price.

    She said: “This government has refused to take responsibility for anything it does not do right. A government that thinks it is always right is not doing anything. People do fail, but can always make amends. The only time this government went back on what would have been a blow on the society was during the removal of fuel subsidy. “

    Mrs. Tinubu urged lawmakers to be careful about the laws they pass, adding that laws made should be in the people’s interest.

    She said the decision to include former speakers and formerSenate presidents in the Council of State was not well thought-out.

    The senator said: “Whatever we are doing should be people-oriented. We should be careful about the laws we make. They said former speakers and Senate presidents should be part of the executive; Are they executive members?”

    She said until the constitution is reviewed, thing will continue to be done haphazardly.

    Mrs. Tinubu said the idea of a part time legislature for Nigeria was not completely out of place, adding that it was working in Switzerland.

    She said: “There is nothing wrong with it. Part-time legislature is alright for the country, but you do not squeeze a sector and leave the other buoyant. Every sector has to be touched.

    “If you want the National Assembly to perform its oversight functions well, provide an enabling ground for it to work. Give the lawmakers what will not make them compromise.”

    An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Alhaji Tajudeen Olusi, said the practice of true federalism would solve most of the country’s problems, adding: “Those familiar with a good constitution know that we are yet to have one in the country. That is why Nigeria is not getting its acts right. Also, when the right government is established at the centre Nigeria will be better.”

    Olusi hailed Senator Tinubu’s commitment to the people’s welfare, adding: “She has represented us well and ensures that we are adequately briefed on happenings at the National Assembly. Her empowerment programmes have revived many lives.”

  • Makinde warns against violence

    •Tinubu, Fashola, Diya extol Atilade at 70

    The Prelate Emeritus of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Dr Ola Makinde, has warned individuals or groups breeding any form of religious intolerance in the south west to desist and toe the path of peace.

    He spoke last Sunday at the 70th birthday thanksgiving of President Gospel Baptist Conference of Nigeria & Overseas, Archbishop Magnus, who is also the South West chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

    The service with the theme praise and adoration attracted friends and well-wishers of the celebrator as well as traditional rulers, captains of industry, diplomats, politicians, religious leaders and government functionaries.

    Former Lagos State governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who was represented by women leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, Kemi Nelson, led the dignitaries which included former Chief of General Staff, Lieutenant General Oladipo Diya (Retd).

    The Lagos State governor, Raji Fashola, was represented by his Special Adviser on Religion, Rev. Akintoye Buramo, while Ogun State governor, Ibikunle Amosun, was represented by the Commissioner for Works, Arch. Olamilekan Adegbite.

    There was also former Lagos Commissioner for Health, Dr. Leke Pitan, and Comrade Ayo Opadokun, among others.

    Makinde emphasised the needs for peaceful coexistence.

    He said: “I appeal to youth to desist from criminal activities and must not allow themselves to be used by politicians to foment trouble in the name of religious, tribe or ethnic differences because murderers will not go to heaven.”

    He decried the insurgency in the north, saying the development was drawing back the country by several years.

    Makinde eulogised Atilade, saying they have been friends for the past 25 years.

    According to him: “Atilade is a man of peace, outstanding statesman, pastor, shepherd, a gift from God, a father, fearless and courageous to the truth which should be emulated.

    “Atilade is a man of peace. Let there be peace in the western region. Lagos is a mini Nigeria; we don’t have anywhere to run to when the chips are down. Please give peace a chance.”

    He charged the celebrator to remain close to God.

    Makinde said: “Be close to God in all you do. Be heavenly focussed. You have reached the biblical age of 70; lead others to heaven and make sure to get there yourself.”

    Tinubu, who appreciated the efforts of the celebrator in the development of democratic principles in Lagos, said: “I will never forget your roles in bringing democracy to Nigeria by all means which we will forever grateful.”

    Fashola said the state needs more of Atilade’s stature for advice and statesmanship.

    Atilade, who was full of gratitude to God for preserving his life, said: “I thank God as He has been so merciful and kind to me. To God be the glory, dominion, majesty and power.”

  • I hold monarchs in high esteem, says Tinubu

    I hold monarchs in high esteem, says Tinubu

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has said his statement on Yoruba monarchs was taken out of context by political mischief makers.

    The former Lagos State governor said he has the highest respect for traditional rulers.

    In a statement yesterday in Lagos by his Media Office, Tinubu said: “I have never referred to any Oba in Yoruba land as uncultured. I hold Obas in high esteem. I have so many titles, especially from Yoruba land. Only those involved in political mischief will try to misconstrue the respect I have always given the Obas. They (mischief makers) are just making a mistake.”

    The frontline politician spoke with a reporter on what he thought should be the role of Obas in national security and free and fair elections.

    He said: “During the age of colonialism, the Obas were the custodians, even the defenders of our territory. Ever since, they have been protecting us in their own cultural ways, especially great Obas like the Alafin of Oyo, the Soun of Ogbomosho and even the Ooni of Ife, among several others.

    “Like the Ooni of Ife said, they held forth while many of us were hunted and hounded out of the country by military dictators. And history has documented our roles comprehensively.

    “If we did not survive that period, we would all have lost whatever values we have now or the dispensation we now enjoy. But because we now have democratic institutions does not render them invalid. I have never referred to any Oba in Yoruba land as uncultured.”

    Tinubu spoke on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, after the APC flag was handed over to the governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, for the governorship election in June.

    The rally attracted an unprecedented crowd with 10 APC governors in attendance, several former governors, National Assembly and state lawmakers, among other dignitaries.

  • Afe Babalola, Tinubu call for college’s upgrade

    Afe Babalola, Tinubu call for college’s upgrade

    Founder of the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Chief Afe Babalola (SAN); Senator Oluremi Tinubu and the Chairman, Governing Council of the Adeyemi College of Education (ACE) in Ondo, Ambassador Musa John Jen, have urged the Federal Government to fulfill its promise to upgrade the college to a university of education.

    They spoke at the 50th anniversary celebration and 33rd convocation ceremony of the college.

    Babalola said the improvement of infrastructure in the college has boosted its chance of being upgraded to a university.

    He hailed the Provost, Prof. Adeyemi Idowu, for “working tirelessly” and changing the institution from a glorified secondary school into a world class college.

    The lawyer said the institution had the infrastructure and man power to be a degree awarding institution, noting that some degree-awarding institutions cannot be compared with it.

    He urged whoever succeeds Idowu to keep up the good work, lamenting that the problem of educational development in Nigeria is having the wrong persons running tertiary institutions.

    Babalola, who was bestowed with a fellowship award, said a situation where a candidate who came third during an interview is made a Vice-Chancellor or Provost of an institution should not be tolerated.

    Other awardees include: Information, Communication and Technology Minister Omobola Johnson; Director-General, National Teachers’ Institute (NTI), Dr. Landa Sharehu and Chairman, Pacesetters Group of Schools, Abuja, Kenneth Imansuangbon.

    Named as the college’s benefactors were Awka Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio; Senator Tinubu; Chief Olabanji Akingbule; JAMB Registrar Prof. Dibu Ojerinde and Mr. Tayo Fawehinmi.

    Mrs. Tinubu said she was part of the first set of graduates from the college.

    The senator, who was recognised for her contribution to her alma mater, said the college had met all requirements to be a university.

    Mrs. Tinubu, who is the matron of the college’s Alumni Association, promised her support in ensuring that the college is upgraded.

    Jen said: “What is important in the minds of the people of Ondo Kingdom and the monarch is that the institution be upgraded to a full fledged University of Education.

    He said: “This good wish is well deserved and long overdue, considering the array of physical structures and human resources that abound in the college.

    “I urge the Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike, to use his good office to facilitate the fulfillment of this dream. I assure you that generations unborn will never forget you, if this is done during your tenure in office.”

    Wike, who was represented by the Director of Higher Education, Hajia Hindatu Abduallahi, said the ministry would look into the demand.

    He said the Federal Government, in a bid to make colleges of education perform their constitutional role, had, in the past four years, embarked on massive capacity building of teachers.

    Wike said the ministry had developed frameworks for curriculum implementation in NCE-awarding institutions; restructuring teachers’ education programme and professional standard for Nigerian teachers.

  • Re- Buhari, Tinubu and the fierce urgency of now

    Re- Buhari, Tinubu and the fierce urgency of now

    Segun, the APC faulty political approach at winning the 2015 presidential elections isn’t a theoretical elite matter that can simply be made good with the declaration of pious intentions. Capturing votes from the people is a practical thing and has to do with the electorate whose sense of purpose can’t just be wished away even with attractive logical conclusions. It neither flouts common sense nor offends reason on the part of the party to allow the rule of expediency and wisdom to guide its footsteps in the interest of all concerned. Leaders emerging through Muslim-Muslim ticket could turn out to produce the Nigerian nation of our dream forthwith no doubt but it is better to face the reality on the ground than being carried away with sweeping generalisations that border more on logical reasons, Emmannuel Egwu, 08037921541 *Happy Sunday Mr Segun, I must commend you on your piece. It did not only make an interesting reading but also dissuade so many Nigerians from using religious sentiment to truncate our collective resolve to usher in a new political order come 2015. I am a Christian from Akwa Ibom State but I must confess that there is no politician that can be compared to Buhari and there is no Christian running mate that will be as powerful as Tinubu. My wish is to witness in my lifetime how Nigeria becomes a giant of Africa, a nation devoid of tribalism and corruption. Please keep on educating the people, Thomas Thomas, Uyo, 08029300123 *APC Hausa-Fulani and Yoruba agenda will fail, 08063693335 My brother, SegunAyobolu, you made my day with your column of yesterday. God bless you, Anonymous, Osogbo *Egbon Segun, I agree totally with you. The fierce urgency of change needs passionate consideration and not religious bigotry and sanctimonious posturing. A Tam David West versus a Femi FaniKayode? The latter is a Lilliputian. FaniKayode is but trusted like the fox a la James Hardly Chase, 08110190709 *Sege, an old school mate at Saint Anthony Secondary School Ilorin agrees with you on your write up on Buhari and Tinubu, Tony Iyeh, 08063983535 Bravo for your incisive and factual write up on Saturday. We need an upright, courageous and visionary leader to steer the ship of state away from the treacherous rapids of insurgency threatening to drown us all. Please relent not, 07031677944 *Sege, you are not being realistic. Muslim-Muslim ticket will give Jonathan cheap victory. Buhari may be good but his utterances in the past have shown him as an ethnic or religious bigot. The truth I know could be bitter, 08051103922 *How can anybody ever be contemplating a Buhari- Tinubu presidency? Apart from being a Muslim-Muslim ticket, these are two very strong characters who command followership in their separate domains. It will amount to having two presidents at a time. And in any case the party does not belong to them only so why should they corner the juiciest positions? APC would be making a big mistake if they don’t drop this idea, 08023019889 *Honestly Bola Tinubu is the most sophisticated, pragmatic, dogged and dynamic politician with the largest political followership in the country today. As for General Buhari, his followership in the North is unequalled. No one can stand his integrity in Nigeria. Buhari can be the next Mandela. If we truly want this inept, incompetent, corrupt, arrogant and primitive leadership of PDP to end then the best is a Buhari- Tinubu ticket. This will restore credibility, security and good governance to the country. This is not the time to talk about religion. I am a Christian but that is not the issue. No more Azonto dancing, 08033394837 *Mr. Segun, thanks for the good work but I will not leave you alone. The PDP has not spent 15 years in power not to talk of 16. Mr Ayobolu, some columns are veritable sources of teaching materials for some of us, Charles Iyoha, Chairman, Academy Limited, 07033775454 *Dear sir, your earlier article last week was well thought out, an article from the heart. I was disappointed that you changed your mind so soon. I love Tinubu very well but I don’t think it is fair for us to ask him to be a running mate or to present a Muslim-Muslim ticket. APC should throw it away. Ahmed Tinubu is bigger than that, Abiodun, Surulere, 08050219909 *Buhari is an extremist and allowing such a person to become president at this time will spell doom for Nigeria. I believe that most Nigerians will rather vote for an incompetent Jonathan than a religious bigot taking into consideration what we have seen and gone through in the hands of the Islamic extremists. Let the APC look for a younger and liberal Muslim from the North, GbotemiOrijeka, Omuo-Ekiti, 08032225597 *When people like the Emir of Adamawa and Governor Nyako can talk nonsense without considering others and our APC keeps quiet then let everyone go their way. Buhari and Tinubu fine but who wants this nation wiped out by Hausa-Fulani Islamic fundamentalists? 08033798382 *Segun, inasmuch as I agree with you on this issue of Buhari-Tinubu ticket, I strongly disagree with your analysis of Christians taking other positions. We are not in a religious competition but in viability testing as a country. Muslims can be in all positions so far they follow the law but the fact remains that the Muslim community in Nigeria must apologise to the Christian community for truncating the June 12, 1993, election of Muslim-Muslim ticket, Obikoya Oladele, 08189507816 *Segun, I often agree with most of your comments but the only way for APC presidency in Nigeria is Kwankwaso/Oshiomhole ticket. Let Buhari remain party leader and Tinubu Senate President. You need to listen otherwise Jonathan will win. Big shame if PDP loses, Comrade Ade, Action Alliance for Good Governance in Nigeria, 08088255828 *Sir, forget about religion in politics. APC should take Buhari/Amaechi or Oshiomhole. APC should give a different ticket from public permutation even though I love Tinubu because he is a planner, Adekoya Muyiwa, Gbagada, 08035313169 *Dear Mr Ayobolu, please continue to write on this issue from various angles until Nigerians continue to begin to think aright. Buhari-Tinubu ticket is what Niheria needs now. I am Ibo and a born again Christian but the truth is that tribalism and religion have destroyed us and we need these men to salvage us, 08035410243 *Segun, please add that Buhari was one time governor of old Borno State. He knows how to move into North East and terminate insurgency. He knows how to ensure proper use of funds given to military commanders, UdemeUkpong Please you need to send this piece to the social media. Nigerians need to read this beautiful piece of work by you because you write like a prophet. God bless you, 08161817776 *I agree with your article today. Though I am a Christian, I will march with Buhari/Tinubu ticket to give us good governance unlike what we are witnessing now, S.O. Olagoke, Ibadan, 07087726651 *Segun, this is a highly objective and intellectual masterpiece. Until Nigerians rise above religious and ethnic frivolities and tow the path of objectivity, this nation cannot join the league of progressive nations. Sentiments apart, I think in this circumstance, this ticket can rebuild Nigeria even though I am a Christian, Anonymous *Thank you very much Mr Segun. Keep on enlightening people, 08065988557 *So Fashola and Oshiomhole are not good enough just because you have been ’settled’. Shame on you, 08033603023 *I just read your article on Buhari and Tinubu. Don’t let us mince words. If APC attempts such a venture it will be a disaster as they will lose heavily. You have to be more realistic in your analysis, Gbenga Bamgbose, Ibadan, 08152572815 *Segun, I am a great admirer of your column every Saturday. I have a lot of love and respect for Professor Tam David West but I totally disagree with your analysis of APC Muslim- Muslim ticket. In Abiola’s time it was possible but in present day Nigeria, APC will be committing suicide if they try it. The Christians in Middle Belt, South-South, South-East and even the liberal South West will revolt and things might fall apart while the centre may not be able to hold, Uncle EyilesanAjibola, 08023500760 *I read Illuminations column on Buhari-Tinubu ticket. It’s okay but is this country going to accept that with all these CAN members junketing with the ruling class? That’s my fear because we didn’t have this set of people during Abiola/Kingibe era. God wiil give APC the Wisdom of Solomon to do it right, JenyoAdebisi, 08182087116 *Masterpiece! Exceedingly illuminating. Catch you in the Villa 2015!,08033228564 *Dear Bolu, the only hope left for us in the country is electoral victory of APC come 2015. I beg you in the name of God to stop promoting this Muslim-Muslim ticket idea of yours. It will not work, 08070997674 *Thank you for the presentation of the response of an enigma and renowned neurologist like Professor Tam David West as regards this Buhari-Tinubu ticket. If APC reasons this way, this ticket will pave the way for a straight fight with PDP and possibly send it packing. God be with Nigeria, B. I. Aguda, Ekiti State Coordinator, Oodua Redemption Alliance, 08028838606 *The biggest mistake APC will make is to merge two Muslims together as President and Vice President. If they do that, they won’t win this election. So you call us in South-South, South-East and North-Central fools?,08091595261 *God will immensely bless you for coming out boldly to endorse the Buhari-Tinubu ticket in your piece today. Their combination for the 2015 election is the best for now. I have been voting for Buhari since 2003. With Asiwaju’s mettle in the South West in the last one decade, I have been doffing my hat for him, Deji, 08030824100 *You are on point Segun. All the noise about Muslim- Muslim ticket not going to fly is due to fear of how well it will do because of the personalities involved. Who cares if Hindu-Hindu ticket can make my country better? (I am a Christian anyway), 08053562380 *This is an election period, for the opposition party to field Muslim-Muslim candidates will be a bad gamble. The reason is that the ruling party has politicised religion to such an abysmal level that an all Muslim ticket will not augur well with Christians because of the menace of terror ravaging the polity, LaideOwadusi, 08021483687 *Ayobolu, your article is so well written and thank you for your boldness. I voted for former President Obasanjo not because he was a Christian. I just felt he was good enough to clear the confusion in the country then. That is history now but in the elections since Obasanjo’s first coming, I have always voted for General Buhari to satisfy my conscience. Buhari/Tinubu ticket would be fantastic and I will vote for them even if mine will be the only vote. I believe in them to do this country proud, SeargentTarbundeAgovson, Gboko-South, Benue State, 08035935995

  • Students hail Tinubu’s appointment

    Students hail Tinubu’s appointment

    Students of Ladoke University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso have praised the institution’s Visitors for appointing former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as chancellor.

    Students said the selection of the National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC) would make the institution a reference point for its counterparts across the country.

    The National Vice President (Internal) of the Federation of Oyo State Students Union (FOSSU), Abdullai Adeyemi, said: “Tinubu appointment would promote peace and stability of both academic and non-academic activities of the university. We commend Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State for the appointment.”

    Andullai added that Tinubu’s wealth of experience and influence would bring development to the institution.

    Sunday Agbedeyi, a student in the Department of Management, said the decision was in line with the yearnings of the institution’s students to appoint a man with such experience and strongwill to lead the institution.

    James Ashiyanbi, a Civil Engineering student, said: “This appointment might actually be a great turnaround for Oyo and Osun states, especially in the area of education. It’s an honour to have such respected figure as chancellor.”

  • Buhari, Tinubu and the fierce urgency of now

    Buhari, Tinubu and the fierce urgency of now

    Even the blind can see the imminent danger. The nation burns. This Titanic called Nigeria sinks deeper every day. Air Nigeria is in turbulent weather. The need of the hour is a competent and tested pilot as well as co-pilot. This aircraft must not be allowed to crash disastrously out of history.  Bombs explode daily. Innocent lives are wasted. For more than two weeks now, over 200 school girls from Chibok in Borno State have been in the custody of savage gangsters somewhere in the bowels of Sambisa forest. The Nigerian state is hobbled, confused and helpless.  Inexplicably oblivious of what Martin Luther King famously described as ‘the fierce urgency of now’, an unfazed President dances ‘Azonto’ in Kano a day after the Chibok tragedy. Nero fiddled. Rome burnt. Must Nigeria go the same way?

    The Jonathan National Conference (JNC) has sought and obtained an extension of six weeks. More talk. More allowances. More squandering of valuable time. Yet the Nigerian state and polity unravel steadily on a daily basis. Even then, 2015 draws inexorably closer. It is election year. It is a year of referendum on the performance of elected officials at national and state levels. We must not allow the JNC to be the grand distraction it is designed to be from the crucial electoral choices to be made next year. What is the dire need of the hour, the crux of the ‘fierce urgency of now’? The answer is leadership. That has been the focus of this column in the last two weeks and remains so today.

    We now have a tentatively balanced and viable two-party system that can provide the electorate with credible choices in the next election. But what alternatives will the electorate have to choose from? For the PDP the answer is clear. The party is satisfied with its performance in the last 16 years and that of President Jonathan in the last four. As far as the PDP is concerned, Nigeria must continue on its present path. After all, President Jonathan confidently declared on May Day that poverty is not Nigeria’s problem. His very cogent reasons: The country has a GDP of over one trillion Naira with an economy growing at about 7%. Aliko Dangote is ranked among the 25 richest people in the world. Nigeria ranks among the first 10 countries in the ownership of private jets.The problem, Jonathan argued, is not poverty but the redistribution of the country’s wealth. How well has he done that? The outcome of the polls will tell next year. Do the majority of Nigerians agree with the PDP that Jonathan is the Mandela and Obama of our time? The 2015 polls will tell.

    There has been a flood of reactions to my last two columns. Some have disagreed vehemently with me. Others have concurred with my position and even helped to further reinforce and clarify my thoughts. That is the beauty of democracy and the value of debate. I was quite elated with the following text message from the famous Virologist and intellectual at the University of Ibadan, Professor Tam David West: “Segun, I congratulate you on your ‘Further Thoughts on Muslim-Muslim Ticket’ published in The Nation today. It is the best I’ve read on this unfortunately controversial issue, the very best I have read. For my friend Tinubu, it is the best testimonial on him ever written. So there were so many Christians in Tinubu’s cabinet? That is the way they demonised Buhari but most of his personal aides were Christians. Do you know that Tunde Idiagbon’s wife was a born-again Christian? Femi Fani-Kayode has unnecessarily politicised the issue. Nigerians want committed statesmen with a track record of performance that can take this country forward. I stubbornly remain an unrepentant Buhari supporter; he has no match in integrity, seriousness, discipline, patriotism and leadership by example. I am also a great admirer of Bola Tinubu and this has been since Moshood Abiola introduced us several years ago. Tinubu is also a hard to beat brand in Nigerian politics”.

    Upon further careful thought, I want to affirm that a Buhari-Tinubu ticket is the best bet for the APC to dislodge the PDP from the centre come 2015. First, we consider the merit of the ticket. The country’s number one challenge is security particularly the Boko Haram menace. This is Buhari’s forte. He is a tested soldier who fought during the civil war to keep Nigeria one. He is an experienced former military Head of State. During the second republic, he played a key role in decisively and clinically crushing the Maitatsine Islamic uprising in Kano. When in 1983, Nigeria’s territorial integrity was threatened by rebels from Chad, Buhari commanded the operation that routed the rebels which involved forays into Chad Republic despite the dithering of the Shagari administration. Buhari is from the North. He has the will, ability and courage to take the ruthless action necessary to crush Boko Haram without anybody accusing him of committing genocide against the Hausa-Fulani.

    The country’s second major challenge is corruption. Buhari’s record, reputation and capacity to decisively tackle this scourge are too well known and I need say no more.

    The third key challenge confronting Nigeria is the need for radical financial re-engineering and economic rejuvenation. This is the immense value Tinubu brings to the ticket. His financial genius and dexterity in economic management laid the foundation for the Lagos transformation that Fashola has taken to unprecedented heights. Lagos was practically bankrupt when Tinubu assumed office in 1999. The state’s monthly Internally Generated Revenue was about N600 million. By the time he left office in 2007, the IGR was about N8 billion monthly. In 2001, the Tinubu administration invested N4 billion in the then ECONET amidst widespread criticism. By the time the state divested from the venture in 2007, Lagos reaped a profit of over N20 billion. I can go on and on. What Tinubu did for Lagos, he can partner with Buhari to do for Nigeria.

    Now, what about the electoral dynamics of a Buhari-Tinubu ticket? It has the capacity to reap unprecedented votes from the North-West, North-East and South-West that will tilt the electoral scales in the 2015 election. And with the notable politicians from the South-South, South-East and North-Central in the APC, the party will put up a credible showing against the PDP in those zones further consolidating its electoral performance nationally. Attempting to rig against this combination will be politically suicidal and unsustainable. A Christian National Chairman of the party, a Christian Senate President and even a Christian Speaker of the House of Representatives will provide the requisite religious balance. What the APC needs is the audacity of courage to do that which is necessary to win power at the centre and enable Nigeria respond to the fierce urgency of now.

     On BRF’s successor

    Dapo Thomas, my good friend and brother, was at his thrilling best in his piece in this and some other newspapers last Sunday on the dynamics of choosing Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola’s successor within the APC. My take on some of his submissions from my own observatory are as follows: (1). Tinubu has a track record of identifying competent leaders and backing them with his formidable political structure. But I think he strives to build consensus around his choices and diplomatically navigate around any initial oppositions. (2) Both Tinubu and BRF are too politically astute and wise not to be on the same page on the 2015 succession. It is in their collective interest. (3) It may be an exaggeration to aver that BRF and Akin Ambode ‘loathe’ each other. They are both intelligent technocrats who may naturally have cause to disagree. But I see them as being above pettiness and meanness. (4). BRF has utilised power positively and, like Tinubu, I believe his political influence will far outlive his formal tenure in office and (5) The APC ticket remains wide open until all intra-party constitutional processes have been complied with.

  • Tinubu: Election riggers ‘ll invite trouble

    Tinubu: Election riggers ‘ll invite trouble

    The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, was last Wednesday installed as the fourth Chancellor of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Oyo State. Deputy Political Editor RAYMOND MORDI, who witnessed the ceremony, reports.

    A carnival-like atmosphere pervaded  the 11th convocation ceremony of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Oyo State, last Wednesday. There was a palpable feeling of euphoria and expectation in the air, as the event got underway. Visitors from far and near sitting in circular formation in different canopies watched with rapt attention, as an endless stream of gaily-dressed politicians from across the country poured into the convocation arena, amidst a thunderous blast of talking drums. Just before the ceremony kicked-off, university dons, dressed in academic gowns, matched in, in an orderly procession to take their pride of place in the arena. It was perhaps the biggest gathering of academicians and frontline politicians the institution has ever witnessed.

    It was a special convocation for the institution. Indeed, the investiture of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as its fourth Chancellor portends a new era for LAUTECH. Pro-Chancellor of the institution, Professor Wale Omole, apparently appreciates this fact. He said it is a great honour for LAUTECH to have as its Chancellor someone who has been a great leader at different times. “Today, leadership is what this university needs to fulfill its mandate within the Nigerian society and leadership it has gotten. From all indications the new leadership is determined to take the university to the next level,” he remarked at the occasion. Omole added that the institution has had a Vice Chancellor that is passionate and dedicated, “but now we have a Chancellor who would take it to where it ought to be.” The university authorities noted in Tinubu’s citation that was read at the occasion that “Today, LAUTECH has found a rare gem, a visionary leader with a strong sense of purpose and a man with an eagle eye, knowing where to go, when to go and how to get there.”

    Tinubu, who was also conferred with a honorary doctorate degree in management sciences, was equally elated by the development. He said institutions like LAUTECH ought to provide workable solutions to Nigeria’s problems, by nurturing individuals with the vision and character to improve the country’s national life. His late mother, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, he noted, was very fond of LAUTECH because of its storied excellence. “For many years, this institution was one of the top, if not the number one, institution of its type. As a dutiful son, I carry the fondness of my mother for this fine school,” he added, vowing to return LAUTECH to its best self. “We can make it better because we have a great team committed to this goal. We shall write a new chapter by elevating this school to where its name is mentioned anytime technological education is discussed,” the APC National Leader enthused.

    He went on to reassure the gathering that he meant every single word uttered at the event. He said: “Naysayers will scoff that this pledge is made of the fluff one talks when invested as Chancellor. But, I have not come this far by speaking empty words. I have no intention of assuming that habit at this stage in my life. Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, who support this school are more than partners. They are brothers who govern their states in excellent ways. The progress they have applied to other areas shall become manifest on this campus.” The Chancellor said the school has benefitted from the exalted service of the three chancellors before him. Tinubu was following the footsteps of the late businessman and leading politician, Moshood Abiola; the late eminent jurist, Justice Kayode Esho; and elder statesman, Chris Ogunbanjo. The APC leader said therefore that as Chancellor he would do his best for the school. “I dare not do less because I follow in the footsteps of men who never saw failure as an option,” he added.

    The university authorities were delighted by the prospects of a new era for LAUTECH and spared no expense to make it a memorable one. For instance, the convocation lecture was delivered by Dr. Robert Michael Franklin of the Chautauqua institution and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America. Franklin, whose lecture was titled, “Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education and Economic Development in Nigeria, Africa and the Diaspora” said for the economic development of Nigeria to be assured, the country must the culture and infrastructure for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematic (STEM) education to become the driver of such endeavours.

    “This will require government-business-education (non-profit sector) partnerships to promote STEM pre-eminence in the future of Nigeria’s economy. It will also demand a special role for business executives whom I refer to as national development statesmen,” the American noted, adding: “This will require producing a new cadre of STEM teachers who can attract the nation’s best and brightest students into the STEM domain beginning in the childhood years.” For instance, he emphasized that Nigeria and Africa’s growth would depend on largely on her human capital resource and the country’s leading companies like Dangote Cement and Nigerian Breweries would need fresh talents to sustain their growth prospects, by helping to build the infrastructure for long-term growth.

    Dr. Franklin said LAUTECH should be an institution that is helping to develop the next generation of national development or Nigerian development statesmen. He pledged the support of the African Diaspora in helping institutions like LAUTECH forge ahead in providing vision and talent to brighten Nigeria and Africa’s future. He remarked: “Africa’s Diaspora communities around the world retain strong links to a continent that many still regard as ‘home’ evidenced by regular family visits and fundraising for humanitarian emergencies. Your allies are legion and your drive is boundless. So, remember the words of Goethe, ‘At the moment of commitment the entire universe conspires for your success.”

    Tinubu’s investiture as the Chancellor of LAUTECH was yet another opportunity for the man whose profile has risen consistently over the years to say a few words about the state of the nation. In his remarks, the APC National Leader, who has emerged as the country’s foremost promoter of democracy and the rule of law, said the most troubling aspect of the current state of the union is that the country lacks inspirational leadership. “The people have lost faith that this government is capable of solving the problems affecting them,” he added. The APC chieftain blamed the ruling party for the state of affairs in the country, saying most of its politicians are not interested in its progress.

    In the remarks, titled “Two Faces of Despair: State of the Nigerian Nation,”  Tinubu said while the Nigerian people are asked to suffer, the ruling authorities in Abuja revel as if mimicking Rome at the collapse of that ancient empire. “While Abuja fiddles, the people are saddened with despair. Their despair is greatest in two vital areas: national security and economic security,” he added. He said this owing to the fact that the conservative elite still dominate the political landscape. “While we strive for a progressive era of development, democracy and human respect, this conservative network seeks to relegate you to the status of modern serfs living ramshackle lives, so desperate for a hand-out that you actually thank them when they deign to give you back a small fraction of what they have stolen from you,” he lamented.

    Tinubu painted a picture of the situation thus: “They soak their feet in milk and champagne, while the people struggle to find clean water to soak garri. Even brave Robin Hood would run from Nigeria because it operates on principles reverse to those endearing the mythic hero to our imagination. Our system steals from the poor to give the rich. What is vice and condemned elsewhere is virtue and commended here. This is Nigeria today. But it can’t stand as the Nigeria of tomorrow. Change must come, we are ready and strongly determined to break the shackles of poverty and ignorance.”

    On the threat of Boko Haram insurgents, he said Nigerians are tired of the excuses and lies of the Jonathan administration and that it must develop a grand strategy to bind the menace. His words: “They lie to us. They cannot even account for the number of children that were either killed or abducted. They carry on as if they are not accountable to us. While parents were mourning the loss and disappearance of their children and victims of the Nyanya attack, President Goodluck Jonathan was dancing in Kano. We are not serious.”

    Tinubu said the APC wishes government well in its fight against the insurgents, adding: “As a party, we have no pact with the Boko Haram (insurgents) and they have no pact with us.” He said the APC’s competition with the ruling party is basically on election. He added: “We seek your votes, not your lives. We seek your understanding, not your failure. We wish the government complete success. We wish patriotism prevails over partisanship. We are ready to provide our services where needed, provided they will stay away from blackmail.”

    Tinubu’s leadership acumen and political sagacity is well known. He is instrumental for the transformation of the country into a two-party state, with the role he played towards the formation of the mega opposition party called the APC. In his relentless efforts to position the opposition as the 2015 general elections draws closer, he has come up with numerous strategies, options and plans of action to put the party of progressives in good stead.